Methods, systems and entities for determining measured energy consumption in mobile networks

Abstract

In some examples, a control plane entity for generating data representing carbon dioxide, CO2, equivalent, CO2e, information for consumed energy in a mobile network is provided, and which can be configured to receive a notification of a service session instantiation, receive information about at least one network entity involved in executing the instantiated service session, receive energy consumption, EC, information from the at least one network entity involved in executing the service session, obtain, from a management plane of the mobile network, energy mix information for the at least one network entity, wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the at least one network entity, and generate, using a CO2e Data Generator module of the control plane entity, CO2e data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information.

Description

[0001] METHODS, SYSTEMS AND ENTITIES FOR DETERMINING MEASURED ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN MOBILE NETWORKS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates, in general, to methods, systems and entities for determining measured energy consumption in mobile networks.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Increasing use and reliance on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services has led to higher energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in mobile networks. While efforts have been made to improve energy efficiency in technologies like 5G and 6G, the ongoing digitization of society continues to drive up energy usage.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to enable calculation and / or monitoring of an overall energy consumed by services in a mobile telecommunication network. Determined consumption can be calculated at various granularities and for any one or more of participating network entities, taking into account an energy-mix supplied to these respective entities during an ongoing service session.

[0008] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved by the features of the independent claims.

[0009] Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the Figures.

[0010]

[0011] It is therefore possible to provide fine-grained control over how EC data is measured and obtained, which enables external parties like Application Service Providers to monitor energy consumption of their services with a greater degree of accuracy.

[0012]

[0013] In an example, in order to generate the CChe data, the control plane entity can map the EC measurement time period to an energy mix-specific time period, retrieve the energy mix for the at least one network entity during the energy mix-specific time period, and determine the total CChe using the energy mix and EC measurements from the at least one network entity. This provides precise CO2e calculations by mapping energy consumption to specific time periods and corresponding energy mixes.The control plane entity can be further configured to subscribe to notifications about service session instantiation from a Session Management Function, SMF, and receive subscriptions and requests from interested parties to receive EC and CChe information. This facilitates real-time monitoring of service sessions and enables interested parties to receive up-to-date EC and CO2e information.

[0014] The control plane entity can be further configured to transmit a subscriber identification to a charging entity of the network. This supports integration with charging systems, enabling potential carbon-based billing for subscribers.

[0015]

[0016] As such, a standardized method for generating CO2e data across mobile networks is provided, thereby improving consistency in environmental impact reporting.

[0017] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method can further comprise storing, by the EMF, the generated CChe data, processing, by the EMF, the stored CChe data during the lifetime of the service session, receiving, by the EMF, a service session end marker, and retrieving and processing, by the EMF, the stored CChe data for the full service session. This enables efficient storage and processing of CO2e data throughout a service session's lifecycle.

[0018]

[0019] In an example, the method can further comprise subscribing, by the EMF, to notifications about service session instantiation from a Session Management Function, and receiving subscriptions and requests from interested parties to receive EC and CChe information. This allows for flexible subscription-based access to EC and CO2e information for various stakeholders.

[0020] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for generating date representing CO2 equivalent, CChe. information in a mobile network, comprising an Energy Management Function, EMF, in a core network control plane of the mobile network, a CChe Data Generator module within the EMF, at least one network entity involved in executing at least one service session, a management plane of the mobile network providing energy mix information, wherein the EMF is configured to, receive a notification of a service session instantiation, receive information about at least one network entity involved in executing the instantiated service session, receive energy consumption, EC, information from the at least one network entity involved in executing the service session, obtain, from the management plane of the mobile network, energy mix information for the at least one network entity, wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the at least one network entity, and generate, using the COie Data Generator module, CChe data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information. Acomprehensive system architecture is therefore provided for CO2e data generation in mobile networks, integrating various network components.

[0021] In an implementation of the third aspect, the EMF can store the generated CChe data, process the stored CChe data during the lifetime of the service session, receive a service session end marker, and retrieve and process the stored CChe data for the full service session. This supports detailed analysis of CO2e data for complete service sessions, enabling better understanding of long-term environmental impact.

[0022]

[0023] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to the first aspect. This ensures portability and ease of implementation across different hardware platforms through a non-transitory computer-readable medium and / or network functions.

[0024] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments) described below.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of part of a mobile network, according to an example;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a control plane entity, according to an example;

[0029] Figure 3 is a process sequence for a method according to an example;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example;

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a machine according to an example; and

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a method according to an example.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0037] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present disclosure should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term “and / or” is only an association relationship for describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist such that A and / or B may indicate that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, or B exists alone. The character “ / ” generally represents that the associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0039] The following contains specific information related to implementations of the present disclosure. The drawings and their accompanying detailed disclosure are merely directed to implementations. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these implementations. Other variations and implementations of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0040] The phrases “in one implementation,” or “in some implementations,” may each refer to one or more of the same or different implementations. The term “coupled” is defined as connected whether directly or indirectly through intervening components and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The expression “at least one of A, B and C” or “at least one of the following: A, B and C” means “only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C.”

[0041] The terms “system” and “network” may be used interchangeably.

[0042] For the purposes of explanation and non-limitation, specific details such as functional entities, techniques, protocols, and standards are set forth for providing an understanding of the present disclosure. In other examples, detailed disclosure of well-known methods, technologies, systems, and architectures are omitted so as not to obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary details.

[0043] Persons skilled in the art will immediately recognize that any network functions) or algorithm(s) disclosed may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination of software and hardware. Disclosed functions may correspond to modules which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0044] A software implementation may include machine- and / or computer- readable and / or executable instructions stored on a machine- and / or computer-readable medium such as memory or other types of storage devices. One or more microprocessors or general-purpose computers with communication processing capability may be programmed with corresponding executable instructions and perform the disclosed network functions) or algorithm(s).The microprocessors or general-purpose computers may include Applications Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), programmable logic arrays, and / or using one or more Digital Signal Processor (DSPs). Although some of the disclosed implementations are oriented to software installed and executing on computer hardware, alternative implementations implemented as firmware or as hardware or as a combination of hardware and software are well within the scope of the present disclosure. The computer readable medium includes but is not limited to Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or any other equivalent medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[0045] Various acronyms may be used herein, for example:

[0046] 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP

[0047] Charging Data Report CDR

[0048] Charging Function CHF

[0049] Control Plane CP

[0050] Core Network CN

[0051] Energy Consumption EC

[0052] Energy Efficiency EE

[0053] Energy Monitoring Function EMF

[0054] Information and Communication Technology ICT

[0055] Key Performance Indicator KPI

[0056] Management Plane MP

[0057] Management Plane network Function MnF

[0058] Mobile Network Operator MNO

[0059] Network Function NF

[0060] Protocol Data Unit PDU

[0061] Quality of Service QoS

[0062] Radio Access Network RAN

[0063] State of The Art SoTA

[0064] User Equipment UE

[0065] User Plane UP

[0066] 5thGeneration Mobile Communication Technology 5G

[0067] 6thGeneration Mobile Communication Technology 6G

[0068] User Plane F unction UPF

[0069] Climate change, carbon footprints, and environmental sustainability are pressing global issues requiring immediate solutions for achieving net zero emissions. Technological advancements have led to widespread connectivity, with telecommunication networks playing a crucial role in today's economy by providing reliable communication infrastructures. However, this has resulted in increased EC for MNOs, especially with advanced applications like artificial intelligence (Al), augmented / virtual reality (AR / VR), and autonomous vehicles expected to surge.

[0070] Even though past mobile technologies aimed to reduce radio power consumption, ongoing digitization means increased reliance on telecommunication networks, thus raising energy use and CO? emissions. Consequently, network energy savings are a key focus in 3GPP standardization efforts. The Release 193GPP TR 22.882 study seeks ways for mobile networks to enhance EE.Equivalent CO2, often abbreviated as CChe, is a standardized measure used to express the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases in terms of carbon dioxide. It allows for the comparison and aggregation of different greenhouse gases by converting their warming impact to that of CO2. The concept of CChe is particularly relevant in the context of mobile networks and telecommunications, where energy consumption and its associated carbon footprint are growing concerns. CChe provides a unified metric to quantify the environmental impact of network operations, taking into account not just direct CO2 emissions, but also the effects of other greenhouse gases. In the telecommunications industry, CChe information can be generated based on measured energy consumption and the energy mix used during service execution. This enables more accurate tracking and reporting of the carbon footprint associated with mobile network services, which is crucial for:

[0071] 1. Environmental impact assessment

[0072] 2. Regulatory compliance

[0073] 3. Sustainability reporting

[0074] 4. Carbon reduction initiatives

[0075] By using CChe as a standard measure, mobile network operators can better understand, manage, and potentially reduce their overall environmental impact across various network entities and services.

[0076] In the context of the present disclosure, an energy mix refers to a combination of different energy sources used to meet the energy needs of a specific area or system. It typically includes various primary energy sources such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), nuclear energy, and renewable sources (solar, wind, hydropower, biomass). The energy mix is often expressed as percentages, showing the relative contribution of each energy source to the total energy consumption. In the context of mobile networks and telecommunications, the energy mix is particularly relevant for calculating CO2 equivalent (CChe) emissions. The energy mix information is relevant because:

[0077] 1. It reflects the carbon intensity of the energy being consumed by network entities.

[0078] 2. It varies by location and time, affecting the accuracy of CChe calculations.

[0079] 3. It helps in assessing the environmental impact of network operations.

[0080] Understanding the energy mix allows network operators to:

[0081] • More accurately calculate their carbon footprint

[0082] • Identify opportunities for reducing emissions

[0083] • Make informed decisions about energy sourcing and efficiency improvements

[0084] • Comply with environmental regulations and sustainability reporting requirements

[0085] By considering the energy mix in CChe calculations, mobile network operators can obtain a more precise picture of their environmental impact and take targeted actions to reduce their carbon footprint.

[0086] According to an example, there is provided a mechanism in a CN CP of a mobile telecommunication network to generate CChe information for a measured EC relating to a service session, taking into account an energy-mix during a service execution time period of the specific network entities that served the service session. The present disclosure involves 3GPP UE, RAN, Core and Management Plane and network and management plane entities thereof such as the Session Management Function like SMF and Energy Monitoring Function (EMF) inside the Core Network Control Plane.

[0087] An example scenario is when a MNO wants to charge a service consumer for his / her service consumption and the resulting EC and CChe. A charging function in the network can request the responsible function in the network control plane to measure the EC resulting from the service consumption of, e.g., a single UE, a group of UE’s, a Slice, a geographical location, at time ‘t’,periodically, when an event occurs, etc., and generate the corresponding CChe data and provide the EC and CChe data for charging.

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of part of a mobile network, according to an example. In the example of figure 1, a mobile network 100 is configured to provide mobile communication services. The mobile network 100 may be a current or future 3GPP mobile network 100, for instance, a 5G or a 6G network. As illustrated in figure 1 and as will be described in more detail in the following, a control plane entity 101 according to an example in the form of an Energy Management Function, EMF, 101 is provided for providing Energy Consumption, EC, and / or Energy Efficiency, EE, information in the mobile network 100, for instance, for a communication service between a user equipment, UE, 103 and an application service provider, ASP, 105.

[0089] Radio Access Network (RAN) 107 is composed of a set of Radio Access Technology (RAT) nodes such as eNB, gNB, and the like. The 3GPP RAN architecture defined in the technical specification TS 38.401 is composed of Control Units (CUs) 111 and Data Units (DUs) 109. In 5G for example, RAN nodes are gNBs and a gNB may consist of a gNB-CU 111 and one or more gNB-DUs 109. The gNB-DUs 109 are connected to a gNB-CU 111 via an Fl interface.

[0090] RAN nodes like gNBs are connected with an interface, namely NG to the 5GC, more specifically to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) with the NG-C interface and to the User Plane Function 123 with the NG-U interface, as described in the technical specification TS 23.501. As defined in the technical specification 3GPP TS 38.401, the gNBs are connected with each other through Xn interface and the protocols over the Uu and NG interface are divided into user plane protocols and control plane protocols. The user plane protocols implement the PDU session service over the access stratum while the control plane protocols control the PDU session and the connectivity between the UE 103 and the network. As will be described in more detail below, a request sent from a control plane entity 101, in particular EMF 101, to the one or more RAN entities and / or the one or more CN entities comprises one or more instructions and / or configurations for the one or more RAN entities and / or the one or more CN entities for obtaining EC information. In response to the request, the control plane entity 101, in particular EMF 101, is configured to receive the EC information from the one or more RAN entities and / or the one or more CN entities obtained based on the one or more instructions and / or configurations indicated by the request.

[0091] In the example, of figure 1, the EMF 101 (or an equivalent CP NF that is responsible for managing energy) subscribes (113) to be notified about when a User’s service session is instantiated. Similarly, anyone who is interested in knowing the EC and COie information of users and their service sessions such as, e.g. , a charging function CHF 115 can also subscribe to the EMF 101, to get EC and CChe information of users and services whenever it is available.

[0092] According to an example, EMF 101 can instruct (125) RAN 107 to measure EC for a service session. Similarly, EMF 101 can instruct (127) one or more UPFs 123 to measure EC for a service session.

[0093] In an example, a service consumer who would like to consume a service delivered by an MNO sends a request to the CN CP, e.g., SMF 117 to establish a service session for the service consumer. The SME 117 establishes the service session and simultaneously also notifies (119) the EMF 101 regarding the service session instantiation and the respective network entities that are tasked with execution of the service session instance. The EMF 101 collects EC information (121) on how much EC is attributed to the service provided to the consumer from various network elements, such as UPFs 123 and RAN 107.

[0094] EMF 101 can provide (129) CChe information as well as identifiers relating to service sessions and subscribers to CHF 115, which can use the information to charge (131) a subscriber. That is, EMF 101 can calculate a corresponding equivalent CChe for consumed energy relating to a service session of a subscriber. EMF 101 can then forward the EC and correspondingequivalent CChe to interested subscribers like CHF 115. CHF 115 can use this information to charge the users for the EC and CChe that the users are accountable for.

[0095] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a control plane entity, according to an example. In the example of figure 2, the EMF 101 of figure 1 is shown in more detail. As noted above, EMF 101 receives (202) EC information from the RAN and CN network entities that are executing a service session of interest.

[0096] The EMF 101 requests (207) the CChe Data Generator module 203 to generate the CChe data for the measured EC and provides the measured EC, measurement time period, and the identities of the network entities who measured the EC to the CChe Data Generator module 203.

[0097]

[0098] EMF 101 stores (213) this intermediate CChe data (as the service session is not yet finished) and processes (215) this intermediate CChe data, e.g., aggregates it with the CChe from a previous time stamp. Once the service consumer indicates to end the service session, EMF 101 receives (217) the PDU session end marker from, e.g., SMF 117. EMF 101 retrieves the stores COie data and processes them (219) from different time stamps during the lifetime of the service session and delivers (221) the processed COie data 223 to the interested parties.

[0099] Figure 3 is a process sequence for a method according to an example. In the example of figure 3, EMF 101 subscribes (301) to SMF 117 for obtaining notification when a PDU session is established, along with the information on the specific network entities that are tasked with the execution of the service session in question for UE 103. CHF 115 subscribes (303) to EMF 101 to receive EC and CChe data for service sessions at various granularities. UE 103 sends a request (305) to the SMF 117 to establish a PDU session. In an example, SMF 117 establishes a PDU session for UE 103 and notifies (307) the EMF 101 regarding the PDU session establishment and the network entities that are tasked with the execution of the service session for the UE 103. The PDU session establishment may be in accordance with the standardized PDU session establishment defined in, e.g., 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0100] EMF 101 requests (309) and receives (311) the energy-mix information of the network entities from the management plane 205. EMF 101 instructs the RAN (313) and Core Network User Plane entities (UPF 123) (315) involved in the execution of the service session to measure the EC.

[0101] According to an example, EC can be measured through a multi-step process involving various network entities. For example, the control plane entity (EMF) 101 can send requests to RAN and CN entities with specific instructions and configurations for obtaining EC information.

[0102] These instructions may include, e.g., information relating to:

[0103] • Granularity of measurement (e.g., per UE, PDU session, QoS flow, service, application, traffic type) • Reporting frequency (e.g., total EC, periodic, at specific times, for durations)

[0104] • Measurement method (e.g., direct, indirect, based on data volume, data rate, statistical methods)The RAN and CN entities perform the EC measurements according to the provided instructions. This can involve:

[0105] • Measuring actual EC data directly from network equipment

[0106] • Deriving EC information based on parameters like data volume or data rate

[0107] • Using statistical methods or models to estimate EC

[0108] The measured EC data / information is delivered back to the EMF from the RAN and CN entities and the EMF processes the collected EC data / information from the various entities, potentially combining or aggregating it to produce the final requested EC information.

[0109] UE 103 starts consuming the service, i.e., the UE sends and receives PDU packets (317). The RAN 107 and Core Network UPFs 123 measure (319) the EC for the service session as per the instructions from EMF 101 using, e.g., a process as described above. The RAN 107 and Core Network UPFs 123 then send the measured EC to EMF 101 as per the EMF’s instructions on when to send the measurement data.

[0110] EMF 101 uses the CO2e data generator module 203 to generate 323 the CO2e data. EMF 101 stores 213 the CO2e data during the service session execution. EMF 101 processes (215) the CO2e for the service session, e.g., aggregates the CO2e data received at multiple intervals during the service session from the respective network entities, and sends (221) the intermediate CO2e data (since the service session is still ongoing) to the interested parties, including the ones that subscribed to this information such as CHF 115.

[0111] UE 103 requests (325) the network to end the service session by sending a PDU session end request to SMF 117. SMF 117 sends (327) a PDU session end marker to EMF 101 to indicate that the service session of the UE 103 has ended. EMF 101 processes (219) the CO2e data accumulated during the lifetime of the service session, and sends (221 ) the processed CChe data to the interested parties, such as CHF 115 for charging.

[0112]

[0113] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example. In the example of figure 4, the CN CP generates CO2e data for consumed energy with the EMF 101.

[0114] For example, EMF 101 sends a request to the MP 205 for Energy-mix information of network entities. The EMF 101 can provide instructions to participating network entities in the RAN 107 and the core (e.g., UPFs 123) to determine what EC information should be measured and how to measure it, either directly from the core CP or via the MP 205. The RAN and CN entities can measure and send the EC information to EMF 101, and the EMF 101 can generate the CO2e data corresponding to the received EC data.

[0115] In an example, EMF 101 can process and store the CO2e data, and forward intermediate data (since the service session is still ongoing) to interested parties. The EMF 101 can receive a PDU session end marker from a responsible CN CP entity (e.g., SMF 117), and EMF 101 can retrieve the stored CO2e data and processes the CO2e data for the full service session. EMF 101 can then deliver the processed CO2e data to interested parties.Figure 5 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example. In the example of figure 5, the MP 205 generates CChe data for consumed energy with the EMF 101.

[0116] Similarly to the process described above with reference to figure 4, the EMF 101 can provide instructions to participating network entities in the RAN 107 and the core (e.g., UPFs 123) to determine what EC information should be measured and how to measure it, either directly from the core CP or via the MP 205. The RAN and CN entities can measure and send the EC information to EMF 101, and the EMF 101 can generate the EC data and send it and the details on network entities that measured the EC to MP 205. MP 205 can store the EC and network entities data for each subscriber, and at the end of predefined period, e.g., reporting period MP 205 can map the EC to CChe using the CChe data generator module 203, and deliver the EC and CChe data to authorized parties.

[0117] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of part of a network according to an example. In the example of figure 6, CP generates COie data for consumed energy with SME 117.

[0118] SMF 117 can send a request to the MP 205 for the Energy-mix information of network entities, the EMF 101 can provide instructions to participating network entities in the RAN 107 and the core (e.g., UPFs 123) to determine what EC information should be measured and how to measure it, either directly from the core CP or via the MP 205. The RAN and CN entities can measure and send the EC information to EMF 101.

[0119] EMF 101 can send a request to the SMF 117 to generate the CChe data for the EC measurements. Accordingly, SMF 117 can generate the CChe data corresponding to the received EC data and send it to EMF 101. EMF 101 can process and store the COie data and forward the intermediate data (since the service session is still ongoing) to interested parties. EMF 101 can receive a PDU session end marker from a responsible CN CP entity like SMF 117, and retrieve the stored CChe data and process the CChe data before delivering it to interested parties.

[0120] Accordingly, as described above, a Carbon Emission Data Generator mechanism is provided for use in a mobile network for obtaining the CChe data corresponding to consumed energy resulting from a user’s service consumption. This enables CChe to be attributed to users, and prevents a MNO from receiving penalties for carbon emission resulting from users service usage.

[0121] Examples in the present disclosure can be provided as methods, systems or machine-readable instructions, such as any combination of software, hardware, firmware or the like. Such machine-readable instructions may be included on a computer readable storage medium (including but not limited to disc storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) having computer readable program codes therein or thereon.

[0122] The present disclosure is described with reference to flow charts and / or block diagrams of the method, devices and systems according to examples of the present disclosure. Although the flow diagrams described above show a specific order of execution, the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. Blocks described in relation to one flow chart may be combined with those of another flow chart. In some examples, some blocks of the flow diagrams may not be necessary and / or additional blocks may be added. It shall be understood that each flow and / or block in the flow charts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of the flows and / or diagrams in the flow charts and / or block diagrams can be realized by machine readable instructions.

[0123] The machine-readable instructions may, for example, be executed by a machine such as a general-purpose computer, a platform comprising user equipment such as a smart device, e.g., a smart phone, a special purpose computer, an embedded processor or processors of other programmable data processing devices to realize the functions described in the description and diagrams.

[0124]

[0125] processors.

[0126] Such machine-readable instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage that can guide the computer or other programmable data processing devices to operate in a specific mode. For example, the instructions may be provided on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions, executable by a processor.

[0127] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a machine according to an example. The machine 700 can be, e.g., a system or apparatus, user equipment, or part thereof. The machine 700 comprises a processor 703, and a memory 705 to store instructions 702, executable by the processor 703. The machine comprises a storage 709 that can be used to store data 701.

[0128]

[0129] Accordingly, the machine 200 can implement a method for generating CO? equivalent (CChe) information in a mobile network.

[0130] Such machine-readable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing devices, so that the computer or other programmable data processing devices perform a series of operations to produce computer-implemented processing, thus the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable devices provide an operation for realizing functions specified by flow(s) in the flow charts and / or block(s) in the block diagrams.

[0131] Further, the teachings herein may be implemented in the form of a computer or software product, such as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, the computer software or product being stored in a storage medium and comprising a plurality of instructions, e.g., machine readable instructions, for making a computer device implement the methods recited in the examples of the present disclosure.

[0132] In some examples, some methods can be performed in a cloud-computing or network-based environment. Cloud-computing environments may provide various services and applications via the Internet. These cloud-based services (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, etc.) may be accessible through a web browser or other remote interface of the user equipment for example. Various functions described herein may be provided through a remote desktop environment or any other cloud-based computing environment.

[0133] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a method according to an example. In block 801 EMF 101 in a core network control plane of the mobile network receives a notification of a service session instantiation. In block 803, EMF receives information about network entities involved in executing the service session. In block 805 EMF receives energy consumption, EC,information from the network entities involved in executing the service session. In block 807 EMF obtains from a management plane of the mobile network, energy mix information for the network entities, wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the mobile network entities. In block 809 EMF generates, using a CChe Data Generator module, CChe data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information.

[0134] While various embodiments have been described and / or illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more of these exemplary embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readable-storage media used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another.

[0135] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

[0136] The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union's Horizon research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101139120.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control plane entity (101) for generating data representing carbon dioxide, CO2, equivalent, CO2e, information for consumed energy in a mobile network (100), wherein the control plane entity (101) is configured to:receive a notification of a service session instantiation;receive information about at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the instantiated service session; receive energy consumption, EC, information from the at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the service session;obtain, from a management plane (205) of the mobile network (100), energy mix information for the at least one network entity (107, 123), wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the at least one network entity (107, 123); and generate, using a CO2e Data Generator module (203) of the control plane entity (101), CO2e data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information.

2. The control plane entity ( 101 ) of claim 1 , further configured to :store (213) the generated CO2e data;process (215) the stored CO2e data during the lifetime of the service session;receive (217) a service session end marker; andretrieve and process (219) the stored CO2e data for the full service session, based on the service session end marker.

3. The control plane entity (101) of claim 1 or 2, further configured, in order to generate the CO2e data, to:map (209) the EC measurement time period to an energy mix-specific time period;retrieve the energy mix for the at least one network entity (107, 123) during the energy mix-specific time period; and determine the total CO2e using the energy mix and EC measurements from the at least one network entity (107, 123).

4. The control plane entity (101) of any preceding claim, further configured to:subscribe (113) to notifications about service session instantiation from a Session Management Function, SMF (117); and receive subscriptions and requests from interested parties to receive EC and CO2e information.

5. The control plane entity ( 101 ) of any preceding claim, further configured to :transmit a subscriber identification to a charging entity (115) of the network (100).

6. A method for generating data representing CO2 equivalent, CO2e, information in a mobile network (100), comprising: receiving, by an Energy Management Function, EMF (101), in a core network control plane of the mobile network (100), a notification of a service session instantiation;receiving, by the EMF (101), information about at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the instantiated service session;receiving, by the EMF (101), energy consumption, EC, information from the at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the service session;obtaining, by the EMF (101) from a management plane (205) of the mobile network (100), energy mix information for the at least one network entity (107, 123), wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the at least one network entity (107, 123); andgenerating, using a CO2e Data Generator module (203) of the EMF (101), CO2e data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:storing (213), by the EMF (101), the generated CO2e data;processing (215), by the EMF (101), the stored CO2e data during the lifetime of the service session;receiving (217), by the EMF (101), a service session end marker; andretrieving and processing (219), by the EMF (101), the stored CO2e data for the full service session.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein generating the CO2e data comprises:mapping (209) the EC measurement time period to an energy mix-specific time period;retrieving the energy mix for the at least one network entity (107, 123) during the energy mix-specific time period; and determining the total CO2e using the energy mix and EC measurements from the at least one network entity (107, 123).

9. The method of any of claims 6 to 8, further comprising:subscribing (113), by the EMF (101), to notifications about service session instantiation from a Session Management Function (117); andreceiving subscriptions and requests from interested parties to receive EC and CO2e information.

10. A system for generating date representing CO2 equivalent, CO2e, information in a mobile network (100), comprising: an Energy Management Function, EMF (101), in a core network control plane of the mobile network (100);a CO2e Data Generator module (203 ) within the EMF (101);at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing at least one service session;a management plane (205) of the mobile network (100) providing energy mix information, wherein the EMF (101) is configured to:receive a notification of a service session instantiation;receive information about at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the instantiated service session; receive energy consumption, EC, information from the at least one network entity (107, 123) involved in executing the service session;obtain, from the management plane (205) of the mobile network (100), energy mix information for the at least one network entity (107, 123), wherein the energy mix information comprises information representing the relative contributions of multiple different primary energy sources used to supply energy for the at least one network entity (107, 123); and generate, using the CO2e Data Generator module (203), CO2e data based on the collected EC information and the obtained energy mix information.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the EMF (101) is further configured to:store (213) the generated CO2e data;process (215) the stored CO2e data during the lifetime of the service session;receive (217) a service session end marker; andretrieve and process (219) the stored CO2e data for the full service session.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the EMF (101) is further configured, in order to generate the CO2e data, to: map (209) the EC measurement time period to an energy mix-specific time period;retrieve the energy mix for the at least one network entity (107, 123) during the energy mix-specific time period; and calculate the total CO2e using the energy mix and EC measurements from the at least one network entity (107, 123).

13. The system of any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a Session Management Function, SME (117), configured to notify the EMF (101) of service session instantiation and termination.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the EMF (101) is further configured to:subscribe (113) to notifications about service session instantiation from the Session Management Function (SMF) (117); and receive subscriptions and requests from interested parties to receive EC and CO2e information.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor (703), cause the processor (703) to perform the method of any of claims 6 to 9.

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