5G Energy Information Repository for Service and Carbon-Aware Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack effective methods for managing and utilizing energy-related information, including energy sources, power consumption, and carbon emissions, which are crucial for optimizing energy efficiency and service provisioning.
Innovation Solution
Introduce an Energy Information Repository Function (EIRF) that collects, stores, and manages energy-related information across network functions, enabling third-party Application Functions (AFs) to access and utilize this data for optimizing energy efficiency and service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy-related information is collected and managed across multiple network functions, then energy efficiency optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Energy Information Repository Function (EIRF) as an intermediary component that collects, stores, and manages energy-related information from multiple network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF). This centralized repository simplifies the architecture by providing a single point of access for energy information, avoiding the need for direct peer-to-peer communication between multiple network functions, thus managing complexity while enabling comprehensive energy efficiency optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The EIRF is designed as a universal function that serves multiple purposes: collecting energy information from diverse sources (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF), storing it in a standardized format, providing it to Application Functions (AFs), and supporting various energy optimization scenarios. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive energy information is stored and provided to third-party AFs, then service provisioning optimization is improved, but information security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EIRF acts as a secure intermediary between the core network functions and third-party Application Functions. It controls access to energy information by receiving requests from AFs, validating their authorization, and providing only the permitted information. This mediator role enables comprehensive service provisioning optimization while maintaining information security through centralized access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective information disclosure where different AFs receive different subsets of energy information based on their specific needs and authorization levels. Rather than providing all energy information uniformly to all AFs, the system tailors the information provided to each AF's specific service requirements and security clearances, thus enabling versatile service provisioning while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification proposes a method and an apparatus for managing energy information in a next-generation wireless communication system. A next-generation wireless communication system including a 5G system may have defined therein an energy information repository function (EIRP) having a new network function capable of: exposing energy information to an AF; collecting information regarding energy of the AF; and storing and managing the energy information. The EIRF may provide energy information of a UE to the AF of a third party, and the AF may acquire energy information from the 5G system and monitor the acquired energy information. In addition, the AF may perform a system configuration based on energy efficiency, such as charging or restricting a service according to the energy information. Also, by the function, the AF may adjust service provision such as video playback by checking energy source information or carbon emission information.