Energy-Aware Network Function Selection for Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack an effective method to manage network functions considering energy usage, which is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency and sustainability in advanced communication systems like 5G and beyond.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing network functions by incorporating a network function energy control function (NECF) that collects and provides energy-related information to update network function (NF) profiles and priorities based on energy consumption, efficiency, and renewable energy usage, enabling dynamic NF selection and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If network functions are managed without considering energy usage, then system operation simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy parameter as an intermediary factor in NF selection and management. This energy parameter acts as a mediator between NF consumers and NF instances, allowing energy-efficient selection without requiring complex direct energy management mechanisms. The energy parameter enables simplified decision-making while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection criteria parameter by introducing energy-related parameters (energy consumption, energy efficiency, renewable energy usage) into the NF selection process. This parameter expansion allows the system to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining the existing NF management framework, avoiding excessive complexity increase.
2Reliability
If traditional NF selection methods are used, then selection speed is maintained, but energy awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having NF instances report their energy parameters (energy consumption, energy efficiency, renewable energy usage) to the NRF in advance. This pre-collection of energy information allows NF consumers to make energy-aware selections without real-time energy measurements, maintaining selection speed while improving energy awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where NF instances provide energy parameter feedback to the NRF, and the NRF updates NF profiles with this energy information. This feedback loop enables continuous improvement of energy-aware selection while maintaining efficient NF selection processes through standardized procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NF profiles are updated dynamically with energy information, then energy management capability is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NF profile universal by adding multiple energy-related parameters (energy consumption, energy efficiency, renewable energy usage, energy status) that serve multiple functions. These extended profile parameters enable various energy management capabilities (selection, monitoring, optimization) without requiring separate management structures, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If energy-related parameters are collected and stored, then energy optimization is enabled, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing energy parameters specifically in the NF profile where they are most needed for decision-making. Rather than creating separate centralized energy databases, the energy information is localized within each NF profile, reducing overall data storage requirements while enabling targeted energy optimization at the point of use.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method performed by a consumer network function (NF) in a wireless communication system, the method including transmitting, to a network function energy control function (NECF), a request message for energy related information about at least one NF instance, receiving, from the NECF, a response message including the energy related information about the at least one NF instance corresponding to a target NF, and performing energy-aware NF selection based on the received energy related information.