NEF Energy Policy Negotiation for 5G RAN and UPF Budgets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack effective methods to manage and optimize energy consumption in mobile communication networks, particularly in the context of 5G and beyond, which is crucial for supporting increasing device connectivity and advanced services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a network exposure function (NEF) entity to negotiate and manage energy policies between application functions (AF) and policy control functions (PCF) in a mobile communication system, based on maximum allowed energy consumption of radio access networks (RAN) and user plane functions (UPF), enabling efficient energy budgeting and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If energy consumption is increased to support enhanced services and device connectivity in 5G and beyond, then network performance and service delivery are improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting energy allowance parameters (energy budgets, thresholds, and limits) based on network conditions, service requirements, and device characteristics. The NEF entity receives energy allowance information from the AF and translates it into enforceable parameters that the PCF can implement, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining required network performance levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more resources are allocated to support increased device connectivity and advanced services, then service capability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible, real-time adjustment of energy allowance parameters according to changing network conditions, service demands, and device states. The system can dynamically allocate energy budgets to different services, devices, or network functions based on current priorities and constraints, ensuring optimal resource efficiency while maintaining adaptability to various service requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy management control is strengthened to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the NEF entity acts as a mediator between the AF (which has energy management requirements) and the PCF (which enforces energy policies). The NEF receives high-level energy allowance information from the AF, translates it into standardized parameters, and forwards it to the PCF for enforcement. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the energy parameter translation function and avoiding direct complex interactions between AF and PCF.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. A method performed by a network exposure function (NEF) entity in a mobile communication system comprises the steps of: receiving, from an application function (AF) entity, a message for requesting negotiation for at least one policy associated with energy, the message including information about maximum allowed energy consumption of a radio access network (RAN) or a user plane function (UPF) entity; transmitting a first message including the information about the maximum allowed energy consumption to a policy control function (PCF) entity; and receiving, from the PCF entity, a second message including information about the at least one policy associated with the energy as a response to the first message, wherein the at least one policy associated with the energy can be based on the information about the maximum allowed energy consumption.