WO2024088614A1

WO2024088614A1 - Analytics and energy efficiency policies applied in a wireless communication network

Info

Publication number: WO2024088614A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/071616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dimitrios Karampatsis; Emmanouil Pateromichelakis
Original assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-27
Filing date: 2023-08-03
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a first network function for wireless communication, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment. The first network function comprises at least one memory and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the first network function to: receive a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determine a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. Th network function is further caused to collect observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determine analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and send the determined analytics to the second network function.

Description

ANALYTICS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICIES APPLIED IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of implementing analytics and energy efficiency policies applied in a wireless communication network. This document defines a first network function for wireless communication, a method performed by a first network function, a second network function for wireless communication, and a method performed by a second network function.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, such as base stations, which may support wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE), or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like). Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)).

SUMMARY

[0003] An article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ or “one or both of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

[0004] Accordingly, there is provided a first network function for wireless communication, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment. The first network function comprises at least one memory and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the first network function to: receive a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determine a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. Th network function is further caused to collect observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determine analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and send the determined analytics to the second network function.

[0005] There is further provided a method performed by a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment. The method comprises receiving a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determining a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. The method further comprises collecting observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determining analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and sending the determined analytics to the second network function.

[0006] There is further provided a second network function for wireless communication, the second network function comprising at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the second network function to: send a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receive determined analytics from the first network function.

[0007] There is further provided a method performed by a second network function, the method comprising: sending a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receiving determined analytics from the first network function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates the KPI derivation with notes to the source specifications.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a procedure to provide service experience analytics based on an energy saving target.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates a method for providing energy efficiency per session.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0014] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Energy Efficiency in 5G network is an important topic for vendors and network operators as it allows such industries to reduce their carbon emissions and maintain an efficient usage of network resources. There is currently work carried out in 3GPP SAI as part of the FS EnergyServ study item and TR 22.882 to study this area. As described in 3GPP TR 22.882 Annex A.2: 3GPP Energy Efficiency KPI definitions are under SA5 (Telecom Management) responsibility. They are based on measurements collected on RAN or CN network elements / network functions via OA&M. The KPI calculation is a generalization of the work in ETSI TC EE.

[0018] In modern wireless communication networks, there is a possibility for a tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS). Application of an energy efficiency policy for a session could adversely affect QoS and/or QoE for a target user equipment. There is proposed herein an enhancement to a service experience analytics by gathering analytics information when the energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more NE 102, one or more UE 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA), etc.

[0021] The one or more NE 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN), a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

[0022] An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

[0023] The one or more UE 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (loT) device, an Internet-of-Everything (loE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

[0024] A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehi cl e-to- vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

[0025] An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., SI, N2, N2, or network interface). In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106. In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs).

[0026] The CN 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), or a 5G core (5GC), which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NE 102 associated with the CN 106.

[0027] The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an SI, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106).

[0028] In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0029] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., /t=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., /t=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., //=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., g=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., jtz=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., /t=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0030] A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., /t=0, /t=l, =2, jtz=3, //=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a first numerology (e.g., /t=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0032] In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0033] FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerol ogies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., /t=0), which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., //=1), which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., //=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., /z=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., /t=3), which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0034] Energy Efficiency in 5G network is an important topic for vendors and network operators as it allows such industries to reduce their carbon emissions and maintain an efficient usage of network resources. There is currently work carried out in 3GPP SAI as part of the FS EnergyServ study item and TR 22.882 to study the following items:

• Defining and supporting energy efficiency criteria as part of communication service to user and application services,

• Supporting information exposure of systematic energy consumption or level of energy efficiency to vertical customers.

• Gap analysis between the identified potential requirements and existing 5GS requirements or functionalities.

• Potential requirements on security, charging and privacy aspects. [0035] As described in 3GPP TR 22.882 Annex A.2: 3GPP Energy Efficiency KPI definitions are under SA5 (Telecom Management) responsibility. They are based on measurements collected on RAN or CN network elements / network functions via OA&M. The KPI calculation is a generalization of the work in ETSI TC EE.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the KPI derivation with notes to the source specifications. A 3GPP generic Energy Efficiency (EE) Key Performance Indicator (KPI) may comprise a measure of performance divided by a measure of energy consumption. A measure of performance may be obtained using performance measurements according to 3 GPP technical specification 28.552 vl 8.2.0 (March 2023) titled “Management and orchestration; 5G performance measurements”. A measure of energy consumption may be derived from Energy Consumption Measurements, which may be referred to as PEE parameters (Power, Energy and Environmental) as defined in 3GPP TS 28.552, and 3GPP TS 28.554 v 18.1.0 (March 2023) titled “Management and orchestration; 5G end to end Key Performance Indicators (KPI)”, based on input from ETSI ES 203 336-12) and/or O&M Collection Method (3GPP TS 28.550 vl8.1.0 (March 2023) titled “Management and orchestration;

Performance assurance”, and/or 3GPP TS 28.532 vl7.4.0 (March 2023) titled “Management and orchestration; Generic management services”.

[0037] The generic EE KPI illustrated in figure 2 may comprise a generalization of EEMN.DV = DVMN / ECMN as defined in ETSI TC EE 203228 vl.3.1 (October 2020), titled “Environmental Engineering (EE); Assessment of mobile network energy efficiency”.

[0038] 3GPP TS 28.310 vl8.1.0 (March 2023) titled “Management and orchestration; Energy efficiency of 5G” specifies the work in 3GPP related to energy efficiency. It specifies use cases relating to energy efficiency such as switching off edges UPFs for low- latency communication in certain geographical areas when no user is actively using them. Requirements for supporting energy efficiency may include requirements related to Power, Energy and Environmental measurements as well as requirements concerning energy saving. SA5 mainly addresses requirements related to energy saving and efficiency for a given network element (e.g. RAN, core NFs) or slice. SA5 also provides the formulas for computing energy efficiency metrics, as well as providing forecasting/recommendations for high energy consumption for NFs. These are defined in 3GPP TS 28.552 and 3GPP TS 28.554. As an example 3GPP TS 28.554 defines procedures for determining the energy efficiency of a slice which is the sum of uplink and downlink data volumes over N3 interface of a network slice divided by the energy consumption of the network slice as shown below.

[0039] The unit of this KPI is bit/J.

[0040] The above 3GPP standards are primarily developed by the SA5 working group. However, there are aspects which fall outside SA5 scope, related to how to ensure high energy efficiency targeting the network/application sessions and aspects for supporting the monitoring and exposure of notifications to the end consumers on the dynamic events related to high energy consumption. Such aspects can be addressed at the control plane considering the per session / application monitoring of energy consumption. At the same time the real-time energy monitoring is a challenging task, and the use of analytics could allow for more intelligent and pro-active decisions that can be consumed by either other NFs or by the application providers / AF. One possible use case can be the enhancement of service experience analytics with energy efficiency criteria.

[0041] It should be noted that according to 3GPP TS 23.288 vl8.1.0 (March 2023) titled “Architecture enhancements for 5G System (5GS) to support network data analytics services” the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) can provide analytics for service experience.

[0042] A consumer when requesting service experience analytics, includes one or more of the following in a request for such analytics:

• Application identifier of the application run by a user of a UE;

• Slice identifier (S-NSSAI/NSI) of the slice where the application traffic is routed;

• Area of interest of the area which analytic information is requested;

• DNN used to access the application; • DNAI, data network identifier of user plane access to one or more DNs where applications are deployed.

[0043] NWDAF collects input data from the AF supporting the application. The input data are service experience observed by the user, AF performance data (e.g. data rate) and other information as described in Table 6.4.2-1, 6.4.2-la in 23.288, QoS flow level network data as described in Table 6.4.2-2 of 23.288 and 0AM data related to the QoS profile (e.g. RSRP, .RSRQ) as described in 6.4.2-4.

[0044] The output analytics include service experience for a slice or service experience for an application in a slice as described in 6.4.3-1 appended below as table 1.

Table 1: Service Experience statistics

[0045] As presented herein, NWDAF analytics can be leveraged to allow a network operator and or vendor to have an energy efficient network whilst avoiding noticeable deteriorating of a user experience.

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates a procedure 300 to provide service experience analytics based on an energy saving target. The procedure 300 is performed by a plurality of network nodes, comprising a Consumer 310, an NWDAF 320, a User Plane Function (UPF) 330, at least one Application Functions (AFS) 340, 341, a Policy Control Function (PCF/EE-PCF) 350, and an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM) 360.

[0047] As a prerequisite for the procedure 300, at 370 a 3rd party AF, 340 or a trusted AF (owned by an operator) 341 requests an AF session with required QoS for an application service (as described in clause 4.15.6.6 of 3GPP TS 23.502) and provides additionally requirements for energy efficiency. The requirements may include any combination of the following:

• a scalar value which maps to specific energy efficiency requirements. The scalar value may be negotiated via SLA agreement with the operator and provides an energy efficiency level (e.g. high, medium, low); • an indication that energy efficiency service should be applied on the session (this indication is used by the network as an indication that the network resource usage can be reduced and ensure low energy consumption on this specific AF session between the Application Server and one or more target UEs);

• an indication that energy efficiency can be enabled on the service for any UE accessing the specific service. Where service can be denoted as a specific Application or Group of Applications, or an Application served by a specific network slice or any application served by a specific network slice; and

• alternative QoS parameters in case the energy efficiency requirement cannot be satisfied at the 5G network.

[0048] Note that a service may comprise:

• a specific “AF session” between the Application Server and Target UEs where each AF session is mapped to a PDU session where UE traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server;

• a specific Application/Group of Application where the network applies energy efficiency when traffic from such applications is routed via the core network; or

• a specific or a group of network slices where the network applies energy efficiency when traffic is routed via such slices.

[0049] At 372, the Consumer 310 sends a request to check what is the service experience of a user for an application session when energy efficiency is enabled. In addition consumer may request what is the service experience when a specific energy saving target is used.

[0050] If an energy efficiency requirement cannot be met the energy used can be reduced by identifying an appropriate energy efficiency policy and implementing it. As exemplified at 374, such an energy efficiency policy may comprise the PCF 350 downgrading the QoS of a service or an AF session or any traffic through a specific slice. An energy efficiency policy may apply for all the functions supporting a specific slice by reducing the amount of resources available to perform user plane procedures (thus reducing the processing time required to process more volume of data). The PCF 350 (or the NF responsible to determine the energy efficiency policies) may determine energy efficiency policies. An energy efficiency policy may comprise downgrading the QoS taking into account energy consumption of the service by retrieving Energy Efficiency KPIs from an 0AM 360 as described in Figure 3.

[0051] The energy efficiency policy may be determined by a separate Network Function and the policy may be provided to the PCF 350. The separate Network Function may be a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a new NEF or a subscription policy stored in the UDM/UDR. Such a NF may be referred to as Energy Efficiency Policy Control Function (EE-PCF) 350.

[0052] The PCF (or EE-PCF) 350 as part of energy efficiency policy may downgrade the QoS on per UE/session basis or per slice basis.

[0053] Applying an energy efficiency policy on a per UE/session basis may be supported as follows: The PCF 350 may use one of the alternative QoS parameters if provided by the AF or the PCF 350 can derive its own based on configuration. In the latter case the PCF 350 may have a configuration of a QoS profile based on reported Energy Efficiency KPI from 0AM.

[0054] Applying an energy efficiency policy on a per Slice basis may comprise the PCF 350 downgrading the UE-slice-MBR for the slice

[0055] The PCF (or EE-PCF) 350 can take into account service experience analytics from NWDAF 320 to identify the user experience per each QoS profile used when energy efficiency is enabled either statistically or via predictions. In such a scenario the analytics request includes additional information to be informed from the NWDAF 320 what is the service experience for the user when a specific energy efficiency policy is used.

[0056] To support the above, the service experience analytics are enhanced to include information on Energy Efficiency policy (e.g. QoS profile) used while delivering a service.

[0057] The service experience analytic output defined in clause 6.4.3 of 3GPP TS 23.288 is enhanced to include a service experience when an energy efficiency policy is applied to the service. The service efficiency policy or policies may comprise one or more of the QoS profiles used to downgrade the QoS of a service. If the consumer included in the request one or more energy efficiency policies that are applied to the service, then the NWDAF includes analytic output of service experience per energy efficiency policy applied. If the consumer included in the request an indication to provide service experience when any energy efficiency policy is, then applied the NWDAF provides analytic output per each energy efficiency policy applied to the service. The enhanced analytic output is shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Service Experience statistics enhancement

[0058] For simplicity in the following discussion, we refer to the PCF/EE-PCF as the function that determines the energy efficiency policies. However, it should be understood that other network functions may determine the energy efficiency policies to be applied.

[0059] For example, when the PCF/EE-PCF determines that energy efficiency need to be enabled for the service the PCF/EE-PCF may determine as part of the Energy Efficiency Policy an alternative QoS profile if the energy saving criteria cannot be met. The alternative QoS criteria may be provided by the AF.

[0060] In another example, the PCF/EE-PCF may determine that energy efficiency needs to be enabled for the service based on input from 0AM or based on input from UDM/UDR based on subscription policies or based on input from other functions dedicated to calculate the energy efficiency for the service. Such other functions may comprise the Network Repository Function (NRF) or Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0061] The PCF/EE-PCF may use the service experience analytics to determine the service experience of a user when an Energy Efficiency Policy is used.

[0062] Detailed steps of a method 400 for providing energy efficiency per session are shown in Figure 4. The method 400 is performed by a Consumer Network Function 410, a Network Analytics Function 420, an Session Management Function (SMF) 430, and Application Function 440, and a PCF 450. Note that the SMF 430 may be a User Plane Function (UPF). The Network Analytics Function 420 may be an NWDAF.

[0063] An optional prerequisite of the method 400 is that at 470, the AF 440 has initiated an AF session for an application with specific energy saving target. The AF 440 may indicate that energy efficiency measures can be applied. The AF 440 may apply specific energy efficiency targets. Alternatively, the wireless communication system (e.g. 5GS) may determine its own energy efficiency targets which can be based on SLA agreements with the 3rd party.

[0064] At 471, the consumer NF 410 (e.g. PCF/EE-PCF) needs to check what is the user serving experience when energy efficiency/saving is applied for a UE, group of UEs or any UE for an application session or a slice or a slice/application combination.

[0065] At 472, the consumer NF 410 (e.g. PCF/EE-PCF) requests analytics for service experience including as analytics filter information a request to provide analytics for application session where energy saving/efficiency is applied and/or when a specific energy efficiency policy is applied. The Analytics request may comprise Analytic ID and/or Analytic Filters. The Analytics ID may comprise “Service Experience”. The Analytic Filters may comprise Energy Efficiency/Saving Indication and/or Energy Efficiency Policy.

[0066] At 473, the Network Analytics Function 420 collects input data from AF. The Network Analytics Function 420 collects information for AF sessions for a UE, group of UEs or any UE where the AF has indicated that energy efficiency/saving can be applied (if provided by AF).

[0067] At 474, optionally, the Network Analytics Function 420 filters AF sessions, selecting those where energy efficiency/saving is requested

[0068] At 475, the Network Analytics Function 420 finds the PCF 450 serving the AF session or the NF responsible for defining the energy efficiency policy for the service. The Network Analytics Function 420 finds the PCF 450 via the Binding Support Function (BSF). [0069] At 476, the Network Analytics Function 420 subscribes to the PCFZEE-PCF 450 to be notified when the QoS is changed due to applying energy efficiency. The message may comprise an Energy Efficiency Policy request.

[0070] At 477, the PCF 450 reports if an event takes place and may indicate the alternative QoS applied for the session. The message may comprise an Energy Efficiency Policy response.

[0071] At 478, the Network Analytics Function 420 also collects data required from SMF/UPF 430 as specified in 3GPP TS 23.288.

[0072] NOTE: Instead of steps 475-478 the Network Analytics Function may collect data directly from the SMF 430. The SMF 430 may also include information whether energy saving is applied for a session.

[0073] At 479, the Network Analytics Function derives analytics for service experience taking into account energy efficiency/saving requirements.

[0074] At 480, the Network Analytics Function provides the determined analytics to the consumer NF 410.

[0075] Accordingly, there is provided a first network function for wireless communication, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment. The first network function comprises at least one memory and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the first network function to: receive a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determine a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. Th network function is further caused to collect observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determine analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and send the determined analytics to the second network function. [0076] In modern wireless communication networks, there is a possibility for a tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS). Application of an energy efficiency policy for a session could adversely affect QoS and/or QoE for a target user equipment. There is proposed herein an enhancement to a service experience analytics by gathering analytics information when the energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0077] The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service. The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied for the service.

[0078] The first network function may comprise a Network Analytics Function.

[0079] The second network function may comprise a Consumer. The Consumer may comprise a network function, application function or an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM).

[0080] The third network function may comprise a Policy and Control Function.

[0081] The at least one node in a wireless communication network may comprise a Session Management Function (SMF), and/or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0082] The first analytics request may further comprise an indication of any combination of: the identity of the at least one target user equipment; a target application; a target service area; and a specific energy efficiency policy; and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied. The first analytics request may be applicable to any user equipment. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated explicitly in the first analytics request. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated by the absence of indication of any specific target user equipments. In certain embodiment the energy efficiency policy maybe identified by an identifier.

[0083] The energy efficiency policy may comprise an alternative QoS profile. [0084] The application function may indicate in a session request that energy efficiency measures may be applied for a session between the at least one target user equipment and the application function.

[0085] The service may comprise a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

[0086] The service may comprise traffic associated with at least one Application. The at least one Application may comprise a group of Applications. The at least one Application may be defined by at least one Application Identity.

[0087] The service may comprise at least one network slice. The service may be defined by traffic routed via the at least one network slice. The at least one network slice may comprise a group of network slices. The at least one network slice may be defined by at least one network slice Identity.

[0088] The determined analytics may comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service. Where the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service, then the determined analytics may comprise a service experience per energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

[0089] There is further provided a method performed by a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment. The method comprises receiving a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determining a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. The method further comprises collecting observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determining analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and sending the determined analytics to the second network function.

[0090] In modern wireless communication networks, there is a possibility for a tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS). Application of an energy efficiency policy for a session could adversely affect QoS and/or QoE for a target user equipment. There is proposed herein an enhancement to a service experience analytics by gathering analytics information when the energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0091] The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service. The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied for the service.

[0092] The first network function may comprise a Network Analytics Function. The second network function may comprise a Consumer. The Consumer may comprise a network function, application function or an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM). The third network function may comprise a Policy and Control Function.

[0093] The at least one node in a wireless communication network may comprise a Session Management Function (SMF), and/or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0094] The first analytics request may further comprise an indication of any combination of the identity of the at least one target user equipment; a target application; a target service area; a specific energy efficiency policy; and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied. In certain embodiments the specific energy efficiency policy maybe identified with an identifier.

[0095] The first analytics request may be applicable to any user equipment. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated explicitly in the first analytics request. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated by the absence of indication of any specific target user equipments.

[0096] The energy efficiency policy may comprise an alternative QoS profile. [0097] The application function may indicate in a session request that energy efficiency measures may be applied for a session between the at least one target user equipment and the application function.

[0098] The service may comprise a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

[0099] The service may comprise traffic associated with at least one Application. The at least one Application may comprise a group of Applications. The at least one Application may be defined by at least one Application Identity.

[0100] The service may comprise at least one network slice. The service may be defined by traffic routed via the at least one network slice. The at least one network slice may comprise a group of network slices. The at least one network slice may be defined by at least one network slice Identity.

[0101] The determined analytics may comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service. Where the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service, then the determined analytics may comprise a service experience per energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

[0102] There is further provided a second network function for wireless communication, the second network function comprising at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the second network function to: send a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receive determined analytics from the first network function.

[0103] In modern wireless communication networks, there is a possibility for a tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS). Application of an energy efficiency policy for a session could adversely affect QoS and/or QoE for a target user equipment. There is proposed herein an enhancement to a service experience analytics by gathering analytics information when the energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0104] The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service. The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied for the service.

[0105] The first network function may comprise a Network Analytics Function.

[0106] The second network function may comprise a Consumer. The Consumer may comprise a network function, application function or an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM).

[0107] The first analytics request may further comprise an indication of any combination of: the identity of the at least one target user equipment; a target application; a target service area; a specific energy efficiency policy; and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied. In certain embodiments the specific energy efficiency policy maybe identified with an identifier.

[0108] The first analytics request may be applicable to any user equipment. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated explicitly in the first analytics request. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated by the absence of indication of any specific target user equipments.

[0109] The energy efficiency policy may comprise an alternative QoS profile.

[0110] The service may comprise a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

[OHl] The service comprises traffic associated with at least one Application. The at least one Application may comprise a group of Applications. The at least one Application may be defined by at least one Application Identity.

[0112] The second network function of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the service comprises at least one network slice. The service may be defined by traffic routed via the at least one network slice. The at least one network slice may comprise a group of network slices. The at least one network slice may be defined by at least one network slice Identity.

[0113] The determined analytics may comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service. Where the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service, then the determined analytics may comprise a service experience per energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

[0114] There is further provided a method performed by a second network function, the method comprising: sending a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receiving determined analytics from the first network function.

[0115] In modern wireless communication networks, there is a possibility for a tradeoff between energy efficiency and quality of service (QoS). Application of an energy efficiency policy for a session could adversely affect QoS and/or QoE for a target user equipment. There is proposed herein an enhancement to a service experience analytics by gathering analytics information when the energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0116] The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies are applied for the service. The first analytics request may include an indication to provide analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied for the service.

[0117] The first network function may comprise a Network Analytics Function.

[0118] The second network function may comprise a Consumer. The Consumer may comprise a network function, application function or an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM).

[0119] The first analytics request may further comprise an indication of any combination of: the identity of the at least one target user equipment; a target application; a target service area; a specific energy efficiency policy; and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied. In certain embodiments the specific energy efficiency policy maybe identified by an identifier.

[0120] The first analytics request may be applicable to any user equipment. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated explicitly in the first analytics request. That the first analytics request is applicable to any user equipment may be indicated by the absence of indication of any specific target user equipments.

[0121] The energy efficiency policy may comprise an alternative QoS profile.

[0122] The service may comprise a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

[0123] The service may comprise traffic associated with at least one Application. The at least one Application may comprise a group of Applications. The at least one Application may be defined by at least one Application Identity.

[0124] The service may comprise at least one network slice. The service may be defined by traffic routed via the at least one network slice. The at least one network slice may comprise a group of network slices. The at least one network slice may be defined by at least one network slice Identity.

[0125] The determined analytics may comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

[0126] Where the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when a plurality of energy efficiency policies is applied for the service, then the determined analytics may comprise a service experience per energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

[0127] Energy Efficiency in 5G network is an important topic for vendors and network operators as it allows such industries to reduce their carbon emissions and maintain an efficient usage of network resources. In 3GPP SAI energy efficiency is defined as the volume of data against the energy consumption of the RAN nodes or slice (in bits/J). As such in order to optimize energy efficiency measures that can be taken are either reducing the volume of data in such a manner that the energy consumption of the slice is reduced whilst ensuring that the energy efficiency ration is improved. One such approach to achieve better energy efficiency is by reducing the QoS of a service. However, reducing the QoS may affect the service experience of the user (e.g. latency is increased on a gaming) service. There is presented herein a solution to the above using analytics to determine the optimal service experience based on an energy efficiency measure applied.

[0128] It is proposed to enhance the service experience analytics provided by the NWDAF with including in the analytics information on what is the service experience for a user when a specific energy efficiency policy is applied.

[0129] Known methods require the NWDAF to determine service experience analytics as described in 3GPP TS 23.288 clause 6.4. Currently it is not possible using such analytics to determine what is a service experience of a user when a specific policy is applied.

[0130] There is provided herein a method for indicating within service experience analytics what is the service experience when a specific energy policy is applied.

[0131] There is provided herein a method for a network function providing service experience analytics for a (group) of user wherein the network function:

• receives a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the request includes an indication to provide analytics when energy efficiency is applied for a first session, a target application target service area and target users;

• determines a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for a session and retrieves information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the first session;

• collects observed service experience data from application function and network service data from SMF/UPF;

• determines the service experience of a target user when energy efficiency policy is applied; and • responds to the first request providing the analytics requested.

[0132] The indication to provide analytics where energy efficiency is applied may comprise a specific energy efficiency policy.

[0133] The energy efficiency policy may comprise an alternative QoS profile.

[0134] An Application Function may indicate in a session request that energy efficiency measures can be applied for the session.

[0135] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a UE 500 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 500 may include a processor 502, a memory 504, a controller 506, and a transceiver 508. The processor 502, the memory 504, the controller 506, or the transceiver 508, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0136] The processor 502, the memory 504, the controller 506, or the transceiver 508, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0137] The processor 502 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general- purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 502 may be configured to operate the memory 504. In some other implementations, the memory 504 may be integrated into the processor 502. The processor 502 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 504 to cause the UE 500 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0138] The memory 504 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 504 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 502 cause the UE 500 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 504 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non- transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0139] In some implementations, the processor 502 and the memory 504 coupled with the processor 502 may be configured to cause the UE 500 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 502, instructions stored in the memory 504). For example, the processor 502 may support wireless communication at the UE 500 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The UE 500 may be configured to support a means for interacting with a first network function or a second network function as defined herein.

[0140] The controller 506 may manage input and output signals for the UE 500. The controller 506 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 500. In some implementations, the controller 506 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 506 may be implemented as part of the processor 502.

[0141] In some implementations, the UE 500 may include at least one transceiver 508. In some other implementations, the UE 500 may have more than one transceiver 508. The transceiver 508 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 508 may include one or more receiver chains 510, one or more transmitter chains 512, or a combination thereof.

[0142] A receiver chain 510 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 510 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 510 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LN A)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 510 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 510 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0143] A transmitter chain 512 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 512 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 512 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 512 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0144] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a processor 600 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 600 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 600 may include a controller 602 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 600 may optionally include at least one memory 604, which may be, for example, an L1/L2/L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 600 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 606. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0145] The processor 600 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 600) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), and others).

[0146] The controller 602 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 600 to cause the processor 600 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 602 may operate as a control unit of the processor 600, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 600. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations.

[0147] The controller 602 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 604 and determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executed to cause the processor 600 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 602 may be configured to track memory address of instructions associated with the memory 604. The controller 602 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 602 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 600 to cause the processor 600 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 602 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 600. The controller 602 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor 600.

[0148] The memory 604 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 600 or other memory, such RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 604 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 600). In some other implementations, the memory 604 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 600). [0149] The memory 604 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 600, cause the processor 600 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 602 and/or the processor 600 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 604 to cause the processor 600 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 600 and/or the controller 602 may be coupled with or to the memory 604, the processor 600, the controller 602, and the memory 604 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 600 may include multiple processors and the memory 604 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

[0150] The one or more ALUs 606 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 606 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 600). In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 606 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 600). One or more ALUs 606 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 606 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 606 be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 606 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR), not-OR (NOR), and not- AND (NAND), enabling the one or more ALUs 606 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0151] The processor 600 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The processor 600 may be configured to or operable to support a means for interacting with a first network function or a second network function as defined herein. [0152] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a NE 700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The NE 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a controller 706, and a transceiver 708. The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0153] The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0154] The processor 702 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general- purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 702 may be configured to operate the memory 704. In some other implementations, the memory 704 may be integrated into the processor 702. The processor 702 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 704 to cause the NE 700 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0155] The memory 704 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 704 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 702 cause the NE 700 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 704 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non- transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0156] In some implementations, the processor 702 and the memory 704 coupled with the processor 702 may be configured to cause the NE 700 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 702, instructions stored in the memory 704). For example, the processor 702 may support wireless communication at the NE 700 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The NE 700 may be configured to support a means for receiving a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and determining a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; collecting observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determining analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and sending the determined analytics to the second network function.

[0157] Further, the NE 700 may be configured to support a means for sending a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receiving determined analytics from the first network function.

[0158] The controller 706 may manage input and output signals for the NE 700. The controller 706 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE 700. In some implementations, the controller 706 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 706 may be implemented as part of the processor 702.

[0159] In some implementations, the NE 700 may include at least one transceiver 708. In some other implementations, the NE 700 may have more than one transceiver 708. The transceiver 708 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 708 may include one or more receiver chains 710, one or more transmitter chains 712, or a combination thereof.

[0160] A receiver chain 710 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 710 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LN A)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0161] A transmitter chain 712 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 712 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 712 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 712 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0162] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

[0163] At 802, the method may include receiving a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service. The operations of 802 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 802 may be performed by a first network node as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0164] At 804, the method may include determining a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. The operations of 804 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 804 may be performed by a first network node as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0165] At 806, the method may include collecting observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network. The operations of 806 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 806 may be performed a first network node as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0166] At 808, the method may include determining analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service. The operations of 808 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 808 may be performed a first network node as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0167] At 810, the method may include sending the determined analytics to the second network function. The operations of 810 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed a first network node as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0168] It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0169] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

[0170] At 902, the method may include sending a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service. The operations of 902 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 902 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0171] At 904, the method may include receiving determined analytics from the first network function. The operations of 904 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 904 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0172] It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0173] The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0174] The following abbreviations are relevant in the field addressed by this document: AF, Application Function ; EE, Energy Efficiency; QoS, Quality of Service; PCF, Policy Control Function; NRF, Network Repository Function; NEF, Network Exposure Function; NWDAF, Network Data Analytics Function; RAN, Radio Access Nodes; AF, Application Function; and UE, User Equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A first network function for wireless communication, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, the first network function comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the first network function to: receive a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; determine a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; collect observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determine analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and send the determined analytics to the second network function.

2. The first network function of claim 1, wherein the first analytics request further comprises an indication of any combination of: the identity of the at least one target user equipment, a target application, a target service area, a specific energy efficiency policy, and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied.

3. The first network function of claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy efficiency policy comprises an alternative QoS profile.

4. The first network function of any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the application function indicates in a session request that energy efficiency measures may be applied for a session between the at least one target user equipment and the application function.

5. The first network function of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the service comprises a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

6. The first network function of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the service comprises traffic associated with at least one Application.

7. The first network function of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the service comprises at least one network slice.

8. The first network function of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determined analytics comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service.

9. A method performed by a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, the method comprising: receiving a first analytics request from a second network function wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; determining a third network function that is responsible for defining energy efficiency policies for the service and retrieving information whether a specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; collecting observed service experience data from an application function and collecting network service data from at least one node in a wireless communication network; determining analytics related to the service experience of the at least one target user equipment when the specific energy efficiency policy is applied for the service; and sending the determined analytics to the second network function.

10. A second network function for wireless communication, the second network function comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the second network function to: send a first analytics request to a first network function, the first network function arranged to provide service experience analytics for at least one target user equipment, wherein the first analytics request includes an indication to provide analytics when an energy efficiency policy is applied for a service; and receive determined analytics from the first network function.

11. The second network function of claim 10, wherein the first analytics request further comprises an indication of any combination of: the identity of the at least one target user equipment; a target application; a target service area; a specific energy efficiency policy, and an indication to report analytics when any energy efficiency policy is applied.

12. The second network function of claim 10 or 11, wherein the energy efficiency policy comprises an alternative QoS profile.

13. The second network function of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the service comprises a session between an Application Server and the at least one target user equipment where each session is mapped to a PDU session where user equipment traffic is routed via the core network to the Application Server.

14. The second network function of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the service comprises traffic associated with at least one Application.

15. The second network function of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the service comprises at least one network slice.

16. The second network function of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the determined analytics comprise a service experience for the energy efficiency policy applied for the service.