JP7168746B1 - Communication controller, method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection configuration between a user device and facilities on the core network side is determined according to the usage status of a cloud application. Kind Code: A1 A communication control apparatus includes an identifier of a first mobility management device at a first site where a user device is located, an identifier of the user device, and a first cloud application related to a cloud application executed by the user device. Application information is obtained from a subscriber information management server, and based on the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information are obtained from the center server. obtaining a first user plane device identifier associated with the user device and the first user plane device to the first mobility management device based on the first user plane device identifier and the user device identifier; A communication controller configured to direct the establishment of a communication path to and from a device. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control system for controlling communication between core network devices and cloud servers.

In conventional cellular wireless area design, when user devices run cloud services via wireless networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), user devices are located in the cores of the cells in which they are located. Connect to a network device (MME (Mobility Management Entity) in LTE network). This core network device (MME) manages the connection configuration between the core network device and the cloud server.

However, conventionally, the core network device does not manage the connection configuration between the core network device and the cloud server in accordance with the usage status of cloud services. For example, even if a user device using a cloud service moves and the core network device to which the user device connects is changed, the core network device will be able to connect the core network device and the cloud server based on this change. I didn't change the connection configuration between them.

An object of the present invention is to determine a connection configuration between a user device and equipment on the core network side according to the user's cloud application usage status.

A characteristic configuration of a device for achieving the above object is a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first site, and a center server,
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain an identifier for the first user plane device;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the first user are sent to the first mobility management device. in a communication control unit configured to instruct to set up a communication path with a first user plane device corresponding to a plane device identifier;

The characteristic configuration of the method for achieving the above object is a method executed by a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first site, and a center server. and
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtaining from an information management server;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the identifier of the first user plane device associated with the identifier of the first mobility management device is obtained from the center server. a step of obtaining;
a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device to the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device; instructing to set up a communication path with a first user plane device corresponding to the first user plane device identifier.

The characteristic configuration of the system for achieving the above object is a center server,
a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first location, and the center server;
A system comprising
The communication control device is
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain an identifier for the first user plane device;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the first user are sent to the first mobility management device. configured to instruct to set up a communication path to and from a first user plane device corresponding to the plane device identifier;
The center server is in a system configured to store a database that associates identifiers of the mobility management devices with identifiers of the user plane devices.

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the connection configuration between the user device and the facility on the core network side according to the usage status of the user's cloud application.

1 illustrates a schematic configuration example of a radio access network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of a mobile control device that constitutes the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 shows an example of a processing flow performed in the system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 illustrates a database stored by a center server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 1 illustrates a radio access network system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 shows an example of a processing flow performed in a system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 illustrates an example processing flow performed in a radio access network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 illustrates an example processing flow performed in a radio access network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a conventional radio access network system;

[Description of the embodiment of the present invention]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and explained. One embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration.

[Configuration 1] The characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention is that it is connectable to the subscriber information management server (HSS/UDR), the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) at the first base, and the center server. A configured communication controller,
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain the identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF);
Corresponding to the identifier of the user device for the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) based on the obtained identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device. and a first user plane device (SGW/UPF) corresponding to the identifier of said first user plane device (SGW/UPF) to set up a communication path. , in the communication controller.

[Configuration 2] A characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention is that the communication control device is configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second base,
An identifier of a second mobility management device (MME/AMF) at a second location where the user device that has moved is located, an identifier of the user device, and a second application related to the cloud application executed by the user device. information from the subscriber information management server (HSS/UDR);
the identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) and the identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) from the center server based on the obtained identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) and the second application information; obtain a second user plane device (SGW/UPF) identifier associated with the second application information;
Based on the obtained second user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device, the user corresponding to the identifier of the user device is sent to the second mobility management device (MME/AMF). directing said second mobility management device (MME AMF) to set up a communication path between the device and said second user plane device (SGW/UPF);
The communication control device according to configuration 1 is configured as follows.

[Configuration 3] A characteristic configuration of a device according to the present invention is that the communication control device is configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second base,
obtaining from the user device an identifier of the user device and second application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device;
obtaining from the center server an identifier of a second user plane device (SGW/UPF) associated with the second application information;
Based on the obtained identifier of the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device, to the second mobility management device, the first user plane device and the second user plane device, and establish a communication path between the user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) instruct the device (SGW/UPF),
The communication control device according to configuration 1 is configured as follows.

[Configuration 4] A characteristic configuration of the apparatus according to the present invention is that when a communication path is set between the user device and the second user plane device (SGW/UPF), the user device and the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) 4. The communication control device according to configuration 2 or 3, which disconnects a communication path between one user plane device (SGW/UPF).

[Configuration 5] In the characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention, the center server stores a database in which the identifiers of the mobility management devices (MME/AMF) and the identifiers of the user plane devices (SGW/UPF) are associated. The communication control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4.

[Configuration 6] A characteristic configuration of the apparatus according to the present invention is that when the user device establishes a communication path between the user device and the second user plane device (SGW/UPF), the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) 6. The communication control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein information associated with the second site is obtained from an edge cloud server connected to the user plane device of 2.

[Configuration 7] The characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention is that the information associated with the second base is information on vacant parking lots at the second base managed by the edge cloud server, or information at an accommodation facility at the second base The communication control device according to configuration 6, which is facility vacancy information.

[Configuration 8] The characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention is based on LTE,
The subscriber information management server is an HSS (Home Subscriber Server),
The mobility management device is an MME (Mobility Management Entity) server that manages location registration of the user device and call/handover between base stations,
The user plane device is in the communication control apparatus according to configuration 2, including a SGW (Serving Gateway) and a PGW (PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway).

[Configuration 9] The characteristic configuration of the device according to the present invention is based on 5G,
The subscriber information management server is a UDR (User Data Repository),
the mobility management device is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);
The user plane device is in the communication control device according to configuration 3, which is a UPF (User Plane Function).

[Construction 10] The characteristic construction of the method according to the present invention is to connect the subscriber information management server (HSS/UDR), the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) at the first base, and the center server. A method performed by a configured communication controller, comprising:
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtaining from an information management server;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, a first user plane device (SGW/ obtaining a UPF identifier;
Corresponding to the identifier of the user device for the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) based on the obtained identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device. and a first user plane device (SGW/UPF) corresponding to the identifier of said first user plane device (SGW/UPF) to set up a communication path. , in the way.

[Configuration 11] A characteristic configuration of the method according to the present invention is that the communication control device is further configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second site,
An identifier of a second mobility management device (MME/AMF) at a second location where the user device that has moved is located, an identifier of the user device, and a second application related to the cloud application executed by the user device. information from the subscriber information management server (HSS/UDR);
the identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) and the identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) from the center server based on the obtained identifier of the second mobility management device (MME/AMF) and the second application information; obtaining a second user plane device (SGW/UPF) identifier associated with said second application information;
Based on the obtained second user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device, the user corresponding to the identifier of the user device is sent to the second mobility management device (MME/AMF). 11. The configuration of arrangement 10, comprising: directing said second mobility management device (MME AMF) to set up a communication path between a device and said second user plane device (SGW/UPF). in the method.

[Configuration 12] A characteristic configuration of the method according to the present invention is that the communication control device is configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second site, and the method further includes:
obtaining from the user device an identifier of the user device and second application information about a cloud application executed by the user device;
obtaining from the center server a second user plane device (SGW/UPF) identifier associated with the second application information;
Based on the obtained identifier of the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device, to the second mobility management device, the first user plane device and the second and the first user to set up a communication path between the user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the second user plane device (SGW/UPF) directing a plane device (SGW/UPF);
11. The method of configuration 10, comprising:

[Configuration 13] A characteristic configuration of the system according to the present invention is a center server,
a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server (HSS/UDR), a first mobility management device (MME/AMF) at a first site, and the center server;
A system comprising
The communication control device is
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain the identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF);
Corresponding to the identifier of the user device for the first mobility management device (MME/AMF) based on the obtained identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF) and the identifier of the user device. and a first user plane device (SGW/UPF) corresponding to the identifier of the first user plane device (SGW/UPF) to instruct to set up a communication path,
The center server is in a system configured to store a database that associates identifiers of the mobility management devices (MME/AMF) with identifiers of the user plane devices (SGW/UPF).

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A system according to the present disclosure is a system for providing cloud services to user devices (UEs). According to the present disclosure, after using a cloud service associated with a certain base, a user device can move to a different base and use a cloud service associated with a different base (first embodiment). In addition, without moving the user device, it is possible to use a cloud service associated with a location different from the location where the user device is currently located (second embodiment). It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the scope of the claims. be. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant description will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a radio access network system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radio access network system 100 provides cloud services to a user device (UE) 110 upon request from the UE 110 . Radio access network system 100 may include other elements than those shown in FIG. The wireless access network system 100 includes multiple locations, and devices at each location can be configured to communicate with devices at other locations via a wired network or wireless network (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the radio access network system 100 of the present disclosure includes a center server 102, a mobile control device 200 communicably connected to the center server 102, and a mobile control device 200 communicatively connected to the mobile control device 200. A subscriber information management server 104 and mobility management device 106 , a user plane (UP) device 108 , an edge cloud server 112 and a base station 114 may be provided. The center server 102, mobile control device 200, subscriber information management server 104, mobility management device 106, and user plane device 108 are facilities on the core network side. The edge cloud server 112 is platform-side equipment that provides cloud services. UE 110 is communicatively connected to base station 114 via a network (not shown). Base station 114 is communicatively coupled with mobility management device 106 . Note that the connection shown in FIG. 1 is an example of logical connection, and the actual physical connection may differ from the illustrated example.

In the example of FIG. 1, the first site is shown with a mobility management device 106(1), a user plane device 108(1), an edge cloud server 112(1), and a base station 114(1); The two sites are shown with a mobility management device 106(2), a user plane device 108(2), an edge cloud server 112(2), and a base station 114(2). Hereinafter, mobility management device 106(1) and mobility management device 106(2) may be referred to as mobility management device 106 when there is no need to distinguish between them. The same is true for user plane devices 108 , edge cloud servers 112 and base stations 114 . Note that the edge cloud server 112 can be communicably connected to one of a plurality of user plane devices 108 at the same site or at different sites. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, edge cloud server 112 is connectable to one of n user plane devices 108 from user plane device 108(1) to user plane device 108(n).

The radio access network system 100 may conform to LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G. When the radio access network system 100 conforms to LTE, the subscriber information management server 104 may be HSS (Home Subscriber Server), and the mobility management device 106 may be MME (Mobility Management Entity). The user plane device 108 may also be SGW-C (Serving Gateway-Control) and PGW-C (PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway-Control).

If the radio access network system 100 conforms to 5G, the subscriber information management server 104 may be a UDR (User Data Repository) and the mobility management device 106 may be an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). Also, the user plane device 108 may be a UPF (User Plane Function).

In the following, the radio access network system 100 will be described as conforming to LTE. When the radio access network system 100 conforms to 5G, a configuration obtained by replacing each of the above-described LTE components (HSS, MME, SGW/PGW) with each of 5G components (UDR, AMF, UPF) becomes.

The center server 102 can identify the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 to which the mobility management device (MME) 106 is connected. Specifically, the center server 102 identifies one of the plurality of user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 108 based on the identifier of the mobility management device (MME) 106 located at the site where the UE 110 is located. be able to.

Furthermore, the center server 102 can identify the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 according to application information (hereinafter also referred to as “application information”) associated with the cloud application executed by the UE 110 . The application information can include an inquiry for information about the cloud application executed by the UE 110 and an identifier of the application type assigned to the cloud application executed by the UE 110 (hereinafter referred to as an application type identifier). This application type identifier may be further associated with the site to which the edge cloud server 112 capable of providing the cloud application information requested by the UE 110 belongs.

Furthermore, the center server 102 can notify the mobile controller 200 of the identified user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 . As a result, the center server 102 indirectly via the mobile control device 200, the mobility management device (MME) 106, the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108, and the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 The operation of the edge cloud server 112, which is the connection destination, can be managed.

The center server 102 includes at least a storage unit 130 that temporarily or permanently stores various data. Storage unit 130 stores at least a program for communication between center server 102 and mobile control device 200, and a database (database 400 in FIG. 4). The storage unit 130 can be configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, a flash memory, an optical disc, or the like.

The database 400 (FIG. 4) is a database that manages which user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 108 the mobility management device (MME) 106 is connected to. The center server 102 can refer to this database 400 to identify the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 to which the mobility management device (MME) 106 is connected. Details of the database 400 will be described later with reference to FIG.

A subscriber information management server (HSS) 104 holds a subscriber information database that manages subscriber information using the mobile network. The subscriber information can include at least a part of the telephone number associated with the SIM card, contract details, IMSI (International Mobile Subscription Identity), which is the SIM identification number, and the like. Further, the subscriber information management server (HSS) 104 can obtain application information from the UE 110 and notify it to the mobile controller 200 .

Mobility Management Device (MME) 106 is connected to Subscriber Information Management Server (HSS) 104 , User Plane Device (SGW/PGW) 108 and Mobile Controller 200 . A mobility management device (MME) 106 performs location information management of the UE 110, access control, and the like. For example, the mobility management device (MME) 106 manages location registration of user devices and handover between paging and base stations.

A user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 is connected to the mobile controller 200 and the edge cloud server 112 . The user plane device 108 provides functions specialized for U-plane processing.

UE 110 is configured to make wireless connections with base stations 114 at each edge cloud site serving cell 116 . The UE 110 is implemented as a smart phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet computer, laptop computer (so-called notebook computer), or desktop computer. The UE 110 may be a device that is provided in or incorporated in a moving object such as an automobile, or a device that is provided in or incorporated in equipment that is fixedly arranged. UE 110 may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device. In the example of FIG. 1, when the user device 110 is located at the first site, the user device 110 is connected to the base station 114(1) of the first site, and when the user device 110 is located at the second site, The user device 110 is connected to a second site base station 114(2).

The edge cloud server 112 is a server that provides various cloud-based cloud services that can be used by the UE 110 via the Internet. The edge cloud server 112 manages various information associated with each base.

A cloud application provided by a cloud service can transmit various information associated with each base managed by the edge cloud server 112 to the UE 110 in response to a request from the UE 110 .

In one example, the cloud application is a parking lot availability notification application. The parking lot availability information notification application can transmit, for example, to the UE 110 the parking lot availability information of the base requested by the user. The edge cloud server 112(1) is associated with the first location, and the edge cloud server 112(2) is associated with the second location. ) are managed in real time. The parking lot availability information includes whether or not the parking lot of each facility in the area centering on the base is available, the number of available spaces, and the like. The UE 110 can access the edge cloud server 112 ( 2 ), acquire various types of information associated with the target second site in real time, and display the information on the screen of the UE 110 .

In another example, the cloud application is an accommodation availability notification application. The accommodation facility availability notification application can, for example, transmit to the UE 110 the accommodation facility availability of the base requested by the user. The edge cloud server 112(1) sends current vacant room information (hereinafter referred to as "facility vacant room information") associated with the accommodation facilities associated with the first base, and the edge cloud server 112(2) with the second base. Manage in real time. The facility vacancy information includes the presence or absence of vacant rooms, the number of vacant rooms, and the like in each facility in the area centering on the base. The UE 110 can access the edge cloud server 112 ( 2 ), acquire various types of information associated with the target second site in real time, and display the information on the screen of the UE 110 .

Base station 114 may communicate wirelessly with UEs 110 located in cell 116 via one or more base station antennas. Each of the base stations 114 can serve a communication cell 116 in its respective physical area. Base stations 114 also support connections between UEs 110 and a core network. Base stations 114 are sometimes referred to as eNodeBs (evolved NodeBs).

The mobile control device 200 is a communication control device that is connected to the center server 102, the subscriber information management server (HSS) 104 and the mobility management device (MME) 106, and controls communication between them. is. The mobile control device 200 is a device that acquires the identifier of the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 specified by the center server 102 and notifies it to the mobility management device (MME) 106 .

FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration example of a conventional radio access network system 900 . The conventional radio access network system 900 does not include the center server 102 (FIG. 1) and the mobile control device 200 (FIG. 1) of the present disclosure. In the conventional configuration example, the radio access network system 900 connects to a mobility management device (MME) 906 in which the UE 910 is located when the UE 910 uses a cloud service, and the mobility management device, which is equipment on the core network side. A device 906 was connected to one edge cloud server 712 via a user plane device (SGW/PGW) 908 (for example, 908(1)) specified by the device 906 . That is, mobility management device (MME) 906 managed user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 908 for connecting to edge cloud server 912 . In one example, a mobility management device (MME) 906 designates one of a plurality (n in the example of FIG. 9) of user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 908 in a round-robin fashion. In addition, the subscriber information management server (HSS) 904 manages which base mobility management device (MME) 906 the user device (UE) 910 is located in, but which base user plane device (SGW) /PGW) 908 to the edge cloud server 912 was not managed. As such, the mobility management device 906 may have designated a user plane device (SGW/PGW) 908(n) at a second location remote from the first location where the mobility management device 906 is located. As a result, the physical distance between the mobility management device 906 and the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 908(n), the distance between the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 908(n) and the edge cloud server 712 Communication was sometimes delayed due to physical distance. Furthermore, accesses from a plurality of user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 908 may concentrate on one edge cloud server 912 .

A radio access network system 100 ( FIG. 1 ) of the present disclosure comprises a center server 102 and a mobile control device 200 . According to the present disclosure, the center server 102 , not the mobility management device (MME) 106 , identifies the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 to which the mobility management device (MME) 106 connects and sends it to the mobile controller 200 . to notify. The center server 102 identifies mobility management devices (MME) 106 and user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 108 that are physically close to the edge cloud server 112, e.g., co-located with the edge cloud server 112. can be done.

Also, in the radio access network system 100 of the present disclosure, the edge cloud server 112 is arranged for each cloud base. When the UE 110 uses the cloud service, the center server 102 selects the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 or the like connected to the edge cloud server 112 according to the usage status of the cloud application executed by the UE 110 (application information described above). Identify. Therefore, even if a cloud application is accessed from a plurality of UEs 110, the accesses from the UEs 110 can be distributed to the edge cloud servers 112 at different locations according to the usage status.

<Hardware Configuration of Mobile Control Device 200>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the mobile control device 200 that constitutes the radio access network system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the mobile controller 200 of the present disclosure to any particular configuration. Various components shown in FIG. 2 may be combined, subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

(Mobile control device 200)
The mobile controller 200 comprises a processor 202, a memory 204, a storage 206, and a communication interface (IF) 208, as shown in FIG. These components of mobile controller 200 are electrically connected to each other by communication bus 262 .

Processor 202 controls the overall operation of mobile controller 200 . The processor 202 is implemented as a device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Processor 202 reads a program from storage 206, which will be described later. Then, each processor 202 develops the read program in a memory 204, which will be described later. Processor 202 executes the expanded program. As an example, processor 202 executes a series of instructions contained in a program developed in memory 204 based on a signal provided to mobile control device 200 or based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.

Memory 204 is the main memory. Memory 204 temporarily stores programs and data. The memory 204 is implemented as a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). As an example, the memory 204 provides a work area for the processor 202 by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 202 from a storage 206, which will be described later. Memory 204 stores at least an operating system. The operating system is a computer program for controlling the overall operation of mobile controller 200 .

Storage 206 is an auxiliary storage device. Storage 206 permanently holds programs and data. The storage 206 is implemented as a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), hard disk device, flash memory, or the like. The storage 206 stores, for example, programs and the like for realizing communication with other computers and the like.

The communication IF 208 controls transmission and reception of various data between the mobile control device 200 and various devices capable of communicating with each other according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication IF 208 supports communication over wired and wireless networks with various devices (center server 102, subscriber information management server 104, mobility management device 106).

According to the present disclosure, the center server 102 identifies the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 according to the application information of the cloud application executed by the UE 110, and the identified user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108, It enables connectivity to and from mobility management devices (MMEs) 106 . When the UE 110 moves from one site to another, it can connect to the edge cloud server 112 near the destination site and use the cloud service (first embodiment). Alternatively, the center server 102 identifies the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 according to the application information of the cloud application executed by the UE 110, and the identified user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 and other users It enables connectivity between plane devices (SGW/PGW) 108 . Without moving, the UE 110 can connect to the edge cloud server 112 close to a base where the UE 110 is located or a base different from the base where the UE 110 is located according to the application information, etc., and use the cloud service (Section 2 embodiment). First, the first embodiment will be described below.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 illustrates a radio access network system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the radio access network system 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the UE 110 moves from the first edge cloud base to the second edge cloud base, the UE 110 physically moves to the destination. A user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 close to the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 is identified as a connection destination of the mobility management device (MME) 106, and the edge cloud server 112 is made available via the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108.

In the example of FIG. 1, when the UE 110 is located at the first edge cloud location, the mobile control device 200 sends the edge cloud server to the MME 106(1) via the first location SGW/PGW 108(1). 112(1) to set up a data communication path. After that, when the UE 110 moves from the first edge cloud base to the second edge cloud base and is located at the second base, the mobile control device 200 instructs the MME 106(2) to move to the second base. It instructs to set up a data communication path with edge cloud server 112(2) via SGW/PGW 108(2).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example processing flow 300 performed in the radio access network system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example, it is assumed that the UE 110 is installed with a cloud application for acquiring parking lot vacancy information at a base.

First, in step S302, the UE 110 requests, via the base station 114 (FIG. 1), the MME 106(1) of the first base where the UE 110 is located to register a location using an identifier unique to the UE 110. FIG. The identifier of the UE is, for example, IMSI (International mobile Subscriber Identity). UE 110 also transmits application information of the cloud application executed by UE 110 to MME 106(1). In the present embodiment, the application information may include a query for parking lot availability information for a base where the UE 110 is located, requested by a cloud application (for example, a parking lot availability information notification application) executed by the UE 110. When MME 106 ( 1 ) receives from UE 110 the identifier of UE 110 , the terminal registration request, and the application information of the cloud application executed by UE 110 , MME 106 ( 1 ) registers the presence of UE 110 .

Next, in step S304, the MME 106(1) transmits the identifier of the MME 106(1) of the first site, the identifier of the UE 110, and the application information to the HSS 104.

Next, in step S306, the HSS 104 acquires the identifier of the MME 106(1) of the first site, the identifier of the UE 110, and application information from the MME 106(1). The HSS 104 queries the mobile controller 200 to which SGW/PGW 108 the MME 106(1) should connect based on the identifier of the MME 106(1) of the first site and the application information. For example, MME 106 ( 1 ) inquires which SGW/PGW 108 to connect to based on information (inquiry about parking lot availability information) related to a cloud application (parking lot availability information notification application) executed by UE 110 .

Next, in step S308, the mobile control device 200 identifies the application type identifier assigned to the cloud application executed by the UE 110 from the application information. Also, the mobile control device 200 inquires of the center server 102 about the SGW/PGW 108 associated with the identifier of the MME 106(1) and the application type identifier.

Next, in step S310, the center server 102 refers to the database 400 (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 130 of the center server 102, and the identifier associated with the identifier of the MME 106(1) and the application type identifier. Identifies the SGW/PGW 108(1).

FIG. 4 illustrates a database 400 stored by the center server 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The database 400 is stored in advance in the center server 102, and associates an application type identifier, an identifier of the MME 106, and an identifier of the SGW/PGW 108 with each other. The database 400 can manage a plurality of application type identifiers (application type identifiers (A) to (C) in the illustrated example). The application type identifier (A) is an application type identifier assigned to the first cloud application executed by the UE 110 (parking lot availability information notification application in this example) among a plurality of application type identifiers. The application type identifiers (B) and (C) are the application type identifiers assigned to the second cloud application executed by the UE 110 (accommodation facility availability notification application in this example). The application type identifiers (B) and (C) further include different identifiers for each base or area so that the base or area to which the edge cloud server 112 that can provide the cloud application information requested by the UE 110 belongs can be distinguished. can be assigned (application type identifier (B) is site 1, application type identifier (C) is site 2).

Also, the database 400 can store the edge cloud server 112 capable of providing information on cloud applications and the SGW/PGW 108 physically close to the MME 106 in association with each other. For example, the database 400 includes the SGW of site 1 that is physically close to the edge cloud server 112(1) of site 1 that can provide information about the cloud application executed by the UE 110 (parking lot availability information of site 1 in this example). /PGW 108(1) and MME 106(1) can be associated and stored. Thus, according to the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of efficiency of execution of the cloud application provided by the edge cloud server 112 (2) using the database 400 of the center server 102, the configuration of the MME 106 and the SGW/PGW 108 can be set arbitrarily.

Returning to FIG. 3, in step S312, the center server 102 transmits the identified identifier of the SGW/PGW 108(1) to the mobile control device 200. FIG.

Next, in step S314, the mobile controller 200 notifies the MME 106(1) of the identified SGW/PGW 108(1) identifier together with the UE 110 identifier.

Next, in step S316, MME 106(1) sets up a data communication channel with SGW/PGW 108 corresponding to the identified identifier of SGW/PGW 108(1). Once a session is established between the MME 106(1) and the SGW/PGW 108(1), the UE 110 can communicate with the edge cloud server 112(1) at site 1 via the SGW/PGW 108(1). . This allows the UE 110 to obtain various information provided by the edge cloud server 112(1). In one example, the UE 110 may obtain parking lot availability information for an area centered on the first location from the edge cloud server 112(1) of the first location.

As described above, the processing from step S302 to step S316 allows the UE 110 to communicate with the edge cloud server 112(1) via the SGW/PGW(1) specified by the center server 102. FIG.

Returning to FIG. 3, when UE 110 moves from the first site to the second site, in step 318, UE 110, via base station 114 (2) (FIG. 1), MME 106 ( In 2), the UE 110 makes a location registration request with an identifier unique to the UE 110 . MME 106 ( 2 ) performs a presence registration with the identifier of UE 110 received from UE 110 .

Next, in step S320, the identifier of the second site MME 106(2), the identifier of the UE 110, and the application information related to the cloud application executed by the UE 110 are transmitted to the HSS 104.

Next, in step S322, the HSS 104 acquires the identifier of the second site MME 106(2), the identifier of the UE 110, and application information from the MME 106(2). The HSS 104 inquires of the mobile control device 200 to which SGW/PGW 108 the MME 106(2) should be connected based on the identifier of the second site MME 106(2) and the application information acquired in step S322. For example, the MME 106 ( 2 ) inquires which SGW/PGW 108 to connect to based on the information (parking lot availability information inquiry) related to the cloud application (parking lot availability information notification application) executed by the UE 110 .

Next, in step S324, the mobile control device 200 identifies the application type identifier assigned to the cloud application executed by the UE 110 from the application information. Also, the mobile control device 200 inquires of the center server 102 about the SGW/PGW 108 associated with the identifier of the MME 106(2) and the application type identifier.

Next, in step S326, the center server 102 refers to the database 400 (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 130 of the center server 102, the identifier of the MME 106(2) and the application type identifier (A). Identify the SGW/PGW 108(2) associated with .

Next, in step S328, the center server 102 transmits the identifier of the identified SGW/PGW 108(2) to the mobile control device 200. FIG.

Next, in step S330, the mobile controller 200 notifies the MME 106(2) of the identified SGW/PGW 108(2) identifier along with the UE 110 identifier.

Next, in step S332, MME 106(2) sets up a data communication channel with SGW/PGW 108 corresponding to the identified identifier of SGW/PGW 108(2). When the session is established between the MME 106(2) and the SGW/PGW 108(2), the UE 110 communicates with the edge cloud server 112(2) of the second location of the movement destination via the SGW/PGW 108(2). can do. This allows the UE 110 to acquire various information managed by the edge cloud server 112(2). In one example, the UE 110 may obtain parking space availability information in an area centered on the second location from the edge cloud server 112(2) of the second location.

According to protocols in existing mobile communication systems, only one SGW/PGW should be assigned to the UE 110, and multiple SGW/PGWs cannot be assigned. Therefore, in the existing system, in order to follow the movement of the UE 110 and change the SGW/PGW, for example, the UE 110 and the SGW/PGW had to be temporarily disconnected and reconnected. Also, the HSS does not know which SGW/PGW the UE 110 is assigned to. In the radio access network system 100 according to this embodiment, even if the UE 110 moves, a communication path can be set up with the SGW/PGW identified by the center server 102 .

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 5 illustrates a radio access network system 500 according to the second embodiment of the disclosure. Unlike the first embodiment in which the UE 110 physically moves from the first base to the second base, the radio access network system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure does not move the UE 110 between bases. It is possible to connect to the edge cloud server 112(2) at the second site while staying at one site.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example processing flow 600 performed in the radio access network system 500 (FIG. 5) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example, it is assumed that the UE 110 is installed with a cloud application for acquiring availability of accommodation facilities at the base.

The processing from step S602 to step S616 in this embodiment is substantially the same as the processing from step S302 to step S316 according to the above-described first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted here.

At step 618, the UE 110 communicates with the mobile controller 200 via the base station 114(1) and the MME 106(1) (FIG. 1) to the second location edge cloud server 112(2) along with the UE 110-specific identifier. Inquiries about various information managed by In one example, the UE 110 queries facility availability information for an accommodation facility located at the second location managed by the edge cloud server 112(2) at the second location. Also, the UE 110 transmits application information of the cloud application executed by the UE 110 to the mobile control device 200 . In this embodiment, the application information can provide an inquiry about information on accommodation facility availability at a base requested by the accommodation facility availability notification application executed by the UE 110, and cloud application information requested by the UE 110. An application type identifier (C) corresponding to the location (for example, location 2) to which the edge cloud server 112 belongs can be included.

Next, in step S<b>620 , the mobile control device 200 transmits the application type identifier (C) of the application information received from the UE 110 to the center server 102 .

Next, in step S622, the center server 102 refers to the database 400 (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 130 of the center server 102, and refers to the SGW/PGW 108 (2) associated with the application type identifier (C). ). The application type identifier (C) of the database 400 (FIG. 4) is a cloud application (accommodation facility availability notification application in this example) capable of providing information about the base 2 executed by the UE 110 among a plurality of application type identifiers. This is the application type identifier assigned to the . The database 400 stores information about the cloud applications executed by the UE 110 (in this example, information on the availability of accommodations at the site 2). The SGW/PGW 108(2) may be stored in association with the identity of the MME 106(2). In this way, according to the present disclosure, the configuration of the MME 106 and the SGW/PGW 108 is configured from the viewpoint of the efficiency of executing applications provided by the edge cloud server 112 (2) using the database 400 of the center server 102. Can be set arbitrarily.

Next, in step S624, the center server 102 transmits the identifier of the identified SGW/PGW 108(2) to the mobile control device 200. FIG.

Next, in step S626, the mobile control device 200 transmits the identifier of the identified SGW/PGW 108(2) together with the identifier of the UE 110 to the SGW/PGW 108(1), and , to set up a data communication path with the SGW/PGW 108(2).

Next, in step S628, the SGW/PGW 108(1) sets up a data communication channel with the SGW/PGW 108(2). When a session is established between the SGW/PGW 108(1) and the SGW/PGW 108(2), the UE 110, via the SGW/PGW 108(1) and the SGW/PGW 108(2), establishes the destination second base. It can communicate with the edge cloud server 112(2).

According to the second embodiment, the center server 102 identifies the user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 according to the application information received from the UE 110, and the identified user plane device (SGW/PGW) 108 and the UE 110 enables connectivity between User Plane Devices (SGW/PGWs) 108 associated with Mobility Management Devices (MMEs) 106 of serving sites. As a result, the UE 110 connects to the edge cloud server 112(2) at a base different from the first base in which it resides, and receives from the edge cloud server 112(2) an accommodation facility located in an area centered on the second base. facility vacancy information can be acquired. The center server 102 enables connection between user plane devices (SGW/PGW) 108 located at different bases.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the radio access network system 100 may be 5G compliant. FIG. 7 shows an example processing flow 700 performed in the radio access network system 100 . In this embodiment, the center server 102 identifies the user plane device (UPF) 108' according to the application information of the cloud application executed by the UE 110, and the identified user plane device (UPF) 108' and mobility It enables connectivity to and from management devices (AMF) 106'. When the radio access network system 100 conforms to 5G, each LTE component (HSS, MME, SGW/PGW) according to the above-described <first embodiment> is replaced with each 5G component (UDR, AMF, UPF), and the details of the processing are omitted.

In other embodiments, the radio access network system 100 may be 5G compliant. FIG. 8 shows an example processing flow 800 performed in the radio access network system 100 . In this embodiment, the center server 102 identifies the user plane device (UPF) 108' according to the application information of the cloud application executed by the UE 110, and the identified user plane device (UPF) 108' and other user plane device (UPF) 108'. When the radio access network system 100 conforms to 5G, each LTE component (HSS, MME, SGW/PGW) according to the above-described <Second Embodiment> is replaced with each 5G component (UDR, AMF, UPF), and the details of the processing are omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Radio access network system 102... Center server 104... Subscriber information management server 106... Mobility management device 108... User plane device 110... User device 112... Edge cloud server 114... Base station 200... Mobile control apparatus 202... Processor 204 Memory 206 Storage 400 Database 500 Radio Access Network System 700 Radio Access Network System 706 Mobility Management Device 708 User Plane Device 710 User Device 712 Edge Cloud Server

Claims (14)

A communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first site, and a center server,
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain an identifier for the first user plane device;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the first user are sent to the first mobility management device. A communication control unit configured to instruct to set up a communication path to and from a first user plane device corresponding to a plane device identifier. 2. The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifier of said first user plane device is an identifier of a user plane device physically close to a cloud server capable of providing said cloud application. The communication control device is further configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second base,
The identifier of a second mobility management device at a second site where the user device that has moved is located, the identifier of the user device, and second application information related to the cloud application executed by the user device are submitted to the subscription. obtained from the user information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the second mobility management device and the second application information, the center server associates the identifier of the second mobility management device and the second application information with the identifier of the second mobility management device. obtain a second user plane device identifier;
Based on the second user plane device and the identifier of the user device obtained, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the second user plane device are sent to the second mobility management device. directing the second mobility management device to establish a communication path with
3. The communication control device of claim 2 , configured as: The communication control device is further configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second base,
obtaining from the user device an identifier of the user device and second application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device;
obtaining from the center server a second user plane device identifier associated with the second application information;
the first user plane device and the second user plane device for the second mobility management device based on the acquired identifier of the second user plane device and the identifier of the user device; directing the first user plane device to establish a communication path between a user device corresponding to a user device identifier and the second user plane device;
3. The communication control device of claim 2 , configured as: 4. The communication path between the user device and the first user plane device is disconnected when the communication path is established between the user device and the second user plane device , or 5. The communication control device according to 4 . 6. The communication control apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the center server stores a database that associates the identifier of the mobility management device with the identifier of the user plane device. When a communication path is set between the user device and the second user plane device, the user device transmits from the edge cloud server connected to the second user plane device to the second base. 7. The communication control device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 , which acquires associated information. 8. The communication according to claim 7 , wherein the information associated with the second base is parking space availability information at the second base managed by the edge cloud server, or facility availability information at an accommodation facility at the second base. Control device. The communication control device conforms to LTE,
The subscriber information management server is an HSS (Home Subscriber Server),
The mobility management device is an MME (Mobility Management Entity) server that manages location registration of the user device and call/handover between base stations,
4. The communication control apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said user plane device includes an SGW (Serving Gateway) and a PGW (PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway). The communication control device is compliant with 5G,
The subscriber information management server is a UDR (User Data Repository),
the mobility management device is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);
5. The communication control apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said user plane device is a UPF (User Plane Function). A method executed by a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first site, and a center server,
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtaining from an information management server;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the identifier of the first user plane device associated with the identifier of the first mobility management device is obtained from the center server. a step of obtaining;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the first user are sent to the first mobility management device. and directing to set up a communication path with the first user plane device corresponding to the plane device identifier. The communication control device is further configured to be connectable to a second mobility management device at a second base,
The identifier of a second mobility management device at a second site where the user device that has moved is located, the identifier of the user device, and second application information related to the cloud application executed by the user device are submitted to the subscription. a step of obtaining from a user information management server;
Based on the acquired identifier of the second mobility management device and the second application information, the center server associates the identifier of the second mobility management device and the second application information with the identifier of the second mobility management device. obtaining a second user plane device identifier;
Based on the second user plane device and the identifier of the user device obtained, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the second user plane device are sent to the second mobility management device. 11. The method of claim 10, comprising directing the second mobility management device to set up a communication path between. The communication control device is further configured to be connectable with a second mobility management device at a second site, and the method further comprises:
obtaining from the user device an identifier of the user device and second application information about a cloud application executed by the user device;
obtaining from the center server a second user plane device identifier associated with the second application information;
the first user plane device and the second user plane device for the second mobility management device based on the acquired identifier of the second user plane device and the identifier of the user device; directing the first user plane device to set up a communication path between a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the second user plane device;
11. The method of claim 10, comprising: a center server;
a communication control device configured to be connectable to a subscriber information management server, a first mobility management device at a first location, and the center server;
A system comprising
The communication control device is
the identifier of the first mobility management device at the first site where the user device is located, the identifier of the user device, and first application information related to a cloud application executed by the user device, to the subscriber; obtained from the information management server,
Based on the acquired identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information, the center server associates the identifier of the first mobility management device and the first application information with the identifier of the first mobility management device. obtain an identifier for the first user plane device;
Based on the acquired identifier of the first user plane device and the identifier of the user device, a user device corresponding to the identifier of the user device and the first user are sent to the first mobility management device. configured to instruct to set up a communication path to and from a first user plane device corresponding to the plane device identifier;
The center server is configured to store a database that associates an identifier of the first mobility management device with an identifier of the first user plane device that is physically close to the cloud server capable of providing the cloud application. system.

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