WO2016148197A1 - Communication system, device, and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to achieve a reduction in costs while eliminating the need for each carrier to individually establish a base station. This communication system is provided with: at least one base station; first and second core networks that share the at least one base station; and a distributing device. The distributing device receives a packet from a terminal. On the basis of terminal information regarding the terminal, the forwarding destination of the packet is specified as the first core network or the second core network, and the packet is transmitted to the first core network or the second core network that was specified as the forwarding destination.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, DEVICE, METHOD, AND PROGRAM

[Description of related applications]
The present invention is based on a Japanese patent application: Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-053485 (filed on March 17, 2015), and the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a communication system, apparatus, method, and program.

In a mobile network, generally, a base station is connected to a mobile core network (also simply referred to as “core network”) possessed by each communication carrier (carrier), and each carrier individually has and uses it. The accessible area in each carrier depends on the base station that each carrier has. For this reason, when a carrier intends to expand a communication area, the carrier needs to individually install a base station.

In addition, as a form of sharing mobile infrastructure between carriers, for example, sharing a base station equipment such as a tower between multiple carriers, communication, etc. in areas or regions where radio waves are difficult to reach, such as tunnels, subway stations, underground malls, etc. It has been practiced to lend steel towers and the like to a plurality of carriers as mobile phone base stations (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of sharing a tower (based on Chart 15 of Non-Patent Document 1). Referring to FIG. 14, the antenna 111A attached to the mast tower (steel tower) 112 is connected to the base station 110A of the carrier A via the antenna feeder line 113A, and the antenna 111B is connected to the carrier B via the antenna feeder line 113B. Connected to the base station 110B. Note that the base station may be a NodeB of UTRAN (UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Terrestrial Radio Access Network) or an E-UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN) eNodeB (evolved NodeB). In addition to the angle truss type, the steel tower may be, for example, a cylindrical steel pipe column (cylinder), an iron column (Panza type), a concrete column type, a building rooftop type (Roof Top Tower: RTT type), or the like.

The following is an analysis of related technologies.

The accessible area in each carrier depends on the base station possessed by each carrier, and each carrier needs to install a base station individually when expanding the communication area.

Also, the above-mentioned examples of equipment sharing (infrastructure sharing) between carriers are basically limited to the sharing and sharing of buildings such as steel towers, installation locations, and passive infrastructure such as antennas.

As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have devised a method for solving the above-described problems, and are presented below. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and method that can realize cost reduction, for example, by eliminating the need for each carrier to individually establish a base station. Other objects, features, effects and the like of the present invention will be made clear in the following description.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it comprises at least one base station, first and second core networks sharing the at least one base station, and a distribution unit, wherein the distribution unit is provided from a terminal. Means for receiving the packet (receiver);
Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means (control unit) for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
There is provided a communication system including means (transmission unit) for transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination.

According to another aspect of the present invention, at least first and second core networks are connected to at least one base station, and a packet is received from a terminal corresponding to one of the first and second core networks. Is provided to a corresponding core network based on the identification information of the terminal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided means (distribution unit) for distributing a packet from a terminal to one of the first and second core networks sharing at least one base station,
Based on the terminal information of the terminal, the means (distributing unit) receiving the packet from the terminal and the terminal information of the terminal, the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second A control unit (control unit) that identifies which one of the core networks is included, and a unit (transmission unit) that transmits the packet to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination. A sorting device is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, as a process of distributing a packet from a terminal to one of the first and second core networks sharing at least one base station,
Processing to receive a packet from the terminal;
Based on the terminal information of the terminal, a process of specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
There is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination. According to the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium (semiconductor memory, magnetic / optical disk, etc .: non-transitory computer-readable recording medium) in which the program is recorded is provided.

According to the present invention, it is not necessary for each carrier to individually establish a base station, and cost reduction is realized.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of the basic form of this invention. It is a figure explaining the basic form of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the basic form of the present invention. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the distribution apparatus of one Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the system configuration example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the system configuration example of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure explaining the base station of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the shared form of base station equipment.

Hereinafter, the basic concept of the present invention will be described, and then embodiments of the present invention will be described. According to one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 3, at least first and second core networks (20A, 20B) are physically connected to at least one base station (10). Information identifying the terminal (1A) from the terminal (1A) corresponding to either the first or second core network (for example, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)) Alternatively, a distribution means (device) (for example, a distribution device 12 in FIG. 3) that distributes to the corresponding core network based on address information (IP (Internet Protocol) address or MAC (Media Access Control) address) or the like is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, the base station may include a distribution unit (distribution device) (FIG. 2). Or it is good also as a structure which performs at least one part of the distribution control of the packet from a terminal within a core network (refer FIG. 6).

According to one of several aspects of the present invention, the distribution unit specifies a core network that is a transfer destination of the packet according to terminal identification information of header information of the packet received from the terminal, and The packet may be transferred to the identified core network.

According to one of several aspects of the present invention, a configuration including a storage unit (123 in FIG. 4A) that stores the correspondence between the terminal identification information of the terminal and the core network of the packet transfer destination may be provided. Good.

According to one of several aspects of the present invention, when the terminal establishes a connection with the base station, the distribution unit specifies a core network corresponding to the terminal, and identifies terminal identification information and a connection destination. The correspondence of the core network may be stored in the storage unit (123 in FIG. 4A).

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for generally explaining the following embodiments. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that terminals 1A and 1B are carrier X and carrier Y subscriber terminals (for example, terminals into which carrier X and carrier Y version SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are respectively inserted). The base stations 10A and 10B are eNodeBs of, for example, EUTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio） Access Network). The base station 10A, the base station 10B, the packet from the terminal 1A, and the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal 1B, according to the identification information of each terminal, the EPC (Evolved packet Packet Core) network 1 (20A) of the carrier X ) To the carrier Y's EPC network 2 (20B).

Each base station 10A, 10B is configured as an infrastructure 11 common to a plurality of carriers X, Y, and is shared (shared) by the plurality of carriers X, Y. In addition, the base station which comprises the common infrastructure 11 may be installed by the joint company etc. of the some carrier X and Y, for example.

The EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B) include entry nodes 21A and 21B, exit nodes 22A and 22B, and databases 23A and 23B, respectively. The entry nodes 21A and 21B are, for example, SGW (Serving Gateway), SGSN (Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node), and the exit nodes 22A and 22B are, for example, PGW (Packet data network Gateway), GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) ). The databases 23A and 23B store user information, billing information, authentication information, and the like. The databases 23A and 23B may be databases that are referred to by HSS (Home Subscriber Server), PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules), etc. that hold subscriber profile information.

The EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B) each include an SGW, an MME (Mobility Management Entity), a PGW, a PCRF, and the like. MME (Mobility Management Entity) performs various processes such as terminal mobility management and authentication, and user data transfer path setting. MME also performs user authentication in cooperation with HSS. Further, the SGW transmits / receives user data to / from the base station (eNodeB), and sets / releases a communication path to / from the PGW. The PGW connects to a packet data network (Packet Data Network: PDN) and assigns an IP (Internet Protocol) address (private IP address). The PCRF is a policy control device that determines policy control and charging control rules such as QoS (Quality） of 課 金 Service). The PGW and SGW perform policy control, for example, on a packet basis, based on notification information (policy) from the PCRF.

The terminal 1A (mobile terminal), for example, subscribes to the carrier X, is connected to the EPC network 1 (core network of the carrier X) via the base station 10A of the common infrastructure 11, and is connected to the Internet 30 from the exit node 22A. The For example, the terminal 1B subscribes to the carrier Y, is connected to the EPC network 2 (core network of the carrier Y) via the base station 10B of the common infrastructure 11, and is connected to the Internet 30 from the exit node 22B.

The EPC networks 1 and 2 of the carriers X and Y exchange and transfer packets, and user information, billing information, and the like in the EPC networks 1 and 2 may be managed individually for each carrier X and Y. .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a network that allows sharing of existing base stations of carriers X and Y.

This can expand the accessible area and reduce the cost of establishing a new base station. That is, not only CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) but also OPEX (Operational Expenditure) can be reduced.

In FIG. 1, the base stations 10A and 10B of the common infrastructure 11 use frequency bands assigned to the carrier X and the carrier Y, respectively. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the base stations 110A and 110B connected to the antennas 111A and 111B attached to the mast tower 112 are commonly used as a configuration for sharing the existing base stations of the carriers X and Y, respectively. It is good also as a structure integrated as infrastructure.

In one embodiment, the distribution device is mounted in the base stations 10A and 10B, or is provided in a node between the base stations 10A and 10B and the EPC networks 20A and 20B. The distribution apparatus can receive packets of the terminal 1A corresponding to the EPC network 1 (20A) and the terminal 1B corresponding to the EPC network 2 (20B). For example, the sorting device includes terminal identification information (information (address information) for uniquely identifying a terminal or IMSI (Subscriber Identity Module: Subscriber Identification Module) card) included in a packet received from the terminal. International E-Mobile (Subscriber Identity) etc.), identify the EPC network to be transferred and distribute the packet.

<Operation principle 1>
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation principle of the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the distribution device is mounted in the base station 10. In FIG. 2, the base station 10 corresponds to the common infrastructure 11 of FIG. The EPC networks 1 and 2 are mobile core networks corresponding to different carrier providers, and are configured by SGW, PGW, MME, PCRF, HSS, etc. as described above. Terminal 1A and terminal 1B are carrier X and carrier Y subscriber terminals (for example, terminals into which carrier X and carrier Y version SIM cards are respectively inserted).

The base station 10 has storage devices (not shown) that associate the terminals 1A and 1B with the EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B), respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 1A corresponds to the EPC network 1 (20A), and the terminal 1B corresponds to the EPC network 2 (20B). The packet from the terminal 1A and the packet from the terminal 1B are distributed by the base station 10, and transferred to the corresponding EPC network 1 (20A) or EPC network 2 (20B), and the EPC network 1 (20A). The EPC network 2 (20B) is transferred to the Internet 30 via, for example, the PGW.

<Operation principle 2>
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation principle of another embodiment. 3, terminal 1A and terminal 1B are assumed to be carrier X and carrier Y subscriber terminals (for example, terminals into which carrier X and carrier Y version SIM cards are respectively inserted).

In the example of FIG. 3, the distribution device 12 is mounted as an intermediate node between the base station 10, the EPC network 1 (20A), and the EPC network 2 (20B). As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 1A corresponds to the EPC network 1 (20A), and the terminal 1B corresponds to the EPC network 2 (20B). The packet from the terminal 1A and the packet from the terminal 1B are transferred to the distribution device 12 via the base station 10, and are distributed by the distribution device 12, and the EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network corresponding to each of the packets are distributed. 2 (20B), for example, via the PGW (or GGSN) of the egress network in the EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B), to the Internet 30.

<Example of sorting device>
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a typical configuration of the distribution device 12 provided in the base station or between the base station and the EPC network. Referring to FIG. 4A, the sorting device 12 includes a receiving unit 120, a control unit 121, a processing unit 122, a storage unit 123, and an analysis unit 124. FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically illustrating information stored in the storage unit 123.

The receiving unit 120 receives a packet from a terminal (for example, a terminal into which a carrier X or carrier Y version SIM card is inserted) via the base station 10. Alternatively, in the case of a configuration including a distribution device in the base station 10, the reception unit 120 receives a packet from a terminal received by the base station 10.

The analyzing unit 124 analyzes, for example, a header of the packet received by the receiving unit 120, and extracts terminal identification information (for example, address information) included in the header.

The control unit 121 specifies the transfer destination of the packet from the extracted terminal identification information, and controls the processing unit 122 to transfer the packet to the EPC network corresponding to the terminal.

Under the control of the control unit 121, the processing unit 122 sets the transmission destination information in the header of the packet transmitted from the terminal side to the transfer destination address so as to transfer it to the ingress node of the corresponding EPC network. Then, the packet is transmitted. The processing unit 122 may be configured by a switch having an input port and an output port connected to each of the EPC1 and EPC2 entry nodes.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the storage unit 123 stores the correspondence between terminal identification information (for example, address information) and each EPC network (EPC1 / EPC2) as a table structure. The correspondence between the terminal identification information stored in the storage unit 123 and each EPC network (EPC1 / EPC2) is, for example, an attachment (attachment request) where the terminal establishes a connection with the EPC network via the base station. ) At the time of processing, the attach request signal transmitted to the base station includes IMSI and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Information on the carrier to which the terminal subscribes (terminal X is the carrier X that owns EPC1 or EPC2), which is acquired in the terminal authentication process performed by MME in cooperation with HSS during the terminal attach process The control unit 121 associates the carrier with terminal identification information (for example, address information), and the storage unit 123 stores the terminal identification information (for example, address information) and the transfer destination. You may make it set correspondence with the EPC network. The HSS database stores IMSI and subscriber contract information (service profile). For this reason, for example, the contract information of the terminal held in the HSS database is acquired from the IMSI information included in the attach request signal transmitted from the terminal at the time of attachment, and the carrier to which the terminal joins is specified.

After the correspondence between the terminal identification information (for example, address information) and the transfer destination EPC network is set in the storage unit 123, the control unit 121 uses the analysis unit 124 for the packet from the terminal received by the reception unit 120. By searching the storage unit 123 using the extracted source address information (for example, IP address) of the header of the packet as a key, it is specified whether the transfer destination of the packet is EPC1 or EPC2.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first embodiment. As in FIG. 1, the base stations 10A and 10B constitute a common infrastructure 11 and are shared by the carriers X and Y. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that terminals 1A and 1B are carrier X and carrier Y subscriber terminals (for example, terminals into which carrier X and carrier Y version SIM cards are respectively inserted).

The base station 10A and the base station 10B respectively transmit the packet received from the terminal 1A and the packet received from the terminal 1B out of the EPC network 1 (20A) of the carrier X and the EPC network 2 (20B) of the carrier Y. 1A and terminal 1B are assigned to EPC networks corresponding to carriers to which they are subscribed. The EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B) each terminate a bearer between the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B. In the example of FIG. 5, the base station 10 </ b> A and the base station 10 </ b> B are provided with the distribution device described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B).

The operation of the first embodiment will be described. The base stations 10A and B have storage devices (not shown) that associate the terminals 1A and 1B with the EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B), respectively. The base stations 10A and 10B receive the packets from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B, respectively, and when the distribution destinations of the packets are the EPC network 1 (20A) and the EPC network 2 (20B), the terminals 1A and 10B The packets received from the terminal 1B are transferred to the entry nodes 21A and 21B of the EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network 2 (20B), respectively, and the exit nodes 22A of the EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network 2 (20B) 22B (for example, PGW) is transferred to the Internet 30. When the distribution destinations of the packets received from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B are the EPC network 2 (20B) and the EPC network 1 (20A), the base stations 10A and 10B respectively receive the packets received from the terminals 1A and 1B. Transfer to the EPC network 2 (20B) and the entry nodes 21B and 21A of the EPC network 1 (20A), and from the exit nodes 22B and 22A (eg PGW) of the EPC network 2 (20B) and EPC network 1 (20A) to the Internet 30 Transferred. When the distribution destinations of the packets received from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B are both the EPC network 2 (20B), the base stations 10A and 10B send the packets received from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B to the ingress node of the EPC network 2 (20B). Transfer to 21B. When the distribution destinations of the packets received from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B are both the EPC network 1 (20A), the base stations 10A and 10B send the packets received from the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B to the ingress node of the EPC network 1 (20A). Transfer to 21A. In the present embodiment, a downstream packet addressed to the terminal 1A or the terminal 1B from a connection partner (for example, a node (not shown) connected to the Internet 30 or an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) not shown) such as the terminals 1A and 1B. Are transferred from the egress node and the egress node of the distribution destination EPC network to the terminals 1A and 1B via the base stations 10A and 10B to which the terminals 1A and 1B are connected.

In this embodiment, processing such as terminal authentication and billing is performed individually in each EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network 2 (20B). Carriers X and Y store terminal subscriber information (personal information such as user name and address, contract information), billing information, etc. in databases 23A and 23B of EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network 2 (20B). Hold. These pieces of information are managed individually for each carrier X, Y.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to share base station equipment among a plurality of carriers and distribute terminals to the corresponding carrier core network. As a result, it is not necessary for each carrier to individually establish a base station, and cost reduction is realized. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the user information and billing information of the terminal can be managed for each carrier, the terminal does not need to be aware of infrastructure sharing between carriers. Note that the terminals 1A and 1B may be SIM-free terminals.

<Example of base station configuration>
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams schematically showing the base station 10 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 13A, the base station 10 includes transmission / reception units 101-1 and 101-2, a multiplexer 104, a signal processing unit 102, and a distribution device 103. The transmission / reception units 101-1 and 101-2 are connected to the antennas 105-1 and 105-2, respectively, perform transmission / reception of signals in the frequency bands of the carrier X and the carrier Y and baseband processing, 1B). Signals from the terminals 1A and 1B are respectively received by the transmission / reception units 101-1 and 101-2, demultiplexed / multiplexed by the multiplexer 104, and processed by the signal processing unit 102. The packet from the signal processing unit 102 is transferred to the corresponding EPC network via the distribution device 12. The signal processing unit 102 is, for example, a user plane (U-plane) between the terminals 1A and 1B, a MAC (Media Access Control) in a control plane (C-Plane), an RLC (Radio Link Control), a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) and RRC (Radio Resource Control) of the C-plane protocol stack and other functions are executed (refer to 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) TS 36.300, etc.). The distribution device 103 has the same configuration as that of the distribution device 12 described with reference to FIG. 4A shows a remote base station having a plurality of slave stations equipped with an antenna and an RRH (Remote Radio Head) and a master station (base station main body) connected to the plurality of slave stations via optical fibers or the like. It is good also as a structure of a type | mold. RRH is a wireless device having functions such as modulation / demodulation of radio waves and transmission / reception of radio waves from an antenna. The antenna 105 and the transmission / reception unit 101 in FIG. 4A may be a slave station, and the multiplexer 104, the signal processing unit 102, and the distribution device 103 may be mounted on the master station.

In the example of FIG. 13B, the signal processing unit 102 of FIG. 13A is configured by two signal processing units 102-1 and 102-2 connected to the transmission / reception units 101-1 and 101-2, respectively. The outputs of the two signal processing units 102-1 and 102-2 are input to the distribution device 103, respectively. The distribution device 103 includes the distribution device 12 described with reference to FIG. In this case, in FIG. 4A, the receiving unit 120 of the distribution apparatus 12 receives the outputs of the signal processing units 102-1 and 102-2 of FIG. 13B from two different ports, respectively. It is good also as composition which becomes. The configuration in FIG. 13B corresponds to a configuration in which the distribution device 12 in FIG. 3 is implemented as the distribution device 103 in the base station 10.

13A and 13B, the first and second antennas 105-1 and 105-2, the first transmission / reception unit 101-1 and the second transmission / reception unit 101-2 are provided for simplicity of explanation. Of course, the number of antennas and the like is not limited to such a configuration. Further, by implementing a radio resource scheduling function such as frequency scheduling, a pair of antennas and transmission / reception units may be configured to support a plurality of different carrier frequencies and communication methods (multi-mode compatible).

Alternatively, an existing base station may be used as it is by providing the distribution device 12 in FIG.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that terminal 1A and terminal 1B are carrier X and carrier Y subscriber terminals (for example, terminals into which carrier X and carrier Y version SIM cards are respectively inserted). The EPC network 1 (20A) includes a control device 24A and first and second databases (DB1, DB2) 23A-1 and 23A-2 in addition to the entry node 21A and the exit node 22A. Similarly to the EPC network 1 (20A), the EPC network 2 (20B), in addition to the entry node 21B and the exit node 22B, the control device 24B and the first and second databases (DB1, DB2) 23B-1, 23B-2 Is provided.

The first database (DB1) 23A-1 (23B-1) has EPC network information (EPC network to which packets from terminals are distributed) corresponding to the terminal identification information. In the case of the EPC network 2 (20B) to which packets from terminals are distributed, the EPC network 2 with the terminal identification information (address) is stored. The information in the first database (DB1) 23A-1 (23B-1) corresponds to the table structure of FIG. 4B, for example.

In this embodiment, main EPC networks respectively corresponding to the base station 10A and the base station 10B are set in advance. For example, the main EPC network of the base station 10A is the EPC network 1 (20A), and the main EPC network of the base station 10B is the EPC network 2 (20B).

The second database (DB2) 23A-2 (23B-2) has detailed information such as user information corresponding to the terminal identification information. The second database (DB2) 23A-2 stores only information related to terminals corresponding to the EPC network 1 (20A). The second database (DB2) 23B-2 stores only information related to terminals corresponding to the EPC network 2 (20B).

7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. 7 to 10, the configuration of the EPC network 2 (20B) is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the access from the terminal 1A is first (for example, when an attachment request is received from the terminal 1A (for the RRC (Radio Resource Control) Connection Request from the terminal 1A), the base station 10A performs the RRC. When the base station 10A transmits a connection setup message to the terminal 1A and receives the RRC connection setup message from the terminal 1A in the RRC connection state (the base station 10A), the base station 10A is the EPC network 1 (the main EPC network of the base station 10A). 20A), the bucket may be an S1AP message (Initial UE message) transmitted from the base station 10A to the MME of the EPC network 1 (20A), an RRC Connection E setup message, and an Initial UE message. The MME is a control device 24A such as the IMSI of the terminal 1A. You may make it forward to.

The control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) refers to the correspondence between the terminal identification information (eg, IMSI) in the first database (DB1) 23A-1 and the EPC network, and identifies the terminal of the packet received from the base station 10A. The EPC network to which the packet is transferred is specified according to the information (IMSI included in the attach request). In the control device 24A, the correspondence between the terminal identification information (for example, IMSI) in the first database (DB1) 23A-1 and the EPC network determines the packet header of the packet distribution from the terminal 1A and determines the packet header. Based on the address information (source IP address or the like), the address of the terminal 1A and the EPC network of the distribution destination may be stored in a storage unit (not shown). Thus, after a bearer is established between the terminal 1A and the egress node (PGW) of the EPC network based on the attach request from the terminal 1A, the packet from the terminal 1A is, for example, address information in the header of the packet. Based on this, it is transferred to the entry node of the distribution destination EPC network. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the original distribution destination of the packet from the terminal 1A is the EPC network 2 (20B).

When the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) determines that the packet received from the base station 10A (= the packet from the terminal 1A) should belong to the EPC network 2 (20B), the EPC network 1 (20A) The base station 10A is instructed to send back the packet to the internal node (ingress node 21A) (see (1) in FIG. 8).

At this time, the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) transfers the packet from the terminal 1A to the base station 10A to the EPC network 2 (20B) that is the transfer destination (distribution destination) of the packet. (See FIG. 9). In this case, the base station 10A temporarily holds the packet transferred to the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) in preparation for switching of the packet transfer destination, and controls the EPC network 1 (20A). Upon receiving the instruction from 24A, the base station 10A may transfer the temporarily held packet to the EPC network 2 (20B). When it is not necessary for the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) to transfer the packet from the terminal 1A to the EPC network 2 (20B) (when the distribution destination EPC network is the EPC network 1 (20A)) The base station 10A may be notified of the fact, and when the base station 10A receives the notification, the temporarily held packet may be discarded. Alternatively, the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) transmits the packet transferred from the base station 10A to the EPC network 1 (20A) to the node (ingress node 21A) in the EPC network 1 (20A). It may be configured to instruct the station 10A to send it back. In this case, the base station 10A does not need to hold the packet transferred to the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A). The control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) adds identification information for identifying the EPC network 2 (20B) that is a distribution destination of the packet to the packet to be sent back to the base station 10A, and instructs to send it back. Also good.

If the packet corresponds to the EPC network 1 (20A) as a result of referring to the first database (DB1) 23A-1 by the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A), the control device 24A The packet is instructed to be transferred to a subsequent node in the EPC network 1 (20A) (see (2) in FIG. 8).

In the case where the packet transferred from the base station 10A to the EPC network 1 (20A) is sent back to the base station 10A, the base station 10A sends the packet sent back from the ingress node 21A of the EPC network 1 (20A) to the EPC network 2 ( 20B) (see (1) in FIG. 10). The base station 10A holds the packet transferred to the EPC network 1 (20A), and holds it when receiving a transfer instruction to the EPC network 2 (20B) from the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A). The packet may be transferred. The MME of the EPC network 2 (20B) uses HSS to authenticate the terminal 1A. For example, the SGW is associated with the SGW of the terminal 1A-base station 10A-EPC network 2 (20B) and the terminal 1A. A bearer is stretched between PGW.

From the next time, the base station 10A transfers the packet received from the terminal 1A to the EPC network 2 (20B) to which the packet is distributed based on the address information in the packet header ((2) in FIG. 10).

According to the present embodiment, distribution control of packets from the terminal is performed in the EPC network (control device) in cooperation with the base station, and if the received packet is not distributed to the base station, the packet is sent to the base station. Is returned, the transfer destination EPC network is changed, and the received packet is transferred to the subsequent stage if the own EPC network is the distribution target. When a packet from a terminal is a target for distribution to the local EPC network (when hit), the packet has already been transferred to the local EPC network, so that the distribution process is unnecessary and the transfer process is accelerated.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11A, in the EPC network 1 (20A), a network is shared by a carrier X and a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) carrier Z. Carrier X is an MNO (Mobile Network Operator) carrier with communication facilities. The carrier Z is assumed to be an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) carrier that receives a communication infrastructure loan from the carrier X.

The EPC network 1-1 (25A-1) and EPC network 1-2 (25A-2) may be physically divided or virtually divided by virtualized vEPC (virtual EPC). Also good. The EPC network (vEPC) 1-1 (25A-1) is a carrier X, and the EPC network (vEPC) 1-2 (25A-2) is a network of MVNO carrier Z. The database (DB1) 23A holds a correspondence relationship between the EPC network including the MVNO carrier and the terminal identification information.

FIG. 11B is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information held in the database (DB1) 23A. In the example of FIG.
The transfer destination of the packet from the subscriber terminal A of the MNO carrier X is transferred to the EPC 1-1 in the EPC network 1 (20A) of the MNO carrier X.
The transfer destination of the packet from the subscriber terminal B of the MVNO carrier Z is the EPC 1-2 in the EPC network 1 (20A) of the MVNO carrier Z,
-The packet destination from the subscriber terminal C of the MNO carrier Y is the EPC network 2 of the MNO carrier Y (MNO carrier Y)
Is stored in a table format.

As in the second embodiment, the control device 24A of the EPC network 1 (20A) uses the EPC network from the terminal via the base station 10A based on the correspondence between the terminal identification information (for example, IMSI) in the database 23A and the EPC network. When the distribution destination of the packet transferred to 1 (20A) is the EPC network 2 (20B), the packet is sent back to the base station 10A, and the packet is transferred from the base station 10A to the EPC network 2 (20B). .

The control device 24A controls to transfer the packet received from the terminal to the corresponding EPC network C when the transfer destination is the EPC network 1-1 or EPC network 1-2.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to distribute packets to a network in which MVNO and MNO are mixed. The EPCs 1-1 and 1-2 may all be MVNO carrier networks. Further, the EPC network 2 (20B) may be a network dedicated to the MNO carrier Y, or may be configured to share the network with the MVNO carrier, like the EPC network 1 (20A).

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment corresponding to FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, distribution devices 12C and 12D described with reference to FIG. 4 are provided between base stations 10C and 10D and EPC network 1 (20A) and EPC network 2 (20B). The distribution devices 12C and 12D receive the packets transferred from the base stations 10C and 10D (packets from the terminals 1A and 1B), determine the distribution destination EPC network corresponding to the packets, Transfer to the destination EPC network. For example, the base station 10C transmits a packet from the terminal 1A to, for example, the EPC core network 1 (20A), which is the main EPC network, and the distribution device 12C captures the packet and distributes the packet. Is the EPC core network 2 (20B), the destination information in the header of the packet (frame) is rewritten and the path is switched so that the packet is transferred to the entry node of the EPC core network 2 (20B). When the distribution destination of the packet is the EPC core network 1 (20A), the distribution device 12C transfers the packet as it is to the EPC core network 1 (20A).

According to this embodiment, an existing base station can be used as it is as a base station.

In the above embodiment, the virtualization of the base station is not particularly described. However, in the common infrastructure 11 of FIG. 1, the functions and processes of a plurality of base stations may be virtualized by software processing. Of course.

In addition, each disclosure of the above non-patent literature shall be incorporated into this book with reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. Various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention. . That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea.

Although not particularly limited, the above-described embodiment is appended as follows.

(Appendix 1)
At least one base station;
A first core network and a second core network sharing the at least one base station;
A distribution means (device);
With
The sorting means (device) is:
Means (receiver) for receiving packets from the terminal;
Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means (control unit) for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
Means for transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination (transmission unit);
A communication system comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The sorting means (device) is
A storage unit that stores the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network;
Means (unit) for analyzing the packet received from the terminal and extracting identification information of the terminal;
With
The control means (control unit) searches the storage unit based on the identification information of the terminal, and the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network. The communication system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the communication system is specified.

(Appendix 3)
The distribution means (apparatus) specifies whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network during the attach process of the terminal,
The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising means (unit) for setting the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal and a core network that is a transfer destination of the packet from the terminal in the storage unit.

(Appendix 4)
The communication system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the distribution unit (apparatus) is provided in the base station or in a node between the core network and the base station. .

(Appendix 5)
At least the first core network is
A storage unit for storing identification information of the terminal;
A control device;
With
The controller is
For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether or not the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether
When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network,
If the packet from the terminal is not a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is sent back to the base station, and the second core network corresponding to the packet from the terminal Alternatively, the communication system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the communication is instructed to be transferred to another core network.

(Appendix 6)
The communication according to appendix 5, wherein the base station that has received the packet return from the control device forwards the next packet from the terminal to the second or other core network. system.

(Appendix 7)
At least the first core network is
A storage unit for storing identification information of the terminal;
A control device;
With
The controller is
For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether or not the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether
When the packet from the terminal is not a packet having the first core network as a transfer destination, the packet from the terminal is transferred to the second core network that is the transfer destination or another packet to the base station. Instructed to transfer to the core network,
Note that when the packet from the terminal is a packet whose destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is forwarded to a subsequent node in the first core network. The communication system according to any one of 1 to 4.

(Appendix 8)
Any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the first core network and the second core network includes a network of a virtual communication carrier (MVNO carrier) as at least a part of the core network. The communication system according to one.

(Appendix 9)
Sharing at least one base station in the first and second core networks;
Receiving a packet from a terminal, and identifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network based on the terminal information of the terminal;
The communication method, comprising: transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination.

(Appendix 10)
From the header of the packet received from the terminal, extract the identification information of the terminal,
Based on the identification information of the terminal, a storage unit that stores the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the packet transfer destination from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network 10. The communication method according to appendix 9, wherein the communication is performed to identify whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network.

(Appendix 11)
During the attach process of the terminal, it is specified whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, the identification information of the terminal, and the packet from the terminal The communication method according to appendix 10, wherein correspondence with a core network of a transfer destination is set in the storage unit.

(Appendix 12)
The communication method according to any one of appendices 9 to 11, wherein the distribution is performed at the base station or a node between the core network and the base station.

(Appendix 13)
In the first core network,
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information of the terminal whose distribution destination is the first core network;
The first core network refers to the storage unit for the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, and the packet transfers the first core network. Determine whether the packet is the destination packet,
When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network,
When the packet from the terminal is not a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is sent back to the base station, and the second or other corresponding to the packet from the terminal The communication method according to any one of appendices 9 to 12, wherein an instruction is given to transfer the data to the core network.

(Appendix 14)
14. The communication method according to appendix 13, wherein the base station that has received the packet return transfers the next packet from the terminal to the second or another core network.

(Appendix 15)
In the first core network,
A storage unit for storing terminal identification information of the terminal whose distribution destination is the first core network;
The first core network is:
For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether or not
When the packet from the terminal is not a packet having the first core network as a transfer destination, the packet from the terminal is transferred to the second core network that is the transfer destination or another packet to the base station. Instructed to transfer to the core network,
Note that when the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network. The communication method according to any one of 9 to 12.

(Appendix 16)
Any one of appendices 9 to 15, wherein at least one of the first core network and the second core network includes a network of a virtual communication carrier (MVNO carrier) as at least a part of the core network. The communication method according to 1.

(Appendix 17)
Means (sorting unit) for sorting packets from the terminal to either the first core network or the second core network sharing at least one base station;
The means (sorting unit)
Means (receiver) for receiving a packet from the terminal;
Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means (control unit) for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network;
Means (transmitter) for transmitting the packet from the terminal to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination;
A sorting device characterized by comprising:

(Appendix 18)
A storage unit for storing the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the packet transfer destination from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network;
The control means extracts the identification information of the terminal from the header of the packet received from the terminal, searches the storage unit based on the identification information of the terminal, and forwards the packet received from the terminal 18. The distribution device according to appendix 17, wherein the distribution device identifies whether it is the first core network or the second core network.

(Appendix 19)
When the terminal establishes a connection with the base station, it specifies whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, and the terminal identification information The allocation device according to appendix 18, wherein a correspondence with a core network that is a transfer destination of a packet from the terminal is set in the storage unit.

(Appendix 20)
The distribution device according to any one of appendices 17 to 19,
A distribution device, which is arranged in either the base station or a node between the core network and the base station.

(Appendix 21)
As a process of distributing the packet from the terminal to either the first core network or the second core network sharing at least one base station,
Processing to receive a packet from the terminal;
Based on the terminal information of the terminal, a process of specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
A process of transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

(Appendix 22)
During the attach process of the terminal, it is specified whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, the identification information of the terminal, and the packet from the terminal The program according to appendix 21, which causes the computer to execute processing for setting the correspondence with the core network of the transfer destination in the storage unit.

(Appendix 23)
A base station apparatus shared by at least the first core network and the second core network,
A distribution unit (distribution device) that distributes packets from the terminal to at least one of the first core network and the second core network;
The sorting means (sorting device)
Means (receiver) for receiving a packet from the terminal;
Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means (control unit) for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
And a means for transmitting the packet from the terminal to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination.

1A, 1B Terminals 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 110A, 110B Base station 11 Common infrastructure 12, 12C, 12D, 103 Distribution device 20A EPC network 1
20B EPC network 2
21A, 21B Ingress node 22A, 22B Egress node 23A, 23B Database 23A-1, 23B-1 First database 23A-2, 23B-2 Second database 24A, 24B Controller 25A-1 ECP1-1
25A-2 ECP1-2
30 Internet 101-1 and 101-2 Transceiver 102, 102-1 and 102-2 Signal processor 104 Multiplexer 105-1 and 105-2 Antenna 111A and 111B Antenna 112 Mast tower 113A and 113B Antenna feeder line 120 Receiver 121 Control unit 122 Processing unit 123 Storage unit 124 Analysis unit

Claims (23)

1. At least one base station;
   A first core network and a second core network sharing the at least one base station;
   Sorting means,
   With
   The sorting means is
   Means for receiving packets from the terminal;
   Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
   Means for transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination;
   A communication system comprising:
2. The sorting means is
   A storage unit that stores the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network;
   Means for analyzing the packet received from the terminal and extracting identification information of the terminal;
   With
   The control unit searches the storage unit based on the identification information of the terminal and specifies whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network. The communication system according to claim 1.
3. The distribution unit specifies whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network during the attach process of the terminal,
   The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising means for setting, in the storage unit, correspondence between identification information of the terminal and a core network that is a transfer destination of a packet from the terminal.
4. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution unit is provided in the base station or in a node between the core network and the base station.
5. At least the first core network is
   A storage unit for storing identification information of the terminal;
   A control device;
   With
   The controller is
   For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether or not the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether
   When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network,
   If the packet from the terminal is not a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is sent back to the base station, and the second core network corresponding to the packet from the terminal 5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system instructs to transfer to another core network. 6.
6. 6. The base station that has received a return of the packet from the control device forwards the subsequent packet of the packet from the terminal to the second or other core network. Communications system.
7. At least the first core network is
   A storage unit for storing identification information of the terminal;
   A control device;
   With
   The controller is
   For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether or not the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether
   When the packet from the terminal is not a packet having the first core network as a transfer destination, the packet from the terminal is transferred to the second core network that is the transfer destination or another packet to the base station. Instructed to transfer to the core network,
   When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network. Item 5. The communication system according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
8. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first core network and the second core network includes a network of a virtual communication carrier (MVNO carrier) as at least a part of the core network. The communication system according to claim 1.
9. Sharing at least one base station between the first core network and the second core network;
   Receiving a packet from a terminal, and identifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network based on the terminal information of the terminal;
   The communication method, comprising: transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination.
10. From the header of the packet received from the terminal, extract the identification information of the terminal,
    Based on the identification information of the terminal, a storage unit that stores the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the packet transfer destination from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network The communication method according to claim 9, further comprising: searching to identify whether a transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network.
11. During the attach process of the terminal, it is specified whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, the identification information of the terminal, and the packet from the terminal The communication method according to claim 10, wherein correspondence with a transfer destination core network is set in the storage unit.
12. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the distribution is performed at the base station or a node between the core network and the base station.
13. In the first core network,
    A storage unit for storing terminal identification information of the terminal whose distribution destination is the first core network;
    The first core network is:
    For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether or not the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether
    When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network,
    When the packet from the terminal is not a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is sent back to the base station, and the second or other corresponding to the packet from the terminal The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an instruction is given to transfer to the core network.
14. 14. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein the base station that has received the packet returns forwards the next packet from the terminal to the second or other core network.
15. In the first core network,
    A storage unit for storing terminal identification information of the terminal whose distribution destination is the first core network;
    The first core network is:
    For the packet from the terminal transferred from the base station to the first core network, whether the packet is a packet whose destination is the first core network with reference to the storage unit Determine whether or not
    When the packet from the terminal is not a packet having the first core network as a transfer destination, the packet from the terminal is transferred to the second core network that is the transfer destination or another packet to the base station. Instructed to transfer to the core network,
    When the packet from the terminal is a packet whose transfer destination is the first core network, the packet from the terminal is transferred to a subsequent node in the first core network. Item 13. The communication method according to any one of Items 9 to 12.
16. 16. At least one of the first core network and the second core network includes a network of a virtual communication carrier (MVNO carrier) at least in a part of the core network. The communication method according to claim 1.
17. Means for distributing a packet from a terminal to either the first core network or the second core network sharing at least one base station;
    Said means is
    Means for receiving a packet from the terminal;
    Control means for identifying whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network based on the terminal information of the terminal;
    Means for transmitting the packet from the terminal to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination;
    A sorting device characterized by comprising:
18. A storage unit for storing the identification information of the terminal in association with whether the packet transfer destination from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network;
    The control means extracts the identification information of the terminal from the header of the packet received from the terminal, searches the storage unit based on the identification information of the terminal, and forwards the packet received from the terminal 18. The distribution device according to claim 17, wherein the distribution device specifies whether the network is the first core network or the second core network.
19. When the terminal establishes a connection with the base station, it specifies whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, and the terminal identification information 19. The distribution apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a correspondence with a core network that is a transfer destination of a packet from the terminal is set in the storage unit.
20. The distribution device according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
    A distribution device, which is arranged in either the base station or a node between the core network and the base station.
21. As a process of distributing the packet from the terminal to either the first core network or the second core network sharing at least one base station,
    Processing to receive a packet from the terminal;
    Based on the terminal information of the terminal, a process of specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
    A process of transmitting the packet to the first core network or the second core network identified as a transfer destination;
    A program that causes a computer to execute.
22. During the attach process of the terminal, it is specified whether the transfer destination of the packet from the terminal is the first core network or the second core network, the identification information of the terminal, and the packet from the terminal The program according to claim 21, which causes the computer to execute a process of setting a correspondence with a transfer destination core network in the storage unit.
23. A base station apparatus shared by at least the first core network and the second core network,
    A distribution unit that distributes a packet from a terminal to at least one of the first core network and the second core network;
    The sorting means is
    Means for receiving a packet from the terminal;
    Based on terminal information of the terminal, control means for specifying whether the transfer destination of the packet is the first core network or the second core network;
    And a means for transmitting the packet from the terminal to the first core network or the second core network specified as a transfer destination.

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