CN112189349A

CN112189349A - Wireless access network

Info

Publication number: CN112189349A
Application number: CN201880093708.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安川真平; 工藤理一; 丸小伦己
Original assignee: NTT Korea Co Ltd
Current assignee: NTT Korea Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-31
Filing date: 2018-05-31
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-31
Also published as: WO2019229940A1; CN112189349B

Abstract

The radio access network (200) receives an uplink signal from the UE (100). The radio access network (200) acquires the UE identifier and cell information for specifying the cell (203) that has received the uplink signal, based on the association between the transmission parameter of the uplink signal and the UE identifier. The radio access network (200) transmits the UE device identifier and the cell information acquired by the radio access network (200) to the core network (300).

Description

Wireless access network

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a radio access network in an information distribution system that distributes information using a mobile communication network.

Background

As a System for providing traffic Information to vehicles, there is known a Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS: registered trademark of the road traffic Information Communication System center of the corporate law). In the VICS, traffic information is provided to VICS-compliant terminals mounted on vehicles by using beacons (beacons) or FM multiplex broadcasts (FM multiplex broadcasts).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-117398

Disclosure of Invention

On the other hand, the following system was studied: traffic information is distributed to user apparatuses installed in vehicles in a fixed area (hereinafter, referred to as a distribution area) by using a mobile communication network.

However, in the case where the user equipment is in an IDLE state (IDLE state), the mobile communication network can grasp the location of the user equipment only in units of location registration areas. Since the location registration area is set to a size of a unit of county in which a plurality of cells are grouped, the distribution area of the traffic information is generally smaller than the location registration area.

Therefore, the mobile communication network cannot recognize whether or not the user device in the IDLE state (IDLE state) residing in the location registration area is in the distribution area of the traffic information. In order to identify the location of a user equipment in more detail, the mobile communication network needs to set a user equipment in an IDLE state (IDLE state) residing in a location registration area to a CONNECTED state (CONNECTED state) to grasp a cell to which the user equipment belongs.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a radio access network configured to enable a mobile communication network to grasp the location of a user apparatus in units of an area smaller than a location registration area and to transmit a distribution message of traffic information or the like to a user apparatus residing in a distribution area as a distribution target even when the user apparatus is in an IDLE state (IDLE state).

A radio access network (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a reception unit (211) that receives an uplink signal from a user device (100); a control unit (215) that acquires the user equipment identifier and cell information that specifies a cell that has received the uplink signal, based on the association between the transmission parameter of the uplink signal and the user equipment identifier; and a transmission unit (213) that transmits the user equipment identifier and the cell information acquired by the control unit (215) to a core network (300).

Effects of the invention

Even if the user apparatus is in an IDLE state (IDLE state), the mobile communication network can grasp the position of the user apparatus in units of an area smaller than the position registration area, and transmit a distribution message such as traffic information to the user apparatus residing in the distribution area as a distribution target.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire information distribution system 10.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a radio access network 200.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the association of a UE identifier with transmission parameters.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the association of area information, UE identifiers, and transmission parameters.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an uplink signal including a UE identifier.

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the core network 300.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of information acquisition processing performed by radio access network 200.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 1).

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 2).

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 3).

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 4).

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 1).

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 2).

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 3).

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the sequence of the position determination process of the UE100 (operation example 4).

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an information distribution processing sequence.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing association of a distribution area with a cell.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a modification of the information distribution processing sequence.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of radio access network 200 and core network 300.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are given to the same functions and structures, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

(1) General overall structure of information distribution system

Fig. 1 is an overall schematic configuration of an information distribution system 10 according to an embodiment. The information distribution system 10 includes a wireless communication system 20, an external network 30, and a distribution server 40.

The Radio communication system 20 is a mobile communication system according to New Radio (NR) of 5G, and includes a user equipment 100 (hereinafter, referred to as UE100), a Radio access network 200, and a core network 300. The wireless communication system 20 may be a mobile communication system based on Long Term Evolution (LTE). The wireless communication system 20 is connected to the distribution server 40 via the external network 30.

The distribution server 40 is a traffic information distribution server that distributes traffic information such as congestion information, accident information, and safe operation support information. The distribution server 40 transmits a distribution message to the UE100 as a distribution target residing in the distribution area using the wireless communication system 20. In addition, the distribution server 40 may be directly connected to the core network 300.

The UE100 is a UE mounted on a vehicle or a UE of a user who is riding in the vehicle. The UE100 performs wireless communication in accordance with NR specified as 5G with the radio access network 200 and the core network 300. In addition, in the case where the wireless communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, wireless communication compliant with LTE is performed between the UE100 and the radio access network 200 and the core network 300. The UE100 resides in the distribution area and receives a distribution message from the distribution server 40 by accessing the radio access network 200.

The radio access network 200 is an NG-RAN defined as 5G, and is configured by a radio access network apparatus 201 (e.g., a gNB) and the like that performs radio communication with the UE 100. In addition, when the Radio communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, the Radio Access Network 200 is an Evolved Universal Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) specified in 3 GPP. In this case, the radio access network 200 is configured by a radio access network device (e.g., eNodeB) or the like that performs radio communication with the UE 100. The radio access network apparatus 201 forms 1 or more cells 203. In fig. 1, only the radio access network device 201 is shown, but the radio access network 200 includes a plurality of radio access network devices, and each radio access network device forms 1 or more cells. The radio access network 200 is connected to a core network 300.

The core network 300 is connected to the distribution server 40 via the external network 30. The core network 300 is a core network specified as 5G, and is configured by a core network device 301 and the like. Core network device 301 is separated into, for example, a U-plane function group and a C-plane function group, and is configured by a plurality of nodes. The U-Plane Function group has User Plane Functions (UPF) providing functions dedicated to U-Plane processing. The C-plane Function group is separated into an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF). The AMF performs mobility management, and the SMF performs session management. The C-plane Function group includes Unified Data Management (UDM), Authentication server Function (AUSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), and the like. The UDM holds subscriber information and manages subscription information, authentication information, and belonging information of a user. AUSF performs authentication processing. The PCF performs Quality of Service (QoS) control and charging for user data forwarding.

In addition, when the wireless communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, the Core network 300 is an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) specified in 3 GPP. In this case, the core Network device 301 is configured by a plurality of nodes such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and the like. The MME performs mobility management and session management. And the S-GW forwards the user data. The P-GW performs allocation of an IP address, forwarding of packets to the S-GW, and the like. The HSS holds subscriber information, and manages subscription information, authentication information, and belonging information of a user. The PCRF controls QoS and charging for user data forwarding.

(2) Function block structure of information distribution system

Next, a functional block configuration of the information distribution system 10 will be described. Specifically, the functional block structure of the radio access network 200 and the functional block structure of the core network 300 will be described. The hardware structure of the radio access network 200 and the core network 300 will be described later.

In addition, each function of the radio access network 200 is realized by a device or a combination of a plurality of devices within the radio access network 200. Likewise, the functions of the core network 300 are performed by a device or a combination of devices within the core network 300.

In the following, only the portions related to the features in the present embodiment will be described. Thus, the network of course has other functional blocks not directly associated with the features in the present embodiment.

(2.1) radio Access network 200

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a radio access network 200. As shown in fig. 2, the radio access network 200 includes a receiving unit 211, a transmitting unit 213, and a control unit 215. The reception unit 211 receives an uplink signal from the UE 100. The control unit 215 acquires the UE identifier and cell information for specifying the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal, based on the association between the transmission parameter of the uplink signal and the UE identifier. The transmitter 213 transmits the UE identifier and the cell information acquired by the controller 215 to the core network 300.

Here, the uplink signal is a random access preamble, and the transmission parameter includes at least one of a time and frequency resource allocated to transmission of the random access preamble and a random access preamble sequence for transmission of the random access preamble.

The reception unit 211, the transmission unit 213, and the control unit 215 operate as follows: that is, (1) the control unit 215 detects the reception level of the uplink signal received by the reception unit 211, and the transmission unit 213 transmits the reception level detected by the control unit 215 to the core network 300; (2) a configuration in which the reception unit 211 receives an uplink signal to be monitored from the core network 300, and the control unit 215 receives the uplink signal to be monitored from the UE100 through the reception unit 211 according to the configuration; (3) the receiving unit 211 receives, from the core network 300, the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter, which is set for each predetermined area, and the control unit 215 acquires the UE identifier based on the association from the area where the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal is located.

As shown in fig. 2, the receiving unit 211 and the transmitting unit 213 are constituted by a wireless communication unit 220. The control unit 215 is composed of a storage unit 230, a signal processing unit 240, a cell processing unit 250, and an information processing unit 260.

The wireless communication unit 220 performs wireless communication according to NR specified as 5G. Specifically, the radio communication unit 220 transmits or receives radio signals according to NR to and from the UE100 and the core network 300. In addition, when the radio communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, the radio communication unit 220 executes radio communication compliant with LTE. The storage unit 230 stores various information.

When the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter, which will be described later, is shared between the radio access network 200 and the UE100, the storage unit 230 stores the association. Fig. 3 illustrates the association of a UE identifier with transmission parameters.

The UE identifier is generated from an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is an inherent number assigned to the UE 100. The IMSI is stored in a SIM card or the like of the UE100 when the UE is shipped. The UE identifier is generated from the IMSI and is therefore an identifier unique to the UE 100. The transmission parameters are radio resources (time and frequency resources) and signal sequences for transmission of an uplink signal that can identify a UE identifier, and that ensure the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state). The transmission parameter is either one of a radio resource and a signal sequence.

For example, when the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier is a Random Access preamble, the radio resource is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) resource, and the signal sequence is a Random Access preamble sequence. The uplink Signal that can identify the UE identifier may be a Reference Signal such as a Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS). In fig. 3, a time and frequency resource (t) is associated with the UE identifier 001₀₀₁,f₀₀₁) And a signal sequence S₀₀₁. Likewise, for UE identifier 002, time and frequency resources (t) are associated₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂For the UE identifier 003, a time and frequency resource (t) is associated₀₀₃,f₀₀₃) And a signal sequence S₀₀₃。

In addition, when a function or a generation rule associating a UE identifier with a transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is shared between the radio access network 200 and the UE100, the storage unit 230 may store the function or the generation rule as the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter, instead of the list format shown in fig. 3.

When the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier is a random access preamble, if the transmission timing of the random access preamble that can identify the UE identifier overlaps with the transmission timing of the conventional random access preamble, the conventional random access preamble is prioritized. Instead, the random access preamble that can identify the UE identifier may be transmitted by a process (process) separate from the conventional random access channel. Specifically, the radio access network 200 sets a dedicated radio resource so as to distinguish a random access channel for transmission of a random access preamble, which can identify a UE identifier, from a conventional random access channel.

The UE100 may not monitor for a random access response (response) after transmitting the random access preamble that can identify the UE identifier. On the other hand, when the UE100 monitors the random access response, the radio access network 200 includes the acquired UE identifier in a reservation bit (reserved bit of the MAC header) or the like of the random access response. When the UE100 receives the random access response from the radio access network 200, it is determined whether the UE identifier included in the random access response coincides with the UE identifier of the UE 100. When the UE identifier included in the random access response matches the UE identifier of the UE100, the UE100 determines that the random access response is detected. On the other hand, when the UE identifier included in the random access response does not coincide with the UE identifier of the UE100 or when the random access response is not detected within a predetermined period, a random access preamble capable of identifying the UE identifier is transmitted to the radio access network 200 through the next transmission opportunity.

When the radio access network 200 receives a monitoring target configuration, which will be described later, from the core network 300, the storage unit 230 stores the configuration. The monitoring target configuration indicates a configuration of an uplink signal that can be monitored by the radio access network 200 and that can identify the UE identifier. Specifically, the monitoring target configuration indicates a configuration for ensuring a radio resource to be actually monitored by the radio access network 200, among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting an uplink signal capable of identifying a UE identifier, of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state). The core network 300 can specify a configuration of radio resources to be actually monitored to the radio access network 200 in advance using the configuration to be monitored.

When the area setting information described later is shared between the radio access network 200 and the UE100, the storage unit 230 stores the area setting information. Fig. 4 shows the association of the area information, the UE identifier, and the transmission parameters in the area setting information. The area setting information shows, for example, association between a UE identifier and a transmission parameter, which is set in units of cells, in units of a cell group including a plurality of cells, in units of a location registration area, or in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude. In the area setting information, the transmission parameters associated with the UE identifiers in the same area are different between the UE identifiers. In addition, between different regions, a transmission parameter associated with a UE identifier of one region may be associated with a UE identifier of another region.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 4, in the Area₁In (2), a time and frequency resource (t) is associated with the UE identifier 001₀₀₁,f₀₀₁) And a signal sequence S₀₀₁. Likewise, in the Area₁In (2), time and frequency resources (t) are associated with the UE identifier 002₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂For the UE identifier 003, a time and frequency resource (t) is associated₀₀₃,f₀₀₃) And a signal sequence S₀₀₃. In addition, in the Area₂For UE identifier 011, time and frequency resources (t) are associated₀₀₁,f₀₀₁) And a signal sequence S₀₀₁. Likewise, in the Area₂In (2), a time and frequency resource (t) is associated with the UE identifier 012₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂For the UE identifier 013, time and frequency resources (t) are associated₀₀₃,f₀₀₃) And a signal sequence S₀₀₃. Thereby, in the Area₁Or Area₂Within, the transmission parameters associated with the UE identifiers differ between the UE identifiers. In additionOn the one hand, with the Area₁Time and frequency resources (t) associated with UE identifier 001 of₀₀₁,f₀₀₁) And a signal sequence S₀₀₁Also with the Area₂Is 011 associated.

In addition, when the function or the generation rule associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is shared between the radio access network 200 and the UE100, the storage unit 230 may store the function or the generation rule as the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter for each set area, instead of the table format shown in fig. 4.

As described below, the signal processing unit 240 receives the uplink signal via the radio communication unit 220 by securing one of the radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmission of the uplink signal in which the UE identifier can be identified in the cell 203. When the storage unit 230 stores the monitoring target configuration, the signal processing unit 240 refers to the monitoring target configuration, determines a radio resource to be actually monitored among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmission of an uplink signal in which a UE identifier can be identified, and monitors reception of the uplink signal.

Upon receiving the uplink signal, the signal processing unit 240 acquires the transmission parameter of the uplink signal based on the radio resource for transmission of the uplink signal. When the signal processing unit 240 acquires the transmission parameter, the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter is acquired with reference to the association stored in the storage unit 230. When the storage unit 230 stores a function or a generation rule that associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship, the signal processing unit 240 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

For example, when the association shown in fig. 3 is stored in the storage unit 230, the signal processing unit 240 acquires the time and frequency resources (t)₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂For the transmission parameter, the time and frequency resources (t) are acquired with reference to the association shown in fig. 3₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂The associated UE identifier 002.

When the storage unit 230 stores the area setting information, the signal processing unit 240 specifies an area in which the cell 203 is located among the areas set by the area setting information, using the cell ID of the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, or the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, and refers to the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in the specified area. When the area setting information indicates the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude, the signal processing section 240 determines an area where the cell 203 is located among the areas set by the area setting information using the longitude and latitude of the place where the cell 203 that received the uplink signal is located, and refers to the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in the determined area.

For example, when the storage unit 230 stores the association shown in fig. 4, the signal processing unit 240 acquires the time and frequency resources (t)₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂As a transmission parameter, and as an Area where the cell 203 is located, Area is determined₁Referring to the association of FIG. 4, in the Area₁In the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter, the time and frequency resources (t) are acquired₀₀₂,f₀₀₂) And a signal sequence S₀₀₂The associated UE identifier 002.

When the UE identifier is acquired, the signal processing unit 240 transmits the acquired UE identifier to the information processing unit 260. When the storage unit 230 does not store the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter, the signal processing unit 240 transmits the acquired transmission parameter to the information processing unit 260.

As shown in fig. 5, when the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier includes a UE identifier field (field) F2 in addition to the signal sequence field F1, the signal processor 240 may directly acquire the UE identifier set in the UE identifier field F2 from the uplink signal. In this case, the signal processor 240 may not acquire the UE identifier from the uplink signal, but may directly transmit the content of the UE identifier field F2 in the uplink signal to the information processor 260.

When the signal processing unit 240 receives an uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier, it can acquire the reception level of the uplink signal and transmit the acquired reception level to the information processing unit 260.

As described below, when the cell processing unit 250 is notified from the signal processing unit 240 that "in the cell 203, the uplink signal is received via the radio communication unit 220 by securing one of the radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmission of the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier", the cell processing unit obtains the cell information that identifies the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal. When the cell information is acquired, the cell processing unit 250 transmits the acquired cell information to the information processing unit 260.

When the information processing part 260 receives the UE identifier from the signal processing part 240 and the cell information from the cell processing part 250, the UE identifier is associated with the cell information and transmitted to the core network 300. When the information processing part 260 receives the transmission parameter from the signal processing part 240 instead of the UE identifier, the transmission parameter is associated with the cell information and transmitted to the core network 300. When the information processing part 260 receives the content of the UE identifier field F2 from the signal processing part 240 instead of the UE identifier, the content of the UE identifier field F2 is associated with the cell information and transmitted to the core network 300. When the information processing part 260 receives the UE identifier and the reception level from the signal processing part 240 and the cell information from the cell processing part 250, the UE identifier, the reception level, and the cell information are associated and transmitted to the core network 300.

(2.2) core network 300

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the core network device 301. As shown in fig. 6, the core network device 301 includes a reception unit 311, a transmission unit 313, and a control unit 315. Specifically, the receiving unit 311 and the transmitting unit 313 are constituted by a session communication unit 320 and a network communication unit 330. The control unit 315 includes a storage unit 340, a setting unit 350, a signal processing unit 360, and an information processing unit 370.

The session communication section 320 performs wireless communication according to NR specified as 5G. Specifically, the session communication section 320 transmits or receives a radio signal by NR to or from the UE100 and the radio access network 200. The session communication unit 320 establishes a session necessary for communication with the UE100 via the radio access network 200, and executes communication via the session. In addition, when the wireless communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, the session communication unit 320 executes wireless communication compliant with LTE.

The network communication unit 330 performs wireless communication according to NR specified as 5G. Specifically, the network communication unit 330 transmits or receives a radio signal by NR to or from the external network 30. In addition, when the radio communication system 20 is a mobile communication system compliant with LTE, the network communication unit 330 executes radio communication compliant with LTE.

The storage unit 340 stores various kinds of information. The storage unit 340 stores, as order information, a UE100 that wishes to distribute traffic information. When the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter is shared between the core network 300 and the UE100, the storage section 340 stores the association. In addition, when a function or a generation rule associating a UE identifier with a transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is shared between the core network 300 and the UE100, the storage section 340 may store the function or the generation rule as an association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter, instead of the list form shown in fig. 3.

In the case where the core network 300 sets the UE identifier, the setting part 350 refers to the subscription information stored in the storage part 340, identifies the IMSI of the UE100, and sets the UE identifier according to the IMSI. The setting unit 350 notifies the UE100 of the set UE identifier in advance via the session communication unit 320. Further, instead of setting the UE identifier based on the IMSI, the setting unit 350 may temporarily set the UE identifier having a unique value for the UE100, and may notify the UE100 of the set UE identifier in advance.

When the core network 300 sets the configuration to be monitored, the setting unit 350 sets the configuration of the uplink signal that can be monitored by the radio access network 200 and that can identify the UE identifier. Specifically, in the monitoring target configuration, the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is set to secure a radio resource to be actually monitored by the radio access network 200, among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting an uplink signal capable of identifying a UE identifier. The setting unit 350 transmits the set configuration to be monitored to the radio access network 200 via the session communication unit 320.

When the core network 300 sets the area setting information, the setting unit 350 sets the area setting information by associating the area information, the UE identifier, and the transmission parameter. Specifically, the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter is set in the area setting information, for example, in units of cells, in units of a cell group including a plurality of cells, in units of a location registration area, or in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude. The setting unit 350 transmits the set area setting information to the UE100 and the radio access network 200 or to the UE100 via the session communication unit 320. In addition, when a function or a generation rule associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is shared between the core network 300 and the UE100, the setting section 350 sets the function or the generation rule as the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter for each set area, instead of the list format shown in fig. 4.

When the signal processing unit 360 receives the association between the cell information and the transmission parameter of the uplink signal in which the UE identifier can be identified from the radio access network 200 via the session communication unit 320, the signal processing unit refers to the association stored in the storage unit 340 to acquire the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter. When the storage unit 340 stores a function or a generation rule that associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship, the signal processing unit 360 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

When the storage unit 340 stores the area setting information, the signal processing unit 360 specifies an area where the cell 203 is located among the areas set by the area setting information, using the cell ID of the cell 203, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, or the location registration area ID including the location registration area of the cell 203, which are received from the radio access network 200, and refers to the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in the specified area. In the case where the area setting information indicates the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude, the signal processing section 360 determines the area where the cell 203 is located, among the areas set by the area setting information, using the longitude and latitude of the place where the cell 203 receives the uplink signal, and refers to the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in the determined area.

When the signal processor 360 receives the association between the content of the UE identifier field F2 and the cell information from the radio access network 200 via the session communicator 320, it acquires the UE identifier from the UE identifier field F2. When the signal processing unit 360 acquires the UE identifier, it transmits the association between the acquired UE identifier and the cell information to the information processing unit 370.

When the information processing unit 370 receives the association of the UE identifier and the cell information from the radio access network 200 via the session communication unit 320, it determines the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) on a cell-by-cell basis based on the association. That is, the information processing unit 370 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. When receiving the association between the UE identifier and the cell information from the signal processing unit 360, the information processing unit 370 similarly determines the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) on a cell-by-cell basis based on the association. The information processing unit 370 stores the determined position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in the storage unit 340.

When the information processing unit 370 receives the association of the UE identifier, the reception level, and the cell information from the radio access network 200 via the session communication unit 320, the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in units of cells is determined based on the association. That is, the information processing unit 370 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. The information processing unit 370 stores the determined position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in the storage unit 340. Further, when the information processing unit 370 recognizes that the same UE identifier is associated with a plurality of cell information based on the association, the reception level in each cell is determined. This enables the position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) to be grasped in more detail.

For example, when the information processing unit 370 recognizes that the same UE identifier is acquired in 2 cells, if the reception levels in the 2 cells are substantially the same, it can be estimated that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is located at the center of the area where the 2 cells overlap. When the information processing unit 370 recognizes that the same UE identifier is acquired in 2 cells, if the reception level in one cell is higher than that in the other cell, it can be estimated that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is located on the cell side of the one cell in the area where 2 cells overlap. Further, if the information processing unit 370 can recognize that the same UE identifier is acquired in a plurality of cells, the position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) can be estimated by the three-point measurement.

(3) Actions of information distribution system

Next, the operation of the information distribution system 10 will be described. Each process of the radio access network 200 is performed by a device or a combination of a plurality of devices in the radio access network 200. Likewise, each process of the core network 300 is performed by a device or a combination of devices within the core network 300.

(3.1) information acquisition processing

Fig. 7 shows a flow of information acquisition processing performed by the radio access network 200. As shown in fig. 7, the radio access network 200 secures one resource of radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmission of an uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier in the cell 203, and receives the uplink signal via the radio communication unit 220 (S10). When the radio access network 200 stores the monitoring target configuration, a radio resource to be actually monitored is determined among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting the uplink signal, which can identify the UE identifier, with reference to the monitoring target configuration, and the uplink signal is received.

When the radio access network 200 receives the uplink signal, it acquires the transmission parameters of the uplink signal based on the radio resource for transmission of the uplink signal (S20). When the radio access network 200 acquires the transmission parameters, the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameters is referred to, and the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameters is acquired (S30).

When a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is stored, the radio access network 200 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier. When the area setting information is stored, the radio access network 200 specifies an area where the cell 203 is located among the areas set by the area setting information, using the cell ID of the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the place where the cell 203 is located, and acquires the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter by referring to the association between the UE identifier in the specified area and the transmission parameter.

The radio access network 200 acquires cell information identifying the cell 203 that received the uplink signal (S40). In addition, the process of S40 is not limited to being performed after the processes of S20 and S30, and may be performed before the processes of S20 and S30, or simultaneously with the processes of S20 and S30.

The radio access network 200 associates the acquired UE identifier with the cell information and reports the acquired UE identifier to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S50). When the radio access network 200 receives the uplink signal in S20, it may acquire the reception level of the uplink signal, and in S50, the acquired UE identifier, reception level, and cell information may be associated with each other and reported to the core network 300 as acquisition information.

(3.1.1) operation example 1

Fig. 8 shows a sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 1. In the present operation example, the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter is shared in advance between the radio access network 200 and the UE 100. In addition, the radio access network 200 may share a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship with the UE100 in advance.

The UE100 generates a UE identifier from the IMSI, which is an inherent number uniquely assigned to the UE100 (S100). Instead of generating the UE identifier by itself, the UE100 may also receive, from the core network 300, a UE identifier set according to the IMSI of the UE100 or a UE identifier having a fixed value in the UE 100.

The UE100 determines a transmission parameter associated with the UE identifier of the UE100 with reference to the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter (S110). When a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is shared in advance between the radio access network and the UE 200, the function or the generation rule is applied to the UE identifier of the UE100 to generate the transmission parameter associated with the UE identifier in a one-to-one relationship.

The UE100 determines a transmission condition at a predetermined timing (S120). Specifically, the UE100 that has transitioned to the IDLE state (IDLE state) determines whether or not there is a transmission opportunity, based on the time resource for transmission of the uplink signal that can be identified by the UE identifier, among the determined transmission parameters. The following conditions may be added as the transmission conditions. The UE100 or the distribution server 40 requests the core network 300 for a transmission grant of an uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier, and the UE100 acquires the transmission grant from the core network 300 in advance. In the processing of S120, the UE100 determines whether or not a transmission permission of an uplink signal that enables identification of the UE identifier is acquired.

Here, synchronization between the UE100 in an IDLE state (IDLE state) and the radio access network 200 when transmitting an uplink signal capable of identifying a UE identifier is established using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time. For example, when the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier is a random access preamble, the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) transmits the random access preamble at a time when the timing of transmitting the random access preamble is shifted from a predetermined time by a predetermined time using the GNSS time.

Synchronization between the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) and the radio access network 200 may also be established using the reception timing of the downlink signal transmitted from the radio access network 200 instead of the GNSS time. Specifically, the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) establishes synchronization with the radio access network 200 in accordance with the time when the System Frame Number (SFN) broadcasted from the radio access network 200 is received. That is, when the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) receives a synchronization signal from the radio access network 200 and satisfies a transmission condition, an uplink signal capable of identifying a UE identifier is transmitted to the radio access network 200.

When the transmission condition is satisfied, the UE100 transmits an uplink signal capable of recognizing the UE identifier to the radio access network 200 (S130).

When the radio access network 200 receives an uplink signal from the UE100, the uplink signal being capable of identifying the UE identifier, the radio access network acquires transmission parameters of the uplink signal based on radio resources for transmission of the uplink signal (S140). When the radio access network 200 acquires the transmission parameter, the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter is acquired with reference to the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter (S150). Further, when a function or a generation rule that associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is stored, the radio access network 200 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

The radio access network 200 acquires cell information identifying the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier (S160). In addition, the process of S160 is not limited to be performed after the processes of S140 and S150, and may be performed before the processes of S140 and S150 or simultaneously with the processes of S140 and S150. The radio access network 200 associates the acquired UE identifier with the cell information and reports the acquired UE identifier to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S170).

When the core network 300 acquires the acquisition information from the radio access network 200, the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in cell units is specified based on the acquisition information (S180). That is, the core network 300 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. The core network 300 stores the determined location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

(3.1.2) operation example 2

Fig. 9 shows a sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 2. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the radio access network 200 acquires a reception level of an uplink signal that enables UE identifier identification. The processing of S200 to S250 in fig. 9 is the same as the processing of S100 to S150 in fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The radio access network 200 acquires the reception level of the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier (S260). In addition, the process of S260 is not limited to be performed after the processes of S240 and S250, and may be performed before the processes of S240 and S250, or simultaneously with the processes of S240 and S250.

The radio access network 200 acquires cell information identifying the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier (S270). The process of S270 is not limited to being performed after the processes of S240 and S250 and the process of S260, and may be performed before the processes of S240 and S250 and the process of S260, between the processes of S240 and S250 and the process of S260, or simultaneously with the processes of S240 and S250 and the process of S260. The radio access network 200 associates the acquired UE identifier, reception level, and cell information with each other and reports the association to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S280).

When the core network 300 acquires the acquisition information from the radio access network 200, the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in cell units is specified based on the acquisition information (S290). That is, the core network 300 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. When the core network 300 recognizes that the same UE identifier is associated with a plurality of cell information items from the acquisition information, the reception level in each cell is determined. This enables the position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) to be grasped in more detail. The core network 300 stores the determined location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

(3.1.3) operation example 3

Fig. 10 shows a sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 3. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the core network 300 sets a monitoring target configuration and notifies the radio access network 200 of the configuration. The processing of S320 to S350 in fig. 10 is the same as the processing of S100 to S130 in fig. 8, and the processing of S370 to S400 in fig. 10 is the same as the processing of S150 to S180 in fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The core network 300 sets the configuration of the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier to be monitored by the radio access network 200 as a monitoring target configuration (S300). Specifically, the core network 300 sets, as the configuration to be monitored, a configuration in which, of the radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting the uplink signal in which the UE identifier can be identified, the radio access network 200 is to be actually monitored, in the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state). The core network 300 transmits the monitoring target configuration to the radio access network 200 (S310).

The radio access network 200 refers to the structure to be monitored, determines a radio resource to be actually monitored among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting an uplink signal in which a UE identifier can be identified, and monitors reception of the uplink signal. When the radio access network 200 receives an uplink signal reception from the UE100, the uplink signal reception being able to identify the UE identifier, the radio access network acquires the transmission parameters of the uplink signal based on the radio resource for transmission of the uplink signal (S360).

(3.1.4) operation example 4

Fig. 11 shows a sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 4. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the core network 300 sets area configuration information and notifies the UE100 and the radio access network 200 of the information. The processing of S530, S550 to S570, and S590 to S610 of fig. 11 is the same as the processing of S100, S120 to S140, and S160 to S180 of fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The core network 300 associates the area information, the UE identifier, and the transmission parameter to set area setting information (S500). Specifically, the core network 300 associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter to set the area setting information, for example, in units of cells, in units of a cell group including a plurality of cells, in units of a location registration area, or in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude. Further, the core network 300 may set a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship as the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter for each area. The core network 300 transmits the area setting information to the radio access network 200 and the UE100 (S510 and S520).

The UE100 determines the area in which the UE100 is located using the cell ID of the cell 203, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the place in which the cell 203 is located. The UE100 determines a transmission parameter associated with the UE identifier of the UE100 with reference to the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in the determined area (S540). Further, when a function or a generation rule relating the UE identifier to the transmission parameters in a one-to-one relationship is set for each area in the area setting information, the UE100 applies the function or the generation rule in the determined area to the UE identifier of the UE100, and generates the transmission parameters relating to the UE identifier in a one-to-one relationship.

In addition, the UE100 may determine an area in which the UE100 is located using a cell ID of a cell of a preset frequency. Further, the core network apparatus 301 may notify the UE100 of the cell ID of the cell 203, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the place where the cell 203 is located, by broadcast information.

When the radio access network 200 acquires the transmission parameter of the uplink signal in which the UE identifier can be identified, the area in which the radio access network 200 is located is specified using the cell ID of the cell 203 that received the uplink signal, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the location in which the cell 203 is located. The radio access network 200 refers to the association between the UE identifier in the specified area and the transmission parameter in the area setting information, and acquires the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter (S580). Further, when a function or a generation rule relating the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is set for each area in the area setting information, the radio access network 200 applies the function or the generation rule in the specified area to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

(3.2) variation of information acquisition processing

Next, a modified example of the operation related to the information acquisition process performed by the radio access network 200 will be described. In the present modification, when the core network 300 stores the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter instead of the radio access network 200, or when the UE identifier is set in the UE identifier field F2 in which the uplink signal of the UE identifier can be identified as shown in fig. 5, the process of S30 in fig. 7 is omitted, and in S50, the radio access network 200 associates the transmission parameter with the cell information or associates the content of the UE identifier field F2 with the cell information and transmits the result to the core network 300.

(3.2.1) operation example 1

Fig. 12 shows a modification of the sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 1. In the present operation example, the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter is shared in advance between the core network 300 and the UE 100. In addition, the core network 300 may share a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship with the UE100 in advance. The processing of S1000 to S1050 in fig. 12 is the same as the processing of S100 to S140 and the processing of S160 in fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The radio access network 200 associates the acquired transmission parameters with the cell information and reports the acquired transmission parameters to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S1060). When the core network 300 acquires the acquisition information from the radio access network 200, the UE identifier associated with the acquired transmission parameter is acquired with reference to the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter (S1070). Further, when a function or a generation rule that associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is stored, the core network 300 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

When the UE identifier is set in the UE identifier field F2 of the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier shown in fig. 5, the radio access network 200 associates the content of the acquired UE identification field F2 with the cell information and reports the result to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S1060). When the acquisition information is acquired from the radio access network 200, the core network 300 directly acquires the UE identifier from the content of the UE identification field F2 (S1070).

The core network 300 determines the location of the UE100 in an IDLE state (IDLE state) in units of cells from the acquired UE identifier and cell information (S1080). That is, the core network 300 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. The core network 300 stores the determined location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

(3.2.2) operation example 2

Fig. 13 shows a modification of the sequence of the location determination process of the UE100 according to operation example 2. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the radio access network 200 acquires a reception level of an uplink signal that enables UE identifier identification. The processing of S1100 to S1140 in fig. 13 is the same as the processing of S1000 to S1040 in fig. 12, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The radio access network 200 acquires the reception level of the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier (S1150). The process of S1150 is not limited to being performed after the process of S1140, and may be performed before the process of S1140 or simultaneously with the process of S1140.

The radio access network 200 acquires cell information identifying the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal that can identify the UE identifier (S1160). The process of S1160 is not limited to being performed after the process of S1140 and the process of S1150, and may be performed before the process of S1140 and the process of S1150, between the process of S1140 and the process of S1150, or simultaneously with the process of S1140 and the process of S1150. The radio access network 200 associates the acquired transmission parameter, reception level, and cell information, and reports the association to the core network 300 as acquisition information (S1170).

When the core network 300 acquires the acquisition information from the radio access network 200, the UE identifier associated with the acquired transmission parameter is acquired with reference to the association between the UE identifier and the transmission parameter (S1180). Further, when a function or a generation rule that associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is stored, the core network 300 applies the function or the generation rule to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier. The core network 300 determines the location of the UE100 in an IDLE state (IDLE state) in units of cells based on the acquired UE identifier and cell information (S1190). That is, the core network 300 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. When the core network 300 recognizes that the same UE identifier is associated with a plurality of cell information items from the acquisition information, the reception level in each cell is determined. This enables the position of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) to be grasped in more detail. The core network 300 stores the determined location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

(3.2.3) operation example 3

Fig. 14 shows a modification of the sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 3. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the core network 300 sets a monitoring target configuration and notifies the radio access network 200 of the configuration. The processing of S1220 to S1250 in fig. 14 is the same as the processing of S1000 to S1030 in fig. 12, and the processing of S1270 to S1300 in fig. 14 is the same as the processing of S1050 to S1080 in fig. 12, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The core network 300 sets the configuration of the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier to be monitored by the radio access network 200 as a monitoring target configuration (S1200). Specifically, the core network 300 sets, as the configuration to be monitored, a configuration in which, of the radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting the uplink signal in which the UE identifier can be identified, the radio access network 200 is to be actually monitored, in the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state). The core network 300 transmits the monitoring target configuration to the radio access network 200 (S1210).

The radio access network 200 refers to the monitoring target configuration, identifies a radio resource to be actually monitored among radio resources (time and frequency resources) for transmitting an uplink signal in which a UE identifier can be identified, and monitors reception of the uplink signal. When the radio access network 200 receives an uplink signal from the UE100, the uplink signal being able to identify the UE identifier, the radio access network acquires transmission parameters of the uplink signal from the radio resource for transmission of the uplink signal (S1260).

(3.2.4) operation example 4

Fig. 15 shows a modification of the sequence of the location determination process of UE100 according to operation example 4. In this operation example, in addition to operation example 1, the core network 300 sets area setting information and notifies the UE100 of the area setting information. The processing of S1420, S1440 to S1480 in fig. 15 is the same as the processing of S1000, S1020 to S1060 in fig. 12, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The core network 300 associates the area information, the UE identifier, and the transmission parameter to set area setting information (S1400). Specifically, the core network 300 associates the UE identifier with the transmission parameter and sets the area setting information in units of cells, in units of a cell group including a plurality of cells, in units of a location registration area, or in units of a predetermined area defined by longitude and latitude, for example. Further, the core network 300 may set a function or a generation rule for associating the UE identifier with the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship as the association of the UE identifier with the transmission parameter for each area. The core network 300 transmits the area setting information to the UE100 (S1410).

The UE100 determines the area in which the UE100 is located using the cell ID of the cell 203, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the place in which the cell 203 is located. The UE100 determines a transmission parameter associated with the UE identifier of the UE100 with reference to the association of the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in the determined area (S1430). In addition, when a function or a generation rule relating the UE identifier to the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is set for each area in the area setting information, the UE100 may apply the function or the generation rule in the determined area to the UE identifier of the UE100 to generate the transmission parameter relating to the UE identifier in a one-to-one relationship.

In addition, the UE100 may determine the area in which the UE100 is located using the cell ID of the cell of the preset frequency. Further, the core network apparatus 301 notifies the UE100 of the cell ID of the cell 203, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the place where the cell 203 is located, by broadcast information.

When the core network 300 acquires the acquisition information from the radio access network 200, the cell ID of the cell 203 that has received the uplink signal capable of identifying the UE identifier, the cell group ID of the cell group including the cell 203, the location registration area ID of the location registration area including the cell 203, or the longitude and latitude of the location where the cell 203 is located are acquired using the cell information. The core network 300 determines the area in which the UE100 is located using the acquired cell ID, cell group ID, location registration area ID, or longitude and longitude of the place in which the cell 203 is located.

The core network 300 refers to the association between the UE identifier in the specified area and the transmission parameter in the area setting information, and acquires the UE identifier associated with the transmission parameter (S1490). In addition, when a function or a generation rule relating the UE identifier and the transmission parameter in a one-to-one relationship is set for each area in the area setting information, the core network 300 applies the function or the generation rule in the specified area to the acquired transmission parameter to acquire the UE identifier.

The core network 300 specifies the location of the UE100 in an IDLE state (IDLE state) in units of cells based on the acquired UE identifier and cell information (S1500). That is, the core network 300 recognizes that the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is camped on the cell 203. The core network 300 stores the determined location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

(3.3) information distribution processing

Fig. 16 shows an information distribution timing. The publication server 40 transmits (publishes registration) a publication message to the core network 300 via the external network 30 (S2000). When the core network 300 receives the publish message, the publish area of the publish message is acquired, and the UE as a publish target of the cell residing within the publish area is determined (S2010). When the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) is included in the UE to be delivered, the core network 300 transmits a paging signal to the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state), and causes the UE100 to transition to the CONNECTED state (CONNECTED state). The core network 300 transmits the distribution message to the determined UEs to be distributed, respectively, by downlink unicast (S2020).

(3.4) variation of information distribution processing

In the present modification, the core network 300 selects a cell to transmit a page based on the delivery area information registered together with the delivery message without determining the location of the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state).

Fig. 17 shows the association of a distribution area with a cell. The core network 300 stores in advance the association of the distribution area and the cell as shown in fig. 17. For example, the distribution Area_ACell including Cell₁、Cell₂、Cell₃Area of issue_BCell including Cell₄,Cell₅Area of issue_CCell including Cell₆、Cell₇、Cell₈. In addition, a plurality of distribution areas may include the same cell.

Fig. 18 shows a modification of the information distribution timing. The distribution server 40 transmits (distributes and registers) a distribution message to the core network 300 via the external network 30, and registers distribution area information (S2100). The distribution area information includes a distribution area where the distribution message is distributed. The core network 300 determines a cell included in the registered distribution area with reference to the association of the distribution area with the cell (S2110). For example, the registered distribution Area is distribution Area_AIn case that the core network 300 determines the distribution Area_ACell included in₁、Cell₂、Cell₃。

The core network 300 sequentially transmits paging signals from the determined cells for the UE100 in an IDLE state (IDLE state) located in the location registration area including the determined cells (S2120). The paging signal transmission order may be an order of UEs in which a cell last accessed by the UE in an IDLE state (IDLE state) is close to a distribution area. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the distribution delay due to the transmission of a plurality of paging signals, because the UE closer to the distribution area is in the CONNECTED state (CONNECTED state) earlier.

The UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) that has received the paging signal transmits a service request signal to the core network 300 (S2130). The core network 300 sets a radio bearer with the UE100 in the IDLE state (IDLE state) that has transmitted the service request signal (S2140), and specifies the UE100 to be distributed that is located in the distribution area. The core network 300 transmits the distribution message to the determined UEs to be distributed, respectively, by downlink unicast (S2150).

(4) Action and Effect

According to the above-described embodiment, even if the UE is in the IDLE state (IDLE state), the core network 300 can grasp the location of the UE on a cell-by-cell basis and transmit a distribution message such as traffic information to a user apparatus which is a distribution target and resides in a distribution area.

In particular, since the core network 300 can grasp the location of the UE on a cell-by-cell basis even when the UE is in an IDLE state (IDLE state), it is not necessary to set all UEs in the IDLE state (IDLE state) residing in the location registration area to a CONNECTED state (CONNECTED state) in order to identify the UE to be delivered residing in the delivery area at the time of delivery. Therefore, the issue delay of the issue message can be reduced.

The core network 300 receives the reception level of the uplink signal capable of specifying the UE identifier from the radio access network 200, and can grasp the location of the UE in the IDLE state (IDLE state) in more detail when the same UE identifier is associated with a plurality of cell information.

The core network 300 transmits the monitoring target configuration, thereby enabling the configuration of the radio resource to be actually monitored by the radio access network 200 to be dynamically changed. Therefore, the load on the radio access network 200 can be reduced compared to a case where the radio access network 200 monitors an uplink signal that can specify the UE identifier without receiving the monitoring target configuration. The radio access network 200 can perform control not to allocate a radio resource to be actually monitored to another signal.

The core network 300 sets the area setting information so that the transmission parameter associated with the UE identifier of one area can be associated with the UE identifier of another area between different areas. Therefore, as long as the uplink signals of the UE identifiers can be identified as being separated into regions that do not interfere with each other, the transmission parameters can be reused, and radio resources can be effectively used.

The core network 300 can limit the number of UEs that can transmit uplink signals that can recognize the UE identifier by giving the UE100 a transmission permission of uplink signals that can recognize the UE identifier in advance. This reduces the overhead of radio resources.

(5) Other embodiments

While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the distribution server 40 is not limited to a traffic information distribution server that distributes traffic information. The distribution server 40 may be any server that distributes a message, such as weather information, that is effective in a certain area.

In addition, the location of the UE is not limited to the unit of cell. The UE to be distributed included in a distribution area smaller than the location registration area may be grasped, and the location of the UE may be grasped in units of a cell group including a plurality of cells, for example.

The block diagrams (fig. 2 and 6) used in the description of the above-described embodiments show functional block diagrams. These functional blocks (structural parts) are realized by any combination of hardware and/or software. Note that means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be implemented by one apparatus which is physically and/or logically combined, or may be implemented by a plurality of apparatuses which are directly and/or indirectly (for example, by wired and/or wireless) connected with two or more apparatuses which are physically and/or logically separated.

The radio access network 200 and the core network 300 described above may function as computers that perform the information acquisition process, the location determination process, and the information distribution process of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of radio access network 200 and core network 300. As shown in fig. 19, radio access network 200 and core network 300 may be configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002(memory), a storage 1003(storage), a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

The functional blocks of the radio access network 200 and the core network 300 (see fig. 2 and 6) are implemented by any hardware element of the computer apparatus or a combination of the hardware elements.

The processor 1001 operates, for example, an operating system and controls the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU) including an interface with a peripheral device, a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, and the like.

The Memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be configured by at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Memory 1002 may also be referred to as registers, cache, main memory (primary storage), etc. The memory 1002 can store a program (program code), a software module, and the like that can execute the method according to the above-described embodiment.

The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be constituted by at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-rom (compact Disc rom), a hard disk drive, a Floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (for example, a compact Disc, a digital versatile Disc, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, a smart card, a flash memory (for example, a card, a stick, a Key drive), a Floppy (registered trademark) Disc, a magnetic stripe, and the like).

The communication device 1004 is hardware (a transmitting/receiving device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and/or wireless network, and may also be referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like.

The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a key, a sensor, and the like) that receives an input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, or the like) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrally formed (for example, a touch panel).

The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 are connected to each other via a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be constituted by a single bus or may be constituted by different buses between devices.

Note that the information notification is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be performed by other methods. For example, the notification of the Information may be implemented by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast Information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or a combination of these.

The input or output information and the like may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed in a management table. The input or output information may be overwritten, updated or appended, etc. The output information may be deleted. The entered information may also be transmitted to other devices, etc.

The sequence, flow, and the like in the above-described embodiments can be changed without contradiction.

In the above-described embodiment, the specific operation performed by the radio access network 200 and the core network 300 may be performed by the radio access network apparatus 201 and the core network apparatus 301, or may be performed by another network node (apparatus). Furthermore, the functionality of the radio access network 200 and the core network 300 may be provided by a combination of a plurality of other network nodes.

Further, terms described in the present specification and/or terms necessary for understanding the present specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, a channel and/or symbol (symbol) may be a signal (signal) with corresponding descriptions. Further, the signal may be a message (message). Also, terms such as "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.

The parameter may be expressed by an absolute value, a relative value to a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. For example, the radio resource may be indicated by an index.

A base station can house 1 or more (e.g., 3) cells (also referred to as sectors). When a base station houses a plurality of cells, the entire coverage area of the base station can be divided into a plurality of smaller areas, and each of the plurality of smaller areas can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station RRH: Remote Radio Head).

The term "cell" or "sector" refers to a portion or the entirety of the coverage area of a base station, and/or base station subsystem, that is in communication service within the coverage area. In addition, terms such as "base station", "cell", and "sector" may be used interchangeably in this specification. For a base station, the following terminology is also used: fixed station (fixed station), NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), gbnodeb (gnb), access point (access point), femto cell, small cell, etc.

With respect to the UE100, it is also sometimes referred to as a subscriber station, mobile unit (mobile unit), subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent (user agent), mobile client, or some other suitable terminology, depending on the specifics of the skilled artisan.

As used herein, the term "according to" is not intended to mean "only according to" unless explicitly stated otherwise. In other words, such recitation of "according to" means both "according only" and "at least according to".

Also, the terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof, as used herein and in the appended claims, are intended to be inclusive in the same way as the term "comprising". Also, the term "or" as used in the specification or claims means not exclusive or.

Any reference to elements using the designations "1 st" and "2 nd" as used in this specification is not intended to limit the amount or order of such elements. These designations can be used in this specification as a convenient method of distinguishing between 2 or more elements. Thus, references to elements 1 and 2 do not mean that only 2 elements can be used herein, or that in some forms the element 1 must precede the element 2.

In the context of the present disclosure, where articles are added as a result of translation, such as a, an, and the in english, these articles may include more than one if not explicitly stated otherwise from the context.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the description and drawings that form a part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

Industrial applicability

According to the above-described radio access network, even when the user equipment is in an IDLE state (IDLE state), the mobile communication network can grasp the location of the user equipment in units of an area smaller than the location registration area, and can transmit a distribution message such as traffic information to the user equipment belonging to the distribution area as a distribution target.

Description of reference numerals:

10 information distribution system

20 radio communication system

40 publishing server

100 UE

200 radio access network

201 radio access network device

203 cell

211 receiving part

213 transmitting part

215 control part

220 wireless communication unit

230 storage unit

240 signal processing part

250 cell processing unit

260 information processing unit

300 core network

301 core network device

340 storage part

350 setting part

360 signal processing part

370 information processing unit

1001 processor

1002 internal memory

1003 memory

1004 communication device

1005 input device

1006 output device

1007 bus

Claims

1. A radio access network, the radio access network having:

a reception unit that receives an uplink signal from a user device;

a control unit that acquires a user equipment identifier and cell information for specifying a cell that has received the uplink signal, based on a correlation between a transmission parameter of the uplink signal and the user equipment identifier; and

and a transmission unit configured to transmit the user equipment identifier and the cell information acquired by the control unit to a core network.

2. The radio access network of claim 1,

the uplink signal is a random access preamble,

the transmission parameter includes at least one of a time and a frequency resource allocated to transmission of the random access preamble and a random access preamble sequence for transmission of the random access preamble.

3. The radio access network of claim 1,

the control section detects a reception level of the uplink signal received by the reception section,

the transmission unit transmits the reception level detected by the control unit to the core network.

4. The radio access network of claim 1,

a configuration in which the receiving unit receives an uplink signal to be monitored from the core network,

according to the above configuration, the control unit receives the uplink signal to be monitored from the user equipment through the receiving unit.

5. The radio access network of claim 1,

the receiving unit receives, from the core network, an association between the user equipment identifier and the transmission parameter, the association being set for each predetermined area,

the control unit acquires the user equipment identifier based on the association, from an area in which the cell that received the uplink signal is located.