JP2011049770A - Radio communication system, radio base station and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication system which uses synchronizing signals generated on the basis of signals from a satellite including time information in common among a plurality of radio base stations, and minimizes degradation of the service of call or communication even when the signal from the satellite including the time information cannot be received. <P>SOLUTION: In the radio communication system which provides call/communication by a terminal device, when the accuracy of the synchronizing signal is below a predetermined level, the radio base station 2 reduces the transmission power of the station if there is a synchronizing signal generation part 4 different from a synchronizing signal generation part 4 connected to the station in the other radio base stations disposed adjacent to the station. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio communication system that uses a synchronization signal in common among a plurality of radio base stations, a radio base station that constitutes the radio communication system, and a control method in the radio communication system.

  Conventionally, in the field of wireless communication, efforts have been made to increase the communication speed while further improving the use efficiency of wireless signals. For example, synchronization of transmission / reception timing between adjacent cells is known as one of such approaches in a cellular radio communication system. More specifically, the transmission / reception timing between the radio base station in a certain cell and the terminal device included in the cell is determined by the transmission / reception timing between the radio base station in the adjacent cell and the terminal device included in the adjacent cell. By matching the timing, interference between the radio base station of the adjacent cell and the terminal device and interference between the terminal devices can be suppressed.

  As one form for realizing such synchronization of transmission / reception timing between cells, a configuration using a signal from a satellite including time information is conceivable. At present, a GPS signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite is known as a typical example of a signal from a satellite including such time information. That is, a GPS receiver for receiving a GPS signal from a GPS satellite is provided in each radio base station, and each radio base station synchronizes transmission / reception timing based on a common GPS signal.

  However, since a GPS module that generates a highly accurate synchronization signal is relatively expensive, a form in which a plurality of radio base stations share one GPS receiver is considered in order to further reduce the cost. For example, JP 2000-232688 (Patent Document 1) discloses a packet data communication system in which each base unit is coupled to a GPS receiver. In this packet data communication system, a GPS receiver receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite, and this GPS signal functions as a common time reference.

JP 2000-232688 A

  By the way, a GPS receiver cannot always receive a GPS signal from a GPS satellite. In other words, the GPS signal may be used as a common time reference because of the suspension of operation of the GPS satellite, the occurrence of a region where the GPS signal from the GPS satellite does not reach the earth, and the failure of the GPS receiver. There are cases where it is impossible.

  In the case of a schematic packet data communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-232688 (Patent Document 1), even if a GPS signal cannot be used as a common time reference, any reference signal may be adopted. It is also considered good. However, in an actual radio communication system, not all radio base stations use a single GPS receiver, but a plurality of GPS receivers are prepared. Therefore, there may be a portion where a radio base station connected to a certain GPS receiver and a radio base station connected to a GPS receiver different from the GPS receiver are adjacent to each other.

  For this reason, when one GPS receiver cannot receive a GPS signal for some reason, the amount of interference can increase around these wireless base stations due to a shift in transmission / reception timing. As a result, there is a possibility that calls and communications cannot be performed in the cells provided by these radio base stations.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to generate a synchronization signal generated between a plurality of radio base stations based on a signal from a satellite including time information. A wireless communication system that can commonly use a communication system and that can minimize deterioration of communication and communication services even when a signal from a satellite including the time information cannot be received. It is to be. A further object is to provide a radio base station constituting the radio communication system as described above and a control method in the radio communication system.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a wireless communication system that provides call / communication by a terminal device is provided. The wireless communication system includes a plurality of synchronization signal generation units each generating a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information, each connected to one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units, and A plurality of radio base stations that adjust transmission / reception timing between them according to a synchronization signal, and a management unit that manages information related to the arrangement positions of the plurality of radio base stations. The synchronization signal includes information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal according to the reception state in the synchronization signal generation unit. When each of the plurality of radio base stations determines whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit is below a predetermined level, and the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below the predetermined level In addition, by referring to the management means, it is connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station among other radio base stations arranged adjacent to the own station. Means for determining whether or not there is a radio base station, and when there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station. Means for reducing the transmission power.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of radio base stations includes a means for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit has decreased to a predetermined level after being lower than the predetermined level, And a means for returning the reduced transmission power of the own station when the signal accuracy is restored to a predetermined level.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of radio base stations has its own transmission power when there is no radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station. Further comprising means for maintaining.

  Preferably, the management means includes first information that defines each radio base station and another radio base station adjacent to the radio base station in association with each other, each synchronization signal generation unit, and the synchronization signal generation unit 2nd information which prescribes | regulated and matched with the wireless base station connected to. Each of the plurality of radio base stations refers to the first information of the management unit, identifies another radio base station adjacent to the own station, and refers to the second information of the management unit to obtain the acquired self-base station. A synchronization signal generation unit to which another radio base station adjacent to the station is connected is specified.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of radio base stations is connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station, and is a reachable range of transmission power of an adjacent radio base station The transmission power of the own station is reduced so as not to overlap.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radio base station constituting a radio communication system for providing call / communication by a terminal device. The radio base station is connected to one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units, and includes means for adjusting transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal from the connection destination synchronization signal generation unit. Here, each of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units generates a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information, and the synchronization signal corresponds to the synchronization signal corresponding to the reception state in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit Contains information indicating the generation accuracy of. The radio base station further includes means for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated by the corresponding synchronization signal generator is below a predetermined level, and when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below the predetermined level. By referring to the management means for managing information related to the location of the radio base station included in the radio communication system, it is connected to the own station among other radio base stations arranged adjacent to the own station. Means for determining whether or not there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit and a synchronization signal generation different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station And means for reducing the transmission power of the local station when there is a radio base station connected to the unit.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method in a wireless communication system that provides call / communication by a terminal device. In this control method, each of a plurality of synchronization signal generation units generates a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information, and a plurality of synchronization signals to which each of a plurality of radio base stations is connected. Adjusting the transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal according to the synchronization signal from one of the generation units; and generating the synchronization signal included in the synchronization signal received by each of the plurality of radio base stations Determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit is below a predetermined level based on the information indicating the accuracy, and each of the plurality of radio base stations determines the accuracy of the synchronization signal Is located adjacent to its own station by referring to a management device that manages information related to the location of the radio base station included in the radio communication system. Determining whether there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station among other radio base stations, and a plurality of radio base stations Each of the stations includes a step of reducing the transmission power of the own station when there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication system that commonly uses a synchronization signal generated based on a signal from a satellite including time information among a plurality of wireless base stations, the satellite communication system including the time information. Even when the above signal cannot be received, it is possible to minimize the deterioration of the telephone and communication services.

It is a schematic block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating generation | occurrence | production of the interference by the shift | offset | difference of transmission / reception timing. It is a figure which shows an example of the cell arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communications system according to embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of cell arrangement when the accuracy of a synchronization signal is below a predetermined level in the wireless communication system illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the wireless base station according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process structure of the control part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the server apparatus according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the domain list | wrist shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the neighbor list | wrist shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the radio base station according to embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 1 according to the present embodiment typically includes a mobile phone system such as a time division multiple access (TDMA) method or a code division multiple access (CDMA) method, a personal handy-phone system (PHS) system, an OFDMA. (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and other high-speed data communication systems. That is, the wireless communication system 1 provides a call and / or communication by a terminal device.

  Referring to FIG. 1, wireless communication system 1 includes a plurality of domains 100A and 100B (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “domain 100”). The domain 100 is a set of radio base stations that control transmission / reception timing according to a common synchronization signal. More specifically, each of the domains 100 includes a plurality of radio base stations 2, a synchronization signal generation unit 4, and a server device 6. Each of the radio base stations shown in FIG. 1 is given a reference code such as “2A_1”, “2A_2”,..., Which is a combination of the domain to which the radio base station belongs and identification information in the domain.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, each radio base station 2 is connected to an exchange, and forwards the received voice / data from the terminal device to the exchange or designates the voice / data received from the exchange. Transfer to the selected terminal device.

  At this time, the radio base station 2 is connected to one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units 4 and transmits and receives radio signals to and from the terminal device according to the synchronization signal from the connection destination synchronization signal generation unit 4. Control timing. Thereby, at least in a cell provided by the radio base stations 2 belonging to the same domain 100, interference (interference) due to radio signal transmission and reception timing shifts can be reduced. The “cell” substantially corresponds to the reachable range of the transmission power from the corresponding radio base station 2.

  The synchronization signal generator 4 generates a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information. Typically, the synchronization signal generator 4 uses a GPS signal as a signal from a satellite including time information. More specifically, the synchronization signal generator 4 includes a GPS module and receives a GPS signal from the GPS satellite 12 received via the antenna 4a. Then, the synchronization signal generation unit 4 generates a synchronization signal that is a timing signal based on the content (time information) of the received GPS signal. In each domain 100, each radio base station 2 is connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 through a signal line 8 so as to be communicable. The synchronization signal generator 4 provides a synchronization signal to each radio base station 2 via the signal line 8. Any type of signal line 8 may be adopted as long as no significant delay time is generated in the propagation of the synchronization signal in each radio base station 2. For example, if the domain 100 provides a relatively narrow communication area (so-called microcell or picocell) such as in a building, a metal cable may be employed. Alternatively, an optical cable or the like may be employed if the domain 100 provides a relatively wide communication area. Note that, as the format of the synchronization signal and the synchronization procedure, a standard protocol for synchronization defined in IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 1588 may be adopted.

  Note that, as will be described later, information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal according to the reception state in the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is added to the synchronization signal. The generation accuracy of the synchronization signal typically means the amount of deviation from the original synchronization timing, that is, the degree of timing difference.

  Furthermore, each wireless base station 2 is connected to the server device 6 via the data line 10 so as to be accessible. The server device 6 corresponds to a management unit that manages information related to the arrangement positions of the plurality of radio base stations 2. More specifically, the server device 6 holds a domain list (domain information to which each radio base station belongs) and a neighbor list (neighboring station information) as will be described later. When the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generator 4 falls below a predetermined level, the radio base station 2 acquires necessary information from the server device 6 and interferes with other radio base stations as will be described later. Control is performed to suppress this. The data line 10 may adopt any type, but typically, a data communication method such as Ethernet (registered trademark) can be adopted.

  In addition, although the structure which has arrange | positioned the server apparatus 6 for every domain is illustrated in FIG. 1, you may employ | adopt the form which utilizes the server apparatus 6 common between several domains. Or when arrange | positioning the server apparatus 6 for every domain, you may integrate the synchronous signal generation part 4 and the server apparatus 6 for every domain, and you may provide as one main body.

<Interference and its suppression method>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the interference which arises when the synchronizing signal generation part 4 (FIG. 1) cannot receive a GPS signal normally, and its suppression method are demonstrated.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the occurrence of interference due to a shift in transmission / reception timing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of cell arrangement of the radio communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of cell arrangement when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is lower than a predetermined level in the wireless communication system illustrated in FIG. 3.

  First, with reference to FIG. 2A, consider a cell near the boundary between two domains. That is, a cell range provided by a radio base station 2 that operates according to a synchronization signal from a certain synchronization signal generation unit 4 (represented as “domain A”) and a radio base that operates according to a synchronization signal from another synchronization signal generation unit 4 It is assumed that the cell range provided by the station 2 (represented as “domain B”) is adjacent.

  When the synchronization signal generation unit 4 belonging to the domain A and the synchronization signal generation unit 4 belonging to the domain B receive the same GPS signal, substantially the same synchronization signal is generated between the domains A and B. Therefore, the transmission / reception timing is synchronized among all the radio base stations 2 belonging to the domains A and B. Therefore, for example, the terminal device 30_1 located in the domain A cell and the terminal device 30_2 located in the domain B cell transmit radio signals at the same timing (time T1 shown in FIG. 2A) or Will receive. Therefore, interference (interference) between the terminal device 30_1 and the terminal device 30_2 can be reduced.

  On the other hand, for example, if the synchronization signal generation unit 4 belonging to the domain A becomes unable to receive the GPS signal, a deviation may occur between the synchronization signal used in the domain A and the synchronization signal used in the domain B. . Therefore, the terminal device 30_1 located in the domain A cell and the terminal device 30_2 located in the domain B cell transmit or receive radio signals at different timings. As a result, interference (interference) may occur between the terminal device 30_1 and the terminal device 30_2. More specifically, for example, a radio signal transmitted by the terminal device 30_2 during the reception period of the terminal device 30_1 is received, and the radio signal from the terminal device 30_2 becomes a jamming radio wave.

  Therefore, in the radio communication system according to the present embodiment, when the transmission / reception timing is not synchronized in this way, each radio base station adjusts the cell range so as to suppress the occurrence of interference.

  For example, the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 3 will be described as an example. In the radio communication system shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that 14 radio base stations 2A_1 to 2A_14 belong to domain A and one radio base station 2B belongs to domain B. Here, it is assumed that the synchronization signal generation unit 4 of the domain A cannot receive the GPS signal normally.

  At this time, the radio base stations adjacent only to the radio base stations belonging to the common domain A are not affected by the transmission / reception timing of the domain B. For example, regarding the radio base station 2A_2, the radio base stations 2A_1, 2A_3, 2A_4, and 2A_5 are adjacent to each other, and these adjacent radio base stations all belong to the domain A. Therefore, even if the synchronization signal used in domain A is shifted from the synchronization signal used in domain B, no interference occurs between these radio base stations 2A_1 to 2A_5.

  On the other hand, the radio base station 2A_1 is adjacent to the radio base station 2B belonging to the domain B in addition to the two radio base stations 2A_2 and 2A_4 belonging to the domain A. Therefore, when the synchronization signal used in the domain A is shifted from the synchronization signal used in the domain B, interference may occur between the radio base station 2A_1 and the radio base station 2B.

  In the radio communication system according to the present embodiment, in such a situation, each radio base station 2 reduces or cuts the transmission power of the own station, thereby narrowing the cell range. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, among the radio base stations 2 belonging to the domain A, the radio base stations 2A_1, 2A_4 and 2A_7 adjacent to the radio base station 2B belonging to the domain B Narrow to a range that does not overlap with the cell range of station B.

  In other words, the radio base station 2A_1 is connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the own station, and the reachable range (hatching) of the adjacent radio base station 2B is connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 The transmission power of the own station is reduced so that it does not overlap with (part).

  Thereby, the interference to the terminal device located between different domains can be reduced. Even if the GPS signal cannot be normally received by such processing, that is, the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is not guaranteed, the call and communication services are stopped. Area to be made as small as possible.

<Configuration of radio base station>
Next, the configuration of radio base station 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of radio base station 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing structure of the control unit 20 illustrated in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, radio base station 2 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 20, an encoding / decoding circuit 24, an up converter 25, a transmission antenna 26, a down converter 27, a reception antenna 28, A synchronization signal interface (hereinafter referred to as “synchronization signal I / F”) 29, a data communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “data communication I / F”) 30, and an exchange interface (hereinafter referred to as “exchange I / F”). .) 31.

  The radio base station 2 controls transmission and reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal received from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 (FIG. 1). Further, the radio base station 2 exchanges voice / data with an exchange (not shown) and performs registration processing of location information about terminal devices in the cell.

  The control unit 20 is a processing entity that executes main processing in the radio base station 2 as described above, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, and a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory). 23. The CPU 21, which is an arithmetic unit, develops program code stored in advance in the PROM 23 or the like in the RAM 22, and executes various processes according to the program code. The RAM 22 stores various work data necessary for executing the program code in addition to the program code executed by the CPU 21. In the PROM 23, program codes executed by the CPU 21 and various constants are stored in advance.

  The control unit 20 is connected to the encoding / decoding circuit 24 and instructs the encoding / decoding circuit 24 about transmission / reception timing and transmission power.

  The encoding / decoding circuit 24 is responsible for the function of the physical layer in a so-called OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. More specifically, when receiving a data string to be transmitted from the control unit 20, the encoding / decoding circuit 24 performs predetermined encoding processing and modulation processing, and outputs the generated signal to the up-converter 25. The up-converter 25 frequency-converts (up-converts) the signal received from the encoding / decoding circuit 24 into a radio signal to be transmitted to the terminal device, and provides the radio signal to the connected transmission antenna 26.

  On the other hand, the radio signal received from the terminal device is input to the down converter 27 via the receiving antenna 28. The down-converter 27 performs frequency conversion (down-conversion) on the received radio signal and provides the generated signal to the encoding / decoding circuit 24. The encoding / decoding circuit 24 performs a decoding process on the signal from the down converter 27 and outputs the decoded data to the control unit 20.

  The encoding / decoding circuit 24 adjusts transmission of a radio signal (signal output to the up-converter 25) and reception of a radio signal (signal acquisition from the down-converter 27) according to the transmission / reception timing instructed by the control unit 20. Furthermore, the encoding / decoding circuit 24 adjusts the power of the radio signal propagated from the transmission antenna 26 (the intensity of the signal applied to the up-converter 25) according to the transmission power instructed from the control unit 20.

  The synchronization signal I / F 29 is connected to the control unit 20, receives the synchronization signal transmitted from the synchronization signal generation unit 4, and gives the received content to the control unit 20. The data communication I / F 30 is connected to the control unit 20 and mediates access to the server device 6 (FIG. 1). The exchange I / F 31 is connected to the control unit 20 and mediates exchange of voice / data and the like with an exchange (not shown).

  Note that the implementation form of the radio base station 2 is not limited to the hardware shown in FIG. Rather, an appropriate hardware configuration is selected according to the scale of the radio base station 2 (cell range, maximum number of simultaneous connections, etc.).

  Referring to FIG. 6, control unit 20 includes a synchronization signal module 202, a data communication module 204, a control module 206, a network module 208, and a data link module 210 as its processing structure.

  The synchronization signal module 202 gives an internal command to the control module 206 based on the synchronization signal from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 received via the synchronization signal I / F 29.

  In response to the internal command from the control module 206, the data communication module 204 requests necessary data from the server device 6 (FIG. 1) via the data communication I / F 30 (FIG. 5), and the server The response data transmitted from the device 6 is received and the result is given to the control module 206.

  The control module 206 gives transmission / reception timing to the encoding / decoding circuit 24 (FIG. 5) based on the internal command from the synchronization signal module 202. That is, the synchronization signal module 202 and the control module 206 adjust transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal.

  In addition, the control module 206 determines whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the connection destination synchronization signal generation unit 4 maintains a predetermined level. That is, the control module 206 provides a function for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit 4 is below a predetermined level.

  If the control module 206 determines that the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level, the control module 206 gives an internal command to the data communication module 204, and the server device 6 (FIG. 1) Get information about the radio base station. Then, the control module 206 determines whether or not another adjacent radio base station 2 belongs to another domain. That is, when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level, the control module 206 refers to the server device 6 that is a management unit, so that another radio base station 2 arranged adjacent to its own station. Among them, a function for determining whether or not there is a radio base station 2 connected to a synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the own station is provided.

  Furthermore, when another adjacent radio base station belongs to another domain, the control module 206 reduces or cuts transmission power (changes transmission strength) so as to narrow the cell range of the own station. Notice. That is, when the radio base station 2 connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the own station is adjacent to the control module 206, the control module 206 transmits the transmission power of the own station. Provide a function to reduce

  The network module 208 is responsible for the network layer function in the so-called OSI model. That is, the network module 208 performs routing of voice / data exchanged between the exchange and the terminal device.

  The data link module 210 is responsible for the function of the data link layer in the so-called OSI model. That is, the data link module 210 controls signal exchange between the radio base station 2 (FIG. 1) and the terminal device.

<Synchronization signal generator>
The synchronization signal generation unit 4 according to the present embodiment generates a synchronization signal based on the GPS signal received from the GPS satellite 12, and even if the reception of the GPS signal is interrupted, the GPS signal is generated during a predetermined period. Assume that it is possible to generate a synchronization signal having the same degree of accuracy as a synchronization signal based on the signal. Such a function is called a holdover function. For example, the synchronization signal generation unit 4 can continuously generate a synchronization signal for about 24 hours even if it cannot receive a GPS signal.

  Note that a GPS module having such a holdover function is relatively expensive, but a plurality of radio base stations 2 share one synchronization signal generation unit 4 as in the radio communication system according to the present embodiment ( In the form of sharing, a highly accurate and reliable GPS module having such a holdover function can be adopted while suppressing the cost of the entire system.

  However, even if it has this holdover function, if the GPS signal cannot be received beyond a predetermined period, the synchronization signal generator 4 has the same timing as the synchronization signal generator 4 in the other domain. Can no longer be generated.

  In addition to the information indicating the timing generated by itself, the synchronization signal generation unit 4 according to the present embodiment includes information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal according to the reception state in the synchronization signal generation unit 4 (during normal GPS reception) , Within holdover, outside holdover) are included in the sync signal and output. Each radio base station 2 that has received this synchronization signal can know the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generator 4 at the connection destination.

  Even if the GPS signal can be received normally, the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal may be reduced for some reason. Therefore, the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal may be evaluated based on the variation (dispersion) of the jitter amount in the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation unit 4. In this case, as information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal, information indicating that the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level and / or a value of the accuracy of the synchronization signal may be added.

<Configuration of server device>
Next, the configuration of server device 6 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of server device 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the domain list shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the neighbor list shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, server device 6 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 60, a RAM 62, a data communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “data communication I / F”) 64, and a data storage unit 66. . These units are configured to be capable of data communication with each other via an internal bus 68.

  The CPU 60, which is an arithmetic unit, develops program code stored in advance in the RAM 62, and executes various processes according to the program code. The RAM 62 stores various work data necessary for executing the program code in addition to the program code executed by the CPU 60.

The data communication I / F 64 mediates access from each wireless base station 2.
The data storage unit 66 is typically a hard disk device or the like, and stores a domain list 662 and a neighbor list 664. When the CPU 60 receives data access from any one of the radio base stations 2 via the data communication I / F 64, the CPU 60 refers to the domain list 662 and the neighbor list 664 in the data storage unit 66 and responds with necessary data. To do.

  The domain list 662 is information that defines each synchronization signal generation unit 4 and the radio base station 2 connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 in association with each other. That is, the domain list 662 includes information for specifying the radio base station 2 belonging to each domain. As shown in FIG. 8, the domain list 662 is typically a table including “domains” and “base station IDs” associated with the domains. In the “domain” column, identification information for specifying each domain such as “domain A” and “domain B” is described. In the “base station ID” column, identification information for specifying a radio base station belonging to a corresponding domain such as “BS-A1” or “BS-A2” is described.

  The neighbor list 664 is information that defines each radio base station 2 and another radio base station 2 adjacent to the radio base station 2 in association with each other. That is, the neighbor list 664 includes information for identifying each radio base station 2 and other radio base stations 2 adjacent to the radio base station 2. As shown in FIG. 9, typically, the neighbor list 664 includes a “base station ID” that is identification information indicating the target radio base station 2 and a radio base station arranged adjacent to the radio base station 2. It is a table composed of “adjacent base station ID” which is identification information indicating the station 2. In the “base station ID” column, identification information indicating the radio base station 2 such as “BS-A4” is described. In the “adjacent base station ID” column, identification information for specifying a radio base station arranged adjacent to the corresponding radio base station 2 such as “BS-A1” or “BS-A2” is described. Is done. The contents of the neighbor list 664 shown in FIG. 8 are associated with the above-described FIG. 3 and FIG.

  Note that the domain list 662 and the neighbor list 664 are updated each time addition / change / deletion of the radio base station 2 occurs in the radio communication system.

<Processing procedure>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation | movement in the radio base station 2 of the radio | wireless communications system according to this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation in radio base station 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, control unit 20 (FIG. 5) of radio base station 2 determines whether or not a synchronization signal has been received from synchronization signal generation unit 4 (FIG. 1) (step S100). If the synchronization signal has not been received (NO in step S100), the process of step S100 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if a synchronization signal has been received (YES in step S100), control unit 20 provides transmission / reception timing corresponding to the received synchronization signal to encoding / decoding circuit 24 (FIG. 5) (step S102). That is, the control unit 20 adjusts the transmission / reception timing with the terminal device in accordance with the synchronization signal from the connection destination synchronization signal generation unit 4.

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 acquires information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal included in the received synchronization signal (step S104). Then, the control unit 20 determines whether the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is receiving GPS normally (step S106). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit 4 is below a predetermined level.

  If synchronization signal generation unit 4 is receiving GPS normally (YES in step S106), control unit 20 determines whether or not synchronization signal generation unit 4 was out of holdover in the previous calculation cycle (step S108). ). In other words, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit 4 has recovered to the predetermined level after falling below the predetermined level. In other words, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the reception of the GPS signal is resumed when the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is out of holdover.

  If synchronization signal generating unit 4 is out of holdover in the previous calculation cycle (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is not out of holdover in the previous calculation cycle (NO in step S108), the subsequent processing is skipped, and the processing in step S100 and subsequent steps is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is not receiving GPS normally (NO in step S106), the control unit 20 determines whether the synchronization signal generation unit 4 is within holdover (step S110). If synchronization signal generation unit 4 is within the holdover (YES in step S110), the subsequent processing is skipped, and the processing in step S100 and subsequent steps is repeated.

  If synchronization signal generating unit 4 is not within the holdover (NO in step S110), that is, if synchronization signal generating unit 4 is outside the holdover, control unit 20 performs the transmission power adjustment process described below. Execute.

  First, the control unit 20 inquires of the server apparatus 6 about other radio base stations arranged adjacent to its own station (step S112). More specifically, when the control unit 20 transmits the identification information of the local station to the server device 6, the CPU 60 of the server device 6 receives an inquiry with reference to the neighbor list 664 stored in the data storage unit 66. The identification information of the adjacent base station corresponding to the identification information is returned. That is, the control unit 20 refers to the neighbor list 664 of the server device 6 and specifies another radio base station adjacent to the own station.

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 inquires of the server device 6 about the domain to which each of the other radio base stations arranged adjacent to the own station belongs (step S114). More specifically, when the identification information of the adjacent radio base station acquired by the control unit 20 is transmitted to the server device 6, the CPU 60 of the server device 6 refers to the domain list 662 stored in the data storage unit 66. The domain identification information corresponding to the identification information for which the inquiry has been received is returned. That is, with reference to the control unit 20 and the domain list 662 of the server device 6, the synchronization signal generation unit 4 to which another radio base station adjacent to the own station acquired in step S112 is connected is specified.

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the domain to which the adjacent radio base station belongs includes a domain different from the domain to which the own station belongs (step S116). In other words, the control unit 20 determines whether any of the radio base stations adjacent to the own station belongs to a different domain from the own station.

  As shown in steps S112 to S116 above, the control unit 20 refers to the server device 6 when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level, and is arranged adjacent to the own station. It is determined whether or not there is a radio base station 2 connected to a synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the own station.

  If the domain to which the adjacent radio base station belongs does not include a domain different from the domain to which the own station belongs (NO in step S116), the subsequent processing is skipped, and the processing in step S100 and subsequent steps is repeated. That is, the control unit 20 maintains the transmission power of the local station when there is no radio base station 2 connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the local station. .

  On the other hand, if the domain to which the adjacent radio base station belongs includes a domain that is different from the domain to which the own station belongs (YES in step S116), control unit 20 causes radio base station to belong to another domain. In order to suppress the interference with the internal station, an internal command for adjusting the transmission power of the local station is given to the encoding / decoding circuit 24 (FIG. 5) (step S118). That is, the control unit 20 reduces the transmission power of the local station when there is a radio base station 2 connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the local station. . And the process after step S100 is repeated.

  The transmission power adjustment process in step S118 is performed so as not to cause interference to the adjacent radio base station 2 belonging to a domain different from the own station. That is, the control unit 20 does not overlap with the reachable range of the transmission power of the adjacent radio base station 2 connected to the synchronization signal generation unit 4 different from the synchronization signal generation unit 4 connected to the own station. Thus, the transmission power of the own station is reduced.

  Therefore, the reduced transmission power may be dynamically determined based on the distance to an adjacent radio base station belonging to a domain different from that radio base station and the transmission power of the adjacent radio base station. . Alternatively, a distance (transmission power) that does not cause interference with an adjacent radio base station is determined in advance, and the transmission power is reduced to the predetermined value (for example, 1/2 of the normal transmission power). You may do it. Alternatively, the transmission power may be set to zero (output stop) so that no interference occurs between the adjacent radio base stations.

  In step S120, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the transmission power of the local station is being adjusted. If the transmission power of the local station is being adjusted (YES in step S120), the control unit 20 is configured to adjust the transmission power of the local station to the original level as the synchronization signal returns to normal. The command is given to the encoding / decoding circuit 24 (FIG. 5) (step S122). That is, when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is restored to a predetermined level, the control unit 20 restores the reduced transmission power of the own station. And the process after step S100 is repeated.

  If the transmission power of the own station is not being adjusted (NO in step S120), the processes in and after step S100 are repeated.

<Effect>
In the radio communication system according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of radio base stations share a synchronization signal generation unit that generates a synchronization signal, a highly accurate and reliable GPS module is adopted while suppressing the cost of the entire system. can do.

  Furthermore, in the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment, for some reason, the synchronization signal generator cannot receive a signal (GPS signal) from a satellite including time information, and the accuracy of the generated synchronization signal cannot be maintained. Even so, it is possible to adjust the transmission power to suppress interference with the radio base station connected to another synchronization signal generation unit. As a result, even if the accuracy of the synchronization signal is not guaranteed, the telephone and communication services can be continued as much as possible.

[Other embodiments]
A program for executing the control as described in the above flow can be provided by an arbitrary method. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. It can also be sold / distributed as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be provided by downloading via a network.

  Such a program may be a program module that is provided as part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present embodiment.

  The program according to the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radio | wireless communications system, 2 Radio base station, 4 Synchronous signal production | generation part, 4a Antenna, 6 Server apparatus, 8 Signal line, 10 Data line, 12 GPS satellite, 20 Control part, 24 Encoding / decoding circuit, 25 Up converter, 26 Transmitting antenna, 27 down converter, 28 receiving antenna, 29 synchronization signal I / F, 30 data communication I / F, 30_1, 30_2 terminal device, 31 exchange I / F, 64 data communication I / F, 66 data storage unit, 68 Internal bus, 202 synchronization signal module, 204 data communication module, 206 control module, 208 network module, 210 data link module, 662 domain list, 664 neighbor list.

Claims (7)

A wireless communication system for providing communication / communication by a terminal device,
A plurality of synchronization signal generators each generating a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information;
A plurality of radio base stations each connected to one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units, and adjusting transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal;
Management means for managing information related to the location of the plurality of radio base stations,
The synchronization signal includes information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal according to the reception state in the synchronization signal generation unit,
Each of the plurality of radio base stations
Means for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit is below a predetermined level;
When the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level, by referring to the management means, the synchronization connected to the own station among other radio base stations arranged adjacent to the own station Means for determining whether there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the signal generation unit;
A wireless communication system comprising: means for reducing transmission power of the local station when there is a wireless base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the local station. Each of the plurality of radio base stations
Means for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit is restored to the predetermined level after being lower than the predetermined level;
2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising means for returning the transmission power of the local station, which has been reduced, when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is restored to a predetermined level. Each of the plurality of radio base stations
The apparatus further comprises means for maintaining transmission power of the local station when there is no radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the local station. The wireless communication system according to 1. The management means includes
First information defining each radio base station and another radio base station adjacent to the radio base station in association with each other;
Each of the synchronization signal generation unit and the second information that defines the radio base station connected to the synchronization signal generation unit in association with each other,
Each of the plurality of radio base stations
Referring to the first information of the management means, specify another radio base station adjacent to the own station,
The synchronization signal generation unit to which another radio base station adjacent to the acquired own station is connected is identified with reference to the second information of the management means. The wireless communication system described.   Each of the plurality of radio base stations is connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station, and does not overlap with a reachable range of transmission power of an adjacent radio base station Thus, the radio | wireless communications system of any one of Claims 1-4 which reduces the transmission power of an own station. A wireless base station constituting a wireless communication system for providing communication / communication by a terminal device,
Each of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units includes means for adjusting transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to a synchronization signal from a connection destination synchronization signal generation unit connected to one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units. Generates a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information, the synchronization signal includes information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal according to a reception state in a corresponding synchronization signal generation unit,
Means for determining whether or not the accuracy of the synchronization signal generated in the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit is below a predetermined level;
When the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level, it is arranged adjacent to the own station by referring to management means for managing information related to the arrangement position of the radio base station included in the radio communication system. Means for determining whether there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station among other radio base stations that are
And a means for reducing transmission power of the local station when there is a wireless base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the local station. A control method in a wireless communication system for providing communication / communication by a terminal device,
Each of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units generates a synchronization signal based on a signal from a satellite including time information;
Each of a plurality of radio base stations adjusts transmission / reception timing with the terminal device according to the synchronization signal according to a synchronization signal from one of the plurality of synchronization signal generation units connected thereto,
The accuracy of the synchronization signal generated by the corresponding synchronization signal generation unit falls below a predetermined level based on information indicating the generation accuracy of the synchronization signal included in the received synchronization signal by each of the plurality of radio base stations. Determining whether or not,
Each of the plurality of radio base stations refers to a management device that manages information related to the location of the radio base stations included in the radio communication system when the accuracy of the synchronization signal is below a predetermined level. Whether there is a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station among other radio base stations arranged adjacent to the own station A step of determining whether or not
A step of reducing the transmission power of the local station when each of the plurality of radio base stations has a radio base station connected to a synchronization signal generation unit different from the synchronization signal generation unit connected to the own station And a control method.

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