JP2017034711A - Communication control device, communication control method, medium, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control model capable of efficiently controlling coexistence of secondary systems.SOLUTION: A communication control device includes a circuit configured to generate a channel list recommended for a secondary use node which operates a secondary system among frequency channels allocated for a primary system, to notify the generated list to the secondary use node. The circuit determines the channel recommended for each secondary use node in such a manner that interference between secondary systems which are operated by the respective secondary use nodes does not exceed predetermined level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, a medium, and a communication system.

  As one of the countermeasures for mitigating future depletion of frequency resources, discussions on secondary use of frequencies are in progress. The secondary use of the frequency means that another system secondary uses a part or all of the frequency channel preferentially assigned to a certain system. In general, a system to which a frequency channel is preferentially assigned is called a primary system, and a system that secondarily uses the frequency channel is called a secondary system.

  TV white space is an example of a frequency channel for which secondary usage is being discussed. The TV white space refers to a channel that is not used by the TV broadcast system according to the region among frequency channels assigned to the TV broadcast system as the primary system. By opening up this TV white space to the secondary system, efficient use of frequency resources can be realized. For example, IEEE802.22, IEEE802.11af, and ECMA (European Computer Manufacturer Association) -392 (specifications of physical layer (PHY) and MAC layer wireless access methods for enabling secondary use of TV white space) There are several standard specifications such as CogNea).

  The IEEE 802.19 working group is proceeding with studies aimed at smoothly coexisting a plurality of secondary systems using different radio access methods. For example, the following non-patent document 1 describes three functions required for coexistence of secondary systems as three functions of CM (Coexistence Manager), CE (Coexistence Enabler) and CDIS (Coexistence Discovery and Information Server). Grouped into entities. CM is a functional entity that mainly performs decision-making for coexistence. The CE is a functional entity that serves as an interface that mediates command transmission and information exchange between the CM and the secondary usage node. CDIS is a functional entity that serves as a server that manages information of a plurality of secondary systems.

“Coexistence System Description”, [online], [Search February 14, 2011], Internet <URL: https://mentor.ieee.org/802.19/dcn/11/19-11-0011-01-0001- coexistence-system-description.pdf>

  However, discussions have not yet been made as to how the functional entities described above should be arranged in which devices constituting the system. For example, depending on the position where the CM is arranged, a signaling load between the CM and the secondary usage node via the CE may deteriorate the performance of the network. Further, for example, when a CM is arranged on a secondary usage node, there may be a situation where it is not appropriate to select one CM as a master CM. Thus, if the arrangement of functional entities is different, the system model that can efficiently control the coexistence of secondary systems also differs.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide a communication control device, a communication control method, a medium, and a communication system that provide a control model that can efficiently control the coexistence of secondary systems.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a list of recommended channels for a secondary usage node operating a secondary system among frequency channels allocated to a primary system is generated, and the generated list is A circuit configured to notify a secondary usage node, wherein the circuit prevents interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes from exceeding a predetermined level. A communication controller is provided for determining the recommended channel for each secondary usage node.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a communication control method executed by a communication control apparatus for controlling secondary usage of a frequency channel, wherein the secondary channel among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system Generating a list of recommended channels for a secondary usage node operating the system; and notifying the generated secondary usage node to the secondary usage node, each of the secondary usage nodes A communication control method is provided in which the recommended channel for each secondary usage node is determined such that the interference between secondary systems operated by the network does not exceed a predetermined level.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when executed by a communication control device that controls secondary use of a frequency channel, a secondary of frequency channels assigned to a primary system is assigned to the communication control device. Generating a list of recommended channels for a secondary usage node operating the system, and notifying the secondary usage node of the generated list, and executing the method The computer recording the program in which the recommended channel for each secondary usage node is determined so that the interference between secondary systems operated by each of the usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level A readable medium is provided.

  In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a list of recommended channels for a secondary usage node operating a secondary system among frequency channels allocated to the primary system is generated and generated. A communication control device comprising a circuit for notifying the secondary usage node of the list, and a secondary usage node for selecting a channel for secondary usage based on the list notified from the communication control device; And the circuit recommends the channel recommended for each secondary usage node such that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level. A communication system is provided.

  As described above, according to the communication control device, the communication control method, the medium, and the communication system according to the present invention, a control model that can efficiently control the coexistence of secondary systems is provided.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of the communication system relevant to one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correlation of three functional entities for coexistence support. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of arrangement | positioning of a functional entity. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of arrangement | positioning of a functional entity. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of arrangement | positioning of a functional entity. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th example of arrangement | positioning of a functional entity. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the apparatus in a 1st control model. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of the communication control process in a 1st control model. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the apparatus in a 2nd control model. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of the communication control process in a 2nd control model. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the apparatus in a 3rd control model. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of the communication control process in a 3rd control model. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of adaptive selection of a control model.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

Further, the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION” will be described in the following order.
1. 1. Outline of system 1-1. Overall configuration of system 1-2. Description of functional entity 1-3. Example of information used for decision making 1-4. Example of functional entity arrangement First control model 2-1. Configuration of device 2-2. Flow of processing Second control model 3-1. Configuration of device 3-2. Flow of processing Third control model 4-1. Configuration of device 4-2. Process flow 5. Complex control model Summary

<1. System overview>
[1-1. Overall system configuration]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a communication system related to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a primary transmitting station 10 and a plurality of primary receiving stations 12 constituting a primary system are shown. The primary transmitting station 10 provides a primary system service to a primary receiving station 12 located inside the service area 14. The primary transmitting station 10 may be, for example, a TV broadcasting station, or a wireless base station or relay station of a cellular communication system. When the primary transmitting station 10 is a TV broadcasting station, the primary receiving station 12 is a receiver having a TV broadcasting receiving antenna and a tuner. In addition, when the primary transmission station 10 is a cellular communication system radio base station, the primary reception station 12 is a radio terminal that operates according to the cellular communication system. In the following description, the primary transmitting station 10 and the primary receiving station 12 may be collectively referred to as a primary usage node.

  The primary transmission station 10 is connected to a data server 20 located on the packet-based network 16. The packet-based network 16 may be the Internet or a backbone network of a primary system. The data server 20 is a server device having a database that stores data related to secondary use of frequency channels. A communication control device 30 is further connected to the data server 20. The communication control device 30 is a device introduced to control the coexistence between a plurality of secondary systems that use the frequency channel assigned to the primary system.

  FIG. 1 further shows a plurality of secondary usage nodes 40 and 42. The secondary usage node 40 provides the secondary system service (hereinafter referred to as secondary communication service) to the secondary usage node 42 located in the service area 44 using the frequency channel assigned to the primary system. It is a device to do. When the primary system is a TV broadcast system, the secondary usage node 40 is also called a master TVBD (TV Band Device). The secondary usage node 40 typically has a function of accessing a positioning function (Geo-location function) and the communication control device 30. Further, the secondary usage node 40 may be directly accessible to the data server 20. The secondary usage node 42 is a device that is located in each service area 44 and uses the secondary communication service provided by the secondary usage node 40. When the primary system is a TV broadcast system, the secondary usage node 42 is also called a slave TVBD. In principle, the secondary usage node 42 transmits a radio signal after obtaining permission from a nearby secondary usage node 40.

  The secondary usage node 40 registers information about the secondary system in the data server 20 when starting the operation of the secondary system. The secondary usage node 40 operates the secondary system based on the control information provided from the data server 20. However, when a plurality of secondary systems are operated in parallel as in the situation shown in FIG. 1, it is caused by signal collision between secondary systems or signals transmitted from each secondary system. There can be a risk that overlapping interference will have a fatal effect on the primary system. In particular, when the radio access method used by each secondary system is different, it is difficult to operate the system while cooperating between the secondary systems, so the above-described risk is further increased. Therefore, the IEEE 802.19 working group is examining a mechanism for smoothly supporting the coexistence of a plurality of secondary systems (see Non-Patent Document 1 above). In IEEE802.19, functions for supporting coexistence of secondary systems are grouped into three functional entities, CM, CE, and CDIS (see FIG. 2).

[1-2. Functional entity description]
(1) CM (Coexistence Manager)
CM is a functional entity that makes decision-making for coexistence. The CM acquires information about the primary system, information about available channels, and information about the secondary system. Sources of information acquired by CMs are CDIS, other CMs, and secondary usage nodes (accessed via CE). Based on this information, the CM determines which frequency channel the secondary usage node under its control should use to operate the secondary system. The CM may further determine additional control parameters for each secondary usage node, such as maximum transmission power, recommended radio access scheme, and location data update period. Then, the CM causes each secondary usage node to operate the secondary system or reconfigure the secondary system according to the determined parameters.

(2) CE (Coexistence Enabler)
The CE is a functional entity that serves as an interface that mediates command transmission and information exchange between the CM and the secondary usage node. For example, the CE converts information held by the secondary usage node into a format that can be used by the CM, and transmits the converted information to the CM. In addition, the CE converts the instruction regarding the coexistence of the secondary system from the CM into a format that can be executed by the secondary usage node, and transmits the converted command to the secondary usage node.

(3) CDIS (Coexistence Discovery and Information Server)
CDIS is a functional entity that serves as a server that manages information of a plurality of secondary systems. For example, CDIS collects information about the secondary system from each secondary usage node via CE and CM. CDIS also collects information about the primary system and information about available channels from the data server 20. CDIS stores the collected information in a database. Information accumulated by CDIS is used for decision making for coexistence by CM. CDIS supports the discovery (Neighbor Discovery) of neighboring CMs (Neighbor-CMs) located in the vicinity of a certain CM. Further, CDIS may select a master CM, which will be described later.

  In the embodiment described below, at least one of the three types of functional entities described above is mounted on the communication control device 30 illustrated in FIG. Although only one communication control device 30 is shown in the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of communication control devices 30 each having at least one functional entity may be provided on the packet-based network 16. Some functional entities may be implemented on individual secondary usage nodes 40. Some functional entities may be mounted on the same device as the data server 20.

[1-3. Example of information used for decision-making]
Decision making for coexistence of secondary systems is mainly based on information about the primary system, information about available channels, and information about the secondary system. Information about the primary system includes, for example, at least one of the following information:
・ Primary usage node position, antenna height and transmission power ・ Primary system service area and guard area position ・ Primary system allowable interference

Information about available channels includes, for example, at least one of the following information:
• List of channel numbers • Maximum allowable transmission power per channel • Spectrum mask • Channel classification
-Parameters for interference calculation Note that channel classification refers to, for example, a restricted channel that is restricted to a low transmission power compared to general transmission power, and such a restriction. The normal channel (Normal Channel) may not be classified. As an example, for the so-called Mode-I client in the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, in the case of Personal / Portable, if the adjacent channel of a channel is not used by the primary system, the maximum transmission power of 100 m [W] Is recognized. Such a channel can be treated as a normal channel. On the other hand, if an adjacent channel of a certain channel is used by the primary system, the maximum transmission power is limited to 40 m [W]. Such a channel can be treated as a restricted channel. The parameters for interference calculation may include, for example, an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), fading margin, shadowing margin, protection ratio, ACS (Adjacent Channel Selection), and the like.

Information about the secondary system includes, for example, at least one of the following information:
-Number of active nodes belonging to the secondary system-Radio access method used by the secondary system-Required quality of the secondary system-Regulation ID and manufacturer ID of the secondary usage node
-Secondary usage node position, antenna height and transmission power-Administrator information Note that the wireless access method is, for example, IEEE802.11af, 11g or 11n, IEEE802.22, IEEE802.16, or ECMA-392. It can be expressed in the form of a number (or a list thereof) that identifies the wireless access method. The regulation ID is an ID given to each device when authenticated as a device that can be used for secondary use.

[1-4. Example of functional entity arrangement]
The three functional entities described above can be arranged in each device as shown in FIGS. The arrangement of functional entities described here is only an example, and other arrangements may also be used.

(1) First Example In the example of FIG. 3, CMs are arranged in the communication control device 30a and CDIS, and the communication control devices 30b and 30c, respectively. Furthermore, CMs are also arranged in the secondary usage node 40d. Among these CMs, the CM of the communication control device 30b is designated as a master CM. Other CMs become slave CMs. Secondary usage nodes 40a and 40b belong to the communication control device 30b. Secondary usage nodes 40c and 40d belong to the communication control device 30c. CEs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, respectively. As described above, each secondary usage node 40 which is a master device (different from the master CM, for example, master TVBD) that operates each secondary system has at least a CE for interacting with the CM.

(2) Second Example In the example of FIG. 4, CDIS is arranged in the communication control device 30. On the other hand, CMs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, respectively. Of these CMs, the CM of the secondary usage node 40a is designated as the master CM. Other CMs become slave CMs. Further, CEs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, respectively. Thus, the CM may be arranged on the secondary usage node or may be arranged on the packet-based network.

(3) Third Example In the example of FIG. 5, CDIS and CM are arranged in the communication control device 30. Thus, CDIS and CM may be arranged on one apparatus. Further, CMs are also arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40b belonging to the communication control device 30. Neither CM is a master CM or a slave CM. CEs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a and 40b, respectively.

(4) Fourth Example In the example of FIG. 6, CDIS is arranged in the communication control device 30. Further, CMs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a and 40b belonging to the communication control device 30, respectively. In the example of FIG. 6, neither CM is a master CM or a slave CM. CEs are arranged in the secondary usage nodes 40a and 40b, respectively.

  In this way, functional entities for coexistence of secondary systems are arranged in the system in various forms, but if the arrangement of functional entities is different, there are also system models that can efficiently control the coexistence of secondary systems. Different. Thus, three control models for efficiently controlling the coexistence of secondary systems will be described below.

<2. First control model>
The first control model is a control model in which one master CM makes decisions intensively. The slave CM follows the determination by the master CM. The first control model is suitable for the arrangement of functional entities as exemplified in FIG.

[2-1. Device configuration]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an apparatus in the first control model. Referring to FIG. 7, a communication control device 30a having CDIS, a communication control device 30b having CM, and a secondary usage node 40 having CE are shown.

(1) CDIS
The communication control device 30a includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, and a control unit 113.

  The communication unit 111 is a communication interface for the communication control device 30a to communicate with other devices. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the communication unit 111 is also connected to the data server 20 shown in FIG. Communication by the communication unit 111 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

  The storage unit 112 stores information on the primary system, information on available channels, and information on the secondary system collected by the communication control device 30a using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The control unit 113 controls the function of the communication control device 30a as the CDIS using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 113 collects information about the secondary system from each secondary usage node 40 via the CE and CM. In addition, the control unit 113 acquires information on the primary system and information on available channels from the data server 20. In addition, the control unit 113 assists in finding a nearby CM located in the vicinity of a certain CM.

In the first control model, the control unit 113 selects one master CM from a plurality of CMs. For example, the control unit 113 may select a master CM according to one or more of the following selection criteria:
-A CM having the capability as a master CM-Being arranged closer to CDIS in the hierarchical structure of the node-Being able to communicate with CDIS at a higher rate And the control unit 113 When the master CM is selected, the selection result is notified to each CM.

(2) CM
The communication control device 30b includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, and a control unit 123.

  The communication unit 121 is a communication interface for the communication control device 30b to communicate with other devices. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the communication unit 121 may also be connected to the data server 20 shown in FIG. Communication by the communication unit 121 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

  The storage unit 122 stores information acquired by the communication control device 30b using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The control unit 123 controls the function of the communication control device 30b as a CM using a processor such as a CPU. More specifically, in the first control model, the control unit 123 includes an information acquisition unit 124, a determination unit 125, and a notification unit 126.

  When the CM of its own device is designated as a master CM, the information acquisition unit 124 has CDIS information on the primary system and information on channels available to the secondary system among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system. Obtained from the communication control device 30a via the communication unit 121. Further, the information acquisition unit 124 acquires information on the secondary system from the secondary usage node 40 via the communication unit 121. The determination unit 125 determines a channel to be used by each secondary usage node 40 that operates the secondary system among the available channels. The determination target here is typically all of the active secondary usage nodes 40 belonging to the master CM and the slave CM. Then, the notification unit 126 notifies each secondary usage node 40 of the channel determined by the determination unit 125.

  For example, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 124, the determination unit 125 uses each secondary usage so that the sum of interference to the primary system caused by the secondary system does not exceed the allowable interference amount of the primary system. The channel to be used by the node 40 may be determined. For example, the determination unit 125 may determine a channel to be used by each secondary usage node 40 so that mutual interference of the secondary systems does not exceed an allowable level. The interference level between the systems can be calculated based on the position of the node, the antenna height, the transmission power and the parameters for interference calculation described above. In addition, the allowable interference level may be set for each system in advance, or may be calculated based on the required quality of each system. When the normal channel and the restricted channel can be assigned, the determination unit 125 may preferentially assign the normal channel to each secondary usage node 40. In addition, when a wireless access method that can be used by a plurality of secondary systems supports the mesh protocol, the determination unit 125 allocates a common channel to the plurality of secondary systems to form a mesh network. May be. The channel allocation criterion is not limited to the example described here, but may be another criterion.

  In addition, when another CM is designated as a master CM, the information acquisition unit 124 acquires a notification about channel assignment determined by the master CM via the communication unit 121. Then, the determination unit 125 recognizes a channel to be used by the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the CM of its own device that is a slave CM, based on the notification acquired by the information acquisition unit 124. Then, the notification unit 126 notifies each secondary usage node 40 of the recognized channel.

(3) CE
The secondary usage node 40 includes a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, and a control unit 133.

  The communication unit 131 includes a communication interface for the secondary usage node 40 to communicate with a device located on the packet-based network 16, and a communication interface for the secondary usage node 40 to operate the secondary system. Communication with the packet base network 16 by the communication unit 131 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

  The storage unit 132 stores information acquired by the secondary usage node 40 using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The control unit 133 uses a processor such as a CPU to control the function of the secondary usage node 40 as a CE and to control the operation of the secondary system by the secondary usage node 40. For example, when the channel to be used for the operation of the secondary system is notified from the CM, the control unit 133 interprets the notification from the CM and recognizes the notified channel. Then, the control unit 133 starts the operation of the secondary system on the recognized channel or reconfigures the secondary system.

[2-2. Process flow]
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of communication control processing in the first control model. Referring to FIG. 8, first, the CM collects information on the secondary system from the CE of the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the own device (step S102). CDIS collects information about the secondary system from each CM (steps S104 and S106). CDIS obtains information about the primary system and information about available channels from the data server 20.

  Next, CDIS selects one master CM from a plurality of CMs based on the acquired information (step S108). Next, CDIS transmits a master selection notification for notifying the selection result of the master CM to each CM (steps S112 and S116). The CM selected as the master CM transmits a response indicating that the selection is accepted to CDIS (step S114).

  Thereafter, the master CM exchanges information used for channel selection between the CDIS and the slave CM (step S118). Next, the master CM determines a channel to be used by each secondary usage node 40 that operates each secondary system (step S122). Then, the master CM transmits a channel notification for notifying the channel determined for each secondary usage node 40 to each secondary usage node 40 (step S124). The channel notification is also notified to the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the slave CM via the slave CM (step S126). Then, a response is transmitted from each secondary usage node 40 to the master CM (steps S128 and S130).

  Thereafter, the master CM transmits information on the channel used by each secondary usage node 40 to CDIS (step S132). Then, CDIS updates the database based on the information transmitted from the master CM (step S134).

  In the response from the CM to the CDIS in step S114, the CM may indicate that the selection as the master CM is rejected. In this case, CDIS re-selects the master CM with another CM as a candidate.

  Although not shown in FIG. 8, a response may be transmitted from the slave CM to the CDIS after the master selection notification from the CDIS to the slave CM in step S116. When the responses from all the slave CMs are received (or when a predetermined period elapses without any responses), the CDIS may transmit a control start trigger to the master CM. Note that a slave CM that does not respond to the master selection notification within a predetermined period or a CM that rejects selection as a slave CM may be excluded from the control target by the master CM. When receiving the control start trigger from CDIS, the master CM can notify CDIS, other CMs, and the secondary usage node 40 that the communication control processing after step S118 is started. The information exchange in step S118 may be periodically performed not only between the master CM and the slave CM but also between the master CM and the CM excluded from the control target.

<3. Second control model>
In the first control model, one master CM determines not only a secondary usage node belonging to the master CM but also a usage channel for a secondary usage node belonging to a slave CM. In this case, since there is no possibility that decisions by a plurality of CMs compete with each other, there is an advantage that the function of the CM can be realized relatively easily. However, in the first control model, a large amount of information for determining channel assignment is collected in the master CM. For this reason, the signaling load between the master CM and other nodes may degrade the network performance. In addition, when a CM is arranged on the secondary usage node, there may be a situation where it is difficult to select one CM as a master CM in terms of performance. Therefore, as in the second control model described in this section, it is also useful to delegate a part of CM authority to the secondary usage node.

[3-1. Device configuration]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an apparatus in the second control model. Referring to FIG. 9, a communication control device 30a having CDIS, a communication control device 30b having CM, and a secondary usage node 40 having CE are shown.

(1) CDIS
The communication control device 30a includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, and a control unit 213.

  The control unit 213 controls the function of the communication control device 30a as CDIS using a processor such as a CPU. For example, the control unit 213 collects information regarding the secondary system from each secondary usage node 40 via the CE and CM. In addition, the control unit 213 acquires information on the primary system and information on available channels from the data server 20. In addition, the control unit 213 supports discovery of neighboring CMs located in the vicinity of a certain CM. In the second control model, the control unit 213 does not select the master CM. Instead, a plurality of CMs operate in parallel with each other.

(2) CM
The communication control device 30b includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, and a control unit 223.

  The control unit 223 controls the function of the communication control device 30b as a CM using a processor such as a CPU. More specifically, in the second control model, the control unit 223 includes an information acquisition unit 224, a generation unit 225, and a notification unit 226.

  The information acquisition unit 224 acquires information regarding the primary system and information regarding channels available to the secondary system among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system from the communication control device 30a having CDIS. Further, the information acquisition unit 224 acquires information on the secondary system from the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the CM of the own device.

  Based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 224, the generation unit 225 generates a list of recommended channels for each secondary usage node 40 among the available channels. The generation of the recommended channel list by the generation unit 225 may be performed in response to a request from the secondary usage node 40, for example. The generation of the recommended channel list may be performed in response to detection of an event such as occurrence of interference exceeding an allowable level or signal collision.

  For example, the generation unit 225 may determine a channel that is not used by the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the neighboring CM as a recommended channel. In addition, the generation unit 225 may determine a recommended channel so that the sum of interference to the primary system caused by the secondary system does not exceed the allowable interference amount of the primary system. In addition, for example, the generation unit 225 may determine a recommended channel so that the mutual interference between the secondary systems does not exceed an allowable level. The allowable interference level in the second control model may be a level that is more easily set in consideration of the margin than in the case of the first control model. When the normal channel and the restricted channel can be allocated, the generation unit 225 may preferentially recommend the normal channel to each secondary usage node 40. The criterion for determining the recommended channel is not limited to the example described here, but may be another criterion.

  The notification unit 226 notifies the list of recommended channels generated by the generation unit 225 to each secondary usage node 40 belonging to the CM of the own device, and causes each secondary usage node 40 to select a channel to be used secondary. In addition, the notification unit 226 notifies CDIS and neighboring CMs of information about the channel selected by each secondary usage node 40.

(3) CE
The secondary usage node 40 includes a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, and a control unit 233.

The control unit 233 uses a processor such as a CPU to control the function of the secondary usage node 40 as a CE and to control the operation of the secondary system by the secondary usage node 40. For example, when a list of recommended channels is notified from the CM, the control unit 233 selects a channel to be used for the operation of the secondary system from the channels included in the notified list. The channel selection by the control unit 233 may be performed in consideration of the result of sensing by the secondary usage node 40 or 42. For example, the controller 233 may select a channel according to one or more of the following selection criteria:
-The channel must meet the required quality of the secondary system.-The channel is judged to have less interference to the primary system or other secondary systems. It is not limited to the example described, and other criteria may be used. When selecting any one or a plurality of channels, the control unit 233 notifies the CM of the selection result. In addition, the control unit 233 starts operation of the secondary system on the selected channel, or reconfigures the secondary system.

[3-2. Process flow]
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of communication control processing in the second control model. Referring to FIG. 10, first, a cooperative control request is transmitted from the CE to the CM (step S202), and a response is transmitted from the CM to the CE (step S204). The communication control process in the second control model may be performed in response to such a request, or may be performed in response to detection of another event.

  When the CM decides to execute cooperative control with the CE, the CM acquires information on the primary system and information on available channels from the CDIS (step S206). Further, the CM collects information related to the secondary system from the CE of the secondary usage node 40 belonging to the own device (step S208). In addition, the CM exchanges information used for determining a recommended channel with a neighboring CM (step S210).

  Next, the CM generates a recommended channel list in which channels recommended for the secondary usage node 40 among the available channels are listed (step S212). Then, the CM transmits the generated recommended channel list to the secondary usage node 40 (step S214).

  Next, the secondary usage node 40 selects a channel to be used for the operation of the secondary system from the channels included in the recommended channel list received from the CM (step S220). Then, the secondary usage node 40 notifies the selected channel to the CM via the CE (step S222).

  Next, the CM transmits information about the channel selected by the secondary usage node 40 to CDIS (step S224). In addition, the CM transmits information about the channel selected by the secondary usage node 40 to the neighboring CM (step S226). When CDIS receives information on the selected channel, CDIS updates the database (step S228).

  Note that after the channel notification from the secondary usage node 40 to the CM in step S222, the CM checks whether the selection conflicts, that is, whether the overlapping channels are not selected by the plurality of secondary usage nodes 40. You may check. When the channel selection by the plurality of secondary usage nodes 40 competes, the CM is updated to the secondary usage node 40 other than the secondary usage node 40 that transmitted the channel notification first, for example. The recommended channel list may be transmitted to select the use channel again. When the channel selection is not in conflict, a notification indicating that the selection of the usage channel is confirmed is transmitted from the CM to the secondary usage node 40, and an acknowledgment can be returned from each secondary usage node 40.

  In the second control model, a part of the authority of the CM is transferred to the secondary usage node, and the CM and the secondary usage node cooperate to determine a channel for operating the secondary system. Thereby, since the performance required for CM is reduced, the second control model is more advantageous than the first control model depending on the arrangement of functional entities. In addition, since decision making is performed without concentrating a large amount of information on the CM, the signaling load on the network is alleviated.

<4. Third control model>
The third control model is a control model in which CMs distributed and arranged in each secondary usage node individually make decisions. The third control model is suitable for the arrangement of functional entities as exemplified in FIG.

[4-1. Device configuration]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an apparatus in the third control model. Referring to FIG. 11, a communication control apparatus 30 having CDIS and a secondary usage node 40 having CM and CE are shown.

(1) CDIS
The communication control device 30 includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, and a control unit 313.

  The control unit 313 controls the function of the communication control device 30 as CDIS using a processor such as a CPU. For example, the control unit 313 collects information about the secondary system from each secondary usage node 40 via the CE and CM. In addition, the control unit 313 acquires information on the primary system and information on available channels from the data server 20. In addition, the control unit 313 supports discovery of a nearby CM located in the vicinity of a certain CM. Also in the third control model, the control unit 313 does not select the master CM.

(2) CM / CE
The secondary usage node 40 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, and a control unit 323.

  The control unit 323 uses a processor such as a CPU to control functions of the secondary usage node 40 as a CM and a CE, and also controls the operation of the secondary system by the secondary usage node 40. More specifically, in the third control model, the control unit 323 includes an information acquisition unit 324, a selection unit 325, and a secondary system control unit 326.

  The information acquisition unit 324 acquires information regarding the primary system and information regarding channels available to the secondary system among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system from the communication control apparatus 30 having CDIS.

  The selection unit 325 selects a channel to be used for the operation of the secondary system from the available channels based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 324. The channel selection by the selection unit 325 may be performed in consideration of the sensing result of the own device or the secondary usage node 42. For example, when there is a channel that is not used by another secondary system, the selection unit 325 may select the channel. The selection unit 325 may select a channel so that interference with a primary system or a nearby secondary system caused by a secondary system to be operated does not exceed an allowable level. The selection unit 325 may preferentially select the normal channel when the normal channel and the restricted channel are unused. Note that the channel selection criteria are not limited to the example described here, but may be other criteria.

  When the channel is selected by the selection unit 325, the secondary system control unit 326 starts operation of the secondary system on the selected channel or reconfigures the secondary system. Further, the secondary system control unit 326 notifies the CDIS of the channel selection result.

[4-2. Process flow]
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of communication control processing in the third control model. Referring to FIG. 12, first, an autonomous control request is transmitted from the CM of the secondary usage node 40 to CDIS (step S302). Next, when the autonomous control request is approved by the CDIS (step S304), the CM requests the CDIS to provide a channel list (step S306). Then, CDIS provides the CM with a channel list that lists available channels (step S308).

  Next, the CM selects a channel to be used for the operation of the secondary system from the channels included in the channel list provided by CDIS (step S310). Then, the CM notifies the selected channel to CDIS (step S312). When the channel selected by the CM is notified, CDIS updates the database (step S314).

  In the third control model, a channel for operation of the secondary system is autonomously selected by CMs distributed in each secondary usage node. Also in this case, the performance required for each CM can be reduced. In addition, since decision making is performed without concentrating information on a plurality of secondary systems in one CM, the signaling load on the network is reduced.

<5. Complex control model>
The three control models described above may be used in combination depending on system requirements. The three control models may be selected adaptively.

  For example, some CMs in the system may desire cooperative control by the second control model or autonomous control by the third control model rather than centric control by the first control model. is there. In that case, a part of the system may be operated with the second or third control model, and the remaining part may be operated with the first control model.

  Further, for example, there is a possibility that the load on the master CM may exceed the processing capacity of the master CM due to an increase in the number of nodes participating in the system while the system is operated with the first control model. There is. In addition, while the system is operated with the third control model, the load on the secondary usage node may exceed the processing capacity of the node. In such a case, it is beneficial to distribute the load by shifting the operating control model to another control model.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of adaptive selection of a control model. The process shown in FIG. 13 can be realized as a process executed by CDIS, CM (for example, master CM) or other independent functional entity.

  Referring to FIG. 13, it is first determined whether or not there is a CM that can operate as a master CM (step S402). For example, when no CM having the capability as a master CM exists in the system, when all CMs refuse to operate as a master CM, or when no CM is located in the packet-based network, the master It can be determined that there is no CM operable as a CM. If there is no CM that can operate as the master CM, the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if there is a CM that can operate as a master CM, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, the system is operated with the first control model (step S404). Then, while the system is in operation, the load on the master CM (and / or the signaling load on the network) is monitored (step S406). If it is detected in step S406 that the monitored load exceeds the processing capacity of the master CM (or network capacity or QoS limit, etc.), the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, it is determined whether there is a secondary usage node that can be autonomously controlled as a CM in the system (step S408). The determination here can be made based on, for example, capabilities, performance, QoS requirements, and the like of each secondary usage node. If it is determined that there is a secondary usage node that can be controlled autonomously, the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no autonomously controllable secondary usage node, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S410, at least a part of the system (for example, one or more secondary usage nodes that can be controlled autonomously and a node group belonging to the secondary usage node) is operated in the third control model (step S410). S410). Then, the load on the secondary usage node operated in the third control model is monitored (step S412). If it is detected in step S412 that the monitored load exceeds the processing capacity of the secondary usage node, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, at least a part of the system is operated with the second control model (step S414). In the second control model, since the control is performed cooperatively between the CM and the secondary usage node, the load applied to each node can be distributed.

  Thereafter, the control model applied to the system may be further modified in response to various factors such as a change in the number of nodes participating in the system, a change in topology, or an increase or decrease in traffic. Control model changes may be signaled from a CDIS, CM (eg, master CM) or other independent functional entity to a node in the system.

<6. Summary>
So far, three control models for controlling the coexistence of secondary systems have been described in detail. According to the first control model, channels used by a plurality of secondary systems are centricly determined by one master CM. Therefore, there is no possibility that decisions by a plurality of CMs compete with each other. Further, according to the second control model, the channel used by the secondary system is determined cooperatively between the CM and the secondary usage node. That is, a part of the authority of the CM can be delegated to the secondary usage node. Thereby, the performance required for the CM can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to concentrate a large amount of information on one CM, the signaling load on the network can be reduced. Further, according to the third control model, the channel used by the secondary system is autonomously determined by each of the CMs arranged in a distributed manner. Also in this case, the performance required for the CM can be reduced, and the signaling load on the network can be reduced.

  Also, according to the second control model, a list of channels recommended for the secondary usage node is generated by the CM and provided to the secondary usage node. Then, the channel for the operation of the secondary system is selected from the list by the secondary usage node. The channel selected by the secondary usage node is notified from the CM to the CDIS and the neighboring CM. Accordingly, it is possible to delegate a part of the authority of the CM to the secondary usage node while coordinating a plurality of CMs within the framework of the functional entities CDIS, CM, and CE.

  Note that a series of control processing by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. For example, a program constituting the software is stored in advance in a storage medium provided inside or outside each device. Each program is read into a RAM (Random Access Memory) at the time of execution and executed by a processor such as a CPU.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

10, 12 Primary usage node 20 Data server 30 Communication control device 40, 42 Secondary usage node 124 Information acquisition unit 125 Determination unit 126 Notification unit 224 Information acquisition unit 225 Generation unit 226 Notification unit 324 Information acquisition unit 325 Selection unit 326 Secondary System controller

According to Oh to an embodiment, to generate the channel information indicating a recommended channel for secondary usage node operating the secondary system among frequency channels assigned to a primary system, the generated the channel information A circuit configured to notify the secondary usage node, wherein the circuit does not exceed an acceptable level of interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes. A communication controller is provided for determining the recommended channel for each secondary usage node.

Further, according to another embodiment, there is provided a communication control method executed by a communication control apparatus for controlling secondary usage of a frequency channel, wherein the secondary system is operated among frequency channels assigned to the primary system. Each of the secondary usage nodes includes: generating channel information indicating a recommended channel for the secondary usage node; and notifying the generated secondary channel to the secondary usage node. A communication control method is provided in which the recommended channel for each secondary usage node is determined such that interference between secondary systems operated by the network does not exceed an allowable level.

According to another embodiment, when executed by a communication control device that controls secondary use of a frequency channel, the communication control device operates a secondary system among the frequency channels assigned to the primary system. Generating a channel information indicating a recommended channel for the secondary usage node, and notifying the generated secondary channel to the secondary usage node. The recommended computer channel for each secondary usage node is determined such that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the usage nodes does not exceed an acceptable level. A possible medium is provided.

According to another embodiment, the channel information indicating the recommended channel for the secondary usage node operating the secondary system among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system is generated, and the generated channel information is generated. A communication control device including a circuit for notifying channel information to the secondary usage node; and a secondary usage node for selecting a channel for secondary usage based on the channel information notified from the communication control device; Wherein the circuit is recommended for each secondary usage node such that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed an acceptable level. A communication system is provided.

Claims (12)

Obtain information about channels available to the secondary system from a server that stores information about one or more secondary systems;
Generating a list of recommended channels for the secondary usage node operating the secondary system among the frequency channels allocated to the primary system based on the information about the available channels;
Notifying the secondary usage node of the generated list;
Comprising a circuit configured as
The circuit determines the recommended channel for each secondary usage node so that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level. ,
Communication control device. The circuit notifies the server of the channel selected by the secondary usage node;
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1.   The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuit further notifies another communication control apparatus of the channel selected by the secondary usage node.   The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit generates the list in response to a request from the secondary usage node. A communication control method executed by a communication control device to control secondary use of a frequency channel,
Obtaining information about channels available to the secondary system from a server storing information about one or more secondary systems;
Generating a list of recommended channels for the secondary usage node operating the secondary system among the frequency channels assigned to the primary system based on information about the available channels;
Notifying the secondary usage node of the generated list;
Including
The recommended channel for each secondary usage node is determined such that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level,
Communication control method. When executed by a communication control device that controls secondary use of a frequency channel,
Obtaining information about channels available to the secondary system from a server storing information about one or more secondary systems;
Generating a list of recommended channels for the secondary usage node operating the secondary system among the frequency channels assigned to the primary system based on information about the available channels;
Notifying the secondary usage node of the generated list;
To execute a method including
The recommended channel for each secondary usage node is determined such that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level.
A computer-readable medium on which a program is recorded. Obtain information about channels available to the secondary system from a server that stores information about one or more secondary systems;
A list of recommended channels for a secondary usage node operating a secondary system among frequency channels allocated to the primary system is generated based on information on the available channels, and the generated list To the secondary usage node,
A communication control device comprising a circuit;
A secondary usage node that selects a channel for secondary usage based on the list notified from the communication control device;
Including
The circuit determines the recommended channel for each secondary usage node so that interference between secondary systems operated by each of the secondary usage nodes does not exceed a predetermined level. ,
Communications system.   The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to operate in three control modes of a master control mode, a cooperative control mode, and an autonomous control mode.   The communication control device according to claim 8, wherein when operating in the master control mode, channels used by a plurality of secondary systems are intensively determined by the circuit.   When operating in the master control mode, the circuit determines a channel to be used by a secondary usage node under the control of the circuit, and the circuit is further in a secondary usage under the control of a slave controller. The communication control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a channel used by a node is determined.   11. When operating in the cooperative control mode, a channel used by a secondary system is determined cooperatively between the circuit and the secondary usage node operating in the secondary system. The communication control device described. The communication control device according to claim 10, wherein when operating in the autonomous control mode, a channel used by a secondary system is autonomously determined by each of a plurality of control devices arranged in a distributed network.

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