JP2018129771A - Communication control device, communication system, communication control program, and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have a terminal that is made to stop a connection request to a network resume the connection request to the network while reducing consumption of resources.SOLUTION: A communication control device 110 includes a holding unit 111 and a control unit 112. The holding unit 111 holds in-zone information on a terminal 121 when control to stop a connection request to a network 101 by the terminal 121 was conducted. The control unit 112 performs control to transmit a control signal to have the terminal 121 resume the connection request from a control signal processing device 131 corresponding to the in-zone information held by the holding unit 111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication system, a communication control program, and a communication control method for controlling wireless communication.

  Conventionally, in 3GPP, specifications of mobile communication systems such as the third generation mobile communication system (3G), LTE corresponding to the 3.9th generation mobile communication system, and LTE-Advanced corresponding to the fourth generation mobile communication system have been studied. ing. 3GPP is an abbreviation for 3rd Generation Partnership Project. LTE is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. In addition, studies on technologies relating to the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G) have also started.

  In addition, a technique is known in which control information is written to a wireless telephone having a multi-zone configuration using wireless, and the wireless telephone returns a response when the verification codes match (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Also, a technique is known in which when a base station is a user whose telephone communication contract has been canceled, the mobile phone terminal that has requested authentication is instructed to write its own operator code in the file FPLMN. (For example, see Patent Document 2 below.) In this technology, the mobile phone terminal does not access the base station of the carrier having the carrier code written in the file FPLMN and issues an authentication request to the base station of the carrier whose contract has been canceled. Absent.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-54636 JP 2008-28792 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, for example, the position of the terminal that has stopped the connection request to the network by canceling the contract is unknown on the network side. For this reason, a control signal cannot be transmitted to the terminal, and there is a problem that the terminal cannot resume a connection request to the network at the time of a re-contract, for example.

  In addition, for example, it is conceivable to transmit a control signal for resuming a connection request to a terminal that has stopped a connection request to the network to the entire area of the network.

  In one aspect, the present invention relates to a communication control apparatus, a communication system, a communication control program, and a communication control apparatus capable of resuming a connection request to a network while suppressing resource consumption for a terminal that has stopped the connection request to the network An object is to provide a communication control method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, in one embodiment, in the embodiment, the terminal location information when the control to stop the connection request to the network by the terminal is performed, and the connection to the terminal A communication control device, a communication system, a communication control program, and a communication control method are proposed for performing control for transmitting a control signal for resuming a request from a control signal processing device corresponding to the held area information.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that a connection request to a network can be resumed while suppressing resource consumption for a terminal that has stopped a connection request to the network.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the LTE communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an attach request stop process in the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an attach request stop process in each apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the attach request stop process in the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the connection request stop process in each device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an attach request restart process in the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a connection request restart process in each apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of the UE according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the UE according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the HSS according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the BSS according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of each device according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the BSS and the HSS according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the UE according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of location information according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the attach request restart process in the communication system according to the embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication control device, a communication system, a communication control program, and a communication control method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Communication system according to embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 according to the embodiment includes a communication control device 110 and a terminal 121. The communication system 100 may further include a control signal processing device 131 and a base station 141. The network 101 is a mobile network including a communication control device 110, a control signal processing device 131, and a base station 141.

  The terminal 121 is a wireless terminal capable of wireless communication with the base station 141 connected to the control signal processing device 131. As an example, the terminal 121 is an LTE UE (User Equipment). The terminal 121 makes a connection request to the network 101 by performing wireless communication with the base station 141, for example. As an example, the connection request to the network 101 is an LTE attach request (transmission of an attach request signal). The terminal 121 is a non-mobile device that is fixedly arranged at a specific location, such as a sensor node.

  The control signal processing device 131 is a control device (for example, a call control device) that performs call control in the network 101. For example, the control signal processing device 131 can communicate with the terminal 121 via the base station 141. As an example, the control signal processing device 131 is an LTE MME (Mobility Management Entity). In addition to the control signal processing device 131, the network 101 includes a call control device. For example, in the network 101, a call control device is provided for each area, and the control signal processing device 131 is a call control device corresponding to the area where the terminal 121 is located.

  The base station 141 is a radio base station that is connected to the control signal processing device 131 and capable of radio communication with the terminal 121. As an example, the base station 141 is an LTE eNB (evolved Node B).

  The communication control device 110 is a control device that performs processing related to a contract in the network 101. As an example, the communication control device 110 is an LTE BSS (Business Support System). For example, the communication control device 110 includes a holding unit 111 and a control unit 112.

  For example, the communication control apparatus 110 performs control to stop a connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121. This control is performed by the control unit 112, for example. For example, the control unit 112 performs control to transmit a control signal for stopping the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121 from the control signal processing device 131 to the terminal 121 via the base station 141.

  For example, the control unit 112 performs control to stop the connection request when the terminal 121 is connected to the network 101 and cannot be connected to the network 101. The state in which the terminal 121 can be connected to the network 101 is a state in which, for example, the user of the terminal 121 is permitted to connect to the network 101 and perform data communication by contracting with the network 101 operator. . When the terminal 121 cannot connect to the network 101, for example, when the user of the terminal 121 cancels the contract with the network 101 operator, the terminal 121 is not permitted to connect to the network 101 and perform data communication. It is in the state.

  For example, when the terminal 121 receives a control signal for stopping a connection request to the network 101, the terminal 121 stores the identifier of the network 101 as predetermined information in the nonvolatile memory of the terminal 121. As an example, the identifier of the network 101 is a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) number of the network 101. As an example, the predetermined information is an FPLMN (Forbidden Public Land Mobile Network) number. The terminal 121 does not make a connection request to the network 101 in which the identifier is stored in the predetermined information described above. Thereby, the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121 can be stopped.

  Stopping the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121 can prevent the terminal 121 from repeatedly retrying the connection request to the network 101 when the terminal 121 cannot connect to the network 101, for example. For this reason, resource consumption in the network 101 can be suppressed.

  As an example, the non-volatile memory of the terminal 121 is a writable storage area in the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) of the terminal 121. However, the non-volatile memory storing the identifier of the network 101 is not limited to the SIM, and can be various non-volatile memories included in the terminal 121.

  The holding unit 111 holds the location information of the terminal 121 when the control unit 112 performs control to stop the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121. The location information is information indicating an area where the terminal 121 is located, for example. For example, the control signal processing device 131 is a control device provided for each area such as a prefecture, and the location information includes the identifier of the terminal 121 and the identifier of the control signal processing device 131 to which the terminal 121 belongs. Combination information. For example, the holding unit 111 receives the location information of the terminal 121 from a server that manages the location information of the terminal 121 and holds the received location information. The server that manages the location information of the terminal 121 is, for example, an HSS (Home Subscriber Server).

  The control unit 112 performs control to transmit a control signal to the terminal 121 from the call control device corresponding to the location information held by the holding unit 111. This control signal is a signal for causing the terminal 121 to resume a connection request to the stopped network. As an example, the control signal is a paging signal (incoming call signal). For example, when the control unit 112 stops the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121 based on the identifier of the control signal processing device 131 associated with the identifier of the terminal 121 in the location information, the terminal 121 belongs. The control signal processing device 131 is identified. Then, the control unit 112 controls the identified control signal processing device 131 to transmit a control signal to the terminal 121 via the base station 141. Thereby, the connection request to the network 101 can be resumed for the terminal 121 that has stopped the connection request to the network 101.

  For example, the control unit 112 performs control to transmit a control signal to the terminal 121 when the terminal 121 is connected to the network 101 from a state where the terminal 121 cannot be connected to the network 101. In this case, the state in which the terminal 121 can be connected to the network 101 is, for example, that the user of the terminal 121 is allowed to connect to the network 101 and perform data communication when the user of the terminal 121 re-contracts with the network 101 operator. It is in the state.

  When receiving the control signal for resuming the connection request to the network 101, the terminal 121 deletes the identifier of the network 101 from the predetermined information in the nonvolatile memory of the terminal 121. Thereby, the terminal 121 that has stopped the connection request to the network 101 resumes the connection request to the network 101.

  Further, when stopping the connection request to the network 101 by the terminal 121, the control signal may be transmitted only to the control signal processing device 131 specified by using the location information held by the communication control device 110. it can. Thereby, for example, as long as the terminal 121 does not move so much as to cross the area, the terminal 121 can receive the control signal.

  Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration in which control signals are transmitted from all control signal processing devices of the network 101 (for example, to the entire country), consumption of resources of the network 101 can be suppressed. For this reason, the connection request to the network 101 can be resumed for the terminal 121 that has stopped the connection request to the network 101 while suppressing resource consumption of the network 101.

(LTE communication system according to the embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the LTE communication system according to the embodiment. The communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by, for example, the LTE communication system 200 shown in FIG. The LTE communication system 200 includes, for example, a mobile network 201, UEs 251 to 253, ..., 261 to 263, ..., 271 to 273, ....

  The mobile network 201 is an LTE mobile network operated by a specific operator, and includes, for example, a BSS 210, an HSS 220, MMEs 231 to 233, and eNBs 241 to 243,. The network 101 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by a mobile network 201, for example.

  The BSS 210 is a practical information management system that performs processing such as billing and billing to users. For example, the BSS 210 is operated by an operator of a business operator who operates the mobile network 201. The BSS 210 is connected to the HSS 220 via a monitoring interface. Moreover, BSS210 may be connected with MME231-233, ....

  The HSS 220 has a database of information on subscribers to wireless communication services by the mobile network 201. HSS220 is connected with MME231-233, ....

  MMEs 231 to 233 are control nodes that control location registration, call, and handover of each UE. For example, the MME 231 is connected to the eNBs 241 to 243 and performs control related to the UEs 251 to 253, ..., 261 to 263, ..., 271 to 273, ... that are wirelessly connected to the eNBs 241 to 243.

  eNBs 241 to 243 are wireless base stations compatible with LTE wireless communication. The UEs 251 to 253, ... are wirelessly connected to the eNB 241. UE261-263, ... is wirelessly connected to eNB242. UE271-273, ... is wirelessly connected to eNB243.

  .., 261 to 263,..., 271 to 273 are fixed terminals in which, for example, SIM cards are inserted. The fixed terminal is, for example, an IoT sensor node fixed in the ground, underwater or at a high place. IoT is an abbreviation for Internet of Things. In addition, UEs 251 to 253,..., 261 to 263,..., 271 to 273,..., For example, repeat the contract for connection to the mobile network 201 on a seasonal basis (such as no contract in winter related to agricultural products). UE.

  Hereinafter, as an example, the UE 251 and the eNB 241, the MME 231, the HSS 220, and the BSS 210 that perform processing related to the UE 251 will be described. In this case, the communication control apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by the BSS 210, for example. The terminal 121 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the UE 251, for example. The control signal processing device 131 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the MME 231, for example. The base station 141 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the eNB 241, for example.

(Attach Request Stop Processing in Communication System According to Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an attach request stop process in the communication system according to the embodiment. In the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 3 are executed as the attach request stop process. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, a case will be described in which the UE 251 is not subscribed to the mobile network 201, the authentication request is rejected by the HSS 220 for the attach request from the UE 251, and the attach request of the UE 251 is stopped.

  First, the UE 251 transmits an attach request signal (Attach request) requesting to register (attach) the UE 251 to the mobile network 201 to the eNB 241 (Step S301). The attach request signal includes, for example, the identifier of the UE 251. The identifier of the UE 251 is an identifier such as an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal received in step S301 to the MME 231 (step S302).

  Next, the MME 231 transmits an authentication request signal (Authentication Information Request) for requesting the authentication of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 (Step S303). The authentication of the UE 251 is, for example, a determination as to whether or not the UE 251 is a UE that can be connected to the mobile network 201 by a contract or the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the UE 251 is not a UE that can connect to the mobile network 201 and the authentication of the UE 251 has failed.

  Next, the HSS 220 transmits an authentication failure notification (Authentication Information Failure) indicating that the authentication of the UE 251 has failed to the MME 231 (step S304). Further, since the authentication of the UE 251 has failed, the HSS 220 transmits the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 (step S305). For example, the HSS 220 includes a location information of the UE 251 and transmits a signal instructing to write the location information to a database (DB) of the BSS 210 to the BSS 210. The location information is information indicating the location area of the UE 251 and is, for example, a combination of the identifier of the UE 251 (for example, IMSI) and the identifier of the MME 231 to which the UE 251 belongs. Next, the BSS 210 writes the location information received in step S305 in the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S306).

  Next, since the MME 231 receives the authentication failure notification in step S304, the MME 231 transmits an attach rejection signal indicating that the attachment of the UE 251 is rejected to the eNB 241 (step S307). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the attach rejection signal received in step S307 to the UE 251 (step S308). This attach rejection signal is a signal (Suspend attach procedure) for instructing the UE 251 to stop an attach request to the mobile network 201. For example, the attach rejection signal may include a signal instructing to stop the attach request to the mobile network 201. Alternatively, the UE 251 may be configured to stop the attach request to the mobile network 201 when receiving the attach rejection signal. Further, the attach refusal signal may include a signal instructing to shift to a state where a paging state signal is received.

  Next, the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 as the FPLMN number in the SIM card of the UE 251 (Step S309). The FPLMN number is an access prohibition list indicating a PLMN where access of the UE 251 is prohibited. Thereby, UE251 stops the transmission of the attachment request | requirement to mobile network 201, ie, the attachment request signal to eNB241. The UE 251 that has stopped the attach request is in a state of receiving a paging signal transmitted by radio.

(Attach Request Stop Processing in Each Device According to Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an attach request stop process in each apparatus according to the embodiment. In each device of the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 4 are executed as the attach request stop processing. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, a case will be described in which the UE 251 is not subscribed to the mobile network 201, the authentication request is rejected by the HSS 220 for the attach request from the UE 251, and the attach request of the UE 251 is stopped.

  First, the UE 251 transmits an attach request signal (step S401). Next, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the attach request signal transmitted in step S401 (step S402). For example, the eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal received from the UE 251 to the MME 231. The MME 231 transmits an authentication request signal to the HSS 220 in response to the attach request signal received from the eNB 241.

  Next, HSS220 judges whether the user of UE251 is a subscriber of the mobile network 201 (step S403). When the UE 251 is a subscriber (step S403: Yes), the HSS 220 performs an attach process for registering (attaching) the UE 251 to the mobile network 201 (step S404). For example, the HSS 220 registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the HSS 220 database. Then, the HSS 220 transmits an authentication success notification indicating that the UE 251 has been successfully authenticated to the MME 231.

  Next, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the authentication success notification transmitted in step S404 (step S405), and the series of processing ends. For example, the MME 231 transmits an attach accept signal (Attach accept) indicating that the UE 251 is attached to the mobile network 201 to the eNB 241 in response to the authentication success notification received from the HSS 220. The eNB 241 transmits the attach accept signal received from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  In step S403, when the subscriber is not a subscriber (step S403: No), the HSS 220 rejects the attachment of the UE 251 (step S406). For example, an authentication failure notification indicating that the authentication of the UE 251 has failed is transmitted to the MME 231. In this case, the HSS 220 transmits the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 (step S407). This can instruct the BSS 210 to write the location information of the UE 251 in the database of the BSS 210.

  Next, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the authentication success notification transmitted in step S406 (step S408). For example, the MME 231 transmits an attach rejection signal indicating that the attachment of the UE 251 is rejected to the eNB 241 in response to the authentication failure notification received from the HSS 220. The eNB 241 transmits the attach rejection signal received from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  Next, the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 in the SIM card of the UE 251 as the FPLMN number based on the attach rejection signal received in step S408 (step S409).

  Next, since the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 is written in the SIM card as the FPLMN number, the UE 251 stops the attach request to the mobile network 201 (step S410). For example, in step S410, the UE 251 stops transmitting an attach request signal to the eNB 241. As described above, the attach rejection signal may include a signal instructing to shift to a state in which the paging state signal is received. The UE 251 that has stopped the attach request is in a state of receiving a paging signal transmitted by radio.

  Further, the BSS 210 writes the location information received in step S407 in the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S411).

(Another example of attachment request stop processing in the communication system according to the embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the attach request stop process in the communication system according to the embodiment. In the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps illustrated in FIG. 5 may be executed as the attach request stop process. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, a case where the UE 251 attach request is stopped simultaneously with the UE 251 detachment in a state where the UE 251 is attached to the mobile network 201 will be described.

  First, the BSS 210 makes a location inquiry for inquiring the location of the UE 251 to the HSS 220, and confirms that the UE 251 is located in an eNB (eg, eNB 241) under the MME 231 (step S501).

  Next, the BSS 210 transmits to the MME 231 a detach request signal (Detch request) requesting to delete (detach) the registration of the UE 251 from the mobile network 201 (step S502). Further, the BSS 210 transmits a contract cancellation processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has canceled the contract to the HSS 220 (step S503). Further, the contract cancellation processing signal is a signal for requesting the HSS 220 for the location information of the UE 251. For example, the contract cancellation processing signal may include a signal requesting the location information of the UE 251. Alternatively, the HSS 220 may be set to transmit the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 when the contract cancellation processing signal is received.

  Next, the HSS 220 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database (DB) of the HSS 220, and transmits the read location information to the BSS 210 (step S504). Next, the BSS 210 writes the location information received in step S504 in the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S505).

  Further, the MME 231 transmits the detach request signal received in step S502 to the eNB 241 (step S506). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the detach request signal received in step S506 to the UE 251 (step S507). Thereby, the PDN (Packet Data Network) of the UE 251 in the mobile network 201 is disconnected.

  Next, the UE 251 transmits to the eNB 241 a detach accept signal indicating that it has been detached (Step S508). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the detach accept signal received in step S508 to the MME 231 (step S509).

  Next, in the UE 251, the eNB 241, and the MME 231, the signaling connection release (Signaling Connection Release) of the UE 251 is performed (step S510). Further, the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 as the FPLMN number in the SIM card of the UE 251 (Step S511). Thereby, UE251 stops the transmission of the attachment request | requirement to mobile network 201, ie, the attachment request signal to eNB241. As described above, the detach request signal may include a signal instructing to shift to a state where a paging state signal is received. The UE 251 that has stopped the attach request is in a state of receiving a paging signal transmitted by radio.

(Another example of the connection request stop process in each device according to the embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the connection request stop process in each device according to the embodiment. In each device of the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 6 may be executed as the attach request stop process. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, a case will be described in which the UE 251 attach request is stopped simultaneously with the UE 251 detachment in a state where the UE 251 is attached to the mobile network 201.

  First, the BSS 210 transmits a contract cancellation processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has canceled the contract to the HSS 220 (step S601). In addition, the BSS 210 transmits a detach request signal for the UE 251 to the MME 231 (step S602).

  Next, HSS220 performs the contract cancellation process of UE251 according to the contract cancellation process received by step S601, and transmits the location information of UE251 to BSS210 (step S603). The contract cancellation process is, for example, a process of deleting the registration information of the UE 251 from the HSS 220 database or invalidating the registration information of the UE 251 in the HSS 220 database. Next, the BSS 210 writes the location information received in step S603 in the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S604).

  Further, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the detach request signal transmitted in step S602 (step S605). For example, the MME 231 transmits the detach request signal received from the BSS 210 to the eNB 241. The eNB 241 transmits the detach request signal received from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  Next, the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 as the FPLMN number in the SIM card of the UE 251 (step S606). Next, since the UE 251 has written the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 as the FPLMN number in the SIM card of the UE 251, the UE 251 stops the attach request to the mobile network 201 (step S 607). As described above, the detach request signal may include a signal instructing to shift to a state where a paging state signal is received. The UE 251 that has stopped the attach request is in a state of receiving a paging signal transmitted by radio.

  In each step shown in FIG. 6, the BSS 210 may make a location inquiry regarding the UE 251 to the HSS 220 before steps S601 and S602.

(Restart processing of attach request in the communication system according to the embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an attach request restart process in the communication system according to the embodiment. In the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 7 are executed as the restart process of the attach request. In the example shown in FIG. 7, for example, in a state where the attachment request of the UE 251 is stopped by each step shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, the UE 251 enters the state of joining the mobile network 201 by contract, and the attachment request of the UE 251 is issued. The case of resuming will be described.

  First, the BSS 210 transmits a contract processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has contracted to the HSS 220 (step S701). The contract processing signal may be a signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has made a new contract, or a signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has re-contracted for the canceled contract (re-contract processing signal). May be. Through step S701, the HSS 220 registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the database of the HSS 220, and the authentication is successful when there is an attach request from the UE 251.

  In addition, the BSS 210 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S702). This location information is, for example, location information written in step S306 shown in FIG. 3 or step S505 shown in FIG.

  Next, the BSS 210 identifies the MME 231 to which the UE 251 belongs when stopping the attach request of the UE 251 based on the location information of the UE 251 read out in step S702. Then, the BSS 210 transmits a paging request signal for requesting paging for calling the UE 251 to the identified MME 231 (step S703). The paging request signal includes an identifier of the UE 251 such as IMSI.

  Next, MME231 transmits the paging signal which calls UE251 to eNB241 (step S704). The paging signal includes an identifier of the UE 251 such as IMSI. Next, the eNB 241 wirelessly transmits the paging signal received in step S704 in its own cell (step S705). The paging signal transmitted in step S705 is received by the UE 251 that is in a state of stopping the attach request and receiving the paging signal.

  Next, since the UE 251 has received a paging signal for calling the UE 251 from the mobile network 201, the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 is deleted from the FPLMN numbers written in the SIM card of the UE 251 (step S706). As a result, the UE 251 enters a state of making an attach request to the mobile network 201 in a state where it is not attached to the mobile network 201.

  That is, next, the UE 251 transmits an attach request signal to the eNB 241 (step S707). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal received in step S707 to the MME 231 (step S708).

  Next, the MME 231 transmits an authentication request signal requesting authentication of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 (step S709). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the UE 251 is registered in the HSS 220 as a UE that can be connected to the mobile network 201 in step S701, and the UE 251 is successfully authenticated.

  Next, the HSS 220 transmits an authentication success notification (Authentication Information Response) indicating that the UE 251 has been successfully authenticated to the MME 231 (step S710). Next, since the MME 231 receives the authentication success notification in step S710, the MME 231 transmits an attach accept signal (Attach accept) indicating that the attachment of the UE 251 is completed to the eNB 241 (step S711). Next, the eNB 241 transmits the attach accept signal received in step S711 to the UE 251 (step S712).

(Resumption processing of connection request in each device according to the embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a connection request restart process in each apparatus according to the embodiment. In the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 8 are executed as the restart process of the attach request. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, in a state where the attachment request of the UE 251 is stopped by each step illustrated in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, the UE 251 enters the mobile network 201 by a contract, and the attachment request of the UE 251 is issued. The case of resuming will be described.

  First, the BSS 210 transmits a contract processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has contracted to the HSS 220 (step S801). As a result, the HSS 220 registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the database of the HSS 220, and the authentication is successful when there is an attach request from the UE 251.

  Further, the BSS 210 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S802). Next, the BSS 210 transmits a paging request signal requesting paging for calling the UE 251 to the MME 231 based on the location information of the UE 251 read out in step S802 (step S803).

  Next, the MME 231 and the eNB 241 transmit a paging signal for calling the UE 251 (step S804). For example, the MME 231 transmits a paging signal based on the paging request signal received from the BSS 210 in Step S803 to the eNB 241. Also, the eNB 241 wirelessly transmits the paging signal received from the MME 231 within its own cell.

  Next, the MME 231 determines whether or not there is a response from the UE 251 to the paging signal transmitted in Step S804 (Step S805). If there is a response (step S805: Yes), the process proceeds to step S806. That is, the UE 251 deletes the FPLMN number that is the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 among the FPLMN numbers written in the SIM card of the UE 251 (step S806).

  Next, the UE 251 transmits an attach request signal to the eNB 241 (step S807). Next, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the attach request signal transmitted in step S807 (step S808). For example, the eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal received from the UE 251 to the MME 231. The MME 231 transmits the attach request signal received from the eNB 241 to the HSS 220.

  Next, the HSS 220 authenticates the UE 251 (step S809). In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the UE 251 is a UE that can be connected to the mobile network 201 in step S801, and the authentication of the UE 251 is successful. For example, the HSS 220 transmits an authentication success notification indicating that the UE 251 has been successfully authenticated to the MME 231.

  Next, the eNB 241 and the MME 231 perform signal relay of the authentication success notification transmitted in step S809 (step S810). For example, the MME 231 transmits the authentication success notification received from the HSS 220 to the eNB 241. The eNB 241 transmits the authentication success notification received from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  In step S805, when there is no response from UE251 (step S805: No), for example, MME231 transmits the paging signal which calls UE251 to all the other MMEs of the mobile network 201 (step S811). Thereby, the paging signal which calls UE251 from each eNB which belongs to all the other MMEs is radio-transmitted. And when the response from UE251 is received in either of all other MMEs, the process similar to step S806-S810 is performed via that MME and eNB under the MME.

  Also, in step S811, if there is no response from the UE 251, it is determined that the UE 251 cannot be used due to a failure or battery exhaustion, or the UE 251 has moved to another location, and a series of operations is started without starting the UE 251 attach request. Processing may be terminated.

(UE state transition according to the embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of the UE according to the embodiment. For example, the UE 251 may transition to states 901 to 904 illustrated in FIG. A state 901 is a state in which the UE 251 is powered off (power off). When the UE 251 is powered on from the state 901 (power on), the UE 251 transitions to the state 902.

  In the state 902, the UE 251 is not connected to the mobile network 201 (network not connected), makes an attach request (attach request is possible), does not make a detach request (cannot be detached), and does not receive a paging signal (paging) Signal reception is not possible).

  In the state 902, the UE 251 fails authentication in the HSS 220 based on the attach request (attach authentication failure), and stops the attach request (attach request stop). For example, the attach rejection signal received by the UE 251 when the attach authentication fails includes a signal instructing to shift to a state of receiving the paging state signal, and the UE 251 determines the state based on the instruction of this signal. Move to 903. The state 903 is a state in which the UE 251 is not connected to the mobile network 201, does not make an attach request (attach request is impossible), does not make a detach request, and receives a paging signal (paging signal can be received).

  In the state 903, the UE 251 receives the paging signal for calling the UE 251 (reception of the paging signal), and resumes the attach request (restarts the attach request).

  When the UE 251 succeeds in authentication in the HSS 220 based on the attach request in the state 902 (attach authentication is successful), the UE 251 moves to the state 904. The state 904 is a state in which the UE 251 is connected to the mobile network 201 (network connection completed), does not perform an attach request, can perform a detach request (detach request is possible), and receives a paging signal.

  In the state 904, the UE 251 receives a detach request signal accompanied by a request to stop the attach request (detach), and when the attach request is stopped (attach request stop), the UE 251 proceeds to the state 903. In addition, when the UE 251 receives a detach request signal not accompanied by a request to stop the attach request in the state 904 (detach), the UE 251 proceeds to the state 902.

(Processing by UE according to Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the UE according to the embodiment. For example, the UE 251 performs the steps illustrated in FIG. 10 for the mobile network 201. For example, UE251 starts each step shown in FIG. 10, if a power supply is turned on. First, the UE 251 reads the FPLMN number of the SIM card of the UE 251 (Step S1001).

  Next, the UE 251 determines whether or not the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 is included in the FPLMN number read in step S1001 (step S1002). When the PLMN number is not included in the FPLMN number (step S1002: No), the UE 251 transmits an attach request signal to the MME 231 via the eNB 241 (step S1003).

  Next, the UE 251 determines whether or not the authentication based on the attach request signal transmitted in step S1003 has succeeded (step S1004). For example, if the UE 251 receives an attach accept signal from the MME 231 via the eNB 241, the UE 251 determines that the authentication is successful. In addition, when the UE 251 receives an attach rejection signal from the MME 231 via the eNB 241, the UE 251 determines that the authentication has failed.

  In step S1004, when the authentication is not successful (step S1004: No), the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 as the FPLMN number in the SIM card (step S1005). Next, the UE 251 determines whether or not a paging signal for calling the UE 251 has been received (step S1006), and waits until a paging signal is received (step S1006: No loop). Until the paging signal is received, the UE 251 does not transmit an attach request signal.

  In step S1006, when the paging signal is received (step S1006: Yes), the UE 251 deletes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 from the FPLMN number of the SIM card of the UE 251 (step S1007). Then, the UE 251 returns to Step S1001.

  In step S1002, when the PLMN number is included in the FPLMN number (step S1002: Yes), the UE 251 proceeds to step S1006.

  In step S1004, when the authentication is successful (step S1004: Yes), the UE 251 performs a network connection process for connecting to the mobile network 201 (step S1008). Thereby, the UE 251 can perform data communication by the mobile network 201.

  Next, the UE 251 determines whether or not a detach request signal is received from the MME 231 via the eNB 241 (step S1009), and waits until the detach request signal is received (step S1009: No loop). When the detach request signal is received (step S1009: Yes), the UE 251 performs a network disconnection process for disconnecting from the mobile network 201 (step S1010), and proceeds to step S1005.

(Processing by HSS according to the embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the HSS according to the embodiment. The HSS 220 according to the embodiment executes, for example, each step illustrated in FIG. 11 for the UE 251. First, the HSS 220 determines whether or not an authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the UE 251 has been received from the MME 231 (step S1101).

  In step S1101, when an authentication request signal is received (step S1101: Yes), the HSS 220 determines whether the UE 251 is a subscriber UE of the mobile network 201 (step S1102). The determination in step S1102 can be made based on the subscriber database of the HSS 220.

  In step S1102, if the UE 251 is a subscriber's UE (step S1102: Yes), the HSS 220 transmits an authentication success notification to the MME 231 (step S1103), and returns to step S1101. When the UE 251 is not a subscriber's UE (step S1102: No), the HSS 220 transmits an authentication failure notification to the MME 231 (step S1104). Also, the HSS 220 transmits the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 (step S1105), and returns to step S1101.

  In step S1101, when the authentication request signal has not been received (step S1101: No), the HSS 220 determines whether the contract cancellation processing signal of the UE 251 has been received from the BSS 210 (step S1106). When the contract cancellation processing signal has not been received (step S1106: No), the HSS 220 returns to step S1101.

  In step S1106, when the contract cancellation processing signal is received (step S1106: Yes), the HSS 220 deletes the subscriber information of the UE 251 from the database of the HSS 220 (step S1107). Also, the HSS 220 transmits the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 (step S1108).

  Next, the HSS 220 determines whether or not the UE 251 re-contract processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has re-contracted has been received from the BSS 210 (step S1109), and waits until the re-contract processing signal is received (step S1109). : No loop). When receiving the re-contract processing signal (step S1109: Yes), the HSS 220 registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the database of the HSS 220 (step S1110), and returns to step S1101.

(Processing by BSS according to the embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the BSS according to the embodiment. BSS210 concerning embodiment performs each step shown, for example in FIG. 12 about UE251. First, the BSS 210 determines whether or not a contract cancellation instruction from the UE 251 has been received (step S1201), and waits until a contract cancellation instruction is received (step S1201: No loop). The contract cancellation instruction is input to the BSS 210 by an operator who operates the BSS 210, for example.

  In step S1201, when a contract cancellation instruction is accepted (step S1201: Yes), the BSS 210 transmits a contract cancellation processing signal of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 (step S1202). Next, the BSS 210 determines whether or not the location information of the UE 251 is received from the HSS 220 (step S1203), and waits until the location information is received (step S1203: No loop).

  In step S1203, when the location information is received (step S1203: Yes), the BSS 210 writes the received location information in the database (DB) of the BSS 210 (step S1204). Further, the BSS 210 transmits a detach request signal for the UE 251 to the UE 251 via the MME 231 and the eNB 241 (step S1205).

  Next, the BSS 210 determines whether or not a re-contract instruction from the UE 251 is accepted (step S1206), and waits until a re-contract instruction is accepted (step S1206: No loop). The re-contract instruction is input to the BSS 210 by an operator who operates the BSS 210, for example. When receiving the re-contract instruction (step S1206: Yes), the BSS 210 determines whether the re-contractee of the UE 251 indicated by the received re-contract instruction is the same operator, that is, the mobile network 201 (step S1207). .

  In step S1207, when the re-contractee is the same operator (step S1207: Yes), the BSS 210 transmits a paging signal for calling the UE 251 via the MME 231 and the eNB 241 (step S1208), and the process returns to step S1201.

  In step S1207, when the re-contractee is not the same company (step S1207: No), the BSS 210 proceeds to step S1209. That is, the BSS 210 transmits the location information of the UE 251 to the BSS of the other operator of the re-contractee of the UE 251 indicated by the received re-contract instruction (step S1209), and ends the series of processes. The other business operator is, for example, an MVNO that uses the same MNO as the business operator of the BSS 210. MNO is an abbreviation for Mobile Network Operator. MVNO is an abbreviation for Mobile Virtual Network Operator (virtual mobile communication operator).

  In this case, a paging signal for calling the UE 251 is transmitted under the control from the BSS of another business operator with whom the UE 251 has re-contracted. The UE 251 starts an attach request to the mobile network 201 in response to the transmitted paging signal. The restart of the attach request when the contracted business operator is changed will be described later (see, for example, FIG. 17).

(Each apparatus according to the embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of each device according to the embodiment. In FIG. 13, the configuration of the BSS 210, the HSS 220, and the UE 251 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the BSS 210 includes a processing unit 1311, an anti-HSS communication unit 1312, an anti-MME communication unit 1313, and a database 1314 (DB). The processing unit 1311 is a processing unit that performs each process in the BSS 210. The HSS communication unit 1312 is a communication unit that can communicate with the HSS 220. The MME communication unit 1313 is a communication unit that can communicate with the MME 231. The database 1314 is a database that stores the location information of the UE (for example, the UE 251) that has stopped the attach request.

  The holding unit 111 of the communication control apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the database 1314, for example. The control unit 112 of the communication control apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the processing unit 1311 and the MME communication unit 1313, for example.

  The HSS 220 includes a processing unit 1321, an anti-BSS communication unit 1322, an anti-MME communication unit 1323, and a database 1324 (DB). The processing unit 1321 is a processing unit that performs each process in the HSS 220. The BSS communication unit 1322 is a communication unit that can communicate with the BSS 210. The MME communication unit 1323 is a communication unit that can communicate with the MME 231. The database 1324 is a database that stores subscriber information indicating UEs of users who have subscribed to the mobile network 201.

  The UE 251 includes a processing unit 1331, an eNB communication unit 1332, and a SIM card 1333. The processing unit 1331 is a processing unit that performs each process in the UE 251. The eNB communication unit 1332 is a communication unit that can communicate with the eNB 241. The SIM card 1333 is a non-volatile memory that stores subscriber information of the UE 251 and the like. The SIM card 1333 stores an FPLMN number 1334.

  A signal flow in the processing shown in FIG. 3 will be described. For example, the processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 refers to the SIM card 1333. Then, when the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 is not included in the FPLMN number 1334, the processing unit 1331 transmits an attach request signal to the mobile network 201 to the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332.

  The eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal transmitted from the UE 251 to the MME 231. The MME 231 transmits an authentication request signal of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 based on the attach request signal transmitted from the eNB 241.

  The processing unit 1321 of the HSS 220 receives the authentication request signal of the UE 251 transmitted from the MME 231 via the anti-MME communication unit 1323. And the process part 1321 authenticates UE251 based on the subscriber information of the database 1324 according to the received authentication request signal.

  Further, the processing unit 1321 transmits the authentication result of the UE 251 to the MME 231 via the anti-MME communication unit 1323. In this example, it is assumed that authentication of the UE 251 has failed. In this case, the processing unit 1321 transmits an authentication failure notification to the MME 231 as the authentication result of the UE 251. Further, the processing unit 1321 transmits the current location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210 via the BSS communication unit 1322.

  The MME 231 transmits the attach rejection signal described above to the eNB 241 in response to the authentication failure notification transmitted from the HSS 220. The eNB 241 transmits the attach rejection signal transmitted from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  The processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 receives the attach rejection signal transmitted from the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332. When receiving the attach rejection signal, the processing unit 1331 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 in the SIM card 1333 as the FPLMN number. As a result, the processing unit 1331 stops transmitting the attach request signal to the mobile network 201. As described above, for example, the attach rejection signal includes a signal instructing to shift to a state in which a paging state signal is received. In this case, the processing unit 1331 enters a state of receiving a paging signal via the eNB communication unit 1332.

  The processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 receives the location information of the UE 251 transmitted from the HSS 220 via the anti-HSS communication unit 1312. Then, the processing unit 1311 writes the received location information of the UE 251 in the database 1314.

  Next, a signal flow in the processing shown in FIG. 5 will be described. When the contract cancellation instruction is input, the processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 makes a location inquiry for inquiring the location of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 via the anti-HSS communication unit 1312. Further, the processing unit 1311 transmits a detach request signal of the UE 251 to the MME 231 via the anti-MME communication unit 1313. Further, the processing unit 1311 transmits the contract cancellation processing signal of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 via the HSS communication unit 1312.

  The processing unit 1321 of the HSS 220 receives the contract cancellation processing signal transmitted from the BSS 210 via the BSS communication unit 1322. Then, when receiving the contract cancellation processing signal, the processing unit 1321 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database 1324, and transmits the read location information to the BSS 210 via the BSS communication unit 1322.

  The processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 receives the location information of the UE 251 transmitted from the HSS 220 via the anti-HSS communication unit 1312. Then, the processing unit 1311 writes the received location information of the UE 251 in the database 1314.

  The MME 231 transmits the detach request signal transmitted from the BSS 210 to the eNB 241. The eNB 241 transmits the detach request signal transmitted from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  The processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 receives the detach request signal transmitted from the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332. Then, when receiving the detach request signal, the processing unit 1331 transmits a detach accept signal to the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332. The eNB 241 transmits the detach accept signal transmitted from the UE 251 to the MME 231.

  Further, the processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 writes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 to the SIM card 1333 as the FPLMN number. As a result, the processing unit 1331 stops transmitting the attach request signal to the mobile network 201. In addition, the processing unit 1331 enters a state of receiving a paging signal via the eNB communication unit 1332.

  Next, a signal flow in the processing shown in FIG. 7 will be described. For example, when a re-contract instruction is input, the processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 transmits a contract processing signal of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 via the anti-HSS communication unit 1312.

  The processing unit 1321 of the HSS 220 receives the contract processing signal transmitted from the BSS 210 via the BSS communication unit 1322. Then, the processing unit 1321 registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the database 1324 based on the received contract processing signal.

  Further, the processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database 1314. Further, the processing unit 1311 identifies the MME 231 to which the UE 251 belongs when stopping the attach request of the UE 251 based on the read location information of the UE 251. Then, the processing unit 1311 transmits a paging request signal for requesting paging for calling the UE 251 to the identified MME 231 via the MME communication unit 1313.

  Based on the paging request signal transmitted from the BSS 210, the MME 231 transmits a paging signal for calling the UE 251 to the eNB 241. The eNB 241 wirelessly transmits the paging signal transmitted from the MME 231 in its own cell.

  The processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 receives the paging signal wirelessly transmitted from the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332. Then, since the processing unit 1331 has received a paging signal for calling the UE 251 from the mobile network 201, the processing unit 1331 deletes the PLMN number of the mobile network 201 from the FPLMN numbers written in the SIM card 1333. Thereby, the processing unit 1331 enters a state of transmitting an attach request signal to the mobile network 201 to the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332.

  The eNB 241 transmits the attach request signal transmitted from the UE 251 to the MME 231. The MME 231 transmits an authentication request signal of the UE 251 to the HSS 220 based on the attach request signal transmitted from the eNB 241.

  The processing unit 1321 of the HSS 220 receives the authentication request signal of the UE 251 transmitted from the MME 231 via the anti-MME communication unit 1323. And the process part 1321 authenticates UE251 based on the subscriber information of the database 1324 according to the received authentication request signal. In this example, it is assumed that the authentication of the UE 251 is successful. In this case, the processing unit 1321 transmits an authentication success notification to the MME 231 as the authentication result of the UE 251. In this case, the processing unit 1321 may not transmit the current location information of the UE 251 to the BSS 210.

  The MME 231 transmits the attach accept signal described above to the eNB 241 in response to the authentication success notification transmitted from the HSS 220. The eNB 241 transmits the attach accept signal transmitted from the MME 231 to the UE 251.

  The processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 receives the attach accept signal transmitted from the eNB 241 via the eNB communication unit 1332. And the process part 1331 will start the data communication by the mobile network 201 using the to-eNB communication part 1332, if an attach accept signal is received.

(Hardware configuration of BSS and HSS according to the embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the BSS and the HSS according to the embodiment. Each of BSS210 and HSS220 shown in FIG. 13 is realizable with the information processing apparatus 1400 shown in FIG. 14, for example. The information processing apparatus 1400 includes a processor 1401, a memory 1402, and a communication interface 1403. The information processing apparatus 1400 may further include a user interface 1404. The processor 1401, the memory 1402, the communication interface 1403, and the user interface 1404 are connected by a bus 1409, for example.

  The processor 1401 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire information processing apparatus 1400. The memory 1402 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 1401. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the information processing apparatus 1400 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The program stored in the auxiliary memory is loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 1401.

  Further, the processor 1401 and the memory 1402 may be realized by a digital circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

  The communication interface 1403 is a communication interface that performs communication with the outside of the information processing apparatus 1400 by, for example, a wired connection. The communication interface 1403 is controlled by the processor 1401.

  The user interface 1404 includes, for example, an input device that receives an operation input from a user (for example, an operator) of the BSS 210 or the HSS 220, an output device that outputs information to the user, and the like. The input device can be realized by a key (for example, a keyboard) or a remote controller, for example. The output device can be realized by, for example, a display or a speaker. Further, an input device and an output device may be realized by a touch panel or the like. The user interface 1404 is controlled by the processor 1401.

  The processing unit 1311 of the BSS 210 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processor 1401 and the memory 1402, for example. The HSS communication unit 1312 and the MME communication unit 1313 of the BSS 210 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the communication interface 1403, for example. The database 1314 of the BSS 210 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the memory 1402, for example.

  The processing unit 1321 of the HSS 220 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processor 1401 and the memory 1402, for example. The BSS communication unit 1322 and the MME communication unit 1323 of the HSS 220 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processor 1401 controlling the communication interface 1403, for example. The database 1324 of the HSS 220 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the memory 1402, for example.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the UE according to the embodiment. The UE 251 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by, for example, the information processing device 1500 illustrated in FIG. The information processing apparatus 1500 includes a processor 1501, a memory 1502, a user interface 1503, a wireless communication interface 1504, and a SIM card 1505. The processor 1501, the memory 1502, the user interface 1503, the wireless communication interface 1504, and the SIM card 1505 are connected by, for example, a bus 1509.

  The processor 1501 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU that controls the entire information processing apparatus 1500. The memory 1502 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM. The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 1501. The auxiliary memory is a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the information processing apparatus 1500 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The program stored in the auxiliary memory is loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 1501. Further, the processor 1501 and the memory 1502 may be realized by a digital circuit such as an FPGA or a DSP.

  The user interface 1503 includes, for example, an input device that receives an operation input from the user, an output device that outputs information to the user, and the like. The input device can be realized by a key (for example, a keyboard) or a remote controller, for example. The output device can be realized by, for example, a display or a speaker. Further, an input device and an output device may be realized by a touch panel or the like. The user interface 1503 is controlled by the processor 1501.

  The wireless communication interface 1504 is a communication interface that performs communication with the outside of the information processing apparatus 1500 (for example, the eNB 241) wirelessly. The wireless communication interface 1504 is controlled by the processor 1501. The SIM card 1505 is a non-volatile memory that stores subscriber information and the like of the information processing apparatus 1500. For example, the SIM card 1505 is a SIM that can be inserted into and removed from the information processing apparatus 1500 (removable).

  The processing unit 1331 of the UE 251 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processor 1501 and the memory 1502, for example. The eNB communication unit 1332 of the UE 251 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processor 1501 controlling the radio communication interface 1504, for example. The SIM card 1333 of the UE 251 illustrated in FIG. 13 can be realized by the SIM card 1505, for example.

(Location information according to the embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of location information according to the embodiment. For example, when stopping the attach request of the UE 251, the HSS 220 transmits, for example, the location information 1600 illustrated in FIG. 16 to the BSS 210 as the location information of the UE 251. The location information 1600 is a combination of UE identification information and MME identification information.

  UE identification information is the identifier (UE # 1) of UE251, for example, the IMSI of UE251. The MME identification information is an identifier (MME # 1) of the MME 231 to which the UE 251 belongs when stopping the attach request.

  The BSS 210 stores the location information 1600 in the database 1314. Then, when resuming the attach request of the UE 251, the BSS 210 performs paging for calling the UE 251 based on the identifier (MME # 1) of the MME 231 associated with the identifier (# 1) of the UE 251 in the location information 1600. To request.

(Another example of attachment request restart processing in the communication system according to the embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the attach request restart process in the communication system according to the embodiment. In the LTE communication system 200, for example, the steps shown in FIG. 17 may be executed as the restart process of the attach request. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, a case where the attach request of the UE 251 is restarted as in the example illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described.

  However, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the UE 251 has joined the mobile network 201 again when the user of the UE 251 makes a contract with an operator different from the operator of the BSS 210 (hereinafter referred to as “other operator”). Suppose that it becomes a state. The other operator is, for example, an MVNO that uses the same MNO as that of the BSS 210 operator. A BSS 1710 illustrated in FIG. 17 is a BSS of another business operator newly contracted by the user of the UE 251. The configuration of the BSS 1710 is the same as the configuration of the BSS 210 shown in FIG. 13, for example. For example, the BSS 210 transmits information regarding the UE 251 such as an identifier (IMSI) of the UE 251 to the BSS 1710.

  First, the BSS 1710 transmits a contract processing signal indicating that the user of the UE 251 has contracted (re-contracted) to the HSS 220 (step S1701). By step S1701, the HSS 220 re-registers the subscriber information of the UE 251 in the database of the HSS 220, and the authentication is successful when there is an attach request from the UE 251.

  Also, the BSS 1710 receives the location information of the UE 251 from the BSS 210 (step S1702). Step S1702 is realized by steps S1206, S1207, and S1209 shown in FIG. 12, for example. For example, when the BSS 210 receives a re-contract instruction that instructs a re-contract with another operator of the UE 251, the BSS 210 reads out the location information of the UE 251 from the database of the BSS 210. This location information is, for example, location information written in step S306 shown in FIG. 3 or step S505 shown in FIG. Then, the BSS 210 transmits the read location information to the BSS 1710. For transmitting the location information from the BSS 210 to the BSS 1710, for example, various networks such as the Internet can be used.

  Next, the BSS 1710 specifies the MME 231 to which the UE 251 belongs when stopping the attach request of the UE 251 based on the location information of the UE 251 received in step S1702. Then, the BSS 210 transmits a paging request signal for requesting paging for calling the UE 251 to the identified MME 231 (step S1703). Steps S1704 to S1712 shown in FIG. 17 are the same as steps S704 to S712 shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the setting change of UE251 accompanying the change of the operator which UE251 joins is required, the setting change may be performed by the paging signal transmitted to UE251 by step S1703-S1705, or the control signal from other BSS1710. . An example of the setting change is switching between voice communication and communication communication. The UE 251 rewrites the setting file of the SIM card of the UE 251 according to the control signal from the BSS 1710.

  As described above, according to the communication control apparatus 110 according to the embodiment, it is possible to hold the location information of the terminal when the control for stopping the connection request to the network by the terminal is performed. Then, a control signal (for example, an incoming call signal) for causing the terminal to resume the connection request can be transmitted from a control signal processing apparatus (for example, the call control apparatus) corresponding to the stored area information. Thereby, it is possible to resume the connection request to the network while suppressing resource consumption for the terminal that has stopped the connection request to the network.

  In addition, according to the communication control device 110, by transmitting the held location information to another communication control device, the control signal is transmitted from the control signal processing device according to the location information to the other communication control device. Can be executed. As a result, for example, even if the communication control device is changed due to a change in the operator with whom the user of the terminal changes, a request for connection to the network can be made for the terminal that has stopped the connection request to the network while suppressing resource consumption. It can be resumed.

  As described above, according to the communication control device, the communication system, the communication control program, and the communication control method, for a terminal that has stopped a connection request to the network, resume the connection request to the network while suppressing resource consumption. Can be made.

For example, the following cases are expected to increase in the future.
<1> A case where a low-priced sensor node incorporating a SIM card becomes widespread and the SIM card cannot be easily removed from the sensor node.
<2> A case where a sensor node that has become unnecessary is left unattended.
<3> A case in which a sensor node that has been stopped once is re-contracted and reused by changing the operator.

  For example, in eSIM, there is a communication path with the SIM vendor separately from the carrier line, and it is possible to rewrite the SIM contents remotely from the network side, but the SIM in the above embodiment is, for example, a removable SIM It is. eSIM is an abbreviation for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.

  For these cases, for example, it is conceivable to use a technique for stopping the attach request by writing to the FPLMN of the SIM card. However, with this technology alone, a series of operations until the sensor node once stopped is reused by re-contracting or the like cannot be achieved only on the network side.

  On the other hand, according to the above-described embodiment, the UE location information when the attach request is stopped is held, and the location information is used for the UE that has stopped the attach request. The attach request can be resumed by paging from the network side. Accordingly, for example, if the UE is a UE that does not have mobility such as a sensor node or a UE that moves less, it is possible to control the stop and restart of the UE attach request from the network side (for example, BSS).

  The communication control method described in the present embodiment can be realized, for example, by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. CD-ROM is an abbreviation for Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. MO is an abbreviation for Magneto Optical disk. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disc. The program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Supplementary Note 1) A holding unit that holds the location information of the terminal when control for stopping a connection request to the network by the terminal is performed;
A control unit that performs control to cause the terminal to transmit a control signal for resuming the connection request from a control signal processing device corresponding to the location information held by the holding unit;
A communication control apparatus comprising:

(Supplementary note 2) The communication control device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the control signal is an incoming call signal, and the control signal processing device is a call control device.

(Supplementary Note 3) The location information is information of a combination of the identifier of the terminal and the identifier of the control signal processing apparatus to which the terminal belongs when control for stopping the connection request is performed. The communication control apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized by:

(Appendix 4) The control unit
When the terminal is in a state where it cannot connect to the network from a state where it can connect to the network, control to stop the connection request
Performing control to transmit the control signal when the terminal can connect to the network from a state where the terminal cannot connect to the network;
The communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that:

(Additional remark 5) The said control part transmits the said control signal from the control signal processing apparatus according to the said area information by transmitting the said area information hold | maintained by the said holding | maintenance part to another communication control apparatus. The communication control apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the control is executed by the other communication control apparatus.

(Additional remark 6) The said control part performs control which transmits the said control signal from the control signal processing apparatus according to the said location information among each control signal processing apparatus contained in the said network. The communication control device according to any one of 5.

(Appendix 7) a terminal that makes a connection request to the network;
Control signal processing according to the held location information, which holds the location information of the terminal when performing control to stop the connection request by the terminal and causes the terminal to resume the connection request A communication control device that performs control to be transmitted from the device;
A communication system comprising:

(Additional remark 8) When the said network identifier is stored in the predetermined information memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of an own terminal, the said terminal stops the connection request to the said network, and control which stops the said connection request 8. The communication system according to appendix 7, wherein when executed, the network identifier is stored in the predetermined information, and when the control signal is received, the network identifier is deleted from the predetermined information.

(Additional remark 9) The location information of the said terminal at the time of performing control which stops the connection request to the network by a terminal is hold | maintained,
A control signal for resuming the connection request to the terminal is transmitted from a control signal processing device corresponding to the held area information.
A communication control program for causing a computer to execute processing.

(Additional remark 10) The location information of the said terminal at the time of performing control which stops the connection request to the network by a terminal is hold | maintained,
A control signal for resuming the connection request to the terminal is transmitted from a control signal processing device corresponding to the held area information.
A communication control method characterized by the above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Communication system 101 Network 110 Communication control apparatus 111 Holding | maintenance part 112 Control part 121 Terminal 131 Control signal processing apparatus 141 Base station 200 LTE communication system 201 Mobile network 210, 1710 BSS
220 HSS
231 to 233 MME
241 to 243 eNB
251 to 253, 261 to 263, 271 to 273 UE
901 to 904 states 1311, 1321, 1331 processing unit 1312 to HSS communication unit 1313, 1323 to MME communication unit 1314, 1324 database 1322 to BSS communication unit 1332 to eNB communication unit 1333, 1505 SIM card 1334 FPLMN number 1400, 1500 information processing Device 1401, 1501 Processor 1402, 1502 Memory 1403 Communication interface 1404, 1503 User interface 1409, 1509 Bus 1504 Wireless communication interface 1600 Location information

Claims (6)

A holding unit for holding the location information of the terminal when performing control to stop the connection request to the network by the terminal;
A control unit that performs control to cause the terminal to transmit a control signal for resuming the connection request from a control signal processing device corresponding to the location information held by the holding unit;
A communication control apparatus comprising:   The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is an incoming call signal, and the control signal processing apparatus is a call control apparatus.   The control unit transmits the control information from the control signal processing device according to the location information by transmitting the location information held by the holding unit to another communication control device. The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication control apparatus is executed. A terminal requesting connection to the network;
Control signal processing according to the held location information, which holds the location information of the terminal when performing control to stop the connection request by the terminal and causes the terminal to resume the connection request A communication control device that performs control to be transmitted from the device;
A communication system comprising: Holds the location information of the terminal when performing control to stop the connection request to the network by the terminal,
A control signal for resuming the connection request to the terminal is transmitted from a control signal processing device corresponding to the held area information.
A communication control program for causing a computer to execute processing. Holds the location information of the terminal when performing control to stop the connection request to the network by the terminal,
A control signal for resuming the connection request to the terminal is transmitted from a control signal processing device corresponding to the held area information.
A communication control method characterized by the above.

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