JP2019033384A - Packet transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources.SOLUTION: In a packet transfer system 6 including a UE3, a common U-plane function 2 including a transfer function, and multiple NSI5 for providing services, respectively, to the UE3, a logical communication channel, i.e., a bearer, is created between the UE3 and the transfer function, and when a packet imparted with service identification information for identifying the NSI5 is received by the transfer function from the UE3 via the bearer, the packet is transferred to the NSI5 corresponding to the service identification information. A wireless network section may be included between the UE3 and the transfer function. The UE3 may be prohibited to impart the service identification information to the packet, based on the UE3 or the communication destination there, i.e., the NSI5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a packet transfer system capable of communicating with a plurality of service networks through a common bearer.

  A mobile communication system (Next Generation System) described in Non-Patent Document 1 below includes a base station (eNodeB or gNodeB), a U-plane function (UPF), a C-plane function (AMF, SMF, etc.), and a UE (User Equipment). A plurality of NSIs (Network Slice Instances) are operated. NSI is composed of a U-plane function and a C-plane function that are virtually created from a common network virtualization platform by the network virtualization technology described in Non-Patent Document 2 below, for example, and NSIs communicate with each other. And so as not to be affected by the processing. In the mobile communication system, the UE can perform data communication using a plurality of NSIs simultaneously by creating a bearer (logical communication channel) for each NSI.

3GPP TR23.799 Release. 14 ETSI GS NFV 002 V1.1.1

  However, in the above mobile communication system, it is necessary to prepare the same number of bearers in order to communicate with a large number of NSIs, and there is a problem that utilization efficiency of network resources is poor.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a packet transfer system capable of performing communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources in order to solve the above problems.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a packet transfer system according to one aspect of the present invention is a packet transfer system including a terminal, a transfer function, and a plurality of service networks that respectively provide services to the terminal. When a bearer, which is a logical communication path between the terminal and the transfer function, is created and the transfer function received from the terminal via the bearer a packet with service identification information for identifying the service network, The packet is transferred to the service network corresponding to the service identification information.

  According to such a packet transfer system, when a bearer is created between a terminal and a transfer function and a packet with service identification information attached is received from the terminal via the bearer, the service identification is performed. The packet is transferred to the service network corresponding to the information. Thereby, for example, the terminal gives service identification information of a desired service network for each packet, and without creating a bearer for each service network, while sharing a bearer between the terminal and the transfer function, Communication with a desired service network can be performed. That is, it is possible to perform communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a packet transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of a common C-plane function between NSI. It is a figure which shows the table example of a NSI list. It is a figure which shows the example of a table of communication information. It is a functional block diagram of a common U-plane function between NSI. It is a figure which shows the example of a table of a transfer table. It is a functional block diagram of UE. It is a figure which shows the format example of a packet. It is a sequence diagram which shows the transfer process of the packet transfer system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the hardware constitutions of the node containing a common C-plane function between NSI.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a packet transfer system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The embodiments in the following description are specific examples of the present invention, and are not limited to these embodiments unless specifically described to limit the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a packet transfer system 6 (packet transfer system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the packet transfer system 6 includes an inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, an inter-NSI common U-plane function 2, a UE 3 (terminal), a base station 4 (a plurality of base stations are collectively referred to as a base station 4). And NSI5 (a plurality of NSIs including NSI5a and NSI5b are collectively referred to as NSI5) (service network). The inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2, the UE 3, the base station 4, and the NSI 5 are connected to each other so that control communication related to control can be performed. The inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 and each of the base station 4 and the NSI 5 are network-connected so as to perform data communication with each other. In the packet transfer system 6, it is possible to create a bearer between the NSI common U-plane function 2 (included in the NSI transfer function (transfer function)) and the UE 3 (included in the program). The inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 and the UE 3 can communicate with each other via the. Here, the bearer is a logical communication path that connects the apparatuses, and can be made another one bearer by connecting two or more bearers.

  Below, each element which comprises the packet transfer system 6 is demonstrated. Here, each of the elements has the same function and configuration as the function or device of the same name described in Non-Patent Document 1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 is a C-plane function that is commonly used among a plurality of NSIs 5. The inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 is realized (executed) on a physical server, a virtual server configured on the physical server, a network device such as a switch or a router, or a combination of these. The inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 may be realized by using a plurality of these devices. Further, the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 may be configured based on one or both of AMF (Access and Mobility Management function) and SMF (Session Management function) described in Non-Patent Document 1.

  The inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 is a U-plane function that is commonly used among a plurality of NSIs 5. The inter-NSI U-plane function 2 is realized (executed) on a physical server, a virtual server configured on the physical server, a network device such as a switch or a router, or a combination of these. The inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 may be realized by using a plurality of these devices. The inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 includes an NSI transfer function as shown in FIG.

  UE3 is a user terminal such as a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 1, the UE 3 can execute one or more programs. Each program communicates with NSI 5 independently and can receive services provided by NSI 5.

  The base station 4 is a base station in a general mobile communication network.

  NSI 5 is NSI, and more specifically, is a slice that is a virtual network generated on one or more network infrastructures. The packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment includes two NSIs 5, NSI 5a and NSI 5b. The NSI 5a includes an NSI 5a C-plane function that is a C-plane function for the NSI 5a and an NSI 5a U-plane function that is a U-plane function for the NSI 5a. The NSI 5b includes an NSI 5b C-plane function that is a C-plane function for NSI 5b and an NSI 5b U-plane function that is a U-plane function for NSI 5b.

  In the packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the U-plane function (N-SI 5a U-plane function or NSI 5a) included in the NSI 5 from the program (program A or program B) executed in the UE 3 NSI 5b U-plane function) is included in the inter-NSI U-plane function 2 via the bearer created between the UE 3 via the base station 4 and the inter-NSI U-plane function 2. The data is transferred to the U-plane function included in NSI 5 by the NSI transfer function. In addition, between the UE3 and the base station 4 is a radio network section. That is, in the packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment, a bearer is created even in the radio access network section.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 includes an NSI list providing unit 10, an NSI list storage unit 11, a communication establishment unit 12, and a communication information storage unit 13.

  The NSI list providing unit 10 receives, from the base station 4, a list acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a list of NSI identification information for identifying the NSI 5 that can be used (selected) by the UE 3. The list acquisition request includes UE identification information for identifying the source UE 3. When the NSI list providing unit 10 receives the list acquisition request, the NSI list providing unit 10 refers to the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11, and among the NSI lists, the NSI identification associated with the UE identification information included in the list acquisition request Information is extracted, and the extracted information is listed and transmitted to UE3.

  The NSI list storage unit 11 stores an NSI list. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an NSI list table. As shown in the example of the table in FIG. 3, in the NSI list, the UE identification information, the NSI identification information, the NSI usage type indicating the usage type of NSI5, the priority, the necessity of giving the NSI identification information to the packet, Aggregate identification information for identifying the NSI5 group is associated. For example, the operator of the packet transfer system 6 manually sets and changes whether or not it is necessary to add NSI identification information to a packet for each UE 3. Setting and change are performed based on NSI5, UE3, or the contents of the user's line contract. If it is desirable to assign one bearer to one NSI5 depending on the type of NSI5 by providing the necessity of giving NSI identification information to the packet, or the UE3 performs a control sequence according to the prior art for backward compatibility, etc. This can be done when it is desirable to do so.

  The communication establishment unit 12 receives a communication establishment request for requesting establishment of communication with the NSI 5 from the UE 3 via the base station 4. The communication establishment request includes NSI identification information for identifying the connection destination NSI 5 and UE identification information for identifying the source UE 3. When the communication establishment unit 12 receives the communication establishment request, the communication establishment unit 12 refers to the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11, and enters an entry regarding whether or not NSI identification information should be added to the packet related to the NSI 5 for which the communication establishment request has been made. Read the value. If the read value is “NO”, a control sequence (outside the scope of the present embodiment) for creating a bearer for each NSI 5 is performed by the conventional technique, and data communication and the like according to the conventional technique are performed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if the read value is “necessary”, the communication establishment unit 12 refers to the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11 and the communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13 to establish communication. If a bearer associated with another NSI having the same NSI aggregation identification information as the NSI aggregation identification information for the requested NSI has not yet been established, a new bearer necessity determination is performed to create a new bearer. More specifically, the communication establishment unit 12 firstly matches the NSI associated with the NSI identification information of the connection destination NSI 5 included in the communication establishment request in the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11. Extract aggregate identification information. Next, in the communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13, the record (row) having the extracted NSI aggregate identification information, and the NSI identification information of the connection destination NSI 5 included in the communication establishment request It is determined whether there is a record having NSI identification information other than (= no new bearer required) or not (= new bearer required).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a table example of communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13 described later. As shown in the example of the table in FIG. 4, the communication information includes the inter-NSI common U-plane function name that identifies the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2, the UE identification information, the bearer identification information that identifies the bearer, and the NSI identification. The information, U-plane function identification information for identifying the U-plane function, input / output interface identification information for identifying the input / output interface, priority, and NSI aggregate identification information are associated with each other.

  When the result of the necessity determination of the new bearer is “new bearer required”, the communication establishment unit 12 first pays out new bearer identification information that is identification information of the new bearer to be created. Next, a new bearer establishment request that is a request for establishment of a new bearer is transmitted to the base station 4 and the UE 3. The new bearer establishment request includes identification information of UE3, identification information of base station 4, identification information of inter-NSI U-plane function 2, new bearer identification information, and common U- between UE3, base station 4, and NSI. Indication information for creating a bearer between the plane functions 2 is included. Next, a new bearer establishment request is transmitted to the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2. The information included in the new bearer establishment request is the same as described above. Note that the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 (the address value thereof) that is the destination may be stored in advance in the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, for example. Through the above processing, one bearer that connects the UE 3, the base station 4, and the NSI common U-plane function 2 is created.

  When one bearer that connects the UE 3, the base station 4, and the NSI common U-plane function 2 is created as described above, or the result of the new bearer necessity determination is “No new bearer”. (When using an existing bearer), the identification information of the inter-NSI U-plane function 2 related to the target bearer, UE identification information, bearer identification information, NSI identification information, and NSI5 The U-plane function identification information, input / output interface identification information, priority, and NSI aggregate identification information are associated with each other and stored as communication information entries stored by the communication information storage unit 13. Here, the acquisition of NSI5 U-plane function and input / output interface identification information among the information stored as entries will be described. The inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 stores in advance topology information between U-plane functions and information on which NSI 5 each U-plane function belongs to, and the NSI common U-plane function is based on these information. Each adjacent NSIU-plane function logically connected by the two logical interfaces is calculated, and based on this calculation, the NSI5 U-plane function and input / output interface identification information are set. Among the information stored as entries, the priority and NSI aggregation identification information are the priority and NSI aggregation identification associated with the target NSI identification information in the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11. Information is set.

  Next, the communication establishment unit 12 requests the U-plane function 2 to set the transfer table of the U-plane function based on the communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13. Send a setup request. The transfer table setting request includes a transfer table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a table example of the transfer table. As shown in FIG. 6, in the forwarding table, bearer identification information, NSI identification information, U-plane function identification information, input / output interface identification information, and priority are associated with each other. The entries in the forwarding table are a subset of entries associated with the target inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 and UE identification information among the communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13.

  Next, the communication establishment unit 12 uses the NSI 5 NSI C-plane function to the NSI U-plane function, based on the communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13. An NSI setting request for requesting a setting opposite to the logical interface recorded in the input / output interface set in the transfer table of the plane function 2 is transmitted. Here, the destination of the NSI C-plane function is determined from the NSI identification information of the communication information. The address value of each NSI C-plane function is stored in advance in the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1. Further, the “facing setting” is specifically a setting for establishing a logical communication path with the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2. The NSI setting request includes the address value or identification information of the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 and the logical interface identification information recorded in the input / output interface identification information set in the transfer table of the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 including.

  Next, the communication establishment unit 12 transmits a communication establishment completion notification, which is a notification that the communication establishment to the NSI 5 is completed, to the UE 3 via the base station 4. The communication establishment completion notification includes a set of NSI identification information and identification information of a new bearer associated with NSI 5 or identification information of an existing bearer.

  Communication from the UE 3 to the NSI 5 is established by the processing of the communication establishment unit 12 described above.

  The communication information storage unit 13 stores communication information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table of communication information stored by the communication information storage unit 13.

  The above is the description of each functional block of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the common U-plane function 2 between NSIs. As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 includes a communication establishment unit 20, a transfer table storage unit 21, and a transfer unit 22.

  When the communication establishment unit 20 receives the new bearer establishment request from the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, the communication establishment unit 20 determines the UE 3, the base station 4, and the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 based on the information included in the new bearer establishment request. Create bearers between them.

  When receiving the transfer table setting request from the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, the communication establishment unit 20 causes the transfer table storage unit 21 to store the transfer table included in the transfer table setting request.

  The transfer table storage unit 21 stores a transfer table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer table stored by the transfer table storage unit 21.

  When receiving the packet from the UE 3 via the bearer, the transfer unit 22 selects a transfer destination input / output interface from the NSI identification information of the packet extracted from the bearer based on the transfer table stored by the transfer table storage unit 21. The NSI identification information is extracted from the packet, and the packet is transferred to the target NSI U-plane function. The bearer information and priority included in the packet (not extracted) and the priority can be used by the NSI U-plane function.

  When receiving the packet from the NSI U-plane function, the transfer unit 22 specifies the corresponding NSI identification information for the packet input from the input / output interface based on the transfer table stored by the transfer table storage unit 21. Then, the NSI identification information is added to the packet, and the packet is transferred to the corresponding bearer.

  The above is the description of each functional block of the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of UE3. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the UE 3 includes a list acquisition unit 30, a communication establishment unit 31, and a communication unit 32.

  The list acquisition unit 30 transmits, to the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, a list acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a list of NSI identification information for identifying the NSI 5 that can be used by the UE 3 via the base station 4. . The list acquisition request includes UE identification information for identifying the UE 3 that is the transmission source. Note that the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 that is a connection destination may be stored in the UE 3 in advance, or when the base station 4 transmits a list acquisition request to the base station 4, the base station 4 is an appropriate connection destination. An inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 may be detected. In response to the transmission of the list acquisition request, the list acquisition unit 30 receives a list of NSI identification information for identifying the NSI 5 that can be used by the UE 3 from the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 via the base station 4.

  The communication establishment unit 31 transmits a communication establishment request for requesting communication establishment to the NSI 5 to the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 via the base station 4. The communication establishment request includes NSI identification information for identifying the connection destination NSI 5 and UE identification information for identifying the source UE 3.

  When the communication establishment unit 31 receives a new bearer establishment request from the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1, based on the information included in the new bearer establishment request, the communication establishment unit 31 establishes the UE 3, the base station 4, and the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2. Create bearers between them.

  The communication establishment unit 31 receives a communication establishment completion notification from the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 via the base station 4. The communication unit 32 described later appropriately uses information included in the communication establishment completion notification at the time of processing.

  When transmission of a packet occurs from the UE3 program, the communication unit 32 adds (inserts) NSI identification information to the packet and transmits the packet from the bearer. The NSI identification information to be added is the NSI identification information included in the communication establishment request or the NSI identification information included in the communication establishment completion notification. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a format example of a packet to which NSI identification information is added. The packet includes bearer information, NSI identification information, priority, and data. Here, the bearer information is information (GTP header) of a header part that links a packet to a bearer, and bearer identification information is also included therein. The priority is a priority associated with the target NSI identification information in the NSI list stored by the NSI list storage unit 11. When a packet is transmitted from a plurality of programs to the same bearer, the communication unit 32 prioritizes and transmits the packet according to the priority included in the packet.

  When the communication unit 32 receives a packet from the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 via the bearer, the communication unit 32 reads and extracts the NSI identification information of the packet extracted from the bearer, and delivers the packet to the program.

  The above is description of each functional block of UE3.

  Next, transfer processing by the packet transfer system 6 will be described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  First, the list acquisition unit 30 of the UE 3 transmits a list acquisition request to the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 (step S1). Next, the NSI list providing unit 10 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 transmits a list of NSI identification information for identifying the NSI 5 that can be used by the UE 3 (step S2). Next, in UE3, NSI5 which is a connection destination is selected (step S3). One or more NSIs 5 may be selected. When multiple selections are made, the subsequent processing is executed for each selected NSI 5. The selection of NSI 5 may be performed manually by the user of UE 3 or may be performed automatically by UE 3 based on a predetermined standard. Next, a communication establishment request is transmitted to the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 by the communication establishment unit 31 of the UE 3 (step S4). Next, the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 reads the value of the entry relating to the necessity of adding NSI identification information to the packet relating to the NSI 5 for which the communication establishment request has been made (step S5).

  If the read value is “No” in S5, a control sequence for creating a bearer for each NSI 5 is performed by the conventional technique, and data communication and the like by the conventional technique are performed thereafter. On the other hand, if the read value is “necessary” in S5, the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 determines whether a new bearer is necessary (step S6). In S6, if the result of the new bearer necessity determination is “necessary for new bearer”, the communication establishing unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 performs the base station 4, the UE3, and the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 A new bearer establishment request is transmitted. In S6, if the result of the new bearer necessity determination is “no new bearer”, the transmission of the new bearer establishment request is omitted, and the existing bearer is used.

  Next, the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 stores information related to the target bearer as an entry of communication information (step S7). Next, the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 transmits a transfer table setting request to the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 (step S8). Next, the NSI setting request is transmitted to the NSI U-plane function by the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 (step S9). Next, a communication establishment completion notification is transmitted to the UE 3 by the communication establishment unit 12 of the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 (step S10).

  Next, during data communication, the communication unit 32 of the UE 3 transmits a packet with NSI identification information to the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 via the bearer (step S11). Next, the NSI identification information is extracted from the packet received through the bearer by the transfer unit 22 of the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2, and transferred to the target NSI U-plane function (step S12). Next, the transfer unit 22 of the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2 adds NSI identification information to the packet received from the NSI U-plane function, and transfers the packet to the bearer (step S13). Next, the NSI identification information is extracted from the packet received via the bearer by the communication unit 32 of the UE 3 and delivered to the program (step S14).

  In addition, in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9, the order of processing may be changed in S8 to S10.

  In addition, the block diagram used for description of the said embodiment has shown the block of the functional unit. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Further, the means for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by one device physically and / or logically coupled, and two or more devices physically and / or logically separated may be directly and / or indirectly. (For example, wired and / or wireless) and may be realized by these plural devices.

  For example, a node including the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 (the same is true for the inter-NSI U-plane function 2 is omitted because it is included in the packet transfer system 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention) It may function as a computer that performs the transfer process of the invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a node including the inter-NSI common C-plane function 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The above nodes may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

  In the following description, the term “apparatus” can be read as a circuit, a device, a unit, or the like. The hardware configuration of the above-described node may be configured to include one or a plurality of devices illustrated in the figure, or may be configured not to include some devices.

  Each function in the above-described node causes a processor 1001 to perform computation by causing a predetermined software (program) to be read on hardware such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, and the communication by the communication device 1004, the memory 1002, and the storage 1003. This is realized by controlling the reading and / or writing of data.

  For example, the processor 1001 controls the entire computer by operating an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, and the like. For example, the NSI list providing unit 10 and the communication establishing unit 12 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

  Further, the processor 1001 reads a program (program code), software module, and data from the storage 1003 and / or the communication device 1004 to the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to these. As the program, a program that causes a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiments is used. For example, the NSI list providing unit 10 and the communication establishing unit 12 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operating on the processor 1001, and may be realized similarly for other functional blocks. Although the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. Note that the program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunication line.

  The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. May be. The memory 1002 may be called a register, a cache, a main memory (main storage device), or the like. The memory 1002 can store a program (program code), a software module, and the like that can be executed to perform the transfer process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disc drive, a flexible disc, a magneto-optical disc (eg, a compact disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray). (Registered trademark) disk, smart card, flash memory (for example, card, stick, key drive), floppy (registered trademark) disk, magnetic strip, and the like. The storage 1003 may be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium described above may be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium including the memory 1002 and / or the storage 1003.

  The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and / or wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like. For example, the NSI list providing unit 10 and the communication establishing unit 12 may be realized by the communication device 1004.

  The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, or the like) that accepts an external input. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may have an integrated configuration (for example, a touch panel).

  Each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured with a single bus or may be configured with different buses between apparatuses.

  The above nodes include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A part or all of each functional block may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these hardware.

  Next, the operation and effect of the packet transfer system 6 configured as in the present embodiment will be described.

  According to the packet transfer system 6 of the present embodiment, a bearer is created between the UE 3 and the NSI transfer function included in the inter-NSI common U-plane function 2, and a packet to which service identification information is assigned is transferred from the UE 3 to the bearer. When the NSI transfer function is received via the network, the packet is transferred to the NSI 5 corresponding to the service identification information. Thereby, for example, UE3 gives desired NSI5 service identification information for each packet, and does not create a bearer for each NSI5, while sharing a bearer between UE3 and the NSI transfer function. Can communicate with NSI5. That is, it is possible to perform communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources.

  Further, in the packet transfer system 6 of the present embodiment, a radio network section may be included between the UE 3 and the NSI transfer function. In general, the cost of a wireless network section is higher than that of a wired network section (it requires a lot of scarce resources (for example, wireless resources) to carry the same amount of information), so a shared bearer is used in the wireless network section. Thus, it is possible to perform communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources.

  Moreover, in the packet transfer system 6 of this embodiment, based on NSI5 which is UE3 or the communication destination of UE3, you may prohibit UE3 giving NSI identification information to a packet. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the case where it is desirable to assign one bearer to one NSI 5 depending on the type of NSI 5, or the case where it is desirable to implement the control sequence according to the prior art for backward compatibility by the UE 3.

  Further, according to the packet transfer system 6 of the present embodiment, group information in which a bearer is associated with a plurality of NSIs 5 is stored, and communication from the UE 3 to the NSI 5 included in the group information is transmitted to the NSI 5 in the group information. Control may be performed via the associated bearer. Thereby, since a bearer can be shared more reliably, communication via a bearer with better utilization efficiency of network resources can be performed.

  The packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment can be applied to a transfer system in a mobile communication network, particularly a network that operates in accordance with the 3GPP standard, or an equivalent or derivative thereof.

  Further, in the packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment, the base station 4 and the inter-NSI U-plane function 2 (each function) may be realized by the same node.

  As described above, according to the packet transfer system 6 according to the present embodiment, the UE 3 provides a means for performing data communication with a plurality of NSIs 5 using a single bearer, thereby using a scarce amount of radio resources (UE 3 And the base station 4 and the base station 4 and the UE 3 or the base station 4 are capable of reducing the number of computation devices, storage devices, power, and the like necessary for transmitting radio.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present embodiment can be implemented as a modification and change without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the scope of claims. Therefore, the description of the present specification is for illustrative purposes and does not have any limiting meaning to the present embodiment.

  The notification of information is not limited to the aspect / embodiment described in the present specification, and may be performed by other methods.

  Each aspect / embodiment described herein includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G, 5G, FRA (Future Radio Access), W-CDMA. (Registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), The present invention may be applied to a Bluetooth (registered trademark), a system using another appropriate system, and / or a next generation system extended based on the system.

  As long as there is no contradiction, the order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, and the like of each aspect / embodiment described in this specification may be changed. For example, the methods described herein present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

  Input / output information or the like may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed by a management table. Input / output information and the like can be overwritten, updated, or additionally written. The output information or the like may be deleted. The input information or the like may be transmitted to another device.

  The determination may be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), may be performed by a true / false value (Boolean: true or false), or may be performed by comparing numerical values (for example, a predetermined value) Comparison with the value).

  Each aspect / embodiment described in this specification may be used independently, may be used in combination, or may be switched according to execution. In addition, notification of predetermined information (for example, notification of being “X”) is not limited to explicitly performed, but is performed implicitly (for example, notification of the predetermined information is not performed). Also good.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented as modified and changed modes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the scope of claims. Therefore, the description of the present specification is for illustrative purposes and does not have any limiting meaning to the present invention.

  Software, whether it is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names, instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subprograms, software modules , Applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc. should be interpreted broadly.

  Also, software, instructions, etc. may be transmitted / received via a transmission medium. For example, software may use websites, servers, or other devices using wired technology such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair and digital subscriber line (DSL) and / or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave. When transmitted from a remote source, these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

  Information, signals, etc. described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, commands, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description are voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any of these May be represented by a combination of

  Note that the terms described in this specification and / or terms necessary for understanding this specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meaning.

  As used herein, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

  In addition, information, parameters, and the like described in this specification may be represented by absolute values, may be represented by relative values from a predetermined value, or may be represented by other corresponding information. .

  The names used for the parameters described above are not limiting in any way. Further, mathematical formulas and the like that use these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed herein.

  As used herein, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Judgment” and “determination” are, for example, judgment, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigating, looking up (eg, table) , Searching in a database or other data structure), ascertaining what has been ascertaining, and so on. In addition, “determination” and “determination” are reception (for example, receiving information), transmission (for example, transmitting information), input (input), output (output), and access. (Accessing) (eg, accessing data in a memory) may be considered as “determined” or “determined”. In addition, “determination” and “determination” means that “resolving”, “selecting”, “choosing”, “establishing”, and “comparing” are regarded as “determining” and “determining”. May be included. In other words, “determination” and “determination” may include considering some operation as “determination” and “determination”.

  The terms “connected”, “coupled”, or any variation thereof, means any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements and It can include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two “connected” or “coupled” elements. The coupling or connection between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the two elements are radio frequency by using one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, and as some non-limiting and non-inclusive examples By using electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in the region, microwave region, and light (both visible and invisible) region, it can be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” to each other.

  As used herein, the phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least on.”

  As long as “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof are used in the specification or claims, these terms are inclusive of the term “comprising”. Intended to be Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein or in the claims is not intended to be an exclusive OR.

  Throughout this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, for example, a, an, and the, in English, these articles may be plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Shall be included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... NSI common C-plane function, 2 ... NSI common U-plane function, 3 ... UE, 4 ... Base station, 5 ... NSI, 6 ... Packet transfer system, 10 ... NSI list provision part, 11 ... NSI list Storage unit, 12 ... Communication establishment unit, 13 ... Communication information storage unit, 20 ... Communication establishment unit, 21 ... Transfer table storage unit, 22 ... Transfer unit, 30 ... List acquisition unit, 31 ... Communication establishment unit, 32 ... Communication unit .

Claims (4)

A packet transfer system including a terminal, a transfer function, and a plurality of service networks each providing a service to the terminal;
Create a bearer that is a logical communication path between the terminal and the transfer function,
When the transfer function received from the terminal via the bearer a packet with service identification information for identifying the service network, the packet is transferred to the service network corresponding to the service identification information.
Packet forwarding system.   The packet transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless network section between the terminal and the transfer function.   The packet transfer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal is prohibited from adding the service identification information to the packet based on the terminal or the service network that is a communication destination of the terminal. Storing group information in which the bearer is associated with a plurality of the service networks;
Control communication from the terminal to the service network included in the group information via the bearer associated with the service network in the group information.
The packet transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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