JP2022180128A - Communication control device, method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To extend the communication range of a communication control device in a core network.SOLUTION: A communication control device (300) in a core network includes: a receiving unit (331) configured to receive a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device, from a terminal device; and a control unit (332) configured to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network using the communication control information to execute communication processing with respect to the other communication control device using the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, method and computer program.

In a radio communication system, a terminal device performs location registration with a network (including a radio access network and a core network). A device in the core network (hereinafter referred to as a "communication control device") receives a location registration request from a terminal device. The communication control device registers the location of the terminal device in response to the location registration request, and then provides the service (or function) requested by the terminal device (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-029030

3GPP TS 23.501 v16.7.0 (2020-12) 5.18 Network Sharing

By the way, in the standards of 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), the architecture of 5GS (5th Generation System), which is a next-generation wireless communication system, is being studied. In this architecture, multiple NFs (Network Functions) are defined in the core network. NF includes, for example, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and UDM (Unified Data Management).

The network is identified by PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information. A communication control device in a core network operating as an NF uses PLMN information to perform communication processing with other NFs. In this configuration, the communication control device uses PLMN information included in the location registration request transmitted from the terminal device. Therefore, the communication range of the communication control device is limited. For example, the communication control device cannot execute communication processing with an NF belonging to a network different from the network identified by the PLMN information included in the location registration request. As a result, the range of services that can be provided to terminal devices is limited.

The present disclosure provides technology capable of extending the communication range of a communication control device within a core network.

According to one aspect, a communication control device in a core network is provided. The communication control device transmits a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device. a receiving unit configured to receive from a device and using the communication control information to transform the first information into second information for communication with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network; and a control unit configured to perform communication processing with respect to the other communication control device using the second information.

According to another aspect, a method in a communication controller in a core network is provided. In the method, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device is sent from a terminal device. and using the communication control information to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information. executing communication processing with respect to the other communication control device.

According to another aspect, a computer program is provided. The computer program provides at least one processor installed in a communication control device in a core network with first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device. receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including communication control information for determining; and using the communication control information to convert the first information to at least one other communication control included in the virtual network. replacing with second information for communicating with the apparatus, and executing communication processing with respect to the other communication control apparatus using the second information.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to extend the communication range of the communication control device in the core network. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radio communication system according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a communication control device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of configuration of setting information according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing when a terminal device transmits a location registration request; It is a table which shows an example of a structure of setting information. It is a table which shows an example of a structure of setting information. It is a table which shows an example of a structure of setting information. It is a table showing an example of the configuration of setting information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing of a communication control device according to a third embodiment; FIG.

One or more embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, elements that can be described in the same manner are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description.

The description is given in the following order.
1. Outline of embodiment 2 . First embodiment 2-1. System configuration 2-2. Configuration of terminal device 2-3. Configuration of communication control device 2-4. Configuration of location registration request 2-5. Configuration of setting information 2-6. Flow of processing 2-7. Advantage 2-8. Modification 3. Second Embodiment 3-1. Configuration of setting information 3-2. Flow of processing 3-3. Advantage 4. Third Embodiment 4-1. Configuration of communication control device 4-2. Processing flow

<<1. Outline of Embodiment>>
First, an overview of one or more embodiments described below is provided.

In one or more embodiments, a communication controller within a core network is provided. A communication control device is, for example, a device that operates as an NF. The communication control device includes a receiver and a controller. The receiving unit receives a location registration request from the terminal device. The location registration request includes first information (for example, PLMN information) identifying the first network to which the communication control device belongs, and communication control information for determining the virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device. The control unit uses the communication control information to replace the first information with second information (for example, virtual PLMN information described later) for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network. The control unit uses the second information to execute communication processing with respect to the other communication control device.

According to the above configuration, the communication control device can execute communication processing with another communication control device belonging to the second network different from the first network to which the communication control device belongs. In this way, the communication range of the communication control device can be extended.

<<2. First Embodiment>>
Next, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

<2-1. System Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio communication system 1. As shown in FIG. For example, the radio communication system 1 is a system conforming to 3GPP. Specifically, the wireless communication system 1 may be a system conforming to the 5G standard. Of course, the radio communication system 1 is not limited to this example.

A wireless communication system 1 includes a terminal device 10 , a first network 20 and a second network 30 .

The terminal device 10 may be called a user equipment (UE: User Equipment), a mobile station, or the like. The terminal device 10 is a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, or a tablet.

The first network 20 and the second network 30 may cover different geographical areas. For example, first network 20 may be a network covering a particular area. The first network 20 may be a LADN (Local Area Data Network). For example, second network 30 may be a network that covers a wider area than first network 20 . The second network 30 may be a public wireless network.

The first network 20 and the second network 30 are each identified by PLMN information. The PLMN information is information that combines a mobile country code (Mobile Country Code) and a mobile country network code (Mobile Country Network Code). The PLMN information is also called PLMNID (Public Land Mobile Network Identity).

In this example, the PLMN information identifying the first network 20 is referred to as "first PLMN information". Note that the first PLMN information may be written as "PLMNID1". Further, the PLMN information identifying the second network 30 is referred to as "second PLMN information". The second PLMN information may be written as "PLMNID2".

(1) First network 20
The first network 20 includes a first radio access network 21 and a first core network 23 .

A first radio access network 21 includes a first base station 22 . The first base station 22 may be a single node. In another example, the first base station 22 may include multiple nodes.

The first core network 23 includes multiple NFs 24 , 25 , 26 and 27 . Note that the NF may be called a "communication control device in the core network" or a "control node in the core network".

Examples of NF include AMF, UDM, AUSF (Authentication Server Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), SMF (Session Management Function ), AF (Application Function), and SCP (Service Communication Proxy).

In this example, NF24 is AMF. The AMF has a registration management function, a connection management function, a mobility management function of the terminal device 10, and the like. AMF is a C-Plane function shared by a plurality of network slices, and is also called CCNF (Common Control Network Function). NFs 25, 26 and 27 are NFs other than AMF, respectively.

One or more of the plurality of NFs 24-27 may be implemented as dedicated hardware. In another example, one or more of the multiple NFs 24-27 may be implemented as software on a general-purpose server using virtualization technology.

(2) Second network 30
The second network 30 includes a second radio access network 31 and a second core network 33 .

A second radio access network 31 includes a second base station 32 . The second base station 32 may be a single node. In another example, the second base station 32 may include multiple nodes.

The second core network 33 includes multiple NFs 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 . In this example, NF 34 is AMF. NFs 35, 36 and 37 are NFs other than AMF, respectively.

One or more of the plurality of NFs 34-37 may be implemented as dedicated hardware. In another example, one or more of the plurality of NFs 34-37 may be implemented as software on a general-purpose server using virtualization technology.

<2-2. Configuration of terminal device>
Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 10 includes a wireless communication section 210 , a storage section 220 and a processing section 230 .

(1) Wireless communication unit 210
Wireless communication unit 210 includes an antenna for wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 210 receives signals from each of the base stations (the first base station 22 and the second base station 32) via an antenna and transmits signals to each of the base stations.

(2) Storage unit 220
Storage unit 220 includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, one or more of ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

The nonvolatile memory stores program codes (instructions) for realizing various functions of the terminal device 10 . Additionally, the non-volatile memory stores information (data) used in the operation of the processing unit 230 . In this example, the non-volatile memory stores PLMN information of networks with which the terminal device 10 can communicate. Specifically, the non-volatile memory stores the first PLMN information. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can communicate with components included in the first network 20 (first base station 22, NF 24, etc.).

(3) Processing unit 230
Processing unit 230 includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a microcontroller. The processing unit 230 implements various functions of the terminal device 10 by executing program codes (instructions) stored in the storage unit 220 .

The processing unit 230 receives notification information (hereinafter referred to as "first notification information") from the first base station 22 via the wireless communication unit 210, and receives notification information (hereinafter referred to as " (referred to as "second broadcast information"). The first broadcast information includes first PLMN information. The second broadcast information includes second PLMN information. Processing unit 230 compares the PLMN information included in the broadcast information with the PLMN information stored in storage unit 220 . When the PLMN information included in the notification information matches the PLMN information stored in the storage unit 220, the processing unit 230 selects the base station that transmitted the notification information as a base station that can communicate with the terminal device 10. Determine that there is. In this example, the processing unit 230 determines that the first base station 22 is a base station that can communicate with the terminal device 10 .

The processing unit 230 performs location registration with the first network 20 . Therefore, the processing unit 230 transmits a location registration request to the first base station 22 . The NF 24 (ie AMF) receives the location registration request via the first base station 22 . The NF 24 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request. Note that the NF 24 may directly receive the location registration request from the terminal device 10 .

<2-3. Configuration of Communication Control Device>
Next, the configuration of the communication control device 300 operating as NF24 (AMF) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication control device 300. As shown in FIG. The communication control device 300 includes a network communication section 310 , a storage section 320 and a processing section 330 .

(1) Network communication unit 310
The network communication unit 310 includes an interface that mediates communication with other NFs (communication control devices within the core network). The network communication unit 310 may include connection terminals and connection circuits for wired communication, or may include an antenna or the like for wireless communication.

(2) Storage unit 220
Storage unit 220 includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, one or more of ROM, HDD and SSD. The nonvolatile memory stores program codes (instructions) for realizing various functions of the communication control device 300 . Additionally, the non-volatile memory stores information (data) used in the operation of the processing unit 330 . Information stored in the non-volatile memory includes configuration information 321 . Details of the setting information 321 will be described later.

(3) Processing unit 330
Processing unit 330 includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, MPU and microcontroller. The processing unit 330 implements various functions of the communication control device 300 by executing program codes (instructions) stored in the storage unit 320 . In this example, the processing unit 330 functions as a receiving unit 331 and a control unit 332 . In other words, the receiver 331 and the controller 332 are functional modules implemented by the processor 330 . Note that the processing unit 330 may further include components other than these components.

The receiving unit 331 receives the location registration request. The control unit 332 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request. Furthermore, the control unit 332 performs communication processing with respect to the NFs in the first core network 23 and/or the second core network 33 and provides services requested by the terminal device 10 .

<2-4. Configuration of Location Registration Request>
Next, the configuration of the location registration request transmitted by the terminal device 10 will be described. The location registration request includes PLMN information (first PLMN information in this example) and communication control information. Note that the location registration request may further include information other than these.

In this example, the communication control information includes Requested NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) and DNN (Data Network Name).

Requested NSSAI is information about the service requested by the terminal device 10 . Specifically, the Requested NSSAI is information identifying a network slice requested by the terminal device 10 . A network slice is a logical network that provides specific network services and/or network characteristics.

DNN is information about the network to which the terminal device 10 should connect. A DNN may include information identifying a network (eg, a core network) and/or information identifying other external networks. Note that if the first network 20 is a LADN, the DNN may include the LADN's DNN and/or the LADN's service area information.

One or more Requested NSSAI may be associated with the first PLMN information in the location registration request. That is, one or more network slices may be associated with the first PLMN information. Furthermore, one or more DNNs may be associated with one Requested NSSAI. That is, one or more networks may be associated with one network slice.

Note that the communication control information may further include other information. For example, the communication control information may further include MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number). The MSIN is information about subscribers of services provided to the terminal device 10 . The MSIN may also simply be referred to as a "subscriber identification number."

Communication control information is used to determine the virtual network that the communication control device 300 should access. In this example, the virtual network is a network virtually set on the first core network 23 and the second core network 33 . A virtual network is configured to include at least part of the first core network 23 and at least part of the second core network 33 .

<2-5. Configuration of setting information>
Next, an example of the configuration of the setting information 321 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a table 400 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in FIG. Note that the format of the setting information 321 is not limited to the table format, and may be another format.

The table 400 is used to determine virtual networks to be accessed by the communication control device 300 and NFs included in the virtual networks (hereinafter referred to as “target NFs”). Additionally, table 400 is also used to determine virtual PLMN information. The virtual PLMN information is PLMN information used when the communication control device 300 communicates with the target NF. In this example, the virtual PLMN information is information that uniquely identifies a virtual network, and is information different from the first PLMN information and the second PLMN information.

For the above purposes, table 400 defines the relationship between communication control information, target NFs included in the virtual network determined by the communication control information, and virtual PLMN information. More specifically, table 400 includes PLMN information 410, NSSAI 420, DNN 430, NF 440, and virtual PLMN information 450 as configuration items.

PLMN information 410 corresponds to the PLMN information included in the location registration request. NSSAI 420 corresponds to Requested NSSAI included in the location registration request. DNN 430 corresponds to the DNN included in the location registration request. NF 440 represents an NF included in the virtual network determined by the "combination of NSSAI 420 and DNN 430" (that is, target NF).

According to the above configuration, the control unit 332 refers to the table 400 using various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request. Thereby, the control unit 332 can determine the target NFs included in the virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device 300 and the virtual PLMN information used for the target NFs.

In this example, the virtual network VN1 shown in FIG. 1 is defined using "combination of NSSAI420 (=001) and DNN430 (=DN1)". Virtual network VN1 includes part of first core network 23 and part of second core network 33 . The virtual network VN1 includes NF25, NF26 and NF37 as target NFs. Furthermore, "PLMNID3" is defined as the virtual PLMN information 450 used when communicating with the target NF.

In this configuration, the NF 25 supports communication processing using "PLMNID1" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". The NF 26 supports communication processing using "PLMNID1" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". The NF 37 supports communication processing using "PLMNID2" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". Therefore, the communication control device 300 can use "PLMNID3" as the virtual PLMN information to execute communication processing for the target NFs (NFs 25, 26 and 37).

Note that the configuration (range) of the virtual network is not limited to the above example. A virtual network may be set to include the first network 20 to which the communication control device 300 belongs and one or more networks different from the first network 20 . For example, a virtual network may be set across three or more networks. The virtual network may be set to further include at least part of a third network (not shown).

<2-6. Process Flow>
Next, operation of each component in the wireless communication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing when the terminal device 10 transmits a location registration request.

The terminal device 10 transmits a location registration request to the first base station 22 (501). The first base station 22 receives the location registration request and transmits the location registration request to NF 24 (communication control device 300) (502).

The receiving unit 331 receives the location registration request. Then, the control unit 332 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request (503).

Next, the control unit 332 refers to the table 400 using various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request (504). For example, assume that the location registration request includes the following (a) to (c).
(a) PLMN information = PLMNID1
(b) Requested NSSAI = 001
(c) DNN = DN1

Specifically, the control unit 332 searches the table 400 for a record that matches the above information (a) to (c). As a result, the control unit 332 determines NF25, NF26, and NF37 included in the virtual network VN1 as target NFs. Further, the control unit 332 determines “PLMNID3” as virtual PLMN information to be used when communicating with each target NF.

The control unit 332 executes communication processing for the target NF using the virtual PLMN information (505). Specifically, the control unit 332 uses “PLMNID3” as the virtual PLMN information to execute communication processing for the NF 25 . The control unit 332 uses “PLMNID3” as the virtual PLMN information to execute communication processing for the NF 26 . The control unit 332 uses “PLMNID3” as the virtual PLMN information and executes communication processing with respect to the NF 37 .

Furthermore, the control unit 332 uses the PLMN information included in the location registration request to perform communication processing with respect to the terminal device 10 (506). Specifically, the control unit 332 uses “PLMNID1” as the PLMN information to perform communication processing for the terminal device 10 . The control unit 332 provides the terminal device 10 with the service requested by the terminal device 10 .

Note that when the control unit 332 refers to the table 400, there may be no record that matches various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request. This means that the communication control device 300 does not need to access the virtual network. In other words, there is no need for communication control device 300 to access second network 30 . In this case, the control unit 332 uses “PLMNID1” as the PLMN information and executes communication processing for at least one NF in the first core network 23 .

<2-7. Advantage>
The above configuration has the following advantages. The communication control device 300 replaces the first PLMN information (PLMNID1) with the virtual PLMN information (PLMNID3) by referring to the table 400 using the communication control information (Requested NSSAI and DNN in this example). The communication control device 300 can execute communication processing with the NF 37 belonging to the second network 30 different from the first network 20 using the virtual PLMN information (PLMNID3). Thus, the communication range of the communication control device 300 can be extended. This makes it possible to extend the range of services that can be provided to the terminal device 10 .

Furthermore, by changing the settings in the table 400, the virtual network accessed by the communication control device 300 can be flexibly set. The range of services provided to the terminal device 10 can be easily changed.

As described above, since the communication control device 300 can use the NF belonging to the second core network 33 different from the first core network 23, the terminal device 10 can use a new NF without adding a new NF to the first core network 23. service can be provided.

Even when a new NF is added to the first core network 23, the communication control device 300 can use the added NF by changing the settings in the table 400. FIG.

<2-8. Variation>
The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

(1) First Modification A first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 6 is a table 600 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in FIG. As shown in table 600, a virtual network and target NFs included in the virtual network may be defined using NSSAI 420 only.

FIG. 7 is a table 700 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in FIG. As shown in table 700, a virtual network and target NFs included in the virtual network may be defined using DNN 430 only.

(2) Second Modification A second modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a table 800 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in FIG. The control unit 332 may refer to the table 800 and set the virtual PLMN information according to the network to which the target NFs (25, 26 and 37) belong.

NF 25 and NF 26 belong to the first core network 23 . Therefore, in the table 800, the first PLMN information (PLMNID1) is set as the virtual PLMN information 450 for NF25 and NF26. On the other hand, NF 37 belongs to the second core network 33 . Therefore, in the table 800, the second PLMN information (PLMNID2) is set for the NF 37 as the virtual PLMN information 450. FIG.

According to this configuration, the control unit 332 uses the first PLMN information (PLMNID1) to perform communication processing with respect to NF25 and NF26. Furthermore, the control unit 332 executes communication processing with respect to the NF 37 using the second PLMN information (PLMNID2). According to this configuration, the communication control device 300 uses the existing PLMN information (that is, the first PLMN information and the second PLMN information) without setting the virtual PLMN information unique to the virtual network VN1. communication processing can be executed for

<<3. Second Embodiment >>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The components of the communication control device 300 (receiving unit 331 and control unit 332) may be implemented on a device that operates as an NF other than the AMF.

In this embodiment, the NF 25 is the UDM, and the components of the communication control device 300 are implemented on a device that operates as the UDM. The UDM has a function of managing subscriber contract information and the like for services provided to the terminal device 10 .

<3-1. Configuration of setting information>
The configuration of the setting information 321 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a table 900 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in FIG. Table 900 is a table obtained by adding MSIN 435 to table 400 . In this example, the virtual network is defined using "combination of NSSAI 420, DNN 430 and MSIN 435". For example, the table 900 defines a virtual network including NF26, NF36 and NF37 as target NFs using "combination of NSSAI420, DNN430 and MSIN435".

Note that a virtual network may be defined using one or a combination of two or more of NSSAI 420, DNN 430 and MSIN 435.

<3-2. Process Flow>
The processing flow of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the following points. The NF 24 (ie AMF) receives the location registration request. The NF 24 extracts the PLMN information and the communication control information from the location registration request, and transmits the PLMN information and the communication control information to the NF 25 (that is, the communication control device 300 operating as UDM). At this time, the NF 24 uses the first PLMN information to perform communication processing with respect to the NF 25 . NF 25 receives PLMN information and communication control information. The NF 25 refers to the table 900 and replaces the first PLMN information with the virtual PLMN information. The NF 25 uses the virtual PLMN information to execute communication processing with the target NF included in the virtual network.

<3-3. Advantage>
The above configuration has the following advantages. Table 900 uses MSIN 435 to define virtual networks. The virtual network range (that is, service range) can be flexibly set for each subscriber of the terminal device 10 .

<<4. Third Embodiment>>
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. While the first and second embodiments described above are specific embodiments, the third embodiment is a more generalized embodiment.

<4-1. Configuration of Communication Control Device>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication control device 1000. As shown in FIG. The communication control device 1000 belongs to the first network 20 and is a device that operates within the core network of the first network 20 . Communication control device 1000 includes receiving section 1001 and control section 1002 .

The receiver 1001 and controller 1002 may be implemented by one or more processors and memories. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, MPU and microcontroller. The memory may include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory may store program code (instructions). One or more processors may implement the functions of the receiver 1001 and the controller 1002 by executing program code stored in memory.

Receiver 1001 may operate in the same manner as receiver 331 described above. As an example, the receiving unit 1001 receives a location registration request from the terminal device 10 . The location registration request includes first information identifying first network 20 to which communication control device 1000 belongs, and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by communication control device 1000 .

The configuration of the location registration request and communication control information may be the same as in the above-described first or second embodiment. The first information may be PLMN information, for example.

The controller 1002 may operate similarly to the controller 332 described above. As an example, the control unit 1002 uses the communication control information to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and uses the second information to to execute communication processing with respect to other communication control devices. The second information may be, for example, PLMN information or virtual PLMN information. The other communication control device may be a node in a network different from the first network 20 . The other communication control device may be a device that operates as an NF, or may be an NF implemented as software using virtualization technology. The memory may store information (for example, setting information 321) for replacing the first information with the second information. The control unit 1002 may use the setting information 321 .

<4-2. Process Flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the communication control device 1000. As shown in FIG. The receiving unit 1001 receives the location registration request from the terminal device 10 (1101). The receiving unit 1001 may directly receive the location registration request from the terminal device 10 . The receiving unit 1001 may receive the location registration request from the terminal device 10 via another node. Next, the control unit 1002 uses the communication control information to replace the first information with the second information, and uses the second information to execute communication processing with another communication control device (1102).

According to the above configuration, the communication range of the communication control device 1000 can be extended. The first embodiment and its modifications (first and second modifications) and the second embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment.

Note that the embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described above. Other aspects conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

A device or module may be provided that includes the components (eg, receiver and/or controller) of the communication controller 300 or 1000 described herein.

The processing steps shown in the sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. The processing steps may be performed in a different order than that shown, and two or more processing steps may be performed in parallel. Also, some processing steps may be deleted and further processing steps may be added.

As used herein, "transmitting X to Y" is not limited to transmitting X directly to Y, but indirectly transmitting X to Y (i.e., X transmitting to another node and X is sent from that other node to Y). Similarly, "receiving X from Y" is not limited to receiving X directly from Y, but indirectly receiving X from Y (i.e., X transmitted from Y to another node). and X is received from the other node).

The functionality of the communication controller 300 or 1000 described herein may be implemented in either software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Program codes (instructions) constituting software may be stored, for example, in a computer-readable recording medium inside or outside each device, and may be read into a memory and executed by a processor at the time of execution. Also, a non-transitory computer readable medium recording the program code may be provided.

Some or all of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be described in the following additional remarks, but are not limited to the following.

(Appendix 1)
A communication control device in a core network,
receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; a configured receiver;
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication a control unit configured to execute communication processing with a control device;
A communication control device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
In the communication control device according to appendix 1, the second information is information that uniquely identifies the virtual network.

(Appendix 3)
In the communication control device according to supplementary note 1, the control unit sets the second information according to the network to which the other communication control device belongs.

(Appendix 4)
In the communication control device according to appendix 3, the control unit sets PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information for identifying a network to which the other communication control device belongs as the second information.

(Appendix 5)
In the communication control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4,
The communication control information is
information about the service requested by the terminal device;
Information about a network to which the terminal device should connect;
Information about subscribers of services provided to the terminal device;
including at least one of

(Appendix 6)
The communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5 is configured to store setting information defining a relationship between the communication control information, the other communication control device, and the second information. A storage unit is further provided. The control unit refers to the setting information and replaces the first information with the second information.

(Appendix 7)
In the communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, the virtual network includes at least part of the first network and at least part of a second network different from the first network.

(Appendix 8)
In the communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, the first information is PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information, and the second information is virtual PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information.

(Appendix 9)
In the communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, the communication control device is a device that operates as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function).

(Appendix 10)
In the communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, the communication control device is a device that operates as UDM (Unified Data Management).

(Appendix 11)
A method in a communication controller in a core network, comprising:
Receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; ,
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication executing a communication process with respect to the control device;
method including.

(Appendix 12)
At least one processor mounted on a communication control device in the core network,
Receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; ,
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication executing a communication process with respect to the control device;
computer program that causes the

(Appendix 13)
At least one processor mounted on a communication control device in the core network,
Receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; ,
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication executing a communication process with respect to the control device;
A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that records a program for executing

In a wireless communication system, it is possible to extend the communication range of a communication controller in a core network.

1: wireless communication system 10: terminal device 20: first network 30: second network 300: communication control device 310: network communication section 320: storage section 321: setting information 330: processing section 331: receiving section 332: control section 1000 : Communication control device 1001 : Reception unit 1002 : Control unit

Claims (10)

A communication control device in a core network,
receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; a configured receiver;
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication a control unit configured to execute communication processing with a control device;
A communication control device comprising: The communication control device according to claim 1,
wherein the second information is information that uniquely identifies the virtual network;
Communications controller. The communication control device according to claim 1,
The control unit sets the second information according to the network to which the other communication control device belongs.
Communications controller. In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The communication control information is
information about the service requested by the terminal device;
Information about a network to which the terminal device should connect;
Information about subscribers of services provided to the terminal device;
including at least one of
Communications controller. In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
further comprising a storage unit configured to store setting information defining a relationship between the communication control information, the other communication control device, and the second information;
The control unit refers to the setting information and replaces the first information with the second information.
Communications controller. In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the virtual network includes at least part of the first network and at least part of a second network different from the first network;
Communications controller. In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The communication control device is a device that operates as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The communication control device is a device that operates as UDM (Unified Data Management). A method in a communication controller in a core network, comprising:
Receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; ,
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication executing a communication process with respect to the control device;
method including. At least one processor mounted on a communication control device in the core network,
Receiving from a terminal device a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; ,
Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and using the second information to perform the other communication executing a communication process with respect to the control device;
computer program that causes the

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