JP6665406B2 - Communication device, communication system, communication method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, with the spread of smartphones and smart devices, communication traffic has been rapidly increasing. Further, it is assumed that M2M (Machine to Machine) communication will increase in the future, and communication traffic may further increase.

  In order to alleviate network congestion due to a rapid increase in communication traffic, a technology for offloading communication traffic has been studied.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for offloading communication traffic by switching between a plurality of types of wireless systems (for example, cellular communication and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network)) according to the congestion state of a network. ing. In Patent Literature 1, for example, traffic of cellular communication is switched to a wireless LAN network, thereby offloading the traffic.

JP 2009-118356 A

  In Patent Literature 1, communication traffic is offloaded by switching the route of communication traffic between different wireless systems.

  However, for example, depending on the attributes and types of the terminal, the terminal may not be able to access a plurality of types of wireless systems. In such a case, it becomes difficult to offload communication traffic by the technique of Patent Document 1.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a new traffic offload technique.

  The communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is based on the attribute of the terminal, among a plurality of networks including a first network managed by a first operator and a second network managed by a second operator. First means for identifying a network corresponding to the terminal, a network node for executing predetermined signal processing in the identified network, and a terminal for processing communication of the terminal so that the terminal is connected. The second means connects the subscriber terminal of the second operator to a virtual network node operating the function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network. It is characterized by the following.

  A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a terminal connectable to a network, a first network managed by a first operator based on an attribute of the terminal, and a second network managed by a second operator. Among a plurality of networks including, the first means for identifying a network corresponding to the terminal, a network node that performs a predetermined signal processing in the identified network, and the terminal is connected , A communication device comprising: a second means for processing communication of the terminal, the second means comprising: a subscriber terminal of the second operator; and a network terminal of the network node in the second network. It is characterized in that a function is connected to a virtual network node operated by a virtual machine.

  The communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication method, based on an attribute of a terminal, among a plurality of networks including a first network managed by a first operator and a second network managed by a second operator. A first step of identifying a network corresponding to the terminal, a network node performing predetermined signal processing in the identified network, and a communication node that processes communication of the terminal such that the terminal is connected. And in the second step, connecting the subscriber terminal of the second operator to a virtual network node operating a function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network. It is characterized by the following.

  The program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program, based on an attribute of a terminal, among a plurality of networks including a first network managed by a first operator and a second network managed by a second operator. Identifying a network corresponding to a terminal, a network node executing predetermined signal processing in the identified network, and processing the communication of the terminal so that the terminal is connected; and And causing the computer to execute a step of connecting the subscriber terminal of the second operator and a virtual network node operating the function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a new traffic offload technique.

1 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a configuration example of a base station 2 according to the first embodiment. It is an example of composition of terminal 1 of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment. 5 is another configuration example of the communication system according to the first embodiment. It is an example of composition of HSS (Home Subscriber Server) of a 1st embodiment. It is an example of composition of a communications system of a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of composition of the communication device in a 2nd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation example of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation example of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation example of the second embodiment. It is an example of composition of MME (Mobility Management Entity) of a 2nd embodiment. 13 is another configuration example of the communication system according to the second embodiment. 13 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a third embodiment. It is a structural example of RRH of a 3rd embodiment. It is a structural example of the BBU of the third embodiment. 14 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment. 14 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a first example in the fourth embodiment. 13 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a second embodiment of the fourth embodiment. 13 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a third embodiment of the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment and each example are exemplifications, and the present invention is not limited to each embodiment and each example. It should be noted that the reference numerals in the drawings attached to this outline are added for convenience of each element as an example for facilitating understanding, and the description of this outline is not intended to limit the invention in any way.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration example of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system of LTE (Long Term Evolution), but the communication system of the present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the present invention relates to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave, etc.).

  In FIG. 1, a communication system according to the first embodiment includes a mobile phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile router, a smart device (for example, a smart meter for monitoring home power consumption, a smart TV, a wearable terminal), and an M2M ( A terminal 1 such as a Machine to Machine device is included. The M2M device includes, for example, an industrial device, a car, a healthcare device, a home appliance, and the like in addition to the above devices.

  The communication system according to the first embodiment includes a legacy network and a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) network. The legacy network and the MVNO network are backbone networks such as EPC (Evolved Packet Core). The legacy network and the MVNO network are backbone networks for the terminal 1 to communicate with an external network such as the Internet via the base station 2.

Although the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes one legacy network, the number of legacy networks included in the communication network is not limited to one and may be plural. Further, the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes one MVNO network, but the number of MVNO networks included in the communication system is not limited to one, and may be plural.
The legacy network to be managed is managed by, for example, a mobile network operator (MNO: Mobile Network Operator) that manages the communication network. The MVNO network is managed by, for example, a virtual mobile communication carrier (MVNO).

  The MNO is, for example, a communication carrier licensed for a wireless band (frequency) used for wireless communication between the terminal 1 and the base station 2. The MVNO is, for example, a communication carrier that has not received a license for a wireless band (frequency) used for wireless communication between the terminal 1 and the base station 2.

  The MNO, for example, lends a part or all of a communication network managed by the MNO to the MVNO. The MNO is, for example, a network node (for example, a base station (eNB) 2, an SGW (Serving Gateway) 3, an PGW (PDN Gateway) 4, an MME (Mobile Management Entity) 5, which provides a communication service to the MVNO. Lend). The MNO lends, for example, a wireless band (frequency) licensed to the MNO to the MVNO.

  The MVNO provides a communication service using, for example, a wireless band (frequency) licensed by the MNO, that is, a licensed band. The MVNO provides a communication service by borrowing a part or all of a licensed band managed by the MNO. The subscriber terminal of the MVNO performs wireless communication with the base station 2 using, for example, a licensed band borrowed from the MNO. Note that the MVNO subscriber terminal may perform wireless communication with the base station 2 using the unlicensed band frequency band.

  The MVNO provides a communication service to a subscriber terminal of the MVNO, for example, using a network node managed by the MNO. The MVNO provides a communication service, for example, by borrowing some or all of the network nodes managed by the MNO.

  The legacy network includes a plurality of network nodes (for example, a base station (eNB) 2, an SGW 3, a PGW 4, and an MME 5) for providing a communication service to the terminal 1. Each network node is, for example, a communication device having a predetermined communication function.

  The terminal 1 is connected to, for example, the base station 2 and accesses a network such as the Internet via the SGW 3 and the PGW 4.

  The communication system of FIG. 1 may include networks other than the legacy network and the MVNO network. Further, the legacy network and the MVNO network may each include a plurality of types of networks. For example, the legacy network and the MVNO network may each include a plurality of types of networks such as an LTE network, a GPRS network, and a UMTS network.

  Each network node illustrated in FIG. 1 executes a predetermined signal processing. Each network node includes, for example, the following functions related to signal processing.

PGW4:
-Packet processing function (User-Plane function)
A function for managing a charging state according to communication (PCEF: Policy and Charge)
ing Enforcement Function)
-Function to control policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and Chargi)
ng Rule Function)

SGW3:
-Packet processing function (User-Plane function)
-Function for processing control signaling (C-Plane function)
Lawful Interception (LI: Lawful Interception) for intercepting communications
function

MME5:
-Function for processing control signaling (C-Plane function)
-Function to manage subscriber information of the communication system in cooperation with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)

  The MVNO network includes a plurality of network nodes (for example, SGW3A, PGW4A, MME5A) for providing a communication service to the terminal 1. The function of each network node (eg, SGW3A, PGW4A, MME5A, etc.) included in the MVNO network is the same as the function of each network node (eg, SGW3, PGW4, MME5) included in the legacy network. Detailed description is omitted.

  In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1, the base station 2 is managed by an MNO that manages a legacy network. In the first embodiment, the base station 2 distributes communication traffic between the legacy network and the MVNO network. That is, the communication traffic is distributed to a plurality of networks (for example, a legacy network and an MVNO network) constituting a backbone of a wireless network between the terminal 1 and the base station 2. That is, for example, even when the terminal 1 cannot access a wireless network such as a wireless LAN, communication traffic is offloaded in the backbone network. Therefore, the base station 2 can execute traffic offload regardless of the radio environment of the terminal.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the base station 2. The base station 2 includes an identification unit 20 and a network switching unit 21.

  The identification unit 20 identifies a network corresponding to the terminal 1. The identification unit 20 identifies a network corresponding to the terminal 1 from a plurality of networks including a network node of a legacy network and an MVNO network. Further, the identification unit 20 may identify a network node included in the network corresponding to the terminal 1. The identification unit 20 may identify the type of communication traffic and the attribute / type of the terminal 1. In this case, the identification unit 20 selects a network corresponding to the identified communication traffic or the terminal 1 from a plurality of networks including the legacy network and the MVNO network. The identification unit 20 may select a network node corresponding to the identified communication traffic or the terminal 1 from a plurality of network nodes including a network node of the legacy network and a network node of the MVNO network.

  The identification unit 20 can identify an attribute of communication traffic or an attribute of the terminal 1 based on predetermined information, for example. The identification unit 20 identifies communication traffic to be processed in the MVNO network, for example, based on predetermined information. The identification unit 20 may, for example, identify whether the terminal 1 is a terminal 1 having an attribute to be processed in the MVNO network, based on predetermined information.

  For example, the identification unit 20 may identify that the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to a predetermined network. The identification unit 20 identifies, for example, the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to the MVNO network. The identification unit 20 may identify, for example, that the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to a predetermined mobile communication carrier (MNO). In this case, the identification unit 20 identifies that the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to MVNO. Further, the identification unit 20 may identify, for example, that the terminal 1 is a terminal contracted with a predetermined MNO. The identification unit 20 may identify, for example, that the terminal 1 is a terminal contracted with the MVNO.

  For example, when the communication system includes a plurality of MVNO networks, the identification unit 20 may select an MVNO network corresponding to the terminal 1 from the plurality of MVNO networks based on predetermined information.

  The identification unit 20 can identify the terminal 1 or a network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 based on predetermined information included in a connection request from the terminal 1, for example. The identification unit 20 identifies, for example, the terminal 1 or a network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 based on information capable of specifying the network corresponding to the terminal 1.

  The identification unit 20 identifies the terminal 1 or a network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 as an MVNO, for example, based on information indicating that the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to the MVNO network. The identification unit 20 identifies the terminal 1 and the network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 as the MVNO (or the MNO) based on, for example, information specifying the MVNO (or the MNO) to which the terminal 1 contracts. May be. The identification unit 20 identifies the terminal 1 or the network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 with the MVNO (or the MNO) based on information indicating that the terminal 1 has a contract with the MVNO (or the MNO), for example. May be identified.

  The identification unit 20 can identify the terminal 1 or a network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 based on, for example, a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) included in the connection request from the terminal 1. The PLMN is a network identification number of a mobile communication carrier (or virtual mobile communication carrier) or a communication network (legacy network or MVNO network), and is assigned, for example, for each MNO (or MVNO) or each communication network. Can be

  The PLMN is included in “RRC Connection Setup Request” from the terminal 1, for example. The PLMN is included in, for example, “RRC Connection Setup Complete” from the terminal 1. The identification unit 20 can identify the terminal 1 or a network corresponding to the communication traffic of the terminal 1 based on, for example, the PLMN included in “RRC Connection Setup Complete” from the terminal 1.

  The network switching unit 21 switches the network to which the terminal 1 connects, according to the identification result of the identification unit 20. The network switching unit 21 switches the transfer path of the communication traffic such that the communication traffic regarding the terminal 1 passes through the identified network (for example, the legacy network or the MVNO network). The network switching unit 21 transfers the communication traffic of the terminal 1 to the network identified as corresponding to the terminal 1. The network switching unit 21 transfers, for example, communication traffic of the specific terminal 1 identified by the identification unit 20 as corresponding to the MVNO network to the MVNO network.

  The network switching unit 21 manages network nodes of a legacy network (eg, SGW3, PGW4, MME5) and network nodes of an MVNO network (eg, SGW3A, PGW4A, MME5A) separately from each other. The network switching unit 21 manages, for example, identification information on a network node of the legacy network (for example, an address of the network node) and identification information on a network node of the MVNO network separately from each other. Further, the network switching unit 21 may, for example, associate a flag indicating whether or not the network node is a network node included in the MVNO network (or the legacy network) with the identification information of each network node. The network switching unit 21 can transmit, for example, communication traffic to be transferred to the MVNO network to a network node on the MVNO network.

  The network switching unit 21 transfers, for example, communication traffic of the terminal 1 to the identified communication network. The network switching unit 21 may transfer the communication traffic of the terminal 1 to a predetermined communication network, for example, according to the identification result of the identification unit 20. The network switching unit 21 transfers, for example, communication traffic of the terminal 1 to a legacy network managed by the identified MNO. The network switching unit 21 may transfer the communication traffic of the terminal 1 to a network managed by a predetermined MNO, for example, according to the identification result of the identification unit 20.

  The identification unit 20 may identify the terminal 1 corresponding to a predetermined network, for example, based on the PLMN. The network switching unit 21 transfers, for example, communication traffic of the terminal 1 to the identified predetermined network. The identification unit 20 identifies the terminal 1 corresponding to the MVNO network (or the legacy network) based on, for example, the PLMN. The network switching unit 21 transfers the traffic of the terminal 1 identified as corresponding to the MVNO network to the MVNO network, for example.

  Note that the identification unit 20 may identify a predetermined network (legacy network or MVNO network) corresponding to the terminal 1, for example. In this case, the network switching unit transfers, for example, communication traffic from the terminal 1 to the identified predetermined network (legacy network or MVNO network).

  FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the base station 2 has the functions of the identification unit 20 and the network switching unit 21. However, the MME 5 may have the functions of the identification unit 20 and the network switching unit 21. The MME 5 may identify the attribute / type of the terminal based on, for example, the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). IMSI is terminal identification information.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration example of the terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal 1 includes a message generation unit 10 and a communication unit 11.

  The message generator 10 generates a message for the base station 2 to select a network. The message generator 10 generates, for example, a message including information that can specify a network corresponding to the terminal 1. The message generator 10 generates, for example, a message including information indicating that the terminal 1 is a terminal corresponding to the MVNO network (or the legacy network). The message generation unit 10 generates, for example, a message including information specifying a predetermined MNO (or MVNO) contracted by the terminal 1. The message generator 10 generates a message including information indicating that the terminal 1 has contracted with the MNO (or MVNO), for example.

  The communication unit 11 transmits the generated message to the base station 2.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment.

  The terminal 1 notifies the base station 2 of a request to connect to the network (S1-1). The terminal 1 notifies the base station 2 of a connection request to the network, for example, when the power is turned on or when the cellular communication function is turned on.

  The base station 2 selects a network to which the terminal 1 connects in response to a connection request from the terminal 1 (S1-2). The base station 2 selects a network corresponding to the terminal 1 from a plurality of networks including a legacy network or an MVNO network, for example. The base station 2 identifies, for example, a network corresponding to the terminal 1 and selects the identified network as a network to which the terminal 1 connects. For example, the base station 2 selects an MVNO network for the terminal 1 according to the fact that the terminal 1 that has notified the connection request is a terminal that has contracted with the MVNO.

  The base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to the selected network (S1-3). The base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to a network corresponding to the terminal 1 from a plurality of networks including a legacy network and an MVNO network.

  FIG. 5 is another configuration example of the communication system according to the first embodiment. The communication system illustrated in FIG. 5 includes, for example, a terminal 1, a base station 2, a legacy network, and an MVNO network.

  The legacy network includes, for example, an access network, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7.

  The access network includes MME5. The MME 5 processes control signaling in cooperation with the HSS 6 that manages subscriber information of the communication system.

  The HSS 6 manages subscriber information of the communication system. The HSS 6 stores, for example, information on a subscriber of the communication system, and performs authentication and authorization of the user of the terminal 1. The HSS 6 provides, for example, the location information and the IP information of the terminal 1 to another device (for example, the MME 5).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the HSS 6. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the HSS 6 includes a subscriber information database 60, a control unit 61, and an interface 62.

  The subscriber information database 60 holds user information and subscriber information of the communication system. The subscriber information database 60 holds, for example, an IMSI used for identifying a user, and a Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) corresponding to the user's telephone number. The subscriber information database 60 holds, for example, IP Multimedia Private Identity (IMPI) and IP Multimedia Public Identity (IMPU). The subscriber information database 60 also holds information on users and subscribers.

  The subscriber information database 60 manages, for example, the IMSI of a terminal subscribed to a predetermined MNO. The subscriber information database 60 manages, for example, the IMSI of a terminal subscribed to the MNO. The subscriber information database manages, for example, the IMSI of a terminal subscribed to MVNO. For example, the subscriber information database 60 may manage, for each MNO, the IMSI of a terminal that has contracted with the MNO. The subscriber information database 60 may manage, for example, the IMSI of a terminal contracting with the MNO and the IMSI of a terminal contracting with the MVNO separately.

  The control unit 61 has a function corresponding to C-Plane. The control unit 61 transmits and receives control signaling via the interface 62. The control unit 61 executes authentication and authorization of the user of the terminal 1 with reference to the subscriber information database 60, for example. The control unit 61 provides the location information and the IP information of the terminal 1 to another device (for example, the MME 5) with reference to the subscriber information database 60, for example.

  The interface 62 is an interface for communicating with the MME 5, the communication device 7, and the like. The HSS 6 can communicate with the MME 5, the communication device 7, and the like via a predetermined protocol via the interface 62. The HSS 6 can communicate with the communication device 7 via, for example, the interface 62 using the Diameter protocol.

  The communication device 7 is a CSCF (Call Session Control Function) that provides a session control function in an IMS (IP (Internet Protocol) Multimedia Subsystem) network. The communication device 7 is, for example, an S-CSCF (Serving-CSCF) 70, a P-CSCF (Proxy-CSCF) 71, and an I-CFCF (Interrogating-CSCF) 72. Each of the S-CSCF 70, the P-CSCF 71, and the I-CFCF 72 can process a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) signal.

  The S-CSCF 70 performs session control and user authentication using the subscriber information (user information) of the communication system obtained from the HSS 6. The S-CSCF 70 has, for example, a function of receiving a session start signal from the terminal 1, selecting an application server (AS) corresponding to a service, and relaying a SIP signal to the application server. The S-CSCF 70 has a function of executing routing based on the telephone number, for example, when the terminal 1 specifies a communication partner by a telephone number.

  The S-CSCF 70 transmits a SIP signal from an application server (AS) to an MRFC (MRF Controller) included in an MRF (Media Resource Function) for providing a media control function, for example, for media control of audio and video. Relay.

  The S-CSCF 70 transmits / receives an SIP signal to / from another network, for example, to / from an MGCF (Media Gateway Controller Function) that converts a call control protocol.

  The P-CSCF 71 is arranged at a connection point between the IMS network and the access network. The P-CSCF 71 connects to the P-GW 3, for example, when the access network is LTE (Long Term Evolution) and EPC (Evolved Packet Core). For example, when the access network is W-CDMA (Wideband CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)), the P-CSCF 71 is connected to a GGSN (Gateway GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node). The GGSN has a function of controlling connection with an external IP (Internet Protocol) network according to a connection request from the terminal 1.

  The P-CSCF 71 relays, for example, SIP signals transmitted and received between the terminal 1, the S-CSCF 70, and the I-CSCF 72. The P-CSCF 71 executes, for example, the validity check of the SIP signal transmitted from the terminal 1 and adds information (for example, billing information) necessary for session control to the S-CSCF 70 to the SIP signal. . For example, the P-CSCF 71 notifies an application type necessary for performing QoS (Quality of Service) control in the IMS to a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCRF) that provides a function of executing a policy and charging.

  The I-CSCF 72 relays, for example, a SIP signal transmitted and received between another network and the S-CSCF 70. The I-CSCF 72 selects the S-CSCF 70 according to the user information of the HSS 6 at the time of registration with the IMS network or session control, for example.

  The MVNO network includes, for example, an access network, an HSS 6A, and a communication device 7A. Since the MME 5A, the HSS 6A, and the communication device 7A included in the access network have the same configuration as the MME 5, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7 included in the legacy network, detailed description is omitted. .

  As described above, the communication system according to the first embodiment can distribute communication traffic between the legacy network and the MVNO network. That is, the communication traffic is distributed to a plurality of networks (for example, a legacy network and an MVNO network) constituting a backbone of a wireless network between the terminal 1 and the base station 2. That is, for example, even when the terminal 1 cannot access a wireless network such as a wireless LAN, communication traffic is offloaded in the backbone network. Therefore, the communication system of the first embodiment can execute traffic offload independent of the wireless environment of the terminal.

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the functions of the network nodes included in the MVNO network is virtually operated by software or the like. Note that the technology of the second embodiment is applicable to both the first embodiment and the embodiments described below.

  In the communication system according to the second embodiment, the network nodes included in the MVNO network are virtually operated by software or the like. Therefore, the MNO that manages the MVNO network can easily and at low cost construct a network node that provides a backbone network function such as EPC by software.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration example of a communication system according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  In FIG. 7, a terminal 1A is a terminal corresponding to a legacy network. The terminal 1A is, for example, a terminal that has contracted with the MNO that manages the legacy network. The terminal 1B is a terminal corresponding to the MVNO network. The terminal 1B is, for example, a MVNO subscriber terminal (a terminal with a contract with the MVNO). Note that a configuration example of the terminal 1A and the terminal 1B illustrated in FIG. 8 is the same as the configuration example of the terminal 1 of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

  The terminal 1B may be, for example, an MTC device. The MTC device is, for example, a smart device (smart meter, smart TV, wearable terminal for monitoring power consumption at home), an industrial device, a car, a healthcare device, a home appliance, a medical device, a biological implant, and the like. MTC means a form of data communication that does not necessarily require human intervention, such as a smart meter. In other words, the MTC device can perform autonomous communication with a communication partner device. MTC is being standardized in a technical standard specification (such as 3GPP TS22.368). It is assumed that the MTC device performs communication at a specific time (for example, “every day, PM 12:00” or “every Friday, AM 3:00”). In this case, it is assumed that many similar MTC devices (eg, smart meters) start communicating at the same time and a large amount of traffic occurs at a specific time. Such a large amount of traffic places a heavy load on the legacy network. Thus, by processing such a large amount of traffic in, for example, the MVNO network, the load on the legacy network can be reduced.

  In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 7, the base station 2 is managed by an MNO that manages a legacy network. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the base station 2 can connect the terminal 1A to a legacy network. Further, the base station 2 can connect the terminal 1B to the MVNO network. Note that the configuration example of the base station 2 illustrated in FIG. 7 is the same as the configuration example of the base station 2 of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  In the second communication system, the terminal 1B, which is a subscriber terminal of the MVNO, may perform wireless communication with the base station 2 using an unlicensed band frequency band.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the legacy network includes a plurality of network nodes (for example, SGW3A, PGW4A, MME5A). The functions of the network nodes (SGW3, PGW4, MME5) illustrated in FIG. 7 are the same as the functions described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description will be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the MVNO network, at least a part of the functions of the network node is virtually operated by software. The function of the network node is operated by an application on a virtual machine, for example. The virtual network is built in, for example, a data center including a server and a communication device (such as a router). In the virtual network, the function of the network node (for example, the function of the MME) may be operated by software such as a virtual machine.

  The MVNO network is constructed by, for example, dynamically scaling out and scaling in virtual machines. For example, the operator of the MVNO network can construct the MVNO network by dynamically activating the virtual machines according to the state of the communication traffic in the MVNO network. Further, the operator of the MVNO network can construct the MVNO network by, for example, dynamically starting a virtual machine in a predetermined time zone. The operator of the MVNO network can activate a virtual machine corresponding to a predetermined communication traffic or the communication traffic of the terminal 1B to dynamically construct the MVNO network. The operator of the MVNO network can start a virtual machine so as to satisfy a requirement for processing communication traffic (for example, Service Level Agreement (SLA)) and dynamically construct the MVNO network.

  The operator of the MVNO network can, for example, stop the virtual machines during a predetermined time period during which communication traffic is low, thereby suppressing resources allocated to the MVNO network and suppressing power consumption of the data center.

  In the second embodiment, for example, the MVNO network includes a virtual network node operated by a virtual machine dynamically constructed according to a request condition regarding processing of communication data of the terminal 1B. The required conditions are, for example, performance / communication band required for processing communication data of terminal 1B, SLA required for communication of terminal 1B which is an MTC device, time period during which communication by terminal 1B occurs, and the like. .

  FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration example of a communication device 100 according to the second embodiment. The communication device 100 is, for example, a server, a switch, a router, or the like. The communication device 100 operates a virtual machine that provides a function of a virtual network node (for example, a virtual SGW 3A, a virtual PGW 4A, a virtual MME 5A, or the like) in a virtual network.

  The communication device 100 includes a control unit 110 and a virtual network function (VNF) 120.

  The control unit 110 can operate the VNF 120 that provides the function of the virtual network node on the virtual machine. The control unit 110 may be configured by control software that can execute virtualization of a computer, such as a hypervisor.

  The control unit 110 can execute at least one of starting, stopping, and migrating a virtual machine that operates the VNF 120 (migrating a virtual machine to another communication device 100).

  Each of the virtual network nodes has, for example, the following functions.

Virtual P-GW4A:
-Packet processing function (User-Plane function)
A function for managing a charging state according to communication (PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function)
-Function to control policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and Charging Rule Function)

Virtual S-GW3A:
-Packet processing function (User-Plane function)
-Function for processing control signaling (C-Plane function)
・ Lawful Interception (LI) function for intercepting communication

Virtual MME5A:
-Function for processing control signaling (C-Plane function)
-Function to manage subscriber information of the communication system in cooperation with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)

  The VNF 120 operates on the virtual machine as the above-described virtual network node. In the embodiment described above, the VNF 120 is constructed for each virtual network node, but the VNF 120 may be constructed for each function of each virtual network node. For example, the VNF 120 may operate as a U-Plane function of the virtual PGW 4A on a virtual machine.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the network nodes included in the legacy network may be virtually operated by software or the like. In this case, the legacy network and the MVNO network may be constructed in the same data center, for example. When the legacy network and the MVNO network are constructed in the same data center, the legacy network and the MVNO network are constructed separately from each other. For example, the legacy network and the MVNO network are configured to be distinguished from each other as different tenants in a data center where a multi-tenant can be configured.

  FIG. 9 shows an operation example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an operation example in which the technology of the present invention is applied to “Attach Procedure” described in Chapter 5.3.2 of the specification (TS23.401 v12.3.0) of the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specification. Show.

  The terminal 1A transmits “RRC Connection Setup Complete” to the base station 2 as a response to “RRC Connection Setup” from the base station 2 (S2-1).

  The base station 2 selects an MME to which the terminal 1A is connected in response to receiving the “RRC Connection Setup Complete” (S2-2). The identification unit 20 of the base station 2 may identify the network corresponding to the terminal 1A, for example, based on information included in “RRC Connection Setup Complete”.

  The identification unit 20 identifies a network corresponding to the terminal 1A based on, for example, a PLMN included in “RRC Connection Setup Complete”, and selects an MME included in the network identified for the terminal 1A. The PLMN included in the “RRC Connection Setup Complete” transmitted from the terminal 1A indicates the network number of the legacy network or the MNO managing the legacy network. Therefore, in S2-2, the identification unit 20 identifies, for example, the terminal 1A as a terminal that has contracted with the MNO that manages the legacy network, and selects the MME 5 included in the legacy network for the terminal 1A. .

  The terminal 1A transmits to the base station 2 a message (“Attach Request”) requesting a connection to the network. The network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits the “Attach Request” transmitted from the terminal 1A to the MME 5 of the legacy network corresponding to the terminal 1A (S2-3).

  In response to the reception of the “Attach Request”, the MME 5 of the legacy network starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (S2-4). With the start of the EPS bearer establishment procedure by the MME 5, control signals are exchanged between the SGW 3, the PGW 4, the MME 5, and the base station 2. An EPS bearer is established by exchanging control signals between the nodes. Terminal 1A communicates via the established EPS bearer. The network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits and receives communication data regarding the terminal 1A via the EPS bearer.

  The terminal 1B transmits “RRC Connection Setup Complete” to the base station 2 (S2-5).

  The base station 2 selects an MME to which the terminal 1B is connected, in response to receiving the “RRC Connection Setup Complete” (S2-6). The identification unit 20 of the base station 2 may identify a network corresponding to the terminal 1B, and in this case, may identify the MVNO network as a network corresponding to the terminal 1B.

  The PLMN included in the “RRC Connection Setup Complete” transmitted from the terminal 1B indicates the MVNO network or the network identification number of the MVNO that manages the MVNO network. Therefore, in S2-5, the identification unit 20 identifies, for example, the terminal 1B as a terminal subscribed to the MVNO, and selects the virtual MME 5A included in the MVNO network for the terminal 1B.

  The terminal 1 </ b> B transmits a message (“Attach Request”) requesting connection to the network to the base station 2. The network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits the “Attach Request” transmitted from the terminal 1B to the virtual MME 5A of the selected MVNO network (S2-7).

  In response to receiving the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (S2-8). With the start of the EPS bearer establishment procedure by the virtual MME 5A, control signals are exchanged between the virtual SGW 3A, the virtual PGW 4A, the virtual MME 5A and the base station 2. An EPS bearer is established by exchanging control signals between the nodes. Terminal 1B communicates via the established EPS bearer. The network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits and receives communication data regarding the terminal 1B via the EPS bearer.

  10 to 12 show other operation examples of the second embodiment. FIGS. 10 to 12 show an operation example when the MME 5 identifies the attribute / type of the terminal 1. FIG. 10 to 12 show operation examples in which the technology of the present invention is applied to “Attach Procedure” described in Chapter 5.3.2 of the 3GPP specification (TS23.401 v12.3.0).

  FIG. 10 shows an operation example of the terminal 1A corresponding to the legacy network.

  The terminal 1A transmits “Attach Request” to the base station 2 (S3-1). The base station 2 transmits “Attach request” to the MME 5 of the legacy network.

  The MME 5 executes a terminal authentication procedure in response to receiving the “Attach Request” (S3-2).

  The MME 5 identifies the attribute / type of the terminal in the authentication procedure (S3-3). The MME 5 identifies the attribute / type of the terminal based on the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) included in the “Attach Request”. IMSI is terminal identification information.

  FIG. 12 shows an operation example in which the MME 5 identifies the terminal attribute / type in the authentication procedure. In the example of FIG. 12, the HSS 6 executes the authentication procedure in response to “Authentication Information Request” from the MME 5. Note that the MME 5 may execute the authentication procedure with reference to the HSS 6.

  The MME 5 transmits an “Authentication Information Request” to the HSS 6 (S3-10). "Authentication Information Request" includes the IMSI.

  The HSS 6 manages subscriber information of the communication system. The HSS 6 stores, for example, information on network subscribers and performs authentication of the user of the terminal 1. The HSS 6 provides, for example, the location information and the IP information of the terminal 1 to another device (for example, the MME 5).

  The HSS 6 authenticates the user of the terminal 1 based on the IMSI included in the “Authentication Information Request” received from the MME 5 and the stored information on the network subscriber (S3-11).

  The HSS 6 authenticates the user of the terminal 1 in response to receiving the “Authentication Information Request”. The HSS 6 searches for, for example, an IMSI included in “Authentication Information Request”, and authenticates the user of the terminal 1A according to the search result. The control unit 61 of the HSS 6 searches, for example, whether the IMSI included in the “Authentication Information Request” is stored in the subscriber information database 60. The control unit 61 may search for the MNO with which the user of the terminal 1A has a contract with reference to the subscriber information database based on, for example, the IMSI included in “Authentication Information Request”. The control unit 61 executes authentication of the user of the terminal 1 according to the search result, for example.

  The HSS 6 includes the search result regarding the MNO with which the user of the terminal 1A has contracted in the “Authentication Information Answer” and transmits the search result to the MME 5 (S3-12).

  The MME 5 identifies that the terminal 1A corresponds to the legacy network based on “Authentication Information Answer” received from the HSS 6.

  The MME 5 identifies that the terminal 1A is compatible with the legacy network by the above-described identification procedure, and starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (S3-4). The procedure for establishing the EPS bearer is the same as the operation example in FIG. 9, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows an operation example of the terminal 1B corresponding to the MVNO network.

  The terminal 1B transmits “Attach Request” to the base station 2 (S3-5). The base station 2 transmits “Attach request” to the MME 5 of the legacy network.

  The MME 5 executes a terminal authentication procedure in response to receiving the “Attach Request” (S3-6). In the authentication procedure, the MME 5 identifies the attribute / type of the terminal based on the IMSI included in the “Attach Request” (S3-7). Note that the authentication procedure for the MME 5 to identify the terminal attribute / type is the same as the authentication procedure shown in FIG. 9, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  The MME 5 identifies that the terminal 1B corresponds to the MVNO network by the above-described identification procedure, and causes the base station 2 to reselect the MME (S3-8, "MME Selection Indication").

  For example, the MME 5 includes information on the MME to be reselected by the base station 2 in “MME Selection Indication” and transmits the MME 5 to the base station 2. The MME 5 includes, for example, the IP address of the MME (virtual MME 5A) of the MVNO network in the “MME Selection Indication”.

  The base station 2 transmits an “Attach Request” to the reselected MME in response to the reception of the “MME Selection Indication” (S3-9). For example, the base station 2 reselects the virtual MME 5A. The base station 2 transmits “Attach Request” to the reselected virtual MME 5A.

  In response to the reception of the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A starts the procedure for establishing the EPS bearer in the MVNO network (S3-10). The procedure for establishing the EPS bearer is the same as the operation example in FIG. 10, and thus detailed description is omitted. The terminal 1B communicates with the Internet or the like via an EPS bearer constructed in a virtual network.

  FIG. 13 illustrates a configuration example of the MME 5 according to the second embodiment. The MME 5 has a function of instructing the base station 2 to reselect the MME in accordance with the network (or communication carrier) corresponding to the terminal and the attributes and types of the terminal.

  The MME 5 includes a virtual entity management unit 50 and a control unit 51.

  The virtual entity management unit 50 manages, for example, an address (IP address or the like) of the virtual MME 5A arranged in the MVNO network.

  The control unit 51 acquires the address of the virtual MME 5 </ b> A from the MVNO entity management unit 50 when the terminal that has transmitted “Attach Request” to the MV 5 is a terminal corresponding to the MVNO network. The control unit 51 transmits the obtained IP address to the base station 2 and instructs reselection of the MME. The base station 2 retransmits “Attach Request” to the virtual MME 5A of the IP address notified from the control unit 51.

  FIG. 14 is another configuration example of the communication system according to the second embodiment. The communication system illustrated in FIG. 14 includes, for example, a terminal 1, a base station 2, a legacy network, and an MVNO network.

  The legacy network includes, for example, the access network, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7 (for example, the S-CSCF 70, the P-CSCF 71, and the I-CFCF 72). The access network includes MME5. The MME 5 processes control signaling in cooperation with the HSS 6 that manages subscriber information of the communication system. The communication device 7 is a CSCF that provides a session control function in the IMS network. The MME 5, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7 have the same configurations as those of the MME 5, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7 illustrated in FIG. 5, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

  The MVNO network includes, for example, an access network, an HSS 6A, and a communication device 7A (for example, an S-CSCF 70A, a P-CSCF 71A, and an I-CFCF 72A). The access network includes the MME 5A. Since the MME 5A, the HSS 6A, and the communication device 7A have the same configurations as the MME 5, the HSS 6, and the communication device 7 included in the legacy network, detailed description will be omitted.

  In the example of the second embodiment described above, the network nodes included in the MVNO network are virtually operated by software or the like. Therefore, the MNO that manages the MVNO network can easily and at low cost construct a network node that provides a backbone network function such as EPC by software.

<Third embodiment>
In the third embodiment of the present invention, some of the functions of the base station 2 are virtually operated by software or the like. Note that the technology of the second embodiment is applicable to any of the first and second embodiments and the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration example of a communication system according to the third embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the communication system according to the third embodiment includes an RRH (Remote Radio Head: wireless unit) 22 and a BBU (Base Band Unit: baseband processing unit) 23. In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 15, the RRH 22 is managed by the MNO managing the legacy network, and the BBU 23 is managed by the MVNO. The RRH 22 may be managed by the MVNO instead of the MNO managing the legacy network. Note that the BBU 23 may be connected to a plurality of RRHs 22. The RRH 22 performs analog Radio Frequency (RF) signal processing. The BBU performs analog Radio Frequency (RF) signal processing.

  The RRH 22 is responsible for analog RF signal processing and provides an air interface to mobile stations. The analog RF signal processing includes D / A conversion, A / D conversion, frequency up-conversion, frequency down-conversion, amplification, and the like.

  FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the RRH 22 of the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the RRH 22 includes a management unit 220 and a communication unit 221.

  The management unit 220 manages information on the BBU 23 managed by the MVNO. The management unit 220 manages, for example, identification information on the BBU 23 (for example, the address of the BBU 23). Further, the management unit 220 may, for example, associate a flag indicating whether the BBU 23 is a network node included in the MVNO network with the identification information of the BBU 23.

  The communication unit 221 refers to the management unit 220 and communicates with the BBU 23 operated by the MVNO. The communication unit 221 transfers the communication traffic from the terminal 1B to the BBU 23 with reference to the management unit 220. The communication unit 221 refers to the management unit 220, for example, and transfers communication traffic from the terminal 1B to the BBU 23 based on predetermined information included in a connection request from the terminal 1B. The communication unit 221 transfers the communication traffic from the terminal 1B to the BBU 23 based on the PLMN included in the connection request from the terminal 1B with reference to the management unit 220, for example.

  The BBU 23 is connected to a higher-level network (eg, a backhaul network or a core network of the MNO), and controls and monitors a wireless base station and performs digital baseband signal processing. Digital baseband signal processing includes layer 2 signal processing and layer 1 (physical layer) signal processing. Layer 2 signal processing includes (i) data compression / decompression, (ii) data encryption, (iii) addition / deletion of layer 2 header, (iv) data segmentation / concatenation, and (v) data multiplexing. / Generation / decomposition of transfer format by separation. In the case of E-UTRA as one of the specific examples, the layer 2 signal processing includes processing of Radio Link Control (RLC) and Media Access Control (MAC). Physical layer signal processing includes channel coding / decoding (Channel Coding / Decoding), modulation / demodulation (Modulation / Demodulation), spreading / de-spreading (Spreading / De-spreading), resource mapping, and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (Transformation / Decoding). This includes generation of OFDM symbol data (baseband OFDM signal) by IFFT).

  The functions executed by the BBU 23 can be executed by software such as a virtual machine. The function provided by the BBU 23 can be operated on a virtual machine as the VNF 120, for example. The BBU 23 can be operated by the MVNO in the data center, for example.

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of the BBU 23 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the BBU 23 includes a management unit 230 and a control unit 231.

  The management unit 231 manages information about a virtual network (MVNO network) operated by the MVNO. The management unit 231 manages information on network nodes included in the MVNO network, for example. The management unit 231 manages, for example, identification information (for example, the address of the virtual MME 5A) related to the network node included in the MVNO network.

  The control unit 231 refers to the management unit 223 and transmits a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message to the virtual MME 5A operated by the MVNO subscribed to the terminal 1B.

  In the communication system according to the third embodiment, the MVNO may manage the RRH 22. In this case, the MNO managing the legacy network may lend a licensed band to the MVNO, for example. The RRH 22 managed by the MVNO communicates with the terminal 1B using, for example, the licensed band lent by the MNO managing the legacy network.

  The RRH 22 may be installed at a plurality of points by, for example, the MVNO. The MVNO may install the RRHs 22 at, for example, a large number of points in accordance with the communication service to be provided and the use status, the use area, the use range, and the like of the service attached to the communication service. The MVNO may provide the RRH 22 at a low price (extremely free), for example, to a subscriber subscribed to the MVNO.

  In the communication system according to the third embodiment, the RRH 22 managed by the MVNO may communicate with the terminal 1B using an unlicensed band frequency band.

  The operation example of the third embodiment is similar to the operation example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or the operation example of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Omitted. The functions of the base station 2 in FIG. 4 or FIGS. 9 to 12 are executed by the RRH 22 and the BBU 23.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, as described above, some of the functions of the base station 2 can be virtually operated by software or the like.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the MVNO network includes an application that can provide a predetermined service. Note that the fourth embodiment is applicable to any of the first to third embodiments.

  In the communication system according to the fourth embodiment, the MVNO network includes an application that provides a predetermined service using communication data of a subscriber terminal of the MVNO. Since the MVNO includes an application for providing a predetermined service in the MVNO network, the MVNO can provide the predetermined service using the communication data of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO collected without passing through the legacy network. Therefore, the MVNO can provide a predetermined service using the communication data without passing the communication data of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO to the MNO. That is, the fourth embodiment is an embodiment in the case where a cloud provider that provides various services owns (manages) the MVNO network.

  The MVNO may provide a predetermined service using, for example, communication data transmitted by a plurality of subscriber terminals of the MVNO. The MVNO can provide a predetermined service using a large amount of communication data collected from a plurality of subscriber terminals, for example. The MVNO may, for example, reduce the communication fee (use fee) of the MVNO subscriber terminal, instead of earning income from a service provided using communication data collected from the subscriber terminal. The MVNO, for example, can lower the communication fee of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO compared to the MNO, and can be a differentiating factor from the MNO.

  FIG. 18 illustrates a configuration example of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 18, a terminal 1B is a device capable of collecting predetermined data. The terminal 1B is a device capable of collecting moving image data, such as a monitoring camera. The terminal 1B is, for example, a device such as a sensor that can collect predetermined data. The sensor may be, for example, a sensor capable of sensing a person or an animal, or a sensor capable of sensing an object such as a car. The terminal 1B may be, for example, a smart meter. The terminal 1B may be a car, a robot, a drone, a medical device, or the like. The terminal 1B is not limited to these examples, and may be any device as long as it can collect predetermined information.

  The terminal 1B transmits the collected predetermined data to the base station 2 as communication data. The terminal 1B transmits the collected predetermined data as communication data at a predetermined cycle, for example. The terminal 1B transmits the collected predetermined data as communication data at a predetermined timing, for example. The terminal 1B always transmits, for example, the collected predetermined data as communication data. The timing at which the predetermined data collected by the terminal 1B is transmitted as communication data is not limited to these examples, and may be any timing, for example, transmission when requested.

  In FIG. 18, the MVNO network includes an application 8. The application 8 is, for example, a service providing unit that can provide a predetermined service using communication data of the mobile terminal (terminal 1). The application 8 is, for example, a service providing unit that can collect communication data of the mobile terminal (terminal 1) and provide a predetermined service according to a data analysis result of the collected data.

  Note that other configurations (for example, the base station 2 and the like) illustrated in FIG. 18 are the same as those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 18, the services provided by the application 8 include, for example, the following services.
・ A service that analyzes user preferences and recommends recommended products from EC sites. ・ A service that recommends restaurants based on the user's action history. Services that provide taxi needs based on the physical location of multiple terminals, taxi companies, taxi drivers, and services provided to taxi users. Vital information (body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, eyesight, steps, walking distance, weight, blood related information (eg, blood sugar level and oxygen concentration in blood), bone density, etc.) Service that provides information on the health of the user, and vital information (body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, eyesight, steps, walking distance) of multiple users Analyzes information on body weight, blood (eg, blood sugar level and oxygen concentration in blood), bone density, etc., and analyzes video data obtained from services and surveillance cameras that provide information organized by region, Analyzes video data obtained from services and monitoring cameras that provide data on suspicious persons and suspicious objects, analyzes power consumption obtained from services and smart meters that notify of the occurrence of disasters, and optimizes power consumption Analyzes services and location information of multiple vehicles, provides services related to traffic congestion, analyzes data obtained from nursing care robots, etc., and informs the family members, doctors, and other concerned parties of the care recipient's health status. Service

  Hereinafter, an example of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example 1>
FIG. 19 is a configuration example of a communication system according to Example 1 of the fourth embodiment.

  In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 19, the terminal 1B is a device capable of collecting moving image data, such as a monitoring camera. The terminal 1B collects the moving image data and transmits the collected moving image data to the base station 2 as communication data. The terminal 1B, which is a monitoring camera or the like, captures, for example, a predetermined monitoring area and transmits the captured moving image data to the base station 2 as communication data. The communication system illustrated in FIG. 19 may include a plurality of monitoring cameras and the like (terminal 1B). The plurality of surveillance cameras and the like (terminal 1B) each collect moving image data at different points and transmit the collected moving image data to the base station 2 as communication data.

  In Example 1 of the fourth embodiment, the terminal 1B, which is a surveillance camera or the like, is, for example, a company, a local government, a police, or an individual who is provided with a service from a cloud operator having an MVNO network. A company, a local government, a police, an individual, or the like who receives a service provided by the cloud service provider may receive a fee from the MVNO instead of having the MVNO use the terminal 1B that is a monitoring camera or the like owned by the company. Also, MVNO, which is a cloud operator, can reduce the communication fee of the subscriber terminal if the company, the local government, the police, the individual, etc. that provides the service owns the MVNO subscriber terminal separately from the terminal 1B. (Or for free). The terminal 1B, which is a monitoring camera or the like, may be held by, for example, MVNO, or may be distributed to companies, municipalities, police, and individuals at low cost (or free of charge) by MVNO.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, the MVNO network includes an image analysis application 8A and a map application 8B.

  The image analysis application 8A includes, for example, a function of analyzing moving image data of a monitoring camera or the like. The image analysis application 8A specifies, for example, whether moving image data captured by a surveillance camera or the like includes an object to be monitored (a person, an animal, a car, or the like). The image analysis application 8A includes, for example, an abnormal object (for example, a person hiding a part of the face, an object not normally detected (suspicious object), or the like) in the moving image data captured by the monitoring camera or the like. Specify whether or not. For example, the image analysis application 8A reads, from moving image data captured by a surveillance camera or the like, an object that moves abnormally (for example, an object that moves at a predetermined speed or more, an object that suddenly stops (stops), )).

  The image analysis application 8A may detect, for example, an unusual state (for example, occurrence of fire or smoke, increase in river water, or occurrence of traffic congestion) from a moving image captured by a monitoring camera or the like.

  The image analysis application 8A may analyze, for example, moving image data captured by a plurality of monitoring cameras or the like. For example, the image analysis application 8A may track the movement of an object (a person, an animal, a car, or the like) to be monitored from moving image data captured by a plurality of monitoring cameras that monitor different points. The image analysis application 8A detects, for example, a range in which an unusual state occurs (for example, a range in which traffic congestion occurs) from moving image data captured by a plurality of surveillance cameras installed at different points. May be.

  Note that the content analyzed by the image analysis application 8A from the moving image data captured by the surveillance camera or the like is not limited to these examples, but may be any content that can be analyzed using the moving image data. Is also good.

  The map application 8B includes, for example, a function of creating map data in which an analysis result of the image analysis application 8A is displayed on a map. For example, based on the position of the terminal 1B (surveillance camera or the like) and the analysis result of the image analysis application 8A, the map application 8B detects a point where an object to be monitored, an abnormal object, or an object performing abnormal movement is detected. Create map data that displays on a map. The map application 8B may create, for example, map data in which a point where an unusual state has occurred is displayed on a map. The map application 8B, for example, based on the positions of the plurality of terminals 1B (surveillance cameras and the like) and the analysis result of the image analysis application 8A, moves (tracks) the monitoring target object or a state different from the normal state (tracking state). For example, map data in which a range in which a disaster occurs) may be displayed on a map.

  In the map data created by the map application 8B, the method and content of displaying the analysis result of the image analysis application 8A on the map are not limited to these examples, and any method and content may be used.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, map data created by the map application 8B is transmitted to the terminal 1A. The map data created by the map application 8B is transmitted, for example, to the terminal 1A, which is a subscriber terminal of the MNO, via a legacy network. When the terminal 1A is an MVNO subscriber terminal, the map data created by the map application 8B is notified to the terminal 1A via the MVNO network. The terminal 1A displays the map data notified via the MVNO network on a screen or the like. The terminal 1A may be any device as long as it has a screen capable of displaying map data, such as a portable terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a TV (Television), a screen, and a monitor.

  When the MVNO network is owned (managed) by a cloud provider such as Google (registered trademark), for example, the map application 8B creates map data used in Google Map or the like. The terminal 1A displays the map data created by the map application 8B using an application related to a map such as Google Map.

  For example, a plurality of terminals 1B, such as surveillance cameras, are installed in a commercial facility such as a shopping center. Each of the plurality of terminals 1B transmits, to the MVNO network, for example, moving image data on the traffic of a person at the place where the terminal 1B is installed. The image analysis application 8A may move a specific person who has visited the shopping center within the shopping center (for example, how to move, Analyze whether to stop at the store (tenant). In this case, the image analysis application 8A may specify the motion of the specific person from the moving image data collected from the plurality of terminals 1B by, for example, the face recognition technology. The image analysis application 8A analyzes movement of a plurality of persons in the shopping center, and obtains, for example, statistical information for each age and / or for each gender. For example, the image analysis application 8A obtains statistical information on how a man in his twenties who has visited a shopping center moves, stops at which store (tenant), and the like. For example, the map application 8B displays, on the map of the shopping center, the movement status in the shopping center for each age and / or gender based on the statistical information notified from the image analysis application 8A. Create map data for. The map application 8B transmits the created map data to, for example, a terminal 1A owned by a company that operates a shopping center. The company that operates the shopping center can change the location of the store, change the advertisement to be displayed, and the like based on the moving state of the person in the shopping center displayed on the terminal 1A. A company that operates a shopping center may, for example, increase the number of stores (tenants) visited by men in their twenties in the shopping center, or establish a store, such as a coffee shop, where women frequently use, between stores visited by women. Installation can be determined. In addition, the company that operates the shopping center can determine, for example, displaying an advertisement for men in their 50s on digital signage around a store visited by men in their 50s. As described above, the cloud company that owns (manages) the MVNO network can provide, for example, information on marketing to a company or the like that operates a shopping center.

<Example 2>
FIG. 20 is a configuration example of a communication system according to Example 2 of the fourth embodiment. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which, for example, a cloud provider provides an energy management system as a service.

  In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 20, the terminal 1B is a device such as a smart meter that can collect information on power (power consumption, stored power, generated power). The information about the power may be any information as long as it is information about the power, such as the power amount, the predicted power amount, and the power amount per unit time. Further, the terminal 1B may be a device that can collect information on surplus power obtained from power consumption, generated power, and the like, for example.

  The terminal 1B is, for example, information on power consumption of a predetermined device in a house (home) or company, a predetermined building (building or store), or the house (home) or company, a predetermined building (building or store). , And transmits the collected information about the power consumption to the base station 2. The terminal 1B such as a smart meter may be, for example, a device capable of collecting information on a predicted value (estimated value) of power consumption. The terminal 1B transmits information on the predicted value (estimated value) of the power consumption to the base station 2.

  The terminal 1B, for example, in a house (household), a company, or a predetermined building (building or store), stores information on power (generated power) generated by a predetermined power generation device (such as a solar power generation device or a wind power generation device). It may be a device that can be collected. In addition, the terminal 1B stores, for example, information on power stored in a power storage system (for example, a storage battery or a battery in an EV (Electric Vehicle)) in a house (home), a company, or a predetermined building (building or store). It may be a device that can be collected. The terminal 1 </ b> B transmits information on the generated power (generated power) and information on the stored power (stored power) to the base station 2.

  The terminal 1B may be, for example, a device capable of collecting information on power consumption, stored power, and surplus power obtained from generated power in a house (home), a company, or a predetermined building (building or store). The terminal 1B transmits, for example, information on the surplus power to the base station 2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, the MVNO network includes an EMS (Energy Management System) application 8C. The EMS application 8C has a function of implementing EMS.

  EMS is a system that uses ICT (Information Communication Technology: information communication technology) to optimize power usage in a house (home), an office building, a factory, and the like. The EMS monitors, for example, the amount of power consumed for lighting and air conditioning, the amount of power stored by the power storage device, the amount of power generated by the power generation device, and the like. Based on the monitored amount of power, the EMS monitors the house, building, factory, or the like. Manage the energy situation inside the building (or inside the company). The EMS predicts power demand in a building (or a company) based on, for example, a managed energy situation. The EMS controls, for example, a device (lighting, air conditioning, etc.) that consumes power in a building (or in a company) based on the predicted power demand, and controls power consumption in the building (or in a company). (Eg, minimizing power consumption). Note that EMS includes HEMS (Home EMS) for homes (homes) and BEMS (Building EMS) for office buildings and the like. In the second embodiment, the EMS application 8C may be HEMS or BEMS. The EMS application 8C may be any EMS such as an EMS for a city, for example.

  The EMS application 8C optimizes power consumption in a home (in a house) or in an office building (in a store, in a company, or the like) based on information on power collected from a terminal 1B such as a smart meter. Provide functions.

  The EMS application 8C creates, for example, display data for displaying a power consumption state in a house (home), a company, or a predetermined building (building or store) based on information on power consumption collected from the terminal 1B such as a smart meter. Then, the terminal 1C is notified. The EMS application 8C obtains, for example, a predicted value of power consumption in a house (home) or a company, or a predetermined building (building or store) based on the collected information on power consumption, and displays display data for displaying the predicted value. It may be created and transmitted to the terminal 1C. By displaying the notified display data, the terminal 1C can realize the visualization of the actually measured value or the predicted value of the power consumption.

  For example, the EMS application 8C may transmit an instruction regarding power to the terminal 1C based on information regarding power collected from the terminal 1B. The EMS application 8C instructs the terminal 1C, which is a power storage device, to sell the stored power and start power storage, based on, for example, an actually measured value or a predicted value related to power demand or supply. The EMS application 8C, for example, instructs the terminal 1C to start power storage in a time zone where power consumption is low, and instructs the terminal 1C to start discharging (such as sales of power) in a time zone where power consumption is high. (For example, in a house, a company, or an entire predetermined building), power consumption can be optimized. Thereby, the EMS application 8C can reduce the peak power in a time zone where power consumption is high, for example, in a building (or a company) such as a house, a building, or a factory.

  For example, the EMS application 8C instructs the terminal 1C, which is an EV charging device, to start charging based on an actually measured value or a predicted value related to power demand or supply. The EMS application 8C instructs to start charging the EV in a time zone where power consumption is low, and instructs to stop charging in a time zone where power consumption is high, so that, for example, in a home (in a house) having an EV charging device , Companies, and the power consumption in a given building can be optimized.

  The EMS application 8C provides, for example, a terminal 1C that is a power storage device (such as a home storage battery) or a power generation device (such as a solar power generation device) in a smart house based on an actually measured value or a predicted value related to power demand or supply. To start selling electricity. Further, the EMS application 8C instructs a power storage device, an EV charging device, or the like to start charging based on, for example, an actual measurement value or a prediction value regarding power demand or supply. The EMS application 8C, for example, instructs the start of power storage or charging in a time zone where power consumption is low, and instructs the stop of power storage or charging or the start of discharge (such as sales of power) in a time zone where power consumption is high. Thus, it is possible to optimize the power consumption as a whole in the smart house.

  The EMS application 8C may, for example, issue an instruction regarding power to the plurality of terminals 1C based on information regarding power collected from the plurality of terminals 1B. In this case, for example, the EMS application 8C can optimize power consumption in a plurality of buildings including the terminal 1C. The EMS application 8C manages and controls the power consumption in the entire city (smart city), for example, supplying power from a surplus area to an area where power is insufficient in the city. Thus, power consumption can be optimized over a wide range.

  The EMS application 8C may notify an external EMS server of data (information) in which information on power consumption collected from the terminal 1B is associated with the collected time. The external EMS server stores, as history data, data (information) in which information on power consumption is associated with the collected time. Note that the EMS application 8C collects information about power consumption from the plurality of terminals 1B, and provides the external EMS server with data (FIG. 2) that associates the information about power consumption with the collected time for the plurality of terminals 1B. Information). In this case, the external EMS server stores, for each of the plurality of terminals 1B, data (information) in which information on power consumption is associated with the collected time as history data. The external EMS server issues an instruction regarding the power to the terminal 1C based on the stored history data, for example. Since the external EMS server gives an instruction based on the history data, the power consumption of the terminal 1C can be optimized.

  The EMS application 8C may, for example, convert information about power consumption collected from the terminal 1B into data in a format that can be used by an external EMS server, and notify the external EMS server. Since the EMS application 8C converts the format of the data, the cloud provider that manages the EMS application 8C needs to provide information about power consumption collected from the terminal 1B to the administrator that manages the external EMS server. Can be. If the data format is the same between the EMS application 8C and the external EMS server, there is no need to convert the data format.

  The EMS application 8C issues, for example, an instruction regarding power to the terminal 1C, which is a subscriber terminal of the MNO, via a legacy network. When the terminal 1A is a MVNO subscriber terminal, the EMS application 8C may notify an instruction regarding power via the MVNO network. In addition, the EMS application 8C notifies the external EMS server of data (information) related to power consumption via the legacy network or the MVNO network.

<Example 3>
FIG. 21 is a configuration example of a communication system according to a third example of the fourth embodiment.

  In the communication system illustrated in FIG. 21, the terminal 1B is, for example, a device provided in an automobile or the like and capable of detecting and collecting position information of the automobile or the like. The terminal 1B is, for example, a device provided in an automobile or the like and capable of detecting and collecting fuel-related information on the automobile or the like and information on fuel such as the remaining fuel amount. The terminal 1B collects predetermined information such as position information and fuel-related information, and transmits the collected predetermined information to the base station 2 as communication data. As illustrated in FIG. 21, in the communication system according to the third embodiment, the MVNO network includes an information analysis application 8D and a service application 8E. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the communication system according to the third embodiment includes a terminal 1C.

  The information analysis application 8D includes, for example, a function of analyzing information from the terminal 1B. The information analysis application 8D, for example, analyzes the position information of the vehicle or the like notified from the terminal 1B, and determines the current position of the vehicle or the like. The information analysis application 8D, for example, analyzes information related to fuel such as an automobile notified from the terminal 1B, and estimates a time or a position at which the fuel runs out.

  The information analysis application 8D, for example, based on information about the battery of the electric vehicle notified from the terminal 1B (remaining amount of the battery, free space of the battery, etc.), the time and position (battery to charge the battery of the electric vehicle) (The time or position at which the image is cut off) may be estimated. In addition, the information analysis application 8D, for example, based on the information (fuel remaining amount, free space of hydrogen) on the fuel (hydrogen) of the fueled vehicle notified from the terminal 1B, the time or position at which the fuel (hydrogen) runs out. May be estimated.

  The service application 8E includes, for example, a function of providing a predetermined service based on information from the terminal 1B and / or an analysis result of the information analysis application 8D. The service application 8E obtains an optimal route (for example, the shortest route or the cheapest route) to the destination of the vehicle or the like based on the analysis result of the information on the position of the vehicle or the like, and guides the optimal route. Create data for The service application 8E notifies the data for guiding the created optimal route to the terminal 1A which is a mobile terminal, a PC, or a car navigation system (a device that provides a car navigation).

  The service application 8E may create control data for automatically driving the vehicle or the like based on information on the position of the vehicle or the like, for example, and notify the terminal 1B of the vehicle or the like. The vehicle or the like as the terminal 1B performs automatic driving based on control data for automatic driving.

  The service application 8E creates data for displaying the position of the refueling station (or hydrogen station) based on, for example, an analysis result of information on fuel (gasoline or hydrogen) of the vehicle or the like from the terminal 1B, and The terminal and the terminal 1A which is a car navigation system are notified. The service application 8E may determine an optimal route from the current position of the vehicle to the refueling station (or the hydrogen station) and create data for guiding the optimal route. For example, the service application 8E may notify the terminal 1A of data for guiding the created optimal route.

  For example, the service application 8E may create data for displaying the position of the desk lamp based on the analysis result of the information about the battery in the electric vehicle from the terminal 1B and notify the terminal 1A. The service application 8E may determine an optimal route from the current position of the electric vehicle to the charging station and create data for guiding the optimal route.

  The service application 8E is a data for displaying a candidate for a refueling station (or a hydrogen station or a charging station) based on the information on the position of the car or the like, the information on the fuel or the battery of the car or the like, and the map data. May be created and notified to the terminal 1A.

  The information analysis application 8D includes, for example, a function of analyzing information from a plurality of terminals 1B (for example, automobiles), and the service application 8E provides a service based on an analysis result of the information from the plurality of terminals 1B. Functions may be included. The information analysis application 8D analyzes, for example, traffic congestion conditions and the like based on information on the positions of a plurality of cars and the like. For example, the service application 8E notifies a predetermined system (for example, Twitter (registered trademark), a traffic information system, or the like) of information on the traffic congestion status and the detour route based on the traffic congestion status analyzed by the information analysis application 8D. Create data for The service application 8E notifies the created data to the terminal 1A that provides a predetermined system (for example, a car navigation system).

  The information analysis application 8D may, for example, accumulate information on the position of the car or the like collected from the terminal 1B and analyze the traveling information of the car or the like. The information analysis application 8D can obtain the state of a road on which the vehicle can travel, for example, by accumulating and analyzing information regarding the positions of a plurality of vehicles and the like collected from the plurality of terminals 1B. The service application 8E creates, for example, map data for displaying, on a map, the state of the road on which the information analysis application 8D can drive, and notifies the terminal 1A. The terminal 1A displays the road operation status notified from the service application 8D on a map such as Google MAP, so that the terminal 1A can pass, for example, after a disaster such as an earthquake, a typhoon, or a tsunami, or in a conflict area. Information on roads (traffic record information) can be provided to users such as automobiles.

  The information analysis application 8D stores, for example, information in which information on the positions of a plurality of vehicles collected from the plurality of terminals 1B is associated with the time at which the information was collected. May be analyzed. The information analysis application 8D can obtain, for example, the operation status of an automobile or the like on a predetermined road at each time. The service application 8E creates data for displaying the operation status of a car or the like on a predetermined road, for example, for each time (for example, for each time zone such as day and night), and notifies the terminal 1A. The terminal 1A displays the operation status of a car or the like on a predetermined road at each time (or at each time zone), so that the user of the terminal 1A can operate at every time (at each time zone), for example, when the security is good. It is possible to determine (many car operations) / bad (many car operations).

  In Example 3 of the fourth embodiment, the terminal 1B is, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle (Drone: drone) or a self-driving vehicle, and may be a device that delivers and collects luggage. The terminal 1B is, for example, a small unmanned airplane (drone) for Amazon (registered trademark) to deliver packages. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, for example, detects (collects) the position information of the terminal 1B and transmits it to the base station 2 as communication data. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, collects, for example, information on the operation status of the terminal 1B and transmits the information to the base station 2. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, detects, for example, the remaining battery level of the terminal 1B, and transmits the detected information to the base station 2.

  The information analysis application 8D specifies the current position of the terminal 1B based on the position information of the terminal 1B notified from the terminal 1B, for example. The service application 8E creates data for controlling the flight or traveling of the terminal 1B, which is a drone or an automatic traveling vehicle, based on the current position of the terminal 1B specified by the information analysis application 8D, for example. The service application 8E notifies the terminal 1B, which is the drone or the self-driving vehicle, of data for controlling the flight or running of the drone or the self-driving vehicle. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an automatic traveling vehicle, performs automatic traveling based on the notified control data. The service application 8E creates data for displaying the current position of the terminal 1B on a map, for example, based on the current position of the terminal 1B specified by the information analysis application 8D. The service application 8E notifies the terminal 1A such as a mobile phone, a PC, and a monitor of data for displaying the current position of the terminal 1B on a map, for example. Terminal 1A displays the current position of terminal 1B on a map based on the notified data.

  The service application 8E may create, for example, control data for moving the terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, to a collection location or a delivery location based on the collection / delivery status of the package (home delivery). . The service application 8E receives, for example, information on the collection / delivery status of the package (home delivery) from an external device (not shown) and, for example, sends a request for collection of the package from the specified current position of the terminal 1B. It creates control data for dispatching (moving) the terminal 1B to a location or area (a house, a building, or the like) where the terminal 1B is located, and notifies the terminal 1B. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, moves to a point or an area where a luggage collection request has been made based on the notified control data.

  The information analysis application 8D may detect and specify the operation status of the plurality of terminals 1B based on information on the operation status of the terminal 1B notified from the plurality of terminals 1B, for example. The service application 8E, for example, based on the operation status of the plurality of terminals 1B and information on the collection / delivery status of the package (home delivery) from an external device (not shown), the location where the package collection request has been made. Terminal 1B to be dispatched to an area (such as a house or a building) is determined. The service application 8E creates control data for dispatching (moving) the terminal 1B to the place or area (such as a house or a building) where the luggage collection request has been made for the determined terminal 1B, The terminal 1B, which is an autonomous vehicle, is notified.

  The information analysis application 8D analyzes (predicts), for example, the time when the battery of the terminal 1B needs to be replaced or charged or the place where the battery runs out, based on the remaining battery status data notified from the terminal 1B. May be. The service application 8E determines the charging location and charging time of the battery of the terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, based on the time required for battery replacement or charging, and controls the flight or running of the terminal 1B. Create control data for The service application 8E notifies the terminal 1B of the created control data. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, moves to a predetermined place at a predetermined time for charging the battery based on the notified control data.

  The information analysis application 8D receives notification of information related to cellular communication performed by the terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, and the terminal 1B is in a no-fly zone (for example, around an airport) or a no-travel zone (for example, private land). It may be analyzed whether or not the vehicle has entered. When the terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, has entered a no-fly zone or no-travel zone, the service application 8E creates control data for leaving (moving) from the no-fly zone and the terminal 1B. Notify. The terminal 1B, which is a drone or an autonomous vehicle, automatically leaves the prohibited area based on the notified control data.

  In Example 3 of the fourth embodiment, the terminal 1B may be, for example, a robot or a medical device. The robot is an industrial robot or a home care robot. For example, when the terminal 1 </ b> B is a home care robot, the terminal 1 </ b> B is arranged in a home or a hospital, collects information on the care receiver, and transmits the information to the base station 2. In the case where the terminal 1B is a medical device, the terminal 1B may transmit data of test information (such as body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, visual acuity, steps, walking distance, weight, and blood (for example, blood glucose level and oxygen in blood) of the subject. Concentration, etc.) and bone density, etc.) and transmit them to the base station 2. For example, the terminal 1B, which is a medical device, is a pulse oximeter and collects information on the oxygen concentration in the blood of the subject. The terminal 1B may be, for example, a wearable device. From the wristwatch-type wearable device (such as a device that can be worn by the user), the user's vital information (body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, eyesight, number of steps, The information on walking distance, body weight, blood (for example, blood sugar level and oxygen concentration in blood), bone density, etc. are collected and transmitted to the base station 2. The terminal 1B may be, for example, a communication module implanted in a living body. In this case, the terminal 1B collects, for example, data of biological information (for example, pulse and the like) and transmits the data to the base station 2.

  The information analysis application 8D, for example, analyzes information on the care receiver notified from the terminal 1B, creates information on the care receiver (for example, information on the health condition of the care receiver), and notifies the service application 8E. I do. The service application 8E creates display data for displaying information on the cared person based on the information notified from the information analysis application 8D, for example, and notifies the terminal 1A such as a mobile phone, a PC, or a monitor. . The terminal 1A is held by a person related to the cared person, such as a family member or a doctor of the cared person. The terminal 1A displays information on the care receiver (for example, information on the health status of the care receiver) based on the notified data.

  The information analysis application 8D, for example, analyzes the test information and biological information of the subject notified from the terminal 1B, creates information on the subject (for example, information on the health condition of the subject), and notifies the service application 8E. The service application 8E creates, for example, display data for displaying information on the subject based on the information notified from the information analysis application 8D, and sends the display data to the terminal 1A such as a mobile phone, a PC, or a monitor owned by the subject. Notice. Terminal 1A displays information on the subject (for example, information on the health condition of the subject) based on the notified data.

  The service application 8E notifies the terminal 1A, which is a subscriber terminal of the MNO, of predetermined data via, for example, a legacy network. When the terminal 1A is an MVNO subscriber terminal, the service application 8E may notify predetermined data via the MVNO network.

  As described above, the communication system according to the fourth embodiment includes an application in which the MVNO network provides a predetermined service using communication data of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO. Therefore, the MVNO can provide a predetermined service using the communication data of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO collected without passing through the legacy network. Therefore, the MVNO can provide a predetermined service using the communication data without passing the communication data of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO to the MNO. Further, the MVNO may, for example, reduce the communication fee (use fee) of the MVNO subscriber terminal, instead of obtaining income from a service provided using communication data collected from the subscriber terminal. The MVNO, for example, can lower the communication fee of the subscriber terminal of the MVNO compared to the MNO, and can be a differentiating factor from the MNO.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be implemented based on the modification, replacement, and adjustment of each embodiment. In addition, the present invention can be implemented by arbitrarily combining the embodiments. That is, the present invention includes various variations and modifications that can be realized in accordance with all the disclosure contents and technical ideas of the present specification. The present invention is also applicable to the technical field of SDN (Software-Defined Network).

  In the present invention, the terminal 1, the network node (the base station (eNB) 2, the SGW 3, the PGW 4, the MME 5), or the computer of the communication device 100, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and the like. Alternatively, software (a program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be executed. The terminal 1 or each network node may obtain software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments via various storage media such as a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) or a network. A program obtained by the terminal 1, each network node, or the communication device 100 and a storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. The software (program) may be stored in advance in, for example, the terminal 1, each network node, or a predetermined storage unit included in the communication device 100. The computer, CPU, MPU, or the like of the terminal 1 or each network node may read and execute the acquired program code of the software (program). Therefore, the terminal 1, each network node, or the communication device 100 executes the same processing as the processing of the terminal 1, each network node, or the communication device 100 in each of the above-described embodiments.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C terminal 2 base station 3 SGW
3A Virtual SGW
4 PGW
4A Virtual PGW
5 MME
5A Virtual MME
6 HSS
6A Virtual HSS
7 CSCF
7A Virtual CSCF
8 Application 8A Image analysis application 8B Map application 8C EMS application 8D Information analysis application 8E Service application 10 Message generation unit 11 Communication unit 20 Identification unit 21 Network switching unit 22 RRH
23 BBU
Reference Signs List 50 virtual entity management unit 51 control unit 60 subscriber information database 61 control unit 62 interface 70 S-CSCF
70A Virtual S-CSCF
71 P-CSCF
71A Virtual P-CSCF
72 I-CSCF
72A Virtual I-CSCF
Reference Signs List 100 communication device 110 control unit 120 virtual network function 220 management unit 221 communication unit 230 management unit 231 control unit

Claims (16)

Based on the attributes of the terminal, a plurality of networks including a first network managed by the first operator and a second network managed by the second operator identify a network corresponding to the terminal. A means,
A network node that performs predetermined signal processing in the identified network; and a second unit that processes communication of the terminal so that the terminal is connected without passing through the first network. Prepared,
The second means,
Connecting a subscriber terminal of the second operator to a virtual network node operating a function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network;
Transmitting the communication data received from the subscriber terminal of the second operator to service providing means in the second network;
The service providing unit receives data related to a predetermined service provided based on the communication data from the service providing unit and transmits the data to the terminal ,
The communication data is location information of a subscriber terminal of the second operator,
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the predetermined service is control data for moving the subscriber terminal of the second operator based on location information of the subscriber terminal of the second operator . The second means comprises: a subscriber terminal of the second operator; and the virtual network node operated by a virtual machine dynamically constructed in accordance with a requirement for processing communication data from the subscriber terminal. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is connected to the communication device. The first means is configured to provide a communication service to a subscriber terminal of the second operator using the network node provided by the first operator. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second network can be identified. The first means includes: a second terminal that provides a communication service to a subscriber terminal of the second operator by using a wireless band provided by the first operator; The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication device can identify the network. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first means is capable of identifying an attribute of the terminal based on identification information capable of identifying a network to which the terminal subscribes. . The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first unit is capable of identifying an attribute of the terminal based on identification information capable of identifying an operator to which the terminal subscribes. . The said 1st means can identify the attribute of the said terminal based on PLMN ID (Public Land Mobile Network IDentifier) contained in the message transmitted from the said terminal . The said 1st characterized by the above-mentioned. The communication device according to any one of the above. A device that can connect to the network,
Based on the attributes of the terminal, a network corresponding to the terminal is identified from a plurality of networks including a first network managed by a first operator and a second network managed by a second operator. First means,
A network node that performs predetermined signal processing in the identified network; and a second unit that processes communication of the terminal so that the terminal is connected without passing through the first network. Communication device comprising:
The second means,
Connecting a subscriber terminal of the second operator to a virtual network node operating a function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network;
Transmitting the communication data received from the subscriber terminal of the second operator to service providing means in the second network;
The service providing unit receives data related to a predetermined service provided based on the communication data from the service providing unit and transmits the data to the terminal ,
The communication data is location information of a subscriber terminal of the second operator,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the predetermined service is control data for moving the subscriber terminal of the second operator based on location information of the subscriber terminal of the second operator . Based on the attributes of the terminal, a plurality of networks including a first network managed by the first operator and a second network managed by the second operator identify a network corresponding to the terminal. One step,
A network node executing predetermined signal processing in the identified network, and a second step of processing communication of the terminal so that the terminal is connected without passing through the first network. Including
In the second step,
Connecting a subscriber terminal of the second operator to a virtual network node operating a function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network;
Transmitting the communication data received from the subscriber terminal of the second operator to service providing means in the second network;
The service providing unit receives data related to a predetermined service provided based on the communication data from the service providing unit and transmits the data to the terminal ,
The communication data is location information of a subscriber terminal of the second operator,
The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the predetermined service is control data for moving the subscriber terminal of the second operator based on location information of the subscriber terminal of the second operator . In the second step, the virtual network node operated by a subscriber terminal of the second operator and a virtual machine dynamically constructed according to a requirement for processing communication data from the subscriber terminal The communication method according to claim 9, wherein: In the first step, the second operator that provides a communication service to the subscriber terminal of the second operator using the network node provided by the first operator is managed by the second operator. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein the second network can be identified. In the first step, the second operator that provides a communication service to the subscriber terminal of the second operator using a wireless band provided by the first operator is managed by the second operator. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the network can be identified. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the first step, an attribute of the terminal can be identified based on identification information capable of identifying a network to which the terminal subscribes. . The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein in the first step, an attribute of the terminal can be identified based on identification information capable of identifying an operator to which the terminal subscribes. . The method according to claim 9, wherein in the first step, an attribute of the terminal can be identified based on a PLMN ID (Public Land Mobile Network IDentifier) included in a message transmitted from the terminal . Communication method according to any of the above. Identifying a network corresponding to the terminal from a plurality of networks including a first network managed by a first operator and a second network managed by a second operator based on attributes of the terminal; When,
Processing the communication of the terminal so that the network node performs predetermined signal processing in the identified network and the terminal is connected without passing through the first network;
Connecting the subscriber terminal of the second operator and a virtual network node operating the function of the network node by a virtual machine in the second network;
Transmitting communication data received from a subscriber terminal of the second operator to service providing means in the second network;
Receiving the data relating to a predetermined service provided by the service providing unit based on the communication data from the service providing unit and transmitting the data to the terminal .
The communication data is location information of a subscriber terminal of the second operator,
The program is characterized in that the data relating to the predetermined service is control data for moving the subscriber terminal of the second operator based on location information of the subscriber terminal of the second operator .

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