KR100615005B1 - Wireless communication device, wireless communication network and method of updating software - Google Patents

Abstract

Update the base station's software while providing communication services. The base station control unit 200 selects one or a plurality of signals from the signals received by the plurality of settable communication paths according to the state of radio waves. The radio communication device 110 communicates with the radio terminal 300 and the wired communication network at a plurality of frequencies. When the wireless communication device 110 receives the software update request from the network management device 250, selects one of the frequencies, and switches the communication path during which the communication service is provided to the other communication network without change at the corresponding frequency. The radio terminal controls the state of the radio wave transmission of the radio interface, rewrites the software set for each radio interface for which no communication service is provided, to the software received through the wired interface in advance, and returns the radio wave transmission state of the radio interface. The software is updated without interrupting the provision of the communication service to the 300.

Communication service, base station, software, communication channel, wireless terminal, wireless interface wired interface, frequency, network management device, wireless communication device, base station control unit

Description

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND METHOD OF UPDATING SOFTWARE}

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station controller.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network management device.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation when the configuration of a wireless communication network and the transmission radio wave of a base station are lowered.

6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the software update operation of the base station.

7 is an operation flowchart showing an example of a selection operation of a base station for updating software.

8 is an explanatory diagram (1) for explaining a state of a base station selection operation.

9 is an explanatory diagram (2) for explaining a state of a base station selection operation;

10 is an explanatory diagram (3) for explaining a state of a base station selection operation;

11 is an explanatory diagram (4) for explaining a state of a base station selection operation;

12 is an explanatory diagram (5) for explaining a state of a base station selection operation;

13 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a base station for updating software.

14 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a base station having a plurality of sectors.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration and another operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors.

17 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a software update operation of the base station.

18 is an operation explanatory diagram showing some details of an operation example of a base station for updating software;

19 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a sector control unit inside a base station for updating software.

20 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of an apparatus control unit inside a base station for updating software.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration and operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station having a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration and another operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

24 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a software update operation of the base station.

25 is an operation explanatory diagram showing some details of an operation example of a base station for updating software;

Fig. 26 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a radio signal processing unit inside a base station for updating software.

27 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of a base station having a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

29 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

30 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network in which one base station has a plurality of sectors and a plurality of frequencies.

31 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a software update operation of the base station.

32 is an operation explanatory diagram showing some details of an operation example of a base station for updating software;

33 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a sector radio signal processing unit inside a base station for updating software;

34 is an operation explanatory diagram showing some details of an operation example of a base station for updating software;

35 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an example of operation of a sector radio signal processing unit inside the base station for updating the software;

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: wireless communication network

100: cellular

110: wireless communication device (base station)

111: CPU

112: memory

113: storage device

114: I / O

115: internal bus

116: wireless IF unit

117: communication processing unit

118: circuit IF unit

119: antenna

120: sector control unit

121: device management unit

122: sector processing unit

123: radio signal processing unit

124: signal processing unit

125: sector radio signal processing unit

130: sector

150: communication network

200: base station control unit

210: diversity handover unit

250: network management device

300: terminal

400: mobile communication network

500: main signal line

600: control signal communication path

The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication network, and a software update method, and more particularly, to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication network, and a software update method for updating software without interrupting a communication service.

In addition to the conventional wired communication network, the introduction of a wireless communication network using a wireless terminal and a wireless communication device is being rapidly promoted. In a wireless communication network, a time division multiple access (TDMA) communication network is used for time division multiplexing and communicating signals such as voice, and in the future, code division multiple access (CDMA) for performing communication by code multiplexing signals such as voice by spreading codes. It is expected that communication networks will become popular so that anyone can communicate with anyone anytime, anywhere. The communication network is operated by software provided in each communication device in the network to provide various communication services such as voice communication and data communication to the user of the wireless terminal. When the contents of the communication service provided by the communication network evolve, It is necessary to update the software of the communication device as appropriate.

A radio communication apparatus called a base station used in a radio communication network is an interface device between a radio terminal and a communication network, and in order to provide various communication services, the above-mentioned software is often updated, and various software update methods have been proposed. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-63498 and Japanese Patent No. 2980201 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-320210)). In addition, in a general communication network, it is necessary to update software for providing a communication service, and a software update method for enabling software update even when operating as a communication system (communication network) so as not to impair the reliability of the communication network has been proposed ( For example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-319683 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-56756.

Moreover, in the system which interconnects a wireless communication network and another communication network conventionally, the apparatus which performs the diversity and handover which select and synthesize | combine the signal excellent in call quality based on the signal transmitted / received with several base station is known. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-16227). In a CDMA communication network, a soft handover technique is known in which signal synthesis or communication path selection by communication with a plurality of base stations is performed at the time of change of the base station, and the communication path is switched in a seamless manner. See, eg, 3G TR25.832 V4.0.0, 3GPP Publication, March 2001, Section 5.2.1).

In a general communication network, it is important to secure reliability for preventing the loss of communication, so that the software for providing a communication service or controlling the operation of the communication network can be updated even if it is in operation. As shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 319683 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-56756, a method is used in which a hardware is used as a redundant configuration to update software set in hardware during non-operation.

On the other hand, as a wireless communication network, cellular communication with a radius of several kilometers is generally used by communicating with a wireless terminal in an area called cellular within a range of radio waves of a base station. That is, since the number of users and cover area to accommodate compared with the conventional wired communication network (switching network) is remarkably small, many base stations should be arrange | positioned extensively in order to provide communication service extensively. Therefore, redundancy and installation of each of these multiple base stations as in the wired communication network facility of the above prior art document significantly impairs the economics of the communication network. In addition, the allocation of a plurality of frequency bands and CDMA spreading codes is also required, and the service providing ability such as a limited number of users is reduced due to the unnecessary use of finite resources. For this reason, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-63498 or Japanese Patent No. 2980201 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 10-320210), a base station is selected according to an appropriate rule, and the communication service at this base station is selected. The method of stopping and updating software is generally done. For example, an operation was performed in which the operator selects a base station with low traffic at midnight and the like, and updates the software while the base station is offline while protecting important calls.

However, in the above-described method, the burden on the operator who manages the wireless communication network becomes greater in the future, which may make it difficult to provide an economical wireless communication network and communication service. For example, when the wireless communication network becomes more widespread and the number of terminals used by a user increases, the traffic of each base station always fluctuates because these terminals are moved and used. In addition, as the globalization of communication networks proceeds, the use of communication networks that do not take into account the time difference also increases, and there is no guarantee that traffic will be lowered even in Japan at night. For this reason, it is difficult to select the base station with low traffic and to protect the important call, which increases the burden on the operator. In addition, from the user's point of view, it is easy to cause a decrease in reliability or a decrease in serviceability such that an increase in communication service interruption (or disconnection) due to software update is delayed, or an opportunity for new service due to update delay is delayed. Even in a wireless communication network in which the wireless communication device (base station) does not have a redundant configuration, the wireless communication device that does not interrupt the communication service that is being provided and which can also provide the latest communication service can be updated so-called online communication device. , A wireless communication network and an operation method thereof (software update method) are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication device, a wireless communication network, and a software update method capable of updating software provided to each wireless communication device in the wireless communication network even when the wireless communication network is providing various communication services. The purpose. In addition, an object of the present invention is to realize software update without interrupting a communication service during provision. It is also an object of the present invention to realize these devices and methods in a simple and economical configuration and procedure.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a soft handover technology (e.g., Chapter 5.2.1 of 3GPP TR25.832, 3G TR25.832 V4.0.0, issued by 3GPP, March 2001, 5.2). (See Chapter 1), to configure a wireless communication device and a wireless communication network and to provide a method of operation thereof. Specifically, in the CDMA communication network, it is intended to update the software by paying attention to the fact that a communication path from any terminal to a plurality of base stations is set, and any one having a good communication state is selected and used for communication with an actual counterpart. By controlling the state of the transmission radio waves of the base station, the communication path during the communication service provision is switched from the base station to another base station in an uninterrupted manner, creating a state in which the communication service is not provided at the base station, and updating the software in this state. After the software update, the state of the transmission radio wave is returned to its original state. By setting this as a predetermined rule, base station selection is repeated to update the software of the base station in the wireless communication network without interrupting the communication service.

According to the first solution of the present invention,

As a wireless communication device that communicates between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network by using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different frequencies within a handable wireless communication network,

A wired interface for communicating with a wired network,

A first air interface for communicating with a wireless terminal at a first frequency;

A first communication processing unit which performs a process for providing a communication service to a wireless terminal at a first frequency through the first air interface and the wired interface;

A second wireless interface for communicating with a wireless terminal at a second frequency;

A second communication processor that performs a process for providing a communication service to a wireless terminal at a second frequency through the second air interface and the wired interface;

Control unit for controlling the wireless communication device

Including,

The control unit,

Transmission propagation of the first and / or second air interface according to the selected frequency so as to sequentially select one of the first and second frequencies and to seamlessly switch the communication path during communication service provision to another communication path. Changes the status of,

The set software is updated with the software received through the wired interface in advance,

After updating the software, there is provided a wireless communication device for returning a state of transmission radio waves of the first and / or second air interface.

According to the second solution of the present invention,

In a handoverable wireless communication network, each sector communicates by a plurality of frequencies between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different frequencies and a plurality of wireless communication paths having different sectors. A wireless communication device,

A wired interface for communicating with a wired network,

A plurality of air interfaces per sector for communicating with a wireless terminal at a plurality of frequencies,

A plurality of communication processing units for each frequency, each of which is connected to each of the air interfaces and performs a process for providing a communication service to a radio terminal at a predetermined frequency via the air interface and the wired interface;

Control unit for controlling the wireless communication device

Including,

The control unit,

(a) change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of air interfaces with respect to the selected frequency so as to sequentially select at least one of the plurality of frequencies, and to switch randomly to another communication path; Updating the software set in the communication processing unit with software received in advance through the wired interface, and after the software is updated, returning the state of transmission radio waves for the selected frequency; and

(b) change the state of transmission propagation of the air interface according to the selected sector, so as to sequentially select at least one of the plurality of sectors, and to switch to other communication paths in an orderless manner; Updating the software set in the interface with software received in advance through the wired interface, and after the software is updated, returning the state of transmission radio waves to the selected sectors.

Provided is a wireless communication device comprising a.

According to the third solution means of the present invention,

In a wireless communication network capable of handover,

A wireless communication device for communicating between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different frequencies;

A control device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device, having a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals according to the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths;

Network management device to manage the network

Including,

The network management apparatus sends software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication apparatus,

Each of the wireless communication device,

Receive software and update requests sent from the network management apparatus,

In accordance with the received update request, at least one of a plurality of frequencies is sequentially selected, and transmission and propagation of the selected frequency is performed such that the communication path during communication service providing is switched to another communication path by the control device. Changes the status of,

Update the set software with the received software,

After updating the software, a wireless communication network is provided which returns the state of transmission radio waves.

According to the 4th solution means of this invention,

In a wireless communication network capable of handover,

A plurality of radio signal processing units for each sector for communicating with the radio terminal at a plurality of frequencies, a plurality of communication processing units for each frequency connected to each of the radio signal processing units, and a plurality of radio communication paths having different frequencies; A wireless communication device for each sector to communicate at a plurality of frequencies between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different sectors,

A control device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device, having a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals according to the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths;

Network management device to manage the network

Including,

The network management apparatus sends software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication apparatus,

Each of the wireless communication device,

Receive software and update requests sent from the network management apparatus,

(a) a frequency selected so as to sequentially select at least one of a plurality of frequencies in accordance with the received update request, and to seamlessly switch a communication path during communication service provision to another communication path by the control apparatus. Change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of radio wave signal processing units, and update the software set in the communication processing unit according to the selected frequency with the received software, and after updating the software, Returning the state, and

(b) transmitting the radio wave signal processing unit according to the selected sector so as to sequentially select at least one sector from among a plurality of sectors, and to switch the communication path during communication service provisioning to another communication path without change. Changing the state of the radio wave, updating the software set in the radio signal processing unit according to the selected sector with the received software, and after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission wave for the selected sector.

There is provided a wireless communication network comprising a.

According to the fifth solution means of the present invention,

A wireless communication device that communicates between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of radio communication paths having different frequencies, and one or more signals depending on the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths. A software update method for updating software of a wireless communication device in a handoverable wireless communication network, comprising a control device for communicating with the wireless communication device and a network management device for managing a network. As

The network management device may further include transmitting software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication device;

The wireless communication device includes receiving software and update requests sent from the network management device;

The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one of a plurality of frequencies in accordance with the received update request, and selects frequencies selected so as to switch the communication path during communication service providing to the other communication paths in an uninterrupted manner. Changing the state of the transmission radio wave with respect to

The wireless communication apparatus includes updating the set software with the received software;

The wireless communication device, after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission radio wave

There is provided a software update method comprising a.

According to the sixth solution means of the present invention,

A plurality of radio signal processing units for each sector for communicating with the radio terminal at a plurality of frequencies, and a plurality of communication processing units for each frequency connected to each of the radio signal processing units, and a plurality of radio communication paths and sectors having different frequencies Using a plurality of wireless communication paths different from each other, a radio wave between a wireless communication device for communicating each sector at a plurality of frequencies between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network, and a signal received by a plurality of configurable communication paths. In the handover wireless communication network comprising a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals in accordance with the state of the communication device, and a network management device for managing a network and a network management device for managing the network, A software update method for updating software of a communication device,

The network management apparatus may further include transmitting software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication apparatus;

The wireless communication device includes receiving software and update requests sent from the network management device;

(a) The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one of a plurality of frequencies in accordance with the received update request, and switches the communication path during the communication service providing to the other communication paths in an orderless manner. Change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of radio signal processing units with respect to the selected frequency, update the software set in the communication processing unit according to the selected frequency with the received software, and after updating the software, transmit radio waves for the selected frequency Returning the state of, and

(b) The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one sector from among the plurality of sectors, and the radio wave signal according to the selected sector so as to switch the communication path during the communication service providing to the other communication path without any change. Changing the state of the transmission wave of the processing unit, updating the software set in the radio signal processing unit according to the selected sector with the received software, and after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission wave for the selected sector

There is provided a software update method comprising a.

<Example>

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the structure and the software update method of the radio | wireless communication apparatus and radio | wireless communication network in this embodiment are demonstrated in detail using drawing.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied. The radio communication network 10 is configured as follows to perform communication between terminals.

The plurality of mobile terminals MS1 and MS2 300-1 and 300-2 and the plurality of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as base stations) BS1 to BS8 (110-1 to 8) are wireless communication paths (not shown). Is connected. Specifically, each base station BS has a radio wave reach range called cellular 100-1 to 8, and performs wireless communication using, for example, CDMA with the terminal MS. Although not shown, the actual cellular of each base station overlaps each other, and, for example, the communication path 900 from the terminal MS1 300-1 through the plurality of base stations BS 1 and BS 2 110-1 and 110-2. -2 and 910-2) can be set. In addition, in this embodiment, the area which these several base stations BS1-BS8 (110-1-8) can communicate with the terminal MS is called the mobile communication network 400. FIG.

Each base station BS1-BS8 (110-1-8) of the mobile communication network 400-1 is connected with the base station control part (control apparatus) 200-1 by the main signal communication path 500-1. Although the base station control unit 200 is described in detail below, for example, see section 5.2.1 of TR25.832 of 3GPP ("3G TR25.832 V4.0.0", 3GPP issuance, March 2001, chapter 5.2.1). And a diversity handover unit DHT 210 which performs soft handover as defined in Fig. 1), and selects one communication path having good communication quality from a plurality of communication paths 900 and 910 to perform communication.

When the destination from the terminal MS1 300-1 is in the same mobile communication network 400-1, the base station control unit 200-1 performs a DHT to any one of the base stations BS1 to BS8 110-1 to 8 belonging thereto. 210 returns the selected signal 930 to communicate with the destination terminal MS. On the other hand, if the base station control unit 200-1 is a terminal of a mobile communication network 400-2 (the detailed configuration is almost the same as 400-1 is omitted), the destinations are different, the communication network 150 to which the base station control units 200 are connected to each other. Through the base station control unit 200-2 and the mobile communication network 400-2, the signal 930-2 is transmitted and received, thereby communicating with the destination terminal. The communication network 150 may be any of a public network, a private line network, and a private network. The mobile communication network 400-2 may be a so-called fixed network composed of a wired communication network and a terminal fixedly installed thereon.

The network management device 250 is connected to the base station BS 110 and the base station control unit 200 provided in the communication network 10 by a control signal communication path 600 for transmitting and receiving control signals such as monitoring and maintenance. For example, it is an apparatus for managing and controlling the whole equipment of the communication network 10, such as updating the software of the base station 110. The base station BS 110, the base station control unit 200, and the network management device 250 are not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, but may have an appropriate number.

2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a base station provided in a communication network. The base station 110 is configured as follows and performs a connection between the terminal and the base station control unit and communication with the network management apparatus.

When the base station 110 receives the signal (radio wave signal) transmitted from the terminal MS 300 via a wireless communication path (not shown) to the antenna 119, the base station 110 converts the signal into an electrical signal by the wireless IF unit 116. The process is performed. The communication processing unit 117 performs a processing (for example, communication processing such as call control) for performing various communication services with respect to the signal after the termination processing, and performs a line IF unit 118 with the base station control unit 200. After the interface is matched, the signal is transmitted to the base station controller 200 via the main signal communication path 500. The base station 110 transmits a signal from the base station control unit 200 to the terminal MS 300 in a process opposite to the above process.

The CPU 111 of the base station 110 stores the control program stored in the memory 112 and data necessary for the operation of the wireless communication network 10 stored in the storage device 113 (for example, information on the terminal). Control the entire base station 110 by using. These units and the like are also connected by an internal bus 115. The I / O 114 connected to the internal bus 115 is an interface with the network management apparatus 250 and controls a control signal (other than a command) or various data necessary for control of operation and maintenance of the communication network 10, and the like. Transmit and receive through the communication path (600). The circuit IF unit 118 is connected by adding these control signals or data to signals transmitted and received through the main signal channel 500 using the main signal channel 500 without the I / O 114. It may be configured to transmit and receive via.

The base station 110 includes software (other than a control program) stored in the memory 112 or the wireless IF unit 116 in which the CPU 111 is stored in the memory 112 with the update of the communication service provided to the wireless communication network 10. The firmware (other than the control program) stored in the communication processing unit 117 and the line IF unit 118 is updated as the base station is in use (operation or online) by the following procedure and operation. In the present embodiment described below, the operation of updating the above-described software or firmware as it is being used by the base station may be referred to as an online upgrade.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station control unit. The base station control unit 200 is configured as follows, connects the communication network 150 and the base station to which the base station control units 200 are connected to each other, and also controls the base station 110.

The base station control unit 200 includes a plurality of line IF units 206-1 to n that are interfaces with each base station 110, and a plurality of line IF units 208-1 that are interfaces with a communication network (FIG. 1: 150). M) and a plurality of divers performing soft handover processing specified in standards such as 3GPP (for example, "3G TR25.832 V4.0.0", 3GPP issuance, March 2001, see Section 5.2.1). The city handover units DHT 210-1 and 210-2 are connected to the switch 207 to communicate with the base station 200. The circuit IF unit 208 or the DHT 210 may be configured in a singular number depending on the scale of the communication network.

The CPU 201 of the base station control unit 200 stores data necessary for operation of the control program stored in the memory 202 and the wireless communication network 10 stored in the storage device 203 (for example, information of a terminal or a base station). Control the entire base station control unit 200 and the base station 110 connected to the base station control unit 200. These units and the like are also connected by an internal bus 205.

The memory 202 or the memory device 203 temporarily stores a program (software or firmware) necessary for the online upgrade in the base station 110. In addition, the I / O 204 connected to the internal bus 205 is an interface with the network management device 250 and controls signals (other than instructions) and various control signals necessary for the control of operation and maintenance of the wireless communication network 10. Data is transmitted and received through the control signal communication path 600. In addition, the circuit IF unit 206 is provided by adding these control signals or data to a signal transmitted and received through the main signal communication path 500 using the main signal communication path 500 or the like without the I / O 204. Alternatively, it may be configured to transmit and receive via 208.

Next, the handover will be described. In the present embodiment, the base station control unit 200 performs the processing of the soft handover specified in a standard such as 3GPP (for example, "3G TR25.832 V4.0.0", 3GPP issuance, March 2001, see chapter 5.2.1). Will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. As the DHT 210, it is possible to use diversity handover (soft handover) in the same configuration and method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-16227 (not shown in the drawing of the publication). Equivalent). Although the publication describes ATM, non-ATM signals can be processed by the same configuration and method, and the wireless communication device and the wireless communication network of the present invention are not limited to handling ATM signals.

The signal from the terminal MS1 300-1 reaches the base station control unit 200 via at least two base stations. For example, in FIG. 1, the signal reaches the base station controller 200-1 through communication paths 900-2 and 910-2. The base station control unit 200 inputs at least two signals received by the circuit IF 206 to the same DHT 210-1 or 2 through the switch 207, respectively.

The DHT 210 selects the signal received from the one with the better radio wave state based on the information of the state of the wireless communication path included in the input at least two signals. For example, when the propagation state of the base station BS1 110-1 is bad, the DHT 210 is a communication path having a good propagation state among the signals received through the communication paths 900-2 and 910-2. Select a signal from 910-2). The signal selected by the DHT 210 is output to the destination via the switch 207 and the line IF 206 or 208. Specifically, if the destination is in the same mobile communication network 400, the signal is output to the base station 110 of the destination via the circuit IF 206, and in other cases, the signal selected through the circuit IF 208 (Fig. 1: 930-). 2) to the communication network (FIG. 1: 150). The DHT 210 may synthesize a plurality of received signals as necessary.

The DHT 210 accumulates the selection result (what base station 110 has been selected) in the memory 202 or the storage device 203 as call information and changes the software of the base station 110 described later. To be used as information for selecting a base station. In addition, each of the base stations 110 and / or the network management apparatus 250 that have transmitted a signal using the path through the circuit IF 206 or the path through the network management apparatus 250 to the I / O 204. The result of the selection may be notified and stored in the memory 112, 252 or the storage devices 113, 253 of each base station 110 and / or the network management device 250 as call information.

As the call information stored in the memory 202 or the memory device 203, the call information stored in the memory 202 or the memory device 203 may be created and stored based on control signals such as setting and disconnection of the call transmitted and received by the base station 110 and the base station controller 200. do. In this case, since the state of the call can also be managed by the base station 110 itself, it is not necessary to notify each base station 110 of the selection result (information of the call) from the base station control unit 200.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network management device. The network management apparatus 250 is configured as follows, and communicates with the base station 110 or the base station control unit 200 via the control signal communication path 600, and controls them.

The network management device 250 is a device for managing maintenance operations of the entire wireless communication network 10 including a plurality of mobile communication networks 400 accommodating a plurality of base stations 110. Specifically, the network management device 250 includes, for example, a plurality of I / Os 254, a CPU 251, a memory 252, a storage device 253, a keyboard 256, and the like. And a monitor 257, which are connected by an internal bus 255.

The I / O 254 is a communication interface of the base station 110 and the base station control unit 200 provided in the wireless communication network 10. The CPU 251 controls the entire network management apparatus 250, and transmits and receives a control signal (other than a command) or data through the I / O 254 to thereby transmit the entire mobile communication network 400 including the base station 110. Also operate maintenance.

The memory 252 stores an operation program of the CPU 251 and the like. The memory device 253 stores data necessary for operating the wireless communication network 10 as the network management device 250 (for example, information of a terminal or a base station) and software or firmware newly updated by the base station 110. do. The keyboard 256 is, for example, an input means for receiving an instruction from the maintenance worker, and the monitor 257 is display means for notifying the maintenance person of the operation state of the wireless communication network 10 and the like.

For example, after the software or firmware to be updated by the online upgrade is stored in the storage device 253 according to the instruction of the maintenance worker, the online upgrade of the base station 110 is supported according to the procedure described below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration and operation example of a wireless communication network when the transmission radio waves of the base stations BS1 110-1 and BS8 110-8 are lowered than in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the cellular 100-1 of the base station BS1 110-1 overlaps with the cellular 100-2 of the neighboring base stations BS2-BS7 110-7, but is shown in FIG. 5. In this state, since the transmission radio wave of the base station BS1 110-1 is reduced, the cellular 100-1 becomes narrower and does not overlap with other cellular. Cellular 100-8 of base station BS8 110-8 likewise does not overlap cellular 100-2 and 100-3 of base station BS2 and BS3 110-2 and 110-3.

As a result, the terminal MS1 300-1 cannot set the communication path 900-2 with the base station BS1 110-1, and can only set the communication path with the base station BS2 110-2. . Although the terminal MS1 300-1 has selected the communication path 900-2 having a good communication quality in FIG. 1, since the terminal MS1 300-1 cannot be set in the state as shown in FIG. 5, the terminal MS1 300-1 is provided in the base station controller 200-1. The DHT 210-2 switches to the communication path 910-2. For the same reason, the terminal MS2 is switched from the communication path 900-1 to the communication path 910-1. In addition, the base station control unit 200-1 communicates with the destination terminal using the signals 920-1 and 920-2 from the switched communication path.

By controlling the transmission radio waves of the base station in this way, it is possible to switch the communication path during the communication service providing from the specific base station to the adjacent base station in an uninterrupted manner, thereby creating a state in which the communication service is not provided at the base station. In this state, the software is updated, and after the software update, the software is returned based on transmission radio waves. By carrying out this process by repeatedly selecting a base station for updating software according to a predetermined rule and executing the selected base station, it is possible to update the base station software in the wireless communication network without interrupting the communication service.

6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the software update operation of the base station. The network management apparatus 250 first performs a process 7-1 of selecting (grouping) a base station for updating software with a predetermined rule. Hereinafter, the gathering of the base stations selected in the process 7-1 is called base station group 1 800-1. Details of the base station selection will be described later. When the network management apparatus 250 performs a process (7-2) for requesting software transmission for the base station group 1, each base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 acquires new software from the network management apparatus 250. A process 7-3 is performed, and a process 7-4 of transmitting a software transfer completion response to the network management apparatus 250 is performed. The network management apparatus 250 performs a process (7-5) to prohibit the service stop operation for the base station 800-x other than the base station group 1 800-1, and transmits to the base station group 1 800-1. A process (7-6) of sending a software update request is performed. The above process (7-5) can be omitted.

When the base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 receives the request, the base station performs a process (7-7) of gradually lowering the transmission power. As a result, the call connected to the base station hands over to the adjacent base stations sequentially. The base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 performs processing (7-9) for confirming that the call (communication path during communication service providing) connected to the base station is zero. Each base station references zero call information stored in the memory 112 or the memory 113, or refers to the call information managed by the base station control unit 200 so that the call connected to the base station is zero. You can see that. After confirming that the call has become zero, a process (7-11) of reading new software is performed by a process (7-10) of resetting the own base station, and a process (7-12) of restarting the base station is performed. The base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 further performs a process (7-13) of gradually increasing the transmission power of the own base station, and when the original transmission power is reached, the software update completion response to the network management device 250 is reached. The process 7-14 of transmitting the message is performed.

After receiving the software update completion response from all the base stations belonging to the base station group 1 800-1, the network management apparatus 250 performs a process (7-15) of newly selecting (grouping) the base station for updating the software. . Hereinafter, the collection of selected base stations is called base station group 2 800-2. The network management device 250 performs a process 7-16 for requesting software transmission for the base station group 2 800-2. The process 7-16 is similar to the process 7-2 mentioned above. The network management apparatus 250 performs the same processing to the base station group 2 800-2 as the processing (7-2 to 7-14) performed on the base station group 1 800-1. By repeating these processes until there are no base stations belonging to any base station group, software update of all base stations can be performed.

In order to switch to a base station for updating the software and to switch the communication path of the call provided by the service to the adjacent base station, it is preferable not to update the neighbor base stations at the same time. Therefore, a predetermined rule is required for the selection of the base station to which the software is updated.

7 is an operation flowchart showing an example of the selection operation of the base station updating software in the network management apparatus. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is a detailed flow of the process 7-1 and the process 7-15 in FIG. By the operation shown in FIG. 7, the network management apparatus 250 selects and creates base station group n (n is an integer of 1 or more).

First, the network management device 250 performs a process 8-1 of reading the number of call connections from the memory 252. The network management apparatus 250 may read the number of call connections from the base station control unit 200 or each base station 110. Next, the network management apparatus 250 performs the process of making the base station which does not belong to any group and the base station which is not excluded from the selection candidate in the processes 8-4 and 8-8 as candidates of the base station group n. (8-2), the base station having the smallest number of call connections (or a base station having a smaller number of call connections than the predetermined number of call connections) among the candidates, and processing the base station as "base station A" (8-3) Is done.

Next, when the number of call connections of &quot; base station A &quot; is larger than a predetermined value, the network management device 250 performs a process (8-4) for excluding the base station from the selection candidate. On the other hand, when it is not large, the network management apparatus 250 performs the process (8-6) which makes "base station A" belong to base station group n, and acquires the adjacent base station information of "base station A" from the memory 252. Processing (8-7) is performed. The adjacent base station of "base station A" is removed from the selection candidate by the process 8-8 deviating from the candidate of base station group n. When the base station is excluded from the selection candidate in the above-described process (8-4), the process from the process (8-6) to the process (8-8) may not be performed.

The network management apparatus 250 then performs a process (8-9) of determining whether or not a base station which is a candidate of the base station group n remains. As a result, if it is determined that the candidate base station still remains, the process ( Returning to 8-2), the following process (8-2) is performed again. On the other hand, when not remaining, the network management apparatus 250 performs the creation selection end process 8-10 of base station group n.

By performing the above process, since the neighbor base stations of the base station performing the software update are not updated at the same time, the call being provided with the communication service to the base station performing the software update can switch the communication path to the adjacent base station.

8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are explanatory diagrams (1) to (5) for explaining the state of the base station selection operation shown in FIG. In the memory 252 of the network management device 250, for example, the base station number as shown in any one of Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the number of calls connected to the base station (number of call connections). ), A table containing neighboring base station numbers and group information exists. By using this table, by performing the process shown in Fig. 7, it is possible to select a group of base stations that perform software updates at the same time. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, a base station selection operation will be described below.

8 is a diagram illustrating a state before base station group selection is performed. First, the creation of base station group 1 will be described. In the figure, "0" in the "group" column indicates that the base station does not belong to any group, that is, becomes a selection candidate. According to the selection operation of FIG. 7, the network management apparatus 250 first selects the base station 1 (or the predetermined number of call connections (the predetermined number of call connections) having the lowest number of call connections at the first time according to the processes 8-1 to 8-6 (this example). For example, the number of call connections is smaller than that of 15), and the base station 1) found first is selected, and &quot; 1 &quot; is assigned to the group number field.

Next, according to the process (8-7-8-8) of FIG. 7, referring to the adjacent base station number corresponding to base station 1, "x" is attached to the group number field of the base station corresponding to the base station number. Here, "x" shows that it is excluded from the selection candidate.

9 shows the state at that time.

In addition, according to the process 8-9 of FIG. 7, the network management apparatus 250 selects the base station after the process 8-2 again because the base station which becomes the selection candidate remains.

The network management apparatus 250 is a base station 21 (or a predetermined number of call connections) having the smallest number of call connections to 6 from base stations to which "0" has been assigned (or base stations other than those to which "1" and "x" have been given). (In this example, the number of call connections is smaller than 15, for example, and base station 21 found first is selected (processes 8-2 to 8-4)), and "1" is given to the group number field (processing). (8-6)) with reference to the adjacent base station number 22 of the base station 21 (process (8-7)), &quot; × &quot; is assigned to the group number field of the base station 22 (process (8-8)).

In addition, from the base station to which "0" is assigned to the group number field (or base stations other than the base stations to which "1" and "x" are given) after the process (8-2) through the process (8-9), A base station 8 (or a base station 8 having a smaller number of call connections than the predetermined number of call connections (for example, 15) and the first discovered base station 8) having the lowest number of call connections is selected, and &quot; 1 &quot; By continuing this process until there are no base stations whose group number fields are not "1" and "x", the base station group 1 can be created and selected (then, the process shifts to process 8-10).

10 is a diagram when selection of base station group 1 is completed. The network management apparatus 250 performs the software update process with respect to the base station to which "1" is attached to the group number column. In addition, the network management apparatus 250 changes the "x" in the group number field to data indicating that it is an update completion or selection candidate such as "0" after the completion of the software update for the base station group 1, Base station group 2 is selected as described above. In this example, "0" stored in the group number column indicates that the software has not been updated (it is a selection candidate), and a group number such as "1" indicates that the software has been updated.

11 is a diagram when selection of base station group 2 is completed. 11, the network management apparatus 250 selects a base station similarly to the case where base station group 1 of FIG. 10 is selected, and gives group number "2" or "x". In the case of Fig. 11, the order in which the base stations are selected as group 2 is the base station 5, the base station 22, the base station 7, and the base station 3 according to the selection operation shown in Fig. 7 (when the base station with the minimum number of call connections is selected).

10 and 11, the number of calls connected to the base station is different. This means that there is a gap between the software update time of the base station group 1 and the software update time of the base station group 2, so that the number of access calls changes due to the movement of the call. In this embodiment, the number of call connections is read during the selection process and the selection process is performed with reference to the read number of call connections so that the number of call connections referred to during the selection process of the base station group does not change. Not only this but the selection process may be performed with reference to the variable number of call connections.

12 is a diagram when selection of base station group 3 is completed. Also in FIG. 12, the network management apparatus 250 selects a base station and gives group number 3 or "x" similarly to the case where the base station groups 1 and 2 of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 were selected. In the case of Fig. 12, the order in which the base stations are selected in the group 3 is the base station 6, the base station 4, and the base station 2 according to the selection operation shown in Fig. 7 (when the base station with the minimum number of call connections is selected). As shown in Fig. 12, when there is no base station of &quot; × &quot; at the time when group selection is completed, a group number is assigned to all base stations, which means that base station group creation is completed.

13 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a transmission power reduction process in the base station updating software. The operation example of FIG. 13 is a detailed process of the process 7-7 shown in FIG. In the base station 110 for updating the software, the CPU 111 receives the software update request from the network management device 250, and the CPU 111 starts the transmission power reduction processing 12-1. The CPU 111 performs a process 12-2 that requests the wireless IF 116 to reduce the transmission power by a predetermined power reduction width. The wireless IF 116 receives the request, executes a process 12-3 of reducing the transmission power, and performs a process 12-4 of notifying the CPU 111 of the transmission power value after the transmission power reduction. The CPU 111 performs a process 12-5 for determining whether the power value notified from the wireless IF 116 is a lower limit value of a preset transmission power, and returns to the process 12-2 if the lower limit value is not set. 12-2) The following processing is performed again. On the other hand, when the notified power value reaches the lower limit value, the CPU 111 performs the termination processing 12-6 of transmission power reduction.

By these processes, the base station 110 gradually lowers the transmission power of the base station, switches the communication path providing the communication service as the base station to the adjacent base station, and shows that the base station does not provide the communication service. It becomes possible to make it.

Next, another wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied will be described below.

14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied. The wireless communication network 10 'is configured as follows to perform communication between terminals.

섹터의 3개를 도시하지만, 이것에 한하지 않고, 기지국은 적절한 섹터 수를 가질 수 있다. 도시하지 않지만, 실제의 각 기지국의 셀룰러는 상호 오버랩하고 있어, 단말기 MS1(300-1)로부터는 기지국 BS1의 α 섹터와

섹터로 통신로(900-2와 910-2)가 설정 가능하다. 또한, 본 실시 형태에서는, 이들 복수의 기지국 BS1∼8(110'-1∼8)이 단말기 MS와 통신할 수 있는 에리어를 이 동체 통신망(400')이라 칭한다. The plurality of mobile terminals MS1 and MS2 300-1 and 300-2 and the plurality of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as base stations) BS1 to BS8 (110'-1 to 8) are wireless communication paths (not shown). Is connected. Specifically, each base station BS has a radio wave reach range called a plurality of sectors 130-1 to 3 to perform wireless communication using the terminal MS and CDMA. Examples include α sector, β sector,

Although three of the sectors are shown, the base station may have an appropriate number of sectors. Although not shown, the actual cellular of each base station overlaps each other, and from the terminal MS1 300-1, the? Sector of the base station BS1

The communication paths 900-2 and 910-2 can be set as sectors. In addition, in this embodiment, the area where these base stations BS1-8 (110'-1-8) can communicate with the terminal MS is called mobile body communication network 400 '.

Each base station BS1-8 (110'-1-8) of the mobile communication network 400'-1 is connected to the base station control part (control apparatus) 200-1 with the main signal communication path 500-1. Although the base station control unit 200 is described in detail below, for example, Chapter 5.2.1 of TR25.832 of 3GPP (“3G TR25.832 V4.0.0”, 3GPP issuance, March 2001, Chapter 5.2.1). Diversity handover unit DHT 210 which performs soft handover as defined in the above), and selects one communication path having a good communication quality from a plurality of communication paths 900 and 910 to perform communication.

When the destination from the terminal MS1 300-1 is in the same mobile communication network 400'-1, the base station control unit 200-1 is connected to any one of the base stations BS1 to 8 (110'-1 to 8). The DHT 210 returns the selected signal 930 to communicate with the destination terminal MS. On the other hand, the base station control unit 200-1 is a communication network to which the base station control unit 200 is connected if the destination terminal is a terminal of a mobile communication network 400'-2 (the detailed configuration is omitted since it is almost the same as 400'-1). The signal is transmitted and received with the destination terminal through the base station controller 200-2 and the mobile communication network 400 ′-2 through 150. The communication network 150 may be any of a public network, a private line network, and a private network. The mobile communication network 400'-2 may be a so-called fixed network composed of a wired communication network and a terminal fixedly installed thereon.

The network management device 250 is connected to a control signal communication path 600 for transmitting and receiving control signals, such as monitoring and maintenance, with the base station BS 110 'and the base station control unit 200 provided in the communication network 10', For example, it is an apparatus for managing and controlling the whole equipment of the communication network 10 ', such as updating the software of the base station 110'. The number of sectors in the base station BS 110 ′, the base station control unit 200, the network management apparatus 250, and the base station BS is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 14, and may be provided with an appropriate number.

15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station provided in a communication network. The base station 110 'is configured as follows to perform a connection between the terminal and the base station control unit and communication with the network management apparatus.

제어부(120-3)가 신호(전파 신호)를 송수신하는 경우도 마찬가지다. When the base station 110 'receives the signal (propagation signal) transmitted from the terminal MS 300 via a wireless communication path (not shown) to the antenna 119'-1, the base station 110' transmits the signal to the wireless IF unit 116-1. Termination processing such as conversion to a signal is performed. The communication processing unit 117-1 performs a process (for example, communication processing such as call control) for performing various communication services with respect to the signal after the termination process, and the base station control unit 200 with the line IF unit 118. After interface matching with the &lt; Desc / Clms Page number 5 &gt; The base station 110 'transmits a signal from the base station control unit 200 to the terminal MS 300 by a process opposite to the above process. The above is the case where the sector α control unit 120-1 transmits and receives a signal (radio signal), but the sector β control unit 120-2 and the sector

The same applies to the case where the control unit 120-3 transmits and receives a signal (radio signal).

The CPU 111-4 of the device management unit 121 of the base station 110 'is used for the operation of the control program stored in the memory 112-4 or the wireless communication network 10' stored in the storage device 113. Using the necessary data (for example, information of the terminal), the entire base station 110 'such as the sector control units 120-1 to 3 and the circuit IF 118 is controlled.

The CPUs 111-1 to 3 of each of the sector controllers 120-1 to 3 of the base station 110 'use the memory and the control programs stored in the 112-1 to 3, so that the device manager 121 In response to the instruction from the wireless sector, the wireless IF units 116-1 to 3 and the communication processes 117-1 to 3 of each sector are controlled.

These units and the like are also connected by an internal bus 115. The I / O 114 connected to the internal bus 115 serves as an interface with the network management device 250 to provide control signals (other than commands) and various data necessary for control of operation and maintenance of the communication network 10 '. Transmit and receive via the control signal communication path 600. In addition, by using the main signal communication path 500 without the I / O 114, these control signals or data are added to the signals transmitted and received through the main signal communication path 500, thereby providing the line IF unit 118. It may be configured to transmit and receive via).

In response to the update of the communication service provided to the wireless communication network 10 ', the base station 110' is configured such that the CPU 111-4 of the device manager 121 controls the device manager 121 and the sector controller 120-. Software (other than the control program) stored in the memories 112-1 to 4 of the first to third or the wireless IF units 116-1 to 3, the communication processing units 117-1 to 3, and the line IF unit ( The firmware (other than the control program) stored in 118 is updated as the base station is in use (operation or online) by the following procedure and operation. In the present embodiment described below, an operation for updating the above-described software or firmware as it is being used by the base station may be referred to as an online upgrade.

섹터만과의 통신로를 설정 가능하게 된다. 단말기 MS1(300-1)은 도 14에서는 통신 품질이 좋은 통신로(900-2)를 선택하였지만, 도 16으로서는 설정 가능하지 않게 되었기 때문에, 기지국 제어부(200-1)에 구비되어 있는 DHT(210-2)에 의해 통신로(910-2)로 전환된다. 단말기 MS2에 대해서도 마찬가지의 이유로 통신로(900-1)로부터 통신로(910-1)로 전환된다. 또한, 기지국 제어부(200-1)는, 전환된 통신로로부터의 신호(920-1, 920-2)를 이용하여 착신처 단말기와 통신한다. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration and operation example of a wireless communication network in the case where the transmission wave output of the? Sector 120-1 of each of the base stations BS1 to BS8 (110'-1 to 8) is lowered than in FIG. In FIG. 14, the sector α of the base station BS1 110'-1 covers the area where the terminal MS1 300-1 is located, but in FIG. 16, the transmission and output power of the sector α of each base station is lowered. The area covered by the α sector of BS1 110'-1 is narrowed so that the area where terminal MS1 300-1 is located cannot be covered. The sector α of the base station BS8 110'-8 cannot likewise cover the area where the terminal MS2 300-2 is located. As a result, the terminal MS1 300-1 cannot establish a communication path 900-2 with the α sector of the base station BS1 110 ′-1, and thus the base station BS1 110 ′ -1 cannot establish the communication path 900-2.

Communication paths with only sectors can be set. Although the terminal MS1 300-1 selects a communication path 900-2 having a good communication quality in FIG. 14, the terminal MS1 300-1 is not settable in FIG. 16, and thus the DHT 210 provided in the base station control unit 200-1 is possible. -2) is switched to the communication path 910-2. The same applies to the terminal MS2 from the communication path 900-1 to the communication path 910-1. In addition, the base station control unit 200-1 communicates with the destination terminal using the signals 920-1 and 920-2 from the switched communication path.

) 제어부에 대하여 순서대로 행함으로써, 무선 통신망 내의 기지국의 소프트웨어를 통신 서비스가 중단하지 않고 소프트웨어 갱신이 가능하게 된다. By controlling the transmission radio waves of the base stations in this way, it is possible to switch the communication path during the communication service provision from a particular sector of each base station to an uninterrupted state, thereby creating a state in which no communication service is provided in that sector. In this state, the software is updated, and after the software update, a plurality of sectors α, β and

By sequentially performing the control unit, the software of the base station in the wireless communication network can be updated without interrupting the communication service.

제어부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(17-7)를 순차 행하고, 장치 제어부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(17-8) 종료 후, 망 관리 장치로 소프트웨어 갱신 완료를 응답하는 처리(17-9)를 행한다. 각 섹터 제어부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(17-5∼7)의 상세한 처리를 도 18에, 더욱 상세한 처리를 도 19에 도시하며, 또한 장치 제어부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(17-9)의 상세한 처리를 도 20에 도시한다.17 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the software update operation of the base station. The network management device 250 performs a software transmission instruction process 17-1 to each base station. Each base station acquires new software by a process 17-2 of acquiring new software, and performs a process 17-3 of responding to completion of the software transfer to the network management apparatus 250. Next, the network management device 250 performs software update instruction processing 17-4 for each base station. Software update process (17-5) of the sector α control unit, software update process (17-6) of the sector β control unit, sector

The software update process 17-7 of the control unit is sequentially performed, and after the software update process 17-8 of the device control unit is finished, the process 17-9 of responding to the software update completion to the network management device is performed. FIG. 18 shows a detailed process of the software update processes 17-5 to 7 of each sector control section, FIG. 19 shows a more detailed process, and shows a detailed process of the software update process 17-9 of the device control section. To show.

) 제어부(120)에 송신 전력 감소 요구 처리(18-1)를 행한다. 섹터 X 제어부(120)는 송신 전력을 서서히 낮추는 처리(18-2)를 행한다. 이것에 의해 섹터 X가 처리한 호는 인접하는 섹터에 핸드 오버하여, 그 호의 통신 서비스가 계속된다. 섹터 X 제어부(120)는, 송신 전력 감소 처리를 완료하면, 완료를 장치 제어부(121)에 응답하는 처리(18-3)를 행한다. 장치 제어부(121)는 섹터 X에 접속되어 있는 호가 제 로인 것을 확인하는 처리(18-4)를 행한 후에 섹터 X 제어부(120)의 소프트웨어 갱신을 섹터 X 제어부(120)에 요구하는 처리(18-5)를 행한다. 섹터 X 제어부(120)는 소프트웨어 갱신 요구를 받으면 자신의 리세트 처리(18-6)를 행함으로써, 새로운 소프트웨어를 읽어 들이는 처리(18-7)를 행한다. 그 후, 섹터 X의 재개 처리(18-8) 및 섹터 X의 송신 전력을 서서히 높이는 처리(18-9)를 섹터 X 제어부(120)가 행함으로써, 섹터 X의 통신 처리가 다시 가능하게 된다. 섹터 X의 송신 전력을 서서히 높이는 처리(18-9)가 완료된 때, 섹터 X 제어부(120)는 장치 제어부(121)에 대하여 소프트웨어 갱신 완료를 응답하는 처리(18-10)를 행한다. 도 18의 처리는, 호가 인접 섹터로 핸드 오버할 수 있도록 하기 위해서, 각 섹터(α, β 또는

) 제어부에 대하여 동시에 행하지는 않고, 도 17의 각 섹터 제어부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(17-5∼7)에 도시한 바와 같이 순차 행하는 것으로 한다. 18 is an operational flowchart for explaining the detailed processing of the software update processing 17-5 to 7 of each sector control section. First, the device controller 121 may determine sector X (where X is α, β, or

) The control unit 120 performs a transmission power reduction request process 18-1. The sector X control unit 120 performs a process 18-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power. As a result, the call processed by sector X hands over to an adjacent sector, and the communication service of the call continues. When the sector X control unit 120 completes the transmission power reduction process, the process 18-3 responds to the device control unit 121 with completion. The device control unit 121 performs a process 18-4 for confirming that the call connected to the sector X is zero, and then requests the sector X control unit 120 to update the software of the sector X control unit 120. 5) is performed. When the sector X control unit 120 receives a software update request, the sector X control unit 120 performs its own reset process 18-6 to perform a process 18-7 of reading new software. Thereafter, the sector X control unit 120 performs the resume process 18-8 of the sector X and the process 18-9 of gradually increasing the transmission power of the sector X, thereby enabling the communication process of the sector X again. When the process 18-9 of gradually increasing the transmission power of the sector X is completed, the sector X control unit 120 performs a process 18-10 of responding to the completion of the software update to the device control unit 121. The process of Fig. 18 is performed by each sector (α, β or so as to allow the call to hand over to an adjacent sector.

) The control unit is not performed at the same time, but is sequentially performed as shown in the software update processing (17-5 to 7) of each sector control unit of FIG.

FIG. 19 is an operational flowchart for explaining in detail the process 18-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power shown in FIG. Receives the transmission power reduction request 18-1 from the CPU 111-4 of the device manager, and the CPUs 111-1 to 3 of the sector X controller 120 reduce the transmission power (19-1). To start. The CPUs 111-1 to 3 perform a process 19-2 for requesting the wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 to reduce the transmission power by a predetermined power reduction width. The wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 receive the information, execute the transmission power reduction processing 19-3, and perform processing 19-4 for notifying the CPUs 111-1 to 4 of the transmission power value after the transmission power reduction. Do it. The CPUs 111-1 to 3 perform a process 19-5 to determine whether the power value notified from the wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 is a lower limit of the transmission power, and if it is not the lower limit, the process 19-2. Redo. If the notified power value reaches the lower limit value, the completion response process 18-3 of transmission power reduction is performed.

By these processes, the base station can gradually lower the transmission power of the base station, thereby switching the communication path provided by the base station to the adjacent base station and creating a state in which the base station does not provide communication service. It is possible to update the software later.

FIG. 20 is an operational flowchart for explaining the details of the software update process 17-9 of the in-base station controller 121 in FIG. The device control unit 121 reads new software by its reset process 20-1 and performs the resume processing 20-3 of the device control unit 20-2. Since resetting the device controller 121 does not affect the main signal communication path 500, the communication service is not interrupted even during the software update of the device controller 121.

(Third Software Update)

Next, another wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied will be described below.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied. The wireless communication network 10 &quot; is configured as follows to perform communication between terminals.

섹터와 주파수 f2(100''-1-2)의

섹터에서 통신로(900-2와 910-2)가 설정 가능하다. 또한, 단말기 MS2(300-2)로부터는 기지국 BS8의 주파수 f1(100''-8-1)의 α 섹터와 주파수 f2(100''-8-2)의 α 섹터에서 통신로(900-1와 910-1)가 설정 가능하다. 또한, 본 실시예에서는, 이들 복수의 기지국 BS1 및 8(110''-1과 8)이 단말기 MS와 통신할 수 있는 에리어를 이동체 통신망(400'')이라고 칭한다. 또한, 기지국(110'')이 구비하는 주파수는 도 21에 도시하는 수에 한하지 않고, 적절한 수를 갖출 수 있다. 또한, 기지국(110'')이 구비하는 각 주파수는 상호 주파수 대역이 달라도 상관없다. 예를 들면, 주파수 f1이 800㎒대이고, 주파수 f2가 2㎓대인 주파수이어도 상관없다.The plurality of mobile terminals MS1 and MS2 300-1 and 2 and the plurality of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as base stations) BS1 and BS8 (110 &quot; -1 and 8) are connected to a wireless communication path (not shown). Connected. Specifically, each base station BS is provided with a radio wave arrival range called a plurality of sectors 130'-1 to 3 for each of a plurality of frequencies, and performs wireless communication using the terminal MS and CDMA. In the example shown, the terminal MS1 (300-1) has the frequency f1 (100 &quot; -1-1) of the base station BS1.

Of sector and frequency f2 (100``-1-2)

Communication paths 900-2 and 910-2 can be set in the sector. Further, from the terminal MS2 300-2, the communication path 900-1 in the α sector of the frequency f1 (100 ''-8-1) of the base station BS8 and the α sector of the frequency f2 (100 ''-8-2) And 910-1) can be set. In addition, in this embodiment, the area where these base stations BS1 and 8 (110 &quot; -1 and 8) can communicate with the terminal MS is called a mobile communication network 400 &quot;. Note that the frequency included in the base station 110 ″ is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 21, and may be provided with an appropriate number. In addition, each frequency included in the base station 110 ″ may have a different frequency band. For example, the frequency f1 may be in the 800 MHz band and the frequency f2 may be in the 2 Hz band.

The base stations BS1 and 8 (110 ''-1 and 8) of the mobile communication network 400 ''-1 are connected to the base station control unit (control device) 200-1 by the communication path 500-1. The base station control unit 200 will be described in detail below. For example, the diversity handover unit DHT 210 which performs soft handover as specified in Chapter 5.2.1 (see Non-Patent Document 1) of TR25.832 of 3GPP. ), And selects one communication path having good communication quality from the plurality of communication paths 900 and 910 to perform communication.

If the destination from the terminal MS1 300-1 is in the same mobile communication network 400 ''-1, the base station control unit 200-1 is one of the base stations BS1 and 8 (110 ''-1 and 8) under management. The DHT 210 returns the selected signal 930 to either one to communicate with the destination terminal MS. On the other hand, the communication control unit 200-1 is a terminal of a mobile communication network 400 ″ -2 (which is omitted since the detailed configuration is almost the same as 400 ″ -1) of different destinations. A signal is transmitted and received with a destination terminal using a base station controller 200-2 and a mobile communication network 400 ″-2 through an accessing communication network 150. The communication network 150 may be any of a public network, a private line network, and a private network. The mobile communication network 400 ″ -2 may be a so-called fixed network composed of a wired communication network and a terminal fixedly installed thereon.

The network management device 250 is connected to a control signal communication path 600 that transmits and receives a control signal such as monitoring and maintenance with the base station BS 110 ″ and the base station control unit 200 provided in the communication network 10 ″. For example, it is an apparatus for managing and controlling the whole equipment of the communication network 10 ", such as updating the software of the base station 110". The base station BS 110 ″, the base station control unit 200, and the network management device 250 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 21, and may have appropriate numbers.

22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station provided in a communication network. The base station 110 ″ is configured as follows and performs a connection between the terminal 300 and the base station control unit 200 or communication with the network management apparatus 250.

에 대한 무선 IF(제1 무선 IF) 및 통신 처리 유닛(제1 통신 처리부)을 갖는 섹터 처리부(122-1, 2, 3)와, 섹터 제어부(120'-1)를 구비한 다. 마찬가지로, 전파 신호(주파수 f2) 처리부(123-2)는, 섹터 α, β,

에 대한 무선 IF(제2 무선 IF) 및 통신 처리 유닛(제2 통신 처리부)을 갖는 섹터 처리부와, 섹터 제어부를 구비한다.The base station 110 ″ includes, for example, radio signal processing units 123-1 and 2 for each frequency, a line IF 118, and a device manager 121. The radio signal (frequency f1) processing unit 123-1 further includes sectors α, β,

And a sector control unit 122-1, 2, 3 having a radio IF (first radio IF) and a communication processing unit (first communication processing unit), and a sector control unit 120'-1. Similarly, the radio wave signal (frequency f2) processing unit 123-2 includes the sectors α, β,

And a sector processing unit having a wireless IF for the second (IF) and a communication processing unit (second communication processing unit).

When the base station 110 ″ receives the signal (radio signal) transmitted from the terminal MS 300 via a wireless communication path (not shown) from the antenna 119'-1, the radio signal (frequency f1) processor 123 The wireless IF unit 116-1 of the sector α processing unit 122-1 of -1) terminates, for example, converting into an electrical signal. A process (for example, communication processing such as call control) for performing various communication services with respect to the signal after the termination processing is performed in the communication processing unit 117-1 of the sector α processing unit 122-1, and the line IF After unit 118 performs interface matching with the base station control unit 200, the signal is transmitted to the base station control unit 200 via the main signal communication path 500. The sector control part 120'-1 controls the sector (alpha) processing part 122-1 using the CPU 111-5 and the memory 112-5. The base station 110 ″ transmits a signal from the base station control unit 200 to the terminal MS 300 by a process inverse to the above process.

처리부(122-3)가 신호(전파 신호)를 송수신한 경우도 마찬가지이다. 또한, 전파 신호(주파수 f2) 처리부(123-2)의 각 섹터 제어부(구성은 전파 신 호(주파수 f1) 처리부(123-1)의 각 섹터 제어부와 마찬가지이기 때문에 도시 생략함)가 신호(전파 신호)를 송수신한 경우(신호가 주파수 f2인 경우)도 마찬가지이다.The above is the case where the sector α processing unit 122-1 of the radio signal (frequency f1) processing unit 123-1 transmits and receives a signal (radio signal) (when the signal is frequency f1), but the radio signal (frequency f1) Sector β of Processing Unit 123-1 Sector 122-2 and Sector of Radio Signal (Frequency f1) Processing Unit 123-1

The same applies to the case where the processor 122-3 transmits and receives a signal (radio signal). In addition, each sector control unit of the radio signal (frequency f2) processing unit 123-2 (the configuration is the same as that of each sector control unit of the radio signal (frequency f1) processing unit 123-1) is omitted from the signal (radio wave The same applies to the case of transmitting / receiving a signal) (when the signal is at frequency f2).

The CPU 111-4 of the device management unit 121 of the base station 110 ″ stores the control program stored in the memory 112-4 and the wireless communication network 10 ″ stored in the storage device 113. The entire base station 110 ″ such as the radio wave signal processing units 123-1 and 2 and the line IF 118 is controlled by using data necessary for operation (for example, information of the terminal).

The CPU 111-5 of the sector controller 122-1 of each radio signal processor 123 of the base station 110 '' uses the control program stored in the memory 112-5 to manage the device manager 121. ), The wireless IF units 116-1 to 3 and communication processes 117-1 to 3 of each sector are controlled.

These units and the like are also connected by an internal bus 115. The I / O 114 connected to the internal bus 115 is an interface with the network management device 250 to provide control signals (other than commands) or various data necessary for control of operation and maintenance of the communication network 10 ''. Transmission and reception through the control signal communication path 600. In addition, by using the main signal communication path 500 without the I / O 114, these control signals or data are added to the signals transmitted and received through the main signal communication path 500, and the circuit IF unit 118 is provided. It may be configured to transmit and receive via).

As for the base station 110 ″, the CPU 111-4 of the device manager 121 is connected to the device manager 121 and each radio wave signal with the update of the communication service provided by the wireless communication network 10 ″. Software (other than a control program) stored in the memory 112-5 of the sector control unit 122-5 of the processing units 123-1 and 2, or the wireless IF unit 116-1 to 3 and the communication processing unit 117 The firmware (other than the control program) stored in the -1 to 3) -line IF unit 11 is updated as the base station is in use (operation or online) by the following procedure and operation. In the present embodiment below, the operation of updating the software or firmware as described above as it is being used by the base station may be referred to as an online upgrade.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration and an operation example of a wireless communication network in the case where the transmission radio waves of the frequencies f1 of each of the base stations BS1 and 8 (110 &quot; -1, 8) are lowered than in FIG. In FIG. 21, the frequency f1 (100 &quot; -1-1) of the base station BS1 110 &quot; -1 covers the area where the terminal MS1 300-1 is located. In FIG. 23, the frequency f1 of each base station is shown. Since the transmission wave of the radio wave is lowered, the area covered by the frequency f1 (100 &quot; -1-1) of the base station BS1 (110 &quot; -1) becomes narrower to cover the area where the terminal MS1 (300-1) is located. It becomes impossible. Similarly, the frequency f1 (100 ''-8-1) of the base station BS8 110 ''-8 cannot cover the area where the terminal MS2 300-2 is located.

As a result, the terminal MS1 300-1 cannot establish a communication path 900-2 with the frequency f1 (100 ″ -1-1) of the base station BS1 110 ″ -1, and thus the base station BS1 ( It is possible to set a communication path only with the frequency f2 (100 ''-1-2) of 110 ''-1). The terminal MS1 300-1 selects the communication path 900-2 having a good communication quality in FIG. 21, but since it cannot be set in FIG. 23, the terminal MS1 300-1 has a DHT (which is included in the base station control unit 200-1). 210-2 or 1) is switched to the communication path 910-2. Similarly, the terminal MS2 is switched from the communication path 900-1 to the communication path 910-1. In addition, the base station controller 200-1 communicates with the destination terminal using signals 920-1 and 2 from the switched communication path.

By controlling the transmission radio waves of the base stations in this way, it is possible to switch the communication path during the communication service provision from the specific frequency of each base station to an uninterrupted state, thereby creating a state in which the communication service is not provided at the corresponding frequency. In such a state, the software is updated, and after the software update, a process of returning based on the transmission radio waves is performed sequentially for each of the plurality of frequency f1 and f2 processing units, thereby communicating the software of the base station in the wireless communication network. Software updates can be made without interrupting service.

24 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the software update operation of the base station. The network management apparatus 250 first performs a process 24-1 of selecting (grouping) a base station for updating software with a predetermined rule. Hereinafter, the gathering of the base stations selected in the process 24-1 is called base station group 1 800-1. The selection of the base station can be realized by, for example, using the method shown in Figs. 7 to 12 and the description above. The number of call connections is managed for each sector and each frequency, and the total number of call connections for the base station can be used.

When the network management apparatus 250 performs the software transfer instruction process 24-2 for the base station group 1 800-1, each base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 acquires new software (24). In step -3), new software is acquired via, for example, the line IF 118, and a process (24-4) is performed to respond to the completion of the software transfer to the network management apparatus 250. The network management apparatus 250 performs a process 24-5 of inhibiting the service stop operation for the base stations 800-x other than the base station group 1 800-1, and transmits the result to the base station group 1 800-1. The software update instruction process 24-6 is performed. In addition, the process 24-5 mentioned above can also be abbreviate | omitted.

When the base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 receives the instruction, the base station belongs to the software update process 24-7 of the radio signal (frequency f1) processing unit and the software update process of the radio signal (frequency f2) processing unit 24-. 8) are sequentially executed, and after completion of the software update process 24-9 of the device manager 121, a process 24-10 of responding to completion of the software update is performed to the network management device. The detailed processing of the software update processing 24-7, 8 of each radio signal processing part is shown in FIG. 25, and the further detailed process is shown in FIG. In addition, detailed description is mentioned later. In addition, the detailed process of the software update process 24-9 of the apparatus management part 121 is the same as each process shown in FIG. In addition, the processes 24-7, 8 and 9 can be performed in an appropriate order. For example, one of the predetermined frequencies may be selected in sequence, and software update processing 24-7, 8 may be performed for the selected frequency.

After receiving the software update completion response from all the base stations belonging to the base station group 1 800-1, the network management apparatus 250 performs a process 24-11 of newly selecting (grouping) the base station for updating the software. . Hereinafter, the gathering of the selected base station is referred to as base station group 2 800-2. The network management apparatus 250 performs a process 24-12 for requesting software transmission for this base station group 2 800-2. In addition, the process 24-12 is the same as that of the process 24-2 mentioned above. The network management apparatus 250 performs the same processing on the base station group 2 800-2 as in the processes 24-2 to 24-10 performed on the base station group 1 800-1. By repeating these processes until there are no base stations belonging to any base station group, software update of all base stations can be performed.

In addition, even in a wireless communication network in which a base station (for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 22) that can communicate at a plurality of frequencies and a base station (for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2) that can communicate at one frequency are mixed. By selecting the base station for updating the network as described above, the software can be updated without interrupting the service. In addition, although the present embodiment creates a base station group, software update may be sequentially performed for all base stations for each frequency without creating a group. In this case, the above-described process 24-1 can be omitted.

25 is an operation flowchart for describing the detailed processing of the software update processing 24-7, 8 of each radio signal processing unit. First, the device manager 121 performs transmission power reduction request processing 25-1 for all sectors on the radio signal (frequency fx: x is 1 or 2) processor 123-x. The radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x performs a process 25-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power of all sectors. As a result, the call covered by the frequency fx is handed over to another frequency, and the communication service of the call continues. On the other hand, the frequency fx does not provide a communication service. When the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x completes the transmission power reduction processing for all sectors, the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x performs processing 25-3 in response to completion of the response to the device manager 121.

After the device manager 121 performs a process 25-4 for confirming that the call connected to all sectors of the radio signal (frequency fx) processor 123 is zero, the radio signal (frequency fx) processor 123-x ), A process 25-5 for requesting the radio wave signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x to update the software is performed. When the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x receives a software update request, the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x performs a process 25-7 for reading new software by performing its own reset process 25-6. Here, the software to be read can be, for example, software acquired in the process 24-3. Subsequently, the processing 25-8 resumes the radio wave signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x and gradually raises the transmission power of all sectors included in the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x (25). -9) is performed by the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit 123-x, thereby enabling communication processing of all sectors of frequency f1 again.

Since the process 25-9 for gradually raising the transmission power of all sectors included in the radio signal (frequency fx) processor 123-x is completed, the radio signal (frequency fx) processor 123-x is the device manager 121. ), A process 25-10 is performed in response to completion of the software update. In addition, the process of FIG. 25 is not performed simultaneously with respect to each radio signal processing unit 123 in order to allow the call to be handed over to each sector of a different frequency, and software update of each radio signal processing unit 123 of FIG. 24 is performed. As shown in the processes 24-7 and 8, it can carry out sequentially.

FIG. 26 is an operation flowchart for explaining in detail the case of the frequency f1 of the process 25-2 of gradually decreasing the transmission power of all the sectors shown in FIG. The same applies to the frequency f2. The CPU 111-5 of the sector control unit 120'-1 of the radio signal (frequency f1) processing unit 123-1 receives the transmission power reduction request 25-1 from the CPU 111-4 of the device management unit. Starts processing 26-1 to reduce the transmission power. The CPU 111-5 performs processing 26-2 which requests the wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 to reduce the transmission power by a predetermined power reduction width.

The wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 receive this, execute the transmission power reduction processing 26-3, and perform processing 26-4 for notifying the CPU 111-5 of the transmission power value after the transmission power reduction. Do it. The CPU 111-5 performs a process 26-5 for determining whether the power value notified from the wireless IFs 116-1 to 3 is a lower limit value of the transmission power, and if it is not a lower limit value, the process (26-). Perform 2) again. If the notified power value has reached the lower limit value, the end processing 26-3 of transmission power reduction is performed.

By these processes, the base station can gradually lower the transmission power of the frequency fx of all the sectors in its base station, switch the communication paths providing communication service from its base station to another frequency, and all the sectors in its base station. In the frequency fx, the state in which the communication service is not provided is generated, and then the module related to the frequency fx, that is, the software of the radio signal (frequency fx) processing unit can be updated. In addition, in the above-described processing, the transmission power of the frequency fx is increased and decreased for all sectors, but each sector may be sequentially increased or decreased.

(4th software update)

Next, another wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied will be described below.

27 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of another wireless communication network to which the present embodiment is applied. The wireless communication network 10 '' 'is configured as follows to perform communication between terminals.

A plurality of mobile terminals MS1, MS2 300-1, 2, and a plurality of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as base stations) BS1, 2, 3 and BS8 (110 '' '-1, 2, 3 and 8) Is connected by a wireless communication path (not shown). Specifically, each base station BS is provided with a radio wave arrival range called a plurality of sectors 130'-1 to 3 for each of a plurality of frequencies, and performs wireless communication using the terminal MS and CDMA. In the example shown, from the terminal MS1 300-1, for example, the beta sector of the frequency f1 (100 &quot; -1-1) of the base station BS1 and the beta sector of the frequency f2 (100 &quot; -1-2). And the communication paths 900-2-1, 900-2-2 and 910-2 in the α sector of the frequency f2 (100 &quot; -2-2) of the base station BS2. Further, from the terminal MS2 300-2, for example, the α sector of the frequency f1 (100 ''-8-1) of the base station BS8, the α sector of the frequency f2 (100 ''-8-2) and the base station BS3 The communication paths 900-1-1, 900-1-2 and 910-1 can be set in the β sector of the frequency f2 (100 &quot; -3-2).

In addition, in this embodiment, the mobile communication network 400 '' 'includes an area in which these base stations BS1, 2, 3, and 8 (110' ''-1, 2, 3, and 8) can communicate with the terminal MS. It is called). In addition, the frequency which the base station 110 '' 'has is not limited to the number shown in FIG.27, but can have a suitable number. In addition, each frequency included in the base station 110 '' 'may have a different frequency band. For example, the frequency f1 may be in the 800 MHz band and the frequency f2 may be in the 2 Hz band.

Each of the base stations BS1, 2, 3, and 8 (110 '' '-1, 2, 3, and 8) of the mobile communication network 400' ''-1 communicates with the base station control unit (control device) 200-1. 500-1). The base station control unit 200 will be described in detail below, but for example, the diversity handover unit DHT 210 which performs soft handover as specified in Chapter 5.2.1 (see Non-Patent Document 1) of TR25.832 of 3GPP. And a communication path having good communication quality is selected from the plurality of communication paths 900 and 910 to perform communication. In the figure, the communication paths 900-1-1 and 900-2-1 shown by solid lines indicate the communication paths selected by the DHT 210, and the communication paths shown by the dotted lines indicate communication paths that are not selected. .

When the destination from the terminal MS1 300-1 is in the same mobile communication network 400 '' '-1, the base station control unit 200-1 controls the base stations BS1, 2, 3, and 8 (110' '' under management. The signal 930 selected by the DHT 210 is returned to any one of -1, 2, 3, and 8 to communicate with the destination terminal MS. On the other hand, if the communication control unit 200-1 is a terminal of a mobile communication network 400 '' '-2 having a different destination, since the detailed configuration is almost the same as 400' ''-1, the base station control unit 200 Signals are transmitted and received to and from the destination terminal using the base station control unit 200-2 and the mobile communication network 400 ′ ″ -2 through the communication network 150 connected to each other. The communication network 150 may be any of a public network, a private line network, and a private network. The mobile communication network 400 '' '-2 may be a so-called fixed network composed of a wired communication network and a terminal fixedly installed thereon.

The network management apparatus 250 is a control signal communication path 600 for transmitting and receiving control signals such as monitoring and maintenance with the base station BS 110 '' 'and the base station control unit 200 provided in the communication network 10' ''. It is a device for managing and controlling the whole facility of the communication network 10 '' ', for example, by updating the software of the base station 110' ''. The base station BS 110 ″ ′, the base station control unit 200, and the network management device 250 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 27, and may have appropriate numbers.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station provided in the communication network of FIG. 27. The base station 110 '' 'is configured as follows and performs the connection between the terminal 300 and the base station control unit 200 and the communication with the network management apparatus 250.

The base station 110 '' 'includes, for example, signal processing units 124-1 and 2 for each frequency, radio signal processing units 125-1 to 3 for each sector, a circuit interface 118, and an apparatus. The management part 121 is provided.

When the base station 110 '' 'receives the signal (propagation signal) transmitted from the terminal MS 300 via a wireless communication path (not shown) at the antenna 119'-1, the sector? Radio wave signal processing unit 125- In the wireless IF unit 116-1 of 1), termination processing such as conversion to an electric signal is performed. A communication processing unit (communication processing unit) of the signal processing unit (for frequency f1) 124-1 is used to perform various communication services (e.g., communication control such as call control) for the signal after the termination process. 4). When the frequency of the received signal is f2, the communication processing is performed by the signal processing unit (for frequency f2) 124-2. After the interface IF unit 118 performs interface matching with the base station control unit 200, the signal is transmitted to the base station control unit 200 through the main signal communication path 500.

에서 주파수 f1 혹은 주파수 f2의 신호(전파 신호)를 송수신한 경우도 마찬가지이다. 또한, 각 전파 신호 처리부(125-1∼3)는 주파수 f1 및 f2에 대한 송신 전파의 출력을 각각 감소 및 증가시키는 것이 가능하다.The base station 110 ′ ″ transmits a signal from the base station controller 200 to the terminal MS 300 by the above process and the reverse process. The above is a case where a signal (radio signal) of frequency f1 is transmitted and received in sector α, but sector α, sector β or sector

The same applies to the transmission and reception of a signal (frequency signal) of frequency f1 or frequency f2 at. Further, each of the radio signal processing units 125-1 to 3 can reduce and increase the output of transmission radio waves for the frequencies f1 and f2, respectively.

The CPU 111-4 of the device management unit 121 of the base station 110 '' 'is a control program stored in the memory 112-4 or a wireless communication network 10' '' stored in the storage device 113. ), Using the data necessary for the operation (e.g., information of the terminal), each of the radio wave signal processing units 125-1 to 3, the signal processing units 124-1 and 2 for each frequency, and the line IF ( The entire base station 110 '' 'such as 118).

The CPUs 111-11 to 13 of the sector propagation signal processing units 125-1 to 3 of the base station 110 '' 'use the control program stored in the memories 112-11 to 13 to manage the device. In response to the instruction from 121, the wireless IF units 116-1 to 3 in each sector are controlled. Note that the CPU 111-6 (the frequency f2 is the same as the f1 and not shown) of the signal processing units 124-1 and 2 for each frequency is the memory 112-6 (the frequency f2 is not shown). By using the control program stored in the above), the device manager 121 receives instructions from the device manager 121 to control the communication processing unit 117-4 (for frequency f2 not shown) for each frequency.

These units and the like are also connected by an internal bus 115. The I / O 114 connected to the internal bus 115 is an interface with the network management apparatus 250, and controls signals (other than commands) and various data necessary for controlling the operation and maintenance of the communication network 10 '' '. To transmit and receive through the control signal communication path (600). In addition, by using the main signal communication path 500 without the I / O 114, these control signals or data are added to the signals transmitted and received through the main signal communication path 500, and the circuit IF unit 118 is provided. It may be configured to transmit and receive via).

As for the base station 110 '' ', with the update of the communication service provided by the wireless communication network 10' '', the CPU 111-4 of the device management part 121 uses the device management part 121, Software (other than a control program) stored in the memory 112-11 to 13 of the sector radio signal processing units 125-1 to 3 and the memory 112-6 of the signal processing unit 124-1 for each frequency, etc., Alternatively, the base station is using the firmware (other than the control program) stored in the wireless IF units 116-1 to 3, the communication processing unit 117-4, and the line IF unit 118 in the procedures and operations described later. Update as is). In the present embodiment below, the operation of updating the software or firmware as described above as it is being used by the base station may be referred to as an online upgrade. The base station as shown in FIG. 28 has a block for each sector and a block for each frequency, and it is possible to use both software update for each sector and software update for each frequency.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation example of a wireless communication network in the case where the transmission radio waves of the frequencies f1 of the respective base stations BS1 and 8 (110 '' '-1 and 8) are lowered than in FIG. In FIG. 27, the frequency f1 (100 ''-1-1) of the base station BS1 (110 '' '-1) covers the area where the terminal MS1 (300-1) is located. In FIG. 29, the frequency f1 of each base station is shown. Since the transmission wave of the radio wave is lowered, the area covered by the frequency f1 (100 &quot; -1-1) of the base station BS1 (110 '&quot; -1) is narrowed to cover the area where the terminal MS1 (300-1) is located. You will not be able to. Similarly, the frequency f1 (100 ''-8-1) of the base station BS8 110 '' '-8 cannot cover the area where the terminal MS2 300-2 is located. As a result, the terminal MS1 300-1 cannot establish a communication path 900-2-1 with the frequency f1 (100 ''-1-1) of the base station BS1 110 '' '-1, Β sector of frequency f2 (100 ''-1-2) of base station BS1 (110 '' '-1) and α of frequency f2 (100' '-2-2) of base station BS2 (110' ''-2) The communication path only with the sectors can be set. Although the terminal MS1 300-1 selects a communication path 900-2-1 having good communication quality in FIG. 27, but cannot be set in FIG. 29, the terminal MS1 300-1 is provided in the base station control unit 200-1. By the DHT 210-2, for example, the communication path 900-2-2 is switched. Similarly, the terminal MS2 is switched from the communication path 900-1-1 to the communication path 900-1-2. The base station control unit 200-1 also communicates with the destination terminal using the signals 920-1 and 2 from the switched communication path.

By controlling the transmission radio waves of the base stations in this way, it is possible to switch the communication path during the communication service provision from the specific frequency of each base station to an uninterrupted state, thereby creating a state in which the communication service is not provided at the corresponding frequency. In such a state, the software of the module unit provided for each frequency inside the base station is updated, and after the software update, the signal processing unit 124-of the plurality of frequencies f1 and f2 is performed for each base station. 1 and 2), the software of the module unit (the signal processing unit 124 in FIG. 28) provided for each frequency in the base station in the wireless communication network is updated without interrupting the communication service. This becomes possible.

FIG. 30 shows the configuration of a wireless communication network in the case where the transmission wave output of the sector? Radio signal processing unit 125-1 of the base stations BS1 and 8 (110 '' '-1 and 8) is lowered compared to FIG. 27 for all frequencies. And a block diagram showing an operation example. In FIG. 27, the sector α of the base station BS8 110 '' '-8 covers the area where the terminal MS2 300-2 is located. In FIG. Since the area of the base station BS8 (110 '' '-8) covers the area covered by the? Sector, the area in which the terminal MS2 300-2 is located cannot be covered. As a result, the terminal MS2 300-2 cannot establish communication paths 900-1-1 and 900-1-2 with all frequencies in the α sector of the base station BS8 110 '' '-8, The communication path 910-1 only with the beta sector of the base station BS3 110 '' '-3 can be set.

The terminal MS2 300-2 has selected the communication path 900-1-1 having a good communication quality in FIG. 27, but since it cannot be set in FIG. 30, the terminal MS2 300-2 is provided in the base station controller 200-1. The DHT 210-2 switches the communication path 910-1. In addition, the base station controller 200-1 communicates with the destination terminal using the signal 940-1 from the switched communication path.

)의 전파 신호 처리부(125-1∼3)에 대하여 순서대로 행함으로써, 무선 통신망 내의 기지국의 내부에서의 섹터마다 구비된 모듈부(도 28의 경우는 섹터 전파 신호 처리부(125))의 소프트웨어를 통신 서비스가 차단되는 일 없이 소프트웨어 갱신이 가능하게 된다.By controlling the transmission radio waves of the base stations in this way, it is possible to switch the communication path during the communication service provision from a particular sector of each base station to an uninterrupted state, thereby creating a state in which the communication service is not provided in the sector. In such a state, the software is updated, and after the software update, the process of returning based on the transmission radio waves is performed by the plurality of sectors (α, β and

By sequentially performing the radio wave signal processing units 125-1 to 3 in the radio communication network, the software of the module unit (sector radio signal processing unit 125 in the case of FIG. 28) provided for each sector in the base station in the wireless communication network Software updates can be made without interrupting the communication service.

By using a combination of the structures shown in Figs. 29 and 30, the software of the base station having the configuration of Fig. 28 can be updated without interrupting the communication service.

31 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the software update operation of the base station. The network management apparatus 250 first performs a process 31-1 of selecting (grouping) a base station for updating software with a predetermined rule. Hereinafter, the group of base stations selected in the process 31-1 is called base station group 1 800-1. The selection of the base station can be realized by using the method shown in Figs. 7 to 12 and the description, for example. The number of call connections (number of calls) is managed for each sector and each frequency, and the total number of call connections of the base station can be used.

When the network management apparatus 250 performs the software transfer instruction processing 31-2 for the base station group 1 800-1, each base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 acquires new software (31). The new software is acquired by -3), and the process 31-4 which responds to completion of the software transfer to the network management apparatus 250 is performed. The network management apparatus 250 performs a process 31-5 for prohibiting the service stop operation for the base stations 800-x other than the base station group 1 800-1, and transmits to the base station group 1 800-1. The software update instruction process 31-6 is executed. In addition, the process 31-5 mentioned above can also be abbreviate | omitted.

전파 신호 처리부의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(31-11)를 순차적으로 행하고, 장치 관리부(121)의 소프트웨어 갱신 처리(31-12) 종료 후, 망 관리 장치에 소프트웨어 갱신 완료를 응답하는 처리(31-13)를 행한다. 또, (31-7∼12)의 소프트웨어 갱신 순서는 일례이고, 임의의 순서이어도 상관없다. 예를 들면, 미리 정해진 복수의 주파수로부터 하나의 주파수를 순차적으로 선택하고, 선택된 주파수에 따른 신호 처리부에 대하여, 소프트웨어 갱신을 순차적으로 행할 수 있다. 또한, 각 섹터에 대해서도 마찬가지로 순차적으로 선택하고, 선택된 섹터에 따른 전파 신호 처리부에 대하여 소프트웨어 갱신을 순차적으로 행할 수 있다.When the base station belonging to the base station group 1 800-1 receives the request, the base station belongs to the software update process 31-7 of the signal processing unit (for frequency f1) and the software update process of the signal processing unit (for frequency f2) (31-). 8), software update processing 31-9 of sector α radio signal processing unit, software update processing 31-10 of sector β radio signal processing unit, and sector

The software update process 31-11 of the radio signal processing part is performed sequentially, and after completion of the software update process 31-12 of the device management part 121, the process of responding software update completion to a network management apparatus (31-13). Is done. In addition, the software update procedure of (31-7-12) is an example, and arbitrary order may be sufficient. For example, one frequency may be sequentially selected from a plurality of predetermined frequencies, and software updating may be sequentially performed for the signal processing unit according to the selected frequency. Similarly, each sector can be sequentially selected, and software updates can be sequentially performed for the radio signal processing unit corresponding to the selected sector.

The detailed processing of the software update processing 31-7, 8 of each frequency signal processing part 124-1, 2 is shown in FIG. 32, and the further detailed process is shown in FIG. 34 shows detailed processing of the software update processing 31-9 to 11 of each sector radio signal processing unit 125-1 to 3, and further detailed processing is shown in FIG. In addition, the detailed process of the software update process 31-12 of the apparatus management part 121 is the same as that of FIG.

After receiving the software update completion response from all the base stations belonging to the base station group 1 800-1, the network management apparatus 250 performs a process 31-14 of newly selecting (grouping) the base station for updating the software. Do it. The base station can be selected in the same manner as the method shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 and the description thereof. Hereinafter, the gathering of the selected base station is referred to as base station group 2 800-2. The network management apparatus 250 performs a process 31-15 for requesting software transmission for the base station group 2 800-2. In addition, the process 31-15 is the same as the process 31-2 mentioned above. The network management apparatus 250 performs the same processing on the base station group 2 800-2 as in the processes 31-2 to 31-13 on the base station group 1 800-1. By repeating these processes until there are no base stations belonging to any base station group, software update of all base stations can be performed. In addition, the selection of the base station group may be omitted.

32 is an operation flowchart for explaining the detailed processing of the software update processing 31-7, 8 of each signal processing part. First, the device manager 121 performs the transmission power reduction request processing 32-1 of the frequency fx of all sectors to the sector radio signal processing units 125-1 to 3, respectively. Each sector radio signal processing unit 125-1 to 3 performs a process 32-2 for gradually decreasing the transmission power of the frequency fx (f1 or f2) of each sector. Accordingly, the area covered by the frequency fx is narrowed like the area covered by the frequency f1 of the base stations BS1 and 8 (110 '' '-1 and 8) shown in Fig. 29, and the call covered by the frequency fx is Handover to another frequency (frequency f2 in FIG. 29) continues the communication service of the call. When the sector propagation signal processing units 125-1 to 3 of each sector complete the transmission power reduction process of the frequency fx, they perform the processing 32-3 which responds to the device management part 121 to complete.

After the device management unit 121 performs the process 32-4 for confirming that the call connected to all sectors of the frequency fx is zero, the software management unit 121 performs software update of the signal processing unit (for frequency fx) 124-x. The processing 32-5 required for the frequency fx) 124-x is performed.

When the signal processing unit (for frequency fx) 124-x receives a software update request, the signal processing unit (124-x) performs its own reset process (32-6) to perform the process (32-7) of reading new software, and then resume processing ( 32-8) After completion, the device management unit 121 issues a signal processing unit (for frequency fx) resumption completion notification 32-9. Here, the software to be read can be, for example, software acquired in the process 31-3. When the device management unit 121 receives the resumption completion notification 32-9 from the signal processing unit (for frequency fx) 124-x, all sectors of frequency fx are supplied to each of the sector radio signal processing units 125-1 to 3. The transmission power increase request process 32-10 is performed. Each sector radio wave signal processing unit 125 receives a request for increasing the transmission power at the frequency fx and performs processing 32-11 of gradually increasing the transmission power. As a result, communication processing of all sectors of the frequency fx (for example, f1) is possible again.

Since the process of increasing the transmission power 32-11 is completed, each sector radio signal processing unit 125-1 to 3 responds to the device manager 121 to complete the frequency fx transmission power increase completion (32-12). Is done. In addition, the processing of FIG. 32 is not performed simultaneously with respect to each signal processing unit 124 in order to allow the call to be handed over to each sector of a different frequency. For example, the software of each signal processing unit 124 of FIG. As shown in the update processes 31-7 and 8, it is performed sequentially for each frequency. For example, in the process 31-7 of FIG. 31, each process of FIG. 32 is executed with fx = f1, and in the process 31-8 of FIG. 31, each process of FIG. 32 is executed with fx = f2. do.

의 경우도 마찬가지이다. 장치 관리부의 CPU(111-4)로부터 주파수 fx의 송신 전력 감소 요구(32-1)를 받아, 섹터 α 전파 신호 처리부(125-1)의 CPU(111-11)가 주파수 fx의 송신 전력을 감소하는 처리(33-1)를 개시한다. CPU(111-11)는 미리 정해져 있는 전력 감소 폭만큼 주파수 fx의 송신 전력을 감소시키도록 무선 IF(116-1)에 요구하는 처리(33-2)를 행한다. 무선 IF(116-1)는 이를 받아, 송신 전력 감소 처리(33-3)를 실행하고, 송신 전력 감소 후의 송신 전력값을 CPU(111-11)에 통지하는 처리(33-4)를 행한다.FIG. 33 is an operation flowchart for explaining in detail the process 32-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power of the frequency fx shown in FIG. In addition, although FIG. 33 shows the sector α, sector β and sector

The same applies to the case. Receiving the transmission power reduction request 32-1 of the frequency fx from the CPU 111-4 of the device manager, the CPU 111-11 of the sector? Radio signal processing unit 125-1 reduces the transmission power of the frequency fx. The process 33-1 is performed. The CPU 111-11 performs a process 33-2 which requests the radio IF 116-1 to reduce the transmission power of the frequency fx by a predetermined power reduction width. The wireless IF 116-1 receives this, executes the transmission power reduction processing 33-3, and performs a processing 33-4 of notifying the CPU 111-11 of the transmission power value after the transmission power reduction.

The CPU 111-11 performs a process 33-5 for determining whether the power value notified from the wireless IF 116-1 is the lower limit value of the transmission power, and if it is not the lower limit value, the process 33-2. Redo. On the other hand, if the notified power value reaches the lower limit value, the termination processing 32-3 of the transmission power reduction is performed. For example, the CPU 111-11 notifies the CPU 111-4 of the device manager of the frequency fx transmission power reduction processing completion response.

By these processes, the base station can gradually lower the transmission power of the frequency fx of all the sectors in its base station, switch the communication path providing the communication service from its base station to another frequency, and all the sectors in its base station. In the frequency fx, the software for the signal processing unit (for frequency fx) related to the frequency fx, that is, the software for the frequency fx can be updated.

의 경우의 처리(31-10, 31-11)도 마찬가지이다. 우선, 장치 관리부(121)는 섹터 α 전파 신호 처리부(125-1)에 대하여 모든 주파수의 송신 전력 감소 요구 처리(34-1)를 행한다. 섹터 α 전파 신호 처리부(125-1)는 섹터 α의 모든 주파수의 송신 전력을 서서히 내리는 처리(34-2)를 행한다. 이에 따라, 섹터 α의 모든 주파수가 커버하는 에리어는 도 30에 도시하고 있는 기지국 BS1 및 8(110'''-1 및 8)의 섹터 α가 커버하는 에리어와 같이 좁아져, 섹터 α의 모든 주파수가 커버하고 있던 호는 다른 섹터(도 30의 단말기 MS2(300-2)에서는 기지국 BS3(110'''-3)의 β 섹터)로 핸드오버되어, 해당 호의 통신 서비스가 계속된다. 섹터 α 전파 신호 처리부(125-1)는, 섹터 α의 모든 주파수의 송신 전력 감소 처리를 완료하면, 완료를 장치 관리부(121)에 응답하는 처리(34-3)를 행한다.34 is an operation flowchart for describing the detailed processing of the software update process 31-9 of the sector alpha propagation signal processing unit. Also, sector β and sector

The same applies to the processes 31-10 and 31-11 in the case of. First, the device manager 121 performs a transmission power reduction request process 34-1 of all frequencies on the sector? Radio signal processor 125-1. The sector α radio signal processing unit 125-1 performs a process 34-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power of all frequencies of the sector α. As a result, the area covered by all frequencies of the sector α is narrowed like the area covered by the sector α of the base stations BS1 and 8 (110 '''-1 and 8) shown in FIG. Covered call is handed over to another sector (β sector of base station BS3 110 '''-3 in terminal MS2 300-2 in Fig. 30), and the communication service of the call continues. When the sector? Radio signal processing unit 125-1 completes the transmission power reduction processing for all frequencies in the sector?, It performs a process 34-3 in response to completion of the response to the device manager 121.

After the device manager 121 performs the process 34-4 for confirming that the call connected to the sector α of all frequencies is zero, the software of the sector α radio signal processor 125-1 updates the sector α radio signal processor. The processing 34-5 required for (125-1) is performed. When the sector alpha radio signal processing unit 125-1 receives the software update request, the sector α radio wave signal processing unit 125-1 performs the process 34-7 for reading the new software by performing its own reset process 34-6, and resume processing 34-. After completion of 8), the process 34-9 of gradually raising the transmission power of all frequencies is performed. Here, the software to be read can be, for example, software acquired in the process 31-3. As a result, communication processing of all frequencies of the sector α is possible again.

Since the process 34-9 of gradually increasing the transmission power is completed, the sector α radio signal processing unit 125-1 responds to the device manager 121 to complete the sector α radio signal processing unit software update completion (34-10). ). In addition, the process of FIG. 34 does not perform simultaneously with respect to each sector radio signal processing part 125 so that a call can be handed over to another sector, for example, of each sector radio signal processing part 125 of FIG. As shown in the software update processing 31-9 to 11, it can carry out sequentially.

의 경우도 마찬가지이다. 장치 관리부의 CPU(111-4)로부터 모든 주파수의 송신 전력 감소 요구(34-1)를 받아, 섹터 α 전파 신호 처리부(125-1)의 CPU(111-11)가 모든 주파수의 송신 전력을 감소하는 처리(35-1)를 개시한다.FIG. 35 is an operational flowchart for explaining in detail the process 34-2 of gradually lowering the transmission power of all the frequencies of the sector α shown in FIG. In addition, while FIG. 35 shows the sector α, sectors β and sectors are shown.

The same applies to the case. Receiving the transmission power reduction request 34-1 of all frequencies from the CPU 111-4 of the device manager, the CPU 111-11 of the sector? Radio signal processing unit 125-1 decreases the transmission power of all frequencies. The process 35-1 to perform is started.

The CPU 111-11 performs a process 35-2 that requests the radio IF 116-1 of its radio wave signal processing unit to reduce the transmission power by a predetermined power reduction width. The wireless IF 116-1 receives this, executes the transmission power reduction process 35-3 of all frequencies, and notifies the CPU 111-11 of the transmission power values after all frequency transmission power reductions (35-). 4) is performed.

The CPU 111-11 performs a process 35-5 for determining whether the power value notified from the wireless IF 116-11 is a lower limit of the transmission power, and if not the lower limit value, the process 35-2. Do it again. On the other hand, when the notified power value reaches the lower limit value, the CPU 111-11 performs the end process 34-3 of reducing the transmission power. For example, the CPU 111-11 notifies the CPU of the device manager 111-4 of all frequency transmission power reduction processing completion responses.

By these processes, the base station can gradually lower the transmission power of all frequencies of any sector in its base station, and switch its communication path providing communication service from its base station to another sector or an adjacent base station. After creating a state in which the communication service is not provided in the sector in the base station, it is possible to update the software of the module related to the sector, that is, the sector radio signal processing unit.

The present invention is applicable to the industry relating to wireless communication devices, wireless communication networks, and software updates.

According to the present invention, even when a wireless communication network is providing various communication services, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device, a wireless communication network, and a software updating method capable of updating software given to each wireless communication device in the wireless communication network. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device, a wireless communication network, and a software update method capable of updating software without interrupting a communication service during provision. Further, according to the present invention, these devices and methods can be realized in a simple and economical configuration and procedure. The present invention can also be applied to various types of integration and high density of base station apparatus.

Claims (12)

A wireless communication device for communicating between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different frequencies in a handoverable wireless communication network, A wired interface for communicating with a wired network, A first air interface for communicating with a wireless terminal at a first frequency; A first communication processing unit which performs a process for providing a communication service to a wireless terminal at a first frequency through the first air interface and the wired interface; A second wireless interface for communicating with a wireless terminal at a second frequency; A second communication processor that performs a process for providing a communication service to a wireless terminal at a second frequency through the second air interface and the wired interface; Control unit for controlling the wireless communication device Including, The control unit, Transmission propagation of the first and / or second air interface according to the selected frequency so as to sequentially select one of the first and second frequencies and to seamlessly switch the communication path during the communication service provision to the other communication path. Changes the status of, The set software is updated with the software received through the wired interface in advance, And updating the state of transmission radio waves of the first and / or second air interface after updating the software. The method of claim 1, The control unit, Reduce the output of the transmission radio waves of the first or second air interface according to the selected frequency, so as not to provide a communication service at the corresponding frequency; In the state, updating the set software for the first or second air interface according to the selected frequency and the first or second communication processor according to the selected frequency. The method of claim 1, The control unit, Receive via the wired interface software and update requests for updating; The first or second according to the selected frequency so as to sequentially select either one of the first and second frequencies according to the received update request, and to switch the communication path during the communication service providing to another communication path without change. Changes the state of radio waves on the air interface, It is determined whether the number of communication paths during communication service providing at the selected frequency is zero, And determining that the number of communication paths is zero, updating the set software to the received software. In a handoverable wireless communication network, each sector communicates by a plurality of frequencies between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of radio communication paths having different frequencies and a plurality of radio communication paths having different sectors. A wireless communication device, A wired interface for communicating with a wired network, A plurality of air interfaces per sector for communicating with a wireless terminal at a plurality of frequencies, A plurality of communication processing units for each frequency, each of which is connected to each of the air interfaces and performs a process for providing a communication service to a radio terminal at a predetermined frequency via the air interface and the wired interface; Control unit for controlling the wireless communication device Including, The control unit, (a) change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of air interfaces with respect to the selected frequency so as to sequentially select at least one of the plurality of frequencies, and to switch randomly to another communication path; Updating the software set in the communication processing unit with software received in advance through the wired interface, and after the software is updated, returning the state of transmission radio waves for the selected frequency; and (b) change the state of transmission propagation of the air interface according to the selected sector, so as to sequentially select at least one of the plurality of sectors, and to switch to other communication paths in an orderless manner; Updating the software set in the interface with software received in advance through the wired interface, and after the software is updated, returning the state of transmission radio waves to the selected sector. Wireless communication device comprising a. In the system for implementing a handover wireless communication network, A wireless communication device for communicating between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different frequencies; A control device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device, having a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals according to the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths; Network management device to manage the network Including, The network management apparatus transmits software for updating and an update request to the wireless communication apparatus, Each of the wireless communication device, Receive software and update requests sent from the network management apparatus, In accordance with the received update request, at least one of a plurality of frequencies is sequentially selected, and transmission and propagation of the selected frequency is performed such that the communication path during communication service providing is switched to another communication path by the control device. Changes the status of, Update the set software with the received software, A system for returning the state of transmission radio waves after updating the software. The method of claim 5, The network management device, Create a wireless communication device group by selecting one or a plurality of the wireless communication devices for updating the software with a predetermined rule, A system for transmitting software and an update request for updating, for the wireless communication device belonging to the created wireless communication device group. The method of claim 6, The network management device, In correspondence to a device identifier for identifying the radio communication device, a memory in which a neighbor identifier for identifying the radio communication device adjacent to the radio communication device is stored; And identifying the radio communication device adjacent to the selected radio communication device with reference to the memory, so that the radio communication device adjacent to the same radio communication device group is not selected. The method of claim 6, The network management device, Memory corresponding to a device identifier for identifying the radio communication device, a number of call connections in the radio communication device, an identifier of a group to which the radio communication device belongs, and / or an identifier indicating that the radio communication device does not belong to any group; Has, A system for creating a wireless communication device group by selecting the wireless communication device having a minimum or predetermined number of call connections from among the wireless communication devices not belonging to any wireless communication device group with reference to the memory. The method of claim 6, The network management device, In correspondence with a device identifier for identifying the wireless communication device, (a) a number of call connections in the wireless communication device, (b) a neighbor identifier for identifying the wireless communication device adjacent to the wireless communication device, (c) a memory in which group information including any one of an identifier of a group to which said radio communication apparatus belongs, information indicating that it is excluded from selection candidates, or information indicating selection candidates is stored; With reference to the memory, one of the wireless communication device having the minimum number of call connections or the wireless communication device having a predetermined number of call connections is searched among the wireless communication devices in which group information indicates a selection candidate, and the corresponding wireless communication device is searched for. Get the device identifier for the communication device, In the group information corresponding to the obtained device identifier, the identifier of the radio communication device group is stored. Obtain a neighbor identifier corresponding to the obtained device identifier, A system for retrieving a device identifier based on the acquired neighbor identifier and storing information indicating that the group information corresponding to the corresponding device identifier is excluded from the selection candidate. In the system for implementing a handover wireless communication network, A plurality of radio signal processing units for each sector for communicating with the radio terminal at a plurality of frequencies, a plurality of communication processing units for each frequency connected to each of the radio signal processing units, and a plurality of radio communication paths having different frequencies; A wireless communication device for each sector to communicate at a plurality of frequencies between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of wireless communication paths having different sectors, A control device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device, having a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals according to the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths; Network management device to manage the network Including, The network management apparatus transmits software for updating and an update request to the wireless communication apparatus, Each of the wireless communication device, Receive software and update requests sent from the network management apparatus, (a) In accordance with the received update request, at least one of a plurality of frequencies is sequentially selected, and the selected frequency is selected so that the communication path during the communication service providing is switched to another communication path by the controller. Change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of radio wave signal processing units, and update the software set in the communication processing unit according to the selected frequency with the received software, and after updating the software, state of transmission radio waves for the selected frequency Returning, and (b) transmitting the radio wave signal processing unit according to the selected sector so as to sequentially select at least one sector from among a plurality of sectors, and to switch the communication path during communication service provisioning to another communication path without change. Changing the state of the radio wave, updating the software set in the radio signal processing unit according to the selected sector with the received software, and after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission wave for the selected sector. System comprising. A wireless communication device that communicates between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network using a plurality of radio communication paths having different frequencies, and one or more signals depending on the state of radio waves among the signals received by the plurality of configurable communication paths. A software update method for updating software of a wireless communication device in a handoverable wireless communication network, comprising a control device for communicating with the wireless communication device and a network management device for managing a network. As The network management apparatus may further include transmitting software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication apparatus; The wireless communication device includes receiving software and update requests sent from the network management device; The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one of a plurality of frequencies in accordance with the received update request, and selects frequencies selected so as to switch the communication path during communication service providing to the other communication paths in an uninterrupted manner. Changing the state of the transmission radio wave with respect to The wireless communication apparatus includes updating the set software with the received software; The wireless communication device, after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission radio wave Software update method comprising a. A plurality of radio signal processing units for each sector for communicating with the radio terminal at a plurality of frequencies, and a plurality of communication processing units for each frequency connected to each of the radio signal processing units, wherein a plurality of radio communication paths and sectors By using a plurality of different wireless communication paths, a radio wave communication device is used for communication between a wireless terminal and a wired communication network, in which signals are received by a plurality of configurable communication paths and a wireless communication device for communicating each sector at a plurality of frequencies. In a handoverable wireless communication network comprising a handover unit for selecting one or a plurality of signals according to a state, the control device communicating with the wireless communication device, and a network management device for managing a network. As a software update method for updating the software of The network management apparatus may further include transmitting software and an update request for updating to the wireless communication apparatus; The wireless communication device receives the software and update request sent from the network management device; (a) The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one of a plurality of frequencies in accordance with the received update request, and switches the communication path during the communication service providing to the other communication paths in an orderless manner. Change the state of transmission radio waves of the plurality of radio signal processing units with respect to the selected frequency, update the software set in the communication processing unit according to the selected frequency with the received software, and after updating the software, transmit radio waves for the selected frequency Returning the state of, and (b) The radio communication device sequentially selects at least one sector from among the plurality of sectors, and the radio wave signal according to the selected sector so as to switch the communication path during the communication service providing to the other communication path without any change. Changing the state of the transmission wave of the processing unit, updating the software set in the radio signal processing unit according to the selected sector with the received software, and after updating the software, returning the state of the transmission wave for the selected sector The software update method comprising a.

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