WO2006134993A1

WO2006134993A1 - Packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer device and mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2006134993A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/312002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tetsuya Kawakami; Yoshihiro Suzuki; Koji Yoshida
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-06-16
Filing date: 2006-06-15
Publication date: 2006-12-21

Abstract

Disclosed is a technique for providing a packet transfer method, an external connection edge device, a packet transfer device, and a mobile terminal, which can realize communications of high qualities and can reduce the use band at a soft handover time. The technique includes the step, at which the external connection edge device adds, in case it receives a packet from an external network, a label according to the destination of the packet, to the packet, and transmits the packet having the added label. The technique further includes the step, at which the packet transfer device to receive the transmitted packet analyzes, in case it is a branch packet transfer device for a branching point in the transfer of the extended data packet, the received packet, and transmits, in case the analyzed packet is the extended data packet of the packet having a predetermined property, the received packet on the basis of a transfer cable for managing the connection situations of the mobile terminal with the edge device.

Description

Specification

Packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer device, and mobile terminal

[0001] The present invention is a case where a label switching technique for transferring data using a label such as MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) is applied to a mobile unit, and is transferred at the time of soft handover using a point-to-multipoint path. The present invention relates to a packet transfer method, an external connection edge device, a packet transfer device, and a mobile terminal.

Background art

There is soft handover as a method for reducing packet loss in a handover method in mobile communication. This is intended to prevent disconnection of communication at the time of hand-over by duplicating the packet and transferring the packet to the destination path before moving the mobile terminal. Patent Document 1 below discloses a method for performing soft handover in an access network using MPLS. In Patent Document 1, a mobile terminal that is subordinate to a plurality of base stations (enters a diversity area) notifies a server on the network side of information on which base station is subordinate to the base station, and this information is transmitted to the mobile terminal. It is used to configure a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) LSP (Label Switch Path) to transfer packets to multiple base stations. Thus, soft handover is executed.

In data transmission, data transmission using a plurality of quality codecs is disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 below. In Patent Document 2, another packet separated into basic data and differential extension data is received by a plurality of terminals by broadcast, and each terminal processes up to a packet of a quality appropriate for its own terminal. Compatible with different terminals that support. Also in Patent Document 3, a data stream is divided into basic data and a plurality of differential data, and a corresponding multicast address is assigned to each data. Each terminal recognizes and receives a multicast address up to the quality required by itself, and receives different quality data for each receiver. Unlike Patent Document 2, using a multicast address eliminates the need to transfer data to unnecessary networks, enabling efficient data transmission. Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-236294 (Summary, Fig. 1)

Patent Document 2: JP-A-7-327219 (Abstract, Paragraph 0006)

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-136017 (Abstract, Paragraph 0012)

[0004] However, with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no distinction between the packets being transferred, and therefore, all the packets coded in multiple qualities to the corresponding mobile terminal are copied. become. For example, when this scalable multi-quality codec is used for voice, packets are transferred to multiple base stations, but the mobile terminal actually communicates with only one base station, so wasted bandwidth The consumption of. In addition, with the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, data can be separated into a basic part and an extended part according to quality, and multiple quality data can be transferred. However, in Patent Document ₂ , each terminal receives all packets. After

Therefore, it is necessary to select the necessary data, and the bandwidth cannot be used efficiently even though there are packets of different quality due to the transfer of the same packet to multiple routes. In Patent Document 3, each terminal needs to manage a multicast address corresponding to each quality.

Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and realizes high-quality communication in communication having multiple quality data by scalable codec and is used at the time of soft handover. It is an object to provide a packet transfer method, an external connection edge device, a packet transfer device, and a mobile terminal capable of reducing the bandwidth.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an external connection that is located at the edge of a network on which a point-to-point multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is connected and connected to an external network A packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transmitted only from an edge device to an edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal via a packet transfer device located in the network. A packet transfer method in a packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet when the external connection edge device receives the external network power packet, according to the destination of the packet A label is added to the packet, and the packet with the label is added. The steps to send When the packet transfer device that receives the packet is a branch packet transfer device that becomes a branch point in transferring the extended data packet, the received packet is analyzed and has a predetermined property. A packet transfer method including a step of transmitting the received packet based on a transfer table for managing a connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device when the packet is the extended data packet. Provided. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve high-quality communication and reduce the bandwidth used during soft handover. A packet having a predetermined property refers to a packet that corresponds to a scalable audio packet, which will be described later, but is not limited to a voice packet, and is a packet in which multiple quality data are scalable and codec transmitted. Anyway. In addition, soft handover in the present invention means that a mobile terminal is not connected and a packet is copied and transferred in advance to a base station, or for a plurality of connected base stations. Say to forward the packet. In the embodiment of the present invention, a base station from which a mobile terminal can actually transmit and receive user data is described as a connected base station.

[0007] Further, in the packet transfer method of the present invention, if the packet transfer device analyzes the received packet and the packet is a packet having the basic data packet and the extended data packet, the packet is received. It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to generate a packet obtained by extracting only the basic data packet from the packet and transmit the received packet and the generated packet based on the forwarding table. With this configuration, even when a packet in which a basic data packet and an extended data packet are integrated is received, the packet can be transmitted appropriately.

[0008] Further, in the packet transfer method of the present invention, when the mobile terminal moves to connect to an edge device with which the mobile terminal is currently communicating and connects to a new edge device for communication, the mobile terminal The edge device newly communicating with the external device transmits a message including its own identification information to the external connection edge device, and the packet transfer device that receives the transmitted message is received. Determining whether to change the forwarding table based on the message, changing the forwarding table based on the judgment, and transmitting the message to the external connection edge device side. Have This is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. With this configuration, the forwarding table can be changed appropriately and packets can be sent properly.

[0009] Further, in the packet transfer method of the present invention, the packet transfer apparatus that has received the message has another packet transfer apparatus at the end of a packet output port other than the port that has received the message, When the table is changed, a change request message for changing the transfer table of the other bucket transfer device is generated, and the change request message can be output to the other packet transfer device. Output the change request message, and the other packet transfer apparatus that has received the change request message has a step of changing the transfer table of the packet transfer device itself based on the change request message. Is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. With this configuration, the transfer table can be changed appropriately.

[0010] Further, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device that is located at the edge of a network on which a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer based on a label is established and that is connected to an external network, enters the network. The extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transferred to only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the located packet transfer device. A packet transfer method in a packet transfer system configured to, wherein when the external connection edge device receives a packet from the external network, a label corresponding to the destination of the packet is added to the packet, and Analyzing the packet, it is an extended data packet In this case, information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet is added to the packet, and the packet is transmitted, and the packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted packet has a branch point in transferring the extended data packet. If the received packet is a branch packet transfer device, the received packet is analyzed, and if the information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet is added, the connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device And a step of transmitting the received packet based on a forwarding table for managing the packet. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0011] Further, according to the present invention, point-to-multipoint for performing packet transfer by label The mobile terminal is located at the edge of the network, and is located at the edge of the network from the external connection edge device connected to the external network through the packet transfer device located in the network. A packet transfer method in a packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device to be connected, the external connection edge device However, when a packet is received from the external network, a label corresponding to the destination of the packet is added to the packet, the packet is analyzed, and the packet includes the basic data packet and the extension data packet. The extended data packet in the packet. Information indicating that the packet is included and transmitting the packet; the packet transfer device receiving the transmitted packet; and a branch packet transfer device serving as a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet The received packet is analyzed, and if the information indicating that the extended data packet is included is added to the received packet, only the basic data packet is extracted from the received packet. A packet transfer method is provided that includes generating a packet and transmitting the received packet and the generated packet based on the transfer table. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0012] Further, in the packet transfer method of the present invention, when the mobile terminal moves to a position that can be connected to an edge device that is currently communicating and connects to a new edge device to perform communication, the mobile terminal The edge device newly communicating with the external device transmits a message including its own identification information to the external connection edge device, and the packet transfer device that receives the transmitted message is received. Determining whether to change the forwarding table based on the message, changing the forwarding table based on the judgment, and transmitting the message to the external connection edge device side. It is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. With this configuration, the forwarding table can be changed appropriately and packets can be sent properly.

[0013] Further, in the packet transfer method of the present invention, the packet transfer apparatus that has received the message has another packet output port other than the port that has received the message. If a packet transfer device is included and its own transfer table is changed, a change request message for changing the transfer table of the other packet transfer device is generated, and the change is made to the other packet transfer device. A step of outputting the change request message to a packet output port capable of outputting a request message; and the other packet transfer apparatus that has received the change request message has its own based on the change request message. It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to have a step of changing the forwarding table. With this configuration, the transfer table can be changed appropriately.

[0014] Further, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device connected to an external network is located in an edge of the network on which a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by a label is established. The extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transferred to only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the located packet transfer device. The external connection edge device in the packet transfer system configured to perform transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving packets, destination of the packet received from the external network, and analyzing the destination mobile terminal With a label to add a label corresponding to External connection edge and means are provided. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0015] In the external connection edge device of the present invention, the packet received by the transmission / reception means from the external network is a packet having the predetermined property, and the basic data packet and the extension data packet are combined. In the case of being configured as one packet, it is a preferable aspect of the present invention to further include packet separation means for separating the basic data packet and the extended data packet. With this configuration, the basic data packet and the extended data packet can be transmitted separately.

In addition, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device that is located at the edge of a network with a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label and that connects to an external network enters the network. Only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the packet transfer device is connected to the basic data path. The external connection edge device in the packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a packet and an extended data packet, the transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving the packet, and the external network A packet adding unit that analyzes a destination of the packet received from the network, adds a label corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination to the packet, and packet analysis that analyzes the packet received from the external network And when the analyzed packet is the extended data packet or a packet composed of the basic data packet and the extended data packet, the label adding means includes the fact that the packet is the extended data packet or Including the extended data packet External connection edge device for adding information to the effect is provided. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0017] Further, in the external connection edge device of the present invention, the packet received by the transmission / reception means from the external network is a packet having the predetermined property, and the basic data packet and the extension data packet are combined 1 In the case of being configured as one packet, it is a preferable aspect of the present invention to further include packet separation means for separating the basic data packet and the extended data packet. With this configuration, the basic data packet and the extended data packet can be transmitted separately.

[0018] Further, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device that is located at the edge of a network on which a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer based on a label is established and that connects to an external network enters the network. The extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transferred to only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the located packet transfer device. A packet transfer apparatus in a packet transfer system configured to receive a packet; a transfer table storage means for storing a transfer table for managing a connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device; The bucket transfer device transfers the extension data packet. If a branch packet transfer apparatus as a branch point have a packet analyzing means for analyzing the received packet; before received the packet is a packet having a predetermined characteristic by the packet analyzing unit There is provided a packet transfer apparatus comprising: a transmission means for transmitting the packet received based on the transfer table when analyzed as an extended data packet. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0019] In addition, when the packet transfer apparatus according to the present invention analyzes the received packet, the packet is composed of the basic data packet and the extended data packet. It is provided with generating means for generating a packet obtained by extracting only basic data packets, and the transmitting means transmits the received packet and the generated packet based on the forwarding table, respectively. This is a preferred embodiment. With this configuration, even when a packet in which a basic data packet and an extended data packet are integrated is received, the packet can be transmitted appropriately.

[0020] Also, in the packet transfer apparatus of the present invention, when the mobile terminal moves to a position that can be connected to the edge device that is currently communicating and connects to a new edge device for communication, the receiving means To determine whether to change the forwarding table based on the message including the identification information of the edge device that is newly communicating with the mobile terminal, and changes the forwarding table based on the judgment. It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to further include a transfer table changing means. With this configuration, the forwarding table can be changed appropriately and packets can be sent properly.

[0021] In the packet transfer apparatus of the present invention, there is another packet transfer apparatus ahead of a packet output port other than the port of the packet transfer apparatus that has received the message, It is a preferred aspect of the present invention that the information processing apparatus further includes message generation means for generating a change request message for changing a transfer table of another packet transfer apparatus when the table is changed. With this configuration, the transfer table can be changed appropriately.

[0022] Further, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device connected to an external network is located in an edge of the network on which a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer based on a label is established. Only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the packet transfer device is connected to the basic data path. A packet transfer apparatus in a packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a packet and an extended data packet, the receiving means receiving the packet, and the mobile terminal Transfer table storage means for storing a transfer table for managing the connection status to the edge device, and analyzing the packet when the bucket transfer device is a branch packet transfer device serving as a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet. And the packet transfer device is the branch packet transfer device, and the packet analysis device has analyzed that information indicating that the packet is the extended data packet is added to the packet. If the packet received based on the forwarding table Packet transfer apparatus is provided to obtain Bei and transmission means for transmitting. With this configuration, high-quality communication can be realized and the bandwidth used during soft handover can be reduced.

[0023] Further, in the packet transfer apparatus of the present invention, when the packet analysis unit analyzes that the received packet includes information indicating that the extended data packet is included, from the received packet It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to include generation means for generating a packet obtained by extracting only the basic data packet. With this configuration, even when a packet in which a basic data packet and an extended data packet are combined is received, the packet can be transmitted appropriately.

[0024] Further, in the packet transfer apparatus of the present invention, when the mobile terminal moves to a position that can be connected to the edge apparatus that is currently communicating and connects to a new edge apparatus to perform communication, the receiving means To determine whether to change the forwarding table based on the message including the identification information of the edge device that is newly communicating with the mobile terminal, and changes the forwarding table based on the judgment. It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to further include a transfer table changing means. With this configuration, the forwarding table can be changed appropriately and packets can be sent properly.

[0025] In the packet transfer apparatus of the present invention, there is another packet transfer apparatus ahead of a packet output port other than the port of the packet transfer apparatus that has received the message, and the transfer table changing unit transfers the own packet transfer apparatus. When the table is changed, a change request message for changing the forwarding table of the other packet forwarding device. It is a preferable aspect of the present invention to further include message generation means for generating a message. With this configuration, the transfer table can be changed appropriately.

[0026] Further, according to the present invention, an external connection edge device connected to an external network is located at the edge of the network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established. The extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transferred to only the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the located packet transfer device. The mobile terminal that communicates by connecting to the edge device of the packet transfer system configured to perform the point-to-multipoint path construction request message, after the construction of the point-to-multipoint path. A message containing information about the edge device that forwards the packet Generating means for generating a message including information on a connection-destination edge device that changes due to movement, the generated construction request message, a message including information on the edge device that actually transfers a packet, and Notification means for notifying the edge device to which the device itself is connected a message including information on the connection-destination edge device that changes due to movement, wherein the notification means transmits the construction request message and the packet that actually transfers the packet. And a mobile terminal that separates and notifies a message including information on a connection destination edge device that changes due to movement. With this configuration, packets can be transferred using the path constructed by the construction request message.

[0027] The packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer device, and mobile terminal of the present invention have the above-described configuration, can realize high-quality communication, and can reduce the bandwidth used during soft handover. .

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining a packet transfer system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of a signaling flow at the time of soft handover in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 3] In phase 1 of the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing the access network when a point-to-multipoint LSP is constructed. 4) Diagram showing the configuration of the attach message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration of an activity message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of another activity message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the configuration of another activator message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6A] A diagram showing the configuration of the connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the configuration of another type of connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6C] A diagram showing the configuration of another type of connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

7A] A diagram showing the configuration of the format of the basic data packet of the scalable audio packet in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

7B] A diagram showing the configuration of the format of the extended data packet of the scalable voice packet in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8] A diagram showing a network configuration in which a point-to-multipoint path is established in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9] A diagram showing a configuration of a forwarding table included in the packet forwarding apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

10] Configuration diagram showing the configuration of the externally connected edge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 11] Configuration diagram showing the configuration of the packet transfer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal connected to the packet transfer system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention

13] Packet reception in the external connection edge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention Flowchart showing the processing flow

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception from the external connection edge device side in the packet transfer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another processing flow at the time of packet reception from the external connection edge device side in the packet transfer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a connection message is received from the BS side in the packet transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an external connection edge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a packet transfer device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19] A flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the external connection edge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the packet transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another processing flow at the time of packet reception in the packet transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer device, and mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining a packet transfer system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sequence chart for explaining the outline of the signaling flow at the time of soft handover in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an access network when a point-to-multipoint LSP is constructed in Phase 1 of the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an attach message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration of an activate message in the packet transfer system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B shows another activity in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a pate message. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the structure of another activator message in the packet transfer system in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a configuration of a connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the structure of another type of connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing the structure of another type of connection message in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a format configuration of a basic data packet of a scalable voice packet in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the configuration of the format of the extended data packet of the scalable voice packet in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a network configuration in which a point-to-multipoint path is established in the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a forwarding table included in the packet forwarding apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external connection edge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the packet transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal connected to the packet transfer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the external connection edge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception from the external connection edge device side in the packet transfer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another processing flow at the time of packet reception from the external connection edge device side in the packet transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a connection message is received from the BS side in the packet transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the packet transfer system in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 1, the packet forwarding system consists of Ingress LSR101, [Egress-1] 1, [Egress-2 Co2, [Egress_3] 3, [Egress_4] 4, LSR-A102, LSR-B103, LSR-C10 4 is a layer 2 tunnel between a mobile terminal (MH) 100 and an external network (not shown) The packet transfer in the access network connected with is controlled. Ingress LSR101 is an LSR (Label Switch Router: device connected to a not-shown external network and placed at the edge of the access network, which forwards data using a label attached to the packet. However, in the present invention, what is the label? It ’s not specific.) [Egress-1]:! ~ [E gress-4] 4 is an LSR that is located at the edge of the access network and accommodates the MH100. It is an external device that has a wireless interface or has a wireless interface. It is connected. Moreover, the signal which shows own presence is output regularly. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that a beacon including its own ID is periodically output. LSR-A102 to LSR_C104 are LSRs that belong to the access network, are arranged at other than the edge of the access network, and transfer packets transmitted and received between the MH100 and the communication destination of the MH100 belonging to the external network.

Next, an outline of a signaling flow at the time of soft handover will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a point-to-multipoint LSP (Label Switch Path) is constructed (phase 1), and point-to-multipoint LSP (Label Switch Path) is actually implemented on the premise of soft handover using point-to-multipoint. It is characterized by separating the process of transferring packets on the required path (phase 2) of multipoint LSPs and the process of changing packet transfer by moving mobile terminals (phase 3). The MH100 receives and monitors beacons periodically output from [Egress-1] :! to [Eg ress-4] 4 (step S201), and the field strength exceeds the first stage threshold A, for example. The egress list (attach list) is generated, and an attach message requesting generation of a point-to-multipoint LSP is transmitted to, for example, [Egress-l] l that is currently communicating (step S202).

[Egress-1] 1 that has received the attach message transmits a path request message for requesting point-to-multipoint signaling to the Ingress LSR 101 (step S 203). At this time, the received request list is included in the pass request message. The Ingress LSR 101 constructs a point-to-multipoint LSP (hereinafter also simply referred to as setup) based on the attach list included in the received path request message. Specifically, this setup is based on draft-raggarwa-mpls-p2mp-te-02.txt "Establi shing Point to Multipoint MPLS TE LSPs". This is a point-to-multipoint LSP construction. As shown in Fig. 2, pass messages and reserve messages are exchanged between Ingress LSR101 and Egress on the attach list (step S204), and the path conference that confirms that Ingress LSR101 has completed the setup. The message is sent to Egress that output the pass request message (step S205). Then, Egress that has received the pass confirmation message transmits an attach confirmation message confirming the LSP construction to MH100 (step S206).

[0035] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the force for generating the list of egress that constitutes the path using the threshold value based on the electric field strength. You can include the Egress ID adjacent to the beacon. By doing so, MH100 can identify the egress of its adjacent area even if it does not receive a beacon, and it can be included in the attach list.

[0036] Next, the MH100 receives and monitors the beacon periodically output from the egress on the attach list (step S207) and monitors the egress and the communication that can be communicated according to the threshold value based on the electric field strength. The egress that becomes impossible is converted into a list (activate list) and, for example, an activate message is transmitted to [Egress-1] 1 currently in communication (step S208). [Egress-1] 1 that has received the activate message transmits an activate message including the activate list to the LSR upstream of the relevant MH100 path (step S209). The LSR that has received the activate message changes the forwarding table described later according to the activate list.

[0037] After that, the MH 100 that moves by performing a soft handover receives the beacon periodically output from Egress (Step S210), monitors it, and changes the transfer state based on a threshold value based on the electric field strength. Then, a connection message including the ID of the egress that becomes communicable is transmitted to the egress that becomes communicable, eg, [Egress_4] 4 (step S211). The connection message will be described later. [Egress-4] 4 that received the connection message transmits the connection message as a control packet for the corresponding MH100 path (step S212). Note that the LSR-C104 and LSR-A102 through which the connection message passes are based on the received connection message. The LSR-A102 located at the branch of the path changes the forwarding table, and transmits a delete message to the LSR ahead of the output port other than the port that received the connection message. The forwarding table, forwarding table change, and delete message will be described later.

[0038] When the Ingress LSR 101 receives a packet from an external network, the Ingress LSR 101 analyzes the destination of the received packet, obtains the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal, and obtains the obtained label value. Is attached (inserted) to the packet (step S213). Then, the packet is transmitted to the corresponding MH100.

Here, the configuration of the access network in phase 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 shows the access network when the point-to-multipoint LSP in Phase 1 is established. Figure 3 shows [Egress-1] 1, [Egress-2] 2, [Egre ss_4] 4 generated by MH100 that received beacons from [Egress_l] l, [Egress_2] 2, [Egr ess-4] 4 A point-to-multipoint LSP built on the attached list is shown. In order to generate this point-to-multipoint path, the above-described attach message transmitted by MH100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 4, the attach message consists of the MH ID indicating the mobile terminal (MH) that output the attach message, the P2MP LSP Egress number indicating the number of LSP edges in point-to-multipoint (P2MP), and the number of the messages. Specifically, the Egress ID indicating Egress is listed. The attach message in this example is an attach message that recognizes MH100 forces gress-1, Egress_2, and Egress-4 and requests these three Egres s to configure a P2MP LSP for MH100. Means.

Next, the activate message in phase 2 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. Here, the power to explain the three patterns of activation messages can be implemented using any of the activation messages. Figure 5A shows the first activate message. As shown in Fig. 5A, the first activate message is the MH ID indicating the mobile terminal (MH) that has output the activate message, the transfer status such as starting or stopping the actual packet transfer State change requesting a change of Egress number, Egress ID subject to change by this number, change It consists of a field indicating the later state. The changed state is 0 when transmission of the changed packet is stopped, and 1 when transmission of the changed packet is started.

[0041] FIG. 5B shows a second activate message. As shown in Fig. 5B, the second activate message is composed of the MH ID indicating the mobile terminal (MH) that output the activate message, the number of egresses to which the packet is transferred, and the target egress ID. Yes. Unlike the first activation message described above, the second activation message shows only the Egress ID that forwards the packet, and does not indicate a change in state. In other words, Egress-2 and Egress-3, which transfer packets by movement, are shown.

[0042] FIG. 5C shows a third activate message. As shown in Figure 5C, the third activate message consists of the MH ID indicating the mobile terminal (MH) that output the activate message, Egress with a change in the packet transfer state, and the packet without change. It consists of the number of egresses that continue to be transferred, the egress IDs that are the targets, and fields that indicate the changed state. The state after the change is 0 if the packet is still transferred, 1 if transmission of the changed packet is started, and 2 if transmission of the changed packet is stopped.

Next, the connection message described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. Figure

6A shows the first connection message. The connection message in this case consists of MH ID, Type (change), and Egress ID. The MH ID is information for identifying the MH. Type (change) indicates the change of connected egress. The Egress ID indicates the Egress ID of the new connection destination. In other words, this connection message indicates that the egress that is currently connected is changed from the egress added to the connection message.

[0044] FIG. 6B shows the second connection message. The connection message in this case is composed of MH ID, Type (add), and Egress ID. The MH ID is information for identifying the MH. Type (add) indicates the addition of connected egress. The Egress ID indicates the ID of the destination Egress to be newly added. For example, a mobile terminal that can use multiple interfaces can connect to two base stations and communicate. Used for cases. In other words, this connection message indicates the addition of an egress connection added to the connection message. Figure 6C shows the third connection message. The connection message in this case is composed of MH ID, Type (delete) and Egress ID. The MH ID is information for identifying the MH. Type (delete) indicates deletion of connected egress. Egress ID is the ID of Egress to be deleted. In other words, this connection message indicates the release of the link connection with Egress added to the connection message. For example, if the connection information is lost anywhere, transfer using the normal P2MP path is performed.

Next, the format of a scalable voice packet to be described later will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Fig. 7A shows the format of the basic data packet, and Fig. 7B shows the format of the extended data packet. Each header contains information such as a label value.

Next, to describe the external connection edge device, the packet transfer device, and the mobile terminal connected to the packet transfer system in the first embodiment of the present invention according to the first embodiment of the present invention First, a network with a point-to-multipoint path will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 8, a point-to-multipoint path is configured between Ingress LSR101 and BS corresponding to Egress, and packets transmitted from external network (scalable voice packets (basic data packets, Extended data packets (packets other than scalable voice packets) are forwarded to Egress after appropriate transfer processing. This point-to-multipoint path is constructed according to the method described above. Fig. 8 shows a part of the transfer table for each of LSR-A102 to LSR_C104. The numbers at the top of the packet shown in Fig. 8 indicate the IN_label and OUTJabel values of the transfer table described later. ing. When a point-to-multipoint path is constructed, the connection status of the mobile terminal (MH) 100 to the BS is managed, and a forwarding table used for packet forwarding is generated. The forwarding table will be explained using Fig. 9.

[0047] The forwarding table shown in FIG. 9 is the forwarding table of LSR-A102. This is illustrated in Fig. 9. The forwarding table of LSR-A102 is different from the forwarding table of LSR-A102 in the network configuration shown in FIG. That is, the forwarding table in another network configuration is shown. Below, the forwarding table of LSR-A102 shown in FIG. 9 will be described as an example. The forwarding table is used to search the forwarding destination when receiving a data packet, and the output destination is specified from the label of the received packet. The forwarding table consists of IN_port that indicates the receiving port, IN_label that indicates the label of the received packet, OUT_port that indicates the port to be output, OUTJabel that indicates the label at the time of output, and the activity status that indicates whether to actually output to that port Field, and a connection status field that indicates that there is an egress (BS) to which the corresponding mobile terminal is connected ahead of the corresponding output port.

[0048] When the activity status is "1", for example, it indicates that output is performed to the output port, and when it is "0", for example, output is not performed. If the connection status is “1”, it indicates that there is an Egress (BS) connected to the output port, and if it is “0”, the Egress (BS) connected to the output port is connected. Indicates no.

In the case of LSR-A102, it can be seen that two different mobile terminals (MH) are connected to the Egress (BS) ahead of the output port with OUT_port of “2” and “4”, respectively. This makes it possible to manage the ports that transfer to the currently connected Egress (BS), and to distinguish between redundant routes and communicating routes during soft handover. Therefore, by identifying packets with different qualities such as basic data and extended data, it is possible to transfer only basic data to the redundant path. As a result, the amount of packet transfer to a redundant route for which communication has not yet started can be reduced, and communication can be continued by soft handover.

Next, an external connection edge device (hereinafter also referred to as Ingress LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the configuration of the Ingress LSR101 will be described using FIG. Ingress LSR 101 includes transmission / reception means 1001, label addition means 1002, information storage means 1003, and packet separation means 1004. The transmission / reception means 1001 is a means for receiving a packet from an external network or an LSR connected to the Ingress LSR101, or transmitting the received packet to an external network or an LSR connected to the Ingress LSR101. . There are various types of received packets such as scalable voice packets and control packets other than scalable voice packets.

[0050] The label adding unit 1002 analyzes the destination of the packet received from the external network, acquires the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination from the information storage unit 1003, and the acquired label value Is a means for adding (inserting) to the received packet. The information storage means 1003 stores various data (for example, control information for controlling the operation of the Ingress LSR 101). The packet separation means 1004 is an option, the packet received by the transmission / reception means 1001 from the external network is a scalable voice packet, and the packet is one packet in which the basic data packet and the extended data packet are combined. In this case, the basic data packet and the extended data packet are separated.

[0051] Specifically, processing when the Ingress LSR 101 receives a packet with the external network power will be described. When the transmission / reception unit 1001 receives a packet from the external network, the label addition unit 1002 analyzes the destination of the received packet, and the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal, for example, the MH100 is received from the information storage unit 1003 or the like. Acquire and add (insert) the acquired label value to the received packet. Then, the transmission / reception means 1001 transmits the packet with the label value added.

Next, a packet transfer apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The packet transfer apparatus includes a reception unit 1101, a packet analysis unit 1102, a transmission unit 1103, an information storage unit 1104, a generation unit 1105, a transfer table change unit 1106, and a message generation unit 1107. Receiving means 1101 is means for receiving a packet. The packet analysis means 1102 is a means for analyzing a received packet when the packet transfer apparatus is a branch packet transfer apparatus that becomes a branch point in the transfer of an extended data packet. For example, the received packet is a scalable voice. It is means for analyzing whether or not the packet is an extended data packet. Whether or not it is a branch packet transfer device that becomes a branch point in the transfer of extended data packets is determined by the connection status of the transfer table.

[0053] That is, for each input label, the activated connection status is If there is more than one and “1 (indicating that there is a BS to which the MH100 is connected)” in the connection status field, the packet transfer device is a branch packet transfer device. In addition, an index for determining whether or not an extended data packet is a scalable voice packet is, for example, when a packet is transmitted from the external network side and the transmitted packet is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet. For example, identification information indicating that it is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet added to the packet. Transmission means 1103 is means for transmitting the received packet based on the result analyzed by packet analysis means 1102 and the forwarding table. The information storage unit 1104 stores various data (for example, control information for controlling the operation of the packet transfer apparatus). The generation unit 1105 analyzes the packet received by the packet analysis unit 1102. As a result, when the received packet is a scalable voice packet composed of a basic data packet and an extended data packet, the generation unit 1105 receives the received packet. It is a means to generate a packet by extracting only basic data packets from the packet

The transfer table changing means 1106 moves from a position connectable with the edge device with which the MH 100 is currently communicating, eg, Egress-3 (BS_3) 3, and moves to a new edge device, eg, Egress-4 (BS-4 ) When communicating by connecting to 4, change the forwarding table based on the message containing the identification information of Egress-4 (BS-4) 4 that is newly communicated with MH100 received by receiving means 1101 This is a means for determining whether or not to perform the transfer and changing the forwarding table based on the determination. For example, when the MH100 moves to 8 _§ 33-3 (83-3) 3 to _§ 33-4 (83-4) 4 and changes the connection, the transfer table changing means 1106 of the LSR-C 104 Change the connection status on the output port side to Egress-3 (BS-3) 3 of the tape glue connection status to `` 0 '' and change the connection status on the output port side to Egress-4 (BS_4) 4 to `` Change to "1".

[0055] In the message generation means 1107, there is another packet transfer apparatus ahead of the packet output port other than the port of the packet transfer apparatus that received the connection message, and its transfer table is changed by the transfer table changing means 1106. A change request message is generated to change the forwarding table of another packet forwarding device. Means. For example, when the MH100 moves from Egress-3 (BS_3) 3 to Egress-4 (BS_4) 4 to change the connection, the message generation means 1107 of the LSR-A102 has the forwarding table changed by the forwarding table changing means 1106. Does not generate a change request message. On the other hand, for example, when the MH100 moves from Egress-2 (BS-2) 2 to Egress-3 (BS_3) 3 to change the connection, the message generation means 1107 of the LSR-A102 uses the transfer table change means 1106. Since the forwarding table is changed by this, a change request message is generated, and the generated change request message is transmitted to LSR-B103.

Next, mobile terminal (MH) 100 connected to the packet transfer system in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The MH 100 includes a receiving unit 1201, a generating unit 1202, a notification unit 1203, and an information storage unit 1204. The receiving means 120 1 is means for receiving a packet or receiving a beacon from Egress. The generation unit 1202 is based on an attach message that is a P2MP path construction request message, an entertainment message that is a message that contains information on edge devices that actually transfer packets after P2MP node construction, and movement of the MH100. It is a means for generating a connection message, which is a message including information on the connection-destination edge device that changes. The notification unit 1203 is a unit that notifies the generated attach message, activate message, and connection message to the edge device to which the MH 100 is connected. The attach message, activate message, and connection message are reported separately. The information storage means 1204 stores various data (for example, control information for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal (MH) 100).

Next, a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the external connection edge device (Ingress LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The Ingress LSR101 that received the packet from the external network analyzes the destination of the received packet, acquires the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination from the information storage means 1003, etc. (Step S1301) The attached label value is added (inserted) to the received packet (step S1302). Then, the Ingress LSR 101 outputs the packet with the label value added (step S1303). (Ingress LSR101 separates each received packet if it is a packet consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet. Output a ticket. This action in Katsuko is optional. )

Next, a processing flow at the time of packet reception from the Ingress LSR side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. Here, a case where the basic data packet and the extension data packet are received as separate packets when the received packet is a scalable voice packet will be described.

When the LSR receives the packet from the upstream side (Ingress LSR101 side), the LSR analyzes the received packet label value and obtains the output port and output label value of the packet (step S1401). The LSR then checks the connection status field in the forwarding table and becomes the branch point between the path to the BS to which the MH is connected and the path to the BS to which the MH is connected. It is determined whether or not (step S1402). Specifically, it is determined whether all the connection status fields of the output port of the forwarding table are “1” or “0”. If the connection status fields are all “1” or “0”, it means that there is no branching on its own, or even if there is a branching, the MH100 is connected to the BS and MH100, and the Shows that it becomes a branch with BS, does not, and shows. In this case, even if it is a scalable voice packet, it does not perform any special processing. The received packet is output to all ports for which the status field is “1”.

On the other hand, if the node itself is a branch point, the received packet is further analyzed (step S 1403). Then, it is determined whether or not the packet is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet (step S 1404). The fact that it is a branch point means that “0” and “1” exist in the connection status field, and the path to the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the BS to which the MH100 is not connected This indicates that the path to diverges. If it is an extended data packet, the flag F = l indicating this is set (step S1405), and the activation status field of the output port is checked to determine whether or not it has been activated. (Step 1406) If the packet has been invalidated, it is determined whether or not flag F = l is set in the received packet (step S1407) .If flag F = l is set, the connection status of the port is checked. It is determined whether or not the field is “1” (step S1408). A packet is output based on the obtained label value (step S1409). In step S 1407, if the flag F = l is not set, the information is output to all activated ports based on the acquired label value. In addition, if the packet is not expired in step S1406, and if the connection status field is “0” in step S1408, no packet is output.

Next, another processing flow at the time of packet reception from the Ingress LSR side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. Here, a case will be described in which a basic data packet and an extended data packet are received together when the received packet is a scalable voice packet. When the LSR receives a packet from the upstream side (Ingress LSR101 side), the LSR analyzes the label value of the received packet and obtains the output port and output label value of the packet (step S1 501). Then, the LSR checks the connection status field of the forwarding table, and whether or not it is a branch point between the path to the BS to which the MH is connected and the MH is connected. Is determined (step S1502). Specifically, it is determined whether the connection status fields of the output port of the forwarding table are all “1” or “0”. If the connection status fields are all “1” or “0”, there is no branching by itself, or there is a branching between the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the BS to which the MH100 is not connected. It shows that there is no. In this case, even if it is a scalable voice packet, it does not perform special processing. The received packet is output to all the ports whose field of the active status is “1”.

On the other hand, if the node itself is a branch point, the received packet is further analyzed (step S 1503). Then, it is determined whether or not the packet is a scalable voice packet (step S 1504). The fact that it is a branching point means that “0” and “1” exist in the connection status field, and the path to the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the MH100 are connected. Show that the path to the BS branches off. If the packet is a scalable voice packet, the flag F = l indicating this is set (step S150 5), and only a basic data packet is generated from the received packet (step S1506). [0062] Then, the activation status field of the output port is checked to determine whether or not it is activated (step 1507). If it is activated, the flag F = l is set in the received packet. If the flag F is set to 1 (step S1508), it is determined whether or not the field status S of the port connection status is “l” (step S1509). When “1” is set, the received packet is output to the corresponding port as it is (step S1510). When “0” is set, the packet of only the basic data packet generated is output to the corresponding port. Output (step S15 11). If the received packet is not a scalable voice packet, the flag F = 0 is set and the received packet is received at the port that is being auctioned. Output the packet.

Next, a processing flow at the time of receiving a connection message from the BS side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The LSR receives the connection message (step S1601). Then, the LSR analyzes the received connection message, refers to the transfer table of the corresponding MH, and determines whether or not the connection status is all “0” (step S 1602). If all are "0", the connection status of the output port to the corresponding BS is set to "1" and the connection message is transferred to the upstream (Ingress LSR side) LSR (step S1603). On the other hand, if the connection status is set to “1” for an output port other than the corresponding BS, the LSR sets “1” to the connection status of the output port to the BS to which the MH is newly connected, The field in which the connection status is set to “1” is changed to “0” (step S 1604). If the LSR is changed in step S 1604, the LSR generates a change request message for changing the connection status of the forwarding table of another LSR for the output port that has been set to “1” so far. And output to the output port (step S 1605).

[0064] <Second Embodiment>

Next, a packet transfer method, an external connection edge device, a packet transfer device, and a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the external connection edge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the packet transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of receiving a bucket in the external connection edge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the packet transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another processing flow at the time of packet reception in the bucket forwarding apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Construction of P2MP in the second embodiment of the present invention, attack message used in construction of P2MP, activate message, connection message, format of scalable voice packet, configuration of forwarding table, configuration of mobile terminal Since the processing flow at the time of receiving a connection message from the BS side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) is the same as that described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

First, an external connection edge device (hereinafter also referred to as Ingress LSR) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the Ingress LSR 1701 includes a transmission / reception unit 1702, a label addition unit 1703, a packet analysis unit 1704, an information storage unit 1705, and a packet separation unit 1706. The transmission / reception means 1702 is means for receiving a packet from an external network or an LSR connected to the Ingres LSR 1701, or transmitting the received packet to an LSR connected to the Ingress LSR 1701 from the external network. The received packets are various such as scalable voice packets and control packets other than scalable voice packets.

[0067] The label adding means 1703 analyzes the destination of the packet received from the external network, obtains the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal from the information storage means 1705, etc., and obtains the obtained label value Is a means for adding (inserting) to the received packet. Also, the label adding means 1703 is used when the packet analysis means 1704 described later analyzes that the received packet is a scalable voice packet and is an extended data packet, or a packet composed of a basic data packet and an extended data packet. If it is analyzed, it is a means for adding information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet or that the extended data packet is included to the received packet. Packet analysis means 1704 is a means for analyzing a packet received from an external network, and is an extension of a scalable voice packet. It is means for analyzing whether or not the packet is a packet composed of a basic data packet and an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet.

[0068] It should be noted that the index for determining whether or not a scalable voice packet is an extended data packet, or whether or not a scalable voice packet is a packet composed of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is information indicating each of them. For example, when it is an extended data packet of a packet power S scalable voice packet to be transmitted, it is identification information indicating that it is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet. These pieces of information are added when a packet is transmitted from the external network side. The information storage means 1705 stores various data (for example, control information for controlling the operation of the Ingress LSR1701). Note that the packet separation means 1706 is an option, and the transmission / reception means 17

02 is a means for separating the basic data packet and the extended data packet when the packet received from the external network is a scalable voice packet and the packet is a single packet in which the basic data packet and the extended data packet are combined. is there.

[0069] Specifically, processing when Ingress LSR 1701 receives an external network power packet will be described. When the transmission / reception means 1702 receives the packet from the external network, the label addition means 1703 analyzes the destination of the received packet, and sends the label value corresponding to the analyzed destination mobile terminal, for example, MH100 from the information storage means 1705 or the like. Acquire and add (insert) the acquired label value to the received packet. Further, the packet analyzing means 1704 analyzes the received packet, and as a result, if the received packet is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet, the label adding means 1703 adds the extended data packet to the received packet. Is added to the effect information. On the other hand, when the received packet is a packet composed of a basic data packet and an extension data packet of a scalable voice packet, the label adding means 1703 adds information indicating that the extension data packet is included in the received packet. . Then, the transmission / reception means 1702 outputs the packet with the label value added. When the received packet is one packet in which the basic data packet and the extended data packet are combined, the packet separating unit 1706 may separate the basic data packet and the extended data packet.

[0070] Next, in the packet transfer apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as LSR) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This will be described with reference to FIG. The packet transfer apparatus includes a reception unit 1801, a packet analysis unit 1802, a transmission unit 1803, an information storage unit 1804, a generation unit 1805, a transfer table change unit 1806, and a message generation unit 1807. Receiving means 1801 is means for receiving a packet. Packet analysis means 1802 analyzes the content of a packet when the packet transfer device itself is a branch packet transfer device (branch LSR) that becomes a branch point in the transfer of extended data packets. For example, it analyzes whether information indicating that an extended data packet is added to a packet, or analyzes whether information indicating that an extended data packet is included in a packet. Whether or not the branch packet transfer device is a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet is determined based on the connection status of the transfer table as described in the first embodiment.

[0071] The transmission means 1803 is a packet analysis means when the packet transfer apparatus itself is a branch packet transfer apparatus, and information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet or information including an extended data packet is added to the packet. When judged by 1802, it is a means for transmitting a received packet based on the forwarding table. The information storage means 1804 stores various data (for example, control information for controlling the operation of the packet transfer apparatus). When it is determined that information indicating that the extended data packet is included in the packet received by the packet analyzing unit 1802, the generating unit 1805 extracts a packet obtained by extracting only the basic data packet from the received packet. Means for generating. The forwarding table changing unit 1806 and the message generating unit 1807 are the same as those of the packet forwarding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0072] Specifically, taking the LSR-A102 in the network configuration shown in Fig. 8 as an example, the LSR receives the Ingress LSR1701 (corresponding to Ingress LSR101 shown in Fig. 8) side packet until the packet is transferred. Processing will be described. When receiving means 1801 receives a packet from the upstream side (Ingress LSR1701 side), packet analyzing means 1802 determines whether or not LSR-A102 is a branch LSR that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet. Analyzes what kind of packet the packet is. In the case of LSR-A102, since LSR-A102 is a branching LSR, for example, information indicating that it is an extended data packet is added to the packet. If so, a packet is generated by extracting only the basic data packet from the received packet, and the transmission means 1803 outputs the packet generated based on the forwarding table and the received packet.

Next, a processing flow at the time of packet reception in the external connection edge device (Ingress LSR) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Ingress LSR1701 receives a packet from the external network (step S1901). The Ingress LSR1701 that has received the packet from the external network analyzes the destination of the received packet, acquires the label value corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination from the information storage means 1705, etc., and receives the acquired label value Is added (inserted) to the received packet (step S1902). In gress LSR 1701 analyzes the received packet from the external network (step SI 903). For example, whether or not it is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet is analyzed for whether or not it is a packet consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet.

For example, if it is analyzed that it is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet, the Ingris LSR 1701 adds information indicating that it is an extended data packet to the received packet (step S 1904). If the packet is analyzed as a packet composed of a basic data packet and an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet, the Ingress LSR 1701 adds information indicating that the received packet includes the extended data packet. Ingress LSR 1701 then outputs the packet with the label value added (step SI 905). On the other hand, if it is analyzed that it is not an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet, ingress LSR1701 outputs a packet with the label value added as it is. If the received packet is a single packet in which the basic data packet and the extended data packet are combined, the packet separating means 1706 may separate the basic data packet and the extended data packet.

Next, a processing flow at the time of packet reception from the Ingress LSR side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. Here, a case where the basic data packet and the extension data packet are received as separate packets when the received packet is a scalable voice packet will be described. When the LSR receives a packet from the upstream side (Ingress LSR1701 side), the LSR analyzes the label value of the received packet and acquires the output port and output label value of the packet (step S2001). Then, the LSR checks the field of the connection status in the forwarding table, and whether it is the branch point between the path to the BS to which the MH is connected and the path to the BS to which the MH is connected. It is determined whether or not (step S2002). Specifically, it is determined whether all the connection status fields of the output port of the forwarding table are “1” or “0”. If the connection status fields are all “1” or “0”, it means that there is no branching on its own, or even if there is a branching, the BS to which MH100 is connected and MH1 00 are connected to each other. It is a branch of and shows that it is not. In this case, even if it is a scalable voice packet, it does not perform any special processing. The received packet is output to all ports for which the status field is “1”.

On the other hand, if the node itself is a branch point, the received packet is further analyzed (step S2003). The fact that it is a branch point means that there are “0” and “1” in the connection status field, and the path to the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the MH1 00 are not connected. Indicates that the path to is branched. As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether there is information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet of a scalable voice packet added in advance by the Ingress LSR1701 (step S2004). Set F = l (step S2005), check the output port's activation status field to determine whether it has been activated (step 2006), and if it is activated, receive it It is determined whether or not flag F = 1 is set in the received packet (step S2007) .If flag F = 1 is set, it is determined whether or not the field status of the connection status of the port is 1 ''. Judgment is made (step S2008), and if “1” is set, the packet is output based on the obtained label value (step S2009). In step S2007, if the flag F = l is not set, output to all activated ports based on the obtained label value. Also, if the packet is not expired in step S2006, and if the field power of the connection status is “0” in step S2008, the packet is not received. Do not output.

Next, another processing flow at the time of packet reception from the Ingress LSR side in the packet transfer apparatus (LSR) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. Here, the case where the basic data packet and the extended data packet are received together when the received packet is a scalable voice packet will be described. When the LSR receives a packet from the upstream side (Ingress LSRl 701 side), the LSR analyzes the label value of the received packet and obtains the output port and output label value of the packet (step S2101). Then, the LSR checks the connection status field in the forwarding table, and whether or not it is a branch point between the path to the BS to which the MH is connected and the path to the BS to which the MH is connected. Is determined (step S2102). Specifically, it is determined whether the connection status fields of the output ports of the transfer tape are all “1” or “0”. If the connection status fields are all “1” or “0”, even if there is a branch that does not have its own branch, it is a branch between the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the BS to which the MH100 is not connected. Indicates that it is not. In this case, even if it is a scalable voice packet, the special packet is not processed. The received packet is output to all the ports whose field of the active status is “1”.

On the other hand, if the node itself is a branch point, the received packet is further analyzed (step S2103). The fact that it is a branch point means that there are “0” and “1” in the connection status field, and the path to the BS to which the MH100 is connected and the MH1 00 are not connected. Indicates that the path to is branched. As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether or not there is information indicating that the packet includes the extended data packet of the scalable voice packet added in advance by the Ingress LSRl 701 (step S2104). F = l is set (step S2105), and a packet of only the received packet power basic data packet is generated (step S2106). Then, check the output status field of the status of the output and determine whether it has been activated or not (step 2107). If it has been activated, the received packet is flagged. It is determined whether F = 1 is set (step S2108) .If flag F = 1 is set, it is determined whether the connection status field of the port is “1”. (Step S2109), if `` 1 '' is set, the received packet is output to the corresponding port as it is (Step S2110), and if `` 0 '' is set, only the generated basic data packet Packet is output to the corresponding port (step S2111). Note that “0” and “1” exist in the connection status field, but if the received packet is not a scalable voice packet, the flag F = 0 is set and activated. The received packet is output to the port. In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, description has been made with scalable voice packets. However, the present invention is not limited to voice packets, and a plurality of quality data is scalable and codec transmitted. If there is.

Note that each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them. The name used here is LSI, but it may also be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration. Also, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, but it can be realized with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing and reconfigurable * port processors that can reconfigure the connection and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges as a result of advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is naturally possible to integrate functional blocks using this technology. Possible adaptation of nanotechnology. Industrial applicability

[0080] Since the packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer device, and mobile terminal according to the present invention can realize high-quality communication and reduce the bandwidth used during soft handover, Packet transfer method, external connection edge device, packet transfer method for soft handover using point-to-multipoint path when label switch technology that transfers data using various labels is applied to mobile units This is useful for a transfer device and a mobile terminal.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network A packet transfer configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal. A packet transfer method in a system,

When the external connection edge device receives a packet from the external network, adding a label according to the destination of the packet to the packet, and transmitting the packet with the label added;

When the packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted packet is a branch packet transfer apparatus that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet, the received packet is analyzed and has a predetermined property. Transmitting the received packet based on a forwarding table that manages the connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device when the packet is the extended data packet;

A packet transfer method.

[2] As a result of analyzing the received packet, the packet transfer apparatus extracts only the basic data packet from the received packet if the packet is a packet including the basic data packet and the extended data packet. The packet transfer method according to claim 1, wherein a packet is generated, and a packet received based on the transfer table and the generated packet are transmitted.

[3] When the mobile terminal moves to connect to a currently communicating edge device and connects to a new edge device for communication,

The edge device newly communicating with the mobile terminal transmits a message including its own identification information to the external connection edge device side;

The packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted message determines whether or not to change the transfer table based on the received message, and determines the transfer table based on the determination. Change the message to the externally connected edge device. Sending, and

The packet transfer method according to claim 1.

[4] When the packet transfer device that has received the message has another packet transfer device ahead of the packet output port other than the port that has received the message, and changes its own transfer table, A change request message for changing the forwarding table of the other packet transfer device is generated, and the change request message is output to a packet output port that can output the change request message to the other packet transfer device. Step to force,

The other packet transfer apparatus that has received the change request message changes the transfer table of the other packet transfer apparatus based on the change request message.

The packet transfer method according to claim 3.

[5] Located at the edge of the network where a point-to-multipoint path for packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network A packet transfer configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal. A packet transfer method in a system,

When the external connection edge device receives a packet from the external network, it adds a label corresponding to the destination of the packet to the packet, further prays the packet, and when the packet is an extended data packet, Adding information indicating that the packet is an extended data packet and transmitting the packet;

When the packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted packet is a branch packet transfer apparatus that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extension data packet, the received packet is analyzed and the extension data packet is used as the extension data packet. A step of transmitting the received packet based on a forwarding table for managing a connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device when information indicating that the mobile terminal is added,

A packet transfer method.

[6] A network with a point-to-multipoint path for packet transfer by label Only from the external connection edge device that is located at the edge of the workpiece and connected to the external network to the edge device that is located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal via the packet transfer device located in the network. A packet transfer method in a packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet,

When the external connection edge device receives a packet from the external network, a label corresponding to the destination of the packet is added to the packet, the packet is analyzed, and the basic data packet and the extended data packet If the packet includes a packet, information indicating that the extended data packet is included is added to the packet, and the packet is transmitted.

When the packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted packet is a branch packet transfer apparatus that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet, the received packet is analyzed and the received packet is converted into a received packet. When information indicating that the extended data packet is included is added, a packet is generated by extracting only the basic data packet from the received packet, and the packet received and generated based on the forwarding table is generated. Transmitting each of the transmitted packets,

A packet transfer method.

[7] When the mobile terminal is currently communicating and moving from a position that can be connected to the edge device and connected to a new edge device to perform communication,

The packet transfer apparatus that receives the transmitted message determines whether or not to change the transfer table based on the received message, and determines whether or not to change the transfer table based on the determination. Changing the table, and sending the message to the externally connected edge device.

6. The packet transfer method according to claim 5, comprising:

[8] The packet transfer apparatus that has received the message has another packet transfer apparatus at the end of a packet output port other than the port that has received the message, and has its own transfer tape. When the packet is changed, a change request message for changing the forwarding table of the other packet transfer device is generated, and the packet output port can output the change request message to the other packet transfer device. Outputting the change request message to

The packet transfer method according to claim 7.

[9] It is located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established, and from an external connection edge device connected to an external network via a packet transfer device located in the network A packet transfer configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal. The external connection edge device in the system, wherein transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving packets;

Label adding means for analyzing a destination of the packet received from the external network and adding a label corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination to the packet;

External connection edge device provided.

[10] When the packet received by the transmission / reception means from the external network is a packet having the predetermined property, and the basic data packet and the extension data packet are combined and configured as one packet, the basic 10. The external connection wedge device according to claim 9, further comprising packet separation means for separating a data packet and the extended data packet.

[11] Located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network The extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet is transferred only to the edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to the mobile terminal. An external connection edge device in a packet transfer system configured as described above, wherein transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving packets;

Analyzing the destination of the packet received from the external network, and analyzing the packet received from the external network and label adding means for adding a label corresponding to the analyzed mobile terminal of the destination to the packet Packet analysis means,

When the analyzed packet is the extended data packet or a packet made up of the basic data packet and the extended data packet, the label adding means indicates that the extended data packet is included in the packet or the extended data packet. External connection edge device that adds information to the effect.

[12] When the packet received by the transmission / reception means from the external network is a packet having the predetermined property, and the basic data packet and the extension data packet are combined and configured as one packet, the basic 12. The external connection edge device according to claim 11, further comprising packet separation means for separating a data packet and the extended data packet.

[13] Located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network A packet transfer configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal. A packet transfer apparatus in the system,

Receiving means for receiving packets;

Transfer table storage means for storing a transfer table for managing a connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device;

A packet analysis means for analyzing the received packet when the packet transfer apparatus is a branch packet transfer apparatus that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet; Transmitting means for transmitting the received packet based on the forwarding table when the received packet is analyzed by the packet analyzing means as the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property And

A packet transfer apparatus provided.

[14] As a result of analyzing the received packet, a generation unit that generates a packet in which only the basic data packet is extracted from the received packet when the packet is composed of the basic data packet and the extended data packet is provided. ,

14. The packet transfer device according to claim 13, wherein the transmission unit transmits the received packet and the generated packet based on the transfer table.

[15] When the mobile terminal moves to connect to a currently communicating edge device and connects to a new edge device for communication,

It is determined whether or not to change the forwarding table based on a message received by the receiving means and including identification information of the edge device that newly communicates with the mobile terminal, and based on the judgment, the forwarding table 14. The packet forwarding apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a forwarding table changing means for changing

[16] When there is another packet transfer device ahead of the packet output port other than the port of the packet transfer device that has received the message, and its transfer table is changed by the transfer table changing means,

16. The packet transfer apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising message generation means for generating a change request message for changing a transfer table of the other packet transfer apparatus.

[17] Located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network A packet transfer configured to transfer the extended data packet of a packet having a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to an edge device located at the edge of the network and connected to a mobile terminal. A packet transfer apparatus in the system,

Receiving means for receiving packets; Transfer table storage means for storing a transfer table for managing a connection status of the mobile terminal to the edge device;

When the packet transfer device is a branch packet transfer device that becomes a branch point in the transfer of the extended data packet, packet analysis means for analyzing the packet, and the packet transfer device is the branch packet transfer device, Transmitting means for transmitting the packet received based on the forwarding table when it is analyzed by the packet analysis means that the information indicating that the packet is the extended data packet is added to the packet;

A packet transfer apparatus provided.

[18] When it is analyzed by the packet analysis means that information indicating that the extended data packet is included in the received packet, a packet obtained by extracting only the basic data packet from the received packet is obtained. The packet transfer apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a generating unit that generates the packet.

[19] When the mobile terminal communicates with a new edge device by moving from a position that can be connected to the current edge device,

It is determined whether or not to change the forwarding table based on a message received by the receiving means and including identification information of the edge device that newly communicates with the mobile terminal, and based on the judgment, the forwarding table 18. The packet forwarding apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a forwarding table changing means for changing

[20] When there is another packet transfer device ahead of a packet output port other than the port of the packet transfer device that has received the message, and the transfer table changing means changes its own transfer table,

20. The packet transfer apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising message generation means for generating a change request message for changing a transfer table of the other packet transfer apparatus.

[21] Located at the edge of a network where a point-to-multipoint path for performing packet transfer by label is established, from an external connection edge device connected to an external network, through a packet transfer device located in the network At the edge of the network Connected to the edge device of the packet transfer system configured to transfer the extended data packet of a predetermined property consisting of a basic data packet and an extended data packet only to the edge device to which the mobile terminal is connected. The mobile terminal that performs communication,

The point-to-multipoint path construction request message, a message containing information on the edge device that actually transfers the packet after the construction of the point-to-multipoint path, and the information on the edge device of the connection destination that itself changes due to movement Generating means for generating a message including

The generated construction request message, a message including information on the edge device that actually transfers the packet, and a message including information on the connection destination edge device that changes due to movement are notified to the edge device to which the device itself is connected. A notification unit, and the notification unit separates the construction request message, a message including information on the edge device that actually transfers the packet, and a message including information on the connection destination edge device that changes due to movement. Mobile terminal to notify.