WO2018131414A1

WO2018131414A1 - Communication control device and communication control method

Info

Publication number: WO2018131414A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/045778
Authority: WO
Inventors: 拓也下城; アシックカーン; 雅純清水; マラレディサマ; スリサクルタコルスリ
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ
Priority date: 2017-01-10
Filing date: 2017-12-20
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: CN110169133B; CN110169133A; JP7034098B2; JPWO2018131414A1

Abstract

According to the present invention, a CCNF 301, which is a communication control device, includes: a control information storage unit 340 which stores information for specifying a communication control device that performs, in association with position information on a UE which is a user terminal, a communication control related to the UE; a change request acquisition unit 310 which acquires a change request related to a change of a communication path including position information that represents a movement destination of the UE; a determination unit 320 which determines whether to perform, with an own device, a process related to the change of the communication path of the UE in relation to the change request, on the basis of the position information on the movement destination of the UE and information stored in the control information storage unit 340; a communication processing unit 330 which transmits, to another CCNF different from the own device, a change request for changing the communication path related to the UE, when the determination unit 320 determines that the process related to the change of the communication path of the UE is performed with the CCNF different from the own device.

Description

Communication control device and communication control method

The present invention relates to a communication control device and a communication control method.

In 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), a standardization project for mobile communication systems, the standardization of the architecture of the next generation system (NextGen) of mobile communication systems is being promoted. Non-Patent Document 1 also discloses MM (Mobility Management) having a function as a common C-Plane control node.

On the other hand, a network system using virtualization technology is also being studied. In a network system using a virtualization technology, hardware resources are virtually divided to generate a slice that is a virtual network that is logically generated on the network infrastructure. Then, by allocating the service to the slice, it is possible to provide the service to the user terminal used by the user using a network of independent slices.

Incidentally, it may be necessary to change the communication path related to the user terminal for some reason while using the service assigned to each slice by the user terminal. However, it has not been studied to change the communication path when the user terminal accesses a plurality of slices to transmit / receive user data. In particular, as the user terminal moves, it may be necessary to switch the communication control device that performs control related to the communication path of the user terminal. However, the procedure in such a case has not been specifically studied so far.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to change a plurality of communication paths related to a user terminal even when the user terminal needs to change a communication control apparatus that performs control related to the communication path. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication control apparatus and a communication control method capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention provides a communication path for each control node in one or a plurality of slices, which is a virtualized network generated on a network infrastructure. A communication control apparatus that performs communication control related to a user terminal that transmits and receives user data via a road, and performs communication control related to the user terminal in association with position information indicating a position where the user terminal stays A control information storage unit that stores information for identifying a device; a change request acquisition unit that acquires a change request related to a change in the communication path related to the user terminal, including position information indicating a destination of the user terminal; The location information of the destination of the user terminal included in the information included in the change request acquired by the change request acquisition unit, and the control information storage unit. And a determination unit that determines whether to perform the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal related to the change request on the own apparatus or on a communication control apparatus different from the own apparatus based on the stored information When the determination unit determines that the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal is to be performed by the own device, the process related to the change for each of the plurality of communication paths provided for the control node. And when it is determined that the processing related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal is performed by a communication control device different from the own device, the processing is specified based on information stored in the control information storage unit. A communication processing unit that transmits a change request related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal to a communication control device different from the own device.

Further, the communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a communication path for each control node in one or a plurality of slices that are virtualized networks generated on a network infrastructure, and a user is connected via the communication path. A communication control method by a communication control apparatus that performs communication control related to a user terminal that transmits and receives data, the change request acquisition step for acquiring a change request related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal, and the change request acquisition When processing related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal related to the change request is performed by a communication control device different from the own device from the position information indicating the destination of the user terminal included in the change request acquired in the step When the determination is made, a change related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal is made to a communication control device different from the own device. Having a communication processing step of transmitting a request.

According to the communication control device and the communication control method described above, when acquiring the change request related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal, from the position information indicating the destination of the user terminal included in the change request, When it is determined that the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal related to the change request is performed by a communication control apparatus different from the own apparatus, the user terminal relates to the communication control apparatus different from the own apparatus. A change request for changing the communication path is transmitted. For this reason, even if it is the movement of the user terminal which requires the change of a communication control apparatus, it becomes possible to change the some communication path provided between slices.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it is a movement of the user terminal which needs the change of the communication control apparatus which performs control which concerns on a communication path, the communication control apparatus which can change the some communication path which concerns on a user terminal, and A communication control method is provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a slice and a core network. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a slice and hardware. It is a figure explaining the technical subject in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional block which concerns on a communication control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the information which a communication control apparatus hold | maintains. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions which concern on a communication control apparatus. It is a sequence diagram explaining the process in each apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a system (communication system) 1 constituting a virtualized network. The system 1 in FIG. 1 allocates a service to a slice that is a virtual network, thereby providing a network service to a UE (User Equipment) 90 that is a terminal (user terminal) used by a service user (Service User). provide. A slice is a virtual network or service network that is created by logically dividing the network device link and node resources and combining the separated resources. They are separated and do not interfere with each other. The network service refers to a service using network resources such as a communication service (private line service or the like) or an application service (service using a sensor device such as moving image distribution or an embedded device). Moreover, UE90 is a terminal device which has communication functions, such as a smart phone, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a BSS / OSS (Business Support System / Operations Support System) 10, a SO (Service Operator) 20, an NFVO 30, a VNFM 40, and a VIM (Virtualized Infrastructure Management). 50. The system 1 includes an NFVI (NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) Infrastructure) 60, an SSF (Slice Selection Function) 70, an eNB (eNodeB) 80, and a UE 90. Among these, NFVO30, VNFM40, and VIM50 are functions of MANO (Management & Orchestration) architecture specified by ETSI NFV-ISG.

These constituent elements constitute a core network in the system 1. Note that the components that need to transmit and receive information to each other are connected by wire and can transmit and receive information.

The system 1 according to the present embodiment provides a communication function for a mobile communication terminal by a virtual server operating in a virtual machine realized on a physical server. That is, the system 1 is a virtualized mobile communication network. The communication function is provided to the mobile communication terminal by executing a communication process corresponding to the communication function by the virtual machine.

The NFVI 60 indicates a network formed from physical resources (node groups) constituting a virtual environment. The physical resources conceptually include computing resources, storage resources, and transmission resources. Specifically, the physical resource includes a node such as a physical server or a switch that is a physical server device that performs communication processing in the system 1. The physical server includes a storage unit such as a CPU (core, processor), a memory, and a hard disk. Normally, a plurality of nodes such as physical servers that constitute the NFVI 60 are arranged together at a base such as a data center (DC). In the data center, the arranged physical servers can communicate with each other via a network inside the data center, and can exchange information with each other. Further, the system 1 is provided with a plurality of data centers. Data centers can communicate with each other via a network, and physical servers provided in different data centers can transmit / receive information to / from each other via the network.

The SO (Service Operator) 20 is a device that requests creation of a network for providing a network service. For example, a terminal device (for example, a personal computer or the like) of a provider that provides services to various users using a virtual network. ).

The BSS / OSS 10 is a node that performs service management in the system 1 and gives instructions related to communication functions in the system 1. For example, the BSS / OSS 10 instructs the NFVO 30 to add a new network service. In addition, the BSS / OSS 10 can be operated by a telecommunications carrier related to the system 1.

The NFVO 30 is an overall management node (functional entity) that manages the entire virtual network (slice) constructed on the NFVI 60 that is a physical resource. The NFVO 30 receives an instruction from the BSS / OSS 10 and performs processing according to the instruction. The NFVO 30 performs management over the entire virtual network constructed in the physical resources of the mobile communication network of infrastructure and network services. The NFVO 30 realizes a network service provided by the virtual network in an appropriate place in cooperation with the VNFM 40 and the VIM 50. For example, network service life cycle management (specifically, for example, network service creation, update, scale control, event collection), resource management over the entire mobile communication network, that is, resource distribution / reservation / allocation management, service -Perform instance management and policy management related to resource allocation (specifically, resource reservation / allocation, optimal allocation based on geography / laws, etc.).

The VNFM 40 is a virtual communication function management node (functional entity) that adds a function that constitutes a network service to the NFVI 60 that is a physical resource (node). A plurality of VNFMs 40 may be provided in the system 1.

The VIM 50 is a physical resource management node (functional entity) that manages each physical resource (node) in the NFVI 60. Specifically, resource allocation / update / recovery management, association between physical resources and virtualized network, and management of hardware resources and SW resources (hypervisor) list are performed. Normally, the VIM 50 performs management for each data center (station building). Management of physical resources is performed by a method according to the data center. Data center management methods (management resource mounting methods) include OPENSTACK and vCenter. Normally, the VIM 50 is provided for each data center management method. That is, a plurality of VIMs 50 that manage each physical resource in the NFVI 60 are included in different ways. Note that the unit of physical resources managed by different management methods is not necessarily a data center unit.

Note that the NFVO 30, VNFM 40, and VIM 50 are realized by executing a program on a physical server device (however, they are not limited to being realized on virtualization, and are separated from the management system). And may be realized on virtualization). The NFVO 30, VNFM 40, and VIM 50 may be realized by separate physical server devices, or may be realized by the same server device. The NFVO 30, VNFM 40, and VIM 50 (programs for realizing) may be provided from different vendors.

When the NFVO 30 receives the network service creation request from the BSS / OSS 10, the NFVO 30 makes a resource securing request for the slice (slice SL1, SL2, etc.) to the VIM 50. When the VIM 50 secures resources in the server devices and switches configuring the NFVI 60, the NFVO 30 defines a slice for the NFVI 60.

Further, when the NFVO 30 causes the VIM 50 to reserve resources in the NFVI 60, the NFVO 30 stores information defining slices for the NFVI 60 in a table stored in the NFVO 30. Then, the NFVO 30 makes a software installation request for realizing the functions necessary for the network service to the VNFM 40. In response to the installation request, the VNFM 40 installs the software on the NFVI 60 (node such as a server device, a switch device, or a router device) secured by the VIM 50.

When the software is installed by the VNFM 40, the NFVO 30 associates the slice and the network service with the table stored in the NFVO 30.

Specifically, in the NFVO 30, as shown in FIG. 2, the slice SL1 (first slice) that is a slice for the first service (service S1) and the slice that is a slice for the second service (service S2) SL2 (second slice) and slice SL3 (third slice) that is a slice having a function as a control device related to control of slice SL1 or slice SL2 are generated. The NFVO 30 assigns service S1 to slice SL1 and assigns service S2 to slice SL2. The function of executing the service S1 and the service S2 performs processing based on a signal or the like sent from the slice SL3, or information on the slice SL3 provided with a node having a function as a communication control device to be described later if necessary. Process to request the provision of.

Thus, in the system 1, the slice SL1, the slice SL2, and the slice SL3 are constructed so as to be logically communicable with each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the slice SL1 that provides the service S1 includes a first SM (Session Management) 211 and a first UP (UP-GW: U-Plane Gateway) 212. The slice SL2 that provides the service S2 includes the second SM 221 and the second UP 222.

SM is a session management function (or session management node) that manages UE sessions, and performs location registration processing (TAU (Tracking Area Update) request and response processing) and paging processing. The SM is sometimes called a C-Plane control node. The UP has a function of performing processing related to transmission / reception of user data, and may be called a U-Plane control node.

The first SM 211 performs transmission / reception of control signals and the like related to establishment and disconnection of a communication path when providing the service S1 to the user. Further, the first UP 212 provides a communication path when providing the service S1 to the user, and also provides a communication path with the service server 101 that provides the service to execute transmission / reception of user data. The second SM 221 transmits and receives control signals and the like related to the establishment and disconnection of the communication path when providing the service S2 to the user. Further, the second UP 222 provides a communication path when providing the service S2 to the user, and also provides a communication path with the service server 102 that provides the service to execute transmission / reception of user data. The correspondence relationship between the slice and the service is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. That is, a node for providing a plurality of services may be assigned to one slice.

2 includes a CCNF (Common CP NW Function) 301 having a function as a common C-Plane control node (Common CP). The CCNF 301 has a function of controlling the first SM 211 that is the C-Plane control node related to the service S1, the second SM 221 that is the C-Plane control node related to the service S2, and the like, based on an instruction from the user side. Processing related to establishment and disconnection of a communication path between the user and each slice is executed. CCNF301 has a function as MM (Mobility Management) which is a mobility management function (or mobility management node) which manages the mobility of UE which is a mobile communication terminal. Conventionally, the MM function and the SM function are realized by one node or the like, but in the NextGen architecture, they are realized separately as in the MM and SM. The CCNF is provided for each area that is larger than the area managed by the eNB. And CCNF performs the process which concerns on the description and disconnection of the communication path regarding UE which accesses and communicates with eNB under CCNF.

Note that the CCNF 301 may be realized by a device having hardware instead of being realized by assigning a function to the slice SL3. In this case, slices generated by the NFVO 30 are slices SL1 and SL2. In FIG. 2, a node related to one service is allocated to one slice, but the slice SL1 and the slice SL2 may be integrated. That is, nodes related to two services may be realized in one slice.

Fig. 3 shows an example of the correspondence between each slice and the server. As shown in FIG. 3, the node is a part of the server, and the function of the first SM 211 of slice 1 (slice SL1) and the function of the second SM 221 of slice 2 (slice SL2) are the server 1 (110A), the switch, and the router. Etc. The function of the first UP 212 of the slice 1 (slice SL1) and the function of the second UP 222 of the slice 2 (slice SL2) are realized by the server 2 (110B), a switch, a router, and the like. In FIG. 3, the description of the CCNF 301 of the slice 3 is omitted.

When the NFVO 30 assigns a network service to the slice, the access information including the ID of the network service and the destination (for example, IP address) of the logical node that provides the first function of the network service is transmitted to the BSS / OSS 10.

When the BSS / OSS 10 receives the address information, the BSS / OSS 10 notifies the SSF 70 of the address information. The SSF 70 is a server device that can communicate with the eNodeB (eNB) 80 that is a base station device, and when a service request is made to the eNB 80 together with the network service ID from the UE 90 that is a service user, The network service ID received from the UE 90 is notified. In addition, SSF70 may be implement | achieved as integral with eNB80, and may be implement | achieved as integral with other apparatuses, such as MME (Mobility Management Entity).

When the SSF 70 receives the network service ID from the eNB 80, the destination information of the logical node that provides the first function of the network service of the address information corresponding to the network service ID received from the eNB 80 among the address information stored in the SSF 70 is set to the eNB 80. Send to. The eNB 80 notifies the destination information to the UE 90. Thereby, UE90 can specify the destination accessed first, in order to utilize a network service.

As described above, the SSF 70 holds information on logical nodes that provide network service functions. In other words, the SSF 70 holds information that identifies services that can be handled for each logical node. Although details will be described later, the SSF 70 has a function of providing this information based on an inquiry from another logical node.

Here, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a technical problem in the core network N1 configured by each node of the slice generated by the system 1 according to the present embodiment and other devices will be described. The core network N1 refers to a core network when the UE 90 communicates and uses a service.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the core network N1 including the slice constructed in the system 1, the UE 90 passes through the eNB 80 corresponding to the position of the UE 90 and the first SM 212 related to the service S1 provided in the slice SL1. By performing communication with the service server 101, the service S1 provided by the service server 101 can be used. At this time, a communication path for transmitting and receiving user data related to the UE 90 is provided between the eNB 80 and the first UP 212. That is, the first UP 212 functions as a control node in the slice SL1. In addition, a control signal for performing processing related to establishment and disconnection of a communication path between the eNB 80 and the first UP 212 is transmitted / received via the CCNF 301 and the first SM 211.

Further, the UE 90 uses the service S2 provided by the service server 102 by performing communication with the service server 102 via the eNB 80 and the second UP 222 related to the service S2 provided in the slice SL2. be able to. At this time, a communication path for transmitting and receiving user data related to the UE 90 is provided between the eNB 80 and the second UP 222. That is, the second UP 222 functions as a control node in the slice SL2. In addition, a control signal for performing processing relating to establishment and disconnection of a communication path between the eNB 80 and the second UP 222 is transmitted / received via the CCNF 301 and the second SM 221.

In this way, the UE 90 provides a communication path between the slices (slice SL1 and slice SL2 in FIG. 2) corresponding to the two services via the eNB 80 having jurisdiction over the area in which the UE 90 is located. Communication using two slices is possible.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, for some reason, the UE 90 needs to change the slice in which communication is performed to use the service, or the communication path between the slice and the UE 90 needs to be changed. To do. There are several possibilities for the UE 90 to make the above changes. However, the context information related to the UE 90 may change (for example, change of the base station or sector to which the UE 90 belongs, change in moving speed due to getting on the vehicle, etc., It may be necessary to change the communication path or the slice of the other party that provides the communication path with intrusion, surrounding congestion information, and the like. For example, when the UE 90 moves across the communication area, that is, when the eNB accessed by the UE 90 is changed by changing the position information, the communication path provided between the eNB before the movement and the slice needs to be changed. Occurs.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which the UE 90 moves across the service providing area. In FIG. 4, first, as a premise, the UE 90 performs communication that specifies APN # 1, so that services corresponding to two service types, Type A (Service Type #A) and Type B (Service Type #B) are provided. In this example, A (Service #A) and Service B (Service #B) are provided. The service type (Service Type) is information used when selecting a node based on service request conditions, and is also expressed as Slice Type, DNN, or APN. In the present embodiment, type A and type B corresponding to service A and service B are used. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the UE 90 performs communication by specifying APN # 1 (Access Point Name).

FIG. 4 shows a state where the UE 90 before moving is communicating with the first eNB 81. In the state before the UE 90 moves, the communication path related to the UE 90 is provided for the slice SL1 and the slice SL2 under the control of the CCNF 301. That is, the communication path is provided between the UE 90 and the first UP 212 that is a node related to type A provided in the slice SL1 under the control of the CCNF 301. As a result, the UE 90 can use the service A provided by the node according to type A including the first UP 212. In addition, the communication path is provided between the UE 90 and the second UP 222 that is a node related to the type B provided in the slice SL2 under the control of the CCNF 301. As a result, the UE 90 can use the service B provided by the node according to the type B including the second UP 222. In addition, “MM”, “AU (Authentication & Authorization)”, and “NSSF (NW Slice Selection Function)” in the CCNF 301 indicate functions included in the CCNF 301 and correspond to the NextGen architecture. .

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the UE 90 after moving communicates with the second eNB 82 different from the first eNB 81. It is assumed that the area managed by the second eNB 82 is an area managed by a CCNF 302 different from the CCNF 301. Here, in order for the UE 90 after the movement to use the service A and the service B as before the movement, it is necessary to provide a communication path between the nodes related to the type A and the type B as before the movement. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the UE 90 needs to provide a communication path for the slice SL3 and the slice SL4 under the control of the CCNF 302. Specifically, the UE 90 is a node related to the type B provided in the slice SL4 and between the third UP 232 that is a node related to the type A provided in the slice SL3 and controlled by the CCNF 302. It is necessary to provide a communication path with 3UP232.

In FIG. 4, “Tenant ID” is described. This “Tenant ID” is supplementary information for defining a slice, and may be expressed as Customer ID, Client ID, DCN ID, Enterprise ID, or Slice Differentiator. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the UE 90 specified by Tenant 1 performs communication by accessing a slice having the same Tenant ID. Note that this information need not be used in the communication control method of the present embodiment.

As described above, in order to receive the same service (in this case, service A and service B) as before moving after the UE 90 moves in the area, a slice to be provided with a communication path for transmitting and receiving user data is selected. May need to be changed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the CCNF that controls the establishment and disconnection of the communication path related to the UE 90 is also changed as the base station apparatus with which the UE 90 communicates is changed from the first eNB 81 to the second eNB 82. become. In the following embodiment, when the UE 90 is communicating with a plurality of slices, due to some circumstances, the change of the slice with which the UE 90 is communicating in order to use the service, or a plurality of slices A process when it becomes necessary to change the communication path provided between the UE 90 and the UE 90 will be described. The following embodiment demonstrates the case where a communication path is changed, continuing the state which UE90 uses a service. The phrase “while the UE 90 continues to use the service” means that the communication path continues to be in the connected mode. To achieve this, for each communication path provided for control nodes of multiple slices, change the communication path while providing a state where the communication path before the change and the communication path after the change are compatible. Perform this process.

The processing related to the change of the communication path of the UE 90 is executed mainly by the

CCNFs

301 and 302. That is, the

CCNFs

301 and 302 function as a communication control device that controls the communication path related to the UE 90. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the

CCNFs

301 and 302 include a change request acquisition unit 310, a determination unit 320, a communication processing unit 330, and a control information storage unit 340.

The change request acquisition unit 310 has a function of acquiring a request relating to a change in the communication path. When the communication path related to the UE 90 is changed as the UE 90 moves, the request related to the change of the communication path is transmitted from the eNB accessed by the UE 90. In addition, a request for changing the communication path may be transmitted from another CCNF. The request relating to the change of the communication path acquired by the change request acquisition unit 310 includes information for specifying the destination area of the UE 90 (that is, position information indicating the position of the destination of the UE 90) and the moving speed of the UE 90. Information and information for specifying a service type as information related to a service used by the UE 90 are included. The information relating to the moving speed of the UE 90 is information indicating at what speed the UE 90 is moving across the area. When the change request acquisition unit 310 acquires a request related to the change of the communication path, information included in the request is sent to the determination unit 320.

The determination unit 320 determines whether the own device performs processing related to establishment and disconnection of the communication path related to the target UE 90 or another CCNF different from the own device. Specifically, with reference to information specifying the destination area among the information transmitted from the UE 90, it is determined whether or not the area specified by the information is an area under the control of the eNB under its own device. To do. When the destination area of the UE 90 is not an area managed by the eNB under its control, a CCNF different from that of the own apparatus performs control related to the communication path of the UE 90. Therefore, based on the information stored in the control information storage unit 340, it is determined to which CCNF the instruction related to the change of the communication path of the UE 90 is transmitted. Further, processing by the communication processing unit 330 is performed based on the determination result in the determination unit 320.

When it is determined by the determination unit 320 that the UE 90 changes the communication path between eNBs under its control, the communication processing unit 330 determines the communication path of the UE 90 based on the request related to the change of the communication path. Process related to change. In addition, when the device that performs processing related to the change of the communication path of the UE 90 is changed to a CCNF different from the own device, the signal that requests the CCNF that is the change destination to perform processing related to the change of the communication path related to the UE 90 Send. At this time, the information transmitted to the CCNF to be changed includes information corresponding to the communication path change request from the UE 90 transmitted from the eNB 80. Furthermore, the UE 90 may move from an eNB under the control of another CCNF to an eNB under the control of the own device. In that case, a signal requesting processing related to the change of the communication path related to the UE 90 transmitted from another CCNF is received, and processing is performed based on the instruction. Details of the processing by the communication processing unit 330 will be described later.

The control information storage unit 340 stores information as specifically illustrated in FIG. 6 as information used for determination by the determination unit 320 regarding the change of the communication path of the UE 90. FIG. 6A shows information for specifying a CCNF to be a new access destination when the CCNF for controlling the communication path of the UE 90 is changed to a CCNF different from the own device. That is, in the information illustrated in FIG. 6A, information for specifying the area where the UE 90 stays is associated with information for specifying the CCNF that controls the communication path related to the UE 90 corresponding to the area. Therefore, when information identifying the area to which the UE 90 is moving is included in the information illustrated in FIG. 6A, the determination unit 320 changes the CCNF that performs control related to the communication path of the UE 90 from its own device. Judge that it is necessary to do. On the other hand, when the information for specifying the area to which the UE 90 is moving is not included in the information illustrated in FIG. 6A, the determination unit 320 maintains the CCNF that performs control related to the communication path of the UE 90 as its own device. And decide not to change.

In addition, when determining CCNF which performs control which concerns on the communication path of UE90 based on the information which concerns on the moving speed of UE90 (it is determined whether it is performed by an own apparatus), it shows to FIG. 6 (A) Information related to the moving speed of the UE 90 is further associated with the information.

FIG. 6B shows the change destination of SM and / or UP according to the movement destination area of UE 90 when CCNF that performs control related to the communication path related to UE 90 is left as it is (not changed). It is an example of the information shown. When the device itself performs processing related to establishment and disconnection of the communication path without changing the CCNF, the processing is performed with reference to information as shown in FIG. Although the details about the procedure when the device itself performs processing related to the establishment and disconnection of the communication path related to the UE 90 are omitted, the same procedure as that for switching the normal communication path can be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server (for example, a server that configures the CCNFs 301 and 302) that realizes the function of each node that executes the processing according to the present embodiment. The server described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

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

Each function in the server is performed by reading predetermined software (program) on hardware such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, so that the processor 1001 performs an operation to perform communication by the communication device 1004 and data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003. This is realized by controlling reading and / or writing.

The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by operating an operating system, for example. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, and the like. For example, the communication processing unit 330 or the like in the CCNF 301 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

Further, the processor 1001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, and data from the storage 1003 and / or the communication device 1004 to the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to these. As the program, a program that causes a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiments is used. For example, the above-described communication processing unit 330 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001, and may be realized similarly for other functional blocks. Although the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. Note that the program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunication line.

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

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

The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and / or wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like. For example, the change request acquisition unit 310 and the communication processing unit 330 described above may be realized by the communication device 1004.

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

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

The CCNF 301 includes hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these hardware.

Next, specific processing (communication control method) for changing the communication path related to the UE 90 in the system 1 including the

CCNFs

301 and 302 will be described. As a premise, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a communication path related to UE 90 is provided for two slices. Then, it is assumed that the UE 90 moves from the area managed by the first eNB 81 to the area managed by the second eNB 82. A specific procedure in this case will be described.

First, transmission and reception of signals related to handover are performed between the UE 90, the first eNB 81 before the UE 90 moves, and the second eNB 82 that is the movement destination (S01). Next, the first eNB 81 transmits a handover request, that is, a signal for making a request for changing the communication path, to the CCNF 301 (Handover Request: S02: change request acquisition step). The request signal related to the change of the communication path includes information (Target TAI) indicating the movement destination area of the UE 90 in addition to the information specifying the UE 90. The request signal related to the change of the communication path includes information on the communication path provided for the communication of the UE 90 (for example, information specifying the service type), information on the moving speed of the UE 90, and the like. It may be.

When the change request acquisition unit 310 of the CCNF 301 receives a request from the first eNB 81 (change request acquisition step), the determination unit 320 uses the information indicating the area of the movement destination of the UE 90 included in the request related to the change of the communication path. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the eNB under its control moves to an area under its control, that is, whether or not the device that performs communication control of the UE 90 is changed from its own device to another CCNF. (S20: Determination step). In the present embodiment, the determination unit 320 includes information indicating the movement destination area of the UE 90 included in the request related to the change of the communication path, and information stored in the control information storage unit 340 (FIG. 6A). Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the device that performs communication control of the UE 90 is changed from the own device to another CCNF. When the determination unit 320 determines that the device that performs communication control of E90 is changed from the own device to another CCNF, the following processing illustrated in FIG. 8 is performed. In addition, when the determination unit 320 determines that the UE 90 moves to an area managed by the eNB under its own device, that is, regarding the UE 90, the device that performs communication control of the UE 90 is not changed from its own device to another CCNF. In this case, processing related to handover within the own apparatus is performed.

When the determination unit 320 determines that the device that performs communication control of the UE 90 is changed from its own device to another CCNF, the determination unit 320 further determines the CCNF of the change destination from the information stored in the control information storage unit 340. Identify. Here, it is assumed that the UE 90 can be identified as moving to an area managed by an eNB under the CCNF 302. In this case, the communication processing unit 330 of the CCNF 301 transmits a signal requesting the change of the communication path to the CCNF 302 based on these pieces of information (Forward Relocation Request: S03: communication processing step). In addition to information for specifying the UE 90, information on the movement speed of the UE 90 (UE context), information for specifying the destination area of the UE 90 (Target TAI), and the UE 90 access the instruction regarding the change of the communication path addressed to the CCNF 302. The tenant ID related to the slice and the service type (Service Type A, Service Type B) as information for specifying the communication path to be changed are included. The information included in the signal for requesting the change of the communication path from the CCNF 301 to the CCNF 302 is basically based on the information transmitted from the first eNB 81 to the CCNF 301, but if necessary, for example, an HLR / HSS (Home Location Register) / Home Subscriber Server) and other servers that manage subscriber data may be inquired.

The change request acquisition unit 310 of the CCNF 302 acquires an instruction regarding the change of the communication path from the CCNF 301 (change request acquisition step). The determination unit 320 of the CCNF 302 performs processing for changing the communication path in its own device based on information stored in the control information storage unit 340 (see FIG. 6B) based on an instruction from the CCNF 301. Is confirmed (judgment step). And based on the result, the communication process part 330 performs the process which concerns on establishment of the communication path which concerns on UE90.

Specifically, the communication processing unit 330 of the CCNF 302 first starts processing related to the establishment of the first communication path (S04: communication processing step). Specifically, a session creation request (Create Session Request) is made to the third SM 231 and the third UP 232 via the third SM 231. Then, a response (Create Session Response) from the third SM 231 and the third UP 232 is acquired. As a result, the ID (UL TU-1 and UP1 # 2 ID) related to the bearer for accessing the node related to the service type A provided in the slice SL3 (see FIG. 4) can be acquired.

Next, the communication processing unit 330 starts processing related to establishment of the second communication path (S05: communication processing step). The procedure is the same as in the case of the service type B, and a request for creating a session (Create Session Request) is made to the fourth SM 241 via the fourth SM 241 and the fourth SM 241. Then, a response (Create Session Response) from the fourth SM 241 and the fourth UP 242 is acquired. As a result, the ID (UL TU-2 and UP2 # 2 ID) related to the bearer for accessing the node related to the service type B provided in the slice SL4 (see FIG. 4) can be acquired.

It should be noted that the order of processing (S04, S05) regarding the establishment of two communication paths can be changed.

Thereafter, the communication processing unit 330 of the CCNF 302 transmits a handover request to the second eNB 82 (Handover Request: S06). At this time, an ID (E-RAB ID: E-UTRAN Radio Access Bearer ID) of a radio access bearer for providing two communication paths is transmitted to the second eNB 82. In response to this, the second eNB 82 replies that the information has been received (Handover Request Acknowledgment).

Next, the CCNF 302 notifies the CCNF 301 that preparation processing related to the handover of the UE 90 has been performed (Forward Relocation Response: S07). Based on the notification from the CCNF 302, the CCNF 301 instructs the first eNB 81 to perform the handover of the UE 90 (Handover Command: S07). The first eNB 81 notifies the UE 90 to change the access destination to the second eNB 82 (Handover Confirm: S08). Based on the notification from the first eN 81, the UE 90 starts transmitting user data to the second eNB 82 (UL User Plane Data: S09). Through the above processing, user data can be transmitted from the UE 90 to the third UP 232 and the fourth UP 242 provided in the slice SL4 via the second eNB 82 (S21).

Thereafter, processing for enabling data transmission to the UE 90 from the slice SL3 and the slice SL4 side is performed. The second eNB 82 transmits a signal notifying that the handover of the UE 90 has been performed to the CCNF 302 (HO Notify: S10). The CCNF 302 notifies the CCNF 301 that the process related to the location change of the UE 90 has been completed (Forward Relocation Complete Notification: S11), and the CCNF 301 responds to this (Forward Relocation Complete ACK: S12). Next, the CCNF 302 performs processing related to bearer creation with the third SM 231 (Modify Bearer Request / Response: S13). Similarly, the CCNF 302 also performs processing related to bearer creation with the fourth SM 241 (Modify Bearer Request / Response: S14). As a result, user data can be transmitted to the UE 90 from the slice SL3 and the slice SL4 side (S22). In addition, the process for enabling data transmission to the UE 90 from the slice SL3 and the slice SL4 side is the same as the known bearer creation process. Note that the transmission order (S13, S14) of the bearer creation instruction can be changed.

As a subsequent process, a known process described in 3GPP TS 23.401 is performed, whereby the handover process related to the UE 90 is completed. The subsequent processing includes communication path disconnection processing provided for the slice SL1 and the slice SL2. Therefore, in the subsequent processing, until the slice SL1 and the slice SL2 are disconnected, a situation is formed in which there are a communication path used before the UE 90 moves and a communication path used after the UE 90 moves.

As described above, according to the communication control apparatus and the communication control method according to the present embodiment, when the CCNF 301 acquires the change request related to the change of the communication path related to the UE 90 that is the user terminal, the change request includes If it is determined from the position information indicating the movement destination of the UE 90 that the processing related to the change of the communication path of the UE 90 is performed by a CCNF different from the own device, the CCNF different from the own device (CCNF 302 in the present embodiment) A change request related to the change of the communication path related to the UE 90 is transmitted. And in CCNF302 which received the change request, when it determines with performing the process which concerns on the change of the communication path of UE90 by an own apparatus, the process which concerns on the change of a communication path is performed. For this reason, even if it is a movement of the user terminal (UE) which requires the change of a communication control apparatus (CCNF), it becomes possible to change the some communication path provided between slices. In the case of the present embodiment, it is realized that a communication path provided between a plurality of different slices and a user terminal is changed while using services assigned to the plurality of slices.

Further, when CCNF 301 obtains a change request related to a change of a communication path related to UE 90 that is a user terminal, position information indicating a destination of UE 90 included in the change request, information related to a moving speed of the user terminal, If the configuration is such that the CCNF for performing the process related to the change in the communication path of the UE 90 is determined, the process related to the change in the communication path in consideration of the moving speed of the UE 90 can be executed.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which information for specifying the movement destination area of the UE 90 is used as the position information of the movement destination of the UE 90 included in the change request related to the change of the communication path. It is good also as a structure which uses the information (for example, information which specifies the area | region smaller than the area of the movement destination of UE90) different from the information which identifies the area of this as position information of the movement destination of UE90. In this case, the control information storage unit 340 is configured to store information corresponding to the location information of the destination of the UE 90, so that the determination unit 320 of the CCNF 301 can appropriately select the information based on the location information of the destination of the UE 90. Judgment can be made.

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

The notification of information is not limited to the aspect / embodiment described in this specification, and may be performed by other methods. For example, notification of information includes physical layer signaling (for example, DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (for example, RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling), It may be implemented by broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or a combination thereof. The RRC signaling may be called an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC connection setup message, an RRC connection reconfiguration message, or the like.

Each aspect / embodiment described in this specification includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G, 5G, FRA (Future Radio Access), W-CDMA. (Registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) , Bluetooth (registered trademark), systems using other appropriate systems, and / or next-generation systems extended based on them may be applied.

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

The specific operation that is performed by a specific device in this specification may be performed by the upper node in some cases. For example, when a specific device is a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal in a network including one or more network nodes having the base station are as follows: Obviously, it may be performed by the base station and / or other network nodes other than the base station. Although the case where there is one network node other than the base station in the above is illustrated, a combination of a plurality of other network nodes may be used.

Information etc. can be output from the upper layer (or lower layer) to the lower layer (or upper layer). Input / output may be performed via a plurality of network nodes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note that the terms described in this specification and / or terms necessary for understanding this specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meaning. For example, the signal may be a message.

The terms “system” and “network” used in this specification are used interchangeably.

In addition, information, parameters, and the like described in this specification may be represented by absolute values, may be represented by relative values from a predetermined value, or may be represented by other corresponding information. . For example, the radio resource may be indicated by an index.

The names used for the above parameters are not limited in any way. Further, mathematical formulas and the like that use these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed herein. Since various channels (eg, PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements (eg, TPC, etc.) can be identified by any suitable name, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are However, it is not limited.

The base station can accommodate one or a plurality of (for example, three) cells (also called sectors). When the base station accommodates a plurality of cells, the entire coverage area of the base station can be divided into a plurality of smaller areas, and each smaller area can be divided into a base station subsystem (for example, an indoor small base station RRH: Remote). A communication service can also be provided by Radio Head). The term “cell” or “sector” refers to part or all of the coverage area of a base station and / or base station subsystem that provides communication services in this coverage. Further, the terms “base station”, “eNB”, “cell”, and “sector” may be used interchangeably herein. A base station may also be referred to in terms such as a fixed station, NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), access point, femtocell, and small cell.

User terminals can be obtained by those skilled in the art from subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless It may also be called terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate terminology.

As used herein, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Judgment”, “decision” can be, for example, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (eg, table, database or another (Searching in the data structure), and confirming (ascertaining) what has been confirmed may be considered as “determining” or “determining”. In addition, “determination” and “determination” include receiving (for example, receiving information), transmitting (for example, transmitting information), input (input), output (output), and access. (accessing) (e.g., accessing data in a memory) may be considered as "determined" or "determined". In addition, “determination” and “decision” means that “resolving”, “selecting”, “choosing”, “establishing”, and “comparing” are regarded as “determining” and “deciding”. May be included. In other words, “determination” and “determination” may include considering some operation as “determination” and “determination”.

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

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

In the present specification, when a designation such as “first” or “second” is used, any reference to the element does not generally limit the quantity or order of the elements. These designations can be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed there, or that in some way the first element must precede the second element.

These terms are similar to the term “comprising” as long as “include”, “including” and variations thereof are used herein or in the claims. It is intended to be comprehensive. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein or in the claims is not intended to be an exclusive OR.

In this specification, unless there is only one device that is clearly present in context or technically, a plurality of devices are also included.

In the whole of the present disclosure, a plural is included unless it is clearly indicated by a context.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 80 ... eNB, 81 ... 1st eNB, 82 ... 2nd eNB, 90 ... UE, 211 ... 1st SM, 221 ... 2nd SM, 231 ... 3rd SM, 241 ... 4th SM, 212 ... 1st UP, 222 ... 2nd UP, 232 ... 3rd UP, 242 ... 4th UP, 301, 302 ... CCNF, 310 ... Change request acquisition unit, 320 ... Determination unit, 330 ... Communication processing unit, 340 ... Control information storage unit, SL1-SL4 ... Slice.

Claims

Communication control for providing communication paths to control nodes in one or a plurality of slices that are virtualized networks generated on a network infrastructure, and performing communication control related to user terminals that transmit and receive user data via the communication paths A device,
A control information storage unit that stores information specifying a communication control device that performs communication control related to the user terminal in association with position information indicating a position where the user terminal stays;
A change request acquisition unit that acquires a change request related to a change in the communication path related to the user terminal, including position information indicating a destination of the user terminal;
The change request is based on the location information of the destination of the user terminal included in the information included in the change request acquired by the change request acquisition unit and the information stored in the control information storage unit. A determination unit that determines whether to perform the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal in the own device or in a communication control device different from the own device;
When it is determined by the determination unit that the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal is performed by the own device, the process related to the change is performed for each of the plurality of communication paths provided for the control node. And when it is determined that the process related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal is performed by a communication control device different from the own device, the own device specified based on the information stored in the control information storage unit A communication processing unit that transmits a change request related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal to a communication control device different from the device;
A communication control device.
The control information storage unit relates to the user terminal in association with position information indicating a position where the user terminal stays and information related to a moving speed of the user terminal existing at the position specified by the position information. Stores information for identifying a communication control device that performs communication control,
The change request acquisition unit acquires a change request related to a change in the communication path related to the user terminal, including location information of a destination of the user terminal and information related to a moving speed of the user terminal,
In the control information storage unit, the determination unit includes position information of a destination of the user terminal and information on a moving speed of the user terminal included in the information included in the change request acquired by the change request acquisition unit. The method according to claim 1, wherein based on the stored information, it is determined whether the processing related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal related to the change request is performed by the own device or a communication control device different from the own device The communication control device described.
Communication control for providing communication paths to control nodes in one or a plurality of slices that are virtualized networks generated on a network infrastructure, and performing communication control related to user terminals that transmit and receive user data via the communication paths A communication control method by a device,
Change request acquisition step of acquiring a change request related to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal,
Communication control different from that of the own device for processing related to the change of the communication path of the user terminal related to the change request from the position information indicating the movement destination of the user terminal included in the change request acquired in the change request acquisition step A communication processing step of transmitting a change request relating to the change of the communication path related to the user terminal to a communication control apparatus different from the own apparatus when it is determined whether or not to perform in the apparatus;
A communication control method.