WO2019035451A1

WO2019035451A1 - Communication control method and communication control device

Info

Publication number: WO2019035451A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/030229
Authority: WO
Inventors: 拓也下城; スリサクルタコルスリ; マラレディサマ
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ
Priority date: 2017-08-14
Filing date: 2018-08-13
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Also published as: JP2020194989A

Abstract

This communication control method using this communication control device (AMF) (10) performs communication control pertaining to user terminals (UE) (60) which transmit/receive user data to a plurality of communication nodes (UPF) respectively provided with communication paths. The communication control method includes: a change request acquisition step for acquiring a change request of the plurality of communication paths; a change instruction transmission step for transmitting a change instruction signal to a plurality of control nodes (SMF) which individually control the plurality of communication nodes provided with communication paths; a wait step for waiting, for a prescribed wait time, for a response signal from the control nodes to which a change instruction signal was transmitted; and a communication path change step for, on the basis of the response signal received during the wait step from the control node, completing processing pertaining to a change of the communication path provided to the communication node controlled by the control node.

Description

Communication control method and communication control apparatus

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

In 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), which is a standardization project for mobile communication systems, standardization of the architecture of a next-generation mobile communication system (NextGen) is in progress. In the next-generation system, it is assumed that one terminal establishes a communication path with a plurality of UPFs (User Plane Functions). In Non-Patent Document 1, handover when one user terminal (UE: User Equipment) is connected to a plurality of SMFs and UPFs, that is, a method of switching a communication path accompanying a change of a connection destination base station apparatus, etc. Is also being considered. In the method described in Non-Patent Document 1, when the user terminal performs a handover, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) that manages UPF and SMF (Session Management Function) processes the handover to the SMF. To indicate. Then, after the SMF communicates with the UPF for handover, the SMF responds to the AMF. AMF is shown to continue processing based on the response from SMF.

Here, assuming that the user terminal has provided a plurality of communication paths with each of the plurality of UPFs, the processing relating to the switching of the communication paths is performed for each of the plurality of communication paths. Therefore, the AMF instructs the processing related to the switching of the communication path to each of the plurality of SMFs corresponding to the plurality of UPFs. Further, it is assumed that the AMF continues processing after confirming all responses from each of the plurality of SMFs.

However, it is not assumed that there is no response from part of a plurality of SMFs, and in AMF that functions as a communication control apparatus that performs control related to switching of the communication path, processing related to switching of the communication path of the user terminal May not be done properly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a communication control method and communication capable of appropriately switching a communication path of a user terminal even when the user terminal is provided with a plurality of communication paths It aims at providing a control device.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a user terminal that transmits and receives user data via a plurality of communication paths by providing communication paths for a plurality of communication nodes. A communication control method by a communication control apparatus that performs communication control, the change request acquiring step acquiring a change request requesting change of a plurality of communication paths related to the user terminal, and acquired in the change request acquiring step A change instruction signal for instructing processing related to the change of the communication path to a plurality of control nodes individually controlling the plurality of communication nodes provided with the communication path based on the change request And transmitting a change instruction signal in the change instruction transmission step and waiting for a predetermined waiting time for a response signal from the control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal. Complete the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the standby step and the response signal from the control node received during the standby step And a communication path changing step.

Further, the communication control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention performs communication control related to a user terminal that transmits and receives user data through a plurality of communication paths by providing communication paths for a plurality of communication nodes. A communication control apparatus, comprising: a change request acquisition unit acquiring a change request for requesting a change of the plurality of communication paths relating to the user terminal; and the change request acquired based on the change request acquisition unit. A change instruction transmission unit that transmits a change instruction signal that instructs a process related to a change in the communication path to a plurality of control nodes that individually control a plurality of communication nodes provided with a communication path, and the change instruction transmission A timer management unit for performing control to wait for a predetermined waiting time for reception of a response signal from the control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal in a control unit; Communication path change for completing the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the response signal from the control node received during the standby time Part.

According to the above communication control method and communication control apparatus, the plurality of communication nodes individually provided with the communication path are controlled based on the change request for changing the plurality of communication paths relating to the user terminal. After transmitting a change instruction signal instructing the control node to perform processing related to the change of the communication path, the control node waits for reception of a response signal from the control node for a predetermined time, and from the control node received during the waiting time The process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node is completed based on the response signal of. Therefore, even if there is a control node which can not receive the response signal during the waiting time in the communication control device among a plurality of control nodes, the response is made without waiting for reception of the response signal even after the waiting time has elapsed. The processing related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node that has received the signal can be completed. Therefore, even when a plurality of communication paths are provided between the user terminal and the plurality of communication nodes, it is possible to appropriately switch the communication path of the user terminal.

According to the present invention, there are provided a communication control method and a communication control apparatus capable of appropriately switching the communication path of the user terminal even when the user terminal is provided with a plurality of communication paths.

It is a figure explaining the communication system containing AMF which functions as a communication control device. It is a figure explaining the function of AMF. It is a sequence diagram explaining the communication control method by a communication system. It is a sequence diagram explaining a series of processes in case a UE provides a communication path between 1st UPF. It is a figure explaining the example of the signal at the time of 2nd SMF notifying timer time to AMF. It is a figure explaining the hardware constitutions of AMF.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the schematic configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication system 1 including an AMF 10 which functions as a communication control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the function of the AMF 10 functioning as a communication control device.

A communication system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system for providing network service by data communication to a UE (User Equipment: user terminal) 60 which is a terminal device used by a user, in accordance with the definition in the architecture of NextGen. It is. The network service refers to a service using network resources such as communication service (exclusive line service etc.) and application service (moving image distribution, service using a sensor device such as an embedded device). In addition, some of the nodes included in the communication system 1 are provided on one or more slices that are virtualized networks that are logically generated on the network infrastructure. A slice is a virtualized network or service network logically created on the network infrastructure by virtually separating the link of the network device and the resources of the node and combining the separated resources, and the slices are resources They are separated and do not interfere with each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 10, eNBs (eNodeBs) 21 and 22 (base station apparatus), a first SMF (Session Management Function) 31, a second SMF 32, and a first UPF A user plane function 41 and a second UPF 42 are included. The first UPF 41 can communicate with the V2X Server 51, which is a service server. The second UPF 42 is also communicable with the eMMB Server 52, which is also a service server. UE60 is implement | achieved by the terminal device which has a communication function, such as a smart phone or a tablet, for example. In FIG. 1, “first SMF” is indicated as “SMF 1” and “second SMF” is indicated as “SMF 2”. Similarly, “first UPF” is indicated as “UPF1” and “second UPF” is indicated as “UPF2”. Also, two eNBs are shown as “eNB1” and “eNB2”.

The eNBs 21 and 22 are base station apparatuses for the UE 60 to perform communication connection by wireless communication. The eNBs 21 and 22 are respectively included in RAN (Regional Area Network) which is an access network used when the UE 60 performs communication connection. The areas covered by the eNBs 21 and 22 are respectively set, and the UE 60 can perform data communication using the communication system 1 by updating with the eNB of the area corresponding to the position of the own apparatus.

The first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42 are communication nodes that respectively configure slices and transmit and receive user data with the UE 60.

The first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 are control nodes that form slices together with the first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42 and perform communication control on the first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the first SMF 31 and the first UPF 41 form a pair, and the second SMF 32 and the second UPF 42 form a pair, but one SMF performs communication control related to a plurality of UPFs. In some cases.

In the present embodiment, the first SMF 31 and the first UPF 41 are provided on the same slice SL1, and the second SMF 32 and the second UPF 42 are provided on the same slice SL2. Accordingly, the UE 60 can communicate with the slice SL1 or the slice SL2 via the eNB (eNB21 or eNB22).

The AMF 10 is a slice connection server that performs communication connection control between the slice and the UE 60. The AMF 10 has a function as a communication control device in the communication system 1 described in the present embodiment.

The V2X (vehicle to X) Server 51 and the eMMB Server 52 are both service servers for providing specific services. Although the service server is provided according to the type of service to be provided, FIG. 1 shows the above two service servers as an example.

In the communication system 1, as described above, the network service is provided to the UE 60 by assigning the service to a slice which is a virtualization network.

Network slice control technology based on slice selection technology using DCN (Dedicated Core Network) and virtualization technology such as NFV (Network Function Virtualisation) / SDN (Software Defined Network) for creation and management of slices for each service Can be realized using

The slice control architecture utilizing NFV and SDN consists of a physical / virtual resource layer that composes a network such as a physical server and transport switch, and a network slice that has the necessary function set for providing services on physical / virtual resources. The configuration includes a virtual network layer to be configured, and a service instance layer that is the highest layer and manages service instances provided to end users. The physical / virtual resource layer is managed by, for example, a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIN) including an SDN-C (SDN controller). Also, the virtual network layer is managed by, for example, VNFM (Virtual Network Function Manager) and NFVO (NFV Orchestrator) for each network slice. Also, requirements of service instances in the service instance layer are monitored and guaranteed by an OSS / BSS (Operation Support System / Business Support System).

Physical / virtual resource layer allocation is performed by slicing of the network by SDN-C and slicing of server resources by VIM, and a function set is arranged on the allocated resource slices by VNGFM and NFVO. The OSS / BSS monitors the network slice created in this way. As a result, slices corresponding to the service are created and managed.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that different network services are provided in slices SL1 and SL2 which are independent of each other. Note that the same network service may be provided in a plurality of slices. Also, the configuration may include nodes that provide different network services for one slice. Further, by changing the definition of the slices SL1 and SL2, each slice SL1 and SL2 may be configured to include nodes different from the SMF and the UPF.

Here, technical problems in the conventional communication system will be described with reference to FIG. In the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the UE 60 is connected to a plurality of slices SL1 and SL2 to use a plurality of network services. Specifically, the UE 60 establishes a communication path R1 (bearer) with the first UPF 41 of the slice SL1 via the eNB 21, and performs data communication with the V2X Server 51. Further, a communication path R2 (bearer) is provided between the second UPF 42 of the slice SL2 via the eNB 21 and data communication is performed with the eMMB server 52.

Here, it is assumed that the UE 60 moves and the eNB with which the UE 60 performs communication connection is changed from eNB21 to eNB22. In this case, the communication path when the UE 60 uses the network service also needs to be changed from the communication paths R1 and R2 via the eNB 21 to the communication path via the eNB 22. Therefore, the eNB 22 transmits, to the AMF 10 that performs communication connection control between the slice and the UE 60, a Path Switch Request that requests a process of handover accompanying the movement of the UE 60. In FIG. 1, this request is shown as "1. Path Switch".

Since the AMF 10 that has received the request for the handover process needs to switch the communication channels R1 and R2 related to the UE 60, the first SMF 31 that performs communication control related to the first UPF 41 provided with the communication channel R1 and the communication channel A Path Switch Request for requesting a handover process is transmitted to the second SMF 32 that performs communication control related to the second UPF 42 in which R2 is provided. In FIG. 1, this request is shown as "2. Path Switch" and "3. Path Switch". In the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32, by performing communication with the UPF based on these instructions, after performing the desired processing in the first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42, processing corresponding to the request is performed on the AMF 10 Send a response signal (ACK) to notify that. In the AMF 10, when receiving the responses from the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 corresponding to the communication paths R1 and R2 related to the UE 60, the AMF 10 performs processing of the latter stage, that is, a response to the eNB 22. This is the conventional handover process.

Here, it is assumed that the second SMF 32 sends a response signal (ACK) to the AMF 10 for some reason such as a failure. In this case, in the AMF 10, as shown in FIG. 1, although the response signal from the first SMF 31 has been received, the response signal from the second SMF 32 can not be received. In the processing of the conventional handover, the processing of the latter stage is performed on the premise that the AMF 10 receives all the response signals from the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 corresponding to the communication paths R1 and R2 related to the UE 60. Therefore, as described above, when a state in which the response signal from the second SMF 32 can not be received occurs, the subsequent processing by the AMF 10 is not executed. Therefore, according to the conventional handover process, even when the response signal from the first SMF 31 is received in the AMF 10, when the response signal from the second SMF 32 is not received, both of the communication paths R1 and R2 are A situation occurs in which no handover is performed. That is, there is a possibility that the processing relating to the handover may not be appropriately performed even for the first SMF 31 and the first UPF 41 that should be operating normally.

Therefore, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the AMF 10 waits for reception of response signals from a plurality of SMFs using a timer for a predetermined time, and based on the response signals from the SMF received within the standby time, It is characterized by performing processing. With such a configuration, it is possible to execute the process related to the handover in the latter stage for the one in which the response signal from the SMF is appropriately transmitted and received by the AMF 10. On the other hand, with regard to the communication path provided in the UPF controlled by the SMF controlled by the AMF 10, which can not confirm the response signal, the processing in the latter stage related to the handover can not be performed. Therefore, while processing related to handover is performed for communication paths related to SMF and UPF that are operating normally, processing related to handover is performed for communication paths related to SMF and UPF that may not operate normally. When the UE 60 is provided with a plurality of communication paths so as not to perform it, it is possible to appropriately perform the handover related to each communication path.

In order to realize such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the AMF 10 includes a communication unit 11 (a change request acquisition unit, a change instruction transmission unit), and a communication path change processing unit 12 (a change instruction transmission unit, a change process). Unit, a timer management unit 13, and a timer information holding unit 14.

The communication unit 11 has a communication function for performing communication connection control between the slice and the UE 60. Therefore, a function as a change request acquisition unit that acquires a change request related to a change in the communication path of the UE 60, and a change instruction transmission unit that transmits a change instruction signal to the SMF as a control node based on the change request. Have the function of The AMF 10 communicates with the eNBs 21 and 22, the first SMF 31, and the second SMF 32 to transmit and receive information necessary for communication connection control. The communication unit 11 also has a function of communicating with other nodes not included in the communication system 1.

The communication path change processing unit 12 has a function of performing processing related to the change of the communication path. The channel change processing unit 12 transmits an instruction relating to the handover to the SMF via the communication unit 11, and then uses the timer managed by the timer management unit 13 to receive the response signal from the SMF for a predetermined time. After waiting, the processing of the subsequent stage is advanced based on the presence or absence of reception of the response signal. That is, the communication path change processing unit 12 has a function as a change instruction transmission unit that transmits a change instruction signal to the SMF as the control node based on the change request. Further, the communication path change processing unit 12 is a communication path change unit that completes the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the UPF as the communication node controlled by the SMF based on the response signal from the SMF. It has a function.

The timer management unit 13 has a function of managing a timer when waiting for a response signal from the SMF. The timer managed by the timer management unit 13 manages a standby time for waiting for reception of the response signal from the SMF. The waiting time managed by the timer may be set for each SMF with which the AMF 10 communicates for communication control, or may be set collectively instead of each SMF. The operation start (management start of standby time) and end of the timer in the timer management unit 13 are performed based on the instruction of the communication path change processing unit 12. That is, the timer management unit 13 has a function as a timer management unit that performs management of waiting for reception of a response signal from the SMF as a control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal and waiting for a predetermined standby time.

The timer information holding unit 14 has a function of holding information related to the timer. When different standby times are set for each SMF, the timer information holding unit 14 stores information for specifying the standby time in association with the information for specifying the SMF. Then, based on the instruction of the communication path change processing unit 12, information related to the waiting time corresponding to the SMF to be awaited for reception of the response signal is extracted and managed as a timer in the timer management unit 13.

As described above, the AMF 10 holds information relating to the waiting time for waiting for reception of the response signal from the SMF, and while the timer management unit 13 counts this waiting time, reception of the response signal from the SMF is performed. stand by. The waiting time may be set collectively instead of each SMF, but may be set for each SMF based on, for example, the physical distance between the AMF 10 and the SMF. In order for the AMF 10 to wait for reception of the response signal from the SMF, that is, to count the waiting time corresponding to the SMF in the timer management unit 13, it is necessary for the AMF 10 to grasp the waiting time corresponding to the target SMF. is there. Details of the method of grasping the waiting time corresponding to the SMF in the AMF 10 will be described later.

Next, a communication control method by the communication system 1, that is, a method of switching a communication channel when the UE 60 is handed over will be described with reference to FIG.

As a premise, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the UE 60 provides communication paths (PDU Session ID # 1 and PDU Session ID # 2) between the first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42 via the eNB 2 (S01). ). Here, with the movement of the UE 60, it is assumed that the eNB with which the UE 60 communicates is to be switched to the eNB 22. In this case, first, a process (HO Preparation and Execution) relating to preparation for handover is performed between the eNB 21 and the eNB 22 (S02). After that, a communication channel change request (N2 Path Switch Request) is transmitted from the eNB 22 to the AMF 10, and is received by the communication unit 11 of the AMF 10 (S03: change request acquisition step). In the communication channel change request, information specifying the UPF or slice of the partner with whom the UE 60 has provided the communication channel (here, information specifying the first UPF 41 and the second UPF 42, or information specifying the slices SL1 and SL2) Is included. The communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 starts the process related to the communication path change based on the communication path change request received by the communication unit 11. First, via the communication unit 11, the UE 60 requests the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32, which are SMFs corresponding to the UPF for which the communication path is provided, to change the communication path including the information for specifying the eNB of the change destination A change instruction signal (N11 Message) to be transmitted is transmitted (S04: change instruction transmission step). Further, at this timing, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 starts management of timers related to the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 in the timer management unit 13 (S05: standby step). The timer management unit 13 acquires information on the standby time of the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 from the timer information holding unit 14 and starts timers for each.

Next, here, it is assumed that the process related to the change of the communication path is appropriately performed in the first SMF 31. That is, the first SMF 31 that has received the change instruction signal related to the change of the communication path transmits / receives a signal related to the change of the communication path (Session modification Req & Resp) to the first UPF 41 (S06). In addition, the first UPF 41 transmits and receives necessary information related to the change of the communication path with the eNBs 21 and 22 (S07). After that, a response signal (N11 Message ACK) to the change instruction signal (N11 Message) for requesting a change of the communication path is transmitted from the first SMF 31 to the AMF 10, and the communication unit 11 of the AMF 10 receives this (S08).

Usually, also in the second SMF 32, the same processing as the series of processing (S06 to S08) in the first SMF 31 is performed. Therefore, while the timer managing unit 13 of the AMF 10 starts the timer, the second SMF 32 should also transmit a response signal. However, in the present embodiment, the response signal from the second SMF 32 can not be received by the AMF 10 for some reason, and the timer related to the second SMF 32 is expired (S 09). That is, even if the waiting time of the response signal from the second SMF 32 designated in advance has passed, the response signal from the second SMF 32 can not be received.

In this case, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 continues the processing of the subsequent stage only for the communication path that has received the response signal (N11 Message ACK) to complete the communication path change processing. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the response signal from the first SMF 31 is received by the AMF 10, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 transmits the communication path related to the first SMF 31 from the eNB 22 to the AMF 10. A response signal (N2 Path Switch Request ACK) to the communication path change request (N2 Path Switch Request) is transmitted to the eNB 22 via the communication unit 11 (S10: communication path change step). Based on the response signal, the eNB 22 transmits a signal (Release Resources) related to release of resources to the eNB 21 (S11: communication path change step). As a result, the communication path (PDU Session ID # 1) provided between the UE 60 and the first UPF 41 is changed to one via the eNB 22 (S12: communication path change step). On the other hand, at this stage, the communication path (PDU Session ID # 2) provided between the UE 60 and the second UPF 42 is in a state of passing through the eNB 21 and the eNB 22 (S13). That is, the data transmitted and received between the UE 60 and the second UPF 42 is in a state of passing through the eNB 21 and the eNB 22 in response to the movement of the UE 60.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the process related to the change of the communication path is performed also in the second SMF 32 whose process has been delayed due to some circumstances. That is, in the second SMF 32 that has received the change instruction signal related to the change of the communication path, transmission / reception of a signal (Session modification Req & Resp) related to the change of the communication path is performed to the second UPF 42 (S14). It is assumed that transmission and reception of necessary information related to the change of the communication path are performed with S.22 (S15). After that, a response signal (N11 Message ACK) to the change instruction signal (N11 Message) for requesting a change of the communication path is transmitted from the second SMF 32 to the AMF 10, and this is received by the communication unit 11 of the AMF 10 (S16). Do.

In this case, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 performs processing of the latter stage related to the change of the communication path based on the response signal from the second SMF 32 whose management by the timer is finished. Specifically, regarding the communication path related to the second SMF 32, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 responds to the request signal (N2 Path Switch Request) for the communication path change request transmitted from the eNB 22 to the AMF 10. The switch request ACK) is transmitted to the eNB 22 via the communication unit 11 (S17: post-processing step). Based on the response signal, the eNB 22 transmits a signal (Release Resources) related to release of resources to the eNB 21 (S18: post-processing step). As a result, the communication path (PDU Session ID # 2) provided between the UE 60 and the second UPF 42 is changed to one via the eNB 22 (S19: post-processing step).

In the process shown in FIG. 3 described above, also for the communication path related to the second SMF 32 after the timer has expired (the predetermined standby time has elapsed), the response signal is received from the second SMF 32 after the timer has expired. In the case (S16), the case where the process of the latter stage is performed and the process related to the change of the communication path is completed has been described. However, when the second SMF 32 can not perform normal processing, for example, as in the case where the second SMF 32 fails, a response signal from the second SMF 32 to the AMF 10 may not be sent. Therefore, in the AMF 10, when changing a plurality of communication paths, using the timer managed by the timer management unit 13 described above, the post-stage processing is continued only for the communication path that has received the response signal within a predetermined time. In addition to the configuration, for example, a timer for stopping processing may be separately provided for a time longer than the time set by the timer.

In this case, for example, at the same time as the activation of the timer related to the SMF (S05) in the timer management unit 13, the timer for stopping the process is activated. Then, when the timer for processing cancellation expires, that is, there is a communication path which can not receive the response signal from the SMF even if the waiting time set in advance for processing cancellation has passed, the above-mentioned post-processing As part of the step, the communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 instructs each device (SMF, eNB) or the like related to the establishment of the communication path not to change the communication path but to release the communication path. It is good also as composition.

In addition, when the timer for each SMF managed by the timer management unit 13 (or the timer set collectively) expires, each timer related to the establishment of the communication path is not provided without separately providing a timer for stopping the process and the like. The apparatus (SMF, eNB) or the like may be configured to perform the release step of performing the process related to the release of the communication path.

Here, the timer managed by the AMF 10 will be described. As described above, the AMF 10 holds information relating to the waiting time for waiting for reception of the response signal from the SMF, and while the timer management unit 13 counts this waiting time, reception of the response signal from the SMF is performed. stand by. The waiting time may be set not collectively for each SMF but collectively, but may be set for each SMF. In AMF 10, there are several methods for grasping the waiting time corresponding to the target SMF. Here, four methods are illustrated and described.

As a first method, in the AMF 10, there is a method in which an operator or an O & M (Operation and Management) system previously allocates a set value of a waiting time of a response signal. In this case, the assigned setting value is held in the timer information holding unit 14. In this case, information on standby time corresponding to all the SMFs that are likely to be subject to communication control by the AMF 10 is held in the timer information holding unit 14.

As a second method, when SMF, which may be a target to be subjected to communication control by AMF 10, is activated (Activate), and initially communicates between SMF and AMF 10, SMF notifies AMF 10 Methods are included.

The third method is to wait for the signal transmitted from the SMF to the AMF 10 in the process (PDF session establishment) of newly establishing a communication path using the SMF and UPF with the UE. There is a way to include time information. When a communication path is provided with the UE, handover may occur as the UE moves. Therefore, when the communication path is provided, the information regarding the standby time is notified from the SMF to the AMF 10, and the AMF 10 is configured to hold the information in the timer information holding unit 14, whereby the communication path is not provided on the AMF 10 side. With respect to SMF, it is not necessary to hold information related to the waiting time, and the amount of information to be held can be reduced.

The third method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a series of processing when the UE 60 provides the communication path R1 with the first UPF 41. The series of processes shown in FIG. 3 are basically determined by the architecture related to Next Gen. Further, FIG. 4 also shows PCF (Policy Control Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), and DN (Data Network) that perform processing related to authentication or registration related to the establishment of a communication path, but these nodes are known. Node.

First, the UE 60 transmits a request for establishment of a communication path (PDU Session Establish Request) to the AMF 10 through the eNB (described as (R) AN in FIG. 4) (S21). After the AMF 10 determines the SMF to be connected based on the request from the UE 60 (S22), the AMF 10 sends a processing request signal (Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext) relating to the establishment of the communication path to the SMF (here, the first SMF 31). Send (S23). The first SMF 31 transmits an authentication request signal (Nudm_SubscriberData_Get) to the UDM based on the processing request signal (S24). Thereby, an authentication process (PDU Session authentication / authorization) related to the establishment of the communication path of the UE 60 is performed (S 25). After that, the first SMF 31 takes the lead, and performs a series of processes related to establishing a communication path with the PCF and the first UPF 41 (S26).

After the first SMF 31 performs a series of processes (S26) for establishing a communication path with the PCF and the first UPF 41, the first SMF 31 to the AMF 10 responds to the processing request signal (Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext) for establishing a communication path (Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext). Send Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) (S27). Here, information (N11 Response Timer) relating to the waiting time for the first SMF 31 can be transmitted from the first SMF 31 to the AMF 10 in association with the response signal. In the AMF 10, when the communication unit 11 receives this, the timer information holding unit 14 holds the first SMF 31 in association with the information specifying the same. Thereby, in the AMF 10, it is possible to grasp the information related to the standby time for the first SMF 31.

Thereafter, the AMF 10 transmits a signal relating to the establishment of the communication path to the (R) AN and the UE 60, and the setting related to the communication path on the UE 60 side is performed (S28). As a result, transmission of data from the UE 60 to the first UPF 41 becomes possible (S29). Then, a signal relating to the establishment of the communication path is transmitted from the AMF 10 to the first SMF 31, and the setting relating to the communication path on the first UPF 41 side is performed (S30). As a result, it becomes possible to transmit data from the first UPF 41 to the UE 60 (S31). Thereafter, post-processing for establishing a communication path is performed (S32), and a communication path between the UE 60 and the first UPF 41 is established.

As described above, when performing the process of opening the communication path related to the UE 60, the SMF can notify the AMF 10 of information related to the standby time of the first SMF 31. In addition, even if the signal (Namf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse: S27) described above is a signal different from the first SMF 31 to the AMF 10, the information related to the waiting time of the first SMF 31 is attached and transmitted. be able to. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, there is a signal to be transmitted from the first SMF 31 to the AMF 10 (16. Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMSContectResponse) when setting the communication path on the first UPF 41 side (S30). Therefore, this signal may be transmitted together with information (N11 Response Timer) related to the waiting time for the first SMF 31.

In the AMF 10, the fourth method for grasping the standby time corresponding to the target SMF is to notify the information related to the standby time from the SMF to the AMF 10 while performing a series of processes related to the change of the communication path of the UE 60. It is something to do. The series of processes related to the change of the communication path of the UE 60 are as described with reference to FIG. 3, but before the timer management unit 13 of the AMF 10 starts the timer (S05), the AMF 10 sends the first SMF 31 and the second SMF 32 A change instruction signal (N11 Message) is transmitted (S04). Therefore, the configuration in which the information related to the own node is notified to the AMF 10 from the SMF that has received the change instruction signal can realize the configuration in which the information on the standby time is notified to the AMF 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, after transmission of the change instruction signal (N11 Message) (S04), the second SMF 32 transmits information (N11 interface establishment) related to its own node to the AMF 10 ( S41) Configure. This signal is a signal added to the transmission and reception of the information shown in FIG. By adding such a signal, it becomes possible to notify the AMF 10 of information related to the standby time from the SMF while performing a series of processes related to the change of the communication path of the UE 60.

As described above, various methods can be set for holding information related to the SMF standby time in the AMF 10. Therefore, the setting can be appropriately changed based on the device configuration and the like in the communication system 1.

As described above, the communication control method according to the present embodiment is a user terminal (UE60) that transmits and receives user data via a plurality of communication paths by providing a communication path for each of a plurality of communication nodes (UPFs). A communication control method by the AMF 10 as a communication control apparatus for performing communication control according to claim 20, the change request acquisition step acquiring a change request requesting change of a plurality of communication paths related to a user terminal, and acquisition in the change request acquisition step For transmitting a change instruction signal instructing processing related to the change of the communication path to a plurality of control nodes (SMF) individually controlling the plurality of communication nodes provided with the communication path based on the changed request. Waiting for a predetermined waiting time for a response signal from the control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal in the instruction transmission step and the change instruction transmission step And a channel change step for completing the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the step and the response signal from the control node received during the waiting step. And.

Further, the AMF 10, which is a communication control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, provides a communication path for each of a plurality of communication nodes (UPFs), thereby transmitting and receiving user data via a plurality of communication paths (a user terminal A communication control apparatus that performs communication control according to UE 60), and acquires in the change request acquisition unit, the communication unit 11 as a change request acquisition unit that acquires a change request that requests change of a plurality of communication paths related to a user terminal A change instruction signal for instructing a plurality of control nodes (SMF) individually controlling a plurality of communication nodes (UPFs) provided with communication paths based on the request for change to perform processing related to the change of the communication paths Communication unit 11 and communication path change processing unit 12 as a change instruction transmission unit to transmit, and reception of a response signal from a control node that has transmitted a change instruction signal in the change instruction transmission unit For the communication node controlled by the control node based on the response signal from the control node received during the standby time managed by the timer management unit and the timer management unit 13 performing management for waiting for a predetermined standby time And a communication path change processing unit 12 as a communication path change unit that completes processing relating to the change of the communication path provided.

According to the above communication control method and communication control apparatus, the plurality of communication nodes (UPFs) provided with the communication paths are individually provided based on the change request for requesting the change of the plurality of communication paths related to the user terminal (UE). After transmitting a change instruction signal instructing a process related to the change of the communication path to a plurality of control nodes (SMF) to control, it waits for reception of a response signal from the control node (SMF) for a predetermined time, and the standby Based on the response signal from the control node received during the time, the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node (UPF) controlled by the control node is completed. Therefore, even if there is a control node which can not receive the response signal during the waiting time in the communication control device among a plurality of control nodes (SMFs), it waits for the reception of the response signal even after the waiting time has elapsed. Instead, the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node (UPF) controlled by the control node receiving the response signal can be completed. Therefore, even when a plurality of communication paths are provided between the user terminal and the plurality of communication nodes, it is possible to appropriately switch the communication path of the user terminal.

Further, in the above communication control method, based on the response signal from the control node received after the waiting step, the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node is completed. The method may further include a post-processing step.

With the above configuration, even if there is a control node that can not receive the response signal during the waiting time, if the response signal is received after the waiting step, the processing related to the change of the communication path is completed. Can. Therefore, switching of the plurality of communication paths provided for the user terminal can be appropriately performed.

In addition, in the post-processing step, release processing is performed on a communication path provided for a communication node that controls a control node that can not receive a response signal during a predetermined period after the standby step. it can.

With the above configuration, for example, when the response signal can not be transmitted to the communication control device due to a failure of the control node or the like, the communication path itself can be opened. Therefore, the communication control device can be prevented from waiting for reception of the response signal from the control node that can not transmit the response signal. In addition, since it is possible to open a communication path which can not perform processing relating to the change of the communication path, it is possible to preferably release the resource used to provide the communication path.

The communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node that can not receive the response signal during the waiting step may further include an opening step for opening the communication path.

With the above configuration, for example, when the response signal can not be transmitted to the communication control device due to a failure of the control node or the like, the communication path itself can be opened. Therefore, the communication control device can be prevented from waiting for reception of the response signal from the control node that can not transmit the response signal. In addition, since it is possible to open a communication path which can not perform processing relating to the change of the communication path, it is possible to preferably release the resource used to provide the communication path. In the case of the above configuration, the timing for opening the communication path is earlier than in the case where the post-processing step is provided. Therefore, the time required to start the release process of the resource is shortened, and the release of the resource is performed more quickly.

Also, the predetermined waiting time can be set for each control node.

As described above, by changing the standby time for each control node, for example, the control node having a large physical distance with respect to the communication control apparatus or the processing time required to transmit the response signal becomes longer. If there is a control node that knows in advance, appropriate waiting time can be assigned according to the status of these control nodes, and communication control related to the change of the communication path using the waiting time It can be suitably performed.

As mentioned above, although this embodiment was described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, although the above embodiment has described the case of switching the communication channel triggered by the handover of the UE 60, the communication control method according to the switching of the communication channel described above has an operation different from handover (for example, radio wave The present invention can also be applied to the change of the communication path triggered by the switching of the base station or the restart of the mobile station according to the quality and the congestion situation.

In the above embodiment, the control node (SMF) and the communication node (UPF) are assigned to the same slice. However, these nodes may be assigned to different slices. Also, the control node and the communication node may be realized by a server device or the like that is not assigned to a slice. Furthermore, the control node and the communication node may be realized by an integrated device or the like. The communication control device (AMF) may also be realized by combining a plurality of devices.

(Others)
(Hardware configuration)
Note that the block diagram used in the description of the above embodiment shows blocks in units of functions. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Moreover, the implementation means of each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by one physically and / or logically coupled device, or directly and / or indirectly two or more physically and / or logically separated devices. It may be connected by (for example, wired and / or wireless) and realized by the plurality of devices.

For example, the AMF 10 or the like as the communication control device in one embodiment of the present invention may function as a computer that performs processing according to the communication control method of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the AMF 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The above-described AMF 10 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 "device" can be read as a circuit, a device, a unit, or the like. The hardware configuration of the AMF 10 as a communication control device may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured without some devices.

Each function in the AMF 10 causes the processor 1001 to perform an operation by reading predetermined software (program) on hardware such as the processor 1001, the memory 1002, etc., communication by the communication device 1004, data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003 This is realized by controlling the reading and / or writing of

The processor 1001 operates, for example, an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) including an interface with a peripheral device, a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, and the like. For example, the above-described baseband signal processing unit 104, call processing unit 105, and the like may be realized by the processor 1001.

Also, the processor 1001 reads a program (program code), a software module or data from the storage 1003 and / or the communication device 1004 to the memory 1002, and executes various processing according to these. As a 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 communication path change processing unit 12 of the AMF 10 may be realized by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001, or may be realized similarly for other functional blocks. The various processes described above have been described to be executed by one processor 1001, but may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from the network via a telecommunication line.

The memory 1002 is a computer readable recording medium, and includes, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). May be 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 communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and / or wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like. For example, the communication unit 11 or the like of the above-described AMF 10 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, and the like) that receives 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 be integrated (for example, a touch panel).

In addition, devices such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 are connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured by a single bus or may be configured by different buses among the devices.

The AMF 10 is configured to include 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). Some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, processor 1001 may be implemented in at least one of these hardware.

(Other supplementary items)
The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described herein, and may be performed in other manners. For example, notification of information may be physical layer signaling (for example, Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), upper layer signaling (for example, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, It may be implemented by broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or a combination thereof. Also, RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC connection setup (RRC Connection Setup) message, an RRC connection reconfiguration (RRC Connection Reconfiguration) message, or the like.

Each aspect / embodiment described in the present specification is 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), The present invention may be applied to a system utilizing Bluetooth (registered trademark), other appropriate systems, and / or an advanced next-generation system based on these.

As long as there is no contradiction, the processing procedure, sequence, flow chart, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this specification may be reversed. For example, for the methods described herein, elements of the various steps are presented in an exemplary order and are not limited to the particular order presented.

The specific operation that is supposed to be performed by the base station in this specification may be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network of one or more network nodes with a base station, the various operations performed for communication with the terminals may be the base station and / or other network nodes other than the base station (eg, It is clear that it may be performed by MME or S-GW etc but not limited to these). Although the case where one other network node other than a base station was illustrated above was illustrated, it may be a combination of a plurality of other network nodes (for example, MME and S-GW).

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

The input / output information or the like may be stored in a specific place (for example, a memory) or may be managed by a management table. Information to be input or output may be overwritten, updated or added. The output information etc. may be deleted. The input information or the like may be transmitted to another device.

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

Each aspect / embodiment described in this specification may be used alone, may be used in combination, and may be switched and used along with execution. In addition, notification of predetermined information (for example, notification of "it is X") is not limited to what is explicitly performed, but is performed by implicit (for example, not notifying of the predetermined information) It is also good.

Although the present invention has been described above in detail, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be embodied as modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the claims. Accordingly, the description in the present specification is for the purpose of illustration and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

Software may be called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any other name, and may be instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subprograms, software modules. Should be interpreted broadly to mean applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc.

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

The information, signals, etc. described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips etc that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or photons, or any of these May be represented by a combination of

The terms described in the present specification and / or the terms necessary for the understanding of the present specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, the channels and / or symbols may be signals. Also, the signal may be a message. Also, the component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell or the like.

The terms "system" and "network" as used herein are used interchangeably.

In addition, the information, parameters, and the like described in the present specification may be represented by absolute values, may be represented by relative values from predetermined values, or may be represented by corresponding other information. . For example, radio resources may be indexed.

The names used for the parameters described above are in no way limiting. In addition, the formulas etc. 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 names, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements can be Is not limited.

A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells (also called sectors). If the base station accommodates multiple cells, the entire coverage area of the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each smaller area being a base station subsystem (eg, a small base station RRH for indoor use: Remote Communication service can also be provided by Radio Head. The terms "cell" or "sector" refer to a part or all of the coverage area of a base station and / or a base station subsystem serving communication services in this coverage. Furthermore, the terms "base station" "eNB", "cell" and "sector" may be used interchangeably herein. A base station may also be called in terms of a fixed station (Node station), NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), access point (access point), femtocell, small cell, and so on.

The mobile station may be a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, by those skilled in the art. It may also be called a terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable term.

The terms "determining", "determining" as used herein may encompass a wide variety of operations. "Judgment", "decision" are, for example, judging, calculating, calculating, processing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (for example, a table) (Searching in a database or another data structure), ascertaining may be regarded as “decision”, “decision”, etc. Also, "determination" and "determination" are receiving (e.g. receiving information), transmitting (e.g. transmitting information), input (input), output (output), access (accessing) (for example, accessing data in a memory) may be regarded as “judged” or “decided”. Also, "judgement" and "decision" are to be considered as "judgement" and "decision" that they have resolved (resolving), selecting (selecting), choosing (choosing), establishing (establishing), etc. May be included. That is, "judgment" "decision" may include considering that some action is "judged" "decision".

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

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

Any reference to an element using the designation "first," "second," etc. as used herein does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be taken there, or that in any way the first element must precede the second element.

The “means” in the configuration of each device described above may be replaced with a “unit”, a “circuit”, a “device” or the like.

As long as “including”, “comprising”, and variations thereof are used in the present specification or claims, these terms as well as the term “comprising” are inclusive. Intended to be Further, it is intended that the term "or" as used in the present specification or in the claims is not an exclusive OR.

Throughout the disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as, for example, a, an, and the in English, these articles are not clearly indicated by the context: It shall contain several things.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 10 ... AMF, 11 ... Communication part, 12 ... Communication path change process part, 13 ... Timer management part, 14 ... Timer information holding part, 21, 22 ... eNB, 31 ... 1st SMF, 32 ... 2nd SMF , 41 ... 1st UPF, 42 ... 2nd UPF.

Claims

A communication control method by a communication control apparatus that performs communication control related to a user terminal that transmits and receives user data via a plurality of communication paths by providing communication paths with a plurality of communication nodes, respectively.
A change request acquisition step of acquiring a change request for requesting a change of the plurality of communication paths related to the user terminal;
Based on the change request acquired in the change request acquisition step, an instruction to change the communication path is instructed to a plurality of control nodes individually controlling the plurality of communication nodes provided with the communication path. A change instruction transmission step of transmitting a change instruction signal to
A standby step of waiting for a predetermined standby time for a response signal from the control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal in the change instruction transmission step;
A channel change step for completing processing related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the response signal from the control node received during the standby step When,
Communication control method.
A post-processing step of completing the process related to the change of the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the response signal from the control node received after the waiting step The communication control method according to claim 1, further comprising:
In the post-processing step, release processing is performed on the communication path provided for the communication node that controls the control node that has not received the response signal during a predetermined period after the standby step. The communication control method according to claim 2.
The communication path according to claim 1, further comprising an opening step for opening the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node that has not received the response signal during the waiting step. Communication control method.
The communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined waiting time is set for each of the control nodes.
A communication control apparatus that performs communication control related to a user terminal that transmits and receives user data via a plurality of communication paths by providing communication paths for a plurality of communication nodes, respectively.
A change request acquisition unit that acquires a change request for requesting a change of the plurality of communication paths related to the user terminal;
Based on the change request acquired by the change request acquisition unit, an instruction to change the communication path is instructed to a plurality of control nodes individually controlling a plurality of communication nodes provided with the communication path. A change instruction transmission unit that transmits a change instruction signal to
A timer management unit that manages to wait for a predetermined waiting time for reception of a response signal from the control node that has transmitted the change instruction signal in the change instruction transmission unit;
A process related to changing the communication path provided for the communication node controlled by the control node based on the response signal from the control node received during the waiting time managed by the timer management unit A channel change unit to complete the
A communication control apparatus having