WO2021044895A1 - 無線通信ネットワーク装置、無線通信端末、無線通信システム、及び、通信方法 - Google Patents
無線通信ネットワーク装置、無線通信端末、無線通信システム、及び、通信方法 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2021044895A1 WO2021044895A1 PCT/JP2020/031945 JP2020031945W WO2021044895A1 WO 2021044895 A1 WO2021044895 A1 WO 2021044895A1 JP 2020031945 W JP2020031945 W JP 2020031945W WO 2021044895 A1 WO2021044895 A1 WO 2021044895A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
- H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
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- the present disclosure relates to a line communication network device, a wireless communication terminal, a wireless communication system, and a communication method, and particularly relates to an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) network connected to a plurality of MNO (Mobile Network Operator) networks.
- MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator
- MNO Mobile Network Operator
- MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator
- MVNO is implementing a business that utilizes the MNO network to provide users with services with a charge system different from that of MNO communication services and communication band guarantee services consisting of wireless communication terminals (hereinafter abbreviated as "terminals"). doing.
- terminals wireless communication terminals
- an MVNO that constructs an MVNO system in which a plurality of MNO networks are connected and provides a communication service by using an appropriate MNO line for each terminal.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a method of selecting an MNO network that is not limited to preset fixed parameters. In this selection method, the appropriate MNO network is selected for a single terminal, taking into account the parameters related to the connection.
- the MNO network is not selected so that the communication of the entire terminal group including the terminal owned by the user is appropriate. Further, there is a problem that an appropriate MNO network cannot be selected for a terminal whose communication line is disconnected and parameters cannot be transmitted.
- connection destinations of the terminals can be managed so as to meet the contract conditions in the entire terminal group, or the terminals can be used. In some cases, it was not possible to give the connection priority of the terminal based on the priority of the application device to be connected.
- the network suitable for connecting a mobile communication terminal changes depending on the position of the mobile communication terminal, the network load, the presence or absence of a network failure, and the like.
- an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of optimizing communication for a terminal group of wireless communication terminals.
- the wireless communication network device is a wireless communication network device that performs wireless communication with a wireless communication terminal connectable to the MVNO network in the MVNO network connected to the plurality of MNO networks, and is a plurality of wireless communication network devices belonging to the terminal group.
- a database that holds group communication information that is information related to communication of the wireless communication terminal and the group communication information held in the database are managed, and one or more for each wireless communication terminal based on the group communication information.
- the MNO network and the session are selected, and based on the selection result, the wireless communication terminal is provided with an information management unit that controls establishment or switching of the session, and the group communication information is the MVNO network and the above.
- connection information of the plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to the terminal group measured or detected immediately before the determination of establishment or switching of the session or immediately before the selection of the network, and the connection information of the plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to the terminal group. It includes at least one of information on connection costs and communication line quality and communication line failure information notified once or repeatedly from the plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to the terminal group.
- group communication information which is information related to communication of a plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to a terminal group, is managed, and one or more MNO networks and sessions are established for each wireless communication terminal based on the group communication information.
- the selection is made, and the establishment or switching of the session of the wireless communication terminal is controlled based on the selection result. According to such a configuration, it is possible to optimize communication for a terminal group of wireless communication terminals.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on modification 2 of Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal which concerns on the modification 4 of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 2. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 2. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 2.
- FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 3.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 3.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 4.
- FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 4. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 4. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the wireless communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 4. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the MVNO network apparatus which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 4. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 4. It is a figure which shows the exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system which concerns on Embodiment 5.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless communication system 100 according to the first embodiment.
- the wireless communication system 100 is a system that provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator, and is a wireless communication network device MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) network device 102, and a plurality of wireless communication terminals 105aa, 105ab. It includes 105ac, 105ba, 105bb, and 105bc.
- the wireless communication terminal may be abbreviated as "terminal”
- the communication session may be abbreviated as "session”. This abbreviation is also used in other than the first embodiment.
- first business operator there are a first business operator and a second business operator as businesses that use the MVNO wireless communication system 100.
- the terminal group of the first operator there are the 1-1 terminal 105aa, the 1-2 terminal 105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 105ac.
- the terminal group of the second operator there are 2-1 terminal 105ba, 2-2 terminal 105bb, and 2-3 terminal 105bc.
- the MVNO wireless communication system 100 includes a first MNO network, a second MNO network, and a third MNO network as MNO (Mobile Network Operator) networks.
- the first MNO network includes a core network 103a and a 1-1 base station 104aa and a 1-2 base station 104ab connected to the core network 103a.
- the second MNO network includes the core network 103b and the 2-1 base station 104ba and the 2-2 base station 104bb connected to the core network 103b.
- the third MNO network includes a core network 103c and a third base station 104ca and a third-2 base station 104cc connected to the core network 103c.
- MNO MNO
- first MNO MNO
- second MNO MNO
- third MNO MNO
- the core networks 103a, 103b, 103c include S-GW (Serving Gateway), MME (Mobility Management Entity), and the like.
- the core networks 103a, 103b, 103c include UPF (User Plane Function), SMF (Session Management Function), AMF (Access and Mobility management Function), and the like. ..
- the MVNO network device 102 communicates wirelessly with wireless communication terminals 105aa, 105ab, 105ac, 105ba, 105bb, and 105bc that can be connected to the core network 102-1 in the upper core network 102-1 that connects to a plurality of MNO networks.
- MVNO wireless communication terminals
- each of the MVNO network device and the MVNO network may be abbreviated as "MVNO”. This abbreviation is also used in other than the first embodiment.
- the MVNO 102 includes the core network 103a of the first MNO, the core network 103b of the second MNO, and the upper core network 102-1 connected to the core network 103c of the third MNO as the MVNO network.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module constituting the upper core network 102-1 includes P-GW (PacketDataNetworkGateway), HSS (HomeSubscriberServer), and the like. included.
- the upper core network 102-1 is connected to the system 101a of the first operator and the system 101b of the second operator.
- the system 101a of the first business operator and the system 101b of the second business operator may be, for example, a data server in which the business operator collects information from a plurality of terminals belonging to the business operator group, or the collected information. It may be an application server that provides a service to a plurality of terminals belonging to a business group based on the above.
- the system of the first business operator may be abbreviated as "first business operator”
- the system of the second business operator may be abbreviated as "second business operator”. This abbreviation is also used in other than the first embodiment.
- the MVNO 102 includes the upper core network 102-1, the MNO selection policy table 102-2 in which the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is set, and the group communication information which is information related to the communication of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group. It includes a switching control module 102-7, which is a kind of information management module that switches the MNO based on the above.
- the switching control module 102-7 includes a database group which is a database and an information management unit, as will be described in a modified example described later.
- the database group of the switching control module 102-7 aggregates the database that stores the data collected by the network (network monitor database), the database that stores the data collected by the terminal (terminal monitor database), and the information related to billing. Includes the database (database for billing information).
- the database group of the switching control module 102-7 holds the information of these databases as group communication information which is information related to the communication of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group.
- the information management unit of the switching control module 102-7 manages the group communication information held in the database group of the switching control module 102-7. As a result, the information of the database group of the switching control module 102-7 is collected and updated regularly or on demand. Further, the information management unit of the switching control module 102-7 selects one MNO network and session for each terminal based on the group communication information. In the first embodiment, the information management unit selects one MNO network and session for each terminal based on the group communication information so as to be suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 102-2.
- the information management unit controls the establishment or switching of terminal sessions based on the selection result. By controlling the information management unit in this way, it is possible to optimize communication for each terminal group regarding the MNO selection policy and the like.
- the information management unit is the switching control module 102-7 provided integrally with the database group, but the information management unit may be provided separately from the database group or other modules. It may be.
- the rate (connection cost) differs for each MNO due to the difference in connection conditions (contract terms) with each MNO.
- connection conditions contract terms
- there are various types such as pay-as-you-go billing for each MNO, flat-rate billing for a specific period, flat-rate billing up to a specific traffic volume, and pay-as-you-go billing for more traffic.
- This information is stored in the billing information database in the switching control module 102-7. Further, the switching control module 102-7 collects and calculates "the amount of communication used for each terminal and each MNO of the entire terminal group" and the like by using the network monitor database and the terminal monitor database as necessary, and charges. Store in the information database.
- the switching control module 102-7 derives the lowest priced MNO network among the terminals of the entire terminal group among various rate plans, or estimates the communication volume from the past results. Then, the MNO network with the lowest final payment (in the case of monthly payment, the payment amount based on the final communication volume in that month) is derived.
- the first MNO network is derived as the MNO network with the lowest communication cost by the above derivation.
- the switching control module 102-7 selects the MNO and the communication session based on the derivation result.
- the network and session are appropriately switched so as to connect these terminals with the lowest priced and derived first MNO network.
- the 1-1 terminal 105aa belonging to the terminal group of the first operator is the closest 1-1 base station 104aa among the base stations of the first MNO having a low communication cost.
- the 1-2 terminal 105ab and the 1-3 terminal 105ac which belong to the terminal group of the first operator, are the closest 1-2 base stations 104ab among the first MNO base stations having low communication costs. It is possible to connect to the core network 103a of the first MNO and the core network 102-1 higher than the MVNO via the above, and to perform low-priced communication with the system 101a of the first operator.
- connection information of all terminals is stored in the network monitor database in the switching control module 102-7.
- the switching control module 102-7 selects the MNO and the communication session based on the connection information of all terminals stored in the MNO selection policy table 102-2 and the network monitor database in the switching control module 102-7. Do.
- the current MNO network connecting the 2-1 terminal 105ba, the 2-2 terminal 105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 105bc belonging to the terminal group of the second operator is made uniform (separate MNOs as much as possible). If not, the network and session are appropriately switched so as to equalize the MNO network connected to these terminals.
- the 2-1 terminal 105ba is connected to the core network 103a of the first MNO and the upper core network 102-1 via the 1-2 base station 104ab.
- the 2-2 terminal 105bb is connected to the core network 103b of the second MNO and the upper core network 102-1 via the 2-2 base station 104bb.
- the 2-3 terminal 105bc is connected to the core network 103c of the 3rd MNO and the upper core network 102-1 via the 3-2 base station 104cc.
- the 2nd operator will not be able to communicate at all and will not be able to service. It will be in a state like that.
- MNO switching that makes the MNO network uniform, even when a large-scale failure occurs in a specific MNO, two-thirds of the terminals of the second operator can maintain normal communication.
- an MNO selection policy it is also effective for the MVNO 102 to perform control that does not use the MNO for maintenance at a specific time zone based on the MNO maintenance schedule information presented by each MNO (“High reliability”). (Distributed setting of connected MNO / 1st MNO cannot be assigned to XX hours XX minutes to XX hours XX minutes on XX days of 2019) ").
- one terminal group is formed for each business operator and the MNO selection policy table 102-2 is set for each terminal group.
- one operator may form a plurality of terminal groups, and the MNO selection policy table 102-2 may be set for each terminal group.
- QoS Quality of Service
- more appropriate MNO selection becomes possible.
- it is possible to change a large number of MNO selection policies at different timings for each group it is possible to avoid network congestion.
- the plurality of MNOs may include a plurality of types of wireless networks.
- the first MNO may include an LTE network
- the second MNO may include a 5G network
- the third MNO may include a satellite mobile communication network.
- the radio network of a plurality of MNOs may be composed of any combination of radio systems that the MVNO can incorporate.
- the number of MNOs is not limited to three.
- the MNO selection policy table 102-2 is not essential.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show a sequence diagram in which MNO selection policy control is performed for each terminal group using MVNOs connected to three MNO networks (first to third MNO networks).
- the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 correspond to the states of FIG.
- the outline and step number of the communication are mainly added above or beside the arrow indicating the communication, and the same applies to the sequence diagrams other than those of FIGS. 2 and 3.
- step S501 the system 101a of the first operator registers the terminals of its own terminal group with the MVNO 102 before starting the communication.
- the system 101a of the first operator appropriately sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO 102.
- This registration and setting may be performed by a message via a telecommunication line.
- the terminal After turning on the power, the terminal accesses its own SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), performs a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) search, and selects the MNO to be connected according to the specified procedure.
- SIM Subscriber Identity Module
- PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the first MNO in step S502.
- the terminal receives the connection response from the first MNO in step S503, the wireless connection path is established.
- the MVNO since the MVNO has an authentication function such as HSS, the MVNO transmits an authentication request to the terminal in step S504, and the terminal transmits an authentication response to the MVNO in step S505.
- the authentication process is performed between the terminal and the MVNO.
- the transmission and reception of these messages may be performed in a plurality of steps, or may be performed in cooperation between the HSS of the MNO and the HSS of the MVNO.
- the session between the terminal and the MVNO is established. The same process is performed on all terminals in the group terminal.
- the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO measure or detect the communication line quality and failure information for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group established above in step S506. Even if the communication line quality and failure information are measured or detected by at least one or more terminals, appropriate processing is possible to some extent, but it is better to collect the communication line quality and failure information for all terminals in the terminal group. Appropriate processing becomes possible. Even if information is not collected for all terminals, if information is collected for a certain percentage of all terminals and positive judgment and control are performed, some terminals will fail. However, it is possible to take the next best measure without waiting for all the collections.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 are, for example, radio line quality information obtained by receiving signals from each terminal at the base stations of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO, that is, received power and SINR (Signal). -to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLockError Rate), etc., or information related to the synchronization status of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.) may be used. ..
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 may be, for example, the number of retransmissions of ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) at the wireless layer 2 level, the number skip detection information of SN (Sequence Number), or the like. Good.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 may be, for example, information on the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.), or the base stations of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO are united from each terminal belonging to the terminal group. It may be the communication amount (average transmission speed) of the signal received per hour.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 may be, for example, the transmission delay time (average delay time) of the data received by the base stations of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO from each terminal belonging to the terminal group. Good.
- the delay time may be measured using the time stamp of the wireless frame, or the delay time may be measured by the Ethernet (registered trademark) level data (IEEE1588 or the like).
- the delay time may be measured using NTP (Network Time Protocol), or the delay time may be measured using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 are, for example, with variations in data reception timing (average variation, squared average variation). There may be.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 include, for example, maintenance management information and device failure information for the entire network (abnormal congestion in some devices in each MNO, device damage information, signal blockage information due to maintenance, etc., test operation. Moderate status information).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 may be, for example, the arrival or absence of a signal transmitted from the terminal and predicted to be received by the MVNO. More specifically, when the health check signal is transmitted from the MVNO and the response from the corresponding terminal is not returned within the specified time, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor. Alternatively, even if the MVNO receives the health check signal periodically transmitted from the terminal, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor when the reception interval exceeds the specified time.
- the above health check may be a health check of the terminal from the MVNO or a health check from the business operator to the terminal.
- a health check from the operator to the terminal connection device may be performed.
- the operator detects an abnormality in the above health check, the operator notifies the MVNO to that effect.
- the monitor results from the above networks are sequentially stored or updated in the network monitor database in the switching control module 102-7.
- information such as the amount of communication related to billing is also sequentially stored or updated in the billing information database in the switching control module 102-7.
- step S506 The communication line quality and failure information in step S506 described above are used in step S508.
- the communication line quality and failure information of step S507 which will be described next, is also used in step S508.
- step S507 an operation example of step S508 using the communication line quality and failure information of step S506 will be described.
- the MVNO 102 when a reception power abnormality is detected in the terminal using the first MNO in the communication line quality and failure information in step S506, although not shown, the MVNO 102 is the latest information on the communication line quality and failure information of the other terminal. Is confirmed, and if necessary, the communication line quality and failure information are newly requested and acquired from the first MNO. For example, an abnormality is detected in the communication line quality and failure information between a certain terminal and the first MNO in a specific area, and between another terminal in the same terminal group as the terminal and the second MNO. When normality is detected in the communication line quality and failure information, there is a possibility that a failure (for example, base station failure) has occurred in the first MNO in the area. Therefore, in this case, in step S508, the MVNO 102 decides to switch the terminal connected to the first MNO from the first MNO to the second MNO.
- a failure for example, base station failure
- At least one terminal belonging to the terminal group for which the session has been established measures or detects the communication line quality and failure information by itself in step S507. Then, at least one or more terminals transmit communication line quality and failure information to the MVNO via the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S507 are, for example, the quality information of the wireless line received and obtained at each terminal, that is, the received power, SINR (Signal-to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLock Error). Rate) or the like, or information related to the synchronization state of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S507 may be, for example, the number of retransmissions of ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) at the wireless layer 2 level, the number skip detection information of SN (Sequence Number), or the like. Good.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S507 may be, for example, information regarding the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.).
- the monitor results from these terminals are sequentially stored or updated in the terminal monitor database in the switching control module 102-7.
- information such as the amount of communication related to billing is also sequentially stored or updated in the terminal billing database in the switching control module 102-7.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S507 may be, for example, the arrival or absence of a signal transmitted from the MVNO and predicted to be received by the terminal. More specifically, when a health check signal is transmitted from the terminal to the MVNO and the corresponding response is not returned within the specified time, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor. Alternatively, even if the terminal receives the health check signal periodically transmitted from the MVNO, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor when the reception interval exceeds the specified time.
- the above-mentioned health check may be a health check of the MVNO from the terminal or a health check from the terminal to the business operator.
- a health check from the terminal connection device to the business operator may be performed.
- the terminal connection device detects an abnormality in the above health check, the terminal connection device notifies the terminal to that effect.
- step S508 using the communication line quality and failure information of step S507 will be described.
- the MVNO 102 when a SINR abnormality is detected in a terminal using the first MNO in the communication line quality and failure information in step S507, although not shown, the MVNO 102 provides the latest information on the communication line quality and failure information of other terminals. Confirm and, if necessary, newly request and acquire communication line quality and failure information from the terminal. For example, an abnormality is detected in the communication line quality and failure information between a certain terminal and the first MNO in a specific area, and between another terminal in the same terminal group as the terminal and the second MNO. When normality is detected in the communication line quality and failure information, there is a possibility that a failure (for example, base station failure) has occurred in the first MNO in the area. Therefore, in this case, in step S508, the MVNO 102 decides to switch the terminal connected to the first MNO from the first MNO to the second MNO.
- a failure for example, base station failure
- step S508 an example is shown in which the MVNO 102 determines the switching of the MNO based on one of the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 and the communication line quality and failure information in step S507.
- the MVNO 102 makes a comprehensive judgment based on both the communication line quality and failure information in step S506 and the communication line quality and failure information in step S507, and determines the switching of the MNO. May be good.
- the terminal receives the MNO change instruction from the MVNO in step S509, and transmits the MNO change response to the MVNO in step S510.
- the first MNO transmits switching information (takeover information, etc.) to the second MNO in step S511.
- the terminal performs MNO switching processing such as rewriting the eSIM in step S512.
- the MVNO transmits a release instruction for canceling the connection with the first MNO, which is the switching source MNO, to the terminal via the second MNO.
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the second MNO in step S514, establishes a wireless connection route when receiving a connection response from the second MNO in step S515, and establishes a wireless connection route via the route established in step S516.
- the release response of the first MNO is transmitted to the MVNO.
- the second MNO needs to cooperate with the HSS of the first MNO, the second MNO transmits switching information (takeover information, etc.) to the first MNO in step S517.
- MNO Mobility Management Entity
- the entire terminal group or network determines other MNOs capable of stable communication with the terminal, and the terminal Communication is switched from a specific MNO to the other MNO.
- the business operator receives the data transmission transmitted from the terminal in step S519 by transmitting the data transmission instruction to the terminal via the MVNO in step S518. Can be done.
- the MVNO 102 selects the connection destination MNO suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 102-2 based on the group communication information such as the communication quality and the failure information has been described above.
- the MVNO 102 performs MNO switching control suitable for the MNO selection policy for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group by comprehensively considering the group communication information. be able to.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission speeds of the entire terminal group is maximized by using the information read from the database group. Further, it is possible to maximize the sum of the transmission speeds of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission speed for the entire terminal group.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission delays of the entire terminal group is minimized by using the information read from the database group. Further, it is possible to minimize the sum of the transmission delays of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission delay for the entire terminal group.
- the transmission delay time may be measured by transmitting a known signal / known message (health check, etc.) at regular intervals on the transmitting side.
- MNO selection can be performed so that the sum of the variations in the transmission delay of the entire terminal group or the sum of the squared averages of the variations is minimized. Further, it is possible to minimize the variation of the transmission delay of the entire terminal group or the sum of the squared averages of the variation while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission delay variation for the entire terminal group.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission error rates of the entire terminal group is minimized by using the information read from the database group. Further, it is possible to minimize the sum of the transmission error rates of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission error rate for the entire terminal group.
- a plurality of MNOs such as “minimize communication cost”, “high reliability (distributed setting of connection MNO)", “maximum transmission speed”, “minimum transmission delay”, and “minimum transmission error rate” described above are selected. It is also effective to prioritize and integrate policies.
- the MVNO network device manages group communication information which is information related to communication of a plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to a terminal group, and wirelessly based on the group communication information.
- group communication information is information related to communication of a plurality of wireless communication terminals belonging to a terminal group, and wirelessly based on the group communication information.
- One MNO network and session are selected for each communication terminal, and the establishment or switching of the session of the wireless communication terminal is controlled based on the selection result. According to such a configuration, it is possible to optimize communication for a terminal group of wireless communication terminals.
- FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration of a wireless communication system 100 according to a first modification of the first embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a figure.
- the wireless communication system 100 according to the first modification it is possible to select an authentication method performed when establishing a communication session according to the contract form between the operator and the MVNO.
- the first business operator has a contract with the MVNO that emphasizes the reduction of communication costs
- the contract of the authentication method is a normal contract.
- the second operator has a contract with the MVNO that emphasizes communication resistance
- the authentication method contract is a contract that emphasizes confidentiality.
- the SIM mounted on these terminals (Authentication for establishing a communication session is performed between the Subscriber Identity Module) and the HSS (Home Subscriber Server) module 102-3 in the core network 102-1 above the MVNO.
- the HSS module 102-3 selects a special authentication method different from that of other contractors as the authentication between the SIM and the HSS module 102-3. This makes it possible to selectively provide communication sessions with an emphasis on confidentiality for each business operator and each contract.
- FIG. 5 shows an exemplary configuration of a wireless communication system 300 according to a second modification of the first embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a figure.
- the MNO selection policy information based on the association between the terminals is exchanged between the operator using the wireless communication system 300 and the MVNO.
- FIG. 5 there is a first operator as a operator using the MVNO wireless communication system 300.
- a terminal group of the first operator 301 there are nine terminals, 1-1 terminal 305aa to 1-9 terminal 305ai.
- terminals are, for example, connected to the first terminal connection device 307aa of the first operator to the first terminal connection device 307ai of the first operator by a wired cable, and a plurality of these terminals are wirelessly connected via a base station. It is connected to the MNO of.
- the terminal connection device of each first business operator is a device that provides an application of the first business operator, and is used in various ways for each business operator.
- the importance of the terminal connection device is defined for the first operator, and the 1-1 terminal connection device 307aa (importance: highest)> the 1-2 terminal connection device 307ab and the 1-3 terminal connection.
- the first operator 301 sets "high reliability (distributed setting of connection MNO)" in the MNO selection policy table 302-2 for each terminal group for a certain terminal group designated with the MVNO 302.
- the first operator 301 may set the MNO selection policy table 302-2 remotely via the transmission line, or convert it to a required format via the MNO and set the MNO selection policy table 302-2. May be good.
- connection information of all terminals is stored in the network monitor database in the switching control module 302-7.
- the switching control module 302-7 satisfies the selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 302-2 based on the connection information, that is, the 1-1 terminals 305aa to belong to the terminal group of the first operator 301. 1st-9th 1-9 It is determined whether the MNO connecting the terminal 305ai is uniform (connected to different MNOs as much as possible). Then, when the switching control module 302-7 determines that the MNO is not uniform, the MNO network and the switching control module 302-7 so as to make the MNO uniform based on the connection information in the switching control module 302-7 and the like. Switch sessions.
- the first operator 301 sets the MNO selection policy table 302-4 for inter-terminal association for a certain terminal group designated with the MVNO 302 as "terminal importance: 1-1 terminal> 1-first". 2 terminals, 1-3 terminals> 1-4 terminals, 1-5 terminals, 1-6 terminals, 1-7 terminals> 1-8 terminals, 1-9 terminals ".
- the MNOs connecting the 1-1 terminal 305aa to the 1-9th terminal 305ai are connected in the order of importance set in the MNO selection policy table 302-4 by the operator. If not, the MNO network and session are switched so that the MNOs connected to these terminals are connected in the order of importance.
- the terminal connection device of a business operator that performs wireless monitoring and control generally has various relationships depending on the application of the business operator.
- a device that monitors the output voltage and current from the power source and controls the disconnection or change of the current path when an abnormality is detected will be described.
- the terminal connection devices on the upstream side near the power source may be allocated unevenly to a specific MNO. In such a case, if a failure occurs in the specific MNO, there will be a large number of terminal connection devices upstream that cannot monitor and control the output voltage and current. It is desirable that the MNOs are dispersed because upstream control errors affect the downstream.
- this modification 2 it is set that the order of importance is higher for the upstream terminal connection device in the application of the operator, and it is distributed to each MNO.
- the 1-1 terminal connecting device 307aa which has the highest importance of the terminal connecting device, is connected to the 1-1 terminal 305aa and communicates with the first MNO 303a via the 1-1 base station 304aa.
- the next most important 1-2 terminal connecting device 307ab is connected to the 1-2 terminal 305ab and communicates with the second MNO 303b via the 2-1 base station 304ba.
- the 1-3 terminal connecting device 307ac which has the same importance as the 1-2 terminal connecting device 307ab, is connected to the 1-3 terminal 305ac to connect the 3-2 base station 304cc. It communicates with the third MNO303c via.
- the terminal connection devices that provide the applications of the operator to MNOs that differ as much as possible in order of importance even if a failure occurs in a specific MNO, the effect of the failure is minimized. It is possible to provide communication services that are highly resistant to time.
- the MNO selection policy table 302-2 for each terminal group and the MNO selection policy table 302-4 for inter-terminal association are individually considered and the MNO is switched twice.
- the number of switchings can be reduced by switching the MNO only once, considering the MNO selection policy table 302-2 for each terminal group and the MNO selection policy table 302-4 for inter-terminal association in total. ..
- the MNO selection policy table 302-4 for inter-terminal association is, for example, (1) business operator number: 1, (2) terminal group number: 1, (3) terminal subgroup number: 1, (4) terminal subgroup.
- Terminal importance All terminals are the same, (1) Business number: 1, (2) Terminal group number 1, (3) Terminal subgroup number: 2, (4) Terminal subgroup Target: Terminals 1-4, 1-5 terminals, 1-6 terminals, (5) Terminal importance: All terminals are the same. It may be set. In this case, in the table management between the operator and the MVNO, it is not necessary to change the above setting every time the importance of each terminal changes, so that the process can be simplified.
- the MVNO may be dispersed in a plurality of bases as far apart as possible.
- the influence on the service to each business operator is minimized. It is possible to do.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 400 according to the third modification.
- the network of the MVNO 402 is connected to the networks of the first MNO403a, the second MNO403b, and the third MNO403c, and provides a communication session to the terminal group of the first operator 401.
- the MVNO 402 includes a plurality of the above-mentioned MVNO networks, tables and modules.
- the MVNO network 402-5a and the MVNO network 402-5b which are composed of telecommunications equipment such as a group of servers equipped with software, are distributed and arranged in the first base and the second base.
- the MNO selection policy tables 402-2a and 402-2b for each group terminal the MNO selection policy tables 402-4a and 402-4b for inter-terminal association, and the switching control modules 402-7a and 402- 7b is distributed in the first base and the second base.
- FIG. 6 there is a first operator as a operator using the MVNO wireless communication system 400.
- a terminal group of the first operator 401 there are nine terminals, 1-1 terminal 405aa to 1-9 terminal 405ai.
- terminals are, for example, connected to the first terminal connection device 407aa of the first operator to the first terminal connection device 407ai of the first operator by a wired cable, and a plurality of these terminals are wirelessly connected via a base station. It is connected to the MNO of.
- the terminal connection device of each first business operator is a device that provides an application of the first business operator, and is used in various ways for each business operator.
- the importance of the terminal connection device is defined for the first operator, and the 1-1 terminal connection device 407aa (importance: highest)> the 1-2 terminal connection device 407ab> the 1-3 terminal connection.
- the first operator 401 sets the MNO selection policy tables 402-2a and 402-2b for each terminal group for a certain terminal group designated with the MVNO 402.
- High reliability distributed setting of connected MNO
- the table may be set remotely via a transmission line, or may be converted to a required format via an MVNO maintenance terminal and set.
- the switching control module 402-7 satisfies the selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 402-2 based on the connection information, that is, the 1-1 terminals 405aa to belong to the terminal group of the first operator 401. It is determined whether the MNOs connected to the 1st-9th terminals 405ai are made uniform (connected to different MNOs as much as possible). Then, when it is determined that the MNO is not uniformized, the switching control module 402-7 can be used as connection information of terminals stored in the network monitor database in the switching control modules 402-7a and 402-7b. Based on this, the MNO network and session are switched so as to make the MNO uniform.
- the first operator 401 sets "Terminal importance: 1-1 terminal” in the MNO selection policy tables 402-4a and 402-4b for inter-terminal association for a certain terminal group designated with the MVNO 402. > 1-2 terminal> 1-3 terminal> Terminal 1-4> 1-5 terminal> 1-6 terminal> 1-7 terminal> 1-8 terminal> 1-9 terminal " To do.
- the switching control module 402-7 determines whether the 1-1 terminal 405aa to the 1-9th terminal 305ai are connected to the MNO in the order of importance set in the MNO selection policy table 402-4 by the operator. To do.
- the switching control module 402-7 determines that the connection is not made in that way, the importance of the MNO connected to the terminal is determined based on the connection information of the terminal stored in the network monitor database. Switch the MNO network and session so that they are connected in the order of order.
- the second The 1-2 terminal 405ab which is connected to the 1-2 terminal connection device 407ab of the first operator, which is highly important, is connected to the base station of the second MNO403b, which is different from the first MNO403a, and is the third most important.
- the 1-3 terminal 405ac which is connected to the 1-3 terminal connection device 407ac of the first operator, is connected to the base station of the third MNO403c, which is different from the first MNO403a and the second MNO403b.
- the terminals connected to the terminal connection device of the first operator having the highest importance of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are the first MNO, the second MNO, the third MNO, the first MNO, and the second MNO. , Is connected to the base station of the third MNO, respectively.
- the 1-1 terminal 405aa connected to the 1-1 terminal connecting device 407aa of the first operator, which has the highest importance, is connected to the MVNO network 402 of the first base via the first MNO403a.
- the 1-2 terminal 405ab connected to the 1-2 terminal connection device 407ab of the first operator, which has the second highest importance is connected to the second base via the second MNO403b. It is connected to the MVNO network 402-5b.
- the terminals connected to the terminal connection device of the first operator which is the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth most important, are the first base, the second base, the first base, and so on. It is connected to the MVNO network of the 2nd base, the 1st base, the 2nd base, and the 1st base, respectively.
- the first business operator when all the connections of the terminal connection devices of the first business operator are via the MVNO network 402-5a of the first base, and a large-scale failure peculiar to the MVNO of the first base occurs, the first The provision of services to businesses will be completely cut off.
- the influence thereof can be reduced, so that it is possible to provide a communication service having a high tolerance in the event of a failure.
- the configuration in which the MVNO network 402-5a of the first base and the MVNO network 402-5b of the second base are 0/1 system (connectable to only one of them) has been described. .. In such a configuration, the connection can be minimized, so that a low-priced network can be constructed.
- the MVNO network may be configured to be an N / E system (connectable to both and can be switched in the event of a failure).
- N / E system connectable to both and can be switched in the event of a failure.
- various databases, policy tables, etc. in the MVNO are mirrored from N system to E system as much as possible according to the reliability required for the terminal to be handled.
- N / E system when 0/1 system and N / E system can be mixed, it is effective to apply the N / E system only to some of the terminal connection devices of the business operators with high importance. With this configuration, it is possible to balance service quality and price according to the demand of the business operator.
- ⁇ Modification 4 of Embodiment 1> The components of the MVNO network device and the wireless communication terminal included in the wireless communication system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
- the wireless communication system according to the fourth modification can realize all of the first embodiment and the first to third modifications of the first embodiment. When only one of the first embodiment and the first to third modifications of the first embodiment is realized, the components described below are appropriately omitted.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MVNO network device 102 according to the present modification 4.
- the MVNO 102 is generally configured as a group of software modules on a server.
- the upper core network 102-1 in FIG. 7 is composed of an MVNO mainstream processing module.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module includes an MNO interface module 102-9, a PGW function module 102-10, and a business operator interface module 102-11.
- the operator interface module 102-11 balances between each operator and the interface, and sends and receives information between them.
- the operator interface module 102-11 controls routes inside and outside the MVNO, can access the operator request management control module 102-6, and is configured to connect to the Internet outside the MVNO as needed. Is also valid.
- the PGW function module 102-10 assigns an IP address and controls the transmission quality of the IP packet, and also switches the MNO according to the instruction of the MNO switching control module 102-7.
- the MNO interface module 102-9 is capable of matching between each MNO and the interface, transmitting and receiving information between them, and accessing the HSS module 102-3.
- the operator request management control module 102-6 includes an MNO selection policy table 102-2 for each terminal group and an MNO selection policy table 102-4 for inter-terminal association.
- the MNO selection policy table 102-2 for each terminal group is a table for setting what kind of policy is used to switch the MNO for each terminal group.
- the MNO selection policy table 102-4 for inter-terminal association is a table for setting the MNO selection policy of the terminal connected to the terminal connection device in consideration of the characteristics of the terminal connection device that provides the application of the business operator.
- the information is displayed. It is stored in the MNO selection policy table 102-2. Further, when the terminal-to-terminal related importance instruction of the terminal group having the first operator reaches the operator request management control module 102-6 via the operator interface module 102-11, the information is sent to the MNO selection policy. It is stored in table 102-4.
- the MVNO maintenance function module 102-8 is, for example, charged information for each MNO (pay-as-you-go, fixed-rate for a specific period, fixed-rate up to a specific traffic, and pay-as-you-go for more traffic, etc. Quantitative information), operation stop announcement information notified from each MNO, and information such as abnormal congestion and device damage information in some devices from the maintenance function unit of each MNO are notified to the switching control module 102-7. .. Further, in the MNO selection policy tables 102-2 and 102-4, when there is no remote writing function from the operator and the writing is securely performed on these tables, the writing is performed by the MVNO maintenance function module 102-8. At this time, the MVNO maintenance function module 102-8 may also perform secure writing to the HSS module 102-3.
- the HSS module 102-3 which is a terminal information management control module, from each business operator.
- the SIM of the target terminal is also rewritten. For example, rewriting that changes the authentication algorithm to a different one in conjunction with the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is effective.
- a high authentication algorithm can be provided when the policy requires high reliability, so even if a setting error occurs from the operator, a serious system failure will not occur. It becomes possible to provide services.
- the switching control module 102-7 which is an information management unit, transmits group communication information, which is information related to communication of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group, via the MNO interface module 102-9 and the PGW function module 102-10. Collect and store in database group 102-12.
- the database group 102-12 includes a network monitor database 102-13, a terminal monitor database 102-14, and a billing information database 102-15.
- group communication information and the database group 102-12 will be described.
- the network monitor database 102-13 shows information measured or detected in the network (communication line quality and failure information, and which route the terminals are connected to) for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group. Connection information) is collected and stored.
- the network referred to here is assumed to be each MNO network, but is not limited to this, and may be at least one network of the MVNO network and a plurality of MNO networks.
- the terminal monitor database 102-14 collects and stores communication line quality and failure information that is measured or detected by at least one terminal belonging to the terminal group and transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO on a regular or occasional basis. Will be done.
- the communication amount (data) of the billing information of each MNO specified from the MVNO maintenance function module 102-8 and the billing target data of each terminal obtained from the PGW function module 102-10. Transmission amount) etc. are collected and stored.
- the switching control module 102-7 comprehensively considers the above group communication information to perform MNO switching control suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group. For example, the switching control module 102-7 gives an instruction to distribute the MVNO bases based on the MVNO base information received from the MVNO maintenance function module 102-8, and the PGW function module 102-10 responds to the instruction. Control the addressing. In this case, as described in the third modification of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence on the service provision to the business operator even at the time of a large-scale failure peculiar to the MVNO base.
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 105 according to the present modification 4, which corresponds to one of the terminals 105aa to 105bc (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment.
- the transmitter / receiver 105-2 performs down-conversion of the signal received by the antenna 105-1 from the radio frequency to the signal band, and processing of the received radio layer 1 such as demodulation and error correction.
- the data processing unit 105-3 processes the signal from the transmitter / receiver 105-2 in the reception wireless layer 2 such as HARQ and restoration of the user frame.
- the terminal connection device interface 105-4 performs interface matching according to the terminal connection device which is an external device.
- the terminal connection device is, for example, a sensor, a camera, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer, or an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) integrated with these, a car, a robot, a drone, or the like.
- the communication system of the transmitter / receiver 105-2 may be an LTE system, a 5G system, a satellite mobile communication network, or any wireless system that the MVNO can incorporate. ..
- the processor 105-5 controls the entire terminal and cooperates with the memory 105-7 to operate and store the program and to store data and logs. Further, as in the example of FIG. 8, in the configuration in which the terminal 105 is provided with a screen display and a human interface 105-8 such as an LED, it is possible to easily investigate the cause at the time of trouble. At this time, the communication line quality and failure information measured or detected by the terminal 105 are formed as a message by the processor 105-5, and pass through the data processing unit 105-3, the transmitter / receiver 105-2, and the antenna 105-1. It is sent to the MVNO.
- a plurality of authentication algorithms may be physically implemented on the SIM / eSIM so that they can be selected from the outside.
- Milenage is usually used as the default setting.
- the business operator sends an authentication method specification message and specifies a special authentication method
- the content of the message is transmitted to SIM / eSIM105-6 to set the authentication method to be used by default. It may be possible to change it.
- it is not possible to set a large number of authentication methods themselves in a normal standard it is possible to realize a different authentication method for each business operator, so that a highly reliable network system can be constructed.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 1100 according to the second embodiment.
- the wireless communication system 1100 is a system that provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator, and includes an MVNO network device 1102 and a plurality of wireless communication terminals 1105aa, 1105ab, 1105ac, 1105ba, 1105bb, 1105bc.
- first business operator there are a first business operator and a second business operator as businesses that use the MVNO wireless communication system 1100.
- terminal group of the first operator there are 1-1 terminal 1105aa, 1-2 terminal 1105ab, and 1-3 terminal 1105ac.
- terminal group of the second operator there are 2-1 terminal 1105ba, 2-2 terminal 1105bb, and 2-3 terminal 1105bc.
- the MVNO wireless communication system 1100 includes a first MNO network, a second MNO network, and a third MNO network as MNO networks.
- the first MNO network includes a core network 1103a and a 1-1 base station 1104a and a 1-2 base station 1104ab connected to the core network 1103a.
- the second MNO network includes a core network 1103b and a 2-1 base station 1104ba and a 2-2 base station 1104bb connected to the core network 1103b.
- the third MNO network includes a core network 1103c and a third base station 1104ca and a third-2 base station 1104cc connected to the core network 1103c.
- the core networks 1103a, 1103b, 1103c include S-GW and the like.
- the MVNO network device 1102 performs wireless communication with wireless communication terminals 1105aa, 1105ab, 1105ac, 1105ba, 1105bb, 1105bc that can be connected to the MVNO network in the MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks.
- the MVNO 1102 includes the core network 1103a of the first MNO, the core network 1103b of the second MNO, and the upper core network 1102-1 connected to the core network 1103c of the third MNO as the MVNO network.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module constituting the upper core network 1102-1 includes P-GW, HSS, and the like.
- the upper core network 1102-1 is connected to the system 1101a of the first operator and the system 1101b of the second operator.
- the system 1101a of the first business operator and the system 1101b of the second business operator may be, for example, a data server in which the business operator collects information from a plurality of terminals belonging to the business operator group, or the collected information. It may be an application server that provides a service to a plurality of terminals belonging to a business group based on the above.
- the MVNO 1102 includes the upper core network 1102-1, the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 in which the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is set, and the group communication information which is information related to the communication of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group. It includes a selection control module 1102-7, which is a kind of information management module that performs selection control of an MNO based on the above.
- the selection control module 1102-7 includes a database group which is a database and an information management unit.
- the database group of the selection control module 1102-7 is substantially the same as the database group of the switching control module 102-7 described in the first embodiment, and is group communication which is information on communication of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group. Hold information.
- the database group of the selection control module 1102-7 includes, for example, a network monitor database, a terminal monitor database, and a billing information database.
- the information management unit of the selection control module 1102-7 is substantially the same as the information management unit of the switching control module 102-7 described in the first embodiment. However, the information management unit according to the second embodiment selects the number of MNO networks and sessions for each terminal so as to be suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 based on the group communication information ( Determine one or more numbers). Then, the information management unit according to the second embodiment selects a number of MNO networks and sessions determined for each terminal so as to be suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 based on the group communication information. To do. Then, the information management unit according to the second embodiment controls the establishment or switching of the session of the terminal based on the selection result. In the following description, the information management unit describes the case where the selection control module 1102-7 is provided integrally with the database group, but it may be provided separately from the database group or another module. It may be.
- Each terminal can establish the above-determined number of MNO networks and sessions.
- the above-determined number is two, and each terminal establishes two sessions.
- communication continuation tolerance Becomes stronger.
- communication can be continued in another session established at the same time, so that data can be communicated without interruption.
- the reliability can be improved as compared with the wireless communication system of the first embodiment in which each terminal establishes only one session.
- the first operator has a contract with the MVNO that emphasizes the improvement of reliability by establishing multiple sessions for each terminal and the reduction of communication costs.
- the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 according to the first operator 1101a, (1) operator number: 1, (2) terminal group number: 1, (3) terminal group target: 1st 1 terminal, 1-2 terminal, 1-3 terminal, (4) MNO selection policy: It is assumed that "communication cost minimization" is set.
- the selection control module 1102-7 includes the charge plan information stored in the billing information database and, if necessary, the "terminals and MNOs of the entire terminal group" stored in the network monitor database and the terminal monitor database.
- the MNO and communication session are selected based on "the amount of communication used for each".
- the MNO with the lowest communication cost is the lowest in response to the communication session request from the 1-1 terminal 1105aa, the 1-2 terminal 1105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 1105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator. It is assumed that the 1MNO is selected and the 2nd MNO is selected as the MNO having the second lowest communication cost.
- the 1-1 terminal 1105aa belonging to the terminal group of the first operator is the closest first of the first MNO base stations having the lowest communication cost as the first session.
- -1 It is connected to the core network 1103a of the first MNO and the core network 1102-1 above the MVNO via the base station 1104aa.
- the 1-1 terminal 1105aa uses the second MNO core network 1103b via the nearest 2-1 base station 1104ba among the second MNO base stations having the second lowest communication cost.
- And is connected to the core network 1102-1 above the MVNO.
- the 1-1 terminal 1105aa can perform low-priced communication with the system 1101a of the first operator.
- the 1-2 terminal 1105ab and the 1-3 terminal 1105ac which belong to the terminal group of the first operator, are the closest to the base station of the first MNO having the lowest communication cost as the first session. It is connected to the core network 1103a of the first MNO and the core network 1102-1 above the MVNO via the 1-2 base station 1104ab. In addition, the 1-2 terminal 1105ab and the 1-3 terminal 1105ac use the nearest 2-1 base station 1104ba among the second MNO base stations having the second lowest communication cost as the second session. Through, it is connected to the core network 1103b of the second MNO and the core network 1102-1 above the MVNO. As a result, the 1-2 terminal 1105ab and the 1-3 terminal 1105ac can perform low-priced communication with the system 1101a of the first operator.
- the second operator attaches great importance to the high reliability of communication so that the service can be maintained as much as possible by leaving the terminal that can continue communication even in the event of a failure of a specific MNO.
- "high reliability (distributed setting of connected MNO)" is set by the second operator 1101b.
- the selection control module 1102-7 has an MNO and a communication session based on the connection information of all terminals stored in the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 and the network monitor database in the selection control module 1102-7. Make a selection.
- the current MNO network connecting the 2-1 terminal 1105ba, the 2-2 terminal 1105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 1105bc belonging to the terminal group of the second operator is made uniform (separate MNOs as much as possible). If not, the network and session are appropriately switched so as to equalize the MNO network connected to these terminals.
- the 2-1 terminal 1105ba belonging to the terminal group of the second operator selects the first MNO and the second MNO as the MNO of the first session and the MNO of the second session, and the first Establish communication for the first and second sessions.
- the 2-2 terminal 1105bb which belongs to the terminal group of the second operator, selects the second MNO and the third MNO as the MNO of the first session and the MNO of the second session, and performs the communication of the first session and the second session.
- the 2-3 terminal 1105bc which belongs to the terminal group of the second operator, selects the third MNO and the first MNO as the MNO of the first session and the MNO of the second session, and performs the communication of the first session and the second session. Establish.
- the 2-1 terminal 1105ba selects the 1-1 base station 1104aa as the base station of the first MNO and serves as the base station of the second MNO.
- 2-1 Base station 1104ba is selected.
- the 2-2 terminal 1105bb selects the 2-2 base station 1104bb as the base station of the 2nd MNO and the 3-1 base station 1104ca as the base station of the 3rd MNO.
- the 2-3 terminal 1105bc selects the 3-2 base station 1104cc as the base station of the 3rd MNO, and selects the 1-2 base station 1104ab as the base station of the 1st MNO.
- the 2-1 terminal 1105ba, the 2-2 terminal 1105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 1105bc can communicate with the system 1101b of the second operator with high resistance to communication failure. Become.
- the MVNO 1102 performs MNO switching control suitable for the MNO selection policy for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group by comprehensively considering the group communication information. be able to.
- the MNO selection policy for each terminal group includes the above-mentioned policy that emphasizes the reduction of communication costs, “minimization of communication costs”, and the policy that emphasizes communication endurance that maintains the continuation of communication, "high reliability”.
- high reliability base station
- base station is a policy to geographically disperse connected base stations in order to increase resistance to local disasters and equipment failures. Geographically distributed setting) ”is also effective.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission speeds of the entire terminal group is maximized by using the information read from the database group.
- MNOs having different frequency bands are selected. Further, it is possible to maximize the sum of the transmission speeds of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission speed for the entire terminal group.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission delays of the entire terminal group is minimized by using the information read from the database group. Further, it is possible to minimize the sum of the transmission delays of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission delay for the entire terminal group.
- the transmission delay time may be measured by transmitting a known signal / known message (health check, etc.) at regular intervals on the transmitting side.
- MNO selection can be performed so that the sum of the variations in the transmission delay of the entire terminal group or the sum of the squared averages of the variations is minimized. Further, it is possible to minimize the variation of the transmission delay of the entire terminal group or the sum of the squared averages of the variation while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission delay variation for the entire terminal group.
- the MNO can be selected so that the sum of the transmission error rates of the entire terminal group is minimized by using the information read from the database group. Further, it is possible to minimize the sum of the transmission error rates of the entire terminal group while designating and securing the minimum necessary transmission error rate for the entire terminal group.
- a plurality of MNOs such as “minimize communication cost”, “high reliability (distributed setting of connection MNO)", “maximum transmission speed”, “minimum transmission delay”, and “minimum transmission error rate” described above are selected. It is also effective to prioritize and integrate policies.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example when a policy for selecting a session with good communication quality is set.
- the 1-1 base station 1104aa and the 1-2 base station 1104ab are the base stations of the 1st MNO1103a
- the 2-1 base station 1104ba and the 2-2 base station 1104bb are the base stations of the 2nd MNO1103b.
- the 3-1st base station 1104ca is a base station of the 3rd MNO1103c.
- the circle centered on each base station represents the cell radius of each base station.
- the 1-1 terminal 1105aa selects two base stations and MNOs, it selects a session capable of high-quality data communication.
- the 1-1 terminal 1105aa selects the 1-2 base station 1104ab and the 2-2 base station 1104bab.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example when a policy for selecting a session in which the connected base stations can be geographically dispersed is set.
- the 1-2 base station 1104ab and the 2-2 base station 1104bb are geographically adjacent to each other. Therefore, the 1-1 terminal 1105aa selects the 1-2 base station 1104ab, but does not select the 2-2 base station 1104bb, but selects the 3-1 base station 1104ca which is far away. .. Since the 1-1 terminal 1105aa is located on the cell edge of the 3-1 base station 1104ca, the data rate may be low if such a selection is made.
- the 1st 1- can continue the communication by communicating with the 3-1 base station 1104ca.
- the selection of multiple sessions may be performed when the first session is established, or when the constantly monitored group communication information exceeds the threshold value of the group communication information set based on the session selection policy. It may be done or it may be carried out periodically.
- the communication in the second priority session is temporarily disconnected while the communication is continued only in the first priority session, and the measurement target is measured. Other sessions may be established to carry out measurements in those other sessions. Then, after the measurement, the second priority session may be reestablished, and communication may be performed again in the first priority and second priority sessions. In such a case, while continuing communication in the first priority session, a session not used for data communication for acquiring group communication information (sessions other than the first priority and second priority sessions). ) Can be measured.
- a third session may be temporarily established for measurement while continuing the first priority and second priority sessions. In such a case, it is possible to measure a session that is not used for data communication while continuing communication in both the first priority and second priority sessions.
- ⁇ Modification 1 of Embodiment 2> 12 and 13 show an operation example of the wireless communication system according to the first modification of the second embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a sequence diagram. Specifically, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an operation example of selecting a plurality of MNOs by the wireless communication system according to the first modification of the second embodiment.
- step S1301 the business operator registers the terminals of its own terminal group and sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO.
- information regarding the connection cost for each MNO may be set.
- a terminal registered in the MVNO accesses the MVNO network and establishes a session with the first MNO and the second MNO will be described.
- step S1302 the terminal transmits a connection request to the MVNO to the first MNO.
- the MNO to be transmitted at this time may be selected in the connection order preset in the priority list, may be selected in descending order of radio field strength, or may be the last MNO connected last time. It may be an MNO that is geographically close to the terminal.
- step S1303 the first MNO transmits a connection response indicating that the connection request from the terminal is accepted to the terminal.
- the wireless connection path is established.
- the terminal transmits an authentication request to the MVNO via the first MNO in step S1304, and the MVNO transmits an authentication response to the terminal via the first MNO in step S1305 to authenticate between the terminal and the MVNO. Processing is done.
- the business operator transmits a data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1306, and the MVNO transmits data to the terminal via the first MNO in step S1307.
- the terminal transmits the transmitted data to the terminal connection device.
- the terminal transmits a data reception response indicating that the data has been received in step S1308 to the operator via the first MNO and the MVNO.
- steps S1309 to S1311 are performed in order to collect the group communication information for selecting the MNO suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group in the MVNO.
- step S1309 the business operator notifies the MVNO of the maintenance schedule information of the MNO, the important point information of the terminal connection device, etc. as the network management information.
- the key information for example, in a device such as a terminal for important data communication such as core control information of an infrastructure device, a plurality of sessions are indispensable, or reliability should be given top priority. It is information indicating to do.
- each of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO notifies the MVNO of, for example, communication load information, communication line quality, failure information, terminal connection information to each MNO, and the like as network management information.
- the terminal notifies the MVNO of, for example, communication line quality and communication line failure information as network management information.
- step S1320 the business operator sends an instruction to duplicate the session of the designated terminal to the MVNO. That is, the additional instruction of the MNO is given.
- step S1321 the MVNO selects an appropriate MNO for communication with the terminal based on the group communication information and the MNO selection policy for each terminal group.
- the appropriate MNO will be described as being the second MNO.
- step S1322 the MVNO transmits an instruction to add the MNO to the terminal via the first MNO for which the communication session has been established.
- the MNO added to the terminal by instruction is the second MNO selected in step S1321.
- the terminal makes a connection request to the designated MNO (second MNO) in step S1323, and receives a connection response from the second MNO in step S1324.
- step S1325 the terminal transmits an authentication request to the MVNO via the second MNO
- step S1326 the terminal receives an authentication response from the MVNO via the second MNO, thereby passing through the second MNO.
- a session between the terminal and the MVNO is established.
- the business operator transmits a data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1327, and the MVNO transmits data to the terminal via the first MNO and the second MNO in step S1328.
- the terminal transmits the transmitted data to the terminal connection device.
- the terminal transmits a data reception response indicating that the data has been received in step S1329 to the MVNO via the first MNO and the second MNO.
- step S1330 data transmission / reception between the business operator and the terminal connection device is performed via the first MNO, and in step S1331, data transmission / reception between the business operator and the terminal connection device is performed via the second MNO. Will be done.
- a plurality of communication sessions can be established between the operator device and the terminal connection device, and even if one communication session fails, communication can be continued via another communication session. It becomes.
- ⁇ Modification 2 of Embodiment 2> 14 and 15 show an operation example of the wireless communication system according to the second modification of the second embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a network of a plurality of MNOs. It is a sequence diagram. Specifically, FIGS. 14 and 15 show an operation example in which the MNO is changed after a plurality of MNOs are selected by the wireless communication system according to the second modification of the second embodiment.
- the business operator has established two communication sessions, specifically, communication sessions of the first MNO and the second MNO in steps S1601 and S1602.
- steps S1601 and S1602. an example of changing from the communication session establishment state of the first MNO and the second MNO to the communication session establishment state of the second MNO and the third MNO based on the MNO selection policy will be described.
- step S1610, step S1611 and step S1612 the same processing as in step S1309, step S1310 and step S1311 in FIG. 12 is performed.
- group communication information for selecting an MNO suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is collected in the MVNO from the operator device, each MNO, and each terminal connection device.
- step S1620 the MVNO selects an appropriate set of MNOs for the terminal based on the group communication information and the MNO selection policy for each terminal group.
- the second MNO and the third MNO are selected as an appropriate set of MNOs.
- the communication session between the terminal and the first MNO is changed to the communication session between the terminal and the third MNO.
- the MNO selection process in step S1620 may be performed periodically or every time the network management information is updated, and may be triggered by a message from the operator's device or an instruction from the terminal connection device. You may be broken.
- the MVNO transmits an MNO change instruction for changing the communication session of the terminal from the first MNO to the third MNO to the terminal.
- the MVNO may transmit the message used for this instruction only via the first MNO, may be transmitted only through the second MNO, or may be transmitted via both the first MNO and the second MNO. May be good.
- the amount of messages can be reduced by reducing the information of the MNO of the change source from the message.
- the second MNO there are merits such as better communication quality than the first MNO and lower communication cost.
- reliability can be improved by transmitting a message that is resistant to failures and the like.
- step S1622 the terminal responds to the MVNO via the MNO with an MNO change response for indicating whether or not the MNO can be changed.
- the switching source MNO here, the first MNO
- the switching destination MNO here, the third MNO
- the MNO switching information of the terminal includes information useful for establishing a communication session, such as switching timing, terminal position information, and load status.
- the MVNO transmits a first MNO release instruction indicating cancellation of the communication session with the terminal to the first MNO, and the first MNO transmits the first MNO release instruction to the terminal.
- the terminal prepares for switching the MNO such as changing the eSIM in step S1625. After that, the terminal transmits a connection request to the switching destination MNO (third MNO) in step S1626, and the switching destination MNO (third MNO) transmits a connection response to the terminal in step S1627.
- the terminal transmits the first MNO release response indicating that the communication session with the first MNO has been canceled to the third MNO, and the third MNO transmits the first MNO release response to the MVNO.
- the third MNO may transmit switching information to the first MNO in step S1629. From this message, the first MNO can know that the communication session with the terminal has been completely canceled, and can delete the information of the terminal and the like.
- the transmission of the switching information in step S1629 can be replaced by the transmission of the release instruction in step S1624, and is not essential.
- the terminal transmits an authentication request to the MVNO via the third MNO in step S1630, and the MVNO transmits an authentication response to the terminal via the third MNO in step S1631.
- the business operator transmits a data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1632, and the MVNO transmits data to the terminal via the third MNO in step S1633.
- the terminal transmits the transmitted data to the terminal connection device.
- the terminal transmits a data reception response indicating that the data has been received in step S1634 to the MVNO via the third MNO.
- step S1640 data transmission / reception between the business operator and the terminal connection device is performed via the second MNO, and in step S1641, data transmission / reception between the business operator and the terminal connection device is performed via the third MNO. Will be done. As described above, a plurality of communication sessions are established between the operator device and the terminal connection device.
- the operation of adding the third MNO of the switching destination after releasing the first MNO of the switching source is performed, but there is also an operation of releasing the first MNO of the switching source after adding the third MNO of the switching destination.
- the number of communication sessions established at the same time can be suppressed to two, which leads to simplification of the terminal device.
- the latter can maintain two or more communication sessions at all times even during switching, so that more reliable communication can be maintained.
- FIGS. 16 to 19 show an operation example of the wireless communication system according to the third modification of the second embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a sequence diagram. Specifically, FIGS. 16 to 19 show an operation example in which data is duplicated after a session is established with a plurality of MNOs, and the same data is transmitted / received in the plurality of sessions. According to the configuration that performs such an operation, it is possible to increase the resistance to network failure.
- step S1401 the business operator registers the terminal of its own terminal group and sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO.
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the MVNO to the first MNO in step S1402, and receives a connection response from the first MNO in step S1403.
- the terminal transmits an authentication request to the MVNO via the first MNO in step S1404, and the MVNO transmits an authentication response to the terminal via the first MNO in step S1405.
- step S1406 the terminal communicates with the second MNO by performing the processes of step S1402, step S1403, step S1404, and step S1405 with respect to the second MNO.
- Establish a session As described above, the terminal has established two communication sessions with the MVNO via the first MNO and the second MNO.
- an example of transmitting and receiving the same data in a plurality of sessions will be described.
- the business operator transmits the data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1420.
- the MVNO performs a data duplication process for duplicating data in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- the MVNO transmits the duplicated data to the first MNO in step S1422, and the first MNO transmits the duplicated data to the terminal.
- the MVNO transmits the duplicated data to the second MNO in step S1423, and the second MNO transmits the duplicated data to the terminal.
- the terminal selects the same data (replica data) received from the first MNO and the second MNO in step S1424, and transmits the data selected in step S1425 to the terminal connection device.
- the transmitted data may be simply duplicated, a flag indicating that the data is duplicated (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "data duplication flag"), and data duplication to the duplicated data.
- Information indicating the number hereinafter sometimes referred to as "data replication number information”
- sequence number indicating the order of data transmission hereinafter sometimes referred to as “data transmission sequence number”
- time stamp indicating data transmission timing hereinafter, it may be referred to as “data transmission timing”
- the terminal can determine which data is being duplicated during the data selection process in step S1424. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to notify the duplication processing timing in advance.
- the terminal can determine in advance the number of receptions of the same data at the time of the data selection process in step S1424. Therefore, there are merits such as simplification of memory management by data selection and disposal processing, and simplification of data arrival order and timing management.
- the terminal can simplify the determination of the same data or discard the data before the received sequence number based on the sequence number during the data selection process in step S1424. There is a merit that the data disposal process can be simplified.
- the terminal can measure the delay time of data arrival in the communication session of each MNO at the time of the data selection process in step S1424, so that the communication traffic status of each MNO and the occurrence of a failure occur. There is a merit that you can make a predictive judgment.
- the data duplication process in step S1421 is performed by the MVNO, but instead, two identical data may be transmitted to the communication session of the MNO designated by the operator. ..
- step S1424 an example of data selection processing in which the terminal selects data from a plurality of data will be described.
- the data selection process includes, for example, (1) the process of selecting the earliest received data and then discarding the received data, (2) the data received from the high-priority MNO based on quality measurement and the like.
- the process of selecting the data received from another MNO with a lower priority if data cannot be received from the MNO even after a certain period of time, the process of selecting the data received from another MNO with a lower priority, (3) for a certain period of time
- a process of comparing the data from all the received MNOs and selecting the same data when at least two or more of the same data are received may be adopted.
- step S1426 the terminal transmits a data reception response indicating that the data from the first MNO has been received to the MVNO via the first MNO.
- step S1427 the terminal transmits a data reception response indicating that the data from the second MNO has been received to the MVNO via the second MNO.
- step S1428 the MVNO performs data reception response processing including data retransmission and quality analysis of the communication session of each MNO based on the reception result of the data reception response from each MNO.
- the processes from step S1421 to step S1427 are repeated.
- the processes from step S1426 to step S1428 are not necessarily all necessary.
- the quality analysis of the data response process in step S1428 may be performed in the data selection process of the terminal in step S1424, and the result may be notified to the MVNO in step S1426 or step S1427.
- the amount of data may be reduced by collectively notifying the MVNO of the data reception response of the first MNO and the second MNO only in the communication session of the first MNO or the second MNO.
- the data reception response for example, ACK (ACKnowlegement) / NACK (Negative ACKnowlegement) of data reception may be used.
- the data reception response may be provided with a data sequence number, MNO and session identification information, reception timing information, and the like.
- the terminal connection device transmits a data transmission instruction to the terminal in step S1430.
- the terminal replicates the same number of data as the MNO to be multiplexed.
- the duplicated data may be given a data duplication flag, data duplication number information, data transmission sequence number, data transmission timing, and the like, as in step S1421.
- the terminal transmits data to the MVNO via the first MNO in step S1432. Similarly, in step S1433, the terminal transmits data to the MVNO via the second MNO.
- the MVNO performs the data selection process in step S1434. Then, in step S1435, the MVNO transmits the selected data to the operator.
- the data selection process in step S1435 as in step S1424, for example, the selection of the earliest received data, the selection of the data of the MNO having the highest priority, and the case where the same data is received by at least two or more of the data. Selection, etc. are made.
- the MVNO transmits a data reception response to the terminal via the first MNO in step S1436. Similarly, in step S1437, the MVNO transmits a data reception response to the terminal via the second MNO. In step S1438, the terminal performs data reception response processing including data retransmission and quality analysis of the communication session of each MNO based on the reception result of the data reception response from each MNO.
- step S1441 the MVNO performs a data duplication process in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- step S1442 the MVNO attempts to transmit duplicate data to the terminal via the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO does not reach the terminal from the first MNO due to a failure in the first MNO or deterioration of the communication quality between the first MNO and the terminal as shown in step S1443. The situation.
- the data from the MVNO arrives at the terminal from the second MNO in step S1444.
- step S1451 the reception timer for determining the reception of the data reception response of the first MNO is started in step S1451.
- the reception timer for determining the reception of the data of the first MNO is started in step S1445.
- the terminal performs the data selection process in step S1446, and transmits the selected data to the terminal connection device in step S1447.
- the data selection process in step S1446, as in step S1424 for example, the selection of the earliest received data, the selection of the data of the MNO having the highest priority, and the case where the same data is received by at least two or more of the data. Selection, etc. are made. Hereinafter, these selections will be specifically described.
- the terminal can receive the data from the second MNO, so that the data of the second MNO is transmitted to the terminal connection device.
- the reception timer in step S1445 expires even if the terminal receives the data from the second MNO. Wait until the data is received from the first MNO. Even if the reception timer expires, if the terminal cannot receive the data from the first MNO, it selects the data from the second MNO, which is the second priority MNO, and transmits it to the terminal connection device.
- the terminal When the data is selected when at least two or more of the same data are received, it is essential that the data of the first MNO and the second MNO are received by the terminal in the examples of FIGS. 16 to 19. .. Therefore, when the terminal cannot receive the data from the first MNO, it determines that the reliable data could not be received and discards the data. However, the terminal usually establishes a communication session with another MNO such as the third MNO. Therefore, even if the terminal does not receive the data of the first MNO, when it receives the data of the second MNO and the third MNO, it determines that the reliable data has been received and transmits the data to the terminal connection device. do it.
- step S1448 the terminal attempts to transmit a data reception response to the MVNO via the first MNO, but in the examples of FIGS. 16 to 19, as shown in step S1449, due to a failure of the first MNO or the like, the terminal is sent from the terminal.
- the data does not reach the MVNO from the first MNO.
- the data reception response from the terminal reaches the MVNO via the second MNO in step S1450.
- the amount of data may be reduced by collectively notifying the MVNO of the data reception response of the first MNO and the second MNO only in the communication session of the first MNO or the second MNO.
- step S1452 the MVNO determines whether or not each MNO has a failure based on the reception result of the data reception response from each MNO.
- step S1443 and step S1449 the terminal transmits only the NACK information of the first MNO in step S1448, the reception of the data reception response of the first MNO is determined in step S1451.
- the receive timer to do so expires. Therefore, the MVNO can determine in step S1452 that some kind of failure has occurred in the first MNO.
- the terminal transmits data of both the first MNO and the second MNO in step S1450 using the communication session of the second MNO.
- the failure of the communication session of the 1st MNO is a failure of only the downlink (MVNO ⁇ direction of the terminal), a failure of only the uplink (direction of the terminal ⁇ MVNO), or a failure of both the downlink and the uplink. Whether or not it exists can be determined by the MVNO.
- step S1452 When the MVNO determines that a failure has occurred in step S1452, the MVNO performs the MNO change process in step S1460.
- the MVNO changes from the communication session establishment state of the first MNO and the second MNO in step S1460. Change to the communication session establishment state of the 2nd MNO and the 3rd MNO.
- the change process of step S1460 corresponds to the process of S1620 to S1631 of FIGS. 14 to 15.
- the configuration of such a first example will be described.
- a communication session is established in the first MNO and the second MNO, and data transmission / reception is performed only in the first MNO. Then, when a failure occurs in the first MNO, the route in which data transmission / reception is performed is changed from the route of the first MNO to the route of the second MNO.
- the configuration of the second example will be described.
- data transmission in the downlink direction (MVNO ⁇ terminal) is performed in the first MNO and the second MNO
- data transmission in the uplink direction terminal ⁇ MVNO
- the route in which data transmission / reception is performed is changed to only the route of the second MNO in both the down direction and the up direction.
- the configuration of the third example will be described.
- the first MNO and the second MNO carry out the data transmission in the down direction
- the second MNO and the third MNO carry out the data transmission in the up direction. Then, when a failure occurs in the first MNO, data transmission / reception in the downward direction is continued only in the second MNO.
- ⁇ Modification 4 of Embodiment 2> 20 to 22 show an operation example of the wireless communication system according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a sequence diagram. Specifically, in FIGS. 20 to 22, data is duplicated only in the downlink direction (MVNO ⁇ terminal direction) during normal times after a session is established with a plurality of MNOs, and the same data is communicated in a plurality of sessions. However, in the uplink direction (terminal ⁇ MVNO direction), an operation example in which data communication is performed by only one communication session without data duplication is shown.
- the process from the terminal registration in step S1501 to the authentication response in step S1509 is the same as the process from step S1401 to step S1409 in FIG.
- the terminal establishes two communication sessions with the MVNO via the first MNO and the second MNO. Two communication sessions have been established with the MVNO via the first MNO and the second MNO.
- the business operator transmits the data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1520.
- the MVNO performs a data duplication process for duplicating data in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- the MVNO transmits the duplicated data to the first MNO in step S1522, and the first MNO transmits the duplicated data to the terminal.
- the MVNO transmits the duplicated data to the second MNO in step S1523, and the second MNO transmits the duplicated data to the terminal.
- the terminal selects the same data (replica data) received from the first MNO and the second MNO in step S1524, and transmits the data selected in step S1525 to the terminal connection device.
- step S1526 the terminal transmits a data reception response to the MVNO via the first MNO, which is the first priority MNO.
- the data of the data reception response for example, ACK / NACK of data reception of both the communication session of the first MNO and the communication session of the second MNO may be used.
- a data sequence number, information for identifying the MNO and the session, reception timing information, and the like may be added to the data reception response.
- step S1527 the MVNO performs data reception response processing in the same manner as in step S1428 of FIG. In the example here, it is a normal time, and since the data reception response in step S1526 can be correctly received, data retransmission processing, quality analysis, and the like are performed in step S1527. As described below, if there is a problem with the communication session currently in use by the quality analysis, or if it is determined that another communication session is better, the MNO change process or the like is performed in step S1560 described later. It is said.
- step S1530 The business operator transmits a data transmission instruction to the MVNO in step S1530.
- the MVNO performs a data duplication process in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- step S1532 the MVNO attempts to transmit duplicate data to the terminal via the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO since the failure has occurred in the first MNO as shown in step S1533, the data from the MVNO does not reach the terminal from the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO arrives at the terminal from the second MNO in step S1534.
- step S1540 the reception timer for determining the reception of the data reception response of the first MNO is started in step S1540.
- the terminal performs the data selection process in step S1535, and transmits the selected data to the terminal connection device in step S1536.
- the data received from the second MNO is transmitted to the terminal connection device.
- step S1537 the terminal attempts to transmit a data reception response to the MVNO via the first MNO, which is the first priority MNO, but in the examples of FIGS. 20 to 22, the failure of the first MNO as shown in step S1538. Therefore, even in the upstream direction, the data from the terminal does not reach the MVNO from the first MNO. Therefore, when a failure occurs in the first MNO as in steps S1533 and S1538, the reception timer for determining the reception of the data reception response for the first MNO shown in step S1540 expires. ..
- step S1539 the MVNO determines whether or not it is necessary to change the upstream MNO based on the reception result of the data reception response from each MNO.
- the uplink MNO change request indicating the change from the first MNO to the second MNO and the retransmission data are sent as the uplink MNO change request. Attempts to transmit to the terminal via the first MNO and the second MNO.
- the data from the MVNO since the failure has occurred in the first MNO as shown in step S1551, the data from the MVNO does not reach the terminal from the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO arrives at the terminal from the second MNO in step S1552.
- the terminal performs data selection processing in step S1553, and transmits data to the terminal connection device as needed in step S1554. Since the data received by the terminal at this timing is preliminary data that has been retransmitted, the data is transmitted to the terminal connection device as necessary.
- the terminal receives the upstream MNO change request and changes the MNO for transmitting the upstream data from the first MNO to the second MNO.
- the terminal transmits a data reception response to the MVNO via the second MNO. Of the data reception responses at this time, for example, NACK is used for the response to at least the downlink data of the first MNO.
- step S1560 the MVNO determines whether or not it is necessary to change the MNO based on statistical information such as data reception response information and the number of retransmissions, and if it determines that it is necessary, performs the MNO change process.
- .. 20 to 22 show an example in which the MVNO changes the MNO for performing data transmission from the first MNO to the third MNO because the failure has occurred in the first MNO.
- the change process of step S1560 corresponds to the process of steps S1620 to S1631 of FIGS. 14 to 15.
- ⁇ Modification 5 of Embodiment 2> The components of the MVNO network device and the wireless communication terminal included in the wireless communication system according to the fifth modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.
- the wireless communication system according to the fifth modification can realize all of the second embodiment and the first to fourth modifications of the second embodiment. When only one of the second embodiment and the first to fourth modifications of the second embodiment is realized, the components described below are appropriately omitted.
- FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MVNO network device 1102 according to the present modification 5.
- the MVNO 1102 is generally configured as a group of software modules on a server.
- the upper core network 1102-1 in FIG. 23 is composed of an MVNO mainstream processing module.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module includes an MNO interface module 1102-9, a PGW function module 1102-10, a business operator interface module 1102-11, and a data duplication / selection module 1102-16.
- the operator interface module 1102-11 synchronizes between each operator and the interface, and sends and receives information between them.
- the operator interface module 1102-11 controls routes inside and outside the MVNO, can access the operator request management control module 1102-6, and is configured to connect to the Internet outside the MVNO as needed. Is also valid.
- the PGW function module 1102-10 assigns an IP address and controls the transmission quality of the IP packet, and also selects and switches the MNO according to the instruction of the MNO selection control module 1102-7.
- the MNO interface module 1102-9 is capable of matching between each MNO and the interface, transmitting and receiving information between them, and accessing the HSS module 1102-3.
- the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 duplicates the data to be transmitted to each MNO and selects the data to be received from each MNO based on the data selection policy table 1102-18 when establishing a communication session with a plurality of MNOs. ..
- the operator request management control module 1102-6 includes an MNO selection policy table 1102-2 for each terminal group and an MNO selection policy table 1102-4 for inter-terminal association.
- the MNO selection policy table 1102-2 for each terminal group is a table for setting the policy for selecting and switching the MNO for each terminal group.
- the MNO selection policy table 1102-4 for inter-terminal association is a table for setting the MNO selection policy of the terminal connected to the terminal connection device in consideration of the characteristics of the terminal connection device that provides the application of the business operator.
- the operator request management control module 1102-6 for a terminal group of the first operator via the operator interface module 1102-11, the information is displayed. It is stored in the MNO selection policy table 1102-2. In addition, via the operator interface module 1102-11, the operator issues a list of importance for each terminal connection device related to each terminal of the terminal group in which the first operator is located, and an instruction to consider the importance order of the terminal-to-terminal connection devices. When the request management control module 1102-6 is reached, the information is stored in the MNO selection policy table 1102-4.
- the MVNO maintenance function module 1102-8 is, for example, billing information for each MNO (pay-as-you-go, flat-rate for a specific period, flat-rate up to a specific traffic, and pay-as-you-go for more traffic, etc. Quantitative information), operation stop announcement information notified from each MNO, and information such as abnormal congestion and device damage information in some devices from the maintenance function unit of each MNO are notified to the selection control module 1102-7. .. Further, in the MNO selection policy table 1102-2, 1102-4, when there is no remote writing function from the operator, when writing to these tables securely, the writing is performed by the MVNO maintenance function module 1102-8. At this time, the MVNO maintenance function module 1102-8 may also perform secure writing to the HSS module 1102-3.
- the HSS module 1102-3 which is a terminal information management control module, from each business operator.
- the SIM of the target terminal is also rewritten. For example, rewriting that changes the authentication algorithm to a different one in conjunction with the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is effective.
- a high authentication algorithm can be provided when the policy requires high reliability, so even if a setting error occurs from the operator, a serious system failure will not occur. It becomes possible to provide services.
- the selection control module 1102-7 which is an information management unit, of a plurality of terminals belonging to the terminal group via the MNO interface module 1102-9, the data duplication / selection module 1102-16, and the PGW function module 1102-10.
- Group communication information which is information related to communication, is collected and stored in the database group 1102-12.
- the database group 1102-12 includes a network monitor database 1102-13, a terminal monitor database 1102-14, and a billing information database 1102-15. The group communication information and the database group 1102-12 will be described below.
- the network monitor database 1102-13 shows information measured or detected in the network (communication line quality and failure information, and which route the terminals are connected to) for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group. Connection information) is collected and stored.
- the network referred to here is assumed to be each MNO network, but is not limited to this, and may be at least one network of the MVNO network and a plurality of MNO networks.
- the terminal monitor database 1102-14 collects and stores communication line quality and failure information that is measured or detected by at least one terminal belonging to the terminal group and transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO on a regular or occasional basis. Will be done.
- the communication amount (data) of the billing information of each MNO specified from the MVNO maintenance function module 1102-8 and the billing target data of each terminal obtained from the PGW function module 1102-10. Transmission amount) etc. are collected and stored.
- the selection control module 1102-7 comprehensively considers the above group communication information, and performs selection of a plurality of MNOs suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group and MNO switching control for each terminal. For example, the selection control module 1102-7 gives an instruction to distribute the MVNO bases based on the MVNO base information received from the MVNO maintenance function module 1102-8, and the PGW function module 1102-10 responds to the instruction. The addressing control is performed. In this case, it is possible to reduce the influence on the service provision to the business operator even in the event of a large-scale failure peculiar to the MVNO base.
- the data selection control module 1102-17 manages the data selection policy of the data selection policy table 1102-18.
- the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 duplicates and selects a plurality of data based on the data selection policy managed by the data selection control module 1102-17.
- the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 performs, for example, the data duplication process of step S1421 of FIG. 16 of the modification 3 of the second embodiment, the data selection process of step S1434 of FIG. 17, and the like.
- the information in the data selection policy table 1102-18 is set by each business operator directly from the business operator interface module 1102-11 or via the business operator request management control module 1102-6.
- the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 is a PGW function module based on the MNO selected by the selection control module 1102-7 and the data selection policy of the data selection control module 1102-17.
- the data received from 1102-10 is duplicated for the required number of MNOs and communication sessions. Then, the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 transmits the duplication data to each MNO via the MNO interface module 1102-9.
- the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 When receiving from the terminal to the MVNO, the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 has a plurality of MNOs based on the MNO selected by the selection control module 1102-7 and the data selection policy of the data selection control module 1102-17. Select data from the data received from the communication session of. Then, the data duplication / selection module 1102-16 transmits the selected data to each business operator via the PGW function module 1102-10 and the business operator interface module 1102-11.
- FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 1105 according to the present modification 5, which corresponds to one of the terminals 1105aa to 1105bc (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment.
- the terminal 1105 of FIG. 24 has a plurality of antennas, a plurality of transmitters / receivers, and a plurality of SIMs / eSIMs in order to establish a communication session at the same time as a plurality of MNOs. It is not always necessary to use multiple pieces of hardware for each of the antenna and the transmitter / receiver. For example, an antenna corresponding to the operating frequencies of multiple MNOs, a transmitter / receiver capable of time division multiplexing, and the like. One piece of hardware capable of sharing MNO communication may be used.
- a terminal 1105 that can be connected to two MNOs at the same time is shown.
- the first antenna 1105-1a, the first transmitter / receiver 1105-2a, and the first SIM / eSIM1105-6a are used for the connection with the first MNO.
- a second antenna 1105-1b, a second transmitter / receiver 1105-2b, and a second SIM / eSIM1105-6b are used for connection with the second MNO.
- the first antenna 1105-1a and the second antenna 1105-1b may be abbreviated as antennas 1105-1a and 1105-1b.
- the first transmitter / receiver 1105-2a and the second transmitter / receiver 1105-2b may be abbreviated as the transmitter / receiver 1105-2a and 1105-2b
- the first SIM / eSIM1105-6a and the second SIM / eSIM1105-6b may be referred to as the transmitter / receiver 1105-2a and 1105-2b.
- SIM / eSIM1105-6a, 1105-6b may be abbreviated.
- the transmitter / receiver 1105-2a and 1105-2b are the signals received by the antennas 1105-1a and 1105-1b, which are down-converted from the radio frequency to the signal band, demodulated, error corrected, and the like. Perform processing.
- the data duplication / selection module 1105-3 processes the signal from the transmitter / receiver 1105-2a and 1105-2b in the reception wireless layer 2 such as HARQ and restoration of the user frame, and also performs the data selection policy table 1105. Based on -13, data is selected from the data received from the first MNO and the data received from the second MNO.
- the data duplication / selection module 1105-3 performs, for example, the data selection process of step S1424 of FIG. 17 of the modification 3 of the second embodiment, the data duplication process of step S1431 of FIG.
- the information in the data selection policy table 1105-13 may be set by the control information received from the operator via the MVNO, MNO and the processor 1105-5, or the terminal maintenance terminal via the terminal maintenance function module 1105-11. Etc. may be set.
- the data selection policy table 1105-13 is managed by the data selection control module 1105-12.
- the terminal connection device interface 1105-4 performs interface matching according to the terminal connection device which is an external device.
- the terminal connection device is, for example, a sensor, a camera, a PLC, a personal computer, or the like, or an AGV, a car, a robot, a drone, or the like integrated with these.
- the communication system of the transmitters / receivers 1105-2a and 1105-2b may be an LTE system, a 5G system, a satellite mobile communication network, or any of the MVNOs that can be incorporated. It may be a wireless system.
- the processor 1105-5 controls the entire terminal and cooperates with the memory 1105-7 to operate and store the program and to store data and logs. Further, as in the example of FIG. 24, in the configuration in which the terminal 1105 is provided with a screen display and a human interface 1105-8 such as an LED, it is possible to easily investigate the cause at the time of trouble.
- the communication line quality and failure information measured or detected by the terminal 1105 are formed as a message by the processor 1105-5, and the data duplication / selection module 1105-3, the transmitter / receiver 1105-2a, 1105-2b, and the antenna 1105. -1a, 1105-1b, transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO.
- the data duplication / selection module 1105-3 replicates the required MNOs and the number of communication sessions from the above message based on the data selection policy table 1105-13 as in the case of data reception, and replicates the data to each MNO. To send.
- a plurality of authentication algorithms may be physically implemented on the SIM / eSIM so that they can be selected from the outside.
- Milenage is usually used as the default setting.
- the business operator sends an authentication method specification message and specifies a special authentication method, the content of the message is transmitted to SIM / eSIM1105-6a and 1105-6b, so that it is used by default.
- the authentication method to be used may be changed.
- FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 3100 according to the third embodiment.
- the wireless communication system 3100 is a system that provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator, and includes an MVNO network device 3102 and a plurality of wireless communication terminals 3105aa, 3105ab, 3105ac, 3105ba, 3105bb, 3105bc. It should be noted that one wireless communication terminal and the other wireless communication terminal form a terminal group.
- the MVNO 3102 selects one MNO network and session suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group based on the group communication information, and controls the establishment or switching of the session.
- the terminal such as the wireless communication terminal 3105aa measures or detects the group communication information by itself or acquires the group communication information from the network. Then, the terminal autonomously controls the selection of one MNO network and session, and the establishment or switching of the session based on the group communication information so that the communication for each terminal group becomes appropriate.
- the terminal such as the wireless communication terminal 3105aa measures or detects the group communication information by itself or acquires the group communication information from the network. Then, the terminal autonomously controls the selection of one MNO network and session, and the establishment or switching of the session based on the group communication information so that the communication for each terminal group becomes appropriate.
- first business operator there are a first business operator and a second business operator as businesses that use the MVNO wireless communication system 3100.
- first business operator there are 1-1 terminal 3105aa, 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and 1-3 terminal 3105ac.
- second operator there are 2-1 terminal 3105ba, 2-2 terminal 3105bb, and 2-3 terminal 3105bc.
- the MVNO wireless communication system 3100 includes a first MNO network, a second MNO network, and a third MNO network as MNO networks.
- the first MNO network includes a core network 3103a and a 1-1 base station 3104a and a 1-2 base station 3104ab connected to the core network 3103a.
- the second MNO network includes a core network 3103b and a 2-1 base station 3104ba and a 2-2 base station 3104bb connected to the core network 3103b.
- the third MNO network includes a core network 3103c and a third base station 3104ca and a third-2 base station 3104cc connected to the core network 3103c.
- the core networks 3103a, 3103b, and 3103c include S-GW (Serving Gateway), MME (Mobility Management Entity), and the like.
- the MVNO network device 3102 performs wireless communication with wireless communication terminals 3105aa, 3105ab, 3105ac, 3105ba, 3105bb, and 3105bc that can be connected to the MVNO network in the MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks.
- the MVNO 3102 includes the core network 3103a of the first MNO, the core network 3103b of the second MNO, and the upper core network 3102-1 connected to the core network 3103c of the third MNO as the MVNO network.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module constituting the upper core network 3102-1 includes P-GW (PacketDataNetworkGateway), HSS (HomeSubscriberServer), and the like. included.
- the upper core network 3102-1 is connected to the system 3101a of the first operator and the system 3101b of the second operator.
- the system 3101a of the first business operator and the system 3101b of the second business operator may be, for example, a data server in which the business operator collects information from a plurality of terminals belonging to the business operator group, or the collected information. It may be an application server that provides a service to a plurality of terminals belonging to a business group based on the above.
- the MVNO 3102 includes the upper core network 3102-1, the MNO selection policy table 3102-2 in which the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is set, and group communication which is information on communication between terminals belonging to the terminal group and other terminals. It includes an information management module 3102-7 that stores and manages information in a database group.
- the terminal includes a database group which is a database and an information management unit as described in a modified example described later.
- the database group of the terminal is substantially the same as the database group of the switching control module 102-7 described in the first embodiment, and holds the group communication information.
- the information management unit of the terminal is substantially the same as the information management unit of the switching control module 102-7 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the information management unit of the terminal manages the group communication information held in the database group. Further, the information management unit of the terminal selects one MNO network and session for the terminal based on the group communication information so as to be suitable for the MNO selection policy.
- the information management unit of the terminal autonomously controls the establishment or switching of the session of the terminal based on the selection result. By controlling the information management unit in this way, it is possible to optimize communication for each terminal group regarding the MNO selection policy and the like.
- the information management unit is a selection control module provided integrally with the database group
- the information management unit may be provided separately from the database group, or may be another module. May be good.
- the quality of communication lines fluctuates with time due to the effects of changes in the environment and movement of objects over time.
- the quality of the communication line may be significantly deteriorated due to a network failure or the like. Therefore, the terminal manages the communication line quality for each terminal group as group communication information, selects the MNO suitable for the MNO or the session selection policy, and switches the communication session based on the group communication information.
- the 1-1 terminal 3105aa, the 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator are the first MNOs as the lowest priced MNOs among various rate plans. Is selected.
- the 1-1 terminal 3105aa, the 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3105ac each have the 1-1 base station 3104aa and the 1-first of the core network 3103a of the 1st MNO according to the selection result. 2 Establish and communicate with any of the base stations 3104ab in a wireless section.
- this is an example, and the MNO selection of the terminal group for each operator is not limited to this.
- the 1-1 terminal 3105aa, the 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator have the transmission speed, the transmission delay amount, and the transmission speed and the transmission delay amount at regular intervals or as needed. It is assumed that the communication quality in the network such as error rate, reception level, S / N, etc. is measured and the line failure is monitored by Keep Alive or the like.
- the 1-1 terminal 3105aa, the 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3105ac are periodically used as group communication information from the network, for example, "the amount of communication used for each MNO of the entire terminal group", "MNO”. Receives "Unit price of contracted communication charges at the time of each notification", “Number of terminals for each MNO currently accessed”, “Maximum contracted communication volume for each MNO within a certain period", etc., and puts it in the database group. It is assumed that it has been saved.
- the 1-3 terminal 3105ac detects the deterioration of the line quality of the wireless communication line 3106-1a with the 1-2 base station 3104ab based on its own measurement result.
- the 1-3 terminal 3105ac measures or detects other available wireless communication lines, and determines the communication line quality of the 1-1 base station 3104aa and the communication line quality of the 2-1 base station 3104ba. Suppose it is measured or detected.
- the 1-3 terminal 3105ac is based on the "communication line quality measured or detected immediately before by itself", the “latest information of group communication information acquired regularly or at any time", or the aggregated results thereof.
- the 1-1 base station 3104aa of the core network 3103a of the first MNO whose cost can be reduced is selected, and the communication session is established independently.
- the 1-3 terminals 3105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator can continuously communicate by establishing the wireless communication line 3106-1b.
- the information notified from the network regularly or at any time is the information managed by the information management module 3102-7 of MVNO3102, and is collected from each terminal belonging to the terminal group of each business operator. Information.
- the terminal autonomously selects the MNO network and communication session, and establishes and switches the communication session when the communication line between the MNO and the base station fails. To explain.
- the MNO selection policy of the second operator is set to "Priority 1: Continue communication in case of failure, Priority 2: Minimize communication cost".
- Priority 1 Continue communication in case of failure
- Priority 2 Minimize communication cost
- the 2-1 terminal 3105ba belonging to the terminal group of the second operator establishes a communication session with the 1-2 base station 3104ab of the 1st MNO3103a, and the 2-2 terminal
- the 3105bb establishes a communication session with the 2nd-2nd base station 3104bb of the 2nd MNO3103b
- the 2nd-3rd terminal 3105bc establishes a communication session with the 3rd-2nd base station 3104bb of the 3rd MNO3103c, and communicates with each other. It shall be.
- this is an example, and the MNO selection of the terminal group for each operator is not limited to this.
- the 2-1 terminal 3105ba, the 2-2 terminal 3105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 3105bc belonging to the terminal group of the second business operator are regularly or as needed like the terminal group of the first business operator.
- communication quality in the network such as transmission speed, transmission delay amount, error rate, reception level, S / N, etc. is measured and line failure is monitored by Keep Alive or the like.
- the 2-1 terminal 3105ba, the 2-2 terminal 3105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 3105bc are periodically used as group communication information from the network, for example, "the amount of communication used for each MNO of the entire terminal group", "MNO”. Receives "Unit price of contracted communication charges at the time of each notification", “Number of terminals for each MNO currently accessed”, “Maximum contracted communication volume for each MNO within a certain period", etc., and puts it in the database group. It is assumed that it has been saved.
- the 2-2 terminal 3105bb detects the communication line failure of the 2nd MNO3103b or the wireless line failure of 3106-2a based on its own measurement result.
- the 2-2 terminal 3105bb measures or detects other available wireless communication lines, and determines the communication line quality of the 1-2 base station 3104ab and the communication line quality of the 3-1 base station 3104ac. Suppose it is measured or detected.
- the 2-2 terminal 3105bb is based on the "communication line quality measured or detected immediately before by itself", the “latest information of group communication information acquired regularly or at any time", or the aggregated results thereof.
- the 3-1 base station 3104ca of the core network 3103c of the third MNO whose cost can be reduced is selected, and the communication session is established independently.
- the 2-2 terminal 3105bb belonging to the terminal group of the second operator can continuously communicate by establishing the wireless communication line 3106-2b.
- the information notified from the network regularly or at any time is the information managed by the information management module 3102-7 of MVNO3102, and is collected from each terminal belonging to the terminal group of each business operator. Information.
- the terminal measures or detects the group communication information by itself, or uses the MVNO connected to the three MNO networks (first to third MNO networks) to obtain the group communication information from the network.
- get. 26 to 28 show a sequence in which the terminal autonomously selects one MNO and a communication session based on the group communication information so that communication for each terminal group is appropriate, and establishes or switches the communication session. An example is shown.
- step S3201 the business operator registers the terminal of its own terminal group and sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO before starting the communication.
- This registration and setting may be performed by a message via a telecommunication line.
- the terminal After turning on the power, the terminal accesses its own SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), performs a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) search, and selects the MNO to be connected according to the specified procedure.
- SIM Subscriber Identity Module
- PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the first MNO in step S3202.
- the terminal receives the connection response from the first MNO in step S3203
- the wireless connection path is established.
- the MVNO since the MVNO has an authentication function such as HSS, the MVNO transmits an authentication request to the terminal in step S3204, and the terminal transmits an authentication response to the MVNO in step S3205.
- the authentication process is performed between the terminal and the MVNO.
- the transmission and reception of these messages may be performed in a plurality of steps, or may be performed in cooperation between the HSS of the MNO and the HSS of the MVNO.
- the session between the terminal and the MVNO is established. The same process is performed on all terminals in the group terminal.
- the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO measure or detect the communication line quality and failure information for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group established above in step S3206.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3206 are, for example, radio line quality information obtained by receiving signals from each terminal at the base stations of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO, that is, received power and SINR (Signal). -to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLockError Rate), etc., or information related to the synchronization status of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.) may be used. ..
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3206 may be wireless layer 2 level ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) retransmission count, SN (Sequence Number) number skip detection information, or the like.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3206 may be, for example, information regarding the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.), transmission speed, or transmission delay amount.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3206 may be, for example, maintenance management information and device failure information for the entire network (abnormal congestion in some devices in each MNO, device damage information, signal blockage information due to maintenance, etc., test operation. Moderate status information).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3206 may be, for example, the arrival or absence of a signal transmitted from the terminal and predicted to be received by the MVNO. More specifically, when the health check signal is transmitted from the MVNO and the corresponding response is not returned within the specified time, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor.
- At least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group for which the session has been established measures or detects the communication line quality and failure information by themselves in step S3207. Then, at least one or more terminals transmit communication line quality and failure information to the MVNO via the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3207 are, for example, the quality information of the wireless line received and obtained at each terminal, that is, the received power, SINR (Signal-to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLock Error). Rate) or the like, or information related to the synchronization state of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3207 may be wireless layer 2 level ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) retransmission count, SN (Sequence Number) number skip detection information, or the like.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3207 may be, for example, information regarding the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.), transmission speed, or transmission delay amount.
- the MVNO updates the information on the connection cost for each terminal group regularly or at any time.
- the terminal belonging to the MVNO wireless communication system receives the group communication information notified from the MVNO periodically or at any time in step S3208. Further, when the terminal detects the deterioration of the communication line quality or the occurrence of a failure, the terminal transmits a group communication information request to the MVNO in step S3209-1, and the MVNO receiving the request steps.
- the group communication information may be transmitted to the terminal in S3209-2, and the terminal may receive the group communication information. After that, at least one of step S3208 and step S3209 (step S3409-1 and step S3409-2) is performed regularly or at any time.
- step S3211 the terminal fails in the communication line with the first MNO based on the "group communication information" measured by the terminal itself or notified periodically or at any time from the network. Detect quality degradation. This detection is used as a base station of the first MNO or as a switching trigger of the first MNO.
- the terminal resumes or continues communication by performing the processing after step S3212. Specifically, the terminal uses the group communication information acquired periodically or at any time in step S3212 to obtain another base station of the first MNO, a base station of the second MNO, and a third MNO that have been communicating so far. It is decided to measure the synchronization channel and the broadcast channel for the base station of. Then, in step S3213, the terminal measures their synchronization channel and broadcast channel.
- step S3214 the terminal selects to switch to one of the first MNO base station, the second MNO base station, and the third MNO base station based on the measurement result. At this time, the terminal also changes the eSIM as necessary.
- the terminal has the first process of steps S3215-1a to S3216-2a, the second process of steps S3215-1b to S3216-2b, and steps S3215-1c to S3216-2c. Perform any of the third processing of.
- the terminal When performing the first process, the terminal transmits the connection request to the first MNO in step S3215-1a, and receives the connection response from the first MNO in step S3215-2a. Then, the terminal transmits the authentication request to the first MNO in step S3216-1a, and receives the authentication response from the first MNO in step S3216-2a, so that communication is established between the terminal and the first MNO. ..
- the terminal When performing the second process, the terminal transmits the connection request to the second MNO in step S3215-1b, and receives the connection response from the second MNO in step S3215-2b. Then, the terminal transmits the authentication request to the second MNO in step S3216-1b, and receives the authentication response from the second MNO in step S3216-b, so that communication is established between the terminal and the second MNO. ..
- the terminal When performing the third process, the terminal transmits the connection request to the third MNO in step S3215-1c, and receives the connection response from the third MNO in step S3215-2c. Then, the terminal transmits the authentication request to the third MNO in step S3216-1c, and receives the authentication response from the third MNO in step S3216-2c, so that communication is established between the terminal and the third MNO. ..
- the terminal manages the group communication information which is the information related to the communication of the wireless communication terminal belonging to the terminal group and other wireless communication terminals, and is based on the group communication information.
- One MNO network and session is selected for the terminal, and based on the selection result, autonomous control of establishment or switching of the session of the terminal is performed.
- the terminals in the terminal group can maintain appropriate communication line quality including wireless and wired, and can continue communication.
- FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 3300 according to the first modification of the third embodiment.
- one terminal is suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group based on the group communication information obtained by communicating with other terminals capable of connecting to the MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It autonomously controls the selection of MNO networks and sessions, and the establishment or switching of sessions.
- first business operator there are a first business operator and a second business operator as businesses that use the MVNO wireless communication system 3300.
- first business operator there are 1-1 terminal 3305aa, 1-2 terminal 3305ab, and 1-3 terminal 3305ac.
- second operator there are 2-1 terminal 3305ba, 2-2 terminal 3305bb, and 2-3 terminal 3305bc.
- the MVNO wireless communication system 3300 includes a first MNO network, a second MNO network, and a third MNO network as MNO networks.
- the first MNO network includes a core network 3303a and a 1-1 base station 3304aa and a 1-2 base station 3304ab connected to the core network 3303a.
- the second MNO network includes a core network 3303b and a 2-1 base station 3304ba and a 2-2 base station 3304bb connected to the core network 3303b.
- the third MNO network includes a core network 3303c and a third base station 3304ca and a third-2 base station 3304cc connected to the core network 3303c.
- the core networks 3303a, 3303b, and 3303c include S-GW (Serving Gateway), MME (Mobility Management Entity), and the like.
- the MVNO 3302 includes the core network 3303a of the first MNO, the core network 3303b of the second MNO, and the upper core network 3302-1 connected to the core network 3303c of the third MNO as the MVNO network.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module constituting the upper core network 3302-1 includes P-GW (PacketDataNetworkGateway), HSS (HomeSubscriberServer), and the like. included.
- the MVNO network device 3302 is similar to the upper core network 3102-1, MNO selection policy table 3102-2 and information management module 3102-7 of the third embodiment, and has the same upper core network 3302-1 and MNO selection policy table 3302. -2 and the information management module 3302-7 are included.
- the upper core network 3302-1 is connected to the system 3301a of the first operator and the system 3301b of the second operator.
- the system 3301a of the first business operator and the system 3301b of the second business operator may be, for example, a data server in which the business operator collects information from a plurality of terminals belonging to the business operator group, or the collected information. It may be an application server that provides a service to a plurality of terminals belonging to a business group based on the above.
- the terminal includes a database group and an information management unit similar to the database group and the information management unit of the third embodiment.
- the quality of communication lines fluctuates with time due to the effects of changes in the environment and movement of objects over time.
- the quality of the communication line may be significantly deteriorated due to a network failure or the like. Therefore, the terminal manages the communication line quality for each terminal group as group communication information, selects the MNO suitable for the MNO or the session selection policy, and switches the communication session based on the group communication information.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa, the 1-2 terminal 3305ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3305ac, which belong to the terminal group of the first operator, are the first MNOs as the lowest priced MNOs among various rate plans. Is selected.
- the 1-1 terminal 3105aa, the 1-2 terminal 3105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3105ac each have the 1-1 base station 3304aa and the 1-first of the core network 3303a of the 1st MNO according to the selection result. 2 Establish and communicate with any of the base stations 3304ab in the radio section.
- this is an example, and the MNO selection of the terminal group for each operator is not limited to this.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa, the 1-2 terminal 3305ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3305ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator have the transmission speed, the transmission delay amount, and the transmission speed and the transmission delay amount at regular intervals or as needed. It is assumed that the communication quality in the network such as error rate, reception level, S / N, etc. is measured and the line failure is monitored by Keep Alive or the like.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa, the 1-2 terminal 3305ab, and the 1-3 terminal 3305ac are periodically used as group communication information from the network, for example, "the amount of communication used for each MNO of the entire terminal group", "MNO”. Receives "Unit price of contracted communication charges at the time of each notification", “Number of terminals for each MNO currently accessed”, “Maximum contracted communication volume for each MNO within a certain period", etc., and puts it in the database group. It is assumed that it has been saved.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa belonging to the terminal group of the first operator wirelessly communicates with the other terminals 1-2 terminal 3305ab and the 1-3 terminal 3305ac which are other terminals belonging to the terminal group of the first operator. It is assumed that they are connected by lines 3306-1c and 3306-1d. Then, the 1-1 terminal 3305aa is connected to another terminal for determining that the 1-2 terminal 3305ab and the 1-3 terminal 3305ac are continuing the communication session with the 1-2 base station 3304ab. The information shall be appropriately received from the wireless communication lines 3306-1c and 3306-1d as group communication information.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa has detected the deterioration of the line quality of the wireless communication line 3306-1a with the 1-1 base station 3304aa based on its own measurement result, or the 1st 1-. 1 It is assumed that the wireless communication line 3306-1a with the base station 3304aa is disconnected.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa measures or detects other available wireless communication lines, and determines the communication line quality of the 1-2 base station 3304ab and the communication line quality of the 2-1 base station 3304ba. Measure or detect.
- the 1-1 terminal 3305aa has "communication line quality measured or detected immediately before by itself", “latest information of group communication information acquired from the network regularly or at any time”, and connection information of other terminals. , Or, from the aggregated results, select the 1-2 base station 3304ab of the core network 3303a of the first MNO whose cost can be reduced, and establish the communication session independently. As a result, the 1-1 terminal 3305aa belonging to the terminal group of the first operator can continuously communicate by establishing the wireless communication line 3306-1b.
- the information notified from the network regularly or at any time is the information managed by the information management module 3302-7 of MVNO3302, and is collected from each terminal belonging to the terminal group of each business operator. Information. Further, among the group communication information, the connection information of other terminals notified periodically or at any time from other terminals is the information obtained by the inter-terminal communication.
- the MNO selection policy of the second operator is set to "Priority 1: Continue communication in case of failure, Priority 2: Minimize communication cost".
- Priority 1 Continue communication in case of failure
- Priority 2 Minimize communication cost
- the 2-1 terminal 3305ba belonging to the terminal group of the second operator establishes a communication session with the 1-2 base station 3304ab of the 1st MNO3303a, and the 2-2 terminal
- the 3305bb establishes a communication session with the 2-2 base station 3304bb of the 2nd MNO3303b
- the 2-3 terminal 3305bc establishes a communication session with the 3-2 base station 3304cc of the 3rd MNO3303c and communicates with each other. It shall be.
- this is an example, and the MNO selection of the terminal group for each operator is not limited to this.
- the 2-1 terminal 3305ba, the 2-2 terminal 3305bb, and the 2-3 terminal 3305bc belonging to the terminal group of the second business operator are regularly or as needed like the terminal group of the first business operator.
- communication quality in the network such as transmission speed, transmission delay amount, error rate, reception level, S / N, etc. is measured and line failure is monitored by Keep Alive or the like.
- the 2-1 terminal 3305ba, the 2-2 terminal 3305bb, and the 2-3 terminal 3305bc are periodically used as group communication information from the network, for example, "traffic volume used for each MNO of the entire terminal group", "MNO”. Receives "Unit price of contracted communication charges at the time of each notification", “Number of terminals for each MNO currently accessed”, “Maximum contracted communication volume for each MNO within a certain period", etc., and stores them in the management database. It is assumed that it has been saved.
- the 2-2 terminal 3305bb belonging to the terminal group of the second operator wirelessly communicates with the other terminals 2-1 terminal 3305ba and the 2-3 terminal 3305bb which belong to the terminal group of the second operator. It is assumed that they are connected by lines 3306-2c and 3306-2d. Then, the 2-2 terminal 3305bb determines that the 2-1 terminal 3305ba and the 2-3 terminal 3305bc continue the communication session with the 1-2 base station 3304ab and the 3-2 base station 3304cc. It is assumed that the connection information of other terminals for the above is appropriately received from the wireless communication lines 3306-2c and 3306-2d as group communication information.
- the 2-2 terminal 3305bb has detected the communication line failure of the 2nd MNO3303b or the wireless line failure of the 3306-2a based on its own measurement result.
- the 2-2 terminal 3305bb measures or detects other available wireless communication lines, and determines the communication line quality of the 1-2 base station 3304ab and the communication line quality of the 3-1 base station 3304ac. Measure or detect.
- the 2-2 terminal 3305bb is "communication line quality measured or detected immediately before by itself", “latest information of group communication information acquired regularly or at any time", connection information of other terminals, or From the aggregated results, the 3-1 base station 3304ca of the core network 3303c of the third MNO whose cost can be reduced is selected, and the communication session is established independently. As a result, the 2-2 terminal 3305bb belonging to the terminal group of the second operator can continuously communicate by establishing the wireless communication line 3306-2b.
- the information notified from the network regularly or at any time is the information managed by the information management module 3302-7 of MVNO3302, and is collected from each terminal belonging to the terminal group of each business operator. Information. Further, among the group communication information, the connection information of other terminals notified periodically or at any time from other terminals is the information obtained by the inter-terminal communication.
- the terminal measures or detects the group communication information by itself, or uses the MVNO connected to the three MNO networks (first to third MNO networks) to obtain the group communication information from the network.
- the terminal autonomously selects one MNO and a communication session based on the group communication information so that the communication for each terminal group becomes appropriate, and establishes the communication session.
- an example of a switching sequence is shown.
- step S3401 the business operator registers the terminal of its own terminal group and sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO before starting the communication.
- This registration and setting may be performed by a message via a telecommunication line.
- the terminal After turning on the power, the terminal accesses its own SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), performs a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) search, and selects the MNO to be connected according to the specified procedure.
- SIM Subscriber Identity Module
- PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the first MNO in step S3402.
- the terminal receives the connection response from the first MNO in step S3403
- the wireless connection path is established.
- the MVNO since the MVNO has an authentication function such as HSS, the MVNO transmits an authentication request to the terminal in step S3404, and the terminal transmits an authentication response to the MVNO in step S3405. Then, the authentication process is performed between the terminal and the MVNO.
- transmission and reception of these messages may be performed in a plurality of steps, or cooperation may be performed between the HSS of the MNO and the HSS of the MVNO.
- the session between the terminal and the MVNO is established. The same process is performed on all terminals in the group.
- the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO measure or detect the communication line quality and failure information for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group established above in step S3406.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3406 are, for example, radio line quality information obtained by receiving signals from each terminal at the base stations of the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO, that is, received power and SINR (Signal). -to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLockError Rate), etc., or information related to the synchronization status of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.) may be used. ..
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3406 may be wireless layer 2 level ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) retransmission count, SN (Sequence Number) number skip detection information, or the like.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3406 may be, for example, information regarding the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.), transmission speed, or transmission delay amount.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3406 may be, for example, maintenance management information and device failure information for the entire network (abnormal congestion in some devices in each MNO, device damage information, signal blockage information due to maintenance, test operation, etc.). Moderate status information).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3406 may be, for example, the arrival or absence of a signal predicted to be received by the MVNO transmitted from the terminal. More specifically, when the health check signal is transmitted from the MVNO and the corresponding response is not returned within the specified time, it may be determined that the communication line quality is poor.
- At least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group for which the session has been established measures or detects the communication line quality and failure information by themselves in step S3407. Then, at least one or more terminals transmit communication line quality and failure information to the MVNO via the first MNO, the second MNO, and the third MNO.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3407 are, for example, the quality information of the wireless line received and obtained at each terminal, that is, the received power, SINR (Signal-to-interference-plus-Noise ratio), BLER (BLock Error). Rate) or the like, or information related to the synchronization state of the wireless line (initial synchronization / synchronization / out of synchronization, etc.).
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3407 may be wireless layer 2 level ARQ (Automatic Repeat-Request) / HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) retransmission count, SN (Sequence Number) number skip detection information, and the like.
- the communication line quality and failure information in step S3407 may be, for example, information regarding the session status (normal / disconnected, etc.), transmission speed, or transmission delay amount.
- the MVNO updates the information on the connection cost for each terminal group regularly or at any time.
- the terminal belonging to the MVNO wireless communication system receives the group communication information notified from the MVNO periodically or at any time in step S3408. Further, when the terminal detects the deterioration of the communication line quality or the occurrence of a failure, the terminal transmits a group communication information request to the MVNO in step S34091, and the MVNO receiving the request steps.
- the group communication information may be transmitted to the terminal in S3409-2, and the terminal may receive the group communication information.
- terminals in the same terminal group perform Direct Communication in step S3417 to send and receive connection information of other terminals as group communication information.
- step S3408 at least one of step S3408, step S3409 (step S3409-1 and step S3409-2), and step S3417 is performed regularly or at any time.
- step S3411 the terminal communicates with the first MNO based on the "group communication information" measured by the terminal itself or notified periodically or at any time from the network or another terminal. Detect line failures or quality degradation. This detection is used as a base station of the first MNO or as a switching trigger of the first MNO.
- the terminal resumes or continues communication by performing the processing after step S3412. Specifically, the terminal uses the group communication information acquired periodically or at any time in step S3412 to obtain another base station of the first MNO, a base station of the second MNO, and a third MNO that have been communicating so far. It is decided to measure the synchronization channel and the broadcast channel for the base station of. Then, in step S3413, the terminal measures their synchronization channel and broadcast channel.
- step S3414 the terminal selects to switch to one of the first MNO base station, the second MNO base station, and the third MNO base station based on the measurement result. At this time, the terminal also changes the eSIM as necessary.
- the terminal returns to the result of the switching selection, the first process of step S3415-1a to step S3412-2a, the second process of step S3415-1b to step S3412-2b, and step S3415-1c to step S3416-. Perform any of the third processing of 2c.
- the first to third processes are the same as the first to third processes (steps S3415-1a to S3416-2c in FIG. 28) described in the third embodiment.
- the terminal can share and utilize the group communication information with other terminals belonging to the same terminal group as the terminal. .. Therefore, the terminals in the terminal group can maintain appropriate communication line quality including wireless and wired, and can continue communication.
- ⁇ Modification 2 of Embodiment 3> 33 and 34 will be used to describe the components of the MVNO network device and the wireless communication terminal included in the wireless communication system according to the second modification of the third embodiment.
- the wireless communication system according to the second modification can realize all of the third embodiment and the first modification of the third embodiment. When only one of the third embodiment and the first modification of the third embodiment is realized, the components described below are appropriately omitted.
- FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MVNO network device 3102 according to the second modification.
- the MVNO3102 is generally configured as a group of software modules on a server.
- the upper core network 3102-1 in FIG. 33 is composed of an MVNO mainstream processing module.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module includes an MNO interface module 3102-9, a PGW function module 3102-10, and a business operator interface module 3102-11.
- the operator interface module 3102-11 balances between each operator and the interface, and sends and receives information between them.
- the operator interface module 3102-11 controls routes inside and outside the MVNO, can access the operator request management control module 3102-6, and is configured to connect to the Internet outside the MVNO as needed. Is also valid.
- the PGW function module 3102-10 assigns an IP address and controls the transmission quality of the IP packet, and switches the MNO according to the instruction of the MNO information management module 3102-7.
- the MNO interface module 3102-9 is capable of matching between each MNO and the interface, transmitting and receiving information between them, and accessing the HSS module 3102-3.
- the operator request management control module 3102-6 includes an MNO selection policy table 3102-2 for each terminal group and an MNO selection policy table 3102-4 for inter-terminal association.
- the MNO selection policy table 3102-2 for each terminal group is a table for setting what kind of policy is used to switch the MNO for each terminal group.
- the MNO selection policy table 3102-4 for inter-terminal association is a table for setting the MNO selection policy of the terminal connected to the terminal connection device in consideration of the characteristics of the terminal connection device that provides the application of the business operator.
- the information is displayed. It is stored in the MNO selection policy table 3102-2.
- the operator issues a list of importance for each terminal connection device related to each terminal of the terminal group in which the first operator is located, and an instruction to consider the importance order of the terminal-to-terminal connection devices.
- the request management control module 3102-6 is reached, the information is stored in the MNO selection policy table 3102-4.
- the MVNO maintenance function module 3102-8 is, for example, billing information for each MNO (pay-as-you-go, flat-rate for a specific period, flat-rate up to a specific traffic, and pay-as-you-go for more traffic, etc. Quantitative information), operation stop announcement information notified from each MNO, and information such as abnormal congestion and device damage information in some devices from the maintenance function unit of each MNO are notified to the information management module 3102-7. Further, in the MNO selection policy table 3102-2, 3102-4, when there is no remote writing function from the operator, when writing to these tables securely, the writing is performed by the MVNO maintenance function module 3102-8. At this time, the MVNO maintenance function module 3102-8 may also perform secure writing to the HSS module 3102-3.
- the HSS module 3102-3 which is a terminal information management control module, from each business operator.
- the SIM of the target terminal is also rewritten. For example, rewriting that changes the authentication algorithm to a different one in conjunction with the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is effective.
- a high authentication algorithm can be provided when the policy requires high reliability, so even if a setting error occurs from the operator, a serious system failure will not occur. It becomes possible to provide services.
- the information management module 3102-7 collects group communication information, which is information related to communication between terminals belonging to the terminal group and other terminals, via the MNO interface module 3102-9 and the PGW function module 3102-10. Then, the information management module 3102-7 stores the group communication information in the database group including the network monitor database 3102-13, the terminal monitor database 3102-14, and the billing information database 3102-15.
- group communication information and the database group will be described below.
- the network monitor database 3102-13 shows information measured or detected in the network (communication line quality and failure information, and which route the terminals are connected to) for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group. Connection information) is collected and stored.
- the network referred to here is assumed to be each MNO network, but is not limited to this, and may be at least one network of the MVNO network and a plurality of MNO networks.
- the terminal monitor database 3102-14 collects and stores communication line quality and failure information that is measured or detected by at least one terminal belonging to the terminal group and transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO on a regular or occasional basis. Will be done.
- the communication amount (data) of the billing information of each MNO specified from the MVNO maintenance function module 3102-8 and the billing target data of each terminal obtained from the PGW function module 3102-10. Transmission amount) etc. are collected and stored.
- the information management module 3102-7 notifies the terminal of the group communication information collected and stored as described above periodically or at any time for each terminal group and each terminal. Further, when the information management module 3102-7 receives a group communication information request from an arbitrary terminal belonging to an arbitrary terminal group, the information management module 3102-7 sends group communication information to the terminal that has transmitted the group communication information request in response to the group communication information request. Send.
- FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 3105 according to the second modification, which corresponds to one of the terminals 3105aa to 3105bc (FIG. 25) of the third embodiment.
- the transmitter / receiver 3105-2 performs down-conversion of the signal received by the antenna 3105-1 from the radio frequency to the signal band, and processing of the received radio layer 1 such as demodulation and error correction.
- the data processing unit 3105-3 processes the signal from the transmitter / receiver 3105-2 in the reception wireless layer 2 such as HARQ and restoration of the user frame.
- the terminal connection device interface 3105-4 performs interface matching according to the terminal connection device which is an external device.
- the terminal connection device is, for example, a sensor, a camera, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a personal computer, or an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) integrated with these, a car, a robot, a drone, or the like.
- the communication system of the transmitter / receiver 3105-2 may be an LTE system, a 5G system, a satellite mobile communication network, or any wireless system that the MVNO can incorporate. ..
- the processor 3105-5 controls the entire terminal and cooperates with the memory 3105-7 to operate and store the program and to store data and logs. Further, as in the example of FIG. 34, in the configuration in which the terminal 3105 is provided with a screen display and a human interface 3105-8 such as an LED, it is possible to easily investigate the cause at the time of trouble. At this time, the communication line quality and failure information measured or detected by the terminal 3105 are formed as a message by the processor 3105-5, and pass through the data processing unit 3105-3, the transmitter / receiver 3105-2, and the antenna 3105-1. It is sent to the MVNO.
- the SIM / eSIM3105-6 that cooperates with the HSS module 3102-3 (Fig. 33), which is the terminal information management control module of the MVNO, has an authentication function that issues an encryption key.
- a plurality of authentication algorithms may be physically implemented on the SIM / eSIM so that they can be selected from the outside.
- Milenage is usually used as the default setting.
- the business operator sends an authentication method specification message and specifies a special authentication method
- the content of the message is transmitted to SIM / eSIM3105-6 to set the authentication method to be used by default. It may be possible to change it.
- it is not possible to set a large number of authentication methods themselves in a normal standard it is possible to realize a different authentication method for each business operator, so that a highly reliable network system can be constructed.
- the terminal 3105 receives the group communication information notified to the terminal 3105 periodically or at any time from the information management module 3102-7 (FIG. 33) of the MVNO 3102 by the antenna 3105-1.
- the group communication information received by the antenna 3105-1 is output to the switching control module 3105-9 including the database group via the transmitter / receiver 3105-2, the data processing unit 3105-3, the processor 3105-5, and the like.
- the switching control module 3105-9 classifies the received group communication information into the database group of the switching control module 3105-9 and stores it.
- the database group of the switching control module 3105-9 is almost the same as the database group of the information management module 3102-7 (FIG. 33) of the MVNO3102, and the network monitor database 3105-9a, the terminal monitor database 3105-9b, and so on. It includes a billing information database 3105-9c.
- the switching control module 3105-9 of the terminal 3105 transmits a group communication information request to the information management module 3102-7 (FIG. 33) of the MVNO 3102.
- the terminal 3105 receives the group communication information notified from the information management module 3102-7 to the terminal 3105 by the antenna 3105-1.
- the group communication information received by the antenna 3105-1 is also classified and stored in the database group of the switching control module 3105-9 by the switching control module 3105-9 in the same manner as described above.
- the operator request management control module 3105-10 of the terminal 3105 and the MNO selection policy tables 3105-10a and 3105-10b included therein are the operator request management control module 3102-6 (FIG. 33) of the MVNO 3102 and the MNO selection included therein. It is the same as the policy table 3102-2, 3102-4.
- the MNO selection policy table 3105-10a for each terminal group and the MNO selection policy table 3105-10b for inter-terminal association included in the operator request management control module 3105-10 of the terminal 3105 are the terminal maintenance function module 3105. Written by a terminal maintenance terminal or the like via -11.
- the switching control module 3105-9 which is an information management unit, is suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy tables 3105-10a and 3105-10b based on the group communication information collected in the switching control module 3105-9. Select one MNO network and session, and establish or switch sessions independently.
- the MVNO maintenance terminal may access the operator request management control module 3105-10 via the terminal maintenance function module 3105-11 to write or read. Further, the MVNO maintenance terminal may access the switching control module 3105-9 and SIM / eSIM to read or write. With this configuration, it is possible to change the MNO switching control algorithm of the switching control module 3105-9 and change the parameters related to the SIM / eSIM service.
- terminal-to-terminal communication may be performed in a frequency band different from the frequency band used for communication with the MNO base station.
- the terminal 3105 may be provided with an antenna and a transmitter / receiver of a system different from those of these devices, which use a frequency band different from the frequency bands of the antenna 3105-1 and the transmitter / receiver 3105-2.
- the data processing unit 3105-3 may be configured by combining a device that processes data for communication with the base station and a device of another system that processes data for communication between terminals, or is used for communication with the base station. And may consist of equipment that processes data for both for terminal-to-terminal communication.
- modules and devices other than these may be shared for communication with the base station and communication between terminals.
- the network monitor database 3105-9a, the terminal monitor database 3105-9b, and the billing information database 3105-9c included in the switching control module 3105-9 are obtained from terminal-to-terminal communication.
- Group communication information can be stored.
- the switching control module 3105-9 can perform MNO switching control using the group communication information.
- FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 4100 according to the fourth embodiment.
- the wireless communication system 4100 is a system that provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator, and includes an MVNO network device 4102 and a plurality of wireless communication terminals 4105aa, 4105ab, 4105ac, 4105ba, 4105bb, 4105bc. It should be noted that one wireless communication terminal included in the plurality of wireless communication terminals and the other wireless communication terminals form a terminal group.
- a terminal such as the wireless communication terminal 4105aa measures or detects the group communication information by itself, or acquires the group communication information from the network. Then, the terminal determines the number of MNO networks and sessions (one or more) selected for the terminal based on the group communication information so that the communication for each terminal group is appropriate, and for the terminal. It autonomously controls the selection of a determined number of MNO networks and sessions, and the establishment or switching of sessions.
- a terminal such as the wireless communication terminal 4105aa measures or detects the group communication information by itself, or acquires the group communication information from the network. Then, the terminal determines the number of MNO networks and sessions (one or more) selected for the terminal based on the group communication information so that the communication for each terminal group is appropriate, and for the terminal. It autonomously controls the selection of a determined number of MNO networks and sessions, and the establishment or switching of sessions.
- first business operator there are a first business operator and a second business operator as businesses that use the MVNO wireless communication system 4100.
- first business operator there are 1-1 terminal 4105aa, 1-2 terminal 4105ab, and 1-3 terminal 4105ac.
- second operator there are 2-1 terminal 4105ba, 2-2 terminal 4105bb, and 2-3 terminal 4105bc.
- the MVNO wireless communication system 4100 includes a first MNO network, a second MNO network, and a third MNO network as MNO networks.
- the first MNO network includes a core network 4103a and a 1-1 base station 4104aa and a 1-2 base station 4104ab connected to the core network 4103a.
- the second MNO network includes a core network 4103b and a 2-1 base station 4104ba and a 2-2 base station 4104bb connected to the core network 4103b.
- the third MNO network includes a core network 4103c and a third base station 4104ca and a third-2 base station 4104cc connected to the core network 4103c.
- the core networks 4103a, 4103b, 4103c include S-GW, MME, and the like.
- the MVNO network device 4102 performs wireless communication with wireless communication terminals 4105aa, 4105ab, 4105ac, 4105ba, 4105bb, 4105bc that can be connected to the MVNO network in the MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks.
- the MVNO 4102 includes the core network 4103a of the first MNO, the core network 4103b of the second MNO, and the upper core network 4102-1 connected to the core network 4103c of the third MNO as the MVNO network.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module constituting the upper core network 4102-1 includes P-GW, HSS, and the like.
- the upper core network 4102-1 is connected to the system 4101a of the first operator and the system 4101b of the second operator.
- the system 4101a of the first business operator and the system 4101b of the second business operator may be, for example, a data server in which the business operator collects information from a plurality of terminals belonging to the business operator group, or the collected information. It may be an application server that provides a service to a plurality of terminals belonging to a business group based on the above.
- the MVNO 4012 includes the upper core network 4102-1, the MNO selection policy table 4102-2 in which the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is set, and group communication which is information on communication between terminals belonging to the terminal group and other terminals. It includes an information management module 4102-7 that stores and manages information in a database group.
- the terminal includes a database group which is a database and an information management unit as in the third embodiment.
- the information management unit of the terminal according to the fourth embodiment determines the number of MNO networks and sessions (one or more) selected for the terminal based on the group communication information. Then, the information management unit of the terminal according to the fourth embodiment selects the number of MNO networks and sessions determined for the terminal so as to be suitable for the MNO selection policy based on the group communication information, and based on the selection result. It autonomously controls the establishment or switching of terminal sessions.
- Each terminal can establish the above-determined number of MNO networks and sessions.
- the number determined is two, and each terminal establishes two sessions.
- communication continuation tolerance Becomes stronger.
- communication continuation tolerance Becomes stronger.
- communication can be continued in another session established at the same time, so that data can be communicated without interruption.
- the reliability can be improved as compared with the wireless communication system of the third embodiment in which each terminal establishes only one session.
- the first operator has a contract with the MVNO that emphasizes the improvement of reliability by establishing multiple sessions for each terminal and the reduction of communication costs.
- the 1-1 terminal 4105aa, the 1-2 terminal 4105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 4105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator are the lowest prices in the entire terminal group among various rate plans.
- the first MNO is selected as the MNO having the lowest communication cost and the second MNO is selected as the MNO having the second lowest communication cost.
- the 1-1 terminal 4105aa belonging to the terminal group of the first operator is the closest first of the first MNO base stations having the lowest communication cost as the first session.
- -1 It is connected to the core network 4103a of the first MNO and the core network 4102-1 above the MVNO via the base station 4104aa.
- the 1-1 terminal 4105aa uses the second MNO core network 4103b via the nearest 2-1 base station 4104ba among the second MNO base stations having the second lowest communication cost.
- And is connected to the core network 4102-1 above the MVNO.
- the 1-1 terminal 4105aa can perform low-priced communication with the system 4101a of the first operator.
- the 1-2 terminal 4105ab and the 1-3 terminal 4105ac which belong to the terminal group of the first operator, are the closest to the base station of the first MNO having the lowest communication cost as the first session. It is connected to the core network 4103a of the first MNO and the core network 4102-1 above the MVNO via the 1-2 base station 4104ab. In addition, the 1-2 terminal 4105ab and the 1-3 terminal 4105ac use the closest 2-1 base station 4104ba among the second MNO base stations having the second lowest communication cost as the second session. Through, it is connected to the core network 4103b of the second MNO and the core network 4102-1 above the MVNO. As a result, the 1-2 terminal 4105ab and the 1-3 terminal 4105ac can perform low-priced communication with the system 4101a of the first operator.
- the 1-1 terminal 4105aa, the 1-2 terminal 4105ab, and the 1-3 terminal 4105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first business operator are groups that are periodically notified by the information management module 4102-7. You are getting communication information. At this time, it is assumed that the 1-3 terminal 4105ac detects the deterioration of the line quality of the wireless communication line 4106-1a with the 1-2 base station 4104ab.
- the 1-3 terminal 4105ac is a terminal group of the first operator based on the latest information of the group communication information acquired regularly or at any time, or the aggregated result.
- the communication session with the 1st MNO is continued, and the 1-1 base station 4104aa of the core network 4103a of the 1st MNO is transmitting the synchronization channel and the broadcast channel by downlink, and the operation is continued.
- the 1-3 terminal 4105ac autonomously establishes a communication session with the 1-1 base station 4104aa of the core network 4103a of the 1st MNO when a positive result is obtained in any of the judgments. ..
- the 1-3 terminal 4105ac belonging to the terminal group of the first operator can continuously communicate by establishing the wireless communication line 4106-1b with the 1-1 base station 4104aa. It becomes.
- the group communication information includes (1) communication line quality and failure information measured or detected immediately before the terminal establishes or switches the session, or immediately before the network is selected, and (2) periodically or at any time from the network. Communication line quality and failure information of the network to be notified, (3) connection information of other terminals belonging to the same terminal group as the terminal concerned, which are notified regularly or at any time from the network, and (4) periodical from the network. Or, information on connection costs of multiple terminals belonging to the terminal group, which is notified at any time, and (5) measured by other terminals, which are notified regularly or at any time from other terminals belonging to the same terminal group as the terminal.
- the network referred to here may be at least one of the MVNO network and the plurality of MNO networks.
- the information notified from the network regularly or at any time is, for example, the information notified from the information management module 4102-7 of MVNO4102, and these information are sent to the terminal group of each business operator. Information collected from each terminal to which it belongs.
- the second operator has a contract with the MVNO that emphasizes communication resistance to maintain the continuation of communication even in the event of a failure of a specific MNO.
- the 2-1 terminal 4105ba, the 2-2 terminal 4105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 4105bc belonging to the terminal group of the second business operator are the information notified from the information management module 4102-7 from the network.
- One or more MNOs so that the connection destination MNOs of terminals in the same terminal group do not overlap as much as possible based on the connection information of other terminals belonging to the same terminal group as the terminal, which are notified regularly or at any time. And select and switch communication sessions.
- the 2-1 terminal 4105ba establishes a communication session with, for example, the 1-1 base station 4104aa of the first MNO4103a and the 2-1 base station 4104ba of the second MNO4103b, which have good quality.
- the 2-2 terminal 4105bab acquires the connection information indicating the establishment of the communication session of the 2-1 terminal 4105ba from the connection information of other terminals belonging to the same terminal group notified periodically or at any time.
- the connection information of other terminals will be described as the information included in the group communication information from the information management module 4102-7, but the information obtained by the terminal-to-terminal communication as in the first modification of the third embodiment. It may be.
- the 2-2 terminal 4105bb selects the MNO and the base station so as to reduce the overlap with the MNO and the base station connected to the 2-1 terminal 4105ba, and conducts a communication session.
- Establish. the 2-2 terminal 4105bb selects the 3-1 base station 4104ca of the 3rd MNO4103c that does not overlap with the 1st MNO4103a and the 2nd MNO4103b as the first session, and the 1st-2nd base station of the 1st MNO4103a other than the 3rd MNO4103c. 4104ab is selected as the second session. Then, the 2-2 terminal 4105bb establishes a communication session with the selected 3-1 base station 4104ca and the 1-2 base station 4104ab.
- the 2-3 terminal 4105bc is the communication session of the 2-1 terminal 4105ba and the 2-2 terminal 4105bb from the connection information of other terminals belonging to the same terminal group notified periodically or at any time. Acquire connection information indicating establishment.
- the 2-3 terminal 4105bc Based on the acquired connection information, the 2-3 terminal 4105bc has less overlap with the MNO and the base station to which the 2-1 terminal 4105ba and the 2-2 terminal 4105bb are connected, so that the MNO and the base station do not overlap with each other. Select to establish a communication session. For example, the 2-3 terminal 4105bc selects the 2-2 base station 4104bb of the 2nd MNO4103b and the 3-2 base station 4104bb of the 3rd MNO4103c to establish a communication session.
- connection destination MNOs are made uniform for the 2-1 terminal 4105ba, the 2-2 terminal 4105bb, and the 2-3 terminal 4105bc of the terminal group of the second operator, so that the system of the second operator It is possible to perform communication with 4101b with high resistance to communication failure.
- the group communication information for making a decision based on the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is (1) network communication measured or detected immediately before the decision to establish or switch a session on the network, or immediately before network selection.
- Line quality and failure information (2) connection information of all terminals belonging to the terminal group measured or detected immediately before the decision to establish or switch a session on the network, or immediately before selecting the network, and (3) belonging to the terminal group.
- the network referred to here may be at least one of the MVNO network and the plurality of MNO networks. This information is notified to the terminal from the MVNO information management module 4102-7 for each terminal group as group communication information.
- MNO selection policies for each terminal group include, for example, (1) a policy that emphasizes low communication costs, (2) a policy that emphasizes communication tolerance that maintains communication continuity, and (3) local disasters.
- the amount of communication traffic should be the thickness of the contract line
- Correspondingly leveling policy (5) Policy to select a session with good communication quality to improve communication quality, (6) Policy with different frequency bands to improve resistance to wireless communication interference, etc.
- a policy to select, or a combination of these, etc. is used.
- FIGS. 36 to 38 show an operation example of the wireless communication system according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment, which provides a communication session to a terminal group of an arbitrary operator in an MVNO network connected to a plurality of MNO networks. It is a sequence diagram. Specifically, FIGS. 36 to 38 show an operation example in which the terminal autonomously changes the MNO after establishing a session with a plurality of MNOs.
- step S4201 the business operator registers the terminal and sets the MNO selection policy for the MVNO. Based on the MNO selection policy, the MVNO selects group communication information to be notified periodically or at any time to a plurality of terminals in the terminal group. The terminal establishes an initial communication session based on the group communication information received in the past and the MNO selection information set in the terminal in advance.
- the terminal transmits a connection request to the MVNO to the first MNO in step S4202, and receives a connection response from the first MNO in step S4203.
- the terminal transmits an authentication request to the MVNO via the first MNO in step S4204, and the MVNO transmits an authentication response to the terminal via the first MNO in step S4205.
- step S4206 the terminal communicates with the second MNO by performing the processes of step S4202, step S4203, step S4204, and step S4205 with respect to the second MNO.
- Establish a session the processing at the normal time and the processing at the time of failure will be described.
- the terminal connection device transmits a data transmission instruction to the terminal in step S4220.
- the terminal performs a data duplication process for duplicating data in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- the terminal transmits the duplicated data to the first MNO, and the first MNO transmits the duplicated data to the MVNO.
- the terminal transmits the duplicated data to the second MNO, and the second MNO transmits the duplicated data to the MVNO.
- the MVNO selects the same data (replica data) received from the first MNO and the second MNO in step S4224, and transmits the data selected in step S4225 to the operator.
- the MVNO transmits the data reception response to the terminal in the communication session of the first MNO in step S4226, and transmits the data reception response to the terminal in the communication session of the second MNO in step S4227.
- the data of the data reception response for example, ACK / NACK may be used.
- a data sequence number, information for identifying the MNO and the session, reception timing information, and the like may be added to the data reception response.
- the terminal performs data reception response processing in step S4228.
- it is a normal time, and since the data reception response of step S4226 and step S4227 can be correctly received, data retransmission processing, quality analysis, and the like are performed.
- the MNO change process or the like is performed in step S4251 described later.
- the terminal connection device transmits a data transmission instruction to the terminal in step S4230.
- step S4231 the terminal performs a data duplication process in order to transmit the same data in each communication session of the first MNO and the second MNO.
- step S4232 the terminal attempts to transmit duplicate data to the MVNO via the first MNO.
- the data from the terminal since the failure has occurred in the first MNO as shown in step S4233, the data from the terminal does not reach the MVNO via the first MNO.
- the data from the terminal reaches the MVNO via the second MNO in step S4234.
- the reception timer for determining the reception of the data reception response of the first MNO is started in step S4241.
- the MVNO performs the data selection process in step S4235, and transmits the selected data to the business operator in step S4236.
- the data received from the second MNO is transmitted to the operator.
- step S4237 the MVNO attempts to transmit a data reception response to the terminal via the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO does not reach the terminal via the first MNO.
- the data from the MVNO will reach the terminal via the second MNO in step S4239.
- the terminal can determine that the first MNO has a failure.
- the response to at least the uplink data of the first MNO is NACK.
- the terminal can determine that the data reception response is not received by the MVNO via the first MNO and the failure has occurred in the first MNO.
- the reception timer is effective in a configuration in which the terminal receives the data reception response via only one MNO communication session (for example, only the first MNO).
- step S4240 the terminal performs data reception response processing including data retransmission and quality analysis of the communication session of each MNO based on the reception result of the data reception response from each MNO.
- the terminal may analyze statistical information such as data reception response information and the number of retransmissions.
- the terminal receives the terminal group information from the MVNO in step S4250.
- the terminal performs the MNO change process in step S4251 based on the statistical information obtained in step S4240 and the terminal group information received in step S4250.
- the terminal since the failure has occurred in the first MNO, the terminal determines that the MNO connected to the terminal is changed from the first MNO to the third MNO.
- the terminal autonomously transmits a connection request to the third MNO in step S4252, and receives a connection response from the third MNO in step S4253.
- the terminal transmits an authentication request for establishing a communication session via the third MNO to the MVNO via the third MNO.
- the MVNO transmits an authentication response to the terminal via the third MNO, and a communication session is established.
- the terminal is suitable for the MNO selection policy for each terminal group based on the group communication information such as the information of the terminal group to which it belongs and the quality information of its own communication session. Independently select an appropriate MNO. As a result, it is possible to reduce the management load of a network such as an MVNO, and to quickly respond to a failure or the like at each terminal.
- ⁇ Modification 2 of Embodiment 4> 39 and 40 will be used to describe the components of the MVNO network device and the wireless communication terminal included in the wireless communication system according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment.
- the wireless communication system according to the second modification can realize all of the fourth embodiment and the first modification of the fourth embodiment. When only one of the fourth embodiment and the first modification of the fourth embodiment is realized, the components described below are appropriately omitted.
- FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MVNO network device 4102 according to the second modification.
- the MVNO4102 is generally configured as a group of software modules on a server.
- the upper core network 4102-1 in FIG. 39 is composed of an MVNO mainstream processing module.
- the MVNO mainstream processing module includes an MNO interface module 4102-9, a PGW function module 4102-10, a business operator interface module 4102-11, and a data duplication / selection module 4102-16.
- the operator interface module 4102-11 balances between each operator and the interface, and sends and receives information between them.
- the operator interface module 4102-11 controls routes inside and outside the MVNO, can access the operator request management control module 4102-6, and is configured to connect to the Internet outside the MVNO as needed. Is also valid.
- the PGW function module 4102-10 assigns an IP address and controls the transmission quality of an IP packet, and selects an MNO based on an instruction from the MNO information management module 4102-7 and access information from each terminal.
- the MNO interface module 4102-9 is capable of matching between each MNO and the interface, transmitting and receiving information between them, and accessing the HSS module 4102-3.
- the data duplication / selection module 4102-16 duplicates the data to be transmitted to each MNO and selects the data to be received from each MNO based on the data selection policy table 4102-18 when establishing a communication session with a plurality of MNOs. ..
- the operator request management control module 4102-6 includes an MNO selection policy table 4102-2 for each terminal group and an MNO selection policy table 4102-4 for inter-terminal association.
- the MNO selection policy table 4102-2 for each terminal group is a table for setting the policy for selecting and switching the MNO for each terminal group.
- the MNO selection policy table 4102-4 for inter-terminal association is a table for setting the MNO selection policy of the terminal connected to the terminal connection device in consideration of the characteristics of the terminal connection device that provides the application of the business operator.
- the information is displayed. It is stored in the MNO selection policy table 4102-5.
- the operator issues a list of importance for each terminal connection device related to each terminal of the terminal group in which the first operator is located, and an instruction to consider the importance order of the terminal-to-terminal connection devices.
- the request management control module 4102-6 is reached, the information is stored in the MNO selection policy table 4102-4.
- the MVNO maintenance function module 4102-8 is, for example, charged information for each MNO (pay-as-you-go, fixed-rate for a specific period, fixed-rate up to a specific traffic, and pay-as-you-go for more traffic, etc. Quantitative information), operation stop announcement information notified from each MNO, and information such as abnormal congestion and device damage information in some devices from the maintenance function unit of each MNO are notified to the information management module 4102-7. Further, in the MNO selection policy table 4102-2, 4102-4, when there is no remote writing function from the operator, when writing to these tables securely, the writing is performed by the MVNO maintenance function module 4102-8. At this time, the MVNO maintenance function module 4102-8 may also perform secure writing to the HSS module 4102-3.
- the HSS module 4102-3 which is a terminal information management control module, from each business operator.
- the SIM of the target terminal is also rewritten. For example, rewriting that changes the authentication algorithm to a different one in conjunction with the MNO selection policy for each terminal group is effective.
- a high authentication algorithm can be provided when the policy requires high reliability, so even if a setting error occurs from the operator, a serious system failure will not occur. It becomes possible to provide services.
- the information management module 4102-7 provides information on communication between terminals belonging to the terminal group and other terminals via the MNO interface module 4102-9, the data duplication / selection module 4102-16, and the PGW function module 4102-10. Collect group communication information that is. Then, the information management module 4102-7 stores the group communication information in the database group including the network monitor database 4102-13, the terminal monitor database 4102-14, and the billing information database 4102-15. The group communication information and the database group will be described below.
- the network monitor database 4102-13 shows information measured or detected in the network (communication line quality and failure information, and which route the terminals are connected to) for at least one or more terminals belonging to the terminal group. Connection information) is collected and stored.
- the network referred to here is assumed to be each MNO network, but is not limited to this, and may be at least one network of the MVNO network and a plurality of MNO networks.
- the terminal monitor database 4102-14 collects and stores communication line quality and failure information that is measured or detected by at least one terminal belonging to the terminal group and transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO on a regular or occasional basis. Will be done.
- the communication amount (data) of the billing information of each MNO specified from the MVNO maintenance function module 4102-8 and the billing target data of each terminal obtained from the PGW function module 4102-10. Transmission amount) etc. are collected and stored.
- the information management module 4102-7 notifies the terminal of the group communication information collected and stored as described above periodically or at any time for each terminal group and each terminal. Further, when the information management module 4102-7 receives a group communication information request from an arbitrary terminal belonging to an arbitrary terminal group, the information management module 4102-7 sends the group communication information to the terminal that transmitted the group communication information request in response to the group communication information request. Send.
- FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 4105 according to the second modification, which corresponds to one of the terminals 4105aa to 4105bc (FIG. 35) of the fourth embodiment.
- the terminal 4105 of FIG. 40 has a plurality of antennas, a plurality of transmitters / receivers, and a plurality of SIMs / eSIMs in order to establish a communication session at the same time as a plurality of MNOs. It is not always necessary to use multiple pieces of hardware for each of the antenna and the transmitter / receiver. For example, an antenna corresponding to the operating frequencies of multiple MNOs, a transmitter / receiver capable of time division multiplexing, and the like. One piece of hardware capable of sharing MNO communication may be used.
- FIG. 40 an example of a terminal 4105 that can be connected to two MNOs at the same time is shown.
- the first antenna 4105-1a, the first transmitter / receiver 4105-2a, and the first SIM / eSIM4105-6a are used for the connection with the first MNO.
- a second antenna 4105-1b, a second transmitter / receiver 4105-2b, and a second SIM / eSIM4105-6b are used for connection with the second MNO.
- the first antenna 4105-1a and the second antenna 4105-1b may be abbreviated as antennas 4105-1a and 4105-1b.
- the first transmitter / receiver 4105-2a and the second transmitter / receiver 4105-2b may be abbreviated as the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a and 4105-2b
- the first SIM / eSIM4105-6a and the second SIM / eSIM4105-6b may be referred to.
- SIM / eSIM4105-6a, 4105-6b may be abbreviated.
- the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a, 4105-2b is a signal received by the antennas 4105-1a, 4105-1b, which is down-converted from the radio frequency to the signal band, demodulated, error corrected, and the like. Perform processing.
- the data duplication / selection module 4105-3 processes the signal from the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a and 4105-2b in the reception wireless layer 2 such as HARQ and restoration of the user frame, and also performs the data selection policy table 4105. Based on -13, data is selected from the data received from the first MNO and the data received from the second MNO.
- the information in the data selection policy table 4105-13 may be set by the control information received from the operator via the MVNO, MNO and the processor 4105-5, or the terminal maintenance terminal via the terminal maintenance function module 4105-11. Etc. may be set.
- the data selection policy table 4105-13 is managed by the data selection control module 4105-12.
- the terminal connection device interface 4105-4 performs interface matching according to the terminal connection device which is an external device.
- the terminal connection device is, for example, a sensor, a camera, a PLC, a personal computer, or the like, or an AGV, a car, a robot, a drone, or the like integrated with these.
- the communication system of the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a and 4105-2b may be an LTE system, a 5G system, a satellite mobile communication network, or any of the MVNOs that can be incorporated. It may be a wireless system.
- the processor 4105-5 controls the entire terminal and cooperates with the memory 4105-7 to operate and store the program and to store data and logs. Further, as in the example of FIG. 40, in the configuration in which the terminal 4105 is provided with a screen display and a human interface 4105-8 such as an LED, it is possible to easily investigate the cause at the time of trouble.
- the communication line quality and failure information measured or detected by the terminal 4105 are formed as a message by the processor 4105-5, and the data duplication / selection module 4105-3, the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a, 4105-2b, and the antenna 4105. -1a, 4105-1b, transmitted to the MVNO via each MNO.
- the data duplication / selection module 4105-3 duplicates the required MNO and the number of communication sessions from the above message based on the data selection policy table 4105-13 as in the case of data reception, and duplicates the data to each MNO. To send.
- a plurality of authentication algorithms may be physically implemented on the SIM / eSIM so that they can be selected from the outside.
- Milenage is usually used as the default setting.
- the business operator sends an authentication method specification message and specifies a special authentication method, the content of the message is transmitted to SIM / eSIM4105-6a and 4105-6b, so that it is used by default.
- the authentication method to be used may be changed.
- the terminal 4105 receives the group communication information notified to the terminal 4105 periodically or at any time from the information management module 4102-7 (FIG. 39) of the MVNO 4102 by the antennas 4105-1a and 4105-1b.
- the group communication information received by the antennas 4105-1a and 4105-1b is selected including the database group via the transmitter / receiver 4105-2a, 4105-2b, the data duplication / selection module 4105-3, the processor 4105-5, and the like. It is output to the control module 4105-9.
- the selection control module 4105-9 classifies the received group communication information into the database group of the selection control module 4105-9 and stores it.
- the database group of the selection control module 4105-9 is almost the same as the database group of the information management module 4102-7 (FIG. 39) of the MVNO 4102, and the network monitor database 4105-9a, the terminal monitor database 4105-9b, and the database monitor database 4105-9b. It includes a billing information database 4105-9c.
- the selection control module 4105-9 of the terminal 4105 transmits a group communication information request to the information management module 4102-7 (FIG. 39) of the MVNO 4102.
- the terminal 4105 receives the group communication information notified from the information management module 4102-7 to the terminal 4105 by the antennas 4105-1a and 4105-1b.
- the group communication information received by the antennas 4105-1a and 4105-1b is also classified and stored in the database group of the selection control module 4105-9 by the selection control module 4105-9 in the same manner as described above.
- the operator request management control module 4105-10 of the terminal 4105 and the MNO selection policy tables 4105-10a and 4105-10b included therein are the operator request management control module 4102-6 (FIG. 39) of the MVNO 4102 and the MNO selection included therein. It is the same as the policy table 4102-2, 4102-4.
- the MNO selection policy table 4105-10a for each terminal group and the MNO selection policy table 4105-10b for inter-terminal association included in the operator request management control module 4105-10 of the terminal 4105 are the terminal maintenance function module 4105. Written by a terminal maintenance terminal or the like via -11.
- the selection control module 4105-9 which is an information management unit, has an MNO suitable for the MNO selection policy of the MNO selection policy tables 4105-10a and 4105-10b based on the group communication information collected in the selection control module 4105-9. And the number of communication sessions is determined, the determined number of MNO networks and sessions are selected, and the sessions are established or switched independently.
- the MVNO maintenance terminal may access the operator request management control module 4105-10 via the terminal maintenance function module 4105-11 to write or read. Further, the MVNO maintenance terminal may access the selection control module 4105-9 and the SIM / eSIM to read or write. With this configuration, it is possible to change the MNO selection control algorithm of the selection control module 4105-9 and change the parameters related to the SIM / eSIM service.
- the MVNO is provided to a plurality of bases in order to prevent the network system from being unable to provide the telecommunications service due to a natural disaster in one area or the like.
- Distributed depending on the MVNO, if it is not possible to distribute to multiple bases, or even if it can be distributed to multiple bases, the distribution of functions is insufficient (when a failure occurs in a specific base, it is also possible to provide services at other bases. There are cases where the impact is spillover).
- each MVNO if the services and prices provided by each MVNO are changed sequentially, or if the MVNO and MNO are connected, and if the RAT (Radio Access Technology) or roaming destination that connects the same MNO is different, the MVNO's Dispersion is difficult.
- RAT Radio Access Technology
- the system minimizes the influence on the service to each business operator, and the price is lower than usual.
- a system that provides services or a system that provides services with better connectivity in normal times will be described.
- FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the wireless communication system 6000 according to the fifth embodiment. Since the wireless communication system 6000 according to the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the wireless communication system 400 according to the third modification of the first embodiment, different parts will be mainly described.
- the wireless communication system 6000 is a system that provides a communication session to the terminal group of the first operator, and is a system that is required to have high reliability. Therefore, the first business operator has a redundant configuration including the first redundant system 6001a of the first business operator and the second redundant system 6001b of the first business operator.
- the wireless communication system 6000 includes an MVNO network device 6002a at the first base and an MVNO network device 6002b at the second base.
- the MVNO network device 6002a at the first base is a network device that cannot be distributed to multiple bases, or even if there are multiple bases, the functional distribution is insufficient (when a failure occurs at a specific base, the service is provided at another base. It is assumed that it is a network device (which also affects). Therefore, a redundant system is configured by further providing the MVNO network device 6002b of the second base where the bases are sufficiently separated and the functions are independent.
- the MVNO network device of the first base may be abbreviated as "first MVNO”
- the MVNO network device of the second base may be abbreviated as "second MVNO”.
- the first MVNO6002a and the second MVNO6020b are connected to a network of three MNOs (first MNO6003a, second MNO6003b, third MNO6003c).
- first redundant system 6001a and second redundant system 6001b there is a first operator (first redundant system 6001a and second redundant system 6001b) as an operator using the wireless communication system 6000 having a redundant configuration of the first MVNO 6002a and the second MVNO 6002b.
- first redundant system 6001a and second redundant system 6001b As a terminal group of the first operator, there are nine terminals, 1-1 terminal 6005aa to 1-9 terminal 6005ai.
- terminals are connected to, for example, a first operator's 1-1 terminal connection device 6007aa to a first operator's 1st-9th terminal connection device 6007ai by a wired cable, and a plurality of terminals are wirelessly connected via a base station. It is connected to the MNO.
- the terminal connection device of each first business operator is a device that provides an application of the first business operator, and is used in various ways for each business operator.
- the importance of the terminal connection device is defined for the first operator, and the 1-1 terminal connection device 6007aa (importance: highest)> the 1-2 terminal connection device 6007ab> the 1-3 terminal connection.
- the first redundant system 6001a of the first operator has "high reliability” in the MNO selection policy table 6002a-2 for a certain terminal group designated with the first MVNO 6002a. (Distribution setting of connection MNO) ". Similarly, the first redundant system 6001a of the first operator has "high reliability (distributed setting of connection MNO)" in the MNO selection policy table 6002b-2 for a certain terminal group designated with the second MVNO 6002b. And set.
- the table may be set remotely via a transmission line, or may be converted to a required format via an MVNO maintenance terminal and set.
- the MVNOs connected to the 1-1 terminal 6005aa to the 1-9th terminal 6005ai belonging to the terminal group of the first operator are uniformed (connected to different MVNOs as much as possible). .. Then, when it is determined that the MNO is not uniform, the MVNO is uniform based on the connection information of the terminals stored in the network monitor database in the switching control modules 6002a-7 and 6002b-7. The MVNO network and session are switched so as to be.
- the first redundant system 6001a of the first operator sets the "terminals" in the MNO selection policy tables 6002a-4 and 6002b-4 for inter-terminal association for a certain terminal group designated between the MVNOs 6002a and 6002b.
- the switching control modules 6002a-7 and 6002b-7 determine whether the 1-1 terminal 6005aa to the 1-9th terminal 36005ai are connected to the MNO in the order of importance set by the operator.
- the switching control modules 6002a-7 and 6002b-7 are connected to the terminal based on the connection information of the terminal stored in the network monitor database.
- the MNO network and session are switched so that the MNOs are connected in the order of importance. In the above, it is the operator who writes to the MNO selection policy table.
- the operation of the first redundant system 6001a of the first business operator has been described.
- the operation of the second redundant system 6001b of the first operator differs depending on the redundant configuration of the first operator.
- the second redundant system 6001b performs communication between redundant systems (not shown). The status is matched with the first redundant system 6001a, but no instruction is given to each MVNO.
- the redundant configuration of the first operator is 0/1 system (the terminal connected to the first redundant system 6001a is not connected to the second redundant system 6001b, but is connected to the second redundant system 6001b.
- the second redundant system 6001b is implemented by the first redundant system 6001a for the terminal not set in the first redundant system 6001a. Make the same settings as the one you did. In this case, for example, of the nine terminals, five are connected to the first redundant system 6001a and four are connected to the second redundant system 6001b.
- the 1-1 terminal 6005aa connected to the 1-1 terminal connecting device 6007aa of the first operator, which has the highest importance, is connected to the base station of the first MNO6003a and connected to the first MVNO6003a.
- the 1-2 terminal 6005ab connected to the 1-2 terminal connecting device 6007ab of the first operator, which has the second highest importance is connected to the base station of the second MNO6003b different from the first MNO6003a. It is connected to a second MVNO6002b different from the first MVNO6002a.
- the first to third terminal 6005ac connected to the first operator 1-3 terminal connecting device 6007ac which is the third most important, is a base station of the third MNO6003c different from the first MNO6003a and the second MNO6003b. Is connected to the first MVNO6002a, which is different from the second MVNO6002b.
- the terminals connected to the terminal connection device of the first operator having the highest importance of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are the first MNO, the second MNO, the third MNO, the first MNO, and the second MNO.
- the service provision to the first operator is completely cut off.
- the influence thereof can be reduced, so that it is possible to provide a communication service having a high tolerance in the event of a failure.
- the function unit that integrates and controls a plurality of MVNOs (hereinafter referred to as the multiple MVNO management control function unit) manages the operation. Control may be performed.
- the plurality of MVNO management control units may manage the price information for each MVNO and select a cheap MVNO. At that time, if the payment is made at the end of the month, the MVNO whose price is finally the cheapest may be selected by predicting the amount of data expected to be used within the month.
- a configuration in which MVNOs are distributed at a specific ratio is also effective as an MVNO selection policy in a plurality of MVNO management control units. According to such a configuration, it is possible to use an inexpensive MVNO while reducing the influence of the occurrence of a specific MVNO failure. Further, for example, if the maintenance information of the MVNO is notified in advance, it is desirable to set the MVNO selection policy that does not allocate in that time zone. Further, for example, it is desirable that one operator can set a plurality of terminal groups.
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JP5770257B2 (ja) * | 2008-07-17 | 2015-08-26 | クゥアルコム・インコーポレイテッドQualcomm Incorporated | モバイル仮想ネットワーク・オペレータ(mvno)のホスティング、選択、及びプライシングのための装置及び方法 |
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