Relay device, relay method, and communication system

Abstract

This relay device (20, 20A) is connected to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths (R1, R2) and relays communication between the upstream network and a downstream network. The relay device (20, 20A) comprises a control unit (230, 230A). The control unit (230, 230A) acquires the communication state of at least one of the plurality of communication paths (R1, R2). The control unit (230, 230A) selects one of the communication paths from among the plurality of communication paths (R1, R2) in accordance with the communication state. The control unit (230, 230A) connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device, a relay method, and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Teleworking has become common in recent years. The network environment is a key factor in teleworking, and a more comfortable network environment is required. However, in shared residences such as apartments, for example, network updates are difficult to perform, and home communications are susceptible to the influence of network traffic from other residences. As a result, it has been difficult to obtain a network environment (communication quality) suitable for teleworking in shared residences, for example.

[0003] There is a known method for controlling the quality of network communication by controlling the priority (QoS: Quality of Service) of multiple traffic types. This technology controls communication quality by setting a high priority for high-priority traffic (such as VoIP call traffic) and processing it preferentially in a network queue, or by shaping low-priority traffic. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-157280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, because priority control processing is best-effort, there is no guarantee that high-priority traffic will always be protected (transmitted). Furthermore, when a large amount of high-priority traffic flows through the network, for example, when multiple households are making VoIP calls, the bandwidth may be filled with high-priority traffic alone, potentially making it impossible to meet the required network quality. For these reasons, further improvements to the network environment are desired.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a mechanism that can further improve the network environment.

[0007] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a relay device. The relay device connects to an upstream network via multiple communication paths and relays communication between the upstream network and a downstream network. The relay device includes a control unit. The control unit acquires a communication status of at least one of the multiple communication paths. The control unit selects one communication path from the multiple communication paths according to the communication status. The control unit connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication path according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MDF board according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ONU according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5]1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of communication path quality requirement information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a communication process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ONU according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an analysis unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a communication process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MDF board according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a communication process according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path according to a second modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path according to a third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MDF board according to a third modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a communication path according to the third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to a third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a communication state according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of communication processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of an MDF board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] One or more embodiments (including examples and modifications) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from one another. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects.

[0012] <<1. Introduction>> 1.1. Prior Art As mentioned above, the spread of teleworking, for example, has led to demands for further improvements in network environments. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that QoS control is performed to improve the network environment by processing high-priority traffic preferentially in a network queue and shaping low-priority traffic.

[0013] However, because the above-mentioned QoS control is for a single network, if the network bandwidth becomes full, there is a risk that the bit rate will decrease or traffic will be blocked, even for high-priority traffic.

[0014] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-27092 discloses a technique for selecting an optimal communication path based on the QoS of multiple communication paths. However, this technique is based on the premise of a single service and does not take into account networks that provide multiple services.

[0015] For example, in JP2020-502948A, a system transmits sequential bursts of packets through a first network interface. The system also generates a bandwidth for the first network interface based on a timestamp recorded when the packets are received at a receiving node and the size of the packets. The system then routes the data flow of the sequential packets through multiple network connections based on the bandwidth. This reduces the impact of the re-request process on transmission efficiency. However, this technology does not take into account the priority of the packets.

[0016] The conventional technology does not sufficiently consider QoS control when multiple services are provided using multiple communication paths. As such, the conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of further improving the network environment.

[0017] <1.2. Proposed technology> A relay device according to the proposed technology is connected to an upstream network via multiple communication paths, and relays communications between the upstream network and a downstream network.

[0018] For example, the upstream network may be an external network such as a WAN, and the downstream network may be a network established in each household in an apartment building. The multiple communication paths may include a network established in the apartment building (for example, a local 5G network or an in-house line including an optical fiber line). In this case, the relay device is, for example, an ONU (Optical Network Unit). When the relay device is an ONU, the relay device is connected to a Main Distributing Frame (MDF) board and establishes, for example, multiple communication paths (for example, a wired in-house line and a wireless local 5G network) between the relay device and the MDF board.

[0019] The relay device acquires the communication status of at least one of the multiple communication paths (for example, an in-house line), selects one of the multiple communication paths according to the acquired communication status, and connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path.

[0020] In this way, the relay device according to the proposed technology of the present disclosure selects one of the multiple communication paths depending on the communication status of at least one of the multiple communication paths. As a result, even if the bandwidth of one communication path is constrained, the relay device can select another communication path to relay communication between the downstream network and the upstream network, thereby further improving the network environment.

[0021] Hereinafter, details of a communication system including a relay device will be described in detail in each embodiment and modification.

[0022] <<2. First Embodiment>> <2.1. Example of communication system configuration> <2.1.1. Example of overall configuration of communication system> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes an MDF board 10, an ONU 20, a terminal device 30, and a base station 40. In the following drawings, unless otherwise specified, wired communication is illustrated with a solid line and wireless communication is illustrated with a dotted line.

[0023] The MDF board 10 is installed in a multi-family dwelling such as an apartment building, and is a relay device that relays communications between a network (hereinafter also referred to as a home network or a local area network) established in each dwelling and an external network N (an example of an upstream network, such as a WAN) outside the multi-family dwelling. The MDF board 10 is connected to the home network via an ONU 20 or a base station 40.

[0024] The ONU 20 is a relay device that is connected to an external network N via the MDF board 10 and relays communications between the home network and the external network N. The ONU 20 in Fig. 1 is connected to a terminal device 30 wirelessly or by wire.

[0025] Furthermore, the ONU 20 connects to an external network N via the MDF board 10 by performing wired communication with the MDF board 10. The ONU 20 connects to the external network N via the base station 40 by performing wireless communication with the base station 40.

[0026] In this way, the ONU 20 according to this embodiment connects to the external network N using two communication paths: one via the MDF board 10 and the other via the base station 40.

[0027] The terminal device 30 is a client device that is placed in each residence of an apartment building and used by the residents (users) of the residence. In the example of Fig. 1, the terminal device 30 includes, for example, a television, a smartphone, a PC, etc. The terminal device 30 may also be various IoT (Internet of Things) terminals such as home appliances with communication functions.

[0028] 1 shows a case where the ONU 20 communicates with the terminal device 30 directly by wireless communication, but this is not limiting. For example, the ONU 20 may communicate with the terminal device 30 via a wireless router (not shown) installed in the residence.

[0029] In this way, a home network is constructed in a residence by at least one terminal device 30 and an ONU 20.

[0030] The base station 40 is a base station for local 5G (or private 5G), a private 5G service available to residents of an apartment building, for example. The communication system 1 may also have a local 5G core network (not shown) in addition to the base station 40. The base station 40 is connected to the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the ONU 20 communicates with the MDF board 10 via the local 5G including the base station 40.

[0031] Here, a plurality of communication paths used by the ONU 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining communication paths according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that Fig. 2 omits the illustration of some components.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the ONU 20 connects to an external network N using a communication path R1 and a communication path R2.

[0033] The communication path R1 is a communication path of a wired network established in, for example, an apartment building. The ONU 20 connects to the MDF board 10 using the communication path R1, thereby connecting to the external network N.

[0034] The communication path R2 is a communication path of a wireless network such as a local 5G network established in an apartment building, for example. The ONU 20 connects to the base station 40 using the communication path R2. The base station 40 connects to the external network N via the MDF board 10. In this way, the ONU 20 connects to the external network N via the base station 40 (i.e., local 5G) and the MDF board 10.

[0035] <2.1.2.MDF board> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the MDF board 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The MDF board 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0036] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 110 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 110 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured by a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. Furthermore, the communication unit 110 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface.

[0037] The communication unit 110 functions as a communication means of the MDF board 10. The communication unit 110 communicates with the ONU 20, the base station 40, and the external network N under the control of the control unit .

[0038] The communication unit 110 includes, for example, a first_1 communication I / F (interface) 111_1, a first_2 communication I / F 111_2, and a second communication I / F 112. The first_1 communication I / F 111_1 is a communication interface for communicating with, for example, the ONU 20. The first_2 communication I / F 111_2 is a communication interface for communicating with, for example, the base station 40. The second communication I / F 112 is a communication interface for communicating with, for example, an external network N.

[0039] The storage unit 120 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 120 functions as a storage means of the MDF board 10.

[0040] The storage unit 120 includes, for example, a communication path DB (database) 121. The communication path DB 121 is a database that stores communication paths to the ONU 20. The communication path DB 121 is used when the control unit 130 determines which of the multiple communication paths R1 and R2 to use to communicate with the ONU 20. For example, the communication path DB 121 is a routing table.

[0041] The control unit 130 is a controller that controls each part of the MDF board 10. The control unit 130 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 130 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the MDF board 10 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0042] The control unit 130 includes a communication path determination unit 131 and a communication path setting unit 132. Each block (communication path determination unit 131 and communication path setting unit 132) constituting the control unit 130 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 130. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. The control unit 130 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0043] The communication path determination unit 131 determines a communication path for data to be relayed to the ONU 20 based on the communication path information stored in the communication path DB 121. The communication path information includes, for example, information that associates an application (e.g., a call application, a video application, a file transfer application, etc.) executed by the terminal device 30 with a communication path. Alternatively, the communication path information may include information that associates a type of data to be relayed (audio data or image data) with a communication path.

[0044] The communication path setting unit 132 writes the communication path information to the communication path DB 121. The communication path setting unit 132 registers, for example, the communication path information notified from the ONU 20 in the communication path DB 121. Alternatively, the communication path setting unit 132 may acquire the communication path quality information notified from the ONU 20, and generate and register the communication path information based on the communication path quality information. Details of the communication path quality information will be described later.

[0045] <2.1.3.ONU> 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ONU 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The ONU 20 shown in FIG.

[0046] The communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 210 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 210 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured with a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. The communication unit 210 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 210 may have a function of wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), or a function of mobile communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G.

[0047] The communication unit 210 functions as a communication means of the ONU 20. The communication unit 210 communicates with the MDF board 10, the base station 40, and the terminal device 30 under the control of the control unit 230.

[0048] The communication unit 210 includes, for example, a first_1 communication I / F 211_1, a first_2 communication I / F 211_2, a second_1 communication I / F 212_1, and a second_2 communication I / F 212_2. The first_1 communication I / F 211_1 is a wired communication interface for performing wired communication with, for example, the MDF board 10. The first_2 communication I / F 211_2 is a wireless communication interface for performing wireless communication with, for example, the base station 40. The second_1 communication I / F 212_1 is a wired communication interface for performing wired communication with, for example, the terminal device 30. The second_2 communication I / F 212_2 is a wireless communication interface for performing wireless communication with, for example, the terminal device 30.

[0049] The storage unit 220 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 220 functions as a storage means of the ONU 20.

[0050] The storage unit 220 includes, for example, a communication path DB (database) 221. The communication path DB 221 is a database that stores communication paths to the MDF board 10. The communication path DB 221 is used when the control unit 230 determines which of the multiple communication paths R1 and R2 to use to communicate with the MDF board 10. For example, the communication path DB 221 is a routing table.

[0051] The control unit 230 is a controller that controls each unit of the ONU 20. The control unit 230 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 230 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the ONU 20 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 230 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0052] The control unit 230 includes a communication path determination unit 231 and a communication path setting unit 232. Each block (communication path determination unit 231 and communication path setting unit 232) constituting the control unit 230 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 230. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. The control unit 230 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0053] The communication path determination unit 231 determines a communication path for data to be relayed to the MDF board 10 based on the communication path information stored in the communication path DB 221. The communication path determination unit 231 determines a corresponding communication I / F by determining the communication path for data to be relayed to the MDF board 10. The communication path information includes, for example, information that associates an application (e.g., a call application, a video application, a file transfer application, etc.) executed by the terminal device 30 with a communication path. Alternatively, the communication path information may include information that associates a type of data to be relayed (audio data or image data) with a communication path.

[0054] The communication path setting unit 232 writes the communication path information into the communication path DB 221. The communication path setting unit 232 generates and registers the communication path information based on, for example, communication path quality information notified from the terminal device 30. Details of the communication path quality information will be described later.

[0055] <2.1.4. Terminal Device> 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 30 shown in FIG. 5 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a control unit 330, and an application unit 340.

[0056] The communication unit 310 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 310 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 310 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured with a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. The communication unit 310 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 310 may have a function of wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), or a function of mobile communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G.

[0057] The communication unit 310 functions as a communication means of the terminal device 30. The communication unit 310 communicates with the ONU 20 under the control of the control unit 330.

[0058] The storage unit 320 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 320 functions as a storage means of the terminal device 30.

[0059] The application unit 340 is one or more applications that provide services to the terminal device 30. The application unit 340 is realized by a program running on a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and provides various services, such as video calls and FTP (File Transfer Protocol), to the user of the terminal device 30.

[0060] The control unit 330 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 30. The control unit 330 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 330 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 30 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 330 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0061] The control unit 330 includes a notification unit 331. The block (notification unit 331) that constitutes the control unit 330 is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 330. This functional block may be a software block or a hardware block. For example, the above-mentioned functional block may be a single software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a single circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, the functional block may be a single processor or a single integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. The control unit 330 may be configured in functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0062] The notification unit 331 generates communication path quality requirement information and notifies the ONU 20. The notification unit 331 generates communication path quality requirement information including a communication path quality according to an application executed by the application unit 340, for example. By notifying the ONU 20 of the generated communication path quality requirement information, the notification unit 331 requests the ONU 20 to communicate traffic related to the application at the quality included in the communication path quality requirement information.

[0063] For example, in the terminal device 30, various types of applications are executed by the application unit 340. For example, if the terminal device 30 is a PC, applications such as FTP and video calling may be executed in the terminal device 30. FTP is an application that is tolerant of delays but requires the transmission and reception of large amounts of data. A video calling application is an application that places strict requirements on both delays and the amount of data that can be transmitted and received.

[0064] As described above, the network characteristics of the applications executed by application unit 340 are completely different for each application, so it is desirable to select an appropriate network that meets the requirements of each application.

[0065] The network characteristics (e.g., communication quality) are specified by an application executed by application unit 340. Notification unit 331 acquires characteristic information related to the network characteristics from application unit 340. Application unit 340 may pass the characteristic information to notification unit 331 as an argument when a program opens a socket, for example, or may pass a network request script indicating the characteristic information to notification unit 331.

[0066] The notification unit 331 notifies the ONU 20 of information regarding the application executed by the application unit 340 and the communication quality (e.g., characteristic information) required by the application, as communication path quality request information. For example, when a video call application is executed by the application unit 340, the notification unit 331 notifies the ONU 20 of the communication path quality request information, thereby requesting that the traffic of the video call application be given priority.

[0067] The notifying unit 331 notifies the communication path quality requirement information by using, for example, DiffServ in the IP header. Alternatively, the notifying unit 331 may notify the communication path quality requirement information by using an L2 VLAN tag. Also, for example, the notifying unit 331 may send a JSON format file (communication path quality requirement information) by using a control path established with the ONU 20.

[0068] <2.2. Example of communication path quality requirement information> An example of communication path quality request information in JSON format will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of communication path quality request information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] For example, in the case of the above-mentioned local 5G, a usage fee for using the local 5G service may be charged depending on, for example, traffic volume. For example, a certain communication quality may be guaranteed, but a usage fee may be charged when using local 5G.

[0070] For traffic that requires low latency and large capacity, such as a video call app, the notification unit 331 generates communication path quality request information by assuming that communication can be performed using a billing bearer that incurs a usage fee but guarantees communication quality, such as local 5G. In the example of Fig. 6, the notification unit 331 sets "metered_bearer" to "true" to generate communication path quality request information that indicates that a billing bearer may be used.

[0071] The communication path quality requirement information shown in Fig. 6 may include, in addition to the information about the charging bearer described above, for example, a minimum throughput ("throughput", specified as "10 Mbps" in Fig. 6) and a priority ("Priority", specified as "High" in Fig. 6). The communication path quality requirement information may also include information about a specific port number ("Port", specified as "10080" in Fig. 6) and a delay amount (not shown, for example, "100 ms or less").

[0072] The notification unit 331 transmits the communication path quality request information to the ONU 20 by including it in, for example, a control packet.

[0073] After establishing a control path with the ONU 20, the notification unit 331 notifies the ONU 20 of the communication path quality requirement information at an arbitrary timing. Examples of the arbitrary timing include the timing when an application executed by the terminal device 30 changes, or the timing when the terminal device 30 connects to the ONU 20.

[0074] The communication path setting unit 232 of the ONU 20 described above sets a routing rule based on the received communication path quality requirement information and records it in the communication path DB 221 .

[0075] For example, the communication path setting unit 232 selects a communication path that is low cost but does not guarantee communication quality (e.g., bandwidth) (e.g., a fixed-line communication path R1 using an in-house line within an apartment building) as the communication path for traffic that is set to low priority in the communication path quality requirement information.

[0076] On the other hand, the communication path setting unit 232 selects a communication path that is highly stable and has guaranteed communication quality (e.g., bandwidth) but is expensive (e.g., a local 5G communication path R2 established within an apartment building) as the communication path for traffic that is set to high priority in the communication path quality requirement information.

[0077] In addition, even if traffic is set to high priority, if the use of a billing bearer is not permitted (for example, metered_bearer in the communication path quality requirement information is "false"), the communication path setting unit 232 may select communication path R1 as the communication path for that traffic.

[0078] The communication path setting unit 232 notifies, for example, the MDF board 10 of the determined routing rule. The MDF board 10 records the received routing rule in the communication path DB 121. This allows the ONU 20 to select a communication path (i.e., a communication I / F corresponding to the communication path) according to the traffic priority in communication between the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10, thereby further improving the network environment in the apartment building.

[0079] <2.3. Communication Processing> Next, an example of communication processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] 7, the terminal device 30 transmits a connection request to the ONU 20 to establish a control path for communication path control with the ONU 20 (step S101). Note that the terminal device 30 issues a connection request to the ONU 20 to establish a control path when, for example, the terminal device 30 sets the ONU 20 as its own default gateway.

[0081] The ONU 20 establishes a control path in response to the request (S102). Note that the communication path used to establish the control path may be the communication path (e.g., wireless LAN or wired cable) actually used for data communication between the terminal device 30 and the ONU 20, or may be another communication path (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0082] The terminal device 30 transmits the communication path quality request information to the ONU 20 at the above-mentioned arbitrary timing, thereby making a communication path quality request (step S103).

[0083] The ONU 20 sets up a communication path based on the received communication path quality requirement information (step S104). For example, the ONU 20 sets up the communication path for the traffic of the application app1, which is set to a low priority, as the communication path R1, and sets up the communication path for the traffic of the application app2, which is set to a high priority, as the communication path R2.

[0084] The ONU 20 notifies the MDF board 10 of communication path information regarding the established communication path (step S105). The MDF board 10 establishes the communication path based on the received communication path information (step S106).

[0085] Thereafter, for example, it is assumed that transmission data is generated by executing the application app1 in the terminal device 30. In this case, the terminal device 30 transmits the transmission data (app1) to the ONU 20 (step S107).

[0086] The ONU 20 determines a communication path for the received transmission data (app1) (step S108). For example, the ONU 20 determines the communication path for the transmission data (app1) to be communication path R1. The ONU 20 transmits the transmission data (app1) to the MDF board 10 based on the determined communication path R1 (step S109).

[0087] Also, for example, it is assumed that transmission data is generated by executing the application app2 in the terminal device 30. In this case, the terminal device 30 transmits the transmission data (app2) to the ONU 20 (step S110).

[0088] The ONU 20 determines a communication path for the received transmission data (app2) (step S111). For example, the ONU 20 determines the communication path for the transmission data (app2) to be communication path R2. Based on the determined communication path 2, the ONU 20 transmits the transmission data (app2) to the MDF board 10 via the base station 40 (local 5G) (step S112).

[0089] 7, a control path is also established between the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10. For example, a notification channel is created between the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10 when the ONU 20 is started up.

[0090] More specifically, when the ONU 20 is started up, it transmits a connection request for establishing a control path to the MDF board 10. The MDF board 10 receives the connection request and establishes the control path. At this time, authentication and authorization of the ONU 20 may be performed.

[0091] <<3. Second Embodiment>> In the first embodiment described above, the data communication path is determined according to the communication path set by the ONU 20 based on the communication path quality requirement information. That is, in the first embodiment, the ONU 20 or the MDF board 10 statically determines the data communication path and always routes data according to a predetermined rule depending on the type of application, etc. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if there is a risk that the communication quality required by the terminal device 30 cannot be satisfied, the ONU 20 or the MDF board 10 may switch the communication path. Such a case will be described as the second embodiment.

[0092] <3.1. ONU configuration example> Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ONU 20A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The ONU 20A shown in Fig. 8 differs from the ONU 20 shown in Fig. 5 in that a control unit 230A includes a communication path determination unit 231A, a communication path setting unit 232A, and an analysis unit 233.

[0093] The analysis unit 233 obtains the communication status of the upstream network by predicting and analyzing the communication status of the upstream network. The communication path setting unit 232A sets a routing rule according to the communication status, and the communication path determination unit 231A selects a communication path based on the determined routing rule. This allows the ONU 20A to select a communication path according to the communication status of the upstream network.

[0094] For example, the analysis unit 233 monitors a packet counter of packets transmitted to and received from each terminal device 30 accommodated in the ONU 20, and a packet counter of an interface on the MDF board 10 side (WAN (Wide Area Network) side). Based on the results of monitoring these packet counters, the analysis unit 233 predicts congestion (communication status) in the upstream network (in-house line).

[0095] The analysis unit 233 collects L2 counters and / or L3 counters from counters of I / Fs (e.g., the first_1 and first_2 communication I / Fs 211_1 and 211_2) connected to the terminal device 30. The analysis unit 233 also collects L2 counters and / or L3 counters from counters of I / Fs (e.g., the second_1 communication I / F 212_1) connected to the MDF board 10.

[0096] Based on the collected information, the analysis unit 233 predicts congestion of the communication path (in-house line) between the MDF board 10 and the analysis unit 233, thereby obtaining the communication status.

[0097] 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the analysis unit 233 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The analysis unit 233 shown in FIG. 9 includes a parameter acquisition unit 2331, a prediction unit 2332, and a determination unit 2333.

[0098] The parameter acquisition unit 2331 acquires communication parameters to be used as an input parameter group for the prediction unit 2332. The parameter acquisition unit 2331 acquires the communication parameters from, for example, the communication unit 210. An example of the input parameter group will be described later.

[0099] The prediction unit 2332 receives the input parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 2331 as input, and outputs a prediction result of the communication situation to the determination unit 2333. The prediction unit 2332 includes, for example, a predictor, and predicts the communication situation using the predictor.

[0100] Here, the predictor is generated in advance, for example, by learning using parameters from past communications.

[0101] In addition to the packet counter mentioned above, the following parameters are used as input to the predictor. ·throughput Packet queue length TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) error values Number of retransmissions Throughput per application -RTT (Round Trip Time) for a specific host ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) error rate

[0102] In addition to the above-mentioned parameters, the following parameters may be acquired from the MDF board 10. Packet counter ·error Throughput of I / F (for example, the first communication I / F 111_1, the second communication I / F 112 (see Figure 3)) Packet queue length Traceroute results Link speed Minimum Bandwidth Reliability ·load ·Minimum MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit)

[0103] These parameters can be obtained from the MDF board 10 using a control path established between the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10 .

[0104] The predictor also learns a regression model that predicts the expected communication quality metric (for example, throughput or delay) as the correct label. Alternatively, the predictor may learn a classification problem that classifies communication degradation into non-degraded and good communication, using a "1" for cases where the required throughput is not met and a "0" for cases where it is met.

[0105] Note that the predictor model shown in Fig. 9 is an example, and various models can be used. The model used as the predictor may be, for example, a recurrent neural network (RNN) such as a long short term memory (LSTM), or a simple deep learning model. The model used may also be a model expressed by a simple linear polynomial.

[0106] Furthermore, the parameter acquisition unit 2331 may acquire the congestion status of the PoP, which is the connection point with the ISP, and the congestion status of the station itself from the MDF board 10 as input to the prediction unit of the prediction unit 2332.

[0107] The determination unit 2333 acquires the congestion state predicted by the prediction unit 2332, and determines, based on the congestion state that is the prediction result, whether or not the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30 can be satisfied. If the determination unit 2333 determines that the communication path quality is not satisfied, it requests the communication path setting unit 232A to rewrite (update) the communication path settings.

[0108] The analysis unit 233 performs these analyses (predictions and determinations) at predetermined intervals, for example.

[0109] Returning to Fig. 8, the communication path setting unit 232A updates the communication path setting in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit 2333.

[0110] For example, it is assumed that the determination unit 2333 determines that congestion is not occurring and that the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30 is satisfied. In this case, the communication path setting unit 232A sets a routing rule that uses, for example, the private line (selects the communication path R1), and writes it into the communication path DB 221.

[0111] On the other hand, it is assumed that the determination unit 2333 determines that congestion has occurred and that the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30 cannot be satisfied. In this case, the communication path setting unit 232A sets a routing rule that does not use the local 5G line (selects communication path 2), for example, and writes the rule to the communication path DB 221.

[0112] The analysis by the analysis unit 233 and the communication path setting by the communication path setting unit 232A may be performed for each application of the terminal device 30. Alternatively, the ONU 20 may perform the analysis and communication path setting for all the terminal devices 30 accommodated. In this case, if the predetermined communication path quality cannot be satisfied, the ONU 20 determines that congestion has occurred and updates the communication path settings for all the terminal devices 30 accommodated. If the predicted communication path quality satisfies the communication path quality request from the terminal device 30, the ONU 20 sets the communication path for the communication of the terminal device 30 to the local line (communication path R1). On the other hand, if the predicted communication path quality does not satisfy the communication path quality request from the terminal device 30, the ONU 20 sets the communication path for the communication of the terminal device 30 via local 5G (communication path 2).

[0113] The communication path determination unit 231A determines a communication path so that transmission data from the terminal device 30 is transmitted over the communication path set by the communication path setting unit 232A. For example, if the communication status of the local area line of the upstream network satisfies the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30, the communication path determination unit 231A determines the local area line (communication path R1) as the communication path for the transmission data. On the other hand, if the communication status of the local area line of the upstream network does not satisfy the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30, the communication path determination unit 231A determines a communication path R2 (local 5G) other than the local area line (communication path R1) as the communication path for the transmission data.

[0114] As described above, local 5G may incur charges when used. Therefore, the ONU 20 according to this embodiment predicts the communication status, and if it determines that the communication status does not satisfy the communication path quality requirement of the terminal device 30 as a result of the prediction, it switches the communication path to local 5G. This allows the ONU 20 to further improve the network environment while suppressing an increase in costs (charges).

[0115] <3.2. Communication Processing> 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the same processes as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0116] Upon receiving the communication path quality request, ONU 20 analyzes the communication status of the local area network and sets up a communication path according to the analysis result (step S201). Here, it is assumed that the local area network is not congested and the communication status of the local area network satisfies the communication path quality request from terminal device 30. In this case, ONU 20 selects the local area network (communication path R1).

[0117] Thereafter, for example, it is assumed that transmission data is generated by executing the application app1 in the terminal device 30. In this case, the terminal device 30 transmits the transmission data (app1) to the ONU 20 (step S202).

[0118] The ONU 20 determines a communication path for the received transmission data (app1) (step S203). Here, the ONU 20 determines the communication path for the transmission data (app1) to be communication path R1. Based on the determined communication path, the ONU 20 transmits the transmission data (app1) to the MDF board 10 using communication path R1 (step S204).

[0119] The ONU 20 analyzes the communication status and sets up a communication path (step S205). Such analysis and communication path setting are performed, for example, at a predetermined interval.

[0120] For example, suppose that ONU 20 analyzes that the local area network is congested and determines that the communication status of the local area network does not satisfy the communication path quality request from terminal device 30. In this case, ONU 20 sets up a communication path in accordance with the communication path quality request from terminal device 30. For example, if the communication status satisfies the communication path quality required by terminal device 30, ONU 20 selects the local area network (communication path R1). For example, if the communication status does not satisfy the communication path quality required by terminal device 30, ONU 20 selects local 5G (communication path R2). Here, it is assumed that the communication status does not satisfy the communication path quality required by terminal device 30, and ONU 20 selects local 5G (communication path R2).

[0121] Furthermore, the ONU 20 transmits setting information relating to the communication path set in step S205 to the MDF board 10 (step S206). The MDF board 10 sets up the communication path based on the acquired setting information (step S207).

[0122] In this case, transmission data (app1) generated by executing the application app1 on the terminal device 30 is transmitted to the ONU 20 (step S208), and a communication path is determined by the ONU 20 (step S209). Here, a communication path via local 5G is determined.

[0123] Therefore, the ONU 20 transmits the transmission data (app1) to the base station 40 (step S210). The base station 40 transmits the received transmission data (app1) to the MDF board 10 via local 5G (step S211).

[0124] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the ONU 20 relays data of the same application app1 through different communication paths depending on the communication status of the local area network. This allows the communication system 1 to further improve the network environment.

[0125] <<4. Third Embodiment>> In the second embodiment described above, the ONU 20 predicts the communication status, but this is not limiting. For example, the MDF board 10 may predict the communication status. Such a case will be described as a third embodiment.

[0126] <4.1. MDF board configuration example> Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an MDF board 10A according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The MDF board 10A shown in Fig. 11 differs from the MDF board 10 in Fig. 4 in that it includes an analysis unit 133 and an instruction unit 134.

[0127] The analysis unit 133 observes the packet counters flowing through the upstream I / F (second communication I / F 112) of the MDF board 10A. Based on the observation results, the analysis unit 133 analyzes and monitors whether the throughput of traffic flowing from each downstream household (ONU 20) exceeds the upper limit throughput of the upstream (WAN). If the downstream traffic volume is about to exceed the WAN throughput, the analysis unit 133 notifies the instruction unit 134 to that effect.

[0128] Upon receiving the notification from the analysis unit 133, the instruction unit 134 broadcasts throughput information indicating that the upper limit throughput will be reached to the ONUs 20. Note that the instruction unit 134 may also notify each ONU 20 of the throughput information by unicast.

[0129] The ONU 20 that has received the throughput information adjusts the traffic by, for example, throttling a flow that is using a large amount of traffic and limiting the amount of traffic.

[0130] For example, ONU 20 reduces the amount of traffic flowing into MDF board 10A by throttling flows downloading update files for games, operating systems, etc. On the other hand, it does not throttle flows with high priority, such as video calls.

[0131] In this way, the ONU 20 does not perform throttling uniformly on all flows, but performs throttling according to the communication quality and priority required by the terminal device 30.

[0132] Furthermore, the ONU 20 may throttle the traffic and send a communication interruption request to the terminal device 30. When the terminal device 30 receives the communication interruption request, it inquires of the user via the application unit 340 whether or not to interrupt the traffic, and terminates or postpones the flow if permission is obtained from the user.

[0133] When the ONU 20 receives throughput information indicating that the traffic volume of the local area network is likely to exceed the throughput of the WAN side even after traffic adjustments such as throttling and communication interruption, the ONU 20 updates the communication path settings. For example, the ONU 20 sets traffic routing rules in response to a communication path quality request from the terminal device 30.

[0134] <4.2. Communication Processing> 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication processing according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the same processes as those in FIGS. 7 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0135] When the MDF board 10A analyzes that the traffic volume of the local area network is likely to exceed the throughput on the WAN side (step S301), it notifies the ONU 20 of the throughput information (step S302).

[0136] The ONU 20 that has acquired the throughput information first adjusts the traffic (step S303). Even after adjusting the traffic, when the ONU 20 receives the throughput information from the MDF board 10A (step S304), the ONU 20 sets up a communication path (step S305). For example, the ONU 20 sets up a communication path so that the communication path of traffic that cannot satisfy the communication path quality requirement of the terminal device 30 via the local 5G line is switched to the communication path R2 via the local 5G line.

[0137] As a result, for example, transmission data (app1) from the terminal device 30 is transmitted to the MDF board 10A via the base station 40 (local 5G).

[0138] Although it has been described here that ONU 20 performs traffic adjustment before setting up a communication path, this is not limiting. For example, if ONU 20 sets up a communication path and relays important traffic on a communication path other than the local area line, but the traffic volume is not reduced sufficiently, ONU 20 may perform traffic adjustment.

[0139] As described above, in this embodiment, the ONU 20 sets up a communication path according to the results of monitoring the WAN-side throughput by the MDF board 10A. This allows the ONU 20 to dynamically set up a communication path according to the actual communication situation, thereby further improving the network environment.

[0140] <<5. First Modification>> In the first embodiment described above, the ONU 20 performs static communication path setting, and in the second and third embodiments, the ONU 20 performs dynamic communication path setting, but this is not limiting. For example, the ONU 20 may perform both static and dynamic communication path setting.

[0141] For example, the ONU 20 may switch between static and dynamic communication path settings depending on the application. For example, the ONU 20 may perform static communication path settings so that traffic of a very important application (an example of first traffic) is always communicated via local 5G (communication path R2, an example of the first communication path), and perform dynamic communication path settings for other applications. Specifically, for high-priority traffic (an example of second traffic), if the communication conditions satisfy the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30, the ONU 20 selects the local 5G line (communication path R1, an example of the second communication path). For example, if the communication conditions do not satisfy the communication path quality required by the terminal device 30, the ONU 20 selects local 5G (communication path R2, an example of the first communication path) for communication of the high-priority traffic.

[0142] The ONU 20 may switch between dynamic and static communication path configuration based on, for example, communication path quality requirement information, or may switch between dynamic and static communication path configuration based on a user instruction.

[0143] <<6. Second Modification>> In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and first variant example, the MDF boards 10, 10A communicate with the ONU 20 via an in-house line (communication path R1) and a local 5G (communication path R2), but the multiple communication paths are not limited to the above-mentioned communication paths.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path according to the second modification of the present disclosure.

[0145] 13, it is assumed that the base station 40 can connect to an external network (e.g., WLAN) via, for example, a local 5G core network (not shown). In this case, the ONU 20 may use a communication path R3 connecting to the external network via the base station 40 as one of multiple communication paths, instead of the communication path R2.

[0146] That is, the ONU 20 sets a routing rule for selecting the communication path R1 or the communication path R3 based on the communication path quality requirement information acquired from the terminal device 30.

[0147] <<7. Third Modification>> In the first to third embodiments and the first and second modifications described above, the ONU 20 is connected to the upstream network via multiple communication paths, but this is not limiting. For example, the MDF board 10A may be connected to the upstream network (external network) via multiple communication paths.

[0148] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path according to the third modification of the present disclosure.

[0149] 14, the base station 40 can be connected to an external network (e.g., WLAN) via, for example, a local 5G core network (not shown). In this case, the MDF board 10C relays traffic using either a communication path R4 that connects to the external network via a wired network or a communication path R5 that connects to the external network via the base station 40 (local 5G).

[0150] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MDF board 10C according to a third modified example of the present disclosure. The MDF board 10C shown in Fig. 15 differs from the MDF board 10 shown in Fig. 3 in that a communication unit 110C has a 2_1 communication I / F 112_1 and a 2_2 communication I / F 112_2 instead of the second communication I / F 112.

[0151] The 2_1 communication I / F 112_1 is, for example, an interface that connects to an external network and has the same function as the second communication I / F 112 in Fig. 3. The 2_2 communication I / F 112_2 is, for example, an interface that connects to a local 5G via a base station 40.

[0152] The communication path setting unit 132 sets a routing rule by selecting a communication path connecting to an external network from communication paths R4 and R5, for example, based on setting information acquired from the ONU 20. For example, the communication path setting unit 132 may select communication path R5 for a flow that communicates via the base station 40 (communication path R2), and may select communication path R4 for a flow that communicates via the local area network (communication path R1).

[0153] Alternatively, the communication path setting unit 132 may acquire communication path quality requirement information from the terminal device 30 via the ONU 20, and set a routing rule based on the acquired information. In this case, the communication path setting unit 132 may set a communication path in the same manner as the communication path setting unit 232 of the ONU 20.

[0154] Furthermore, the communication path setting unit 132 may update the communication path setting according to the communication status analyzed by the ONU 20A. Alternatively, the communication path setting unit 132 may update the communication path setting according to the monitoring status of the throughput on the WAN side. In this case, the control unit 130 is assumed to include an analysis unit 133 (not shown) shown in FIG. 11.

[0155] In the above example, the MDF board 10C sets up the communication path of the upstream network, but this is not limiting. For example, the terminal device 30 may select a communication path to connect to the external network from among multiple communication paths.

[0156] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining another example of a communication path according to the third modification of the present disclosure.

[0157] 16, the base station 40 is assumed to be connectable to an external network (e.g., WLAN) via, for example, a local 5G core network (not shown). In this case, the terminal device 30D communicates using either a communication path R1 connecting to the external network via the ONU 20 or a communication path R6 connecting to the external network via the base station 40 (local 5G).

[0158] 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device 30D according to a third modification of the present disclosure. A communication unit 310D of the terminal device 30D shown in FIG. 17 includes a first_1 communication I / F 311_1 and a first_2 communication I / F 311_2. A storage unit 320D includes a communication path DB 321. A control unit 330D includes a communication path determination unit 332 and a communication path setting unit 333.

[0159] The first_1 communication I / F 311_1 is, for example, an interface that communicates with the ONU 20. The first_2 communication I / F 311_2 is, for example, an interface that connects to the local 5G via the base station 40.

[0160] The communication path DB 321 is a database that stores communication paths to external networks. The communication path DB 321 is used when the control unit 330D determines which of the multiple communication paths R1 and R6 to use to connect to the external network. For example, the communication path DB 321 is a routing table.

[0161] The communication path determination unit 332 determines a data communication path based on communication path information (routing rules) stored in the communication path DB 321.

[0162] The communication path setting unit 333 sets a communication path based on, for example, the communication path quality required by an application executed by the application unit 340. The communication path setting unit 333 sets the communication path so that for high-priority communications that require low latency and large-capacity communications, such as a video call app, the communication path setting unit 333 selects the communication path R6 via local 5G, which enables stable communications, and for other low-priority communications, the communication path setting unit 333 selects the communication path R1 including the local line.

[0163] The communication path setting unit 333 may dynamically set a communication path depending on, for example, the communication status acquired from the ONU 20. For example, when the upstream network is not congested, the communication path setting unit 333 sets the communication path to select the communication path R1 including the local area network. On the other hand, when the upstream network is congested, the communication path setting unit 333 sets the communication path to select either the communication path R1 or R6 depending on the type of traffic, etc.

[0164] The communication paths R1 to R6 described in the first to third embodiments and the first and second modifications are merely examples, and the communication system may be configured to select a communication path other than these. For example, the ONU 20 may be connected to the MDF board 10 via a public cellular communication network instead of the local 5G.

[0165] Furthermore, the number of communication paths used in the communication system is not limited to two. For example, the communication system may set a routing rule using three or more communication paths. The three or more communication paths may include the above-mentioned communication paths R1 to R6, or may include communication paths other than the communication paths R1 to R6.

[0166] <<8. Fourth Embodiment>> In the third embodiment described above, the MDF board 10A predicts the current communication status, but this is not limiting. For example, the MDF board 10A may predict the communication status for a predetermined period. Such a case will be described as the fourth embodiment.

[0167] 18 is a diagram for explaining a communication state according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. It is generally known that network utilization rates exhibit daily and weekly cycles. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, utilization rates are highest between 9 PM and 11 PM in a day, and lowest between 3 AM and 6 AM.

[0168] Therefore, for example, the MDF board 10A predicts times of heavy network usage (hereinafter referred to as peak times) and instructs the ONU 20 to avoid peak times for communications that require the transfer of large amounts of data, such as game or OS updates.

[0169] As a result, the MDF board 10A can further improve the network environment of the internal line.

[0170] The MDF board 10A measures the total amount of traffic flowing in from each house (each ONU 20) and trains a predictor (for example, a regression model) that uses the total amount of traffic as the correct label. The following parameters can be given as input parameters for the predictor: Date and Time Date (day of the week, weekday, weekend, holiday, etc.) ·weather · Availability of events (game or OS updates, live streaming, ticket reservations, etc.) - Neighboring cell usage

[0171] The MDF board 10A detects events that involve the transfer of large amounts of data, such as game or OS updates. The MDF board 10A may detect events based on monitored traffic, or may detect events from the usage status of neighboring cells. Alternatively, the MDF board 10A may obtain information about the event (e.g., the date and time of an OS update) from the terminal device 30.

[0172] The MDF board 10A uses, for example, a predictor to predict the traffic volume during a time period when an event (such as a game or OS update) occurs. If the predicted traffic volume exceeds the upper limit of the WAN-side throughput, the MDF board 10A notifies the ONU 20 to perform the communication generated by the event during another time period, for example, an off-peak time period when the network usage rate is low.

[0173] Upon receiving such notification, the ONU 20 changes the time of communication by instructing the terminal device 30 to perform communication (e.g., large-volume data transfer) generated by the event during an off-peak time period. The terminal device 30, for example, obtains permission from the user to perform communication generated by the event during an off-peak time period.

[0174] The traffic volume prediction described above is performed, for example, by a predictor mounted in the analysis unit 133 of the MDF board 10A shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the configuration of the analysis unit 133 may be the same as the configuration of the analysis unit 233 shown in Fig. 9, for example.

[0175] Furthermore, if the event to be held is an event whose time cannot be changed, such as a live broadcast or ticket reservation, the MDF board 10A may request the ONU 20 to adjust communications other than those related to the event (such as limiting the flow rate or shifting to an off-peak time period). Alternatively, the MDF board 10A may set up a communication path according to the event, such as notifying the ONU 20 to conduct communications related to the event via local 5G.

[0176] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of communication processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 19, when the MDF board 10A detects an event in which the traffic volume exceeds the upper limit of the throughput on the WAN side (step S401), it estimates an off-peak time period (step S402).

[0178] The MDF board 10A notifies the ONU 20 of information relating to the off-peak time period as instruction information (step S403). The ONU 20 notifies the terminal device 30 of the received instruction information (step S404). The terminal device 30 carries out the event during the off-peak time period based on the instruction information.

[0179] In this way, in this embodiment, the MDF board 10A can instruct events that result in large amounts of data transfer to be executed during off-peak hours, thereby smoothing out traffic and further improving the network environment.

[0180] The MDF board 10A may predict the traffic volume n hours from now instead of the off-peak time period. In this case, if the MDF board 10A determines, for example, based on the predicted traffic volume, that the upper limit of the WAN throughput will not be exceeded even if an event is executed in n hours, it notifies the ONU 20 to execute the event in n hours.

[0181] <<9. Fourth Modification>> In the above-described fourth embodiment, the MDF board 10A predicts the traffic volume, but in addition to this, the MDF board 10A may be configured to detect abnormal values ​​of the traffic volume.

[0182] For example, the MDF board 10A compares the predicted value and actual value of the throughput, and if the actual value is greater than the predicted value by a predetermined threshold or more, detects that the throughput is abnormal. For example, if the throughput predicted by the MDF board 10A is 100 Mbps and the current throughput is 150 Mbps, the MDF board 10A detects that the throughput is abnormal.

[0183] In this case, the MDF board 10A verifies the cause of the increase in traffic, for example. For example, the MDF board 10A monitors the traffic volume for each I / F (each household (ONU 20)) and detects an I / F that is experiencing a traffic increase compared to normal.

[0184] Now, suppose there is a unit (ONU 20) where traffic has increased compared to normal times. The MDF board 10A determines whether the traffic volume on the WAN side has exceeded a specified volume due to the increase in traffic from that unit (ONU 20).

[0185] If the traffic volume on the WAN side exceeds a specified volume due to an increase in traffic from the ONU 20, the MDF board 10A requests the ONU 20 to reduce the traffic. At this time, the MDF board 10A may include information about the port number of the flow that is transmitting a large amount of data in the reduction request. Alternatively, the MDF board 10A may perform shaping on the traffic from the ONU 20.

[0186] Upon receiving the reduction request, the ONU 20 searches for flows with higher data usage than usual. The ONU 20 performs shaping on the flows found through the search. Alternatively, the ONU 20 notifies the terminal device 30 of a traffic reduction or flow interruption request.

[0187] If the reduction request includes information about a flow, the ONU 20 may use the flow to perform shaping or make a request to the terminal device 30.

[0188] The terminal device 30 that receives the traffic reduction or flow interruption request requests the application that is generating the flow to interrupt the flow. The application requests permission to interrupt from the user, and if permission is granted, interrupts the flow.

[0189] If the flow is not interrupted or if the traffic volume is large even after the flow is interrupted, the ONU 20 switches important traffic (e.g., traffic of a video call application) to a communication path (e.g., communication path R2 using local 5G) other than the local area network (communication path R1). This can be achieved by the ONU 20 rewriting the communication path DB 221.

[0190] <<10. Fifth Modification>> In the fourth embodiment described above, the MDF board 10A acquires input parameters to train a predictor. Here, the input parameters may include personal information about the residents of each household, such as when and which applications they use. Acquiring such personal information by the MDF board 10A may be undesirable from the perspective of protecting the privacy of each household.

[0191] Therefore, in this modification, the MDF board 10A uses federated learning technology to train the predictor. Federated learning technology is a technology in which learning is performed at each terminal and the learning results from each terminal are centrally collected. In this modification, the MDF board 10A collects the learning results from each ONU 20, and the MDF board 10A trains the predictor.

[0192] For example, the ONU 20 in each household uses the actual traffic volume as a learning label and inputs predetermined parameters to learn a regression model that predicts traffic. Examples of the predetermined parameters include the following parameters: Date and Time ·date ·weather ·Whether there is an event Traffic ports used Application type

[0193] The MDF board 10A acquires the results (for example, a regression model) learned by the ONUs 20. The MDF board 10A aggregates the acquired learning results and learns a regression model that predicts the overall traffic.

[0194] The MDF board 10A aggregates the learning results, and does not aggregate personal information of each household (such as data usage amount or application type). The MDF board 10A can train the predictor without using personal information.

[0195] The MDF panel 10A uses the trained predictor to perform the off-peak prediction and abnormal value detection described above.

[0196] In this modification, ONU 20 learns the traffic volume. Therefore, ONU 20 can predict the traffic volume using the learned model. That is, ONU 20 can use the learned model to predict whether the usage volume of each household will exceed the capacity of the local area network (communication path R1).

[0197] If ONU20 predicts that the usage of each household will exceed the capacity of the in-house line (communication path R1), it may update the communication path settings and change important traffic to another communication path (for example, communication path R2 using local 5G).

[0198] As described above, by performing learning at each ONU 20 and aggregating the learning results at the MDF board 10A, the ONU 20 and the MDF board 10A can adjust the amount of traffic flowing through the in-house lines, thereby further improving the network environment.

[0199] <<11. Sixth Modification>> In the fourth embodiment described above, the MDF board 10A detects an event. The MDF board 10A that detects an event may create a cache server and store a specific file that is frequently accessed due to the detected event. For example, the MDF board 10A stores a list of destination IP addresses and FQDNs (Fully Qualified Domain Names) for routing. If, for example, a data download request is made to the destination IP address or FQDN more than a predetermined number of times, the MDF board 10A stores the downloaded data in the cache server. Thereafter, when a download request for the data is received, the MDF board 10A transmits the cache content stored in the cache server to the request source.

[0200] <<12. Application Examples>> In the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments and first to fourth variants, we have described the application of the proposed technology of the present disclosure to a system including an in-house line installed in an apartment building, but the application of the proposed technology of the present disclosure is not limited to apartment buildings.

[0201] <12.1. Internal network> For example, the proposed technology of this disclosure can be applied to a local area network (LAN) such as an in-house network. For example, in an in-house network, many employees connect to the Internet via an aggregation router from an access line and a backbone network. Teleworking employees also access the in-house network using a virtual private network (VPN).

[0202] In such cases, the traffic volume of the internal network may temporarily exceed its capacity if a specific employee sends a large amount of data, congesting the internal network. This can make it difficult to communicate not only with applications with loose time limits such as file transfers, but also with traffic that requires real-time communication such as VoIP communications.

[0203] At this time, the upper router (corresponding to the above-mentioned MDF boards 10, 10A, and 10C) notifies the lower router (corresponding to the above-mentioned ONUs 20 and 20A) of a request to change the communication path. In response to this notification, the lower router updates the communication path settings, thereby preventing traffic from flowing into the congested path.

[0204] In addition, the in-house network system may be configured to route Internet communications that do not require connection to an in-house server, or application communications such as VoIP communications, over a communication path that is directly connected to the Internet without passing through the in-house network, thereby reducing the utilization rate of the in-house network.

[0205] For example, a VPN server monitors its own usage rate, and if it exceeds a set usage rate, it notifies the VPN clients (employee PCs) connected to it of a request to change the communication path. The VPN clients that receive the notification do not send all traffic through the VPN interface, but instead use communication paths that do not use the VPN for traffic that can be bypassed, such as Internet communication. This allows the internal network system to reduce the amount of VPN traffic.

[0206] <12.2.ISP(Internet Service Provider)> When an event or update is distributed over the Internet, Internet traffic can be used in bursts. Smartphone updates, in particular, can cause a high volume of access in a short period of time.

[0207] Therefore, the ISP's core network (corresponding to the above-mentioned MDF boards 10, 10A, and 10C) monitors traffic, and if traffic concentration is confirmed on a specific communication path, it requests the subscriber's ONUs 20 and 20A to use another communication path.

[0208] Upon receiving the instruction, the ONUs 20 and 20A of the subscribers use the secondary line (for example, the cellular line) for specific traffic (for example, VoIP traffic), thereby enabling the terminal device 30 to achieve more stable communication.

[0209] <12.3. Different line businesses by the same operator> The same operator may operate both fixed-line and mobile carrier businesses, in which case the operator may use the same core network but different access networks for the fixed-line and mobile carrier businesses.

[0210] In such a case, using the proposed technology of the present disclosure, the core network may notify a client (e.g., terminal device 30) of a communication path setting request to switch access networks depending on the usage status of one of the access networks.

[0211] For example, if a wired network (e.g., a fixed line) becomes congested, the core network will redirect some of the traffic to a wireless network (e.g., a cellular line) based on priority. Because the same operator operates both the fixed line business and the mobile carrier business, both lines can share communication conditions. Therefore, if one line becomes congested, the core network can prompt clients to detour to the other line, further improving the network environment.

[0212] Furthermore, when a large-scale event occurs that requires network usage, the core network notifies clients (e.g., terminal devices 30) to move communications by low-priority applications to off-peak hours, which allows the core network to smooth out network usage and further improve the network environment.

[0213] Although the core network notifies a request for establishing a communication path or a move to an off-peak time slot, this is not limiting, and the access network of each line may also make such a notification.

[0214] <<13. Hardware Configuration>> Information devices such as the MDF boards 10, 10A, and 10C, ONUs 20 and 20A, and terminal devices 30 and 30D according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 20, for example. The MDF board 10 according to the embodiments will be described below as an example. FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the MDF board 10. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. The components of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0215] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to the various programs.

[0216] The ROM 1300 stores boot programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000 .

[0217] HDD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, HDD 1400 is a recording medium that records an information processing program according to the present disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0218] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from other devices and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0219] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to an output device such as a display, a speaker, or a printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs and the like recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Examples of media include optical recording media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), magneto-optical recording media such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, and semiconductor memories.

[0220] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the MDF board 10 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes an information processing program loaded onto the RAM 1200, thereby realizing functions such as the control unit 130. The information processing program according to the present disclosure and data in the storage unit 120 are stored in the HDD 1400. The CPU 1100 reads and executes program data 1450 from the HDD 1400, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via an external network 1550.

[0221] <<14. Other Embodiments>> The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0222] For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the communication paths via the local 5G and the private line are given as examples of multiple communication paths. However, the communication paths connecting the terminal devices 30, 30D (or the ONUs 20, 20A) to the WAN are not limited to these. For example, a communication path via public 5G may be set instead of (or in addition to) local 5G. Public 5G is, for example, a public 5G service available to users who have signed a contract with a mobile phone carrier.

[0223] For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the ONUs 20, 20A, etc. select different communication paths, and the terminal devices 30, 30D perform communication by switching bearers according to the priority of the flow, but this is not limiting. For example, each entity included in the communication systems 1 to 1D may switch logical communication paths instead of / in addition to physical communication paths.

[0224] For example, the terminal devices 30 and 30D may switch communication paths by switching network slices or overlay networks in addition to switching bearers. Alternatively, the terminal devices 30 and 30D may switch communication paths by specifying QoS (Quality of Service) in a ToS (Type of Service) field.

[0225] Furthermore, the ONUs 20, 20A and / or the MDF boards 10, 10A, 10C may switch communication paths not only by switching the communication I / F but also by switching the following, for example. Network Slices Overlay network VLAN (Virtual LAN) Tunneling protocols (IPsec (Security Architecture for IP), GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation))

[0226] Furthermore, the ONUs 20, 20A and / or the MDF boards 10, 10A, 10C may switch communication paths by switching between the local 5G and public 5G described above. In other words, both the local 5G and the public 5G may be included in the multiple communication paths.

[0227] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0228] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0229] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention without causing any inconsistency in the processing content. The order of the steps shown in the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0230] Furthermore, for example, each embodiment and each modified example can be implemented as any configuration that constitutes an apparatus or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a set in which other functions are added to a unit, etc. (i.e., a configuration of a part of an apparatus).

[0231] In each embodiment and each modified example, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0232] Furthermore, for example, each of the embodiments and modifications may have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0233] <<15. Conclusion>> Although the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0234] Furthermore, the effects of each embodiment and each modified example described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0235] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A relay device that is connected to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relays communications between the upstream network and a downstream network, acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; a control unit that connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path; A relay device comprising: (2) The relay device according to (1), wherein the control unit selects one communication path from among the plurality of communication paths based on a communication quality requirement acquired from a communication device connected via the downstream network. (3) The relay device described in (2), wherein the control unit changes the communication path used to relay communication between the communication device and the upstream network when the communication quality requirement from the communication device cannot be met when using the communication path for which the communication status has been obtained. (4) The relay device described in (3), wherein the control unit changes the communication path when the communication quality request from the communication device cannot be met when using the communication path for which the communication status has been acquired, even if the control unit adjusts the traffic using the communication path, if the communication status does not satisfy the communication quality. (5) the control unit, in response to the communication quality requirement, uses a first communication path among the plurality of communication paths in communication of a first traffic regardless of the communication status, and, in communication of a second traffic, uses a second communication path different from the first communication path if the communication quality requirement can be satisfied from the communication status, and performs communication using the first communication path if the communication quality requirement cannot be satisfied. A relay device according to (3) or (4). (6) The control unit connecting to the upstream network by connecting to a first relay device via at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on an instruction from the first relay device; The relay device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The control unit The relay device according to (6), which changes the time of the communication based on an instruction from the first relay device. (8) The control unit predicting a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths using a prediction model; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on the prediction result; The relay device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) further comprising a plurality of communication interfaces corresponding to the plurality of communication paths, The relay device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit selects one of the plurality of communication interfaces depending on the communication status. (10) The relay device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the plurality of communication paths include a plurality of logical networks. (11) The plurality of communication paths include a wired communication path installed within the apartment complex and a wireless communication path having the apartment complex as its communication area. The relay device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) A relay method for connecting to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relaying communication between the upstream network and a downstream network, comprising: acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; connecting to the upstream network using the selected communication path; Relay method. (13) a first relay device connected to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relaying communications between the upstream network and a downstream network; a second relay device that relays between at least one of the plurality of communication paths and the upstream network; a communication device connected to the downstream network; Equipped with The first relay device acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; a control unit that connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path; A communication system comprising: (14) A relay device that relays communication between an upstream network and a downstream network, thereby relaying communication of a communication device connected to the downstream network, acquiring at least one of the communication status of the downstream network and the communication status of the upstream network; a control unit that notifies the communication device of a communication path change instruction to change the communication path connecting to the upstream network according to the communication status; A relay device comprising: (15) The relay device according to (14), wherein the control unit notifies the communication device of a time change instruction to change the time for performing the communication, depending on the communication status. (16) The relay device according to (15), wherein the control unit predicts the communication status at a predetermined time using a prediction model, and notifies the time change instruction based on the prediction result. (17) The relay device according to (16), wherein the control unit learns the prediction model based on past communication conditions. (18) The relay device according to (16), wherein the control unit generates the prediction model by aggregating learning models learned by the communication devices. (19) A communication device that connects to an external network via a relay device, a control unit that changes a communication path connecting to the external network based on instruction information notified by the relay device in accordance with a communication status between the relay device and the communication device; A communication device comprising: (20) the control unit notifies the relay device of a quality requirement regarding a quality required for communication; the relay device notifies the instruction information when the quality requirement cannot be satisfied under the communication conditions. (19) A communication device according to (19). [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 1. Communication Systems 10 MDF board 20 ONU 30 Terminal Equipment 40 base station 110, 210, 310 Communications Department 120, 220, 320 storage section 121, 221, 321 Communication path DB 130, 230, 330 Control unit 131, 231, 332 Communication path determination unit 132, 232, 333 Communication path setting section 133, 233 Analysis Department 134 Instruction section 331 Notification Department 340 Application Department

Claims

1. A relay device that is connected to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relays communications between the upstream network and a downstream network, acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; a control unit that connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path; Equipped with connecting to the upstream network by connecting to a first relay device via at least one of the plurality of communication paths; the control unit selects one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on the notification from the first relay device. Relay device.

2. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects one communication path from among the plurality of communication paths based on a communication quality requirement acquired from a communication device connected via the downstream network.

3. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the communication path used to relay communication between the communication device and the upstream network when the communication path for which the communication status has been acquired cannot satisfy the communication quality requirement from the communication device.

4. 4. The relay device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the communication path when the communication quality requirement from the communication device cannot be met when using the communication path for which the communication status has been acquired, even if the control unit adjusts traffic using the communication path, and the communication status does not satisfy the communication quality requirement.

5. the control unit, in response to the communication quality requirement, uses a first communication path among the plurality of communication paths in communication of a first traffic regardless of the communication status, and, in communication of a second traffic, uses a second communication path different from the first communication path if the communication quality requirement can be satisfied from the communication status, and performs communication using the first communication path if the communication quality requirement cannot be satisfied. The relay device according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the time period of the communication is changed based on an instruction from the first relay device.

7. The control unit predicting a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths using a prediction model; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on the prediction result; The relay device according to claim 1 .

8. further comprising a plurality of communication interfaces corresponding to the plurality of communication paths, The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects one of the plurality of communication interfaces depending on the communication status.

9. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of communication paths include a plurality of logical communication paths.

10. The plurality of communication paths include a wired communication path installed within the apartment complex and a wireless communication path having the apartment complex as its communication area. The relay device according to claim 1 .

11. A relay method for connecting to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relaying communication between the upstream network and a downstream network, comprising: acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; connecting to the upstream network using the selected communication path; connecting to the upstream network by connecting to a first relay device via at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on the notification from the first relay device; Relay method.

12. a first relay device connected to an upstream network via a plurality of communication paths and relaying communications between the upstream network and a downstream network; a second relay device that relays between at least one of the plurality of communication paths and the upstream network; a communication device connected to the downstream network; Equipped with The first relay device acquiring a communication status of at least one of the plurality of communication paths; selecting one communication path from the plurality of communication paths according to the communication status; a control unit that connects to the upstream network using the selected communication path; Equipped with the control unit selects one communication path from the plurality of communication paths based on the notification from the second relay device. A communication system.

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