Information processor and information processing method

Abstract

An information processor includes: a detection unit that detects that a predetermined condition regarding communication using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a part of a service receivable area of the predetermined cellular network; and an execution unit that, when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, executes a process of enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in an area in which it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processor and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] The development of cellular wireless communications such as 5G is very active. In recent years, private networks using cellular wireless communications have attracted attention.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2021-175107 A Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] A cellular wireless communication system does not necessarily have sufficient traffic handling capacity to always meet 100% of the communication needs. Therefore, in a cellular wireless communication system, it may be difficult to provide communications with high communication performance (e.g., stable communication quality, high communication quality, low latency, high reliability, and high throughput) due to, for example, uneven regional or temporal distribution of communication needs. In particular, private networks are often installed in specific areas such as stadiums. Therefore, for example, assuming that the number of terminal devices increases rapidly due to an event, etc., a situation in which it is difficult to provide communications with high communication performance occurs significantly.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processor and an information processing method capable of achieving communication with high communication performance.

[0009] It is noted that the above-mentioned problem or purpose is only one of multiple problems or purposes that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an information processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a detection unit, which is configured to detect that a predetermined condition for communicating using the predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a part of the area where the predetermined cellular network is provided; and an execution unit, which is configured to execute processing for enhancing communication functions related to communication performed in the area where the predetermined condition is detected to be satisfied when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a private network.

[0013] Figure 2is a diagram illustrating a communication system when the destination is a 4G / 5G private network.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication system when the destination is multiple 4G / 5G private networks.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cellular network according to the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 5G architecture.

[0023] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 4G architecture.

[0024] Fig.13 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication process according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating network slicing.

[0026] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating the problem of the second embodiment.

[0027] Fig.16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LSCF.

[0028] Fig.17 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication process according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating a network slice newly prepared by a network management device.

[0030] Fig.19 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication processing according to the third embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication processing according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0033] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by attaching different numbers after the same reference numerals. For example, a plurality of configurations having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as terminal devices 301, 302, and 303 as required. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of the plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is given. For example, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the terminal devices 301, 302, and 303, they are simply referred to as terminal device 30.

[0034] In the following description, one or more embodiments (including embodiments and modifications) can be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least some of the multiple embodiments described below can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other embodiments. Multiple embodiments can include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, multiple embodiments can help solve different purposes or problems and can show different effects.

[0035] <<1. Summary>>

[0036] In recent years, private networks such as local 5G and private 5G have attracted attention. Private networks are also called non-public networks.

[0037] <1-1. Private network>

[0038] Before describing an overview of the present embodiment, a private network will be described.

[0039] <1-1-1. Local 5G / Private 5G>

[0040] Local 5G and dedicated 5G are cellular communication services performed in limited areas such as factories, offices, studios, hospitals, and universities. By providing services in limited local areas, it has the advantage of being able to provide customized cellular services. In this embodiment, private 5G and local 5G can be referred to as 4G / 5G private networks or 4G / 5G virtual private networks. Note that private networks are not limited to 4G / 5G private networks. In the following description, private networks may be referred to as non-public cellular closed networks or simply closed networks.

[0041] Security is important in many use cases. For example, in the case of a factory, the factory production line handles technology with high confidentiality. Also, in a hospital, for example, personal information related to the privacy of patients is often handled, so this is a use case with high confidentiality. Also, in universities and offices, personal information is often handled, and communications related to personal information require high confidentiality.

[0042] <1-1-2. Characteristics of private networks>

[0043] Next, the characteristics of the private network will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a private network.

[0044] (1) Characteristics of closed networks

[0045] In a private network, the LAN and the cloud are connected in a closed network. A closed network is, for example, a virtual private network (VPN). In a closed network, a base station deployed in the LAN and a core network deployed in the cloud are connected using private IP addresses instead of public IP addresses. When communication is performed only in a closed network, the network resists eavesdropping from the outside, etc. In addition, it is possible to set up a complete block of access from outside the closed network. In addition, it is possible to send packets from inside the closed network to outside the closed network, and only allow responses to enter the closed network. In general, it is impossible to access devices or terminal devices in a closed network by applying triggers from outside the closed network. Therefore, it can be said that the confidentiality of a closed network is high.

[0046] Since no conversion between private IP addresses and global IP addresses is required, User Datagram Protocol (UDP) communication can be easily used. When conversion is required, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is usually used. Therefore, for applications that use UDP communication, the feature of easy use of UDP communication is attractive. Using UDP has the advantage of low latency.

[0047] (2) IP address assigned to the terminal device

[0048] When a terminal device accesses a network, an IP address is assigned to the terminal device from the core network. Usually, a private IP address is assigned. In the case of a public network, a public IP address can be directly assigned to a terminal device, but in a 4G / 5G private network that is a non-public network, a private IP address is usually assigned to a terminal device. Therefore, when going out of a closed network, the private IP address is converted into a public IP address through network address translation (NAT).

[0049] It is possible to obtain information about the IP address assigned to the terminal device from the core network. In 5G, an application program interface (API) called a service-based interface (SBI) is provided to obtain the IP address of the terminal device. Even in 4G, the IP address of the terminal device can be obtained by accessing a subscriber file that stores the IP address of each terminal device, which is similar to 5G.

[0050] In a closed network, by holding the IP address of the terminal device, it is possible to send IP packets directly to the terminal device from the application function (AF) side (ie, network-initiated message push).

[0051] <1-1-3. Collaboration of multiple private networks>

[0052] Next, consider the collaboration of multiple private networks. For example, consider the case of connecting multiple 4G / 5G private networks via the Internet. In this case, the security threat increases as packets are sent to the public Internet. From a security perspective, it is undesirable to send the IP address of the terminal device directly to the destination. In addition, once a private IP address is converted into a public IP address when using the Internet, the problem of network address translation (NAT) traversal arises. Therefore, direct UDP communication is difficult.

[0053] It is noted that in normal cellular communications, when a packet is sent to a terminal device from outside the cellular network by specifying an IP address, the packet may or may not arrive directly. Although limited to the case where a telecommunications operator has a large number of global IP addresses, when a global IP address is directly assigned to a terminal device, it is possible to send a packet directly from the outside to the global IP address. However, it can be said that this depends on the security policy. When packets can be sent directly, there is a risk of unwanted traffic flowing in from the outside, so such packets are not allowed in most cases. In other words, due to the large security threat, the degree of freedom is reduced when taking security measures. From a security point of view, it is not desirable to send the IP address of the terminal device directly to the destination. In the case of a cellular system, there is also the problem that the cost of the cellular network is higher than that of the 4G / 5G private network. Therefore, in the future, it will be important to prepare multiple 4G / 5G private networks and directly connect the 4G / 5G private networks through VPN tunnels.

[0054] Therefore, in the following, the case where different private networks are connected via VPN tunnels will be considered.

[0055] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication system when the destination is a 4G / 5G private network. Figure 2 In the example in Figure 1, two 4G / 5G private networks are directly connected through a VPN tunnel. Since the closed networks are connected to each other, packets can be sent to the terminal device or client application at the destination using the private IP address in the closed network.

[0056] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication system when the destination is a plurality of 4G / 5G private networks. When there are multiple destinations, such as Figure 3 As shown in , a VPN tunnel is set up with each of the multiple destinations. A star connection is not desirable because of the large impact when a central switch fails. In the case of a 1:1 pairing, since information is only spread to the destination, this topology is also ideal from a security perspective.

[0057] Note that the method of connecting multiple 4G / 5G private networks through secure communication is not limited to the method using a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel. As a method of connecting multiple 4G / 5G private networks through secure communication, for example, a method of connecting through a dedicated line is envisioned.

[0058] <1-1-4. Use cases of private networks>

[0059] Next, a use case of a private network will be described, and more specifically, a use case of a network in which multiple 4G / 5G private networks collaborate will be described. As a use case of a private network, the following is envisioned.

[0060] (1) IoT (Internet of Things)

[0061] There is a request to arrange IoT devices under a 4G / 5G private network, control the IoT devices through an information processor, and extract information from the IoT devices. In this case, when only controlling IoT devices in one 4G / 5G private network to obtain information, there is a problem of insufficient scale of the IoT system due to the limited number of IoT sensors. Therefore, it is necessary to collect information through the collaboration of multiple private networks. In this case, the location of the IoT device to be communicated is often known in advance. Since TCP connections often impose a heavy power consumption load on IoT devices, it is necessary to use UDP for communication.

[0062] (2) Games

[0063] When playing an online game, it is possible to imagine that the other player belongs to a different 4G / 5G private network. In this case, since the player you want to communicate with is the player determined by the game's server, you often don't know who you are going to communicate with until just before the communication. In this case, due to latency constraints, it is often necessary to communicate via UDP instead of TCP.

[0064] (3) Remote monitoring

[0065] People may want to monitor videos from remote cameras. In the case of videos such as VR, large capacity and low latency may be required. From a security perspective, when monitoring videos is very important information, it is expected that communication can be performed between 4G / 5G private networks.

[0066] (4) Others

[0067] Multiple private networks can belong to different operators. It is expected that one operator performs network management for multiple private networks, but the customers using the private networks are different. For example, assume that there is a customer A who measures the wind force in a first area (e.g., Japan) using an IoT sensor capable of measuring wind force, and a customer B who measures the wind force in a second area (e.g., Europe) using an IoT sensor. Then, assume that the terminal device of customer A is connected to private network A, and the terminal device of customer B is connected to private network B. At this point, assume that operator C needs to collect information from the terminal devices of customers A and B using the terminal device connected to private network C. In this case, it is assumed that operator C expects to connect private networks A and B.

[0068] <1-2. Localization services>

[0069] Although the private network has been described above, before describing the outline of the present embodiment, the localized service which is an important element of the present embodiment will be described. The localized service may be referred to as a localized service or a local service.

[0070] <1-2-1. Definition of localization services>

[0071] Localized services basically refer to communication services that are localized regionally or temporally. A communication network (communication system) that provides localized services, for example, starts localized services when a UE that requires a specific service locally is present at a certain location or under certain conditions. At this point, the terminal device can be configured to detect the start of the localized service and enjoy the service. It can be said that conventional localized services are defined as services provided at a specific location and at a specific time. Localized services are used in both downlink and uplink.

[0072] For example, it is generally believed that localized services are provided by using a communication network (communication infrastructure) that is different from the original communication network (communication infrastructure) provided by the predetermined operator. However, in the present embodiment, a communication service that is different from the original communication service provided in one communication infrastructure is also included in the localized service. Obviously, the localized service can be a service provided in a communication network (communication infrastructure) that is different from the original communication network (communication infrastructure). In addition, the localized service can be a service that provides resources required for communication in the same communication network mechanism. The localized service can be the communication service itself. In addition, the localized service can be a service specific to a certain location or a service specific to a certain time.

[0073] In 3GPP (registered trademark) version 18SA2, standardization of non-public networks (private networks) has been studied (Rel18 TS22.261 Section 6.41 and Rel18 TR23.700). In this context, the term "localized service" is used, and the localized service studied here is mainly to provide radio waves via base stations. In 3GPP, communication services such as broadcast and multicast are also regarded as use cases for localized services. In other words, it is basically dominant to regard conventional localized services as a way of providing radio waves. However, in this embodiment, the definition of localized services is extended not only to providing radio waves, but also to providing specific application services.

[0074] In the following description, the cellular network that the user usually uses may be referred to as a home network. At this time, when a predetermined condition is met in the home network, the communication system may provide a hosted network different from the home network as a localized service. The hosted network is a local or time-limited cellular network. Note that in this embodiment, the hosted network may be a network covering a portion of the area covered by the home network.

[0075] <1-2-2. Localized services corresponding to the status of UE or network>

[0076] Note that in the above description, the localized service is basically a communication service that is localized regionally or temporally. However, it is assumed that a communication service corresponding to the state of the user equipment (UE) and / or the state of the network is also required in the future. In particular, in a private network, a change in the state of the UE or a change in the state of the network occurs dynamically compared to a normal cellular network. Therefore, in a private network, it is assumed that it is necessary to provide services corresponding to the changes in the states shown in the following (1) to (4).

[0077] (1) When the communication environment around the UE deteriorates

[0078] (2) When the number of UEs in a certain area exceeds a certain number

[0079] (3) When a network failure occurs

[0080] (4) When the number of PLMNs in a specific area changes

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, the localized service includes a communication service corresponding to the UE state or the state of the network. In this case, the localized service may be a resource allocation corresponding to a deteriorated state (or a change in state). For example, the localized service may be an allocation of new frequency resources and / or an allocation of computing resources of a new user plane function (UPF). In addition, the localized service may be a change in the private network to which the UE belongs.

[0082] <1-2-3. Localization services related to application services>

[0083] In addition, the localized service may include a localized service related to the application service. At this time, the application service may be an application service using a private network. As an example of the localized service related to the application service, the following (1) and (2) are assumed.

[0084] (1) Localized services related to conveyor robots in factories

[0085] Assume an application service for controlling a handling robot operating in a factory in which a private network is arranged. In this case, when the control system of the handling robot detects that the handling robot enters a specific area in the factory in which the private network is arranged, the control system of the handling robot starts a service related to robot control. For example, when the system detects that the handling robot comes to a specific place, the system sends a control signal to the handling robot and issues an instruction to take an object from a shelf. In the above service, the system needs to identify the handling robot entering the area, identify the IP address corresponding to the handling robot, and then send a control signal to the handling robot. However, when the area of ​​the private network is limited, it is difficult for the system to be in a state where it can continuously communicate with the handling robot by pre-establishing a TCP connection. Therefore, how to identify the handling robot and obtain the IP address corresponding to the handling robot is a problem. A localization service for solving this problem will be necessary. In this case, the localization service is not to provide radio waves, but to process related to sending control signals to the handling robot.

[0086] (2) Localized services related to traffic control

[0087] A hypothetical application service is that when a car approaches a certain intersection, the car is notified whether there are any cars coming from the direction with poor visibility by using radio waves from a base station in a private network installed at the intersection. In this case, the traffic control system needs to identify the IP address of the car and then send the information to the car. However, since the private network is installed locally in a limited area, it is difficult for the system to continuously communicate with the car by establishing a TCP connection in advance. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the car to provide the application service and identify the IP address of the car. A localized service that solves this problem will be necessary. In this case, the localized service is not the provision of radio waves, but the processing related to sending information to the car.

[0088] <1-2-4. Localized services related to multiple regions>

[0089] Conventional localized services are services linked to one location. However, localized services associated with multiple areas may also be assumed. For example, when a person is detected entering multiple areas where a private network is provided, it may be assumed that the communication system provides a localized service to connect each UE entering multiple areas through voice communication or video communication, for connecting multiple areas through communication. In addition, it may be assumed that the communication system provides a localized service in a region under the control of a base station at another location based on conditions occurring on the network side (e.g., conditions of Internet line congestion).

[0090] Table 1 below indicates changes in conditions and service provision locations.

[0091] Table 1

[0092] Changes in conditions and locations where services are provided 1 In a region the condition holds 2 Condition is true in multiple regions 3 The network side conditions are met and services are provided in the region 4 The conditions are met in the area and services are provided on the network side

[0093] As indicated in Table 1, the following changes are assumed for the conditions and the service provision locations: (1) the condition is met in one area and the localized service is provided in the one area (or a network related to the one area), (2) the condition is met in multiple areas and the localized service is provided in the multiple areas (or networks related to the multiple areas), (3) the condition is met on the network side and the localized service is provided in one or more areas related to the network, and (4) the condition is met in one or more areas and the localized service is provided on the network side.

[0094] Note that the above-mentioned multiple areas may be multiple areas in an area covered by one private network. In addition, the multiple areas may be multiple areas in an area covered by multiple private networks. In addition, in the above description, when the base stations are different, it can be understood that the areas are different. In addition, the areas can be defined independently of the base stations.

[0095] <1-2-5. Who determines the conditions for starting localization services>

[0096] In conventional localized services, services are provided continuously. Then, the UE detects and receives the services provided continuously. However, the localized service of this embodiment is not a service provided continuously. It is expected that the service will be provided only when certain conditions are met. In this embodiment, a private network is assumed, but in the private network, it is assumed that the distribution of UEs is often uneven. Therefore, by starting to provide services when the conditions are met, frequency and time resources are efficiently occupied. However, the localized service of this embodiment is not limited to starting to provide services when the conditions are met, and can be a service provided continuously.

[0097] Table 2 below indicates changes in the condition detection method.

[0098] Table 2

[0099] Condition detection method 1 Network-side detection conditions 2 UE-side detection conditions 3 Network-side UE-based reporting detection conditions

[0100] As shown in Table 2, the following cases are assumed as variations of the condition detection method: (1) a case where the condition is detected on the network side, (2) a case where the condition is detected on the UE side, and (3) a case where the condition is detected on the network side based on a report from the UE. Here, the assumed condition of (1) is, for example, an earthquake, a fire, or deterioration of the network quality on the core network side. The assumed condition of (2) is, for example, deterioration of the radio reception quality (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP)). The assumed condition of (3) is, for example, many UEs in a specific area.

[0101] <1-3. Summary of Problems and Solutions of the Present Embodiment>

[0102] Based on the above, an outline of the problems and solutions of the present embodiment will be described.

[0103] A cellular wireless communication system does not necessarily have sufficient traffic handling capacity to always meet 100% of the communication needs. Therefore, in a cellular wireless communication system, it may be difficult to provide communications with high communication performance (e.g., stable communication quality, high communication quality, low latency, high reliability, and high throughput) due to, for example, regional or temporal uneven distribution of communication needs. In particular, private networks are often installed in specific areas such as stadiums. Therefore, for example, assuming that the number of terminal devices increases rapidly due to an event or the like, a situation in which it is difficult to provide communications with high communication performance occurs significantly.

[0104] Therefore, the present embodiment solves the above-mentioned problems as follows.

[0105] The communication system of this embodiment is a system that provides a predetermined cellular network to a user. Here, the predetermined cellular network may include one or more private networks. Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cellular network according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 In the example of , the predetermined cellular network includes a plurality of private networks. Figure 4 In an example, a network management device connected to multiple private networks is deployed on a public network. The network management device has a function (localized service control function (LSCF)) that supports communications performed in multiple private networks. The multiple private networks are connected through secure communications (e.g., VPN tunnels).

[0106] The LSCF of the network management device detects that a predetermined condition for communication using the predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of the area provided by the predetermined cellular network. For example, the LSCF detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a partial area (hereinafter also referred to as a specific area) of the area provided by the predetermined cellular network. For example, the LSCF detects that the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices communicating in the specific area falls below a predetermined criterion.

[0107] When it is detected that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the LSCF performs processing for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in the area where the predetermined condition is detected to be satisfied. For example, when it is detected that a predetermined condition is satisfied in a specific area, the LSCF provides a localized service for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in the specific area. Here, the localized service may be allocating new frequency resources or allocating computing resources of a new user plane function (UPF).

[0108] As an example, when it is detected that the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices drops below a predetermined criterion, the LSCF may perform processing for causing a base station to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication using another component carrier as a localized service. As another example, when it is detected that the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices drops below a predetermined criterion, the LSCF may perform processing for causing a base station different from the base station to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication as a localized service in a specific area.

[0109] Therefore, the communication system of the present embodiment can realize communication with high communication performance even when there occurs communication demand that is unevenly distributed regionally or temporally.

[0110] <<2. Configuration of communication system>>

[0111] Although the outline of the present embodiment has been described above, before describing the present embodiment in detail, the configuration of the communication system 1 including the information processor of the present embodiment will be described. Note that the communication system may also be referred to as an information processing system instead.

[0112] <2-1. Overall configuration of the communication system>

[0113] Figure 51 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 1 includes a plurality of private networks PN. The private network PN is, for example, a private network using cellular wireless communication such as 4G or 5G. The plurality of private networks PN are connected via a network N.

[0114] also, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 also includes a plurality of private networks PN. The private network PN is, for example, a private network using cellular wireless communication such as 4G or 5G. The plurality of private networks PN are connected via a network N.

[0115] Although in Figure 5 and Figure 6 Only one network N is illustrated in the example in , but there may be multiple networks N. Here, network N is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. Note that network N is not limited to the Internet, and may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, a fixed-line network, or a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network. Network N may include a wired network or a wireless network. In addition, network N may include a core network. The core network may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core network (5GC). Of course, network N may be a data network connected to the core network. The data network may also be a service network of a telecommunications operator, such as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. In addition, the data network may be a private network, such as an internal company network.

[0116] Each of the plurality of private networks PN is provided with a management device 10, a base station 20 and a terminal device 30. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 4 , a plurality of private networks PN are connected to the network management device 40 via the network N. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 4 , the network management device 40 is deployed in each of the multiple private networks PN. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example in , multiple private network PNs are provided, but the number of private network PNs can be one.

[0117] The communication system 1 provides a wireless network capable of mobile communication to users through the coordinated operation of the wireless communication devices configuring the communication system 1. The wireless network of this embodiment includes, for example, a wireless access network and a core network. Note that in this embodiment, the wireless communication device is a device having a wireless communication function and is connected to the wireless access network. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The base station 20 and the terminal device 30 in the example correspond.

[0118] The communication system 1 may include a plurality of management devices 10, a plurality of base stations 20, a plurality of terminal devices 30, and a plurality of network management devices 40. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example in FIG. 1 , the communication system 1 includes management devices 101, 102, 103, 104, etc. as management devices 10, base stations 201, 202, 203, 204, etc. as base stations 20, and terminal devices 301, 302, 303, 304, etc. as terminal devices 30. Figure 6 In the example in , the communication system 1 includes network management devices 401 , 402 , etc. as the network management device 40 .

[0119] Note that the devices in the figure can be regarded as devices in a logical sense. In other words, part of the devices in the figure can be implemented by a virtual machine (VM), a container, a docking station, etc., and they can be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0120] The terminal device 30 can be connected to the network using a communication path, or can be connected to the network using multiple communication paths. In this case, one or at least one of the multiple communication paths can be a wireless communication path. For example, the communication path can be a wireless communication path (radio access network) between the terminal device 30 and the base station. In addition, the communication path can be a wireless communication path between the terminal device 30 and the access point. Of course, multiple communication paths can include wired communication paths (e.g., wired LAN). It is noted that the communication path can be the network itself.

[0121] It is noted that the terminal device 30 can support radio access technologies (RAT) such as long term evolution (LTE), new radio (NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the terminal device 30 can be configured to be able to use different radio access technologies (wireless communication systems). For example, the terminal device 30 can be configured to be able to use NR and Wi-Fi. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be configured to be able to use different cellular communication technologies (e.g., LTE and NR). LTE and NR are types of cellular communication technologies, and mobile communication of terminal devices is achieved by arranging multiple cellular areas covered by base stations. It is noted that the radio access method used by the communication system 1 is not limited to LTE and NR, and may be another radio access method such as wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) or code division multiple access 2000 (cdma2000).

[0122] Note that in the following description, "LTE" includes LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro), and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA). In addition, NR includes New Radio Access Technology (NRAT) and Further EUTRA (FEUTRA). Note that a single base station can manage multiple cells. In the following description, a cell corresponding to LTE is referred to as an LTE cell, and a cell corresponding to NR is referred to as an NR cell.

[0123] NR is the next (fifth) generation radio access technology of LTE (fourth generation communication including LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro). NR is a radio access technology that can support various use cases including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC) and ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC). NR has been studied for the technical framework corresponding to the usage scenarios, requirements, deployment scenarios, etc. in these use cases.

[0124] Note that the terminal device 30 can be connected to the network using a radio access technology (wireless communication system) other than LTE, NR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. For example, the terminal device 30 can be connected to the network by using low power wide area (LPWA) communication. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be connected to the network using wireless communication of a unique standard.

[0125] Here, LPWA communication is wireless communication that enables low-power wide area communication. For example, LPWA radio is an Internet of Things (IoT) wireless communication using a designated low-power radio (e.g., 920MHz band) or an Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) band. Note that the LPWA communication used by the terminal device 30 may comply with the LPWA standard. Examples of LPWA standards include ELTRES, ZETA, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, and NB-Iot. Obviously, the LPWA standard is not limited thereto and may be other LPWA standards.

[0126] Note that one or more communication paths may include a virtual network. For example, the multiple communication paths to which the terminal device 30 can be connected may include a virtual network (such as a virtual local area network (VLAN)) and a physical network (such as an IP communication path). In this case, the terminal device 30 may perform routing control based on a routing control protocol (such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) or Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)).

[0127] In addition, the multiple communication paths may include one or more overlay networks or one or more network slices.

[0128] The base station or relay station configuring the communication system 1 may be a ground station or a non-ground station. The non-ground station may be a satellite station or an aircraft station. When the non-ground station is a satellite station, the communication system 1 may be a bent-pipe (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0129] In this embodiment, a ground station (also referred to as a ground base station) refers to a base station (including a relay station) installed on the ground. Here, "ground" is a broad ground, including not only land but also underground, in water, and underwater. Note that in the following description, "ground station" can be replaced by "gateway".

[0130] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or eNB. Additionally, an NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In LTE and NR, a terminal device (also referred to as a mobile station or terminal) may be referred to as a user equipment (UE). Note that a terminal device is a type of communication device and is also referred to as a mobile station or terminal.

[0131] In this embodiment, the concept of communication device includes not only portable mobile devices (terminal devices) such as mobile terminals, but also devices installed in structures or mobile bodies. The structure or mobile body itself can be regarded as a communication device. In addition, the concept of communication device also includes base stations and relay stations in addition to terminal devices. A communication device is a type of processor and information processor. In addition, a communication device can be renamed as a sending device or a receiving device.

[0132] Hereinafter, the configuration of each device configuring the communication system 1 will be specifically described. Note that the configuration of each device described below is merely an example. The configuration of each device may be different from the configuration described below.

[0133] <2-2. Configuration of management equipment>

[0134] Next, the configuration of the management device 10 will be described.

[0135] The management device 10 is an information processor (computer) that manages a wireless network. For example, the management device 10 is an information processor that manages the communication of the base station 20. The management device 10 may be, for example, a device having a function of serving as a mobility management entity (MME). The management device 10 may be a device having a function as an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or a session management function (SMF). Of course, the functions of the management device 10 are not limited to MME, AMF, and SMF. The management device 10 may be a device having a function as a network slice selection function (NSSF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a policy control function (PCF), or a unified data management (UDM). In addition, the management device 10 may be a device having a function as a home subscriber server (HSS). In addition, the management device 10 may include a localized service control function (LSCF) included in the network management device 40 and a function as the network management device 40.

[0136] Note that the management device 10 may have the function of a gateway. For example, the management device 10 may have the function of a service gateway (S-GW) or a packet data network gateway (P-GW). In addition, the management device 10 may have the function of a user plane function (UPF). In this case, the management device 10 may have multiple UPFs. In addition, the management device 10 may have the function of a localized service control function (LSCF). LSCF is a newly added control function in this embodiment, which is used to provide localized services.

[0137] The core network includes multiple network functions, and each network function can be aggregated into one physical device or distributed to multiple physical devices. In other words, the management device 10 can be dispersedly arranged in multiple devices. In addition, this distributed arrangement can be controlled to be dynamically executed. The base station 20 and the management device 10 constitute a network and provide wireless communication services for the terminal device 30. The management device 10 is connected to the Internet, and the terminal device 30 can use various services provided via the Internet via the base station 20.

[0138] Note that the management device 10 is not necessarily a device constituting a core network. For example, it is assumed that the core network is a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) or code division multiple access 2000 (cdma2000) core network. In this case, the management device 10 may be a device serving as a radio network controller (RNC).

[0139] Figure 7 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that, Figure 7The configuration shown in is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the management device 10 may be implemented in multiple physically separated structures in a statistical or dynamically distributed manner. For example, the management device 10 may include multiple server devices.

[0140] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 11 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 11 may be a local area network (LAN) interface such as a network interface card (NIC), or may be a universal serial bus (USB) interface including a USB host controller and a USB port. In addition, the communication unit 11 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 is used as a communication means for the management device 10. The communication unit 11 communicates with the base station 20 and the like under the control of the control unit 13.

[0141] The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each part of the management device 10. The control unit 13 is implemented by, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). For example, the control unit 13 is implemented by the processor using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a work area to execute various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 10. Note that the control unit 13 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Any of the CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, and FPGA can be regarded as a controller.

[0142] The input unit 12 is an input device for receiving various inputs from the outside. For example, the input unit 12 may be a data input interface for inputting various types of data related to the network. The data input interface may be a device connection interface such as a USB interface. For example, the input unit 12 may be an operation device for a user to perform various operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an operation key.

[0143] like Figure 7As shown in , the control unit 13 includes a detection unit 131, an execution unit 132 and an identification unit 133. Each block (detection unit 131 to identification unit 133) configuring the control unit 13 is a functional block indicating the function of the control unit 13. These functional blocks can be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks can be a software module implemented by software (microprogram), or can be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Obviously, each functional block can be a processor or an integrated circuit. The configuration method of the functional block is arbitrary. Note that the control unit 13 can be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. Note that the operation of the control unit 13 can be the same as the operation of each block of the control unit 43 of the network management device 40.

[0144] In addition, the management device 10 may include a storage unit. The storage unit is a data readable / writable storage device, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit stores, for example, the connection status of the terminal device 30. For example, the storage unit stores the radio resource control (RRC) state, the EPS connection management (ECM) state, or the 5G system connection management (CM) state of the terminal device 30. The storage unit can be used as a home memory for storing the location information of the terminal device 30.

[0145] <2-3. Base station configuration>

[0146] Next, the configuration of the base station 20 will be described.

[0147] The base station 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 30. The base station 20 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the terminal device 30 via a relay station, or may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the terminal device 30 directly.

[0148] The base station 20 is a type of communication device. The base station 20 is, for example, a device corresponding to a radio base station (e.g., base station, Node B, eNB, and gNB) or a radio access point. The base station 20 may be a wireless relay station. In addition, the base station 20 may be an optical extension device referred to as a remote radio head (RRH) or a radio unit (RU). In addition, the base station 20 may be a receiving station such as a field pickup unit (FPU). In addition, the base station 20 may be an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor node or an IAB relay node that provides a radio access line and a radio backhaul line through time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0149] Note that the radio access technology used by the base station 20 may be a cellular communication technology or a wireless LAN technology. Obviously, the radio access technology used by the base station 20 is not limited thereto and may be other radio access technologies. For example, the radio access technology used by the base station 20 may be a low power wide area (LPWA) communication technology. In addition, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. In addition, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical). The base station 20 may be able to perform non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) communication with the terminal device 30. Here, NOMA communication is communication using non-orthogonal resources (sending, receiving, or both). Note that the base station 20 may be able to perform NOMA communication with another base station 20.

[0150] Note that the base stations 20 may be able to communicate with each other via a base station-core network interface (e.g., an NG interface and an S1 interface). This interface may be either wired or wireless. In addition, the base stations may be able to communicate with each other via an inter-base station interface (e.g., an Xn interface, an X2 interface, an S1 interface, and an F1 interface). This interface may be either wired or wireless.

[0151] Note that the concept of a base station includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (also called a relay station). For example, a relay base station can be any of an RF repeater, an intelligent repeater, and an intelligent surface. In addition, the concept of a base station includes not only a structure having a base station function but also a device installed in the structure.

[0152] The structure is, for example, a building such as a high-rise building, a house, a steel tower, a station facility, an airport facility, a port facility, an office building, a school building, a hospital, a factory, a commercial facility, or a stadium. Note that the concept of structure includes not only buildings, but also non-building structures (such as tunnels, bridges, dams, walls, or iron pillars), and equipment (such as cranes, doors, or windmills). In addition, the concept of structure includes not only structures on land (ground in a narrow sense) or underground, but also structures on water (such as platforms or giant pontoons), and underwater structures (such as ocean observation facilities). The base station can be renamed as an information processor.

[0153] The base station 20 may be a donor station or a relay station. In addition, the base station 20 may be a fixed station or a mobile station. A mobile station is a wireless communication device (e.g., a base station) configured to be movable. In this case, the base station 20 may be a device installed in a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. For example, a relay station with mobility may be regarded as the base station 20 as a mobile station. In addition, a device that is originally a device with mobility and has the function of a base station (at least part of the function of a base station), such as a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) represented by a drone, or a smart phone, also corresponds to the base station 20 as a mobile station.

[0154] Here, the mobile body may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a mobile phone. In addition, the mobile body may be a mobile body traveling on land (ground in a narrow sense) (for example, vehicles including cars, bicycles, buses, trucks, motorcycles, trains, and linear motor vehicles) or a mobile body traveling underground (for example, in a tunnel) (for example, a subway). In addition, the mobile body may be a mobile body traveling on water (for example, ships such as passenger ships, cargo ships, and hovercrafts) or a mobile body moving underwater (for example, submersibles such as submarines, submarines, and unmanned submarines). Note that the mobile body may be a mobile body moving in the atmosphere (for example, an aircraft such as an airplane, an airship, or a drone).

[0155] In addition, the base station 20 can be a ground base station device (ground station) installed on the ground. For example, the base station 20 can be a base station installed in a structure on the ground, or can be a base station installed in a mobile body moving on the ground. More specifically, the base station 20 can be an antenna installed in a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to the antenna. Obviously, the base station 20 can be a structure or a mobile body itself. "Ground" in a broad sense includes not only land (ground in a narrow sense), but also underground, above water, and underwater. Note that the base station 20 is not limited to a ground base station. For example, when the communication system 1 is a satellite communication system, the base station 20 can be an aircraft station. From the perspective of a satellite station, an aircraft station located on the earth is a ground station.

[0156] Note that the base station 20 is not limited to a ground station. The base station 20 may be a non-ground base station (non-ground station) capable of floating in the air or in space. For example, the base station 20 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0157] A satellite station is a satellite station that can float outside the atmosphere. A satellite station can be a device installed on a space mobile such as an artificial satellite, or can be the space mobile itself. A space mobile is a mobile that moves outside the atmosphere. Examples of space mobiles include artificial bodies such as artificial satellites, spacecraft, space stations, and probes. The satellite used as a satellite station can be any one of a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, and a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite. Obviously, a satellite station can be a device installed on a LEO satellite, a MEO satellite, a GEO satellite, or a GEO satellite.

[0158] An aircraft station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the air, such as an aircraft. The aircraft station may be a device mounted on an aircraft or the like, or may be the aircraft itself. Note that the concept of an aircraft includes not only heavy aircraft such as airplanes and gliders, but also light aircraft such as balloons and airships. Furthermore, the concept of an aircraft includes not only heavy and light aircraft, but also rotorcraft such as helicopters and autogyros. Note that an aircraft station (or an aircraft on which an aircraft station is mounted) may be an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a drone.

[0159] It should be noted that the concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tethered UAS. The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes lighter-than-air (LTA) UAS and heavier-than-air (HTA) UAS. In addition, the concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes high-altitude UAS platforms (HAP).

[0160] The coverage of the base station 20 can be large (such as a macro cell) to small (such as a pico cell). Obviously, the magnitude of the coverage of the base station 20 can be very small, such as a femto cell. In addition, the base station 20 can have beamforming capabilities. In this case, the base station 20 can form a cell or service area for each beam.

[0161] Figure 8 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. Note that, Figure 8 The configuration shown in is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the base station 20 may be implemented in a distributed manner in a plurality of physically separated configurations.

[0162] The wireless communication unit 21 is a signal processing unit for wirelessly communicating with another wireless communication device (e.g., terminal device 30). The wireless communication unit 21 operates under the control of the control unit 23. The wireless communication unit 21 corresponds to one or more radio access methods. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 supports both NR and LTE. In addition to NR or LTE, the wireless communication unit 21 can also be compatible with W-CDMA or cdma2000. In addition, the wireless communication unit 21 can support automatic retransmission technology such as hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ).

[0163] The wireless communication unit 21 includes a transmission processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. The wireless communication unit 21 may include multiple transmission processing units 211, multiple reception processing units 212, and multiple antennas 213. When the wireless communication unit 21 supports multiple radio access methods, each part of the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured separately for each radio access method. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 can be configured separately for LTE and NR. In addition, the antenna 213 may include multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple patch antennas). In this case, the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to be beamformable. The wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to be able to perform polarization beamforming using vertically polarized waves (V polarized waves) and horizontally polarized waves (H polarized waves).

[0164] The transmission processing unit 211 performs transmission processing of downlink control information and downlink data. The transmission processing unit 211 encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 23 using a coding system such as block coding, convolutional coding or turbo coding. Here, the coding can be performed by polar code coding or low-density parity check code (LDPC code) coding. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 modulates the coded and decoded bits by a predetermined modulation scheme such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily have to be equidistant. The constellation can be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). The transmission processing unit 211 multiplexes the modulation code elements and downlink reference signals of each channel, and arranges the multiplexed results in predetermined resource elements. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 performs various types of signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 performs processing such as conversion into the frequency domain by fast Fourier transform, adding a guard interval, generating a baseband digital signal, converting into an analog signal, orthogonal modulation, up-conversion, removing an extra frequency component, and amplifying power. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 211 is transmitted from the antenna 213.

[0165] The receiving processing unit 212 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 213. The receiving processing unit 212 performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of the amplification level, orthogonal demodulation, conversion into a digital signal, removal of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), extraction of a frequency domain signal by fast Fourier transform, etc. on the uplink signal. In this case, the receiving processing unit 212 separates an uplink channel (such as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)) and an uplink reference signal from the signal after performing the above-mentioned processing. The receiving processing unit 212 demodulates the received signal to the modulation code element of the uplink channel using a modulation scheme such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). The modulation method used for demodulation can be 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM), 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation diagram do not have to be equidistant. The constellation diagram can also be a non-uniform constellation diagram (NUC). The reception processing unit 212 decodes the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel and outputs the decoded uplink data and uplink control information to the control unit 23.

[0166] Antenna 213 is an antenna device (antenna unit) that converts electric current and radio waves into each other. Antenna 213 may include one antenna element (e.g., one patch antenna), or may include multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple patch antennas). In the case where antenna 213 includes multiple antenna elements, wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to be beamformable. For example, wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a radio signal using multiple antenna elements. Note that antenna 213 may be a dual-polarized antenna. When antenna 213 is a dual-polarized antenna, wireless communication unit 21 may use vertically polarized waves (V-polarized waves) and horizontally polarized waves (H-polarized waves) to send radio signals. Then, wireless communication unit 21 may control the directivity of radio signals sent using vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves. In addition, wireless communication unit 21 may send and receive spatially multiplexed signals via multiple layers including multiple antenna elements.

[0167] The storage unit 22 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 22 is used as a storage means of the base station 20.

[0168] The control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 20. The control unit 23 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, for example. For example, the control unit 23 is implemented by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station 20 using a RAM or the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 23 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any of the CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can be regarded as a controller. In addition, in addition to or instead of the CPU, the control unit 23 can also be implemented by a GPU.

[0169] In some embodiments, the concept of a base station may consist of a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in this embodiment, the base station may be distinguished into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). Then, the base station may be interpreted as an assembly of multiple devices. In addition, the base station may be either or both of the BBU and the RU. The BBU and the RU may be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI)). The RU may be renamed a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio DoT (RD). In addition, the RU may correspond to a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) described later. In addition, the BBU may correspond to a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) described later. Alternatively, the RU may be a wireless device connected to the gNB-DU described later. The gNB-CU, the gNB-DU, and the RU connected to the gNB-DU may be configured to comply with an open radio access network (O-RAN). In addition, the RU may be a device formed integrally with an antenna. The antenna included in the base station (e.g., an antenna formed integrally with the RU) may adopt an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., full-dimensional (FD)-MIMO) or beamforming. Furthermore, the antennas included in the base station may include, for example, 64 transmit antenna ports and 64 receive antenna ports.

[0170] In addition, the antenna mounted on the RU may be an antenna panel including one or more antenna elements, and one or more antenna panels may be mounted on the RU. For example, two antenna panels, a horizontally polarized antenna panel and a vertically polarized antenna panel, or two antenna panels, a clockwise circularly polarized antenna panel and a counterclockwise circularly polarized antenna panel, may be mounted on the RU. In addition, the RU may form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0171] Note that multiple base stations may be connected to each other. One or more base stations may be included in a radio access network (RAN). In this case, the base station may be simply referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an access network (AN), or an AN node. Note that the RAN in LTE is sometimes referred to as an Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). In addition, the RAN in NR may be referred to as an NGRAN. In addition, the RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is sometimes referred to as an UTRAN.

[0172] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or an eNB. In this case, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). In addition, an NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or a gNB. In this case, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. The EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS).

[0173] When the base station is an eNB, gNB, etc., the base station can be referred to as a 3GPP access. In addition, when the base station is a radio access point, the base station can be referred to as a non-3GPP access. In addition, the base station can be an optical extension device called a remote radio head (RRH) or a radio unit (RU). In addition, in the case where the base station is a gNB, the base station can be a combination of the above-mentioned gNB-CU and gNB-DU, or can be any one of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0174] Here, the gNB-CU hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)) in the access layer for communication with the UE. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical layer (PHY)) in the access layer. In other words, among the messages / information to be described later, RRC signaling (semi-static notification) can be generated by the gNB-CU, while MAC CE and DCI (dynamic notification) can be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, in the RRC configuration (semi-static notification), for example, some configurations (such as IE: cellGroupConfig) can be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configurations can be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations can be sent and received through the F1 interface described later.

[0175] Note that a base station can be configured to be able to communicate with another base station. For example, when multiple base stations are a combination of eNB or eNB and en-gNB, the base stations can be connected via an X2 interface. In addition, in the case where multiple base stations are a combination of gNB or gn-eNB and gNB, the devices can be connected via the Xn interface. In addition, in the case where multiple base stations are a combination of gNB-CU and gNB-DU, the devices can be connected via the above-mentioned F1 interface. The messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC control element (MAC CE) or DCI) to be described later can be sent between multiple base stations, for example, via an X2 interface, an Xn interface or an F1 interface.

[0176] The cell provided by the base station is, for example, referred to as a serving cell. A serving cell may include a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary cell (SCell). When dual connectivity is configured for a UE (e.g., a terminal device 30), the PCell provided by the master node (MN) and zero or one or more SCells may be referred to as a primary cell group. Examples of dual connectivity include EUTRA-EUTRA dual connectivity, EUTRA-NR dual connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR dual connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA dual connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR dual connectivity.

[0177] In addition, the serving cell may include a primary secondary cell (PSCell) or a primary SCG cell. In other words, when dual connectivity is set for the UE, the PSCell and zero or one or more SCells provided by the secondary node (SN) are referred to as a secondary cell group (SCG). Unless otherwise configured (for example, PUCCH on the SCell), the physical uplink link control channel (PUCCH) is sent in the PCell and PSCell but not in the SCell. In addition, radio link failures are also detected in the PCell and PSCell, but not (and may not be detected) in the SCell. As mentioned above, since the PCell and PSCell have special roles in the serving cell, they are also referred to as special cells (SpCells).

[0178] In one cell, one downlink link component carrier and one uplink link component carrier may be associated. In addition, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell may be divided into a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs). In this case, one or more BWPs may be set to the UE, and the UE may use one BWP as an active BWP. In addition, the radio resources (e.g., frequency bandwidth, number (subcarrier spacing) and time slot configuration) that may be used by the terminal device 30 may be different for each cell, each component carrier or each BWP.

[0179] <2-4. Terminal equipment configuration>

[0180] Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may also be changed to a user equipment (UE) 30.

[0181] As the terminal device 30, any form of computer can be used. The terminal device 30 can be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart device (smart phone or tablet), a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a notebook PC. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be an imaging device (e.g., a camera) with a communication function. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a motorcycle, a mobile relay vehicle, etc. on which a communication device such as an FPU is installed. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a wearable device such as a smart watch.

[0182] In addition, the terminal device 30 may be an xR device such as an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, and a mixed reality (MR) device. At this time, the xR device may be an eyewear device such as AR glasses and MR glasses, or may be a head-mounted device such as a VR head-mounted display. When the terminal device 30 is an xR device, the terminal device 30 may be an independent device including only a user-worn part (e.g., an eyewear part). In addition, the terminal device 30 may be a terminal linkage device including a user-worn part (e.g., an eyewear part) and a terminal part (e.g., a smart device) that is linked to the user-worn part.

[0183] Note that the terminal device 30 may be configured to be connectable to multiple communication paths. For example, the terminal device 30 may be configured to be connectable to two communication paths of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and a cellular network. The terminal device 30 may be connectable to multiple cellular networks. At this point, the multiple cellular networks may be associated with different subscriber identity modules (SIMs).

[0184] Note that the terminal device 30 may be configured to be able to switch and use multiple SIM cards. For example, the terminal device 30 may be compatible with dual SIM or triple SIM. Obviously, the terminal device 30 may be configured to be able to insert more than three SIM cards. In addition, the terminal device 30 may be a remote SIM provisioning (RSP). For example, the terminal device 30 may be compatible with an embedded SIM (eSIM). An RSP-compatible terminal device may rewrite information about wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as a profile) without replacing a SIM card.

[0185] Note that the terminal device 30 may be able to perform NOMA communication with the base station 20. In addition, the terminal device 30 may be able to use automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ when communicating with the base station 20. In addition, the terminal device 30 may be able to perform sidelink communication with another terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may also be able to use automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. Note that the terminal device 30 may also be able to perform NOMA communication when communicating (sidelink) with other terminal devices 30. In addition, the terminal device 30 may be able to perform LPWA communication with other communication devices (e.g., base station 20 and other terminal devices 30). In addition, the wireless communication used by the terminal device 30 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Note that the radio communication (including sidelink communication) used by the terminal device 30 may be radio communication using radio waves, or radio communication (optical) using infrared or visible light.

[0186] In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a mobile device. The mobile device is a mobile wireless communication device. In this case, the terminal device 30 can be a radio communication device installed in a mobile body, or it can be the mobile body itself. For example, the terminal device 30 can be a vehicle moving on a road (such as a car, bus, truck, or motorcycle), or a wireless communication device installed on a vehicle. Note that the mobile body can be a mobile terminal, or it can be a mobile body traveling on land (in a narrow sense, the ground), underground, on water, or underwater. In addition, the mobile body can be a mobile body traveling in the atmosphere (such as a drone or a helicopter), or it can be a mobile body traveling outside the atmosphere (such as an artificial satellite).

[0187] The terminal device 30 can be connected to multiple base stations or multiple cells at the same time to perform communication. For example, when one base station supports a communication area through multiple cells (e.g., pCell and sCell), it is possible to bundle the multiple cells together and communicate between the base station 20 and the terminal device 30 through carrier aggregation (CA) technology, dual connection (DC) technology, or multi-connection (MC) technology. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 and multiple base stations 20 can communicate with each other via the cells of different base stations 20 through coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0188] Fig. 9 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. Note that, Fig. 9 The configuration shown in is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the terminal device 30 may be implemented in a distributed manner in a plurality of physically separated structures.

[0189] The wireless communication unit 31 is a signal processing unit for wirelessly communicating with other wireless communication devices (e.g., the base station 20 and other terminal devices 30). The wireless communication unit 31 operates under the control of the control unit 33. The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmission processing unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an antenna 313. The configuration of the wireless communication unit 31, the transmission processing unit 311, the reception processing unit 312, and the antenna 313 may be similar to the configuration of the wireless communication unit 21, the transmission processing unit 211, the reception processing unit 212, and the antenna 213 of the base station 20. In addition, the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to be beamformable similar to the wireless communication unit 21. In addition, similar to the wireless communication unit 21, the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals.

[0190] The storage unit 32 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 32 is used as a storage means of the terminal device 30.

[0191] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls each part of the terminal device 30. The control unit 33 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, for example. For example, the control unit 33 is implemented by the processor using a RAM or the like as a work area to execute various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 30. Note that the control unit 33 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any of the CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can be regarded as a controller. In addition, in addition to or instead of the CPU, the control unit 33 can also be implemented by a GPU.

[0192] <2-5. Configuration of network management equipment>

[0193] Next, the configuration of the network management device 40 will be described.

[0194] The network management device 40 is an information processor (computer) including a control function (localized service control function (LSCF)) newly prepared in this embodiment for providing localized services. For example, the network management device 40 is a central management server installed by an administrator who manages a private network.

[0195] Fig.10 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network management device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network management device 40 includes a communication unit 41, an input unit 42, and a control unit 43. Note that, Fig.10The configuration shown in is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the network management device 40 may be implemented in multiple physically separated structures in a statistical or dynamically distributed manner. For example, the network management device 40 may include multiple server devices.

[0196] The communication unit 41 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 41 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 41 may be a local area network (LAN) interface such as a network interface card (NIC), or may be a universal serial bus (USB) interface including a USB host controller and a USB port. In addition, the communication unit 41 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 41 is used as a communication means of the network management device 40. The communication unit 41 communicates with the management device 10 according to the control of the control unit 43.

[0197] The input unit 42 is an input device for receiving various inputs from the outside. For example, the input unit 42 may be a data input interface for inputting various types of data related to the network. The data input interface may be a device connection interface, such as a USB interface. In addition, the input unit 42 may be an operation device for a user to perform various operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an operation key.

[0198] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the network management device 40. The control unit 43 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU, for example. For example, the control unit 43 is implemented by the processor using a RAM or the like as a work area to execute various programs stored in a storage device inside the network management device 40. Note that the control unit 43 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any of the CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, and FPGA may be regarded as a controller.

[0199] like Fig.10 As shown in , the control unit 43 includes a detection unit 431, an execution unit 432 and an identification unit 433. Each block configuring the control unit 13 (detection unit 431 to identification unit 433) is a functional block indicating the function of the control unit 13. These functional blocks can be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks can be a software module implemented by software (microprogram), or can be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Obviously, each functional block can be a processor or an integrated circuit. The configuration method of the functional block is arbitrary. Note that the control unit 43 can be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. Note that the operation of the control unit 43 can be the same as the operation of each block (detection unit 131 to identification unit 133) of the control unit 13 of the management device 10.

[0200] In addition, the network management device 40 may include a storage unit. The storage unit is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, hard disk, etc.

[0201] <<3. Network Architecture>>

[0202] The configuration of the communication system 1 has been described above. Next, a network architecture applicable to the communication system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0203] <3-1.5G network architecture configuration example>

[0204] First, the architecture of the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G) will be described by taking the core network CN of the communication system 1 as an example. Fig.11 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 5G architecture. The 5G core network CN is also referred to as a 5G core / next generation core (5GC / NGC). In the following, the 5G core network CN is also referred to as 5GC / NGC. The core network CN is connected to a user equipment (UE) 30 via an (R) AN 430. The UE 30 is, for example, a terminal device 30.

[0205] Note that, Fig.11 The core network CN shown in does not include a localized service control function (LSCF), but the core network CN may include the LSCF as one of the network functions. Obviously, the LSCF may be a network function arranged outside the core network CN.

[0206] (R)AN 430 has a function of enabling connection to a radio access network (RAN) and connection to an access network (AN) other than the RAN. (R)AN 430 includes a base station called a gNB or ng-eNB.

[0207] The core network CN mainly performs connection permission and session management when the UE 30 is connected to the network. The core network CN includes a user plane function group 420 and a control plane function group 440.

[0208] The user plane function group 420 includes a user plane function (UPF) 421 and a data network (DN) 422. The UPF 421 has a function of user plane processing. The UPF 421 includes a routing / forwarding function of data handled in the user plane. The DN 422 has a function of providing a function such as a mobile network operator (MNO) that provides a connection to the operator's own service, an Internet connection, or a connection to a third-party service. As described above, the user plane function group 420 plays a role as a gateway serving as a boundary between the core network CN and the Internet.

[0209] The control plane function group 440 includes an access management function (AMF) 441, a session management function (SMF) 442, an authentication server function (AUSF) 443, a network slice selection function (NSSF) 444, a network exposure function (NEF) 445, a network repository function (NRF) 446, a policy control function (PCF) 447, a unified data management (UDM) 448 and an application function (AF) 449.

[0210] AMF 441 has functions such as registration processing, connection management, and mobility management of UE 30. SMF 442 has functions such as session management and IP assignment and management of UE 30. AUSF 443 has an authentication function. NSSF 444 has a function related to the selection of network slices. NEF 445 has a function of providing network function capabilities and events to a third party, AF 449, and edge computing functions.

[0211] The NRF 446 has a function of discovering network functions and saving profiles of network functions. The PCF 447 has a function of policy control. The UDM 448 has a function of generating 3GPP AKA authentication information and processing user IDs. The AF 449 has a function of interacting with the core network to provide services.

[0212] For example, the control plane function group 440 acquires information from the UDM 448 in which the subscriber information of the UE 30 is stored, and determines whether the UE 30 can connect to the network. The control plane function group 440 makes the determination using the contract information and encryption key of the UE 30 included in the information acquired from the UDM 448. In addition, the control plane function group 440 generates a key for encryption, etc.

[0213] In other words, for example, the control plane function group 440 determines whether the network can be connected based on whether information about the UE 30 associated with a subscriber number called an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is stored in the UDM 448. Note that the IMSI is stored in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in the UE 30, for example.

[0214] Here, Namf is a service-based interface provided by AMF 441, and Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by SMF 442. In addition, Nnef is a service-based interface provided by NEF 445, and Npcf is a service-based interface provided by PCF 447. Nudm is a service-based interface provided by UDM 448, and Naf is a service-based interface provided by AF 449. Nnrf is a service-based interface provided by NRF 446, and Nnssf is a service-based interface provided by NSSF 444. Nausf is a service-based interface provided by AUSF 443. Each of these network functions (NFs) exchanges information with another NF via each service-based interface.

[0215] also, Fig.11 N1 shown in FIG. 4 is a reference point between UE 30 and AMF 441, and N2 is a reference point between RAN / AN 430 and AMF 441. N4 is a reference point between SMF 442 and UPF 421, and information is exchanged between these network functions (NFs).

[0216] As described above, in the core network CN, an interface for transmitting information and controlling a function via an application programming interface (API) called a service-based interface is prepared.

[0217] The API specifies a resource and enables execution of GET (resource acquisition), POST (resource creation and data addition), PUT (resource creation and resource update), DELETE (resource deletion), etc. on the resource. These functions are generally used in, for example, web-related technical fields.

[0218] For example, Fig.11 The AMF 441, SMF 442, and UDM 448 shown in the figure use the API to exchange information with each other when establishing a communication session. Conventionally, it is not assumed that the application (e.g., AF 449) uses the API. However, when the AF 449 uses the API, the AF449 can use the information of the 5G cellular network, and it is believed that the functions of the application can be further developed.

[0219] Note that it is difficult for AF 289 to use the API used by AMF 441, SMF 442, and UDM 448 in a public network. However, in the case of a non-public private 5G network, it is considered that the system can be configured, for example, including changes to the API of the core network CN, so that AF 289 can use the API.

[0220] Here, an example of API will be described. API (1) to API (4) described here are described in 3GPP TS23.502.

[0221] API(1)

[0222] API (1) is an API for the SMF 442 to notify the pre-registered UE 30 of the transition from the power-off state to the power-on state and attachment to the network and the IP address acquired at this time.

[0223] The SMF 442 uses API (1) to notify the NF when the UE 30 with which the IMSI has been registered obtains an IP address.

[0224] API(2)

[0225] The UE 30 enters the idle mode when not communicating, and transitions to the connected mode when communicating. API (2) is an API for the AMF 441 to notify the UE 30 whether it is in the idle mode or the connected mode.

[0226] API(3)

[0227] API (3) is an API for broadcasting, from the base station, a message (paging message) for instructing UE 30 to transition from the idle mode to the connected mode.

[0228] API(4)

[0229] API (4) is an API by which the AMF 441 provides location information of the UE 30. The AMF 441 can use API (4) to inform which tracking area the UE 30 is located in, which cell the UE 30 belongs to, and when the UE 30 enters a specific area.

[0230] Note that, Fig.11 The example of UE 30 in is the terminal device 30 of this embodiment. The example of RAN / AN 430 is the base station 20 of this embodiment. In addition, Figure 7 The management device 10 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a device having a function such as the AF 449 or the AMF 441 .

[0231] <3-2.4G network architecture configuration example>

[0232] Next, we will refer to Fig.12 The architecture of a fourth generation mobile communication system (4G) will be described as an example of a core network CN of the communication system 1 . Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 4G architecture.

[0233] Note that, Fig.12 The core network CN shown in does not include a localized service control function (LSCF), but the core network CN may include the LSCF as one of the network functions. Obviously, the LSCF may be a network function arranged outside the core network CN.

[0234] like Fig.12 As shown in , the core network CN includes the eNB 20 , a mobility management entity (MME) 452 , a serving gateway (S-GW) 453 , a packet data network gateway (P-GW) 454 , and a home subscriber server (HSS) 455 .

[0235] The eNB 20 serves as a 4G base station. The MME 452 is a control node that handles control plane signals and manages the mobility state of the UE 30. The UE 30 sends an attach request to the MME 452 to attach to the cellular system.

[0236] The S-GW 453 is a control node that handles user plane signals and is a gateway device that switches the transmission path of user data. The P-GW 454 is a control node that handles user plane signals and is a gateway device that serves as a connection point between the core network CN and the Internet. The HSS 455 is a control node that handles subscriber data and performs service control.

[0237] MME 452 corresponds to the functions of AMF 441 and SMF 442 in the 5G network. In addition, HSS 455 corresponds to the function of UDM 448.

[0238] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 4 , the eNB 20 is connected to the MME 452 via the S1-MME interface and to the S-GW 453 via the S1-U interface. The S-GW 453 is connected to the MME 452 via the S11 interface, and the MME 452 is connected to the HSS 455 via the S6a interface. The P-GW 454 is connected to the S-GW 453 via the S5 / S8 interface.

[0239] <<4. First embodiment>>

[0240] The configuration of the communication system 1 has been described above. Next, the operation of the communication system 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[0241] <4-1. Question>

[0242] In a cellular wireless communication system, due to, for example, regional or temporal uneven distribution of communication needs, it may be difficult to provide communication with high communication performance (e.g., stable communication quality, high communication quality, low latency, high reliability and high throughput). In particular, in an environment in which a private network is arranged, the distribution of UEs is often uneven. Therefore, in a private network, it is notable that there are large differences in the quality of the communication services that can be provided to the UE. When the communication performance deteriorates, it is expected that the network side takes action (localized service) to compensate for the deterioration of the communication. In a private network as a non-public network, such flexible actions can be easily taken.

[0243] As an action to compensate for the deterioration of communication performance (localized service), it is assumed that the communication system 1 can start another non-public network, or the communication system 1 can increase the internal resources of a non-public network. It is necessary to clarify under what circumstances to start the localized service, what the localized service includes, and what the triggering condition for starting the localized service is.

[0244] In summary, in order to realize a cellular network with higher communication performance through localized services, the following (1) to (3) need to be clarified.

[0245] (1) Trigger conditions

[0246] (2) Method for detecting trigger conditions

[0247] (3) Content of localized services

[0248] <4-2. Solution>

[0249] Hereinafter, the operation of the communication system 1 that solves the above-mentioned problem will be described.

[0250] The following operations are performed by, for example, a localized service control function (LSCF) included in the management device 10 or the network management device 40. Note that in the following description, it is assumed that the network management device 40 (or the LSCF included in the network management device 40) performs the following processing, but other information processors such as the management device 10 may also perform the processing. In addition, the LSCF in the following description may be replaced with a word indicating other functions (for example, other control functions included in the core network).

[0251] The network management device 40 detects that a predetermined condition for communicating using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of the provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network. For example, the network management device 40 detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a specific area. Here, the specific area is, for example, a partial area of ​​the provision area of ​​a predetermined cellular network (e.g., a predetermined private network). In addition, the predetermined condition is a condition used as a trigger for starting a localized service. Hereinafter, the predetermined condition is also referred to as a trigger condition.

[0252] Here, the trigger condition may be whether the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices 30 performing communication in a specific area drops below a predetermined criterion. Here, the communication quality may be a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) or a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR). The communication quality may be a value calculated based on at least one of RSRP, RSRQ and SINR. This value may be the value of RSRP, RSRQ or SINR itself, or may be a value calculated by combining a plurality of values ​​among these values. In the following, a description will be given assuming that the communication quality is RSRP, but the RSRP in the following description may be replaced with a word indicating other communication qualities (reception quality) (such as RSRQ or SINR).

[0253] Deterioration of the communication quality (e.g., received power of RSRP) of a single terminal device 30 often occurs when a car or a person blocking radio waves enters between the terminal device 30 and the base station. However, deterioration of the reception quality of multiple terminal devices 30 often occurs when the transmission of radio waves is stopped due to a failure of the nearest base station 20. Therefore, when it is detected that the communication quality of multiple terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 covering a specific area has fallen below a predetermined criterion, the network management device 40 considers that a failure or the like has occurred in the base station 20 and starts a localized service.

[0254] For example, when the RSRP of a certain number or more (e.g., 1 / 2 or more) of the terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 drops below a predetermined threshold, the network management device 40 may consider that a fault or the like has occurred in the base station 20 and start a localized service. In addition, when the RSRP of a certain number or more (e.g., 1 / 2 or more) of the terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 decreases by a certain value from the average value in the recent certain period of time, the network management device 40 may consider that a fault or the like has occurred in the base station 20 and start a localized service.

[0255] In order to detect that the trigger condition is satisfied, the network management device 40 (eg, the LSCF of the network management device 40 ) may save the following values ​​(1) to (3).

[0256] (1) Number of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20

[0257] (2) The latest RSRP value X of each terminal device 30 (for example, a value acquired within the most recent predetermined time (for example, within the most recent ten minutes))

[0258] (3) Average RSRP value Y of each terminal device 30 (for example, the average value in the most recent predetermined time (for example, the most recent 8 hours))

[0259] Here, the threshold for detecting whether the trigger condition is satisfied is Z [dB]. At this time, the network management device 40 obtains the number of terminal devices 30 satisfying YX>Z every predetermined time (for example, every hour). Then, when it is detected that the number of terminal devices 30 satisfying YX>Z is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the number of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20, the network management device 40 starts the localization service.

[0260] Here, the localized service may be a process for enhancing a communication function related to cellular communication performed in a specific area. For example, when a trigger condition is met, the network management device 40 starts a process for assisting a base station 20 with deteriorated functions as a localized service. For example, when it is detected that the communication quality (e.g., RSRP) of a plurality of terminal devices 30 drops below a predetermined criterion, the network management device 40 may cause the base station 20 to which the plurality of terminal devices 30 are connected to provide communication using another component carrier.

[0261] Fig.13 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication processing according to the first embodiment. Fig.13 The above process is described in the sequence diagram in .

[0262] First, a plurality of terminal devices 30 performing communication in a specific area perform an attachment process to the core network (management device 10) (step S101). The core network notifies the LSCF of the number of terminal devices 30 connected to each base station 20 (step S102). Then, each of the plurality of terminal devices 30 reports RSRP to the base station 20 (step S103). The base station 20 notifies the LSCF of RSRP (step S104).

[0263] When it is detected that the communication quality of multiple terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 drops below a predetermined criterion, the LSCF determines to start a localized service (step S105). For example, the LSCF obtains the number of terminal devices 30 that satisfy YX>Z at each predetermined time (for example, every hour). Here, X is the latest RSRP value of each terminal device 30, Y is the average RSRP value of each terminal device 30, and Z is a threshold for detecting whether the trigger condition is satisfied. Then, when it is detected that the number of terminal devices 30 that satisfy YX>Z is equal to or greater than a predetermined proportion (for example, 1 / 2 or more) of the number of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20, the LSCF determines to start a localized service.

[0264] When it is determined to start the localized service, the LSCF sends an instruction for the localized service to the base station 20 (step S106). For example, the LSCF sends an instruction for providing communication using another component carrier to the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below the predetermined criterion is connected. When receiving the instruction, the base station 20 executes the instruction (step S107). For example, the base station 20 provides communication using another component carrier to the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below the predetermined criterion.

[0265] Note that the localized service for compensating for the deterioration of the communication quality (e.g., reception quality such as RSRP) of the terminal device 30 is not limited to the above. For example, the localized service may be as described in (1) to (3) below. Note that the process for starting the localized service described below may be similar to Fig.13 The process shown in .

[0266] (1) Resetting the base station 20

[0267] When it is assumed that resetting corrects a malfunction in the base station 20, the LSCF instructs the base station to perform resetting.

[0268] (2) Activation of the stopped base station 20

[0269] The LSCF activates another base station 20 different from the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below a predetermined criterion is connected. Thus, the LSCF enables another base station 20 to provide communication in a specific area. For example, the LSCF may activate a base station 20 suspended near the base station 20 estimated to have failed via the core network or via a control entity that controls the base station 20.

[0270] (3) Control of the transmission power of another base station 20

[0271] The LSCF increases the transmission power of another base station 20 different from the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below a predetermined criterion is connected. Thus, the LSCF enables another base station 20 to provide communication in a specific area. For example, the LSCF may increase the transmission power of a base station 20 different from the base station 20 estimated to have failed via the core network or via a control entity that controls the base station 20. In addition, the LSCF may increase the transmission power of beamforming facing the direction of the base station 20 estimated to have failed.

[0272] In the present embodiment, the LSCF determines whether to provide a localized service based on information about the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices 30 rather than based on information about the communication quality of one terminal device 30. In the above example, the communication quality is RSRP, but the communication quality is not limited to RSRP. For example, the communication quality may be RSRQ. The occurrence of a decrease in RSRQ means that interfering radio waves are coming from an adjacent base station 20. Therefore, when it is detected that the RSRQ of a plurality of terminal devices 30 belonging to a base station 20 covering a specific area drops below a predetermined criterion, the network management device 40 considers that a fault has occurred in the base station 20, etc. and starts a localized service.

[0273] For example, when the RSRQ of a certain number or more (e.g., 1 / 2 or more) of the terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 drops below a predetermined threshold, the network management device 40 may consider that a fault has occurred in the base station 20 and start a localized service. In addition, when the RSRQ of a certain number or more (e.g., 1 / 2 or more) of the terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 drops by a certain value from the average value in the recent certain period of time, the network management device 40 may consider that a fault has occurred in the base station 20 and start a localized service.

[0274] In order to detect that the trigger condition is satisfied, the network management device 40 (eg, the LSCF of the network management device 40 ) may store the following values ​​(1) to (3).

[0275] (1) Number of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20

[0276] (2) The latest RSRQ value X of each terminal device 30 (for example, a value obtained within the most recent predetermined time (for example, within the most recent ten minutes))

[0277] (3) Average RSRQ value Y of each terminal device 30 (e.g., average value within a recent predetermined time (e.g., the last eight hours))

[0278] Here, the threshold for detecting the satisfaction of the trigger condition is Z [dB]. At this time, the network management device 40 obtains the number of terminal devices 30 satisfying YX>Z every predetermined time (for example, every hour). Then, when it is detected that the number of terminal devices 30 satisfying YX>Z is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the number of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20, the network management device 40 starts the localization service.

[0279] Here, the localized service may be a process performed in a specific area to enhance a communication function related to cellular communication. For example, the localized service may be the following (1) to (3).

[0280] (1) Increase in transmission power

[0281] In order to reduce the influence of interference, the LSCF increases the transmission power of the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below a predetermined criterion is connected.

[0282] (2) Reduction of transmission power of adjacent base station 20

[0283] In order to compensate for the decrease in RSRQ due to interference from the adjacent base station, the LSCF reduces the transmission power of the base station 20 located adjacent to the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 that has fallen below a predetermined criterion is connected.

[0284] (3) Frequency band change

[0285] In order to avoid interference from adjacent base stations, the LSCF causes the base station 20 to which the terminal equipment 30 falling below a predetermined criterion is connected to use a frequency band different from the frequency band used by the adjacent base stations 20 .

[0286] According to the first embodiment, when a problem occurs in a specific area (for example, when a base station 20 fails or when the coverage of the base station 20 is reduced), the communication system 1 can immediately detect the problem and enhance the communication function in the area. Therefore, the communication system 1 can maintain high communication performance of the cellular network (for example, a private network).

[0287] <<5. Second embodiment>>

[0288] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0289] <5-1. Question>

[0290] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating network slicing. Fig.14 In the example in , the terminal device 30 belongs to different network slices. The network slice includes a RAN network slice and a core network slice as components. Here, the RAN network slice is generally provided by a component carrier (frequency resource), while the core network slice is generally provided by a processing function (computing capability) of a user plane mainly called a user plane function (UPF) of the core network.

[0291] This means that when the throughput of a terminal device 30 belonging to a certain base station 20 decreases, this is due to insufficient frequency resources provided by the base station 20 or insufficient computing resources of the UPF used by the terminal device 30. Therefore, in order to provide localized services (processing for enhancing communication functions) in a specific area, it is necessary to determine which resource is insufficient.

[0292] Conventionally, an information processor on the network (e.g., the management device 10 or the network management device 40) is able to grasp the number of terminal devices 30 belonging to a specific base station 20, the increase in the number of terminal devices 30 belonging to a specific network slice, etc. However, this does not always lead to the information processor grasping the network slices used in a specific area. Therefore, in some cases, it is difficult to appropriately provide localized services to the terminal devices 30 in a specific area.

[0293] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating a problem in the second embodiment. Fig.15 In the example in FIG. 1 , area #1 and area #2 are shown as specific areas. Fig.15 In the example in , there is no information about which network slice is mainly used in these areas. Fig.15 In the example in FIG. 4 , it is difficult for the information processor to enhance the communication function by enhancing the frequency resources or computing resources of the network slice in a specific area.

[0294] Note that the area in this embodiment is an area providing localized services. Therefore, the area in this embodiment may be an area covered by one base station 20, or an area covered by multiple base stations 20. The scope of the area may be defined by the LSCF that manages all localized services.

[0295] Note that in Fig.15 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , only the base station 20 is shown, but the UPF is not shown. Although a UPF can be connected to Fig.15 All base stations 20 in the network are not included, but it is expected that UPF is allocated to each area. This is because UPF is an element for configuring network slices, and localized services are expected to be provided in units of network slices.

[0296] <5-2. Solution>

[0297] Similar to the first embodiment, the following operations are performed by a localized service control function (LSCF) included in the management device 10 or the network management device 40. Note that in the following description, it is assumed that the network management device 40 (or the LSCF included in the network management device 40) performs the following processing, but another information processor such as the management device 10 may perform the processing. In addition, the LSCF in the following description may be replaced with a word indicating other functions (e.g., other control functions included in the core network).

[0298] Similar to the first embodiment, the network management device 40 detects that the trigger condition is satisfied in at least a portion of the provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network. For example, the network management device 40 detects that the trigger condition is satisfied in a specific area. At this time, when the throughput of the terminal device 30 in the specific area drops below a predetermined criterion, the network management device 40 can determine that the trigger condition is satisfied. The specific area is, for example, a partial area of ​​the provision area of ​​a predetermined cellular network (e.g., a predetermined private network).

[0299] For example, the network management device 40 stores a list of base stations 20 belonging to a specific area and terminal devices 30 using these base stations. At the same time, the network management device 40 stores a list of UPFs used by terminal devices 30 using base stations 20 belonging to a specific area. In addition, the network management device 40 stores information about the throughput of these terminal devices 30. The throughput can be measured regularly using a test signal, or can be measured as the throughput of user data. The measurement point of the throughput can be the UPF. The throughput of user data is affected by the congestion state of the external network (for example, the Internet outside the private network), etc. Therefore, ideally, it is expected that the network management device 40 uses the application function arranged near the core network to regularly obtain the throughput. When the throughput of multiple terminal devices 30 in a specific area drops below a predetermined criterion, it can also be determined that the trigger condition is met.

[0300] It is noted that when multiple network slices are used in a specific area, the network management device 40 can specify which network slice has insufficient resources. For example, the network management device 40 selects a base station 20 belonging to a specific area, and creates a group of terminal devices 30 belonging to the base station 20 for each UPF. The network management device 40 measures the throughput of each group. When there is a group with low throughput, the network management device 40 determines that the computer resources of the UPF associated with the group or the frequency resources of the base station 20 are insufficient. When the base station 20 manages frequency resources by dividing the frequency resources into multiple component carriers or manages component carriers by dividing the component carriers into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), the network management device 40 uses the frequency resources for each component carrier or each BWP to identify the terminal device 30 and identify which UPF the terminal device 30 uses. The network management device 40 creates multiple sets of combinations of frequency resources and UPFs, and observes the throughput of each set. Thus, it is possible to identify which network slice has insufficient resources.

[0301] When performing the above processing, the network management device 40 identifies one or more network slices provided in a specific area. For example, the network management device 40 identifies one or more network slices provided in a specific area based on information about the base station 20 belonging to the specific area and information about the UPF assigned to the terminal device 30 connected to the base station 20.

[0302] For example, the network management device 40 obtains a list of one or more base stations 20 belonging to a specific area and a list of terminal devices 30 connected to the one or more base stations 20. In addition, the network management device 40 obtains a list of UPFs used by the terminal devices 30 connected to the base stations 20 belonging to the specific area. The network management device 40 selects one base station 20 belonging to the specific area and creates a group for each UPF to which the terminal device 30 connected to the base station 20 belongs. The network management device 40 repeats this process in all base stations 20 belonging to the specific area. Therefore, the network management device 40 identifies one or more network slices provided in the specific area.

[0303] Note that it is assumed that the base station 20 manages frequency resources by dividing the frequency resources into a plurality of component carriers (CCs), or manages component carriers by dividing the component carriers into a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs). In this case, the network management device 40 identifies the terminal device 30 using the frequency resources for each component carrier or each BWP, and identifies which UPF the terminal device 30 uses. The network management device 40 identifies one or more network slices provided in a specific area by associating the frequency resources with the UPF based on the identified information. Table 3 is a table indicating the identification results of the network slices provided in the specific area.

[0304] Table 3

[0305]

[0306] Note that which base station 20 the UPF is connected to depends on which UPF is used by the terminal device 30 connected to the base station 20. Therefore, in the example in Table 3, the base station 20 to which UPF#1 is connected overlaps with the base station 20 to which UPF#2 is connected. In addition, in the example in Table 3, the same component carrier (CC) is used in multiple base stations 20. However, in the example in Table 3, the regions to which the multiple base stations 20 belong are different. Therefore, even when the same CC is used in multiple base stations 20, interference does not always occur in the frequency resources. Therefore, the meaning is slightly different from the case where UPF is used in multiple base stations.

[0307] In any case, since frequency resources and UPF are not allocated separately in one base station 20, and there are two types of components of the network slice as described above, it is difficult to determine whether the RAN network slice (frequency resources) is insufficient or the core network slice (computing resources of UPF) is insufficient.

[0308] In the example in Table 3, BS#1 belongs to area #1. BS#1 manages multiple frequency resources (CC#1 and CC#2). The UPFs used by the terminal devices 30 belonging to these frequency resources are UPF#1, #2 and #3 and UPF#1, #4 and #5. In other words, six network slices are provided in area #1. In the example in Table 3, BS#2 belongs to area #2. BS#2 manages multiple frequency resources (CC#2 and CC#3). The UPFs used by the terminal devices 30 belonging to these frequency resources are UPF#5 and UPF#6. In other words, two network slices are provided in area #2. In the above case, the network management device 40 determines whether the frequency source is insufficient or the computing resources of the UPF are insufficient by measuring the throughput of each UPF.

[0309] Specifically, when it is detected that the trigger condition is met in a specific area, the network management device 40 determines whether the frequency resources are insufficient or the computing resources of the UPF are insufficient based on the throughput information of the UPF of each network slice in multiple network slices, and performs processing for increasing the determined resources (localized service).

[0310] Note that the network management device 40 can obtain the measurement results of the throughput of the entire UPF. However, in this case, the traffic of an unrelated terminal device 30 in another area is also included in the measurement results. Therefore, it is assumed that it is difficult to detect whether the throughput in the target network slice (a combination of UPF and frequency resources) is actually reduced. Therefore, it is expected that the network management device 40 uses the frequency resources of the base station 20 in the area to be checked to obtain the measurement results of the throughput in the UPF of the terminal device 30 only. Therefore, the network management device 40 can easily detect the reduction in the throughput of the target network slice.

[0311] As described above, when it is detected that the trigger condition is met in a specific area, the network management device 40 determines whether the frequency resources are insufficient or the computing resources of the UPF are insufficient based on the throughput information of the UPF of each network slice in the multiple network slices. As a determination method, the methods described in (A) and (B) below are assumed.

[0312] In the following (A) and (B), one or more frequency resources are used in a specific area. In the following, one of the frequency resources used in the specific area is assumed to be CC#i. Here, i is an integer. When multiple frequency resources are used in a specific area, the following processing is repeatedly performed while changing i.

[0313] (A) Determination method 1

[0314] A plurality of frequency resources are associated with the frequency resource CC#i. The network management device 40 identifies a ratio of UPFs whose throughput falls below a predetermined criterion to the plurality of UPFs associated with the frequency resource CC#i.

[0315] When the identified ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, when the number of UPFs falling below a predetermined criterion is half or more), the network management device 40 determines that the frequency resource CC#i is insufficient. In this case, the network management device 40 performs a process for increasing frequency resources as a localized service.

[0316] On the other hand, when the identified ratio is less than a predetermined threshold, the network management device 40 determines that the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion are insufficient. In this case, the network management device 40 performs a process of increasing the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion as a localized service.

[0317] (B) Determination method 2

[0318] One or more UPFs are associated with frequency resource CC#i. In the following, one of the UPFs associated with frequency resource CC#i is assumed to be UPF#j. Here, j is an integer. When multiple UPFs are associated with frequency resource CC#i, the following process is repeatedly performed while changing j.

[0319] When the throughput of UPF#j is improved when the computing resources of UPF#j are increased by a predetermined amount among the frequency resources CC#i and the computing resources of UPF#j, the network management device 40 determines that the computing resources of UPF#j are insufficient. At this time, the network management device 40 performs a process for increasing the computing resources of UPF#j as a localized service.

[0320] When the throughput of UPF#j is improved when frequency resource CC#i among frequency resource CC#i and calculation resources of UPF#j is increased by a predetermined amount, it is determined that frequency resource CC#i is insufficient. At this time, the network management device 40 performs a process for increasing frequency resource CC#i as a localized service.

[0321] When the throughput of UPF#j does not improve even when one of the frequency resource CC#i and the computing resource of UPF#j is increased, the network management device 40 may determine that both the computing resources of the frequency resource CC#i and the UPF#j are insufficient. In this case, the network management device 40 may perform processing for increasing both the computing resources of the frequency resource CC#i and the UPF#j as a localized service.

[0322] Alternatively, when the throughput of UPF#j is not improved even if one of the frequency resource CC#i and the computing resource of UPF#j is increased, the network management device 40 may increase the computing resources of both the frequency resource CC#i and UPF#j by a predetermined amount. Then, when the throughput of UPF#j is improved due to the increase, the network management device 40 may determine that the computing resources of both the frequency resource CC#i and UPF#j are insufficient. In this case, the network management device 40 may perform processing for increasing both the computing resources of the frequency resource CC#i and UPF#j as a localized service.

[0323] The network management device 40 determines whether to enhance frequency resources or computer resources based on the determination method described in (A) or (B) above. In this way, the network management device 40 can provide localized services to the terminal devices 30 in a specific area.

[0324] The network management device 40 according to the present embodiment stores the frequency resource associated with which area of ​​the UPF as information. Therefore, the network management device 40 can immediately grasp the corresponding UPF even when investigating whether there is a problem with the throughput in a specific area. Therefore, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment is also useful for monitoring events in a specific area, etc.

[0325] The above processing can be performed by LSCF. In this case, LSCF can have Fig.16 The configuration shown in . Fig.16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LSCF.

[0326] Fig.17 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication processing according to the second embodiment. Fig.17 The above process is described with reference to the sequence diagram in FIG.

[0327] The base station 20 transmits its own information (location information and information on used frequency resources) to the LSCF (step S201). A plurality of terminal devices 30 performing communication within a specific area perform an attach procedure to the core network (management device 10) (step S202).

[0328] When the terminal device 30 is attached, the base station 20 sends information indicating which frequency resource the terminal device 30 uses to the LSCF (step S203). In addition, after the terminal device 30 is attached, the UPF actually assigned to the terminal device 30 is determined. Therefore, the core network (management device 10) sends this information to the LSCF. Since the core network (management device 10) also knows the information indicating which base station 20 the terminal device 30 belongs to, the core network also sends information about the base station 20 and the frequency resources used by the terminal device 30 to the LSCF (step S204).

[0329] LSCF can grasp the combination of frequency resources used in a specific area and UPF associated with the frequency resources by using this information. In other words, LSCF can grasp the network slices provided to the partial area. LSCF collects information about the throughput of the UPF of the network slice from the core network (steps S205 and S206).

[0330] When it is detected that the throughput of the network slice drops below the predetermined criterion, the LSCF determines to start the localized service (step S207). The LSCF determines whether to increase the frequency resources of the network slice below the predetermined criterion or increase the computing resources of the UPF based on the throughput information collected in step S206. Then, the LSCF determines the content of the localized service based on the determination result.

[0331] When the content of the localized service is determined, the LSCF sends an instruction for the localized service to the core network and / or the base station 20 (steps S208 and S209). Upon receiving the instruction, the core network and / or the base station 20 executes the instruction (steps S210 and S211).

[0332] According to the second embodiment, the communication system 1 can determine whether the deterioration of the communication service of the terminal device 30 in a specific area is caused by insufficient frequency resources or insufficient computer resources of the UPF. Therefore, the communication system 1 can appropriately increase resources.

[0333] <<6. Third embodiment>>

[0334] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0335] <6-1. Question>

[0336] In an embodiment, when the number or traffic volume of terminal devices 30 in one area increases or decreases, the network management device 40 adjusts the frequency resources of multiple base stations 20 used in the one area and the computer resources of the UPF. When this area is a plurality of long-distance areas, it is expected to optimize the communication between the plurality of areas. For example, when the number of terminal devices 30 in a plurality of areas far apart increases, it is expected to enhance the network function for inter-area communication in advance to cope with the increase in traffic volume of inter-area communication. In a third embodiment, this problem is solved by providing a localized service by the communication system 1.

[0337] <6-2.Solution>

[0338] Similar to the first and second embodiments, the following operations are performed by a localized service control function (LSCF) included in the management device 10 or the network management device 40. Note that in the following description, it is assumed that the network management device 40 (or the LSCF included in the network management device 40) performs the following processing, but other information processors such as the management device 10 may also perform the processing. In addition, the LSCF in the following description may be replaced with a word indicating other functions (e.g., other control functions included in the core network).

[0339] The network management device 40 detects whether the trigger condition is satisfied in each of a plurality of specific areas that are far apart. For example, the network management device 40 detects whether the number of terminal devices 30 that may perform inter-area communication in each of a plurality of specific areas exceeds a predetermined threshold. The specific area is, for example, a partial area of ​​a provision area of ​​a predetermined cellular network (e.g., a predetermined private network).

[0340] Then, when it is detected that the trigger condition is satisfied in each of the multiple specific areas (for example, when the number of terminal devices that may perform inter-area communication in each of the multiple specific areas exceeds a predetermined threshold), the network management device 40 performs processing (localized service) for enhancing a communication function related to inter-area communication across the multiple specific areas. For example, when it is detected that the trigger condition is satisfied in each of the multiple specific areas, the network management device 40 prepares a new network slice for inter-area communication.

[0341] Specifically, the network management device 40 performs the following processing.

[0342] First, the network management device 40 sets a network path to maximize the communication capacity between UPFs of a plurality of specific areas (hereinafter temporarily referred to as area #1 and area #2) that are far apart. Then, the network management device 40 configures a network in which an IP address setting area #1 and area #2 as a source IP address or a destination IP address is transmitted through priority control in buffer control of a router between areas. Then, the network management device 40 discloses to the terminal device 30 a network slice to be selected when performing communication between area #1 and area #2 from the network side.

[0343] Fig.18 4 is a diagram illustrating a network slice newly prepared by the network management device 40. Fig.18In the example in , only a part of the core network slice is shown as a network slice. However, in practice, this network slice includes radio resources of area #1 and area #2 and computing resources of the UPF in the core network. For this network slice, the network management device 40 can exclusively allocate specific frequency resources (e.g., component carriers or BWPs) as radio resources in area #1 and area #2.

[0344] Fig.19 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication processing according to the third embodiment. Fig.19 In the example, BS A is the base station 20 covering area #1, and BS B is the base station 20 covering area #2. Fig.19 Only one core network (CN) is illustrated in FIG. 1 , but a core network may exist in each of region #1 and region #2. Fig.19 The above process is described in the sequence diagram in .

[0345] A plurality of terminal devices 30 performing communication in area #1 and area #2 perform an attachment process to the core network (management device 10) (step S301). LSCF obtains the location information of the terminal device 30 from the core network (step S302). At this time, LSCF can use the positioning function to collect the location information of the terminal device 30 mastered by the access management function (AMF) or the location management function (LMF) of the core network. In addition, LSCF can collect the location information mastered by the terminal device 30 using a navigation signal from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as a global positioning system (GPS).

[0346] The LSCF detects that a trigger condition is satisfied in each of area #1 and area #2. For example, the LSCF detects that the number of terminal devices 30 that can perform inter-area communication in each of area #1 and area #2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, it is detected that there are X or more terminal devices 30 in each of area #1 and area #2.

[0347] When it is detected that the trigger condition is satisfied in each of area #1 and area #2, the LSCF determines to start the localized service (step S303). For example, when it is detected that the trigger condition is satisfied in each of area #1 and area #2, the LSCF prepares a new network slice connecting area #1 and area #2. More specifically, the LSCF sends an instruction for preparing a new network slice to the core network, BS A, and BS B (steps S304 and S305).

[0348] After preparing the new network slice, the LSCF notifies the terminal device 30 that there is a new network slice connecting area #1 and area #2. For example, the LSCF notifies the terminal device 30 that there is a new network slice by broadcasting via BS A and BS B (step S306). For example, the LSCF discloses information for identifying the new network slice to the terminal device 30. The information for identifying the network slice is, for example, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

[0349] The terminal device 30 that desires to communicate between area #1 and area #2 sends a request to the core network to allow the use of the new network slice (step S307). When the use is allowed, the terminal device 30 performs inter-area communication by using the new network slice.

[0350] According to the third embodiment, the communication system 1 can configure a network slice dedicated to communication between a plurality of areas, and notify the terminal device 30 that the network slice can be used. Thus, the communication system 1 can improve the quality of inter-area communication.

[0351] <<7. Fourth embodiment>>

[0352] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0353] <7-1. Question>

[0354] In an emergency such as a fire or an earthquake, the server of each of the multiple communication operators provides information to the user through each public land mobile network (PLMN), and congestion may occur. In addition, in an emergency (for example, an earthquake occurs), the PLMN to which the server itself belongs may fail, and may not be able to provide services to the user. In addition, in an emergency, there is a situation where it is desired to prepare a PLMN that only provides information corresponding to an area (for example, an earthquake-stricken area). Therefore, it is required to start a new PLMN in an emergency to provide localized services. In this case, it is unclear what kind of mechanism triggers the start of the service, what conditions are required for the terminal device 30 to receive the service, and / or which PLMN is provided.

[0355] <7-2. Solution>

[0356] Similar to the first to third embodiments, the following operations are performed by a localized service control function (LSCF) included in the management device 10 or the network management device 40. Note that in the following description, it is assumed that the network management device 40 (or the LSCF included in the network management device 40) performs the following processing, but another information processor such as the management device 10 may also perform the processing. In addition, the LSCF in the following description may be replaced with a word indicating other functions (e.g., other control functions included in the core network).

[0357] When a notification related to an emergency response is received from an authenticated external device (hereinafter referred to as an authentication server), the network management device 40 starts a communication service for public safety as a localized service in at least a portion of the provision area of ​​a predetermined cellular network. For example, when a notification of an emergency occurrence is received from an authenticated external device (hereinafter referred to as an authentication server), the network management device 40 performs processing for enabling the terminal device 30 to use a communication function without authentication. Here, the predetermined cellular network may be a private network or a PLMN. The authentication server may be a server authenticated by a certification authority or may be a server authenticated by an administrator of the communication system 1.

[0358] More specifically, when receiving a notification of the occurrence of an emergency from an authentication server, the network management device 40 can start a communication service (localized service) that authenticates any subscriber identity module (SIM) of the terminal device 30 (i.e., a terminal device 30 corresponding to the PLMN of any operator), regardless of which operator's SIM, so that all terminal devices 30 can access the communication service. In this case, the authentication server that performs the notification that triggers the start of the service can be a fire alarm. In the case of earthquakes, natural disasters, etc., the authentication server can be a server managed by the Meteorological Bureau. At this time, it is important that the network management device 40 correctly authenticates the destination that can start the localized service (the destination to which the notification can be issued). This is to prevent a third party from starting the localized service due to impersonation, etc. The network management device 40 must identify in advance the devices to which the trigger can be applied in an emergency.

[0359] Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication processing according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 20 The above-mentioned processing is described in the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0360] First, the LSCF performs authentication with the server in advance (step S401). Then, when an alarm notifying the occurrence of an emergency is received (step S402), the LSCF determines to start a localized service for the emergency (step S403). At this time, the LSCF can prepare a network slice that can support multiple connections as a localized service for an emergency. The network slice that can support multiple connections can be, for example, a network slice for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC). In the following description, it is assumed that the network slice that can support multiple connections is a network slice for eMTC, but the network slice that can support multiple connections is not limited to this.

[0361] Specifically, the LSCF instructs the core network and the base station 20 to prepare a network slice for eMTC (steps S404 and S405). After preparing the network slice for eMTC, the LSCF notifies the terminal device 30 of the existence of a PLMN for emergency access. For example, the LSCF sends information notifying the PLMN for emergency access (hereinafter referred to as an emergency PLMN) to the terminal device 30 by broadcasting via the base station 20 (step S406).

[0362] The terminal device 30 receives recommendation information for emergency situations (e.g., information about emergency PLMN) from an external device (or an internal application) (step S407). The terminal device 30 detects the emergency PLMN and attaches to the PLMN (step S408). In a normal PLMN, the core network authenticates whether the terminal device 30 is allowed to access by using a key in the SIM. However, in a localized service for emergency situations, the core network does not perform this authentication and allows the attachment of all terminal devices 30 that have issued an attachment request.

[0363] In the LSCF, the name of the expected emergency PLMN is a name that can be identified as an emergency situation (e.g., "PLMN_emergency"). For example, when a radio wave of a PLMN named "PLMN_emergency" is discovered, the terminal device 30 knows that the terminal device 30 can attach to the PLMN without authentication, and can attach to the PLMN according to the applicable procedure. Note that the terminal device 30 can scan once within a certain period of time whether there is a PLMN with a predetermined name (e.g., "PLMN_emergency") while being attached to a conventional PLMN. In addition, the terminal device 30 can receive a trigger for searching for a PLMN named "PLMN_emergency" via an application installed in the terminal device 30. When the trigger is received, the terminal device 30 can search for a PLMN with the name. When the PLMN is found, the terminal device 30 can attach to the found PLMN.

[0364] When attachment to the emergency PLMN is completed, the terminal device 30 performs communication using the emergency PLMN (step S409).

[0365] According to the fourth embodiment, the communication system 1 can provide a PLMN that can be accessed by a terminal device 30 having any SIM in an emergency. Therefore, the user can perform emergency contact and safety confirmation. In addition, since many terminal devices 30 use the emergency PLMN in an emergency, congestion can be reduced as a whole compared to the case where the terminal device 30 uses the conventional PLMN alone.

[0366] <<8. Modification>>

[0367] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0368] For example, in the above embodiment, the predetermined cellular network is a private network, but the predetermined cellular network is not limited to a private network. The predetermined cellular network may be a cellular network provided by a telecommunications operator. In addition, the predetermined cellular network may be another public network. In addition, the private network may be a private network other than 4G / 5G.

[0369] In addition, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment (first to fourth embodiments) is also applicable to networks other than cellular networks. For example, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment is also applicable to LAN networks. At this time, the LAN network includes not only wireless LAN networks but also wired LAN networks. In addition, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment is also applicable to networks using radio access technologies other than LTE and NR. For example, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment is also applicable to networks using radio access technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LPWA. In addition, the technology disclosed in the present embodiment is also applicable to networks using radio access technologies of unique standards. At this time, the description of the "predetermined cellular network" in the present embodiment can be appropriately replaced with a description indicating these networks (e.g., LAN networks).

[0370] Obviously, the predetermined cellular network may be a cellular network using a radio access technology such as LTE or NR. At this time, the predetermined cellular network may be a network using another radio access technology such as W-CDMA or cdma2000. In addition, the predetermined cellular network may include a network using a radio access technology of a unique standard, or may include a network using a radio access technology after 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0371] The control device that controls the management device 10, the base station 20, the terminal device 30 and the network management device 40 of this embodiment can be implemented by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0372] For example, a communication program for performing the above operations is stored and distributed to a computer-readable recording medium (such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a floppy disk). Then, for example, the program is installed on a computer, and the above processing is performed to configure the control device. Here, the control device may be a device (e.g., a personal computer) external to the management device 10, the base station 20, and the terminal device 30. In addition, the control device may be a device (e.g., a control unit 13, a control unit 23, a control unit 33, and a control unit 43) internal to the management device 10, the base station 20, the terminal device 30, and the network management device 40.

[0373] In addition, the above-mentioned communication program may be stored in a disk device included in a server device on a network such as the Internet so that the communication program can be downloaded to the computer. In addition, the above-mentioned functions may be realized by the cooperation of an operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, the part other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed, or the part other than the OS may be stored in a server device and downloaded to the computer.

[0374] Among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed may be automatically performed by known methods. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the processes, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the various types of information shown in each drawing are not limited to the information shown.

[0375] Furthermore, each component of each device shown in the figure is conceptual in function and is not necessarily configured physically as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the form shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that such configuration by distribution and integration can also be performed dynamically.

[0376] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined in a field where the processing contents do not contradict each other. Furthermore, the order of each step shown in the flowchart of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately changed.

[0377] In addition, for example, the present embodiment can be implemented as any configuration constituting an apparatus or a system, such as a processor as a system large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) or the like, a module using a plurality of processors or the like, a unit using a plurality of modules or the like, a kit obtained by further adding other functions to a unit, etc. (i.e., a configuration of a part of the device).

[0378] Note that in this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are located in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network and one device housing multiple modules in one housing are both systems.

[0379] Furthermore, for example, the present embodiment may adopt a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is collaboratively shared and processed by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0380] <<9. Conclusion>>

[0381] As described above, the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment detects that the predetermined condition for communication using the predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of the area where the predetermined cellular network is provided. For example, the communication system 1 detects that the communication quality of a plurality of terminal devices 30 performing communication in a specific area falls below a predetermined criterion.

[0382] Then, when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication system 1 performs processing for enhancing the communication function related to the communication performed in the area satisfying the predetermined condition. For example, when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a specific area, the communication system 1 provides a localized service for enhancing the communication function related to the communication performed in the specific area.

[0383] Therefore, the communication system 1 of this embodiment can realize communication with high communication performance even when there is a communication demand that is unevenly distributed geographically or temporally.

[0384] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, components of different embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined.

[0385] Note that the effects of each embodiment described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and other effects may be provided.

[0386] The present technology may also have the following configurations. (1)

[0388] An information processor, comprising:

[0389] a detection unit configured to detect that a predetermined condition for communication using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a part of a provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network; and

[0390] An execution unit is configured to, when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, execute a process for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in an area in which it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied. (2)

[0392] The information processor according to (1), wherein

[0393] A detection unit detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a partial area of ​​the provision area, and

[0394] When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied in the partial area, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in the partial area. (3)

[0396] The information processor according to (2), wherein

[0397] The predetermined cellular network is a private network. (4)

[0399] The information processor according to (3), wherein

[0400] The detection unit detects that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices performing communication in the partial area falls below a predetermined criterion, and

[0401] When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing the communication function. (5)

[0403] The information processor according to (4), wherein

[0404] The detection unit detects that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices connected to the base station covering the communication in the partial area falls below the predetermined criterion, and

[0405] When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing the communication function. (6)

[0407] The information processor according to (5), wherein

[0408] When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit causes the base station to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication using another component carrier. (7)

[0410] The information processor according to (5) or (6), wherein

[0411] When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit causes another base station different from the base stations to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication for the partial area. (8)

[0413] The information processor according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein

[0414] The communication quality is a value identified based on at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR). (9)

[0416] The information processor according to (3) further includes

[0417] an identification unit configured to identify a plurality of network slices provided in the partial area, wherein

[0418] When it is detected that the predetermined condition is met in the partial area, the execution unit determines whether the frequency resources are insufficient or the computing resources of the UPF are insufficient based on the throughput information of the user plane function (UPF) of each of the multiple network slices, and performs processing for increasing the resources determined to be insufficient. (10)

[0420] The information processor according to (9), wherein

[0421] The identification unit identifies the multiple network slices provided in the partial area based on information about a base station belonging to the partial area and information about a UPF assigned to a terminal device connected to the base station. (11)

[0423] The information processor according to (9) or (10), wherein

[0424] using at least a first frequency resource in the partial area,

[0425] The first frequency resource is associated with a plurality of UPFs, and

[0426] Execution Unit

[0427] identifying a proportion of UPFs among the plurality of UPFs whose throughput drops below a predetermined criterion,

[0428] When the ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that the first frequency resource is insufficient, and performing a process for increasing the first frequency resource, and

[0429] When the ratio is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion are insufficient, and a process for increasing the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion is performed. (12)

[0431] The information processor according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein

[0432] using at least a first frequency resource in the partial area,

[0433] The first frequency resource is associated with at least a first UPF, and

[0434] Execution Unit

[0435] When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by increasing the computing resources of the first UPF by a predetermined amount among the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF, determining that the computing resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and performing a process for increasing the computing resources of the first UPF, and

[0436] When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by increasing the first frequency resource by a predetermined amount in the first frequency resource and the calculation resource of the first UPF, it is determined that the first frequency resource is insufficient, and a process for increasing the first frequency resource is performed. (13)

[0438] The information processor according to (12), wherein

[0439] When the throughput of the first UPF cannot be improved by increasing the first frequency resources or the computing resources of the first UPF, the execution unit determines that both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and performs processing for increasing both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF. (14)

[0441] The information processor according to (12), wherein

[0442] Execution Unit

[0443] When the throughput of the first UPF cannot be improved by increasing the first frequency resources or the computing resources of the first UPF, increasing both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF by a predetermined amount, and

[0444] When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by the increase, it is determined that both the first frequency resources and the computational resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and a process for increasing both the first frequency resources and the computational resources of the first UPF is performed. (15)

[0446] The information processor according to (1), wherein

[0447] a detection unit detecting that the predetermined condition regarding communication using the predetermined cellular network is satisfied in each of a plurality of areas that are distant from each other in the provision area, and

[0448] When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied in each of the plurality of areas, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to inter-area communication across the plurality of areas. (16)

[0450] The information processor according to (15), wherein

[0451] The detection unit detects that the number of terminal devices having a possibility of performing inter-area communication in each of the plurality of areas exceeds a predetermined threshold, and

[0452] When the number of terminal devices having a possibility of performing inter-area communication in each of the plurality of areas exceeds the predetermined threshold, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to the inter-area communication. (17)

[0454] The information processor according to (15) or (16), wherein

[0455] When it is detected that the predetermined condition is met in each of the multiple areas, the execution unit prepares a new network slice for inter-area communication. (18)

[0457] The information processor according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein

[0458] When receiving a notification about an emergency response from an authenticated external device, the execution unit executes a process for allowing the terminal device to use a communication function without authentication in at least the portion of the provision area. (19)

[0460] The information processor according to any one of (1) to (18), wherein

[0461] The information processor is a device having a function as a core network. (20)

[0463] An information processing method, comprising:

[0464] detecting that a predetermined condition regarding communication using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of a provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network; and

[0465] When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, processing for enhancing the communication function in the area where the predetermined condition is detected to be satisfied is performed.

[0466] Reference numerals list

[0467] 1. Communication System

[0468] 10. Manage Devices

[0469] 20 Base Stations

[0470] 30 Terminal equipment

[0471] 40 Network management equipment

[0472] 11,41 communication unit

[0473] 21, 31 wireless communication unit

[0474] 12, 42 input units

[0475] 22, 32 storage units

[0476] 13, 23, 33, 43 control units

[0477] 211, 311 sending processing unit

[0478] 212, 312 receiving processing unit

[0479] 213, 313 antenna

[0480] 131,431 detection unit

[0481] 132,432 execution units

[0482] 133,433 identification units

Claims

1. An information processor, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect that a predetermined condition regarding communication using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of a provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network; as well as An execution unit is configured to, when it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, execute a process for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in an area in which it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

2. The information processor according to claim 1, wherein A detection unit detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a partial area of ​​the provision area, and When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied in the partial area, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to communication performed in the partial area.

3. The information processor according to claim 2, wherein The predetermined cellular network is a private network.

4. The information processor according to claim 3, wherein The detection unit detects that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices performing communication in the partial area falls below a predetermined criterion, and When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing the communication function.

5. The information processor according to claim 4, wherein The detection unit detects that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices connected to the base station covering the communication in the partial area falls below the predetermined criterion, and When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing the communication function.

6. The information processor according to claim 5, wherein When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit causes the base station to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication using another component carrier.

7. The information processor according to claim 5, wherein When it is detected that the communication quality of the plurality of terminal devices falls below the predetermined criterion, the execution unit causes another base station different from the base stations to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected to provide communication for the partial area.

8. The information processor according to claim 4, wherein The communication quality is a value identified based on at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR).

9. The information processor according to claim 3, further comprising an identification unit configured to identify a plurality of network slices provided in the partial area, wherein When it is detected that the predetermined condition is met in the partial area, the execution unit determines whether the frequency resources are insufficient or the computing resources of the UPF are insufficient based on the throughput information of the user plane function (UPF) of each of the multiple network slices, and performs processing for increasing the resources determined to be insufficient.

10. The information processor according to claim 9, wherein The identification unit identifies the multiple network slices provided in the partial area based on information about a base station belonging to the partial area and information about a UPF assigned to a terminal device connected to the base station.

11. The information processor according to claim 9, wherein using at least a first frequency resource in the partial area, The first frequency resource is associated with a plurality of UPFs, and Execution Unit identifying a proportion of UPFs among the plurality of UPFs whose throughput drops below a predetermined criterion, When the ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that the first frequency resource is insufficient, and performing a process for increasing the first frequency resource, and When the ratio is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion are insufficient, and a process for increasing the computing resources of the UPF whose throughput drops below the predetermined criterion is performed.

12. The information processor according to claim 9, wherein using at least a first frequency resource in the partial area, The first frequency resource is associated with at least a first UPF, and Execution Unit When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by increasing the computing resources of the first UPF by a predetermined amount among the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF, determining that the computing resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and performing a process for increasing the computing resources of the first UPF, and When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by increasing the first frequency resource by a predetermined amount in the first frequency resource and the calculation resource of the first UPF, it is determined that the first frequency resource is insufficient, and a process for increasing the first frequency resource is performed.

13. The information processor according to claim 12, wherein When the throughput of the first UPF cannot be improved by increasing the first frequency resources or the computing resources of the first UPF, the execution unit determines that both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and performs processing for increasing both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF.

14. The information processor according to claim 12, wherein Execution Unit When the throughput of the first UPF cannot be improved by increasing the first frequency resources or the computing resources of the first UPF, increasing both the first frequency resources and the computing resources of the first UPF by a predetermined amount, and When the throughput of the first UPF is improved by the increase, it is determined that both the first frequency resources and the computational resources of the first UPF are insufficient, and a process for increasing both the first frequency resources and the computational resources of the first UPF is performed.

15. The information processor according to claim 1, wherein a detection unit detecting that the predetermined condition regarding communication using the predetermined cellular network is satisfied in each of a plurality of areas that are distant from each other in the provision area, and When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied in each of the plurality of areas, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to inter-area communication across the plurality of areas.

16. The information processor according to claim 15, wherein The detection unit detects that the number of terminal devices having a possibility of performing inter-area communication in each of the plurality of areas exceeds a predetermined threshold, and When the number of terminal devices having a possibility of performing inter-area communication in each of the plurality of areas exceeds the predetermined threshold, the execution unit executes a process for enhancing a communication function related to the inter-area communication.

17. The information processor according to claim 15, wherein When it is detected that the predetermined condition is met in each of the multiple areas, the execution unit prepares a new network slice for inter-area communication.

18. The information processor according to claim 1, wherein When receiving a notification about an emergency response from an authenticated external device, the execution unit executes a process for allowing the terminal device to use a communication function without authentication in at least the portion of the provision area.

19. The information processor according to claim 1, wherein The information processor is a device having a function as a core network.

20. An information processing method, comprising: detecting that a predetermined condition regarding communication using a predetermined cellular network is satisfied in at least a portion of a provision area of ​​the predetermined cellular network; as well as When it is detected that the predetermined condition is satisfied, processing for enhancing the communication function in the area where the predetermined condition is detected to be satisfied is performed.

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