Cruise ship mobile communication system research and implementation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a cruise ship mobile communication system research and implementation method. The cruise ship mobile communication system comprises a BBU, a Rhub and a PRRU. The BBU is responsible for processing baseband signals, including modulation, demodulation, coding and decoding of the signals; and the Rhub is used as a data rendezvous point between the BBU and the PRRU, and is used for forwarding a baseband signal output by the BBU to the PRRU through the CPRI interface, and receiving and processing a radio frequency signal uploaded by the PRRU at the same time. According to the technical scheme, a set of comprehensive, efficient and safe mobile communication network (including a wireless access network and a core network) networking scheme is provided for the cruise ship, the data and voice communication requirements of users on the ship are met, elements such as PRRU and DAS networking technologies, satellite backhaul and the lightweight core network are combined, it is ensured that communication services similar to those on the land can be enjoyed on the sea, and the service quality of the cruise ship is improved. The problems that when a passenger liner goes out at present, the network signal strength can be reduced, signal blind areas and weak coverage areas are prone to occurring, the internet surfing experience of a user becomes poor, and the call service is interrupted are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to research and implementation methods for deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship. Background Art

[0002] Most data transmission needs in urban areas are often met through base stations, while satellites are often required for specialized users in remote areas, on ships at sea, and on aircraft. Current satellite transmission technology often determines whether to switch beams when network signals are poor based on metrics such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, or bit error rate. The system then monitors whether the network signal returns to normal. If so, the beam switch is completed; otherwise, beam switching continues until the signal returns. This method can cause users to experience a degraded network signal, leading to an unstable network experience.

[0003] Land mobile users register and activate a carrier SIM / USIM card using their real name. After turning on their phone, they access the network by parsing the downlink synchronization signal from the mobile base station and passing core network authentication and authorization. In the architecture of land mobile networks, the core network and the internet are interconnected via fiber optic cables (including terrestrial and submarine cables).

[0004] Wired optical cables can carry a large bandwidth, reaching the TB level, and the cost of using wired optical cables for network interconnection is very low. Land operators have a large number of base stations and computer room resources, and IDC computer room resources are also rich. Standard or even high-configuration access networks and core network components (including equipment boards, edge computing servers, storage resources, middleware, etc.) can be deployed. Users can surf the Internet, make videos, live broadcasts and other high-bandwidth services on land very conveniently and at a low cost.

[0005] However, when a cruise ship is at sea and more than a certain distance from land, its terminals cannot receive signals from land-based base stations. However, users on board need to communicate, and this need is not limited to communication between users on board. More importantly, it requires communication between users on board and users far away on land, and between users on one ship and users on another ship. To meet this need, we studied the networking characteristics of 5G mobile communication systems in specific scenarios. Based on the relevant technical documents of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) on the networking standards of 5G access networks and core networks, as well as the deployment requirements of 5G private networks, we conducted in-depth research on the scientificity, feasibility, stability, and economics of terminal data and voice communications in this special scenario, and formed the following solution concept:

[0006] With socioeconomic development and improved living standards, the cruise industry is experiencing a period of recovery and transformation. Cruise ships often operate over extensive areas and are significantly affected by factors such as the marine environment and weather conditions. Beam switching based on metrics like signal strength can result in frequent switching. Furthermore, the large number of passengers on board creates a significant gap in network transmission requirements compared to ordinary ships, potentially leading to more frequent beam switching and increasing the risk of network interruptions and data loss. Currently, cruise ships are often far from base stations during travel, reducing network signal strength. Furthermore, signal blind spots and areas of weak coverage are common onboard (primarily within cabins), resulting in a poor user experience and interrupted call services.

[0007] To this end, we propose a method for deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship and its implementation to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication system deployed on a cruise ship and its implementation method, which has the advantage of being able to meet the data and voice communication needs of users on board, ensuring that communication services similar to those on land can be enjoyed at sea, and solves the current problem that when a cruise ship is traveling, the network signal strength will be reduced, and signal blind spots and weak coverage areas are prone to occur, resulting in a poor Internet experience for users and interruption of call services.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a mobile communication system is deployed on a cruise ship, the communication system including a BBU (baseband unit), a Rhub (CPRI data hub) and a PRRU (remote radio unit);

[0010] BBU (baseband unit) is responsible for processing baseband signals, including signal modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding;

[0011] The Rhub (Radio Remote CPRI Data Convergence Unit) serves as the data convergence point between the BBU and the PRRU. It forwards the baseband signals output by the BBU to the PRRU via the CPRI interface and receives and processes the RF signals uploaded by the PRRU.

[0012] PRRU (Remote Radio Unit), used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals;

[0013] The connection between BBU and Rhub adopts optical fiber connection to ensure high-speed and stable data transmission;

[0014] The connection between Rhub and PRRU uses Category 6 network cable, which supports Gigabit network transmission.

[0015] The present invention also provides the following technical solution: a research and implementation method for deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship, the method comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1: New onboard card issuance network deployment plan: A cloud-network integrated cabinet and traceability system are deployed on the cruise ship. The cruise ship provides dedicated onboard SIM cards, which are connected to the newly deployed lightweight 5GC and IMS through the onboard base station. The N6 port from the UPF to the Internet is connected via satellite.

[0017] S2: Onboard data service deployment solution: By deploying core network elements and leveraging 5G and WiFi technologies, network connectivity and data services are provided to passengers and crew on the cruise ship, with connectivity to the external internet achieved via satellite communications.

[0018] S3: Onboard voice service deployment plan: By deploying the iIMS system, combined with 5G and WiFi technologies, voice communication within the cruise ship is achieved;

[0019] S4: Onboard distribution system construction plan: The onboard coverage plan uses BBU+Rhu+PRRU to establish data transmission.

[0020] Preferably, in step S1, the deployment plan of the new card issuance network on board includes:

[0021] S1.1: Data services:

[0022] Lightweight 5GC on the cruise ship allows cruise users to open new accounts and obtain numbers on the ship's dedicated UDM network, connect to the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC to access the cruise ship's internal data services, and access Internet data services via satellite.

[0023] Mobile terminals access the cruise ship's internal data services via WiFi;

[0024] S1.2: Voice service:

[0025] Cruise ships deploy iIMS to meet the internal VoNR voice intercommunication needs of new cruise card users;

[0026] Mobile terminals access the VoIP server via WiFi to meet the internal VoWiFi voice communication needs of new cruise card users.

[0027] Preferably, in step S1, when the satellite link is normal: the user can access the cruise ship's internal data center and the Internet to achieve voice communication with VoNR and VoWiFi within the cruise ship;

[0028] When the satellite link is disconnected: users can access the cruise ship's internal data center but cannot access the Internet. The VoNR and VoWiFi voice communications within the cruise ship are not affected.

[0029] Preferably, in step S2, the onboard data service deployment solution includes the following steps:

[0030] S2.1: AMF / SMF / UPF / UDM / CG / PCF and other network elements are deployed on the cruise ship, providing core network access terminal connection, session management, access authentication, and account opening and number allocation functions;

[0031] S2.2: 5G terminals access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC through a 5G base station to access internal applications, and the N6 port accesses the Internet via satellite.

[0032] S2.3: The terminal accesses the cruise ship's data center via WiFi and the Internet via satellite;

[0033] S2.4: Deploy CG to provide offline call records. Billing requires the deployment of a separate billing system.

[0034] Preferably, in step S3, the onboard voice service deployment solution includes the following steps:

[0035] S3.1: iIMS deployed on cruise ships includes network elements such as A-SBC / I / S-CSCF / MMTel AS;

[0036] S3.2: 5G terminals connect to the cruise ship's lightweight i5GC and iIMS through 5G base stations to achieve internal VoNR voice intercommunication;

[0037] S3.3: The terminal implements VoWiFi voice communication within the cruise ship through WiFi, ePDG, lightweight i5GC and iIMS.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0039] 1. This invention aims to provide a comprehensive, efficient, and secure wireless core networking solution for cruise ships, meeting the data and voice communication needs of onboard users. By combining PRRU and DAS networking technologies, satellite backhaul, and a lightweight core network, this solution ensures similar communication services at sea as those on land. This solution addresses the current problem of reduced network signal strength during cruise ship travel, leading to signal blind spots and weak coverage areas, which can degrade users' Internet experience and cause call interruptions.

[0040] 2. The cruise ship's mobile communication system can achieve 5G network signal coverage inside the cruise ship cabins and on the outer decks. Tourists can make voice calls normally in the 5G coverage area on the ship. Tourists use their mobile phones to access cruise applications deployed on the ship through the 5G network. When tourists use their mobile phones in the 5G coverage area on the ship, if the satellite bandwidth is limited, the Internet service level will be reduced to ensure smooth voice services. When satellite communications are interrupted, the 5G network ensures that the mobile phone call services of manufacturer staff are normal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1This is a diagram of the 5G mobile communication network architecture of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the deployment scheme of the new card issuance network on board the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the onboard data service deployment solution of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the deployment scheme of the shipboard voice service of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 A digital indoor distribution topology diagram of the mobile communication system of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a topology diagram of a land mobile communication network according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the NG interface protocol stack of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the Xn interface protocol stack of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the wireless air interface protocol stack of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the 5G system architecture based on reference points in non-roaming mode according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Example 1:

[0053] This embodiment proposes a method for deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship, which includes the following steps:

[0054] S1: New onboard card issuance network deployment plan: A cloud-network integrated cabinet and traceability system are deployed on the cruise ship. The cruise ship provides dedicated onboard SIM cards, which are connected to the newly deployed lightweight 5GC and IMS through the onboard base station. The N6 port from the UPF to the Internet is connected via satellite.

[0055] S2: Onboard data service deployment solution: By deploying core network elements and leveraging 5G and WiFi technologies, network connectivity and data services are provided to passengers and crew on the cruise ship, with connectivity to the external internet achieved via satellite communications.

[0056] S3: Onboard voice service deployment plan: By deploying the iIMS system, combined with 5G and WiFi technologies, voice communication within the cruise ship is achieved;

[0057] S4: Onboard distribution system construction plan: The onboard coverage plan uses BBU+Rhu+PRRU to establish data transmission.

[0058] In this embodiment, in step S1, the deployment plan of the new card issuance network on board includes:

[0059] S1.1: Data services:

[0060] The cruise ship uses lightweight 5GC (5G core network). Cruise users can open new accounts and obtain numbers on the ship's private UDM network, access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC to access the cruise ship's internal data services (intranet data center), and access Internet data services via satellite (low orbit or high orbit).

[0061] Mobile terminals access the cruise ship's internal data services (intranet data center) via WiFi;

[0062] S1.2: Voice service:

[0063] Cruise ships deploy iIMS to meet the internal VoNR voice intercommunication needs of new cruise card users;

[0064] Mobile terminals access the VoIP server via WiFi to meet the internal VoWiFi voice communication needs of new cruise card users.

[0065] In this embodiment, in step S1, when the satellite link is normal: the user can access the cruise ship's internal data center and the Internet to achieve voice communication with VoNR and VoWiFi within the cruise ship;

[0066] When the satellite link is disconnected: users can access the cruise ship's internal data center but cannot access the Internet. The VoNR and VoWiFi voice communications within the cruise ship are not affected.

[0067] In this embodiment, in step S2, the onboard data service deployment solution includes the following steps:

[0068] S2.1: AMF / SMF / UPF / UDM / CG / PCF and other network elements are deployed on the cruise ship, providing core network access terminal connection, session management, access authentication, and account opening and number allocation functions;

[0069] S2.2: 5G terminals access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC through a 5G base station to access internal applications, and the N6 port accesses the Internet via satellite.

[0070] S2.3: The terminal accesses the cruise ship's data center via WiFi and the Internet via satellite;

[0071] S2.4: Deploy CG to provide offline call records. Billing requires the deployment of a separate billing system.

[0072] In this embodiment, in step S3, the onboard voice service deployment solution includes the following steps:

[0073] S3.1: iIMS deployed on cruise ships includes network elements such as A-SBC / I / S-CSCF / MMTel AS;

[0074] S3.2: 5G terminals connect to the cruise ship's lightweight i5GC and iIMS through 5G base stations to achieve internal VoNR voice intercommunication;

[0075] S3.3: The terminals use WiFi, ePDG (evolved Packet Data Gateway), lightweight i5GC and iIMS to achieve VoWiFi voice communication within the cruise ship.

[0076] This embodiment proposes a cruise ship mobile communication system, which includes a BBU (baseband unit), a Rhub (radio remote CPRI data aggregation unit) and a PRRU (radio remote unit);

[0077] BBU (baseband unit) is responsible for processing baseband signals, including signal modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding;

[0078] The Rhub (Radio Remote CPRI Data Convergence Unit) serves as the data convergence point between the BBU and the PRRU. It forwards the baseband signals output by the BBU to the PRRU via the CPRI interface and receives and processes the RF signals uploaded by the PRRU.

[0079] PRRU (Remote Radio Unit), used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, is installed on the ceiling indoors to achieve good signal coverage;

[0080] The connection between BBU and Rhub adopts optical fiber connection to ensure high-speed and stable data transmission;

[0081] The connection between Rhub and PRRU uses Category 6 network cable, which supports gigabit network transmission and can meet the PRRU's demand for high-speed data transmission.

[0082] In this embodiment, through the reasonable deployment of PRRU, good signal coverage can be achieved in various areas of the ship, improving the communication quality. This solution supports the expansion of multiple Rhubs and PRRUs and can be flexibly adjusted according to changes in communication needs on board. The connection between BBU, Rhub and PRRU adopts standardized interfaces and protocols to facilitate equipment maintenance and management.

[0083] In this embodiment, the BBU+Rhub+PRRU deployment solution has significant advantages in the shipboard mobile communication system and can meet the communication needs in the complex environment of the ship. In actual application, flexible adjustment and optimization are required according to specific circumstances to ensure the stability and reliability of the system.

[0084] The following points should be noted in this embodiment:

[0085] Network cable length limit: Although Category 6 network cables support gigabit network transmission, in actual applications, you need to pay attention to the length limit of the network cable to avoid signal attenuation and decreased transmission quality due to excessive length.

[0086] Power supply method: PRRUs can usually be powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet) cables. However, you need to pay attention to the power supply distance and power limits to ensure the normal operation of the PRRUs.

[0087] Equipment selection: When selecting BBU, Rhub, and PRRU, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as onboard communication requirements, environmental conditions, and budget, and select the appropriate equipment model and configuration.

[0088] Example 2:

[0089] The implementation method of deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship also includes a 5G mobile communication network architecture, as follows:

[0090] In this embodiment, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) describes the overall architecture of the 5G NR network as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes 5G access network NG-RAN and 5G core network 5GC.

[0091] To provide more efficient service capabilities, 5G networks, based on 4G networks, have achieved a complete separation of the control plane (Control Plan) and the user plane (User Plan). The control plane carries signaling or control messages, while the user plane carries user data. During information transmission, the control plane (transmitting control signaling or control messages) and the user plane (transmitting user data) correspond to different protocol stacks.

[0092] In summary, this technical solution provides a comprehensive, efficient, and secure wireless core networking solution for cruise ships, meeting the data and voice communication needs of onboard users. Combining PRRU and DAS networking technologies, satellite backhaul, and a lightweight core network, it ensures similar communication services at sea as those on land. This addresses the current problem of reduced network signal strength during cruise ship travel, resulting in signal blind spots and weak coverage areas, which can lead to a poor Internet experience and call interruptions for users.

[0093] This cruise ship mobile communication system can achieve 5G network signal coverage inside the cruise ship cabins and on the outer decks. Tourists can make voice calls normally in the 5G coverage area on the ship. Tourists use their mobile phones to access cruise applications deployed on the ship through the 5G network. Tourists use their mobile phones in the 5G coverage area on the ship. If the satellite bandwidth is limited, the Internet service level will be reduced to ensure smooth voice services. When satellite communications are interrupted, the 5G network ensures that the mobile phone call services of manufacturer staff are normal.

[0094] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0095] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for deploying a mobile communication system on a cruise ship, characterized by: The method comprises the following steps: S1: New card issuance network deployment plan on board: A cloud-network integrated cabinet and traceability system are deployed on the cruise ship. The cruise ship provides dedicated SIM cards on board. Access is provided to the newly deployed lightweight 5GC and IMS through the ship's base station. The N6 port from the UPF to the Internet is connected via satellite. In other words, a lightweight 5GC core network is deployed on the cruise ship. 5G terminals on board access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC through the 5G access network. Session management, authentication, and other functions are implemented on the ship's core network. Users can access internal cruise applications and access the Internet by connecting to the satellite through the N6 port. The new card issuance network deployment plan on board includes: S1.1: Data services: Lightweight 5GC on cruise ships allows cruise users to open new accounts on the ship's dedicated UDM network, access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC to access internal cruise data services, and access Internet data services via satellite; Mobile terminals access the cruise ship's internal data services via WiFi; S1.2: Voice service: Cruise ships deploy iIMS to meet the internal VoNR voice intercommunication needs of new cruise card users; Mobile terminals access the VoIP server via WiFi to meet the internal VoWiFi voice communication needs of new cruise card users; S2: Onboard data service deployment plan: By deploying core network elements and leveraging 5G and WiFi technologies, network connectivity and data services are provided to passengers and crew on the cruise ship. Satellite communications are used to connect to the external Internet, and stable uplinks are provided via high-throughput satellites (HTS) or low-orbit satellite constellations (such as Starlink). The bandwidth must meet the concurrent needs of multiple users. In step S2, the onboard data service deployment solution includes the following steps: S2.1: AMF / SMF / UPF / UDM / CG / PCF network elements are deployed on the cruise ship, providing core network access terminal connection, session management, access authentication, and account opening and number allocation functions; S2.2: 5G terminals access the cruise ship's lightweight 5GC through a 5G base station to access internal applications, and the N6 port accesses the Internet via satellite. S2.3: The terminal accesses the cruise ship's data center via WiFi and the Internet via satellite; S2.4: Deploy CG to provide offline call records. Billing requires the deployment of a separate billing system. S3: Onboard voice service deployment plan: By deploying the iIMS system, combined with 5G and WiFi technologies, voice communication within the cruise ship is achieved; In step S3, the onboard voice service deployment solution includes the following steps: S3.1: iIMS deployed on cruise ships includes network elements such as A-SBC / I / S-CSCF / MMTel AS; S3.2: 5G terminals connect to the cruise ship's lightweight i5GC and iIMS through 5G base stations to achieve internal VoNR voice intercommunication; S3.3: The terminals use WiFi, ePDG, lightweight i5GC, and iIMS to achieve VoWiFi voice communication within the cruise ship; S4: Onboard distribution system construction plan: The onboard coverage plan uses BBU+Rhu+PRRU to establish data transmission.

2. The method for implementing the deployment of a mobile communication system on a cruise ship according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, when the satellite link is normal: the user can access the cruise ship's internal data center and the Internet to achieve voice communication with VoNR and VoWiFi within the cruise ship; When the satellite link is disconnected: users can access the cruise ship's internal data center but cannot access the Internet. The VoNR and VoWiFi voice communications within the cruise ship are not affected.

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