Communication device and wireless base station

Abstract

The communication device performs communication with the first communication network and the second communication network and wireless communication with the terminal, and reports configuration information indicating the configuration of the specific communication network constructed using the communication unit to the first communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a wireless base station capable of performing wireless communication with a terminal (User Equipment: UE). Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP, a registered trademark) is standardizing the 5th generation mobile communication system (also known as 5G, New Radio (NR), or Next Generation (NG)), and is also standardizing the next generation known as Beyond 5G, 5G Evolution, or 6G.

[0003] For example, in the white paper related to 6G (non-patent document 1), the network architecture and more flexible network function configuration are studied.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Non-patent literature

[0006] Non-Patent Document 1: NTT DoCoMo, “DoCoMo 6G White Paper Version 5.0,” [online], January 2023, Internet <URL:https: / / www.docomo.ne.jp / binary / pdf / corporate / technology / whitepap er_6g / DOCOMO_6G_White_PaperJP_20221116.pdf> Summary of the Invention

[0007] In 6G, as one of the ways of mobile communication network architecture, it is planned to introduce Network Controlled Access Point (NCAP, a temporary name) as an access point (communication device) that can be set up under the mobile communication network and can be actively controlled by the network operator.

[0008] In a mobile communication network including NCAP (may also be referred to as an NCAP network), it is envisaged that a network self-optimization function provided on the network operator side, a so-called SON (Self Organizing Networks) function, is utilized.

[0009] However, conventional SON functions involve adjusting configuration parameters based on traffic conditions, etc., after a network operator has appropriately configured (installed) a radio base station (gNB). Therefore, applying such conventional SON functions to NCAPs, which can be configured by subscribers of communications services, is not necessarily appropriate.

[0010] Therefore, the following disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a communication device and a wireless base station that can realize the collection of information required for automatic optimization of an NC AP network.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device (NCAP 100) comprising: a communication unit (a first communication unit 110, a second communication unit 120, and a third communication unit 130) that performs communication with a first communication network and a second communication network, and wireless communication with a terminal (UE 200); and a control unit (control unit 140) that reports configuration information indicating the configuration of a specific communication network constructed using the communication unit to the first communication network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the wireless communication system 10 .

[0013] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of NCAP 100.

[0014] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of UE 200 .

[0015] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of gNB 50.

[0016] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example (part 1) of a control plane (C-plane) function and a user plane (U-plane) function of a CN in a mobile communication network configured using the NCAP 100 .

[0017] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example (part 2) of a control plane (C-plane) function and a user plane (U-plane) function of a CN in a mobile communication network configured using the NCAP 100 .

[0018] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an image showing measurement and reporting of configuration information in the NCAP network.

[0019] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence related to measurement and reporting of NCAP network configuration information.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of NCAP 100, UE 200, and gNB 50.

[0021] Figure 10 2001 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle 2001 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described based on the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals will be given to the same functions and structures, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0023] (1) Overall schematic structure of wireless communication system

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wireless communication system 10 according to this embodiment. Wireless communication system 10 is a wireless communication system that complies with standards known as Beyond 5G, 5G Evolution, or 6G (hereinafter referred to as 6G), and includes a wireless base station 50 (hereinafter referred to as gNB 50) and a terminal 200 (hereinafter referred to as UE 200, or User Equipment, or UE). Wireless communication system 10 may also comply with standards other than 6G, such as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0025] gNB 50 is a 6G-compliant radio base station that performs 6G-compliant wireless communications with UE 200. NC AP 100 and UE 200 support Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), which generates antenna beams with higher directivity by controlling radio signals transmitted from multiple antenna elements; Carrier Aggregation (CA), which bundles and uses multiple component carriers (CCs); and Dual Connectivity (DC), which allows simultaneous communication between the UE and two or more RAN nodes.

[0026] In addition to the gNB 50, the wireless communication system 10 also includes a Network Controlled Access Point 100 (hereinafter referred to as NCAP 100). NCAP 100 is a type of communication device known as an access point (AP) and can provide the same functionality as a wireless base station. NCAP is a temporary name and may also be referred to by other similar terms such as communication node, RAN node, and relay device.

[0027] The NCAP 100 may be set by the operator of the wireless communication system 10 (mobile communication system) (also referred to as a network operator or mobile operator, etc.), or may be freely set by a subscriber (Customer, Subscriber) of the communication service provided by the wireless communication system 10 .

[0028] Furthermore, at least one of the frequency bands (which may include band combinations, etc.), number of antenna beams, number of MIMO layers, and transmit power supported by the NCAP 100 may be limited compared to the gNB 50. The NCAP 100 can provide substantially the same functionality as the gNB 50 and thus can form a cell C1 and accommodate the UE 200.

[0029] The UE 200 is typically a portable terminal such as a smartphone, but may also be a device oriented to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) or URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications).

[0030] The wireless communication system 10 can be composed of a radio access network (RAN) and a 6G-compliant core network. The RAN is composed of multiple RAN nodes, such as gNB 50, that use 6G radio access technology (RAT). The RAN and core network can be simply referred to as "network."

[0031] The core network (CN) is a network that can be connected to the RAN and is composed of a switch, a subscriber information management device, etc. The UE 200 can perform communication with the core network via the RAN.

[0032] In the wireless communication system 10 , a control plane (C-plane) function and a user plane (U-plane) function (UPF: User Plane Function) are defined.

[0033] The control plane (C-plane) may refer to a series of control processes exchanged mainly for establishing communications, etc. The user plane (U-plane) may refer to a process for transmitting and receiving user data.

[0034] In the core network (and part of the RAN), the concept of CUPS (Control and User Plane Separation) can be introduced to clearly separate the functions of the control plane (C-plane) and the user plane (U-plane).

[0035] The control plane (C-plane) functions of the core network may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) that provides access and mobility management functions for UE 200, and a session management function (SMF) that provides session management functions. AMF and SMF may also be referred to by other names.

[0036] For NCAP 100, connection to the RAN and various controls can be performed by the network operator via control plane (C-plane) functions. At least a portion of this connection and / or control can be implemented using the Self-Organizing Network (SON) architecture. SON can be interpreted as a self-optimizing function of the mobile communication network, including automatic configuration and parameter optimization during gNB 50 installation.

[0037] As described above, the NCAP 100 can connect to the gNB 50 via the control plane (C-plane) function. The connection between the gNB 50 and the NCAP 100 can be via the RAN (RAT) or a wired network. Furthermore, the NCAP 100 can provide the UE 200 with communication paths to broadband internet, servers for Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), and other devices via a local area network (LAN). MEC is a mechanism that deploys servers and storage closer to users (subscribers) in mobile communication networks. Furthermore, various cloud services can be accessed via broadband internet.

[0038] (2) Functional block structure of wireless communication system

[0039] Next, the functional block configuration of the wireless communication system 10 will be described. Specifically, the functional block configurations of the NCAP 100 and the UE 200 will be described. Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of NCAP 100. Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of UE 200 . Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of gNB 50.

[0040] (2.1) NCAP 100

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the NCAP 100 includes a first communication unit 110 , a second communication unit 120 , a third communication unit 130 , and a control unit 140 .

[0042] The first communication unit 110 performs communication with the network operator side. Specifically, the first communication unit 110 performs communication with the RAN node including the gNB 50. The connection with the gNB 50 (and other RAN nodes) can use a radio access technology (RAT) or a wired network other than the RAT. The network on the network operator side, which is composed of the RAN node including the gNB 50, can also be referred to as the first communication network. That is, the first communication unit 110 performs communication with the first communication network using the RAT. The network on the network operator side can be simply referred to as the network operator, and can also be interpreted as including the concept of SON.

[0043] The second communication unit 120 performs communication with the local area network (LAN) side. Specifically, the second communication unit 120 performs communication via a communication device such as a router constituting the LAN and the broadband Internet (which may also be simply abbreviated as the Internet).

[0044] The connection to the LAN can be a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a wired LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The network on the LAN side can also be called a second communication network. In other words, the second communication unit 120 performs communication with the second communication network using LAN technology.

[0045] Furthermore, the second communication unit 120 can communicate with the network operator via the LAN (second communication network) and broadband Internet. This communication is not limited to user plane (U-plane) functions but can also include communication related to control plane (C-plane) functions.

[0046] The third communication unit 130 performs communication with the UE 200. Specifically, the third communication unit 130 performs wireless communication with the UE 200 using a radio access technology (RAT). In this case, the NCAP 100 can provide the same functionality as the gNB 50 to the UE 200. In this embodiment, the third communication unit 130 constitutes the communication unit that performs wireless communication with the UE 200.

[0047] The control unit 140 controls the functional blocks that make up the NCAP 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 140 can control the behavior of the communication device of the NCAP 100. Specifically, the control unit 140 can execute the operation (hereinafter referred to as specific operation) of the NCAP 100 as a network device (NW device) that accommodates the UE 200.

[0048] The network device is not particularly limited in type, as long as it accommodates UE 200 (and is intended to connect to UE 200 and perform wireless communications). Here, it can refer to a network device such as a wireless base station (gNB 50), and control unit 140 can perform specific operations as a wireless base station accommodating UE 200.

[0049] The control unit 140 can perform NCAP network optimization based on information related to a specific communication network constructed using at least any one of the first communication unit 110, the second communication unit 120 and the third communication unit 130, specifically a mobile communication network including NCAP (also referred to as NCAP network).

[0050] NCAP network optimization refers to setting parameters related to NCAP network components to appropriate values ​​based on the performance and environment required by the NCAP network. In a broad sense, it can be interpreted as the same as the network's self-optimization function (SON: Self-Organizing Networks).

[0051] The control unit 140 can report configuration information indicating the configuration of the NCAP network to the network operator's network (the first communication network). Configuration information can be interpreted as information indicating, for example, the values ​​set as parameters related to the components of the NCAP network. The components of the NCAP network are not particularly limited. The control unit 140 can report this configuration information to the network operator before or during the execution of the aforementioned specific action.

[0052] Specifically, the control unit 140 can report configuration information related to the physical components of the NCAP network. Examples of physical components include parameters related to antennas. The parameters of physical components will be discussed later. Furthermore, non-physical components related to the NCAP network (such as measured channel information) may also be reported.

[0053] In addition, the control unit 140 can obtain configuration information according to a pre-set or notified measurement object or measurement method. Examples of measurement objects include signal types (e.g., synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) / PBCHs (Physical Broadcast Channels) Blocks) and demodulation reference signals (DMRSs). Examples of measurement methods include RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) measurement and CSI (Channel State Information) measurement. Specific examples of measurement objects and measurement methods will be described later.

[0054] The control unit 140 can obtain configuration information including the configurations of multiple UEs 200 and report the obtained configuration information in a lump sum. In other words, one NCAP can collect configuration information of multiple UEs and report the collected configuration information in a lump sum to the network operator.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 140 may report configuration information based on the communication quality level of the NCAP network or the handover (HO) of the NCAP 100. The communication quality level may be a level of achievement of communication requirements (which may be achieved or not achieved), or an actual value relative to a predefined or set threshold. Reporting of configuration information based on HO may be limited to cases where the NCAP supports HO.

[0056] The control unit 140 can execute specific operations on at least one of the control plane (C-plane) of the NCAP 100 or UE 200 related to the CN, and the user plane (U-plane) of the UE 200 related to the CN. The CN control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane) functions can include the following processing.

[0057] Control plane (C-plane) functions: device registration / connection, subscriber-related management / maintenance / processing, subscriber (terminal) authentication processing, charging-related control, mobility management, session management

[0058] User plane (U-plane): connection to the IP (Internet Protocol) network, authentication processing, IP packet routing, and priority control

[0059] (2.2)UE 200

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the UE 200 includes a wireless communication unit 210 , a connection IF unit 220 , and a control unit 230 .

[0061] The wireless communication unit 210 transmits and receives 6G-compliant wireless signals with the gNB 50 or NCAP 100. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 210 transmits 6G-compliant UL signals and receives 6G-compliant DL signals. The wireless communication unit 210 supports Massive MIMO, Carrier Access Control (CA), which bundles multiple CCs, and Direct Connection (DC), which allows simultaneous communication between the UE and two NG-RAN nodes.

[0062] The connection IF unit 220 can provide an interface (IF) function for connecting to IIoT-oriented or URLLC-oriented devices, etc. The connection IF unit 220 is not required and may not be provided depending on the specifications of the UE 200. The IF provided by the connection IF unit 220 can be wired or wireless.

[0063] The control unit 230 controls the wireless communication unit 210 and the connection IF unit 220. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 230 can connect to the NCAP 100 when the NCAP 100 performs specific operations (operations as a network device accommodating the UE 200) without performing communications with the network operator's network.

[0064] Specifically, when the NCAP 100 is executing a specific action (if before executing the action, a connection request may be sent), the control unit 230 can connect to the NCAP 100 and receive provision of various communication services.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 230 may transmit configuration information indicating the configuration of the NCAP network to the network operator (and the NCAP 100). For example, the control unit 230 may transmit the configuration information when connecting to the NCAP 100. The configuration information may be limited to content associated with the UE 200.

[0066] (2.3) gNB 50

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, gNB 50 has a wireless communication unit 51, a network IF unit 53 and a control unit 55.

[0068] The wireless communication unit 51 transmits and receives 6G-compliant wireless signals with the UE 200 or the NCAP 100. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 51 transmits 6G-compliant downlink signals and receives 6G-compliant uplink signals. The wireless communication unit 51 supports Massive MIMO, Carrier Access Control (CA), which bundles multiple CCs, and Direct Connection (DC), which allows simultaneous communication between the UE and two NG-RAN nodes. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 51 can constitute the communication unit that performs wireless communication with the NCAP 100.

[0069] In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 51 may constitute a receiving unit that receives an acquisition instruction for configuration information indicating the configuration of the NC AP network from the core network (CN). Specifically, the wireless communication unit 51 may receive the acquisition instruction from the control plane (C-plane) function of the CN of the network operator.

[0070] The network IF unit 53 provides an interface function for connecting to the RAN nodes and the nodes (functions) that constitute the CN. Specifically, the network IF unit 53 can provide an interface for connecting to the AMF / UPF and the like.

[0071] The control unit 55 controls the functional blocks that constitute the gNB 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 55 can send a measurement instruction for the configuration of the NCAP network to at least one of the NCAP 100 and the UE 200 via the wireless communication unit 51 based on the configuration information acquisition instruction received by the wireless communication unit 51.

[0072] Specifically, when receiving an instruction to obtain the configuration information, the control unit 55 may transmit an instruction to measure the configuration of the NCAP network based on the aforementioned measurement target and / or measurement method.

[0073] (3) Operation of wireless communication system

[0074] Next, the operation of the wireless communication system 10 will be described. Specifically, the operation related to self-optimization in the mobile communication network (NCAP network) including the NCAP 100 will be described.

[0075] (3.1) Prerequisites

[0076] Conventional SON functions involve adjusting configuration parameters based on traffic conditions, after a network operator has appropriately configured (installed) a radio base station (gNB). Therefore, applying these conventional SON functions to NCAPs that can be configured by subscribers of communications services is not necessarily appropriate.

[0077] The following describes an example of operations related to self-optimization (SON) of the NCAP network (in a narrower sense, this can be interpreted as NCAP itself or the NCAP concept). This optimization control can include the following stages. These can also be defined in other architectures and are not limited to SON functions.

[0078] (i) Information collection for optimized control

[0079] (ii) Parameter settings for optimization

[0080] (iii) Controls involved in optimizing equipment settings

[0081] The following particularly describes the contents related to (i).

[0082] (3.2) Action Overview

[0083] exist Figure 1In the NCAP network shown, the control plane (C-plane) functions and user plane (U-plane) functions of the core network (CN) can be configured as follows, for example.

[0084] CN control plane (C-plane) function: network operator side of the network

[0085] CN user plane (U-plane) function: within NCAP 100 (or within the network on the NCAP 100 side)

[0086] In addition, as described above, the control plane (C-plane) function and the user plane (U-plane) function may include the following processing.

[0087] Control plane (C-plane) functions: device registration / connection, subscriber-related management / maintenance / processing, subscriber (terminal) authentication processing, charging-related control, mobility management, session management

[0088] User plane (U-plane) functions: connection to IP (Internet Protocol) networks, authentication processing, IP packet routing, and priority control

[0089] Figure 5 A configuration example (part 1) of a control plane (C-plane) function and a user plane (U-plane) function of a CN in a mobile communication network configured using the NCAP 100 is shown.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, when the NCAP 100 is connected to a network operator, communication with the network operator's network can be performed via the RAN (using the RAT). Specifically, information related to the connection between the NCAP 100 and the network operator's network (e.g., the gNB 50 or the AMF / SMF constituting the core network) can be exchanged through wireless communication with the gNB 50, and the NCAP 100 can perform connection actions as a UE.

[0091] Figure 6 This section shows an example configuration of the control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane) functions of a CN in a mobile communication network configured using NCAP 100 (Part 2). Specifically, when NCAP 100 is connected to a network operator, it can communicate with the network operator's network via broadband Internet.

[0092] In application Figure 5 and Figure 6In the case of the network architecture shown, the control plane (C-plane) function of CN (Function 1 in the figure) can be configured in the network on the network operator side, and the user plane (U-plane) function of CN (Function I in the figure) can be configured in NCAP 100.

[0093] (3.3) Action example

[0094] (3.3.1) Basic operation example

[0095] The NCAP 100 (and the UE 200 ) may transmit configuration information indicating the configuration of the NCAP network to a SON function (or a SON mechanism) within the network of the network operator.

[0096] Figure 7 An image showing measurement and reporting of configuration information in an NCAP network. Figure 8 An example of a communication sequence related to measurement and reporting of NCAP network configuration information is shown. Figure 8 The timing sequence shown shows a part of the timing sequence related to the following operation example. The order of the timing sequence can be changed as appropriate, and a part of the timing sequence can be omitted.

[0097] The NCAP 100 (and the UE 200 ) may report the configuration information before the NCAP 100 performs an action (specific action) as a network device (NWdevice) accommodating the UE 200 , or may report the configuration information during the execution of the specific action.

[0098] Thereby, the network operator can define and collect all the information required by the SON function responsible for the optimization of the NCAP network.

[0099] (3.3.2) Action Example 1

[0100] The configuration information may be targeted at physical components. For example, regarding the antenna of the NCAP 100 (or UE 200), the following components can be cited.

[0101] Antenna (type, pattern, directivity, number of elements, element spacing and arrangement, number of panels, beamforming capability (number of beams, beam width, etc.)

[0102] Pointing direction, tilt angle, antenna height, output (maximum / minimum / granularity), gain, setting position

[0103] Absolute and / or relative locations of surrounding structures, other NCAPs / UEs being tested, other NCAPs / UEs being connected / cooperated with, target area, current coverage area, and areas where deployment is not possible

[0104] Power line loss, power generation, power consumption, and radio wave protection guidelines

[0105] The parameters of the constituent elements to be targeted may be already applied parameters or applicable parameters. Furthermore, regarding the constituent information, some candidates may be predefined (e.g., beam pattern A / B / C / … / Z). Alternatively, it may be possible to report which of the defined candidates corresponds. This can reduce the amount of information related to the notification.

[0106] Furthermore, the configuration information may also target non-physical components and may include, for example, the following parameters.

[0107] Measured channel information (target frequency, power values / levels related to {desired signal, interference, detected NCAP device, cooperating NCAP device, detected UE, connected UE}, information related to propagation characteristic measurements, beam-related information (e.g., number of good beams, best beam index), LOS (line of sight) / NLOS (no line of sight)

[0108] Service conditions and service status (service type, communication requirements (throughput (total or individual) / capacity (number of devices accommodated, etc.) / power consumption (communication time, etc.) / reliability / latency / UE speed / UE device type)), data volume, degree of achievement of requirements, and resource utilization

[0109] UE connection related information (information related to {RLF, connection attempt error, reconnection time, HO status, initial access} between NCAP and UE)

[0110] Validity / usage status of various wireless parameters: For a specific function, this includes the degree of use of each parameter and the corresponding communication quality when there are multiple parameter candidates. For example, the following parameters can be mentioned.

[0111] MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme), rank

[0112] Reference signals (DMRS / PTRS / SRS / CSIRS / PRS / TRS / etc.)

[0113] Carrier aggregation / dual connectivity (CA / DC)

[0114] Duplex mode (TDD / FDD / FD / etc.)

[0115] Beam indexes, prioritization, and repetition

[0116] Code Division Multiplexing (TD-OCC / FD-OCC / Cyclic Shift / etc.)

[0117] SSB / PRACH configurations, numerology / waveform

[0118] Frequency-resource configurations (cell / band / FR / BWP / etc.)

[0119] PDCCH configurations (search space / CORESET / DCI format / etc.)

[0120] ·PUCCH configurations, PDSCH configurations, PUSCH configurations

[0121] Parameters of the Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Radio Resource Control (RRC) layers

[0122] The bottleneck within the NCAP network

[0123] Information related to parameter settings and scheduling action decisions for required performance and communication quality: For example, this includes MCS determination specifications for reported CSI (Channel State Information) and measured RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) in NCAP.

[0124] The reporting of configuration information can be performed on a per-slice (network slice) basis. Furthermore, information included in existing SON functions can also be reported. The target parameters can be either already applied parameters or applicable parameters.

[0125] Furthermore, configuration information related to the aforementioned physical and non-physical components may be associated (eg, location information and power values). Alternatively, configuration information involved in the report and configuration information related to parameters that require new configuration may be reported.

[0126] This allows the network operator to collect information including components that have been optimized through the configuration (installation) of network devices in the past.

[0127] (3.3.3) Action Example 2

[0128] When reporting the configuration information, the measurement target and measurement method of the target component can be set or reported as follows.

[0129] Examples of measurement targets (information measurement): signal type (SSB, DMRS, etc.), cycle, target resource, etc.

[0130] Examples of measurement methods: RSRP measurement, CSI measurement, measurement related to reception timing, measurement related to reception speed, wireless monitoring (sensing), positioning (position measurement), etc.

[0131] Measurement path: Measurement can be performed on any of the following communication paths.

[0132] BS (gNB 50)-NCAP,

[0133] NCAP-UE

[0134] BS-UE

[0135] NCAP-NCAP (can include other NCAPs other than its own device)

[0136] UE-UE

[0137] In addition, “receive” may be replaced with “send.” Furthermore, before NCAP is executed as an operation of a network device accommodating UE 200, NCAP-UE and UE-UE communications may be permitted for measurement.

[0138] (3.3.4) Action Example 3

[0139] The NCAP 100 can transmit the configuration information to the network operator via any of the following communication paths.

[0140] NCAP to BS (gNB 50)

[0141] ·UE to BS(UE to BS)

[0142] ·UE to NCAP to BS(UE to NCAP to BS)

[0143] NCAP to NCAP to BS

[0144] ·UE to UE to BS (UE to UE to BS)

[0145] ·UE to UE to NCAP to BS (UE to UE to NCAP to BS)

[0146] The BS (gNB 50) can be replaced by the network operator side. In addition, before the NCAP 100 is executed as a network device accommodating the UE 200, NCAP-UE and UE-UE communication can be allowed for measurement.

[0147] NCAP 100 can collect configuration information for multiple UEs 200 (see Example 1) and report this information to the network operator in aggregate. NCAP 100 can process the collected configuration information (e.g., by generating statistical data, quantifying it, or selecting and rejecting it based on reporting requirements) before reporting. This enables efficient configuration information reporting of SON functions on the network operator side.

[0148] (3.3.5) Action Example 4

[0149] The NCAP 100 can report the configuration information by performing any of the following operations.

[0150] (a) Periodic reporting

[0151] The period and / or resource may be predefined or set. Alternatively, they may be notified from the network operator. The period and / or resource may be notified in the authorization notification for starting the operation of the NCAP 100 as a network device accommodating the UE 200.

[0152] (b) Reporting based on triggers from network operators

[0153] (c) Reporting based on communication quality

[0154] The communication quality level may be a level of achievement of communication requirements (which may be achieved or not achieved), or an actual measured value relative to a predefined or set threshold value.

[0155] (d) Report at the timing desired by NCAP

[0156] For example, there may be a case where the NCAP 100 wants to change a parameter.

[0157] (e) HO timing (when NCAP supports HO)

[0158] The configuration information may be included in the handover request message.

[0159] (3.3.6) Action Example 5

[0160] The network (CN / control plane (C-plane) function) on the network operator side can send a configuration information acquisition instruction to the gNB 50 (RAN node) (refer to Figure 8 ). The gNB 50 may send a measurement instruction of the composition information to the NCAP 100 (and / or the UE 200) based on the acquisition instruction (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0161] In this case, the core network (CN) may perform authentication / authorization procedures related to measurement and reporting of the composition information.

[0162] The content of the measurement indication may include the target NCAP ID, measurement and report area (cell list or TA (Tracking Area) list), measurement period, reporting frequency, etc., and the items recorded in the above-mentioned action examples 1 to 4 may also be taken as objects.

[0163] CN can specifically be AMF, or other CN functions such as performing authentication processing, but is not limited to these, and can also be other functions on the network operator side.

[0164] In addition, the list may be sent via an existing NG interface or an interface other than the NG interface.

[0165] (4) Action and Effect

[0166] According to the above embodiment, NCAP 100 can report configuration information indicating the configuration of the NCAP network to the network operator. Therefore, the network operator can collect information necessary for automatic optimization of the NCAP network and achieve appropriate self-optimization of the NCAP network in accordance with the network operator's intentions and the status of the NCAP network.

[0167] (5) Other Implementation Methods

[0168] Although the embodiment has been described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made.

[0169] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a case where a connection to a server for MEC, etc., and broadband Internet is possible via a LAN is described, but the LAN can be set on the same segment or can be different LANs that are physically or logically separated.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the NCAP 100 is connected to both the network operator's network (first communication network) and the LAN (second communication network), but it may also be connected to only one of the networks. Furthermore, the UE 200 connected to the network formed by the NCAP 100 may or may not be separately connected to the network operator's wireless base station. The presence or absence of this connection may affect the behavior of the NCAP 100 and / or the UE 200. Furthermore, the network formed by the NCAP 100 may use either the authorized band or the unlicensed band.

[0171] In addition, the block diagram ( Figures 2-4) shows blocks in units of functions. These functional blocks (structural parts) are implemented by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the implementation method of each functional block. That is, each functional block can be implemented using one device that is physically or logically combined, or can be implemented using multiple devices by connecting two or more physically or logically separated devices directly or indirectly (for example, using wired or wireless connections). The functional blocks can also be implemented by combining software in the above-mentioned one device or the above-mentioned multiple devices.

[0172] Functions include, but are not limited to, judging, determining, determining, calculating, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, confirming, receiving, sending, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, assuming, expecting, regarding, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning. For example, a functional block (structural unit) that performs a transmitting function is referred to as a transmitting unit or a transmitter. In short, as described above, there is no particular limitation on the implementation method.

[0173] Furthermore, the above-mentioned NCAP 100, UE 200, and gNB 50 may also function as computers that perform processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the NCAP 100, UE 200, and gNB 50. Figure 9 As shown, NCAP 100, UE 200 and gNB 50 can also be configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006 and a bus 1007.

[0174] In the following description, the word "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware structure of the device may include one or more of the devices shown in the figures, or may exclude some of the devices.

[0175] Functional blocks of NCAP 100, UE 200, and gNB 50 (see Figures 2-4 ) is implemented by any hardware element in the computer device, or a combination of such hardware elements.

[0176] In addition, each function in NCAP 100, UE 200 and gNB 50 is implemented by reading predetermined software (program) on hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, so that processor 1001 performs calculations and controls the communication of communication device 1004 or controls at least one of the reading and writing of data in memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0177] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by, for example, running an operating system. The processor 1001 may be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control unit, a calculation unit, registers, and the like.

[0178] In addition, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the memory 1003 and the communication device 1004 to the memory 1002, and performs various processes accordingly. As a program, a program that causes the computer to perform at least a part of the actions described in the above embodiments is used. In addition, the various processes described above can be performed by one processor 1001, or by two or more processors 1001 simultaneously or sequentially. The processor 1001 can also be implemented by one or more chips. In addition, the program can also be sent from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0179] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be composed of, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1002 may be referred to as a register, a cache memory, or a main memory (main storage device). The memory 1002 may store programs (program code), software modules, and the like that enable execution of the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] The memory 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be composed of, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic stripe, and the like. The memory 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The aforementioned recording medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium that includes at least one of the memory 1002 and the memory 1003.

[0181] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transceiver) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc.

[0182] The communication device 1004 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc., to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD).

[0183] The input device 1005 is an input device that receives input from the outside (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to the outside (e.g., a display, speaker, LED light, etc.). Alternatively, the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrally formed (e.g., a touch panel).

[0184] Furthermore, the processor 1001, the memory 1002, and other devices are connected via a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus or different buses between devices.

[0185] Furthermore, the device may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented using this hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0186] In addition, the notification of information is not limited to the form / implementation method described in the present disclosure, and other methods may also be used. For example, the notification of information may be implemented through physical layer signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), high-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling, medium access control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB))), other signals or a combination thereof. In addition, RRC signaling may also be referred to as an RRC message, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, etc.

[0187] Each form / embodiment described in the present disclosure can also be applied to a mobile communication system using LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal), Future Radio Access (FRA), New Radio (NR), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE At least one of 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems based on and extended from these systems. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.) may also be employed.

[0188] The processing procedures, timings, and flows of each form / implementation described in this disclosure may be performed in a different order unless there is a conflict. For example, the methods described in this disclosure use an illustrative order to present the elements of various steps, but are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0189] In this disclosure, specific actions performed by a base station may also be performed by its upper node, depending on the circumstances. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes including a base station, various actions performed to communicate with a terminal can be performed by at least one of the base station and other network nodes other than the base station (e.g., an MME or S-GW, but not limited thereto). While the above example illustrates a single other network node other than the base station, it may also be a combination of multiple other network nodes (e.g., an MME and an S-GW).

[0190] It is possible to output information or signals (such as information) from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer), and it is also possible to input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0191] Input or output information can be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input or output information can be overwritten, updated, or appended. Output information can also be deleted. Input information can also be sent to other devices.

[0192] The determination may be made using a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (Boolean: true or false), or a comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value).

[0193] Each form / implementation described in this disclosure may be used individually or in combination, and may be switched between them depending on the execution. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification of "yes X") is not limited to being performed explicitly, but may also be performed implicitly (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0194] Software, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names, shall be interpreted broadly to refer to instructions, sets of instructions, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc.

[0195] Furthermore, software, commands, information, and the like may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a web page, server, or other remote source using at least one of a wired technology (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), etc.) and a wireless technology (infrared, microwave, etc.), at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0196] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may also be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, commands, instructions, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to in the entire description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0197] In addition, the terms used in this disclosure and those required for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may also be referred to as a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0198] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0199] In addition, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure can be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​relative to predetermined values, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources can be indicated using indexes.

[0200] The names used for the above parameters are non-limiting in any respect. Furthermore, the formulas and the like using these parameters may sometimes differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCC H, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any appropriate names, and the names assigned to these channels and information elements are non-limiting in any respect.

[0201] In this disclosure, terms such as "base station (BS)", "wireless base station", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission / reception point", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" are used interchangeably. Base stations are sometimes also referred to as macrocells, small cells, femtocells, and picocells.

[0202] A base station can accommodate one or more (for example, three) cells (also called sectors). When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the base station's overall coverage area can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each of which can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (for example, a small base station (Remote Radio Head: RRH)) for indoor use.

[0203] The terms "cell" or "sector" refer to a portion or the entire coverage area of ​​at least one of a base station and a base station subsystem that provides communication services within the coverage area.

[0204] In the present disclosure, the base station sending information to the terminal may be replaced by the base station instructing the terminal to perform control / action based on the information.

[0205] In the present disclosure, terms such as “mobile station (MS)”, “user terminal (user terminal)”, “user equipment (UE)”, and “terminal” may be used interchangeably.

[0206] For mobile stations, those skilled in the art sometimes also use the following terms to refer to them: subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate terms.

[0207] At least one of the base station and the mobile station may also be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. In addition, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may also be a device mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body may be a means of transportation (for example, a car, an airplane, etc.), a mobile body that moves unmanned (for example, a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). In addition, at least one of the base station and the mobile station also includes a device that does not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0208] In addition, the base station in the present disclosure can also be replaced by a mobile station (user terminal, the same below). For example, regarding a structure in which the communication between a base station and a mobile station is replaced by communication between multiple mobile stations (for example, it can also be called D2D (Device-to-Device: device to device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything: vehicle to everything system), etc.), the various forms / implementations of the present disclosure can also be applied. In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the mobile station has the functions of the base station. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can also be replaced by side channels (or side links).

[0209] Likewise, the mobile station in the present disclosure may be replaced by a base station. In this case, the base station may have the same functions as the mobile station.

[0210] A radio frame can be composed of one or more frames in the time domain. In the time domain, one or more frames can be called a subframe. A subframe can also be composed of one or more time slots in the time domain. A subframe can be a fixed time length (e.g., 1 ms) that is independent of the numerology.

[0211] A parameter set may be a communication parameter applied to at least one of the transmission and reception of a signal or channel. For example, the parameter set may represent at least one of the following: subcarrier spacing (SCS), bandwidth, symbol length, cyclic prefix length, transmission time interval (TTI), number of symbols per TTI, radio frame structure, specific filtering performed by the transceiver in the frequency domain, specific windowing performed by the transceiver in the time domain, and the like.

[0212] In the time domain, a slot may be composed of one or more symbols (OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols, SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols, etc.) A slot may be a time unit based on a parameter set.

[0213] A time slot may contain multiple mini-slots. Each mini-slot may consist of one or more symbols in the time domain. Furthermore, a mini-slot may also be referred to as a sub-slot. A mini-slot may consist of fewer symbols than a time slot. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted in time units larger than a mini-slot may be referred to as PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type A. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted using a mini-slot may be referred to as PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type B.

[0214] Radio frame, subframe, time slot, mini-time slot, and symbol all represent time units for signal transmission. Radio frame, subframe, time slot, mini-time slot, and symbol may be referred to by other corresponding names.

[0215] For example, a subframe can be called a transmission time interval (TTI), multiple consecutive subframes can be called a TTI, and a slot or a mini-slot can be called a TTI. That is, at least one of a subframe and a TTI can be a subframe (1ms) in existing LTE, a period shorter than 1ms (e.g., 1-13 symbols), or a period longer than 1ms. Furthermore, the unit representing a TTI can be called a slot, a mini-slot, or the like, rather than a subframe.

[0216] Here, TTI refers to, for example, the minimum time unit for scheduling in wireless communications. For example, in the LTE system, a base station schedules the allocation of radio resources (such as the frequency bandwidth and transmit power available to each user terminal) to each user terminal using TTIs. The definition of TTI is not limited to this.

[0217] A TTI can be a unit of time for transmitting data packets (transport blocks), code blocks, code words, etc. after channel coding, or a unit of processing such as scheduling and link adaptation. Furthermore, when a TTI is given, the time interval (e.g., the number of symbols) to which a transport block, code block, code word, etc. is actually mapped can be shorter than the TTI.

[0218] In addition, when one time slot or one mini-time slot is called a TTI, one or more TTIs (i.e., one or more time slots or one or more mini-time slots) can be the minimum time unit for scheduling. In addition, the number of time slots (mini-time slots) that constitute the minimum time unit for scheduling can be controlled.

[0219] A TTI with a time length of 1 ms may also be referred to as a normal TTI (TTI in LTE Rel. 8-12), a normal TTI, a long TTI, a normal subframe, a normal subframe, a long subframe, a time slot, etc. A TTI shorter than a normal TTI may also be referred to as a shortened TTI, a short TTI, a partial or fractional TTI, a shortened subframe, a short subframe, a minislot, a subslot, a time slot, etc.

[0220] In addition, for long TTI (for example, normal TTI, subframe, etc.), it can be replaced with a TTI with a time length of more than 1ms, and for short TTI (for example, shortened TTI, etc.), it can be replaced with a TTI with a TTI length smaller than long TTI (longTTI) and greater than 1ms.

[0221] A resource block (RB) is a unit of resource allocation in the time and frequency domains. In the frequency domain, it can contain one or more contiguous subcarriers. The number of subcarriers contained in an RB can be the same regardless of the parameter set, for example, it can be 12. The number of subcarriers contained in an RB can also be determined based on the parameter set.

[0222] In addition, the time domain of an RB may include one or more symbols and may be the length of one slot, one mini-slot, one subframe, or one TTI. One TTI, one subframe, etc. may each be composed of one or more resource blocks.

[0223] In addition, one or more RBs may also be referred to as a physical resource block (PRB), a sub-carrier group (SCG), a resource element group (REG), a PRB pair, an RB pair, and the like.

[0224] Furthermore, a resource block may be composed of one or more resource elements (REs). For example, one RE may be a radio resource region of one subcarrier and one symbol.

[0225] A Bandwidth Part (BWP) (also referred to as a fractional bandwidth) can represent a subset of contiguous common resource blocks (RBs) used for a particular parameter set within a carrier. Common RBs can be identified by their index relative to a common reference point for that carrier. PRBs can be defined within a BWP and numbered within that BWP.

[0226] The BWP may include a BWP for UL (UL BWP) and a BWP for DL ​​(DL BWP). One or more BWPs may be configured for a UE within one carrier.

[0227] At least one of the set BWPs may be active, and the UE may not assume that a predetermined signal / channel is transmitted or received outside the activated BWP. In addition, "cell", "carrier", etc. in the present disclosure may be replaced with "BWP".

[0228] The above-described structures of radio frames, subframes, slots, mini-slots, and symbols are merely examples. For example, various modifications may be made to the structures, such as the number of subframes in a radio frame, the number of slots per subframe or radio frame, the number of mini-slots within a slot, the number of symbols and RBs within a slot or mini-slot, the number of subcarriers within an RB, the number of symbols within a TTI, the symbol length, and the cyclic prefix (CP) length.

[0229] The terms "connected", "coupled" or any variation of these terms are intended to indicate any direct or indirect connection or combination between two or more elements, and may include situations where there is one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The combination or connection between elements may be a physical combination or connection, a logical combination or connection, or a combination of these. For example, "access" may be used instead of "connection". As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, and as some non-limiting and non-inclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the wireless frequency domain, microwave region and optical (visible and invisible) region may be used to "connect" or "couple" to each other.

[0230] The reference signal may be referred to as Reference Signal (RS) for short, or may be referred to as a pilot signal depending on the applicable standard.

[0231] The phrase “based on” used in this disclosure does not mean “based only on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least on.”

[0232] The “unit” in the configuration of each of the above-mentioned devices may be replaced with a “section,” “circuit,” “device,” or the like.

[0233] Any reference to an element using the designations "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure, does not necessarily define the number or order of these elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be used there, or that the first element must precede the second element in some form.

[0234] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms, like the term "comprising," are intended to be inclusive. Furthermore, the term "or" used in this disclosure does not mean an exclusive or.

[0235] In the present disclosure, when an article is added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may also include cases where the noun following the article is in a plural form.

[0236] As used in this disclosure, terms such as "determining" and "determining" sometimes encompass a variety of actions. For example, "determining" and "judging" may include considering matters such as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining as matters that have been "judged" or "determined." Furthermore, "determining" and "receiving" (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., transmitting information), inputting, outputting, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) as matters that have been "judged" or "determined." Furthermore, "determining" and "resolving" may include matters such as selecting, choosing, establishing, and comparing. That is, "judgment" and "decision" may include matters where certain actions are considered to have been "judged" or "decided." In addition, "judgment (decision)" can also be replaced by "assuming (assuming)", "expecting (expecting)", "considering (considering)", etc.

[0237] In this disclosure, the phrase "A and B are different" can mean "A and B are different from each other." Alternatively, the phrase can mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" can also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0238] While the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0239] Figure 10 2001 shows a structural example of a vehicle. Figure 10As shown, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a gear lever 2006, left and right front wheels 2007, left and right rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012 and a communication module 2013.

[0240] The drive unit 2002 is composed of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid power of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also referred to as a steering wheel), and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel by the user. The electronic control unit 2010 is composed of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2027 provided in the vehicle are input to the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be referred to as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0241] As signals from various sensors 2021 to 2028, there are current signals from the current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, speed signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by the speed sensor 2022, air pressure signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by the air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals obtained by the vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals obtained by the acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression amount signals obtained by the accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression amount signals obtained by the brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals obtained by the shift lever sensor 2027, detection signals for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. obtained by the object detection sensor 2028, etc.

[0242] Information service unit 2012 is comprised of various devices, such as a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, a television, and a radio, for providing (outputting) various information, including driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs for controlling these devices. Information service unit 2012 utilizes information obtained from external devices via communication module 2013 and the like to provide various multimedia information and services to vehicle 1 passengers.

[0243] The information service unit 2012 may include input devices for accepting input from the outside (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.), and may also include output devices for implementing output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, touch panel, etc.).

[0244] Driving assistance system unit 2030 is composed of various devices that provide functions for preventing accidents or reducing the driver's driving load, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning devices (such as GNSS), map information (such as high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps, etc.), gyroscope systems (such as IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, AI processors, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. In addition, driving assistance system unit 2030 sends and receives various information via communication module 2013 to implement driving assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

[0245] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 1 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 can transmit and receive data via the communication port 2033 with the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, left and right front wheels 2007, left and right rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, the microprocessor 2031 in the electronic control unit 2010, the memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and the sensors 2021 to 2028 included in the vehicle 2001.

[0246] The communication module 2013 is controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and is a communication device capable of communicating with external devices. For example, various information can be transmitted and received with the external device via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 can be located inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device can also be, for example, a base station or a mobile station.

[0247] The communication module 2013 can transmit at least one of the signals input to the electronic control unit 2010 from the various sensors 2021-2028, information obtained based on these signals, and information based on external (user) input received via the information service unit 2012 to an external device via wireless communication. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2028, the information service unit 2012, and the like can also be referred to as input units that receive input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 can include information based on these inputs.

[0248] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from external devices and displays it on the information service unit 2012 included in the vehicle. The information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to a display, speaker, or other device based on the PDSCH received by the communication module 2013 (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH)). In addition, the communication module 2013 stores various information received from external devices in the memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 can also control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear lever 2006, left and right front wheels 2007, left and right rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021 to 2028, and the like included in the vehicle 2001.

[0249] (Note)

[0250] The above disclosure can also be expressed as follows: A first feature is a communication device comprising: a communication unit that performs communication with a first communication network and a second communication network, and wireless communication with a terminal; and a control unit that reports configuration information indicating the configuration of a specific communication network constructed using the communication unit to the first communication network.

[0251] According to a second feature, in the first feature, the control unit reports the configuration information regarding physical components in the specific communication network.

[0252] According to a third feature, in the first or second feature, the control unit acquires the configuration information in accordance with a measurement target or measurement method that is set or notified in advance.

[0253] According to a fourth feature, in the first to third features, the control unit acquires the configuration information including the configurations of each of the plurality of terminals, and reports the acquired plurality of configuration information in a lump.

[0254] According to a fifth feature, in the first to fourth features, the control unit reports the configuration information based on a communication quality level of the specific communication network or switching of the communication device.

[0255] Description of labels

[0256] 10: Wireless communication system

[0257] 50: gNB

[0258] 51: Wireless Communications Department

[0259] 53: Network IF Department

[0260] 55: Control Department

[0261] 100: NCAP

[0262] 110: 1st Communications Department

[0263] 120: 2nd Communications Department

[0264] 130: 3rd Communications Department

[0265] 140: Control Department

[0266] 200:UE

[0267] C1: Community

[0268] 1001: Processor

[0269] 1002: Memory

[0270] 1003: Memory

[0271] 1004: Communication device

[0272] 1005: Input device

[0273] 1006: Output device

[0274] 1007: Bus

[0275] 2001: Vehicles

[0276] 2002: Drive Department

[0277] 2003: Steering

[0278] 2004: Accelerator pedal

[0279] 2005: Brake pedal

[0280] 2006: Gear Shifter

[0281] 2007: Left and right front wheels

[0282] 2008: Left and right rear wheels

[0283] 2009: Axles

[0284] 2010: Electronic Control Department

[0285] 2012: Information Services Department

[0286] 2013: Communication Module

[0287] 2021: Current Sensors

[0288] 2022: Speed ​​Sensor

[0289] 2023: Air pressure sensor

[0290] 2024: Vehicle speed sensor

[0291] 2025: Accelerometers

[0292] 2026: Brake pedal sensor

[0293] 2027: Gearshift sensor

[0294] 2028: Object detection sensors

[0295] 2029: Accelerator pedal sensor

[0296] 2030: Driving Assistance Systems Division

[0297] 2031: Microprocessor

[0298] 2032: Memory (ROM, RAM)

[0299] 2033: Communication port

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a communication unit that performs communication with the first communication network and the second communication network, and wireless communication with the terminal; and A control unit reports configuration information indicating a configuration of a specific communication network constructed using the communication unit to the first communication network.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit reports the configuration information regarding physical components in the specific communication network.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit acquires the configuration information according to a measurement object or a measurement method that is set in advance or notified. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein: The control unit acquires the configuration information including the configurations of the plurality of terminals, and reports the acquired plurality of configuration information in a lump. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein: The control unit reports the configuration information based on the communication quality level of the specific communication network or the switching of the communication device.

6. A wireless base station comprising: a communication unit for performing wireless communication with a communication device connected to the first communication network, the second communication network, and the terminal; a receiving unit that receives, from a core network, an instruction to obtain configuration information indicating a configuration of a specific communication network constructed using the communication device; and A control unit transmits the configured measurement instruction to at least one of the communication device and the terminal via the communication unit based on the acquisition instruction.

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