Gateway device

Abstract

To provide means for selectively using multiple types of satellite backhaul lines.SOLUTION: In a mobile communication system, a gateway device 7 includes a first extra-tropospheric communication unit that communicates with a first ground station 43 of a first extra-tropospheric communication line 42 relayed to a first extra-tropospheric mobile object 41 moving at a first altitude included outside the troposphere that is higher than the troposphere, a second extra-tropospheric communication unit that communicates with a second ground station 53 of a second extra-tropospheric communication line 52 relayed to a second extra-tropospheric mobile object 51 moving at a second altitude different from the first altitude, a terrestrial communication unit that communicates with a base station 2 or a core network device 3, a packet distribution table that defines whether to transmit packets received by the terrestrial communication unit to the first extra-tropospheric communication unit or the second extra-tropospheric communication unit for packet information data, and a packet distribution unit that refers to the packet distribution table and transmits the packet to the first extra-tropospheric communication unit or the second extra-tropospheric communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gateway device that enables a base station or core network device to communicate via multiple types of satellite communication links in a mobile communication system that utilizes multiple types of satellite communication links. [Background technology]

[0002] In the fifth generation mobile communication system, various companies are considering the introduction of satellite backhaul lines to connect base stations in locations where it is difficult to connect via terrestrial communication lines to the core network equipment of the mobile communication system. One possible form of use for satellite backhaul lines is to connect terrestrial base stations and core network equipment via satellite communication lines (satellite backhaul lines). This method has excellent compatibility with existing networks. As satellites (including high-altitude pseudo satellites) to be used for satellite backhaul lines, geostationary satellites (GEO), low-earth orbit satellites (LEO), high-altitude pseudo satellites, etc. are being considered.

[0003] In a fifth-generation mobile communication system that connects base stations and core network devices via one type of satellite backhaul line, a method has been proposed that includes a conversion table that converts between a service quality index of the fifth-generation mobile communication system and a service quality index of satellite communication, and updates the priority of the service quality index in the conversion table, which describes the priority of wireless communication of the satellite backhaul line, based on the evaluation results of the service quality for each service quality index (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7038928 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention of Patent Document 1 solves the problem that in a mobile communication system connected by one type of satellite backhaul line, the priority of the service quality between terrestrial base stations affects each other, causing low-priority data to be stuck. Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for selectively using multiple types of satellite backhaul lines when multiple types of satellite backhaul lines are used to connect between a base station and a core network device. There is a problem that there is no means for selectively using multiple types of satellite backhaul lines.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a means for selectively using multiple types of satellite backhaul links when multiple types of satellite backhaul links are available. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gateway device according to the present invention is an extra-troposphere communication line that is a communication line relayed to an extra-troposphere relay station that is a relay station mounted on an extra-troposphere mobile body that is a mobile body moving outside the troposphere at an altitude higher than the troposphere, and includes a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station that is a ground station of the first extra-troposphere communication line that is an extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a first extra-troposphere relay station that is an extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a first extra-troposphere mobile body that is an extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a first altitude included outside the troposphere, and a second extra-troposphere relay station that is an extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a second extra-troposphere mobile body that is an extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a second altitude included outside the troposphere different from the first altitude. the second extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with a second ground station which is a ground station for a second extra-troposphere communication line which is an extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a base station; a ground communication unit communicating with a base station or a core network device of the mobile communication system; a packet distribution table specifying whether a packet received by the ground communication unit should be sent to either the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit based on packet information data which is data contained in the packet or data that can be determined from the packet; and a packet distribution unit which refers to the packet distribution table and sends the packet received by the ground communication unit to the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] When multiple types of satellite backhaul links are available, the gateway device according to the present invention can use the multiple types of satellite backhaul links appropriately. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a mobile communication system that uses multiple types of satellite communication systems as backhaul lines. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a packet distribution table based on a service quality index held by the gateway device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet distribution table by packet type that is held by the gateway device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet distribution priority table according to packet type that is held by the gateway device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the packet distribution priority table according to packet type that the gateway device according to the second embodiment has. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] A figure showing an example of a packet distribution table by network slices possessed by a gateway device in embodiment 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet distribution table based on a service quality index that the gateway device according to the fifth embodiment has. [Figure 13] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiment 1 With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a mobile communication system in which a gateway device according to the first embodiment is used will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a mobile communication system that uses a plurality of types of satellite communication systems as backhaul lines. The mobile communication system 100 is mainly configured to include a mobile station 1, a base station 2 with which the mobile station 1 communicates wirelessly, a core network device 3 with which the base station 2 communicates, a geostationary satellite communication system 4, a low-earth orbit satellite communication system 5, a high-altitude pseudo satellite communication system 6, a gateway device 7a that communicates with the core network device 3, and a gateway device 7b that communicates with the base station 2. The base station 2 is not connected to the core network device 3 by a communication line laid on the ground. The geostationary satellite communication system 4, the low-earth orbit satellite communication system 5, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication system 6 are used as satellite backhaul lines that connect the base station 2 to the core network device 3. Although not shown in the figure, a large number of base stations are connected to the core network device 3.

[0011] The core network device 3 communicates with the base station 2 to register, authenticate, and control communications with the mobile station 1. The core network device 3 is connected to a core network 8. The core network 8 is a network of high-capacity communication lines laid on the ground. A large number of core network devices 3 are connected to the core network 8. The core network 8 is connected to other communication networks (not shown). A communication partner 9 (not shown) with which the mobile station 1 communicates is connected to the core network 8 or another communication network.

[0012] The gateway device 7a enables the core network device 3 to communicate via the geostationary satellite communication system 4, the low earth orbit satellite communication system 5, and the high earth orbit pseudo satellite communication system 6. The gateway device 7a distributes packets received from the core network device 3 to each satellite backhaul line and transmits them to the base station 2. The gateway device 7b enables the base station 2 to communicate via the geostationary satellite communication system 4, the low earth orbit satellite communication system 5, and the high earth orbit pseudo satellite communication system 6. The gateway device 7b distributes packets received from the base station 2 to each satellite backhaul line and transmits them to the core network device 3. A plurality of core network devices 3 may be connected to one gateway device 7a. Each core network device 3 is connected to a specific gateway device 7a. A plurality of base stations 2 may be connected to one gateway device 7b. Each base station 2 is connected to a specific gateway device 7b.

[0013] The gateway device 7a receives a packet from the core network device 3, and checks the service quality indicator contained in the packet against a packet distribution table 91 (shown in FIG. 2) to determine to which satellite backhaul line the packet should be transmitted. The packet transmitted via the satellite backhaul line is received by the gateway device 7b and transmitted to the base station 2, enabling communication with the mobile station 1.

[0014] Gateway device 7b compares the packet received from base station 2 with packet distribution table 91 based on the service quality index included in the packet, and determines to which satellite backhaul line the packet should be transmitted. The packet transmitted via the satellite backhaul line is received by gateway device 7a and transmitted to core network device 3.

[0015] The geostationary satellite communication system 4 has a geostationary satellite 41, geostationary satellite communication links 42a and 42b, and geostationary satellite communication earth stations 43a and 43b. The geostationary satellite communication link 42a is a communication link between the geostationary satellite 41 and the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43a. The geostationary satellite communication link 42b is a communication link between the geostationary satellite 41 and the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43b. The geostationary satellite communication earth station 43a and 43b are earth stations that communicate with the geostationary satellite 41. The geostationary satellite communication earth station 43a communicates with the gateway device 7a through a wired dedicated communication link 44a. The geostationary satellite communication earth station 43b communicates with the gateway device 7b through a wired dedicated communication link 44b. The dedicated communication links 44a and 44b communicate using a protocol with low overhead, such as IP communication. The same applies to the other dedicated communication links.

[0016] The geostationary satellite 41 is an extra-tropospheric mobile body that moves outside the troposphere, which is an altitude higher than the troposphere. The geostationary satellite 41 is a first extra-tropospheric mobile body that moves at a first altitude included in the troposphere. The relay station mounted on the geostationary satellite 41 is an extra-tropospheric relay station mounted on the extra-tropospheric mobile body. The relay station mounted on the geostationary satellite 41 is also a first extra-tropospheric relay station mounted on the first extra-tropospheric mobile body. The geostationary satellite communication links 42a and 42b are extra-tropospheric communication links that are communication links relayed to the extra-tropospheric relay station. The geostationary satellite communication links 42a and 42b are first extra-tropospheric communication links that are extra-tropospheric communication links relayed to the first extra-tropospheric relay station. The geostationary satellite communication ground stations 43a and 43b are first ground stations that are ground stations of the first extra-tropospheric communication links.

[0017] The low-orbit satellite communication system 5 has low-orbit satellites 51a and 51b, low-orbit satellite communication links 52a and 52b, and low-orbit satellite communication ground stations 53a and 53b. The low-orbit satellite communication link 52a is a communication link between the low-orbit satellite 51a and the low-orbit satellite communication ground station 53a. The low-orbit satellite communication link 52b is a communication link between the low-orbit satellite 51b and the low-orbit satellite communication ground station 53b. The low-orbit satellite communication links 52a and 52b are configured by mesh-type or star-type communication links using, for example, a TDM / TDMA system or a SCPC (Single Channel Per Carrier) system.

[0018] The low-earth orbit satellite communication links 52a and 52b are connected in advance between the base station 2 and the core network device 3. When the mobile station 1 requests communication with the communication partner 9, a communication path (low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52a, low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53a, and core network device 3) is determined, and subsequent communication is performed using the communication path using the same low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53a. Note that when the mobile station 1 requests communication with the communication partner 9, the base station 2 with which the mobile station 1 communicates is already determined, and the low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53b with which the base station 2 communicates and the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52b used by the low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53b are already determined. When the mobile station 1 moves after communication starts and communicates with another base station 2, the low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53b and the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52b corresponding to the other base station 2 are used.

[0019] The low-orbit satellites 51a and 51b are extratropospheric mobile bodies. The low-orbit satellites 51a and 51b are second extratropospheric mobile bodies that are extratropospheric mobile bodies that move at a second altitude that is different from the first altitude and is included outside the troposphere. The relay stations mounted on the low-orbit satellites 51a and 51b are extratropospheric relay stations. The relay stations mounted on the low-orbit satellites 51a and 51b are also second extratropospheric relay stations mounted on the second extratropospheric mobile bodies. The low-orbit satellite communication links 52a and 52b are extratropospheric communication links that are communication links relayed to the extratropospheric relay stations. The low-orbit satellite communication links 52a and 52b are second extratropospheric communication links that are extratropospheric communication links relayed to the second extratropospheric relay stations. The low-orbit satellite communication ground stations 53a and 53b are second ground stations that are ground stations of the second extratropospheric communication links.

[0020] The low-earth orbit satellite communication ground station 53a communicates with the gateway device 7a via a wired dedicated communication line 54a. The low-earth orbit satellite communication ground station 53b communicates with the gateway device 7b via a wired dedicated communication line 54b. The low-earth orbit satellites 51 form a low-earth orbit satellite network. Since the low-earth orbit satellites 51 move relative to the Earth's surface, the low-earth orbit satellites 51a tracked by the low-earth orbit satellite communication ground station 53a change over time. The low-earth orbit satellites 51b tracked by the low-earth orbit satellite communication ground station 53b change over time.

[0021] The low-earth orbit satellites 51 can communicate with each other via low-earth orbit satellite communication links 55. The low-earth orbit satellites 51a and 51b may communicate with each other via one or more other low-earth orbit satellites 51, or the low-earth orbit satellites 51a and 51b may be the same. There are many low-earth orbit satellites 51, low-earth orbit satellite communication links 52, and low-earth orbit satellite communication ground stations 53, but only those on the route used when the base station 2 communicates with the core network device 3 are shown in the figure.

[0022] The high altitude pseudosatellite communication system 6 includes high altitude pseudosatellites 61a and 61b, high altitude pseudosatellite communication links 62a and 62b, and high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground stations 63a and 63b. The high altitude pseudosatellite communication link 62a is a communication link between the high altitude pseudosatellite 61a and the high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground station 63a. The high altitude pseudosatellite communication link 62b is a communication link between the high altitude pseudosatellite 61b and the high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground station 63b. The high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground station 63a communicates with the gateway device 7a via a wired dedicated communication link 64a. The high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground station 63b communicates with the gateway device 7b via a wired dedicated communication link 64b. The high altitude pseudosatellite 61 constitutes a high altitude pseudosatellite network.

[0023] The high altitude pseudolites 61 can communicate with each other through a high altitude inter-pseudolite communication link 65. The high altitude pseudolite 61a and the high altitude pseudolite 61b may communicate with each other via one or more other high altitude pseudolites 61, or the high altitude pseudolite 61a and the high altitude pseudolite 61b may be the same. There are many high altitude pseudolites 61, high altitude pseudolite communication links 62, and high altitude pseudolite communication ground stations 63, but only those on the route used when the base station 2 communicates with the core network device 3 are shown in the figure.

[0024] The high altitude pseudo satellites 61a and 61b are extratropospheric mobile bodies. The high altitude pseudo satellites 61a and 61b are third extratropospheric mobile bodies that are extratropospheric mobile bodies that move at a third altitude that is included outside the troposphere and different from the first altitude and the second altitude. The relay stations mounted on the high altitude pseudo satellites 61a and 61b are extratropospheric relay stations. The relay stations mounted on the high altitude pseudo satellites 61a and 61b are also third extratropospheric relay stations mounted on the third extratropospheric mobile bodies. The high altitude pseudo satellite communication links 62a and 62b are extratropospheric communication links that are communication links relayed to the extratropospheric relay stations. The high altitude pseudo satellite communication links 62a and 62b are third extratropospheric communication links that are extratropospheric communication links relayed to the third extratropospheric relay stations. The high altitude pseudo-satellite communication ground stations 63a and 63b are third ground stations which are ground stations for a third extra-troposphere communication link.

[0025] The geostationary satellite communication system 4, the low-earth-orbit satellite communication system 5, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication system 6 are characterized by their coverage area, delay time, bandwidth, and available time depending on the altitude of the relay satellite, the operation method, the positional relationship with the ground, etc. In this embodiment, three types of satellite backhaul links are shown, but two or four or more types of satellite backhaul links may be used.

[0026] The gateway devices 7a and 7b have the same configuration. The configuration of the gateway device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The gateway device 7 has a geostationary satellite communication unit 71, a low-orbit satellite communication unit 72, a high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73, a ground communication unit 74, a packet distribution unit 75, and a data storage unit 76. The geostationary satellite communication unit 71 communicates with the geostationary satellite communication ground station 43 via a dedicated communication line 44. The geostationary satellite communication unit 71 enables the mobile station 1 to communicate with the communication partner 9 using the geostationary satellite communication system 4. The low-orbit satellite communication unit 72 communicates with the low-orbit satellite communication ground station 53 via a dedicated communication line 54. The low-orbit satellite communication unit 72 enables the mobile station 1 to communicate with the communication partner 9 using the low-orbit satellite communication system 5. The high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73 communicates with the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication ground station 63 via a dedicated communication line 64. The high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 enables the mobile station 1 to communicate with the communication partner 9 using the high altitude pseudo satellite communication system 6 .

[0027] The geostationary satellite communication unit 71 is a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station. The low-orbit satellite communication unit 72 is a second extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a second ground station. The high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73 is a third extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a third ground station.

[0028] The terrestrial communication unit 74 communicates with the base station 2 or the core network device 3 via a dedicated communication line 77. The gateway device 7a communicates with the core network device 3 via a dedicated communication line 77a. The gateway device 7b communicates with the base station 2 via a dedicated communication line 77b. The terrestrial communication unit 74 transfers packets transmitted from the base station 2 or the core network device 3 to the packet sorting unit 75. The terrestrial communication unit 74 receives packets transmitted from the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73, and transmits them to the base station 2 or the core network device 3.

[0029] The packet distribution unit 75 distributes packets transmitted by the terrestrial communication unit 74 to either the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, or the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 and transmits the packets. Either the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, or the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 to which the packet distribution unit 25 distributes the packets is called the communication unit to be used for the packets. The data storage unit 76 stores a packet distribution table 91 and line definition data 92 to which the packet distribution unit 75 refers. The packet distribution table 91 is data that stores the communication unit to be used for the packets with respect to the service quality index. The line definition data 92 is data that specifies whether transmission and reception are possible for the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73, and specifies the type (line type) and communication capacity of the communication line to be used for communication.

[0030] As the service quality index, for example, a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) value or a Priority Code Point (PCP) value is used. Alternatively, a Quality of Service (QoS) index used in the fifth generation mobile communication system is used. The packet distribution table 91 may specify a communication unit to be used for each value of the service quality index, or may specify a communication unit to be used for a range of values ​​of the service quality index. The packet distribution table 91 may be defined so as to specify a communication unit to be used for a combination of a plurality of service quality index values ​​or value ranges.

[0031] The geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73 have the same hardware configuration. The geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73 are, for example, the first communication unit 71, the second communication unit 72, and the third communication unit 73, respectively. Since the line definition data 92 of the first line used by the first communication unit 71 is defined as a communication line relayed to a geostationary satellite, the first communication unit 71 operates as the geostationary satellite communication unit 71. Since the line definition data 92 of the second line used by the second communication unit 72 is defined as a communication line relayed to a geostationary satellite, the second communication unit 72 operates as the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72. Since the line definition data 92 of the third line used by the third communication unit 73 is defined as a communication line relayed to a geostationary satellite, the third communication unit 73 operates as the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73.

[0032] The packet distribution table 91 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a packet distribution table by service quality index possessed by the gateway device according to the first embodiment. The packet distribution table 91 is a table in which any one of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 is stored as a packet transmission destination for each service quality index. For each packet received by the terrestrial communication unit 74 and input to the packet distribution unit 75, the packet distribution unit 75 refers to the packet distribution table 91 by the service quality index of the packet. The packet distribution unit 75 transmits the packet to any one of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 that is determined for the service quality index of the packet in the packet distribution table 91. For example, the packet distribution unit 75 transmits a packet with a service quality index value of 1 to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71.

[0033] The packet distribution table 91 specifies whether a packet is to be transmitted to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, or the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73, depending on the service quality index that is data contained in the packet. The packet distribution unit 75 refers to the packet distribution table 91 and transmits the packet received by the terrestrial communication unit 74 to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, or the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73.

[0034] For example, in a gateway device that communicates via two types of satellite backhaul lines, a geostationary satellite communication unit 71 and a low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, the packet distribution table specifies whether to transmit to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71 or the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72. The packet distribution unit refers to the packet distribution table specifying in this way and transmits the packet received by the terrestrial communication unit 74 to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71 or the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72.

[0035] The packet distribution table 91 held by the gateway device 7a communicating with the core network device 3 may be different from the packet distribution table 91 held by the gateway device 7b communicating with the base station 2. The packet distribution table 91 may be preset in a fixed manner in the gateway device 7, or may be set by external control. Furthermore, the contents of the packet distribution table 91 may be changed while the system is being operated as a mobile communication system.

[0036] The operation will be described. The mobile station 1 requests to start communication with the communication counterpart 9, and the registration of the mobile station 1 with the base station 2, the authentication procedure, or the allocation of a session for communication is performed. When the allocation of the session for communication is completed, the communication of user data is performed between the mobile station 1 and the communication counterpart 9. The gateway devices 7a and 7b refer to the packet distribution table 91 with the service quality index set in the packet for packets for communication control until the mobile station 1 can communicate and packets for transmitting user data, and a communication unit (used communication unit) to be used for transmission is determined for each packet. Each packet is transmitted from the communication unit determined for each packet by the satellite communication system used by that communication unit (either the geostationary satellite communication system 4, the low earth orbit satellite communication system 5, or the high altitude pseudo satellite communication system 6), and is received by the other party. The gateway devices 7a and 7b can communicate by using multiple types of satellite backhaul lines.

[0037] In a mobile communication system, when a mobile station 1 is outside the communication area of ​​a base station 2 installed on the ground or in a location where it is difficult to install a base station 2 (including at sea), there is a problem that the mobile station 1 cannot connect to a core network device 3 and cannot communicate. However, by connecting the base station 2 and the core network device 3 using a satellite communication line as a backhaul line, the area in which communication is possible can be expanded.

[0038] On the other hand, the services provided to the mobile station 1 include services in which the delay between the mobile station 1 and the core network device is critical, services in which delay is tolerable but the communication bit rate is guaranteed to be above a specified value (bit-rate guaranteed services), and non-bit-rate guaranteed services in which neither delay nor bit rate is guaranteed. Satellite communications, which have longer delay times compared to terrestrial communications networks, have the disadvantage that their characteristics are lost when it comes to delay-critical services.

[0039] The gateway device 7 has a mechanism for selecting a communication line relayed by each of a plurality of lines, such as a high-altitude pseudosatellite, a low-orbit satellite, and a geostationary satellite, as a satellite backhaul line. The gateway device 7 can use a plurality of types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7 can contribute to various user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line suited to the characteristics of each satellite according to the service and realizing communication. For example, since a high-altitude pseudosatellite has a relatively small delay time due to the distance from the earth's surface, the stability of the service can be ensured by allocating it to a service in which delay is critical. In addition, since the transmission bandwidth of a high-altitude pseudosatellite is not so large, the convenience of the service can be improved by allocating a bit-rate guaranteed service or a bit-rate non-guaranteed service, which can tolerate a large delay time, to a geostationary satellite or a low-orbit satellite, which has a larger transmission capacity than a high-altitude pseudosatellite.

[0040] The gateway device may selectively use a plurality of satellite backhaul links based on an index other than the service quality index, or may selectively use a plurality of satellite backhaul links based on a combination of a plurality of indexes.

[0041] The packet distribution table may specify the communication section to be used not for data contained in the packet, such as a service quality indicator, but for data that can be determined from the packet. The packet distribution table may specify the communication section to be used for packet information data, which is data contained in the packet or data that can be determined from the packet. The packet distribution table may specify the communication section to be used for a combination of multiple types of packet information data. A packet distribution table that specifies the communication section to be used for a combination of multiple types of packet information data is a packet distribution table that specifies the communication section to be used for packet information data.

[0042] The satellite backhaul link may not only be of three types, namely, geostationary satellite, low-orbit satellite, and high-altitude pseudo satellite. Two or more types of extratroposphere communication links, which are communication links used by extratroposphere relay stations mounted on extratroposphere mobile bodies that move at two or more different altitudes higher than the troposphere, may be used as the satellite backhaul link. The number of types of satellite backhaul links may be two or four or more. The above also applies to the other embodiments.

[0043] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, the first embodiment is modified so that the packet distribution table specifies the communication unit to be used depending on the packet type, and the packet distribution table is generated from the packet distribution priority table. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gateway device according to the second embodiment. Regarding FIG. 4, the points different from FIG. 2 in the first embodiment will be explained. The gateway device 7C has a packet distribution unit 75C and a data storage unit 76C modified, and has a packet distribution table creation unit 78. The data storage unit 76C has a packet distribution table 91C modified, and also has a packet distribution priority table 93. The packet distribution table creation unit 78 creates the packet distribution table 91C by referring to the packet distribution priority table 93 and the line definition data 92. The packet distribution unit 75C refers to the packet distribution table 91C by packet type, and distributes the packets transmitted by the ground communication unit 74.

[0044] The packet distribution table 91C will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a packet distribution table by packet type possessed by the gateway device according to the second embodiment. The packet distribution table 91C is a table in which any one of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 is stored as a communication unit to be used for each packet type. The packet types are roughly divided into control communication packets and user communication packets. The packet distribution unit 75C refers to the packet distribution table 91C by packet type for each input packet. The packet distribution unit 75C transmits the packet to the communication unit to be used that is determined for the packet type in the packet distribution table 91C. For example, the packet distribution unit 75 transmits a packet whose packet type is control communication 1 to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71.

[0045] Packet types are roughly divided into control communication packets and user communication packets. Control communication packets store a usage communication section for each type of message defined by the protocol. Control communication packets can be allocated, for example, as follows: High-altitude pseudo satellites or low-earth orbit satellites are allocated for registration of mobile stations with base stations, authentication procedures, and allocation of sessions for communication, while geostationary satellites or low-earth orbit satellites are allocated for other data communications. For user communication packets, it is conceivable to define a usage communication section for each capsule type of packets encapsulated for VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections.

[0046] The packet distribution table 91C is generated by the packet distribution table creation unit 78 by referring to the packet distribution priority table 93 and the line definition data 92. The packet distribution priority table 93 is a table that specifies the priority of the line type to be used as the communication unit with priority for each packet type. FIG. 6 shows an example of the packet distribution priority table 93. The packet distribution priority table 93 stores, for example, up to three line types to be prioritized for each packet type in order from the highest to the lowest. For example, the packet distribution priority table 93 defines that for the packet type of control communication 3, the highest priority is the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line, the low earth orbit satellite communication line, and the geostationary satellite communication line. The packet distribution priority table 93 has a column for each line type, and records priority 1, priority 2, priority 3, or blank for the line type in the row for each packet type. A packet distribution priority table may also be one in which priority 1, priority 2, and priority 3 are provided in the columns, and line types are recorded in priority 1, priority 2, and priority 3.

[0047] The packet distribution table creation unit 78 creates the packet distribution table 91C by referring to the line definition data 92 and the packet distribution priority table 93. The creation of the packet distribution table 91C by the packet distribution table creation unit 78 will be described with an example. The line definition data 92 defines the first communication unit: geostationary satellite communication line, the second communication unit: low-earth orbit satellite communication line, and the third communication unit: high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line. The packet distribution priority table 93 defines that the packet type has the highest priority for the control communication 3 in the order of the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line, the low-earth orbit satellite communication line, and the geostationary satellite communication line. The packet distribution table creation unit 78 checks whether the line type defined as having the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table 93 for each packet type is defined in the line definition data as the first communication unit, the second communication unit, or the third communication unit. For the packet type of control communication 3, the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line with the priority order 1 is defined as the third communication unit in the line definition data 92, so a packet distribution table 91C is created in which the packet type of control communication 3 is distributed to the third communication unit (high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit). For other packet types, the packet distribution table creation unit 78 operates in the same manner.

[0048] The gateway device 7C differs from the gateway device 7 in that it distributes packets according to packet type, but otherwise operates in a similar manner. The gateway device 7C has a mechanism for selecting multiple lines, such as high-altitude pseudosatellites, low-orbit satellites, and geostationary satellites, as satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7C can use multiple types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7C can contribute to a variety of user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line suited to the characteristics of each satellite depending on the service and realizing communication.

[0049] Since the communication unit to be used is determined by the packet type, for example, registration of a mobile station to a base station, authentication procedures, or allocation of sessions for communication are assigned to a high-altitude pseudo satellite or a low-orbit satellite, and other data communication is assigned to a geostationary satellite or a low-orbit satellite. The satellites have different coverage areas depending on their altitudes. The coverage area of ​​the geostationary satellite 41 is the widest, and the coverage area of ​​the high-altitude pseudo satellite 61 is the narrowest. The coverage area of ​​the low-orbit satellite 51 is narrower than that of the geostationary satellite 41, and wider than that of the high-altitude pseudo satellite 61. For communication requiring relatively high confidentiality such as registration and authentication, allocation to a high-altitude pseudo satellite or a low-orbit satellite with a narrow coverage area has the effect of preventing unexpected interception from a remote location. Furthermore, by changing the satellite for the registration of a mobile station to a base station, authentication procedures, or allocation of sessions for communication and other data, interception becomes more difficult, and confidentiality can be improved.

[0050] In the gateway device 7C, the packet distribution table creation unit 78 creates a packet distribution table 91C by referring to the packet distribution priority table 93 and the line definition data 92. Therefore, even if the number and type of satellite backhaul lines used for communication are different, the packet distribution table 91C can be easily created. Even if the packet distribution table distributes packets based on a service quality index or another index, and even if the number and type of satellite backhaul lines used for communication are different, the packet distribution table 91C can be easily created.

[0051] In the packet distribution table, the transmission unit to which the packets are to be distributed may be determined for a combination of multiple indexes. For example, as in the packet distribution table 91C2 shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the packet type, ie, control communication or user communication, the communication unit to be used may be determined by considering whether the session number is even or odd for user communication. According to the packet distribution table 91C2, the control communication packets are transmitted to the high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73, and the user communication packets are transmitted evenly from the geostationary satellite communication unit 71 and the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72. Note that, if the packet distribution table is written so that the communication unit to be used is determined by the last digit or the last two digits of the session number, the user communication packets can be transmitted from the geostationary satellite communication unit 71 or the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72 at an unequal ratio.

[0052] The packet distribution priority table may be one that specifies the priority of the line type for transmission with respect to packet information data. The packet distribution priority table may be one that specifies the priority of the line type for transmission with respect to a combination of a plurality of types of packet information data. The packet distribution priority table that specifies the priority of the line type for transmission with respect to a combination of a plurality of types of packet information data is a packet distribution priority table that specifies the priority of the line type for transmission with respect to packet information data.

[0053] The packet distribution table creation unit may create a packet distribution table by referring to the packet distribution priority table and the line definition data, determining the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit that correspond to the line type that is set to the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table for the packet information data. The above also applies to the other embodiments.

[0054] Embodiment 3 The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment in which the packet distribution unit distributes packets by referring to a packet distribution priority table and line definition data.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gateway device according to the third embodiment. Regarding Fig. 8, differences from Fig. 4 in the case of the second embodiment will be explained. The gateway device 7D has a packet distribution unit 75D and a data storage unit 76D changed, and does not have a packet distribution table creation unit 78. The data storage unit 76D does not have a packet distribution table 91C. The packet distribution unit 75D refers to a packet distribution priority table 93 and line definition data 92 to distribute packets transmitted by the ground communication unit 74.

[0056] The gateway device 7D operates in the same manner as the gateway device 7C. The gateway device 7D has a mechanism for selecting a plurality of lines, such as a high-altitude pseudosatellite, a low-orbit satellite, and a geostationary satellite, as a satellite backhaul line. The gateway device 7D can use a plurality of types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7D can contribute to a variety of user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line suited to the characteristics of each satellite depending on the service and realizing communication.

[0057] Embodiment 4 The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment in which the packet distribution table specifies the communication unit to be used by a network slice. A network slice is an individual network that is virtualized and divided in order to divide network resources and provide services according to the purpose. A network slice is identified by an identifier (network slice identifier).

[0058] Fig. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gateway device according to the fourth embodiment. Regarding Fig. 9, differences from Fig. 1 in the case of the first embodiment will be explained. The gateway device 7E has a network slice management unit 79, which is modified from the high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73E, the packet distribution unit 75E, and the data storage unit 76E. The data storage unit 76E has a packet distribution table 91E, which is modified from the data storage unit 76E, and which has network slice definition data 94. The packet distribution unit 75E refers to the packet distribution table 91E and the network slice definition data 94 to distribute packets transmitted by the ground communication unit 74.

[0059] The packet distribution table 91E defines the line type to be preferentially used for the network slice to which the packet may belong. FIG. 9 shows an example of the packet distribution table 91E. In the packet distribution table 91E, a geostationary satellite communication line is defined as a communication unit to be used for a network slice identifier 1. Communications until a network slice is set are transmitted to a communication unit to be used when a network slice is not set in the packet distribution table 91E. In the packet distribution table 91E shown in FIG. 9, packets for which a network slice is not set, such as until a network slice is determined, are transmitted to the high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73E. For packets for which a network slice is not set, packets may be distributed by, for example, the packet distribution table 91D shown in FIG. 7.

[0060] For example, a high-altitude pseudosatellite communication link or a low-earth-orbit satellite communication link is assigned to a network slice identifier assigned to a low-latency service, and other data communications are assigned to a geostationary satellite communication link or a low-earth-orbit satellite communication link. In this way, it is possible to select a backhaul link according to the latency time and the type of service.

[0061] The network slice definition data 94 is data that defines a network slice identifier assigned for each service used by the communication terminal 1. The gateway device 7Eb that communicates with the base station 2 defines a corresponding network slice identifier for data related to a destination address. The gateway device 7Ea that communicates with the core network device 3 defines a corresponding network slice identifier for data related to a source address. The network slice definition data 94 stores a corresponding network slice identifier for data related to the source or destination of a packet.

[0062] The high altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73E transmits, among the packets it transmits or receives, control communication packets in which a network slice identifier has not been set or which are related to determining a network slice identifier to the network slice management unit 79. In addition, when the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72 is set in the packet allocation table as the communication unit to be used when a network slice has not been set, the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72 transmits the control communication packet to the network slice management unit 79. Alternatively, the terrestrial communication unit may transmit a control communication packet related to determining a network slice identifier to the network slice management unit 79.

[0063] The network slice management unit 79 generates and modifies network slice definition data 94 based on data in the received control communication packets related to determining the network slice identifier. Since the core network device 3 manages the network slices, the control communication packets related to determining the network slice identifier are transmitted from the core network device 3.

[0064] The packet distribution unit 75E acquires a network slice identifier corresponding to the packet by referring to the network slice definition data 94 using data related to the source or destination of the packet. The packet distribution unit 75E determines a communication unit to be used by referring to the packet distribution table 91E using the acquired network slice identifier. The packet distribution unit 75E transmits the packet to the determined communication unit to be used.

[0065] The gateway device 7E differs from the gateway device 7 in that it distributes packets by a network slice identifier determined by the source or destination of the packet, but otherwise operates in the same manner as the gateway device 7. The gateway device 7E is provided with a mechanism for selecting multiple lines, such as high-altitude pseudosatellites, low-orbit satellites, and geostationary satellites, as satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7E can use multiple types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7E can contribute to a variety of user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line suited to the characteristics of each satellite depending on the service and realizing communication.

[0066] Embodiment 5. In the fifth embodiment, the first embodiment is modified so that each of the geostationary satellite communication ground station, the low-orbit satellite communication ground station, and the high-orbit pseudo-satellite communication ground station notifies the gateway device of the line status, and the gateway device determines the communication unit to be used taking into account the line status of each ground station.

[0067] Fig. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gateway device according to embodiment 5. Regarding Fig. 11, differences from Fig. 2 in embodiment 1 will be explained. The gateway device 7F has a line status data management unit 81, and changes to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71F, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72F, the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73F, the packet distribution unit 75F, and the data storage unit 76F.

[0068] The data storage unit 76F changes the packet distribution table 91F and also has line status data 95. The line status data 95 is data indicating whether or not the line is congested for each of the geostationary satellite communication line 42, the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62. The line status data management unit 81 manages the line status data 95. When the line is not congested, the line is available for communication. When the line is congested, the line is not available for communication.

[0069] A method for the line status data management unit 81 to manage the line status data 95 will be described. The geostationary satellite communication unit 71F transmits a control communication packet (called a congestion information packet) to the line status data management unit 81, which is transmitted from the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43 and indicates that the geostationary satellite communication line 42 is congested or that the congestion has been resolved. The low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72F transmits a congestion information packet for the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52 transmitted from the low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53 to the line status data management unit 81. The high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73F transmits a congestion information packet for the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62 transmitted from the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication earth station 63 to the line status data management unit 81. The line status data management unit 81 changes the line status data 95 in response to the congestion information packets transmitted from the geostationary satellite communication unit 71F, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72F, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73F. For example, when a congestion information packet is received indicating that the low earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is congested, the line status data 95 for the low earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is changed to congested. When a congestion information packet is received indicating that the congestion in the low earth orbit satellite communication link 52 has been resolved, the line status data 95 for the low earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is changed to normal.

[0070] The line status data management unit 81 manages the line status data based on a congestion information packet (first line status data) about the geostationary satellite communication line 42 (first extra-troposphere communication line) obtained by the geostationary satellite communication unit 71F (first extra-troposphere communication unit) communicating with the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43 (first earth station), a congestion information packet (second line status data) about the low-orbit satellite communication line 52 (second extra-troposphere communication line) obtained by the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72F (second extra-troposphere communication unit) communicating with the low-orbit satellite communication earth station 53 (second earth station), and a congestion information packet about the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication line 62 (third extra-troposphere communication line) obtained by the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73F (third extra-troposphere communication unit) communicating with the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication earth station 63 (third earth station). The congestion information packet for the geostationary satellite communication link 42 is first line status data which is line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication link. The congestion information packet for the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is second line status data which is line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication link. The congestion information packet for the high-altitude pseudo-satellite communication link 62 is third line status data which is line status data of the third extra-troposphere communication link. When two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines are used, the line status data management unit processes the two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines in the same manner.

[0071] The packet distribution table 91F will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a packet distribution table by service quality index possessed by the gateway device according to the fifth embodiment. The packet distribution table 91F stores the priority order of each of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 for each service quality index. In Fig. 12, for service quality index 1, the geostationary satellite communication unit 71 has priority order 1 (highest priority), the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72 has priority order 2 (medium priority), and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73 has priority order 3 (lowest priority).

[0072] The packet distribution unit 75F refers to the packet distribution table 91F and the line status data 95 to determine the communication unit to be used. The packet distribution unit 75F selects, as the communication unit to be used, a communication unit that has a high priority in the packet's service quality index in the packet distribution table 91F and is capable of communication (not congested). For example, when all lines are not congested, the packet distribution unit 75F transmits a packet having a service quality index 1 to the geostationary satellite communication unit 71. When the geostationary satellite communication line 42 is not capable of communication (is congested) and the low earth orbit satellite communication line 52 is capable of communication (is not congested), the packet distribution unit 75F transmits a packet having a service quality index 1 to the low earth orbit satellite communication unit 72.

[0073] The packet allocation unit 75F refers to the line status data 95 and the packet allocation table 91F, and transmits the packet received by the terrestrial communication unit 74 to one of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71F, the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72F, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73F which has a high priority in the packet allocation table 91F for the packet information data of the packet received by the terrestrial communication unit 74 and is capable of communication. When two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines are used, the packet sorting unit processes the two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines in the same manner.

[0074] The gateway device 7F can distribute packets according to the service quality index, like the gateway device 7. The gateway device 7F has a mechanism for selecting multiple lines, such as high-altitude pseudosatellites, low-orbit satellites, and geostationary satellites, as satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7F can use multiple types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7F can contribute to a variety of user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line suited to the characteristics of each satellite depending on the service and realizing communication. Furthermore, when a line with a high priority is congested, the gateway device 7F can communicate using a line with the next highest priority.

[0075] Embodiment 6 The sixth embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment in which the line status data quantitatively expresses the amount of communication traffic instead of indicating whether congestion is occurring, and the gateway device has a function of changing the amount of data to be communicated depending on the line status.

[0076] Fig. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gateway device according to embodiment 6. Regarding Fig. 13, differences from Fig. 10 in embodiment 5 will be explained. The gateway device 7G has a line operation data management unit 82 in place of the geostationary satellite communication unit 71G, the low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72G, the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication unit 73G, the data storage unit 76G, and the line status data management unit 81G.

[0077] The data storage unit 76G changes the line status data 95G and also has line operation data 96. The line status data 95G is data that quantitatively indicates whether congestion occurs for each of the geostationary satellite communication line 42, the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62, and the communication volume when congestion does not occur. The line operation data 96 is data that specifies the communication volume that the gateway device 7G can communicate for each of the geostationary satellite communication line 42, the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52, and the high-altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62. The communication volume specified by the line operation data 96 is called the specified communication volume.

[0078] The line status data management unit 81G manages line status data 95G. The geostationary satellite communication unit 71G transmits to the line status data management unit 81G congestion information packets from the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43 and control communication packets (called communication volume information packets) that notify the communication volume in the geostationary satellite communication line 42 transmitted at a determined period. The communication volume information packets are packets that notify the communication volume measured by the communication model of the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43 from the line speed and the usage rate. The low-earth orbit satellite communication unit 72G transmits congestion information packets and communication volume information packets for the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52 transmitted from the low-earth orbit satellite communication earth station 53 to the line status data management unit 81G. The high-earth orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73G transmits congestion information packets and communication volume information packets for the high-earth orbit pseudo satellite communication line 62 transmitted from the high-earth orbit pseudo satellite communication earth station 63 to the line status data management unit 81G. The line status data management unit 81G changes the line status data 95G in response to the congestion information packets and communication volume information packets transmitted from the geostationary satellite communication unit 71G, the low-orbit satellite communication unit 72G, and the high-orbit pseudo satellite communication unit 73G.

[0079] For example, when a congestion information packet is received indicating that the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is congested, the line status data 95G for the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is changed to congested. When a congestion information packet is received indicating that the congestion in the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 has been resolved, the line status data 95G for the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is changed to normal. The communication volume notified in the communication volume information packet for the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52 is set in the line status data 95G for the low-earth orbit satellite communication link 52.

[0080] The line operation data management unit 82 refers to the line status data 95G and the line operation data 96, and reduces the specified communication volume for the line that is congested in the line status data 95G. The line operation data management unit 82 sets the reduced specified communication volume in the line operation data 96, creates a control communication packet notifying the reduced specified communication volume, and transmits it to the ground station of that line. The ground station operates thereafter assuming that the specified communication volume of the gateway device 7 is small.

[0081] If the line status data 95G shows no congestion and the communication volume has a margin relative to the communication capacity specified in the line definition data 92, the line operation data management unit 82 increases the specified communication volume of the line with the margin. The line operation data management unit 82 sets the increased specified communication volume in the line operation data 96, creates a control communication packet notifying the increased specified communication volume, and transmits it to the ground station of that line. The ground station processes the request to increase the specified communication volume of each gateway device 7, taking into consideration requests from other gateway devices 7.

[0082] The line operation data management unit 82 changes the line operation data 96 of the geostationary satellite communication line 42 in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data 95G of the geostationary satellite communication line 42, and when the line operation data 96 of the geostationary satellite communication line 42 is changed, it transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed line operation data 96 to the geostationary satellite communication earth station 43. The line operation data 96 of the geostationary satellite communication line 42 is referred to as first line operation data.

[0083] The line operation data management unit 82 changes the line operation data 96 of the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52 in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data 95G of the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52, and when the line operation data 96 of the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52 is changed, it transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed line operation data 96 to the low-earth orbit satellite communication ground station 53. The line operation data 96 of the low-earth orbit satellite communication line 52 is referred to as second line operation data.

[0084] The line operation data management unit 82 changes the line operation data 96 of the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62 in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data 95G of the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62, and when the line operation data 96 of the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62 is changed, transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed line operation data 96 to the high altitude pseudo satellite communication ground station 63. The line operation data 96 of the high altitude pseudo satellite communication line 62 is referred to as third line operation data.

[0085] When two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines are used, the line operation data management unit processes the two or four or more types of satellite backhaul lines in the same manner.

[0086] The gateway device 7G can distribute packets according to the service quality index, like the gateway device 7. The gateway device 7G has a mechanism for selecting multiple lines, such as high-altitude pseudosatellites, low-orbit satellites, and geostationary satellites, as satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7G can use multiple types of satellite backhaul lines. The gateway device 7G can contribute to various user services by selecting a satellite backhaul line that matches the characteristics of each satellite depending on the service and realizing communication. Furthermore, when a line with a high priority is congested, the gateway device 7G can communicate using a line with the next highest priority. The gateway device 7G can change the amount of communication on each line according to the usage status of the line.

[0087] The embodiments can be freely combined, modified, or some of the components can be omitted, or the embodiments can be freely combined with some of the components omitted or modified.

[0088] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0089] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0090] (Appendix 1) an extra-troposphere communication line that is a communication line relayed to an extra-troposphere relay station that is a relay station mounted on an extra-troposphere mobile body that is a mobile body moving outside the troposphere at an altitude higher than the troposphere, and a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station that is a ground station of the first extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a first extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a first extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a first altitude included outside the troposphere; a second extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a second ground station that is a ground station of a second extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a second extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a second extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a second altitude included outside the troposphere that is different from the first altitude; a ground communication unit for communicating with a base station or a core network device of a mobile communication system; a packet distribution table that specifies whether a packet received by the ground communication unit is to be transmitted to the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit, based on packet information data that is data included in the packet or data that can be determined from the packet; and a packet distribution unit that refers to the packet distribution table and transmits a packet received by the ground communication unit to the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit. (Appendix 2) a third extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a third ground station that is a ground station of a third extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a third extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere communication station mounted on a third extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a third altitude included outside the troposphere and different from the first altitude and the second altitude, the packet distribution table specifies whether a packet received by the ground communication unit is to be transmitted to the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, or the third extra-troposphere communication unit, based on the packet information data; The gateway device described in Appendix 1, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the packet distribution table and transmits a packet received by the ground communication unit to any one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, or the third extra-troposphere communication unit. (Appendix 3) Line definition data that specifies whether transmission and reception are possible and a line type that is a type of communication line for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a packet distribution priority table that defines the priority of the line type for transmitting the packet received by the ground communication unit with respect to the packet information data; and a packet distribution table creation unit that refers to the packet distribution priority table and the line definition data, determines the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit that correspond to the line type that is set to have the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table for the packet information data, and creates the packet distribution table. (Appendix 4) an extra-troposphere communication line that is a communication line relayed to an extra-troposphere relay station that is a relay station mounted on an extra-troposphere mobile body that is a mobile body moving outside the troposphere at an altitude higher than the troposphere, and a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station that is a ground station of the first extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a first extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a first extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a first altitude included outside the troposphere; a second extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a second ground station that is a ground station of a second extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a second extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a second extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a second altitude included outside the troposphere that is different from the first altitude; a third extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a third ground station that is a ground station of a third extra-troposphere communication line that is the extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a third extra-troposphere relay station that is the extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a third extra-troposphere mobile body that is the extra-troposphere mobile body moving at a third altitude included outside the troposphere that is different from the first altitude and the second altitude; a ground communication unit for communicating with a base station or a core network device of a mobile communication system; Line definition data that specifies whether transmission and reception are possible and a line type that is a type of communication line for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a packet distribution priority table that defines the priority of the line type for transmitting the packet received by the ground communication unit with respect to the packet information data; a gateway device comprising: a packet distribution unit that refers to the packet distribution priority table and the line definition data and transmits the packet information data to any one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, or the third extra-troposphere communication unit corresponding to the line type that is set to the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table. (Appendix 5) 5. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet information data is a service quality indicator. (Appendix 6) 5. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet information data is a packet type. (Appendix 7) network slice definition data for storing a corresponding network slice identifier for data relating to a source or destination of a packet; the packet information data is the network slice identifier, A gateway device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the packet sorting unit refers to the packet sorting table for the network slice identifier obtained by referring to the network slice definition data in data related to the source or destination of the packet. (Appendix 8) Line status data indicating whether or not communication is possible for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line and the second extra-troposphere communication line; a line status data management unit that manages the line status data based on first line status data, which is line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the first extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the first ground station, and second line status data, which is line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the second extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the second ground station; the packet distribution table defines a priority order of the line type for transmitting the packet information data, The gateway device according to any one of Appendix 1 and Appendix 5 to Appendix 7 in the case dependent on Appendix 1, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the line status data and the packet distribution table, and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit and the second extra-troposphere communication unit which has a higher priority in the packet distribution table for the packet information data of the packet received by the ground communication unit and is capable of communication. (Appendix 9) Line status data indicating whether or not communication is possible for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a line status data management unit that manages the line status data based on first line status data, which is line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the first extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the first ground station, second line status data, which is line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the second extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the second ground station, and third line status data, which is line status data of the third extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the third extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the third ground station, the packet distribution table defines a priority order of the line type for transmitting the packet information data, The gateway device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 4, or Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 7 when dependent on any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the line status data and the packet distribution table, and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit which has a high priority in the packet distribution table for the packet information data of the packet received by the ground communication unit and is capable of communication. (Appendix 10) The line status data indicates whether communication is possible or not, and when communication is possible, indicates the amount of communication, Line operation data that specifies an amount of communication that can be communicated for each of the first extratroposphere communication line and the second extratroposphere communication line; and a line operation data management unit that changes first line operation data, which is the line operation data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the first line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed first line operation data to a first extra-troposphere communication unit, and changes second line operation data, which is the line operation data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the second line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the second ground station including the changed second line operation data to a second extra-troposphere communication unit. (Appendix 11) The line status data indicates whether communication is possible or not, and when communication is possible, indicates the amount of communication, Line operation data that specifies an amount of communication that can be communicated for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; and a line operation data management unit that changes first line operation data that is the line operation data of the first extra-troposphere communication line in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the first line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed first line operation data to a first extra-troposphere communication unit, changes second line operation data that is the line operation data of the second extra-troposphere communication line in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the second line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the second ground station including the changed second line operation data to a second extra-troposphere communication unit, and changes third line operation data that is the line operation data of the third extra-troposphere communication line in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the third extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the third line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the third ground station including the changed third line operation data to a third extra-troposphere communication unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 Mobile communication system, 1. A mobile station, 2 base stations, 3 Core network equipment, 4 Geostationary Satellite Communication System, 5 Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication System, 6 High altitude pseudo satellite communication system, 7, 7a, 7b, 7C, 7D, 7F, 7G Gateway equipment, 8 Core Network, 9 Communication partner, 41 geostationary satellite, 42, 42a, 42b Geostationary satellite communication links; 43, 43a, 43b Geostationary satellite communication ground station 44, 44a, 44b Dedicated communication lines; 51, 51a, 52b low orbit satellites, 52, 52a, 52b Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Links; 53, 53a, 53b Low orbit satellite communication ground station 54, 54a, 54b Dedicated communication lines; 55 Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Links, 61, 61a, 62b high altitude pseudosatellites, 62, 62a, 62b High altitude pseudo satellite communication link; 63, 63a, 63b high altitude pseudosatellite communication ground station; 64, 64a, 64b Dedicated communication lines, 65 High altitude pseudo-satellite intercommunication link, 71, 71F, 71G Geostationary Satellite Communication Unit (First Communication Unit, First Extratroposphere Communication Unit), 72, 72F, 72G Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Communication Unit (Second Communication Unit, Second Extratroposphere Communication Unit), 73, 73E, 73F, 73G High altitude pseudo satellite communication unit (third communication unit, third extratroposphere communication unit), 74 Ground Communications Division, 75, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F Packet distribution unit, 76, 76C, 76D, 76E, 76F, 76G data storage unit, 77, 77a, 77b Dedicated communication lines; 78 Packet distribution table creation unit, 79 Network Slice Management Department, 81, 81F, 81G Line status data management unit, 82 Line Operation Data Management Department, 91, 91C, 91E, 91F packet distribution table, 92 Line definition data, 93 Packet distribution priority table, 94 network slice definition data, 95, 95G Line Status Data 96 Line operation data.

Claims

1. A communication line relayed to a relay station mounted on a mobile object moving outside the troposphere, which is at an altitude higher than the troposphere, a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station that is a ground station of a first extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a first extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a first extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a first altitude included in the troposphere; a second extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a second ground station that is a ground station of a second extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a second extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a second extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a second altitude different from the first altitude; a ground communication unit for communicating with a base station or a core network device of a mobile communication system; a packet distribution table that specifies whether a packet received by the ground communication unit is to be transmitted to the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit, based on data included in the packet or packet information data that can be determined from the packet; and a packet distribution unit that refers to the packet distribution table and transmits a packet received by the ground communication unit to the first extra-troposphere communication unit or the second extra-troposphere communication unit.

2. a third extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a third ground station that is a ground station of a third extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a third extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a third extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a third altitude that is included outside the troposphere and different from the first altitude and the second altitude, the packet distribution table specifies whether a packet received by the ground communication unit is to be transmitted to the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, or the third extra-troposphere communication unit, based on data included in the packet or packet information data that can be determined from the packet; 2. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the packet distribution table and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to any one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit.

3. Line definition data defining whether transmission and reception are possible and a line type that is a type of communication line for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a packet distribution priority table for defining the priority of the line type based on the packet information data; and a packet distribution table creation unit that refers to the packet distribution priority table and the line definition data, determines the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit that correspond to the line type that is set to have the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table for the packet information data, and creates the packet distribution table.

4. A communication line relayed to a relay station mounted on a mobile object moving outside the troposphere, which is at an altitude higher than the troposphere, a first extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a first ground station that is a ground station of a first extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a first extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a first extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a first altitude included in the troposphere; a second extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a second ground station that is a ground station of a second extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a second extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a second extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a second altitude different from the first altitude; a third extra-troposphere communication unit that communicates with a third ground station that is a ground station of a third extra-troposphere communication line relayed to a third extra-troposphere relay station mounted on a third extra-troposphere mobile body that moves at a third altitude that is included outside the troposphere and is different from the first altitude and the second altitude; and a ground communication unit for communicating with a base station or a core network device of a mobile communication system; Line definition data defining whether transmission and reception are possible and a line type that is a type of communication line for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a packet distribution priority table that defines the priority of the line types based on packet information data that can be determined from packets received by the ground communication unit; a packet distribution unit that refers to the packet distribution priority table and the line definition data, and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, or the third extra-troposphere communication unit that corresponds to the line type that is set to the highest priority in the packet distribution priority table for the packet information data.

5. 5. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet information data is a quality of service indicator.

6. 5. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet information data is a packet type.

7. network slice definition data for storing a corresponding network slice identifier for data relating to a source or destination of a packet; the packet information data is the network slice identifier, A gateway device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the packet distribution table for the network slice identifier obtained by referring to the network slice definition data in data related to the source or destination of the packet.

8. Line status data indicating whether or not communication is possible for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line and the second extra-troposphere communication line; a line status data management unit that manages the line status data based on first line status data, which is line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the first extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the first ground station, and second line status data, which is line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the second extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the second ground station; the packet distribution table defines a priority order of line types, which are types of the communication lines, based on the packet information data; 2. The gateway device according to claim 1, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the line status data and the packet distribution table, and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to one of the first extra-troposphere communication unit and the second extra-troposphere communication unit, which has a higher priority in the packet distribution table for the packet information data and is capable of communication.

9. Line status data indicating whether or not communication is possible for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; a line status data management unit that manages the line status data based on first line status data, which is line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the first extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the first ground station, second line status data, which is line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the second extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the second ground station, and third line status data, which is line status data of the third extra-troposphere communication line obtained by the third extra-troposphere communication unit communicating with the third ground station, the packet distribution table defines a priority order of line types, which are types of the communication lines, based on the packet information data; 5. The gateway device according to claim 2, wherein the packet distribution unit refers to the line status data and the packet distribution table, and transmits the packet received by the ground communication unit to a communication unit that has the highest priority in the packet distribution table for the packet information data and is capable of communication, among the first extra-troposphere communication unit, the second extra-troposphere communication unit, and the third extra-troposphere communication unit.

10. The line status data indicates whether communication is possible or not, and when communication is possible, indicates the amount of communication, Line operation data that specifies an amount of communication that can be communicated for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line and the second extra-troposphere communication line; and a line operation data management unit that changes first line operation data, which is the line operation data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the first line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed first line operation data to the first extra-troposphere communication unit; and changes second line operation data, which is the line operation data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the second line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the second ground station including the changed second line operation data to the second extra-troposphere communication unit.

11. The line status data indicates whether communication is possible or not, and when communication is possible, indicates the amount of communication, Line operation data that specifies an amount of communication that can be communicated for each of the first extra-troposphere communication line, the second extra-troposphere communication line, and the third extra-troposphere communication line; and a line operation data management unit that changes first line operation data, which is the line operation data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the first extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the first line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the first ground station including the changed first line operation data to the first extra-troposphere communication unit; changes second line operation data, which is the line operation data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the second extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the second line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the second ground station including the changed second line operation data to the second extra-troposphere communication unit; and changes third line operation data, which is the line operation data of the third extra-troposphere communication line, in accordance with the communication volume included in the line status data of the third extra-troposphere communication line, and, when the third line operation data has been changed, transmits a packet to the third ground station including the changed third line operation data to the third extra-troposphere communication unit.

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