Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that allows a mobile IAB node to grasp specific areas.SOLUTION: A communication device functioning as a mobile IAB node is disclosed, and the communication device has: acquisition means that acquires information on the position of the communication device; receiving means that receives a control plane signal including area information; and determination means that determines whether to provide a communication service to the other communication device on the basis of the acquired position information and the received area information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) (registered trademark) is currently standardizing IAB as a communication technology for backhaul. IAB is an abbreviation for Integrated Access and Backhaul.

[0003] The IAB technology is a technology that simultaneously uses millimeter wave wireless communication in the 28 GHz band or the like, which is used for access communication between a base station and user equipment (UE: User Equipment), as backhaul communication (Patent Document 1).

[0004] In backhaul communications using IAB technology, repeaters called IAB nodes relay communications from IAB donors, which are base stations, using millimeter wave communications. By using IAB technology, it is possible to expand the coverage area at a lower cost than with conventional wired communications using optical fiber.

[0005] Up until now, 3GPP has been developing specifications for fixed base stations (IAB nodes that do not move) up to Rel-17.

[0006] Currently, 3GPP is planning to actively discuss Vehicle Mounted Relay, which will be a use case in the next Rel-18, and the Mobile IAB to develop specifications to realize this use case.

[0007] Here, it is conceivable that various requirements will emerge that cannot be met by the specifications that have been discussed thus far, which are based on fixed base stations.

[0008] One of the discussion items is "Mobile base station relay authorization and configuration", which envisages that mobile IAB nodes temporarily installed in vehicles will act as relays and provide services to UEs in urban environments or during major events in designated areas to achieve special coverage and connectivity.

[0009] A use case is that when a mobile IAB node is present within a specific area, it provides services to nearby UEs, and when the mobile IAB node moves outside the specific area, it stops providing services.

[0010] In this regard, a technique is known for providing services by utilizing location information and movement information of mobile nodes (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-534625 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2009-501453 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] When determining whether or not to interrupt the provision of service depending on whether a mobile IAB node has moved outside a specific area, it is useful for the communication system to determine how the specific area is defined by the mobile IAB node.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems. As one aspect of the present invention, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for allowing a mobile IAB node to grasp each specific area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication device that functions as a mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, An acquisition means for acquiring location information of the communication device; A receiving means for receiving a control plane signal including area information; a determining means for determining whether to provide a communication service to another communication device based on the acquired location information and the received area information; The present invention is characterized by having the following. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism that allows a mobile IAB node to recognize each specific area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram that constitutes an IAB node. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram of an IAB node. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a typical RRC Setup sequence in the 3GPP standard. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a general RRC Reconfiguration sequence in the 3GPP standard. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a communication permission area format in the present embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format (part 2) according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format in the present embodiment (part 3). [Figure 4D] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5]FIG. 11 is a process flowchart when an RRC Setup message including communication permitted area information is received in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process performed when an RRC Reconfiguration message including communication permitted area information is received in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a process flowchart when an RRC Setup message including communication permitted area information is received in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the "number ***" in TS*** indicates the number of the Technical Specification in the 3GPP standard.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile IAB node according to an embodiment. A mobile IAB node such as the mobile IAB node 101 is also called a Mobile base Station Relay (MBSR).

[0019] The hardware configuration 101 related to the IAB node includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 103, a wireless communication unit 104, a communication antenna control unit 105, a GPS communication unit 106, and a GPS antenna control unit 107.

[0020] The control unit 102 controls the entire device by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 102 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire communication device by executing a control program read into the RAM, which is the storage unit 103. Each process performed by the control unit 102, which will be described in the flowcharts below, can also be realized using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. The hardware circuit and a processor such as a CPU or MPU can cooperate to realize the process described in the flowcharts below.

[0021] The storage unit 103 stores the control program executed by the control unit 102, and various information such as cell information, connected terminal information, IAB routing information, and location information. The storage unit 103 may include a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. The main storage unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage unit may store or temporarily store programs and data such as an OS (Operating System) that is basic software executed by the control unit 102 and application software. The auxiliary storage unit is, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and may store data related to application software. For example, the control program stored in the non-volatile storage area is expanded in a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executed by a processor constituting the control unit 102. In this manner, the control unit 102 and the storage unit 103 may function as a so-called computer.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 104 performs cellular network communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G NR (New Radio) that comply with the 3GPP (registered trademark) standard.

[0023] The communication antenna control unit 105 controls an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 104 .

[0024] The GPS communication unit 106 receives satellite signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to obtain current position information including position specifying information such as longitude and latitude information, and current time information. The GPS communication unit 106 may have a function of measuring (locating) the current position based on the satellite signals. Other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) may be used instead of or in addition to GPS.

[0025] The GPS antenna control unit 107 controls an antenna (not shown) for GPS communication performed by the GPS communication unit 106 .

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of software functional blocks of a mobile IAB node that executes a communication control function.

[0027] The software function 201 related to the IAB node includes a signal transmitting unit 202, a signal receiving unit 203, a data storage unit 204, a connection control unit 205, a notification information detecting unit 206, a 5G communication control unit 207, and a notification information generating unit 208. The software function 201 also includes a GPS signal transmitting unit 209, a GPS signal receiving unit 210, and a GPS control unit 211.

[0028] The signal transmitting unit 202 and the signal receiving unit 203 perform cellular network communication such as LTE and 5G that conforms to the 3GPP standard with a user equipment (UE: User Equipment). Note that the control plane signal is received by the signal receiving unit 203.

[0029] The data storage unit 204 stores and holds the software itself, IAB routing information, information on connected user terminals, location information, movement route information, and the like.

[0030] The connection control unit 205 controls an antenna for wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 104 .

[0031] The broadcast information detection unit 206 detects broadcast information of a neighboring IAB node. The broadcast information may be a synchronization signal / PBCH block (SSB).

[0032] The 5G communication control unit 207 connects and disconnects to the 5G network. The 5G communication control unit 207 also causes the node 101 to function as an IAB-DU, described later, to provide wireless layer communication services to the UE, and to provide a relay function for relaying communication between the UE and the 5G network. Note that, although the description here is about 5G, it is also applicable to other than 5G (for example, 5G Advanced and 6G, etc.) as described above, and the same applies below.

[0033] The notification information generating unit 208 generates notification information for notifying the appearance (existence) of the own IAB node.

[0034] The GPS signal transmitting unit 209 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 perform communication in accordance with the GPS standard.

[0035] The GPS control unit 211 controls an antenna for GPS communication performed by the GPS communication unit 106. The GPS control unit 211 also calculates the current position and time from the received GPS information. At this time, the GPS control unit 211 outputs various calculation results in a format such as NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association)-0183. The GPS control unit 211 may also perform a process of storing various calculation results (such as the current position and time) in the data storage unit 204 as necessary.

[0036] Next, a method for defining a specific area for a mobile IAB node in this embodiment will be described.

[0037] In this embodiment, the area information transmitted using a control plane signal in the 5G system is defined as a communication-permitted area (an example of a specific area) in which a mobile IAB node can operate.

[0038] Specifically, the control plane signal is an RRC message (RRC is an abbreviation for Radio Resource Control). More specifically, it is preferable that the control plane signal is transmitted using an RRC Setup message and / or an RRC Reconfiguration message in the RRC message.

[0039] Here, FIG. 3A shows a typical RRC Setup message sequence as specified in TS 38.331, and FIG. 3B shows a typical RRC Reconfiguration message sequence as specified in TS 38.331.

[0040] Communication related to the RRC Setup message shown in FIG. 3A is performed during the RRC connection establishment process when a mobile IAB node joins the network.

[0041] First, in S311, the mobile IAB node 101 transmits an RRC Setup Request message to the IAB donor 301. In response to this, the IAB donor 301 transmits an RRC Setup message in S312 if the IAB donor 301 wants to have the mobile IAB node 101 participate in the network.

[0042] At this time, information indicating the communication permitted area is added to this message and transmitted. Upon receiving this, the mobile IAB node 101 performs a process to join the network based on the information included in the RRC Setup message, and responds with an RRC SetupComplete message shown in S313.

[0043] The communication related to the RRC Reconfiguration message shown in FIG. 3B is performed during the RRC reconfiguration process when changing the information set in the mobile IAB node.

[0044] First, in S321, the IAB donor 301 transmits an RRC Reconfiguration message to the mobile IAB node 101. At this time, information indicating the communication permitted area is added to this message and transmitted. Upon receiving this, the mobile IAB node 101 performs an RRC reconfiguration process based on each piece of information included in the RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0045] The mobile IAB node 101 responds with an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message at S322 after completing the RRC reconfiguration process.

[0046] 4A to 4D show various examples of the communication authorization area format 301 included in the RRC Setup message and the RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0047] 4A shows an example of a communication allowed area format 401. The communication allowed area format 401 is a basic format that indicates a communication allowed area in which a mobile IAB node can operate.

[0048] This information may be incorporated as a new field in the RRC Reconfiguration message field or the RRC Setup message field as specified in TS 38.331. This information is notified to the mobile IAB node.

[0049] The communication permitted area is composed of the permitted area information count and permitted area information.

[0050] The number of pieces of permitted area information included in this message is stored in the number of pieces of permitted area information.

[0051] The number of permitted area information stored corresponds to the number of permitted area information, such as permitted area information 1, permitted area information 2, and so on. A mobile IAB node is capable of providing services within a single or multiple permitted areas indicated by the permitted area information. Note that, although one permitted area information is information relating to one permitted area here, one permitted area information may be information relating to two or more permitted areas. Furthermore, the unit of permitted area may be a set of physically contiguous areas. Furthermore, permitted areas may be separated each time any one of the radio parameter information (higher device), radio parameter information (lower device), and validity period information described later is different.

[0052] Here, the services provided by the mobile IAB node in the permitted area are, for example, various communication services that the IAB node provides to the UE. In this case, the communication service is a concept that includes forming a state in which access from the UE can be accepted. In other words, providing a communication service can be said to be a concept that includes making the mobile IAB node function as an IAB-DU (Distributed Unit) and providing a state in which the UE can access. On the other hand, not providing a service can be said to be a concept that includes not making the mobile IAB node function as an IAB-DU and not providing a RAN (Radio Access Network) to the surroundings.

[0053] 4A, the allowed area information format 402 is an example of the configuration of allowed area information 1. The same may be true for allowed area information 2, etc.

[0054] The permitted area information 1 includes area information, wireless parameter information (higher-level device), wireless parameter information (lower-level device), and validity period information.

[0055] Fig. 4B shows an example of the area information 403. In the example shown in Fig. 4B, the area information 403 includes the number of pieces of area information and coordinates.

[0056] The number of area information items stores the number of coordinate points that form the coordinate group included in this message.

[0057] One coordinate point includes latitude and longitude information (a pair of coordinates) as shown in format 404. Here, we will explain format 404. The latitude and longitude information stored here may be coded in 24 bits each in accordance with the coordinate information expression format shown in TS23.032.

[0058] Such coordinate points are stored in a number corresponding to the number of area information items. The area connecting these coordinate points may be treated as a communication-permitted area in which the mobile IAB node can operate.

[0059] 4C shows an example of the radio parameter information format 405. The radio parameter information format 405 relates to the radio parameter information (upper device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) of the allowed area information format 402. The radio parameter information (upper device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) of the allowed area information format 402 each indicate radio parameters when operating a mobile IAB node in a communication permitted area associated therewith.

[0060] Various parameters related to wireless settings are stored in the wireless parameter information format 405. The various parameters related to wireless settings are preferably, but are not limited to, a beacon frequency, a data transmission frequency, a transmission power, and the like.

[0061] The setting values ​​of various parameters related to radio settings are used for radio operation settings of the mobile IAB node. Specifically, the radio settings set in the radio parameter information (higher device) are applied as radio settings for a device that is a higher device of the mobile IAB node. The device that is a higher device of the mobile IAB node may be an IAB donor, etc. Also, the radio settings set in the radio parameter information (lower device) are applied as radio settings for a device that is a lower device of the mobile IAB node. The device that is a lower device of the mobile IAB node may be a UE, etc.

[0062] Here, beacon frequency, data transmission frequency, transmission power, and the like are given as examples of various parameters related to radio settings, but are not limited thereto. For example, various parameters related to radio settings may include SL-V2X-Preconfiguration parameters and SL-PreconfigurationNR parameters indicated in TS36.331. Furthermore, radio parameters for mobile IAB may be used by establishing new parameters in the future instead of or in addition to SL-PreconfigurationNR.

[0063] The validity period information includes a start time and an end time, as indicated by reference numeral 406 in Fig. 4D. This information sets the time at which the permitted area linked to the validity period information becomes valid. As a setting method, for example, it may be stored as a character string as YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS, or it may be set according to the time information format used in SIB9 specified in TS 38.331.

[0064] Although specific communication allowed area formats have been exemplified so far, other modes are also possible. For example, the wireless parameter information (upper device), wireless parameter information (lower device), and validity period information included in the allowed area information shown in the allowed area information format 402 may be optional information in this format. Also, if no wireless settings associated with the set allowed area are required, this field may not be included. Similarly, if no period during which the allowed area is valid is required, this field may not be included.

[0065] Next, a processing flowchart will be shown when the mobile IAB node 101 receives an RRC Setup message including communication allowed area information and an RRC Reconfiguration message including communication allowed area information.

[0066] It is assumed that the communication allowed area format in this embodiment includes the wireless parameter information (higher-level device), the wireless parameter information (lower-level device), and the validity period information, which are defined as optional information above.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a processing flowchart when an RRC Setup message including communication permitted area information is received.

[0068] The mobile IAB node 101 receives an RRC Setup message from the IAB donor 301 at F501.

[0069] Next, in F502, the mobile IAB node 101 checks the received RRC Setup message, and in F503, determines whether the received message includes a communication allowed area format.

[0070] If it is determined in this judgment that the received message does not include a communication authorization area format, the procedure follows other information included in the RRC Setup message in F506. In this case, the normal connection process after receiving the RRC Setup message specified in TS 38.331 is performed.

[0071] In this determination, if it is determined that the received message contains a communication permitted area format, then in F504 it is determined whether the node itself is located within the communication permitted area.

[0072] The node's own position information used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 . In addition, from the coordinate group indicated in the permitted area information stored in the received communication permitted area format, the range formed by connecting the coordinates is extracted as the communication permitted area and used for this determination.

[0073] The position information of the node itself determined by the above process is compared with the communication permitted area to determine whether the node itself is located inside or outside the communication permitted area.

[0074] If it is determined in this judgment that the node is located outside the permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 outside the area cannot provide services. Therefore, in this case, the IAB donor 301 is notified of the connection failure in F508, and the process related to the RRC Setup specified in TS 38.331 is interrupted.

[0075] In this determination, if it is determined that the node is located within the permitted area, then in F505 it is determined whether the current time is within the valid period of the specified communication permitted area.

[0076] The current time information of the node itself used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 .

[0077] If it is determined in this judgment that the current time is outside the validity period of the specified communication permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 is in the area but cannot provide services because it is outside the validity period. Therefore, in this case, the IAB donor 301 is notified of connection failure in F508, and the processing related to the RRC Setup specified in TS 38.331 is interrupted.

[0078] In this judgment, if it is judged that the current time is within the valid period of the specified communication permitted area, the F507 performs connection processing with the IAB donor 301, which is a host device, and performs Beacon notification to the UE, which is a lower device. At this time, the F507 uses the wireless parameter information (host device) and the wireless parameter information (lower device) linked to the permitted area information stored in the communication permitted area format.

[0079] The above is the processing sequence when the mobile IAB node 101 in this embodiment receives an RRC Setup message including communication allowed area information.

[0080] Next, FIG. 6 shows a processing flowchart when the communication allowed area format 401 is received in an RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0081] The mobile IAB node 101 receives an RRC Reconfiguration message from the IAB donor 301 at F601.

[0082] Next, in F602, the mobile IAB node 101 checks the received RRC Reconfiguration message, and in F603, determines whether the received message includes a communication allowed area format.

[0083] If it is determined in this judgment that the received message does not include a communication authorization area format, the procedure follows other information contained in the RRC Reconfiguration message in F606. In this case, the normal processing after receiving the RRC Reconfiguration message specified in TS 38.331 is performed.

[0084] In this determination, if it is determined that the received message contains a communication permitted area format, then in F604 it is determined whether the node itself is located within the communication permitted area.

[0085] The node's own position information used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 . In addition, from the coordinate group indicated in the permitted area information stored in the received communication permitted area format, the range formed by connecting the coordinates is extracted as the communication permitted area and used for this determination.

[0086] The position information of the node itself determined by the above process is compared with the communication permitted area to determine whether the node itself is located inside or outside the communication permitted area.

[0087] If this judgment determines that the node is located outside the permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 outside the area cannot provide service, so it suspends (terminates) the provision of service at F608 and leaves the network.

[0088] If it is determined in this determination that the node is located within the permitted area, then in F605 it is determined whether the current time is within the valid period of the specified communication permitted area.

[0089] The current time information of the node itself used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 .

[0090] If it is determined in this judgment that the current time is outside the validity period of the specified communication permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 is in the area but cannot provide the service because it is outside the validity period. Therefore, the service provision is suspended in F608 and the mobile IAB node leaves the network.

[0091] If it is determined that the current time is within the validity period of the specified communication allowed area in this judgment, RRC reconfiguration is performed. At this time, the radio parameter information (upper device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) linked to the allowed area information stored in the communication allowed area format in F607 are used.

[0092] The above is the processing sequence when the mobile IAB node 101 in this embodiment receives an RRC Reconfiguration message including communication allowed area information.

[0093] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, it is assumed that the communication allowed area format includes the radio parameter information (upper device), the radio parameter information (lower device), and the validity period information defined as optional information above. Then, the operation when the mobile IAB node receives the RRC Setup message or the RRC Reconfiguration message including the communication allowed area information has been described.

[0094] Here, an embodiment in which such a premise is eliminated will be described as the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a determination is additionally made as to whether the radio parameter information (upper device), the radio parameter information (lower device), and the validity period information defined as the optional information described above are included.

[0095] In this embodiment, an RRC Setup message is taken as an example, but a similar determination may also be made for an RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0096] FIG. 7 shows a processing flowchart when the mobile IAB node 101 receives an RRC Setup message including communication permitted area information in this embodiment.

[0097] First, the mobile IAB node 101 receives an RRC Setup message from the IAB donor 301 at F701.

[0098] Next, in F702, the mobile IAB node 101 checks the received RRC Setup message, and in F703, determines whether the received message includes a communication allowed area format.

[0099] If it is determined in this judgment that the received message does not include a communication authorization area format, the procedure follows other information included in the RRC Setup message in F708. In this case, the normal connection process after receiving the RRC Setup message specified in TS 38.331 is performed.

[0100] In this determination, if it is determined that the received message contains a communication permitted area format, then in F704 it is determined whether the node itself is located within the communication permitted area.

[0101] The node's own position information used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 . In addition, from the coordinate group indicated in the permitted area information stored in the received communication permitted area format, the area obtained by connecting the coordinates is extracted as the communication permitted area and used for this determination. The position information of the own node determined by the above process is compared with the communication permitted area to determine whether the own node is located inside or outside the communication permitted area.

[0102] If it is determined in this judgment that the node is located outside the permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 outside the area cannot provide services. Therefore, in this case, the IAB donor 301 is notified of the connection failure in F710, and the process related to the RRC Setup specified in TS 38.331 is interrupted.

[0103] If it is determined in this determination that the node is located within the permitted area, then in F705 it is determined whether or not the permitted area information format 402 includes validity period information.

[0104] If it is determined in this determination that the validity period information is not included, the process of determining whether the current time is within the validity period in F706 is skipped, and the process moves to the next process, F707.

[0105] If it is determined in this determination that the validity period information is included, then in F706 it is determined whether the current time is within the validity period of the specified communication permitted area.

[0106] The current time information of the node itself used for this determination is determined based on GPS information received via the GPS antenna control unit 107 , the GPS communication unit 106 and the GPS signal receiving unit 210 .

[0107] If it is determined in this judgment that the current time is outside the validity period of the specified communication permitted area, the mobile IAB node 101 is in the area but cannot provide services because it is outside the validity period. Therefore, in this case, the IAB donor 301 is notified of connection failure at F710, and the processing related to the RRC Setup specified in TS 38.331 is interrupted.

[0108] If it is determined in this determination that the current time is within the valid period of the specified communication permitted area, the determination in F707 is performed. That is, it is determined whether the permitted area information format 402 includes the wireless parameter information (host device) and wireless parameter information (lower device) fields.

[0109] If it is determined that the radio parameter information field is not included in this judgment, it is determined that there are no restrictions on radio parameters in the communication permitted area. In this case, in accordance with other information included in the RRC Setup message in F708, normal connection processing after receiving the RRC Setup message specified in TS 38.331 is performed.

[0110] In this determination, if it is determined that the radio parameter information field is included, the radio parameter information (host device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) are applied as radio parameter constraints in the communication permitted area. Then, in F709, connection processing with the IAB donor 301, which is the host device, and Beacon notification to the UE, which is the lower device, are performed. At this time, the radio parameter information (host device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) linked to the permitted area information stored in the communication permitted area format are used.

[0111] The above is the processing sequence when the mobile IAB node 101 in this embodiment receives an RRC Setup message including communication allowed area information.

[0112] Although each embodiment has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. In addition, it is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiments.

[0113] For example, if the node's location is outside the permitted communication area or if the current time is outside the validity period, processing is performed in F508, F608, and F710 to not leave or join the network so that no service will be provided.

[0114] Here, the mobile IAB node 101 does not necessarily have to leave or not join the network as a means for not providing services. For example, it may maintain or establish a BAP (Backhaul Adaptation Protocol) connection with a higher-level device represented by an IAB donor 301. In this case, it may execute a process to stop providing services to a lower-level device represented by a UE while maintaining the behavior as an IAB.

[0115] In addition, although the position information acquired by GPS is used as the position information of the local node used in each process, position information acquired by other positioning methods such as Wi-Fi positioning may also be used.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the time information acquired by GPS is used as the local node time information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, time information set via a built-in clock function such as a real-time clock (RTC), a network such as a network time protocol (NTP), or time information set from a higher-level device may be used.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the case where the communication allowed area format 401 contains only one piece of allowed area information has been exemplified, but the allowed area information may be set. In this case, for example, in the processing flowchart of Fig. 5 when the RRC Setup message is received, the determination processing from F503 to F505 may be repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of pieces of allowed area information that have been set. This is also the case in the processing flowcharts of Figs. 6 and 7.

[0118] In addition, in the above embodiment, a case is disclosed in which it is determined whether the radio parameter information (upper device), the radio parameter information (lower device), and the validity period information defined as optional information in FIG. 7 are included. In this case, in the processing flow chart, if it is determined in F705 that the validity period information is not included, the processing proceeds to F707. However, other aspects are also possible. For example, if it is determined that the validity period information is not included as the system behavior, normal connection processing after receiving the RRC Setup message shown in TS 38.331 may be performed in F708 according to other information included in the RRC Setup message. Alternatively, the IAB donor 301 may be notified of a connection failure in F710, and the processing related to the RRC Setup shown in TS 38.331 may be interrupted.

[0119] In addition, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0120] [Appendix 1] A communication device that functions as a mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, An acquisition means for acquiring location information of the communication device; A receiving means for receiving a control plane signal including area information; a determining means for determining whether to provide a communication service to another communication device based on the acquired location information and the received area information; A communication device comprising:

[0121] [Appendix 2] The communication device described in Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that the control plane signal including the area information is a signal transmitted via the IAB donor to which the device is connected. [Appendix 3] The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control plane signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. [Appendix 4] The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the RRC message is an RRC Reconfiguration message or an RRC Setup message. [Appendix 5] The area information includes information indicating a set of coordinates consisting of latitude information and longitude information, The location information includes information indicating the longitude and latitude of the communication device, The communication device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines whether to provide communication services to the other communication device based on the longitude and latitude indicated by the location information and the set of coordinates included in the area information. [Appendix 6] A communication device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising a change means for changing operation settings of the communication device based on information related to wireless settings when the control plane signal includes, in addition to the area information, information related to wireless settings to be used in the area indicated by the area information. [Appendix 7] The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the information relating to the wireless settings includes at least one of a data transmission / reception frequency, a beacon frequency, and transmission power information. [Appendix 8] 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the provision of the communication service includes accepting access from a UE (User Equipment).

[0122] [Appendix 9] Further comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring time information indicating a current time, A communication device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, characterized in that when the control plane signal includes, in addition to the area information, a start time at which communication services can be provided in the area indicated by the area information and an end time at which provision of communication services in the area should be terminated, the decision means further decides whether to provide communication services to other communication devices based on the start time, the end time, and the time information in addition to the acquired location information and the received area information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 101 Mobile IAB Nodes 204 Data storage unit 211 GPS control unit 301 IAB Donors

Claims

1. A communication device that functions as a mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, An acquisition means for acquiring location information of the communication device; A receiving means for receiving a control plane signal including area information; a determining means for determining whether to provide a communication service to another communication device based on the acquired location information and the received area information; A communication device comprising:

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control plane signal including the area information is a signal transmitted via a connected IAB donor.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control plane signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

4. The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the RRC message is an RRC Reconfiguration message or an RRC Setup message.

5. The area information includes information indicating a set of coordinates consisting of latitude information and longitude information, The location information includes information indicating the longitude and latitude of the communication device, The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines whether to provide communication services to the other communication device based on the longitude and latitude indicated by the location information and the set of coordinates included in the area information.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a change means for changing operational settings of the communication device based on information relating to wireless settings when the control plane signal includes, in addition to the area information, information relating to wireless settings to be used in the area indicated by the area information.

7. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the information relating to the wireless setting includes at least one of a data transmission / reception frequency, a beacon frequency, and transmission power information.

8. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the provision of the communication service includes accepting access from a UE (User Equipment).

9. The device further includes a second acquisition means for acquiring time information indicating a current time, A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that when the control plane signal includes, in addition to the area information, a start time at which communication services can be provided in the area indicated by the area information and an end time at which the provision of communication services in the area should be terminated, the decision means further decides whether to provide communication services to other communication devices based on the start time, the end time, and the time information in addition to the acquired location information and the received area information.

10. A control method for controlling communication of a communication device functioning as a mobile IAB node, comprising: acquiring location information of the communication device; A receiving step of receiving a control plane signal including area information; a determining step of determining whether to provide a communication service to another communication device based on the acquired location information and the received area information; A control method comprising the steps of:

11. On the computer, An acquisition step of acquiring location information of a communication device functioning as a mobile IAB node; A receiving step of receiving a control plane signal including area information; a determination step of determining whether to provide a communication service to another communication device based on the acquired location information and the received area information.

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