Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can efficiently notify an MBSR of authorized area information.SOLUTION: A communication device includes: first acquisition means for acquiring type information that can distinguish whether another communication device is a Type 1 IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node that involves a movement; storage means for storing area information generated or acquired regarding an area in which the Type 1 IAB node can provide services; determination means for determining whether to notify the other communication device of the area information on the basis of the type information of the other communication device; and transmitting means for transmitting the area information to the other communication device on the basis of the determination result of the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 mobile IAB nodes as specifications to realize that use case. Mobile IAB nodes are also called Mobile base Station Relays (MBSRs), and hereafter will be referred to as MBSRs.

[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] Among them, there is a discussion item called "Mobile Base Station Relay Authorization and Configuration," which assumes that MBSRs installed in vehicles will temporarily function as relays and provide services to UEs in urban environments or during large events in designated areas to achieve special coverage and connectivity.

[0009] The range in which MBSR can operate as a repeater is called the authorized area, which is managed by the CN (Core Network). When MBSR is in the authorized area, MBSR provides services to the surrounding UEs, and when MBSR moves out of the authorized area, MBSR 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] At present, there is no standard for the definition of permitted area information and the means of notifying the MBSR of the permitted area information. If the MBSR can be notified of the permitted area information, the MBSR can compare its own location information with the permitted area information and determine whether or not it can provide services.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems. An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for efficiently notifying an MBSR of permitted area information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device, comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring type information capable of determining whether another communication device is a first type of IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node involving movement; A storage means for storing area information related to an area in which the first type IAB node can provide service, the area information being generated or acquired; a determination means for determining whether or not to notify the other communication device of the area information based on the type information of the other communication device; The area information may include a transmitting means for transmitting the area information to the other communication device based on a result of the determination by the determining means. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for efficiently notifying the MBSR of permitted area information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of a base station. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram of a base station in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 shows a sequence at the time of initial connection in the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a communication permission area format in the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format (part 2) in the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format in the first embodiment (part 3). [Figure 4D] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication permission area format in the first embodiment (part 4). [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an initial connection process of a base station in the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 11 is a software functional block diagram of a base station in the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] 13 is a sequence at the time of initial connection in the second embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an initial connection process of a base station in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a typical sequence for reconfiguring a connection in the 3GPP standard. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a connection reconfiguration process of a base station in the present embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an IAB donor (hereinafter also referred to as “gNB”), which is a base station, according to this embodiment.

[0019] The hardware configuration 101 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 that conform to the 3GPP (registered trademark) standard. Note that although 5G will be described here, the present invention is also applicable to networks other than 5G (for example, 5G Advanced and 6G).

[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 base station that executes a communication control function according to this embodiment.

[0027] The software function 201 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, an allowed area information notification determining unit 207, and an allowed area information generating unit 208. The software function 201 also includes a GPS signal receiving unit 209 and a GPS control unit 210.

[0028] The signal transmitting unit 202 and the signal receiving unit 203 perform cellular network communication such as LTE and 5G conforming to the 3GPP standard with the terminal device. The control plane signal is received by the signal receiving unit 203. The cellular network communication performed by the signal transmitting unit 202 and the signal receiving unit 203 includes communication of 5G NR (New Radio) and LTE RAN (Radio Access Network) layer. The cellular network communication performed by the signal transmitting unit 202 and the signal receiving unit 203 may include various communications for providing cellular network communication such as communication of an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer, which is an upper layer.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the allowed area information notification determination unit 207 described later determines that the allowed area information should be notified to the opposing communication device (other communication device), the signal transmission unit 202 transmits the allowed area information to the opposing communication device. The method of transmitting the allowed area information will be described later.

[0030] Also, in this embodiment, the signal receiving unit 203 acquires information that can determine whether or not the opposing communication device is an IAB node of a type that involves movement. That is, the signal receiving unit 203 acquires information that can determine whether or not the opposing communication device is an MBSR. Such information is arbitrary, and may be, for example, information that clearly indicates or suggests that it is an MBSR, or information that clearly indicates or suggests that it is other than an MBSR. In this embodiment, such information is IAB node type information, the details of which will be described later.

[0031] The data storage unit 204 stores and holds the software itself, IAB routing information, information on connected terminals, current time information, location information, movement route information, and the like.

[0032] The connection control unit 205 controls an antenna for wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 104 .

[0033] The broadcast information detection unit 206 detects broadcast information from surrounding base stations and MBSRs.

[0034] The permitted area information notification determining unit 207 determines whether or not to notify the opposite communication device of the permitted area information.

[0035] The permitted area information generating unit 208 generates permitted area information to be notified to the opposing communication device, and stores it in a predetermined storage area such as the data storage unit 204. This predetermined storage area functions as a storage means for storing the permitted area information. Note that instead of or in addition to generating the permitted area information, the permitted area information generating unit 208 may acquire the permitted area information from an external source and store it in the predetermined storage area. For example, the permitted area information may be generated by the CN, or may be generated by the gNB 300 based on information received from the CN. When the permitted area information is generated by the CN, for example, permitted area information related to permitted areas around the own station or permitted area information related to the closest to the own station may be generated from all the permitted area information managed by the CN. The substance of this predetermined storage area may be a storage area in the RAM or a storage area in the auxiliary auxiliary storage unit.

[0036] The GPS signal receiving unit 209 performs communication in accordance with the GPS standard. The GPS control unit 210 controls the antenna for GPS communication performed by the GPS communication unit 106, and calculates the current position and time from the received GPS information. The GPS control unit 210 outputs information in a format such as NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association)-0183, and stores the current position and time in the data storage unit 204 as necessary.

[0037] Next, a method for notifying the permitted area information in this embodiment will be described.

[0038] In this embodiment 1, a method of notifying the allowed area information based on the IAB node type information received from the MBSR using a general initial connection sequence in the 3GPP standard will be described. The IAB node type information and the allowed area information are transmitted and received using a control plane signal in the 5G system. A specific control plane signal is an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message. More specifically, an RRC Setup Complete message is used for the IAB node type information, and an RRC Reconfiguration message is used for the allowed area information.

[0039] 3 shows the initial connection sequence of this embodiment based on the general initial connection sequence in the 3GPP standard. In addition to the MBSR, fixed IAB nodes and UEs also connect to the 5G system via the base station (gNB) according to this sequence.

[0040] First, MBSR600 sends an RRCSetupRequest message (S301) to gNB300 as a connection request.

[0041] If the gNB300 receives the message and allows the MBSR600 to connect, it sends an RRCSetup message (S302) to the MBSR600.

[0042] Upon receiving the message, the MBSR 600 transmits an RRCSetupComplete message (S303) to the gNB 300 as a connection completion notification. At this time, the MBSR 600 includes information called Mobile IAB Indication in the RRCSetupComplete message. This information indicates whether the MBSR 600 is an MBSR (Mobile IAB) or not, and is scheduled to be standardized in Release 18. In this embodiment, the gNB 300 checks whether this information is included in the RRCSetupComplete to determine whether the opposing communication device is an MBSR or not.

[0043] After the RRC connection between the MBSR and the gNB300 is established, an RRC reconfiguration process of the MBSR600 is performed.

[0044] The gNB 300 transmits an RRC Reconfiguration message (S304) to the MBSR 600. In this embodiment, if the opposite communication device is determined to be an MBSR, the gNB 300 includes permitted area information in the RRC Reconfiguration message. Details of the permitted area information will be described later. The MBSR 600 that receives this message performs an RRC reconfiguration process based on each piece of information included in the RRC Reconfiguration message, and determines whether or not to provide a service to the UE based on the permitted area information and its own location information.

[0045] After the reconfiguration process is completed, the MBSR 600 transmits an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message (S305).

[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 MBSR can operate.

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

[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. MBSR 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 also 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 whenever any one of the radio parameter information (higher device), radio parameter information (lower device), and validity period information, which will be described later, is different.

[0052] Here, the services provided by the MBSR in the permitted area are, for example, various communication services provided by the IAB node to the UE. In this case, the concept of the communication service includes forming a state in which access from the UE can be accepted.

[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 MBSR 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 (host device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) of the allowed area information format 402. The radio parameter information (host device) and the radio parameter information (lower device) of the allowed area information format 402 each indicate radio parameters for operating the MBSR in the associated communication permitted area.

[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 the radio settings are used for the radio operation settings of the MBSR. Specifically, the radio settings set in the radio parameter information (higher device) are applied as the radio settings for a device that is a higher device of the MBSR. The device that is a higher device of the MBSR may be a gNB or the like. Moreover, the radio settings set in the radio parameter information (lower device) are applied as the radio settings for a device that is a lower device of the MBSR. The device that is a lower device of the MBSR may be a UE or the like.

[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 MBSR 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. For example, the time may be stored as a character string as YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS, or 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, the processing performed when gNB300 notifies permitted area information will be explained using a flow diagram.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a flow of initial connection processing of gNB300 in this embodiment.

[0067] At S501, gNB300 receives the RRCSetupComplete message sent by MBSR600.

[0068] At S502, gNB300 analyzes the received RRCSetupComplete message and confirms the information contained in the message.

[0069] In S503, the gNB 300 checks whether the received information includes an IAB node type. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a Mobile IAB Indication is checked. If it is not included, the process proceeds to S506, and a normal RRC Reconfiguration message that does not include permitted area information is sent to the opposing communication device, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is included, the process proceeds to S504.

[0070] In S504, the gNB 300 judges whether the IAB node type is MBSR or not. In this embodiment, if the value of Mobile IAB Indication is True, it is judged to be MBSR. If it is not MBSR, proceed to S506, transmit a normal RRC Reconfiguration message that does not include allowed area information to the opposite communication device, and end the process. If it is MBSR, proceed to S505.

[0071] At S505, gNB300 generates an RRC Reconfiguration message including allowed area information and transmits it to the opposing communication device.

[0072] In this embodiment, it is determined whether the opposite communication device is MBSR or not from the IAB node type information included in the RRC Setup Complete message. Then, only in the case of MBSR, the base station that notifies the allowed area information using the RRC Reconfiguration message has been described. Here, the RRC message that notifies the allowed area information does not have to be the RRC Reconfiguration message. For example, it is also possible to notify the MBSR by including the allowed area information in the RRC Setup message. In this case, the method of acquiring the IAB node type does not have to be the RRC Setup Complete message. For example, the broadcast information of the RRC Setup Request message or SIB (system information block) 1 may include information that can determine whether it is MBSR or not.

[0073] However, as described above, the method of simply using a control plane signal in a 5G system as a means for a base station to notify the MBSR of the allowed area information causes the following problem. That is, the above initial connection sequence is also used by fixed IAB nodes and UEs (User Equipment) other than the MBSR. If allowed area information is added to an existing RRC message, the allowed area information will also be notified to fixed IAB nodes and UEs that do not require it.

[0074] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the gNB 300 can determine whether the opposing communication device is an MBSR or not based on the IAB node type information obtained via the control plane signal. This can reduce the possibility that the allowed area information is notified to a fixed IAB node or UE that does not require the allowed area information. As a result, it is possible to substantially eliminate the information processing load and communication load caused by essentially unnecessary notifications (notifications to fixed IAB nodes and UEs). In this way, according to the present embodiment, a mechanism can be provided that can efficiently notify the MBSR of the allowed area information.

[0075] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a base station has been described that determines whether to notify the allowed area information based on the IAB node type information included in RRCSetupComplete. The allowed area information notified by one base station is the same for all MBSRs. However, unlike a fixed IAB node, the MBSR can move freely. Depending on the operation of the MBSR, such as moving faster than expected, the notified allowed area information may be insufficient. Therefore, a method of acquiring status information such as the moving speed and moving direction from the MBSR and changing the notified allowed area information according to the status of the MBSR will be described. This makes it possible to provide optimal allowed area information for each MBSR.

[0076] FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of software functional blocks of a base station that executes a communication control function according to this embodiment.

[0077] A software function 201A according to this embodiment differs from the software function 201 (FIG. 2) according to the above-described first embodiment in that an allowed area selection unit 211 is added.

[0078] The allowed area selection unit 211 selects an allowed area to be notified to the MBSR 600 from among the area group. The area group is a collection of multiple allowed areas in which the MBSR can provide service. In other words, the number of allowed areas in which the MBSR can provide service is not limited to one, but there can be multiple allowed areas. In this case, the allowed area selection unit 211 selects an allowed area in which each MBSR can provide service from among the multiple allowed areas (area group). Note that typically only one allowed area in which one MBSR can provide service is selected, but two or more may be selected.

[0079] In this embodiment, the allowed area information generating unit 208 generates or acquires area information related to the allowed area to be notified, selected by the allowed area selecting unit 211. For example, the allowed area information generating unit 208 may generate area information related to the allowed area to be notified, based on area group information that may be acquired from the CN. In this case, the area group information may be a collection of allowed area information related to a plurality of allowed areas. In this case, the plurality of allowed areas may be a plurality of allowed areas belonging to a relatively wide range, or may be a predetermined number or less of allowed areas adjacent to each other. In addition, when the area group information is generated by the CN, the plurality of allowed areas may be, for example, all allowed areas managed by the CN. In any case, the generated or acquired allowed areas may be stored in a predetermined storage area, such as the data storage unit 204, managed by the allowed area information generating unit.

[0080] The processing sequence in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6B.

[0081] S301 and S302 are similar to those in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In S303A, the MBSR 600 transmits an RRCSetupComplete message to the gNB 300. At this time, the MBSR 600 includes Mobile IAB Indication as IAB node type information in the RRCSetupComplete message, and also includes information indicating the status of the MBSR. Hereinafter, information indicating the status of the MBSR is also referred to as "MBSR status information." The status of the MBSR includes, for example, the current location of the MBSR, moving speed, moving direction, stop time, planned stop time, planned moving route, operating route, and the like.

[0083] In this embodiment, allowed area information to be notified is generated according to this MBSR status information. The generated allowed area information is notified by an RRC Reconfiguration message (S304) as in the first embodiment. Upon receiving the message, the MBSR 600 transmits an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message (S305).

[0084] Next, the processing performed when gNB300 notifies permitted area information will be explained using a flow diagram.

[0085] Figure 6C shows a flow of initial connection processing of gNB300 in this embodiment. In S601, gNB300 receives the RRCSetupComplete message sent by MBSR600.

[0086] At S602, gNB300 analyzes the received RRCSetupComplete message and confirms the information contained in the message.

[0087] In S603, the gNB 300 checks whether the received information includes an IAB node type. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a Mobile IAB Indication is checked. If it is not included, the process proceeds to S609, and a normal RRC Reconfiguration message that does not include permitted area information is sent to the opposing communication device, and the process ends. If it is included, the process proceeds to S604.

[0088] In S604, the gNB 300 judges whether the IAB node type is MBSR or not. In this embodiment, if the value of Mobile IAB Indication is True, it is judged that the IAB node type is MBSR. In this case, proceed to S605. If it is not MBSR, proceed to S609 and transmit a normal RRC Reconfiguration message that does not include allowed area information to the opposite communication device, and end the process.

[0089] In S605, the gNB 300 checks whether the received information includes MBSR status information. If the MBSR status information is included, the process proceeds to S606, where the allowed area selection unit 211 selects the allowed area information to be notified to the MBSR according to the status of the MBSR. For example, the allowed area existing in the direction of movement of the MBSR may be selected, if the movement speed of the MBSR is fast, a farther allowed area may be selected, or an allowed area may be selected along the planned movement route or driving route. After selecting the allowed area to be notified, the process proceeds to S608. If the MBSR status information is not included, the process proceeds to S607, where the default area information is selected, and the process proceeds to S608.

[0090] In S608, gNB300 generates an RRC Reconfiguration message including the allowed area information selected in S606 and S607, and transmits it to the opposing communication device.

[0091] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the method of notifying the allowed area information using the initial connection sequence has been described.

[0092] In the above, an RRC Reconfiguration message has been used to notify the allowed area information, but this message is also notified from the base station at times other than the initial connection. For example, it is also notified when the MBSR moves and changes its connection destination to another base station. In this embodiment, a method for updating and notifying the allowed area information will be described using a sequence when the MBSR moves and connects to another base station.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, updating of the MBSR status information used in the second embodiment will also be described.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows a sequence when the MBSR 600 moves and changes the connection destination from the source base station (Source gNB-DU) to the target base station (Target gNB-DU). Here, it is assumed that the two gNB-DUs are in the same gNB-CU. Since the sequence itself is the same as that defined in TS 38.401 8.2.1.1, detailed explanations of each message are omitted. Only the key points in this embodiment will be explained.

[0095] First, the MBSR600 notifies the Source gNB-DU of a Measurement Report (S701). In this embodiment, the MBSR600 includes MBSR status information in the message. The MBSR status information is the same as that described in the second embodiment. The MBSR600 updates the MBSR status information according to the current status and notifies the base station. This allows the base station to know the latest status of the notified MBSR, and enables the base station to update the allowed area information to be notified accordingly.

[0096] The Source gNB-DU transmits the received Measurement Report to the gNB-CU as a UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER (S702).

[0097] The gNB-CU selects the allowed area information based on the received MBSR status information. When the gNB-DU to which the MBSR is connected is changed as in this embodiment, the gNB-CU selects the MBSR status information corresponding to the allowed area information based on the target base station (Target gNB-DU).

[0098] The gNB-CU generates an RRC Reconfiguration message including the selected allowed area information and transmits it to the Source gNB-DU as a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST (S705). Finally, the Source gNB-DU notifies the MBSR 600 of the RRC Reconfiguration (706). The MBSR 600 performs RRC reconfiguration and updates the allowed area information in response to the received RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0099] Next, using a flow diagram, we will explain the processing performed when base stations (gNB-CU, Source gNB-DU, and Target gNB-DU) update and notify allowed area information.

[0100] FIG. 8 shows a flow of RRC reconfiguration processing (connection reconfiguration processing) of the base station in this embodiment. In S801, the base station receives a Measurement Report transmitted by the MBSR600.

[0101] In S802, the base station analyzes the received Measurement Report and confirms the information contained in the message.

[0102] In S803, the base station judges whether the opposite communication device is MBSR or not. For the judgment, the IAB node type information received in the initial connection may be used, or the IAB node type information may be included in the Measurement Report. If it is not MBSR, the base station proceeds to S808, and transmits a normal RRC Reconfiguration message that does not include allowed area information to the opposite communication device, and ends the process. If it is MBSR, the base station proceeds to S804.

[0103] In S804, the base station checks whether the received information includes MBSR status information. If the MBSR status information is included, the process proceeds to S805, and the allowed area information to be notified to the MBSR is selected according to the MBSR status. The selection method is the same as in the second embodiment. At this time, if the MBSR moves base stations (i.e., if the MBSR changes the base station to which it is connected), the allowed area information is selected taking into consideration the location of the base station to which it is connected. After selecting the allowed area to be notified, the process proceeds to S807. If the MBSR status information is not included, the process proceeds to S806, where default area information is selected, and the process proceeds to S807. At this time, if the MBSR moves base stations, the default allowed area information of the base station to which it is connected is selected.

[0104] In S807, the base station generates an RRC Reconfiguration message including the allowed area information selected in S805 and S806, and transmits the message to the peer communication device.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Upon completion of the processing procedure of S303 or S305 in Fig. 3, the gNB300 and the MBSR600 execute the F1 establishment procedure. Specifically, the MBSR600 transmits an F1 Setup Request to the gNB300, and the gNB300 transmits an F1 Setup Response to the MBSR600. Thus, the gNB300 may transmit the allowed area information to the MBSR600 by including it in the F1 Setup Response instead of in an RRC message.

[0107] In addition, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0108] [Appendix 1] A first acquisition means for acquiring type information capable of determining whether the other communication device is a first type of IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node involving movement; A storage means for storing area information related to an area in which the first type IAB node can provide service, the area information being generated or acquired; a determination means for determining whether or not to notify the other communication device of the area information based on the type information of the other communication device; A communication device comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting the area information to the other communication device based on a result of the determination by the determining means. [Appendix 2] The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits the area information using an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message. [Appendix 3] The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RRC message is an RRC Reconfiguration message or an RRC Setup message. [Appendix 4] The communication device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the type information is obtained using broadcast information or an RRC message. [Appendix 5] The communication device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 3, characterized in that the RRC message is an RRC SetupComplete message. [Appendix 6] The communication device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmitting means transmits the area information to the other communication device when the determination means determines that the other communication device is an IAB node of the first type based on the type information of the other communication device. [Appendix 7] The communication device described in Appendix 6, characterized in that the transmitting means does not transmit the area information to the other communication device when the determining means determines, based on the type information of the other communication device, that the other communication device is a second type of IAB node or UE (User Equipment) that does not involve movement. [Appendix 8] The communication device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the storage means stores the area information generated by the local station based on location information of the local station, or the area information generated by an external device based on location information of the local station and acquired from outside. [Appendix 9] The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the area related to the area information is an area located around the local station. [Appendix 10] A second acquisition means for acquiring area group information regarding a plurality of permitted areas forming the area from a CN (Core Network); a selection means for selecting one or more permitted areas related to the area information to be notified to the other communication devices from among the plurality of permitted areas indicated by the area group information, 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores the permitted area selected by the selection means. [Appendix 11] A third acquisition means for acquiring status information regarding a status of the other communication device whose type information indicates the first type of IAB node, The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the selection means selects the one or more allowed areas based on the status information. [Appendix 12] 12. The communication device of claim 11, wherein the state indicated by the state information is related to movement of the other communication device. [Appendix 13] The communication device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the state indicated by the state information includes at least one of a current location, a moving speed, a moving direction, a stop time, a planned stop time, a planned moving route, and a driving route. [Appendix 14] The communication device according to any one of appendixes 11 to 13, wherein the third acquisition means acquires the status information by a Measurement Report.

[0109] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC or FPGA) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 101 Hardware Configuration 102 Control section 103 Storage section 104 Wireless Communication Section 105 Communication antenna control section 106 GPS communication unit 107 GPS antenna control unit 201 Software Features 202 Signal transmission unit (transmission means) 203 Signal receiving unit (first, second, and third acquisition means) 204 Data storage unit (storage means) 205 Connection control section 206 Notification information detection unit 207 Permission area information notification determination unit (determination means) 208 Authorized area information generation unit 211 Allowed area selection unit (selection means) 209 GPS signal receiver 210 GPS control unit 300 gNB 600MBSR

Claims

1. a first acquisition means for acquiring type information capable of determining whether the other communication device is a first type IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node involving movement; A storage means for storing area information related to an area in which the first type IAB node can provide a service, the area information being generated or acquired; a determination means for determining whether or not to notify the other communication device of the area information based on the type information of the other communication device; A communication device comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting the area information to the other communication device based on a result of the determination by the determining means.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting means transmits the area information by using an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message.

3. The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the RRC message is an RRC Reconfiguration message or an RRC Setup message.

4. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition means acquires the type information by using broadcast information or an RRC message.

5. The communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the RRC message is an RRC SetupComplete message.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits the area information to the other communication device when the determining means determines that the other communication device is the first type of IAB node based on the type information of the other communication device.

7. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting means does not transmit the area information to the other communication device when the determining means determines, based on the type information of the other communication device, that the other communication device is a second type IAB node or UE (User Equipment) that does not involve movement.

8. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores the area information generated by the local station based on location information of the local station or the area information generated by an external device based on location information of the local station and acquired from outside.

9. The communication device according to claim 8 , wherein the area related to the area information is an area located around the local station.

10. a second acquisition means for acquiring area group information related to a plurality of permitted areas forming the area from a CN (Core Network); a selection unit that selects one or more permitted areas related to the area information to be notified to the other communication devices from among a plurality of permitted areas indicated by the area group information, 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said storage means stores said permitted area selected by said selection means.

11. The method further includes a third acquisition means for acquiring status information regarding a status of the other communication device whose type information indicates the first type of IAB node, The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the selection means selects the one or more allowed areas based on the state information.

12. The communication device according to claim 11 , wherein the state indicated by the state information is related to a movement of the other communication device.

13. The communication device according to claim 12 , wherein the state indicated by the state information includes at least one of a current location, a moving speed, a moving direction, a stop time, a planned stop time, a planned moving path, and a travel route.

14. The communication device according to claim 11 , wherein the third acquisition means acquires the status information by a Measurement Report.

15. A control method for controlling communication, comprising: acquiring type information capable of determining whether the other communication device is a first type IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node involving movement; generating or acquiring area information regarding an area in which the first type IAB node can provide service, and storing the area information in a predetermined storage area; a determination step of determining whether or not to notify the other communication device of the area information based on the type information of the other communication device; a step of transmitting the area information to the other communication device based on a result of the determination step; A control method comprising the steps of:

16. acquiring type information capable of determining whether the other communication device is a first type IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node involving movement in a computer; generating or acquiring area information regarding an area in which the first type IAB node can provide service, and storing the area information in a predetermined storage area; a determination step of determining whether or not to notify the other communication device of the area information based on the type information of the other communication device; and transmitting the area information to the other communication device based on a result of the determination in the determination step.

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