Communication controller, communication control method and ue

Abstract

To reduce power consumption for communication.SOLUTION: A communication controller includes a control unit for performing communication restrictions on a first UE among a plurality of user equipment (UE) currently connected to a base station, which is determined to be located far from the base station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is a user equipment that is capable of transmitting or receiving data through direct communication, obtains user equipment information indicating the two or more user equipments that can transmit the data to a base station (300) in a coordinated manner, and transmits control information including the user equipment information to the base station (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, as background art, there is a technology described in Patent Document 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-181625 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2017-516381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication control device, a communication control method, and a UE that are capable of reducing power consumption related to communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication control device including a control unit that executes communication restrictions on a first UE among multiple user equipment (UE) connected to a base station that is determined to be located far from the base station.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication control method including a communication control device imposing a communication restriction on a first UE among multiple user equipment (UE) connected to a base station, the first UE being determined to be located far from the base station.

[0007] In addition, an aspect of the present disclosure includes a UE that is a second UE among a plurality of User Equipment (UE) connected to a base station that is not subject to the communication restriction when a communication restriction is imposed on a first UE determined to be located far from the base station, the UE including a control unit that receives information from the base station and transmits the information received from the base station to the first UE via direct communication between UEs.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure may further include an information processing system including the above-mentioned communication control device, a program for causing a computer to operate as a communication control device, or a computer-readable storage medium having the above-mentioned program recorded thereon. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption related to communication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a UE. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the communication control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in step S03 of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in step S04 of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the UE. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a communication control device and a communication control method will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a cellular network 4 consisting of a core network 1 and a base station 2, a plurality of UEs (User Equipment) 10 connected to the base station 2, and an external network 5 connected to the core network 1.

[0012] 1 illustrates UEs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d as examples of multiple UEs 10 that are in a connected state (connected) with the base station 2. It is assumed that the distance between the UEs 10c and 10d and the base station 2 is longer (farther from the base station 2) than the distance between the UEs 10a and 10b and the base station 2. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the UEs 10a to 10d, they will be referred to as UE 10.

[0013] UE 10 is a terminal of a user (subscriber) of a communication service using the cellular network 4. UE 10 is connected to a base station 2 and can communicate with a communication partner through the cellular network 4. UE 10a to 10d are mounted on vehicles 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, respectively. When there is no need to distinguish between vehicles 3a to 3d, they will be referred to as vehicle 3. However, it is not necessarily essential that UE 10 is mounted on vehicle 3. UE 10 may be installed in vehicle 3, may be attached in a detachable manner, or may simply be placed inside vehicle 3.

[0014] In the following description, the cellular network 4 is exemplified as a 5G network. The base station 2 is an access network (RAN: radio access network) of the core network 1. A 5G base station is called a gNB. The cellular network 4 may be a wireless LAN (including Wi-Fi). In this case, In this case, the base station 2 is an access point of a wireless LAN, and the core network 1 is a public network.

[0015] The core network 1 is called 5G Core (5GC). The core network 1 includes functions (entities, also called network nodes) related to the control plane and functions (entities) related to the user plane. The entities related to the control plane include the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), and NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function).

[0016] The AMF is a device that accommodates the UE 10 in the 5GC (core network 1). The AMF accommodates the RAN (base station 2) and performs subscriber authentication control and UE 10 location (mobility) management. The UDM provides subscriber information, and acquires, registers, deletes, and changes the UE status. The SMF manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and provides QoS (Quality of Service). The PCF controls the UPF to implement PDU Service control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication path for exchanging data between the UE and the DN (Data Network: external network 5). The external network 5 (DN) is a data network (such as the Internet) external to the 5GC. The PCF performs QoS control, policy control, charging control, etc. under the control of the SMF. QoS control is the control of communication quality, such as priority forwarding of packets. Policy control is the control of communication quality, such as QoS based on network or subscriber information, whether or not to forward packets, and charging. Control is performed.

[0017] The 5GC includes a User Plane Function (UPF) as an entity (network node) related to the user plane. The UPF handles user packets (those sent and received by the UE 10). It performs routing and forwarding of user plane packets, packet inspection, and QoS processing.

[0018] When the cellular network 4 is an LTE (4G) network, the base station 2 is called an eNB. The core network 1 is called an EPC (Evolved Packet Core). The EPC is a control Entities related to the plane include a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (SGW), a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), a Home Subscriber server (HSS), a Policy and Charging Rule Function (PCRF), an Online Charging System (OCS), and an Offline Charging System (OFCS).

[0019] The MME performs various controls such as subscriber management and terminal location management (mobility control). The SGW is a gateway that accommodates the base station 2. The PGW is a gateway that is connected to the external network 5. The HSS registers subscriber information and terminal location information. The HSS also authenticates users (UE). The PCRF sets network policies (network usage conditions, operational conditions (e.g. priority control), or charging rules, etc.). The OCS is an online charging system, and the OFCS is an offline charging system.

[0020] For example, the UE 10 may be a DCM (Data Communication Module), which is an example of an in-vehicle terminal mounted in a vehicle. Vehicle-related information is collected from the vehicle's The UE 10 can collect information related to the operation of the vehicle (data related to the vehicle's driving, such as location, vehicle speed, etc.). The UE 10 can also collect data related to the communication of the vehicle (vehicle-mounted terminal). Data (user data) transmitted from the UE 10 is sent via the cellular network 4 to a predetermined communication partner (for example, a server device connected to the external network 5).

[0021] The base station 2 and the core network 1 perform communication control such as registering the location of the UE 10, setting up a route for the UE 10 and a communication partner to send and receive data (packets), and managing quality of service (QoS). The base station 2 can be configured using at least one computer capable of wireless communication. The core network 1 can be configured by one computer or a collection (cloud) of two or more computers operating as the above-mentioned entities. The computer that constitutes the base station 2 and the core network 1 operates as a communication control device 20 that performs various controls related to the above-mentioned communications of the UE 10.

[0022] Fig. 2A is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication control device 20 (a computer operating as the communication control device 20). Fig. 2B is a diagram showing a configuration example of a UE 10. In Fig. 2A, the communication control device 20 has, as an example, a processor 31, a storage device 32, a communication interface (communication IF) 33A, a wireless communication IF 33B, an input device 34, and a display 35, which are connected to each other via a bus 36.

[0023] The storage device 32 stores various programs and data. The processor 31 is an example of a control unit (controller) and is a CPU, a DSP, a GPU, or a combination of these. The processor 31 executes the programs stored in the storage device 32 and performs various processes such as calculations or processing using data stored in the storage device 32. By executing the programs, the communication control device 20 can perform various controls related to communication with the UE 10. The communication IF 33A is a communication interface circuit for a wired network, and the wireless communication IF 33B is used for wireless communication with the UE 10, etc. The input device 34 is used for inputting and setting information, etc. These are buttons, keys, touch panels, etc. that are used. The display 35 is used to display information. The wireless communication IF 33B is a component that is provided when the communication control device 20 is provided in the base station 2, and may not be provided in the communication control device 20 that constitutes the core network 1.

[0024] 3B, UE 10, for example, includes a processor 131, a storage device 132, a wireless communication IF 133, an input device 134, and a display 135, which are connected to each other via a bus 136. Although these have different performance and types, they have similar functions to the processor 31, the storage device 32, the wireless communication IF 33B, the input device 34, and the display 35. The processor 131 is an example of a control unit (controller), and can perform various processes by executing a program stored in the storage device 132.

[0025] In the communication system shown in Fig. 1, a situation may occur in which multiple UEs 10 are connected to a base station 2 located (belonging) to an area where congestion is occurring due to traffic congestion of vehicles 3, etc. When many (multiple) UEs 10 are connected to the base station 2, congestion occurs at the base station 2, and power consumption related to communication increases as the load on the base station 2 and the core network 1 increases. In the embodiment, a process that can suppress (reduce) power consumption when multiple UEs 10 are connected to the base station 2 will be described.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the communication control device 20 provided in the base station 2 or the core network 1. The processing shown in Fig. 3 is performed by the processor 31 of the communication control device 20 included in the base station 2. However, the processing shown in Fig. 3 may be performed by the processor 31 of the communication control device 20 included in the core network 1. The processing shown in Fig. 3 is started, for example, when the base station 2 detects (confirms) a connection of a new UE 10 (vehicle 3) from session information in a message related to GTP-U signaling (establishment of a PDU session). The processing in Fig. 3 is executed to perform efficient data transfer for UEs connected to the base station 2 and reduce power consumption.

[0027] In step S01, the processor 31 determines whether or not the number of UEs 10 in a connected state (connected) with the base station 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the number of UEs 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S03, and if not, the process proceeds to step S02.

[0028] In step S02, the processor 31 judges whether traffic congestion occurs in the area (geographical region) in which the base station 2 exists (belongs) or whether congestion occurs in the base station 2. For example, the communication control device 20 included in the core network 1 monitors at least one of the presence or absence of traffic congestion in the area in which the base station 2 belongs and the congestion in the base station 2, and transmits information indicating the presence or absence of traffic congestion and congestion to the base station 2. The processor 31 of the base station 2 stores the information indicating the presence or absence of traffic congestion and congestion in the storage device 32. In step S02, the processor 31 refers to the information indicating the presence or absence of traffic congestion and congestion stored in the storage device 32 and judges whether traffic congestion or congestion occurs. If it is judged that traffic congestion or congestion occurs, the process proceeds to step S03, and if not, the process returns to step S01.

[0029] The determination in step S02 may be made for either traffic jam or congestion. The order of the determination in step S01 and the determination in step S02 may be reversed, or one of them may be omitted. Steps S01 and S02 may be omitted as an option.

[0030] In step S03, the processor 31 classifies multiple UEs 10 connected to the base station 2 into first UEs and second UEs (described later) based on at least one of the distance between the base station 2 and each UE 10 and the quality of communication between the base station 2 and each UE 10 (communication quality).

[0031] In step S04, the processor 31 performs communication control for the classified first UE and second UE. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S03 (classification of UE 10). The storage device 32 stores information indicating the distance (e.g., straight-line distance) between the base station 2 and each UE 10. The storage device 32 also stores information indicating each SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) as information indicating communication quality related to communication between the base station 2 and each UE 10. The method and timing of obtaining the information indicating the distance and the information indicating the SNR can be set appropriately. The information indicating the distance and the information indicating the SNR may be selectively used for determining the classification of the first UE and the second UE, which will be described later. Furthermore, both the information indicating the distance and the information indicating the SNR may be used for determining the classification of the first UE and the second UE.

[0032] 4, it is determined whether or not distance is to be used for classification. If it is determined that distance is to be used, the process proceeds to step S32, and if not, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0033] In step S32, the processor 31 sorts the multiple UEs 10 in ascending order of distance. In step S33, the processor 31 selects a predetermined number (one or more) of UEs 10 in descending order of distance. After that, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0034] In step S34, the processor 31 sorts the multiple UEs 10 in descending order of SNR. In step S35, the processor 31 selects a predetermined number (one or more) of UEs 10 in descending order of SNR. In step S36, the processor 31 classifies the unselected (remaining) UEs 10 as first UEs that are located far from the base station 2 (determines them as first UEs). The processor 31 also classifies the selected predetermined number of UEs 10 as first UEs (determines them as first UEs).

[0035] In step S37, it is determined whether or not to use distance and SNR for classification. If it is determined that both distance and SNR are to be used, the process proceeds to step S38, otherwise the classification process of FIG. 4 ends and the process proceeds to step S04.

[0036] In step S38, the processor 31 executes the processes in steps S32, S33 and S36 ( When the processing of steps S34 to S36 (classification based on SNR) is being executed, the processor 31 executes the processing of steps S32, S33, and S36.

[0037] In step S39, the processor 31 compares the classification result based on the distance with the classification result based on the SNR. If there is a UE 10 for which the classification result based on the distance differs from the classification result based on the SNR, the processor 31 classifies the UE 10 as either the first UE or the second UE. The classification rule at this time can be set appropriately. Thereafter, the classification process of FIG. 4 ends, and the process proceeds to step S04. By the process of step S04, for example, of the multiple UEs 10a to 10d, UEs 10c and 10d are classified as first UEs, and UEs 10a and 10b are classified as second UEs.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S04 (communication control for the first UE and the second UE). In step S41, the processor 31 performs a process for improving the efficiency of communication for the UE 10 classified as the second UE (the vehicle 3 equipped with the second UE). For example, the processor 31 allocates more radio resources (called physical resource blocks: RBs) used for wireless communication between the UE 10 and the base station 2 for the communication of the second UE than for the UE 10 classified as the first UE. The processor 31 also prioritizes the allocation of RBs to the second UE over the allocation of RBs to the first UE. This improves the data transfer efficiency of the second UE (UE 10 that is close to the base station 2 or has a high SNR). The RB can be increased in at least one of the direction from the UE 10 to the base station 2 (uplink direction) and the opposite direction (downlink direction). The process of step S41 is optional.

[0039] In step S42, the processor 31 imposes a predetermined communication restriction on the UE 10 classified as a first UE (the vehicle 3 equipped with the first UE). For example, the processor 31 lengthens the data transfer interval for downlink data to the UE 10. The processor 31 can also provide (transmit) to the UE 10 an instruction or request to lengthen the interval (frequency) of transmitting (uploading) data to the base station 2 for uplink data. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the UE 10 autonomously adjusts the upload interval without receiving an explicit instruction from the base station 2.

[0040] However, if quality of service (QoS) is set for the PDU session (communication path from UE 10 to the core network (UPF)) established for the first UE that is subject to communication restrictions, the processor 31 downgrades the throughput or delay to the extent that the QoS is satisfied.

[0041] Furthermore, in step S41, the processor 31 may control the packet flow of the second UE, which is transferred using a PDU session in the wired section between the base station 2 and the core network 1 (UPF), to be marked as "high priority" (for example, by adding high priority header information). In this case, packets of the packet flow are stored in a high priority queue (a queue with a short residence time) and are preferentially sent out. Conversely, in step S42, the processor 31 may mark the packet flow of the first UE as "low priority" and implement a communication restriction (bandwidth restriction) that lengthens the residence time in the queue. Furthermore, as a communication restriction for the first UE, reducing the allocation of RBs in the wireless section may be adopted.

[0042] Moreover, the processor 31 can execute the following communication control instead of the above-mentioned configuration. (Example 1) In step S41, control is performed such that a higher priority is assigned to the second UE as the distance to the base station 2 becomes shorter. Conversely, in step S42, communication restriction may be performed by lowering the priority for the first UE. (Example 2) Regarding the communication restriction in step S42, while the UE 10 is classified as a first UE, the processor 31 stores data with a large data size, such as image data captured by an on-board camera, in a storage device (such as the storage device 32) in the vehicle 3. On the other hand, the processor 31 transmits data with a smaller size than the image data, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) signal or data obtained by Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), at intervals adjusted by the communication restriction. (Example 3) In step S41, the transmission rate or upload frequency can be increased as a target of priority control for the communication of the second UE. Also, a path (communication route) to the queue in the wired section (wired network) may be selected. For example, multiple paths (e.g., a high-priority path and a low-priority path) are provided between the base station 2 and the core network 1 (UPF), and the high-priority path is used for the second UE that is the target of priority control. At this time, the low-priority path is used for the first UE.

[0043] For example, Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) is used for route selection within the wired network. In this case, multiple paths (a path for the first UE and a path for the second UE) can be set. In addition, the technology for setting a high-priority path and a low-priority path and using them appropriately includes ULCL (Uplink Classifier), Multiple PDU Sessions, and IPv6 Multicast of 3GPP (registered trademark). Homing is available. ULCL is a technique to extract communications that meet certain conditions (e.g., communications from a second UE) and send them to a different DN. The second UE can use a high-priority path and the first UE can use a low-priority path. Multiple PDU Sessions If this applies, multiple (high priority and low wired) PDU sessions are set up, with the second UE using the high priority PDU session and the first UE using the low priority PDU session.

[0044] In step S41, the processor 31 performs communication control (such as wired control) for the communication of the second UE to perform the above-mentioned efficient data transfer. In contrast, in step S42, the processor 31 can impose the above-mentioned various communication restrictions on the first UE.

[0045] 3, in step S05, the processor 31 transmits downlink information to the UE 10 classified as the second UE. The processor 31 selects a UE 10 (e.g., UE 10a) that is to be a source (representative) of direct communication between the UEs from among the second UEs (e.g., UEs 10a and 10b).

[0046] Direct communication between UEs is wireless communication between UEs 10 without going through a base station 2, and is also called V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) communication (Vehicle to Vehicle communication) and V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication. The processor 31 transmits an instruction or request to one or more UEs 10 (e.g., UEs 10c and 10d) that are present around the UE 10a and are classified as a first UE, to spread (transmit) downlink information received from the base station 2. The instruction or request to spread may be transmitted at the same timing as the downlink information or at a different timing. For example, the processor 31 may transmit the instruction or request by adding flag information to the downlink information to be sent to the representative UE 10, which means "spread (share) this information to surrounding vehicles by direct communication between UEs (vehicle-to-vehicle communication)". When the process of step S05 ends, the process returns to step S01.

[0047] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the UE 10. The processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed by, for example, the processor 131 of the UE 10a. In step S101, the processor 131 of the UE 10a receives information transmitted from the base station 2.

[0048] In step S102, the processor 131 of the UE 10a determines whether or not a spreading instruction or request is attached to the information received from the base station 2. If it is determined that a spreading instruction or request is attached, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process of FIG.

[0049] In step S103, the processor 131 of the UE 10a determines the surrounding UEs 10 to which the information is to be spread. For example, the processor 131 may use a Proximity Service (ProSe) Direct Using the discovery process, the UE 10 can detect other UEs 10 (eg, UEs 10c and 10d) in its vicinity as receiving UEs 10.

[0050] In step S104, the processor 131 of the UE 10a transmits the information to be transmitted by direct communication between UEs (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). For example, the procedure of V2X communication in broadcast mode via a PC5 reference point can be used as the direct communication between UEs.

[0051] The receiving UEs (UEs 10c and 10d) determine a destination Layer 2 ID for broadcast reception of information. The transmitting UE (UE 10a) determines a source Layer 2 ID and a destination Layer 2 ID. At this time, the UE 10a determines a source Layer 2 ID and a destination Layer 2 ID for broadcast reception of information. UE 10a determines the source Layer 2 ID. and a destination Layer 2 ID, the UE 10a transmits a broadcast message including V2X data (information to be transmitted). The UEs 10c and 10d receive the V2X data in the broadcast message based on the destination Layer 2 ID in the broadcast message. In this way, the UE 10a can spread the information received from the base station 2 to the UEs 10c and 10d.

[0052] The communication control device 20 according to the embodiment includes a processor 31 (controller). The processor 31 restricts communication with a first UE determined to be located far from the base station 2 among a plurality of UEs 10 connected to the base station 2. Since a UE 10 located far from the base station 2 consumes more power than a UE 10 located close to the base station 2, restricting communication with the UE 10 determined to be the first UE makes it possible to reduce power consumption related to communication.

[0053] In addition, the communication control device 20 (processor 31) can impose communication restrictions on the first UE when it is determined that the number of multiple UEs 10 is equal to or greater than a threshold, congestion has occurred at the base station 2, or traffic congestion has occurred in the area to which the base station 2 belongs.

[0054] In addition, the communication control device 20 (its processor 31) can impose communication restrictions on a first UE determined to be located far from the base station 2 based on information indicating at least one of the distance between the base station 2 and each of the multiple UEs 10 and the communication quality (SNR) between the base station 2 and each of the multiple UEs 10.

[0055] The communication restriction described in the embodiment may include lengthening a data transfer interval in the communication of the first UE. Also, the (processor 31 of) the communication control device 20 may provide an instruction or request related to the communication restriction to the first UE. Also, in the embodiment, the communication restriction is performed within a range in which the quality of service (QoS) defined for the first UE is maintained.

[0056] In the embodiment, the communication control device 20 (the processor 31) can exclude communication of non-real-time data from the communication restriction. The communication control device 20 (the processor 31) can perform a process (such as increasing the priority) to improve the efficiency of communication of a second UE that is not subject to the communication restriction among the multiple UEs 10.

[0057] In addition, the communication control device 20 (its processor 31) can send an instruction or request to a second UE among the multiple UEs 10 that is not subject to communication restrictions to transmit information received from the base station 2 to the first UE via direct communication between the UEs.

[0058] In the embodiment, the UE 10 classified as the second UE includes a processor 131 (controller). The processor 131 can receive information from the base station 2 and transmit the information received from the base station 2 to the first UE through direct communication between the UEs.

[0059] The above-described embodiment and modified examples are merely examples, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0060] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Or, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0061] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as, for example, a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, or an optical card. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Core network, 2 Base station, 3 Vehicle, 4 Cellular network, 5 External network, 10 UE, 20 Communication control device, 31 Processor, 32 Storage device, 131 Processor, 132 Storage device

Claims

1. A control unit that executes a communication restriction on a first UE determined to be located far from the base station among a plurality of user equipment (UE) connected to the base station. Communications control device.

2. The control unit restricts communication with the first UE when it is determined that at least one of the number of the plurality of UEs is equal to or greater than a threshold, congestion occurs in the base station, and traffic congestion occurs in an area to which the base station belongs. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit imposes a communication restriction on a first UE determined to be located far from the base station based on information indicating at least one of a distance between the base station and each of the plurality of UEs and a communication quality between the base station and each of the plurality of UEs. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

4. The communication restriction includes lengthening a data transfer interval in the communication of the first UE. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit provides an instruction or a request related to the communication restriction to the first UE. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

6. The communication restriction is performed to a degree that a quality of service (QoS) defined for the first UE is maintained. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit excludes communication of non-real-time data from the communication restriction. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit performs a process for improving the efficiency of communication of a second UE that is not subject to the communication restriction among the plurality of UEs. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit transmits an instruction or a request to a second UE, which is not subject to the communication restriction, among the plurality of UEs, to transmit information received from the base station to the first UE by direct communication between the UEs. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

10. The method includes a communication control device restricting communication with a first UE determined to be located far from the base station among a plurality of user equipment (UE) connected to the base station. Communications control method.

11. When the communication control device determines that at least one of the number of the plurality of UEs is equal to or greater than a threshold, congestion has occurred in the base station, and traffic congestion has occurred in an area to which the base station belongs, the communication control device restricts communication with the first UE. The communication control method according to claim 10.

12. The communication control device imposes a communication restriction on a first UE determined to be located far from the base station based on information indicating at least one of a distance between the base station and each of the plurality of UEs and a communication quality between the base station and each of the plurality of UEs. The communication control method according to claim 10.

13. The communication restriction includes lengthening a data transfer interval in the communication of the first UE. The communication control method according to claim 10.

14. The communication control device provides an instruction or request regarding the communication restriction to the first UE. The communication control method according to claim 10.

15. The communication restriction is performed to a degree that a quality of service (QoS) defined for the first UE is maintained. The communication control method according to claim 10.

16. The communication control device excludes communication of non-real-time data from the communication restriction. The communication control method according to claim 10.

17. The communication control device performs a process for improving the efficiency of communication of a second UE that is not subject to the communication restriction among the plurality of UEs. The communication control method according to claim 10.

18. The communication control device transmits an instruction or request to a second UE, which is not subject to the communication restriction, among the plurality of UEs, to transmit information received from the base station to the first UE by direct communication between the UEs. The communication control method according to claim 10.

19. A program for causing a computer to operate as the communication control device according to claim 1.

20. When a communication restriction is imposed on a first UE determined to be located far from a base station among a plurality of user equipment (UE) connected to a base station, a second UE that is not subject to the communication restriction among the plurality of UEs is a UE, receiving information from the base station; and transmitting the information received from the base station to the first UE by direct communication between UEs; A UE including a control unit that executes the above.

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