Communication control system and communication control method

Abstract

To provide a communication control technique that enables efficient utilization of resources.SOLUTION: A communication control system includes generating means for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and priorities assigned to the plurality of respective identifier groups, and requesting means for requesting storage means to store information included in the storage request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a communication control system that controls communication between multiple terminals via a network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that sets a priority for each router according to the load of the router, and causes the router with the highest priority to operate as a master. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-38218 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The system described in Patent Document 1 is intended to level out the load on routers by setting priorities for each router, which can be regarded as a node, but there were issues in terms of efficient use of resources.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an exemplary objective thereof is to provide a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a generating means for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and a requesting means for requesting a storage means to store information included in the storage request.

[0007] A communication control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a requesting means for making a discovery request for a network function to a storage means, and an acquiring means for acquiring, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0008] A communication control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and a storage means for storing information included in the storage request.

[0009] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and requesting a storage means to store information included in the storage request.

[0010] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes making a discovery request for a network function to a storage means, and obtaining, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0011] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes obtaining a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and storing information included in the storage request. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of profile information according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram for explaining an effect of the communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer functioning as an NF according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, an embodiment obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, an embodiment obtained by appropriately omitting a part of the technical means employed in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the effects mentioned in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, an embodiment that does not exhibit the effects mentioned in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0015] First Exemplary Embodiment A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is the basic form of each exemplary embodiment described later. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical obstacle occurs. In addition, each technical means shown in the drawings referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical obstacle occurs.

[0016] (Configuration of communication control system 1) The configuration of a communication control system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control system 1 includes a first network function (hereinafter also referred to as a first NF, where NF is an abbreviation for Network Function) 10 and a second network function (hereinafter also referred to as a second NF) 20. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the first NF 10 and the second NF 20 are communicatively connected via a network N. Here, the specific configuration of the network N does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0017] In this exemplary embodiment, the name NF (Network Function) is merely a name given to a configuration for realizing a function in the communication control system 1, and this name does not limit this exemplary embodiment. Each NF can be specifically realized by one or more physical devices (servers) that realize the function, one or more instances deployed in the one or more physical devices, or a virtual machine deployed in the one or more physical devices. Therefore, each NF according to this exemplary embodiment may be expressed as a communication control device. However, these specific realization means do not limit this exemplary embodiment. The same applies to each exemplary embodiment described later.

[0018] In addition, although the application of the communication control system 1 is not particularly limited, as an example, when the communication control system 1 is applied to a 5G core network, the name NF: Network Function can be regarded as corresponding to each NF constituting the 5G core network. The same applies to each configuration and each exemplary embodiment described later.

[0019] (First NF10) 1, the first NF 10 includes a generation unit 11 and a request unit 12. The generation unit 11 generates a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0020] Here, the identifier is, for example, for identifying each element or each element group related to the communication system 1 from each other. - Included in communication system 1, configured to enable data exchange between each other or - Devices that are not included in the communication system 1 but are configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the communication system 1 In other words, each element or each element group may be configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the above-mentioned network N or a network including the network N.

[0021] As an example, the storage request may be: Instructions for storing each piece of information included in the storage request A first identifier group IDG1 including an identifier ID11, an identifier ID12, and an identifier ID13 A second identifier group IDG2 including the identifier ID21, the identifier ID22, and the identifier ID23 Priority P1 assigned to the first identifier group IDG1 Priority P2 assigned to the second identifier group IDG2 The identifier may include at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix.

[0022] Meanwhile, the request unit 12 transmits the storage request to the second NF 20. Here, the second NF 20 is an NF (also called a storage unit or storage means) that realizes a storage function and is connected to the network N. In this manner, the request unit 12 transmits the storage request to the second NF 20, thereby requesting the storage means to store the information included in the storage request. Then, upon receiving the storage request, the second NF 20 stores each piece of information included in the storage request on a recording medium.

[0023] As an example, when the communication control system 1 is applied to a 5G core network, the first NF 10 corresponds to a BSF (Binding Support Function) that maintains the correspondence between the IP address of each UE (User Equipment) and a PCF (Policy Control Function), and the above storage request can be considered as a configuration equivalent to an "NF Register", but these examples do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0024] (Effects of communication control system 1) As described above, the communication control system 1 is configured to generate a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and to request a storage means to store the information included in the storage request.

[0025] According to the communication control system 1 configured in this manner, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be provided. Moreover, the above configuration can be suitably applied to an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration, for example. According to the above configuration, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that an nACT configuration capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be realized, as compared to an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance, for example.

[0026] Note that the above-mentioned ACT / SBY configuration, as an example, refers to a configuration in which an active physical server (or instance) and a standby physical server (or instance) are set up separately, and the above-mentioned nACT configuration, unlike the above-mentioned ACT / SBY configuration, refers to a configuration in which an active physical server (or instance) also functions as a standby physical server (or instance) without setting up a dedicated standby physical server (or instance).

[0027] In an ACT / SBY configuration in which a standby instance is placed on standby as a backup for an active instance (in other words, an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance), there is an aspect that it is difficult to efficiently utilize resources (hardware resources, for example) because of the standby instance.

[0028] On the other hand, according to the above-mentioned communication control system 1, a priority is assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups, rather than to each instance, so that there is no need to provide a backup instance. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned communication control system 1, a communication control technique that can efficiently utilize resources can be provided.

[0029] (Flow of communication control method S1) Next, the flow of the communication control method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S1. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication control method S1 includes a process (step) S11 of generating a storage request, and a process (step) S12 of requesting storage of information included in the storage request.

[0030] (Step S11) In step S11, the generating unit 11 of the communication control system 1 generates a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. The specific processing by the generating unit 11 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0031] (Step S12) In step S12, the request unit 12 of the communication control system 1 requests the storage means to store the information included in the storage request by transmitting the storage request to the second NF 20. The detailed process by the request unit 12 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0032] (Effects of communication control method S1) As described above, the communication control method S1 employs a configuration in which a storage request is generated that includes a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and a request is made to a storage means to store information included in the storage request. Therefore, the communication control method S1 can provide a communication control technique that can efficiently utilize resources, similar to the communication control system 1.

[0033] (Configuration of communication control system 2) The configuration of a communication control system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control system 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication control system 2 includes a first NF 10 and a second NF 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the first NF 10 and the second NF 20 are communicatively connected via a network N. A specific configuration example of the network N has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0034] (Second NF20) 3, the second NF 20 includes an acquisition unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The acquisition unit 21 acquires a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. Here, a specific configuration example of the storage request has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0035] On the other hand, the storage unit 22 stores the information included in the storage request. As an example, the storage unit 22 stores each piece of information included in the storage request on a recording medium.

[0036] Note that the first NF 10 included in the communication control system 2 has a similar configuration to the first NF 10 included in the above-described communication control system 1, as an example, but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0037] As an example, when the communication control system 2 is applied to a 5G core network, the second NF 20 can be regarded as a configuration equivalent to an NRF (Network Repository Function), but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0038] (Effects of communication control system 2) As described above, the communication control system 2 is configured to obtain a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, and store the information included in the storage request.

[0039] According to the communication control system 2 configured in this manner, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be provided. Moreover, the above configuration can be suitably applied to an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration, for example. According to the above configuration, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that an nACT configuration capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be realized, as compared to an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance, for example.

[0040] (Flow of communication control method S2) Next, the flow of the communication control method S2 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S2. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication control method S2 includes a process (step) S21 of acquiring a storage request and a process (step) S22 of storing information included in the storage request.

[0041] (Step S21) In step S21, the acquisition unit 21 of the communication control system 2 acquires a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0042] (Step S22) In step S22, the storage unit 22 of the communication control system 2 stores the information included in the storage request. (Effects of communication control method S2) As described above, the communication control method S2 employs a configuration in which a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each including one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups is acquired, and the information included in the storage request is stored. Therefore, the communication control method S2 can provide a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources, similar to the communication control system 2.

[0043] (Configuration of communication control system 3) The configuration of the communication control system 3 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control system 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the communication control system 3 includes a second NF 20 and a third NF 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the second NF 20 and the third NF 30 are communicatively connected via a network N. A specific configuration example of the network N has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0044] (Third NF30) As shown in Fig. 5, the third NF 30 includes a request unit 31 and an acquisition unit 32. The request unit 31 issues a discovery request for a network function to a storage means. Here, the storage means may be the second NF 20 having a storage function connected to the network N, but this is not intended to limit the present exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the term "discovery request" refers to a request to identify and provide desired information, and the specific wording does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0045] The acquisition unit 32 acquires, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. Here, the response information may be, for example, A first identifier group IDG1 including an identifier ID11, an identifier ID12, and an identifier ID13 A second identifier group IDG2 including the identifier ID21, the identifier ID22, and the identifier ID23 Priority P1 assigned to the first identifier group IDG1 Priority P2 assigned to the second identifier group IDG2 The identifier may include at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix.

[0046] As an example, when the communication control system 3 is applied to a 5G core network, the third NF 30 corresponds to an AF (Application Function) or a NEF (Network Exposure Function), and the above-mentioned "network function discovery request" can be regarded as a configuration equivalent to "NF Discovery", but these examples do not limit the present illustrative embodiment. (Effects of communication control system 3) As described above, the communication control system 1 is configured to make a discovery request for a network function to a storage means, and obtain, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0047] According to the communication control system 3 configured in this manner, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be provided. Moreover, the above configuration can be suitably applied to an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration, for example. According to the above configuration, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that an nACT configuration capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be realized, as compared to an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance, for example.

[0048] (Flow of communication control method S3) Next, the flow of the communication control method S3 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the communication control method S3. As shown in Fig. 6, the communication control method S3 includes a process (step) S31 of making a discovery request and a process (step) S32 of acquiring response information.

[0049] (Step S31) In step S31, the request unit 31 of the communication control system 3 makes a discovery request for a network function to the storage means. The specific processing by the request unit 31 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0050] (Step S32) In step S32, the acquisition unit 32 of the communication control system 3 acquires, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. A more specific process by the acquisition unit 32 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0051] (Effects of communication control method S3) As described above, the communication control method S3 employs a configuration in which a discovery request for a network function is made to a storage means, and response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups is obtained as a response to the discovery request. Therefore, the communication control method S3 can provide a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources, similar to the communication control system 3.

[0052] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, as long as no particular technical hindrance occurs. In addition, each technical means shown in each drawing referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, as long as no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0053] (Configuration of communication control system 1A) The configuration of a communication control system 1A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control system 1A. As shown in Fig. 7, the communication control system 1A includes a first NF 10A, a second NF 20A, a third NF 30A, and a fourth NF 40A.

[0054] (First NF10A) As shown in FIG. 7, the first NF 10A includes a management unit 13, an acquisition unit 14, and a provision unit 15, in addition to the generation unit 11 and request unit 12 included in the first NF 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0055] (Generation unit 11) As described in the exemplary embodiment 1, the generation unit 11 generates a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each including one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. Here, the identifier may be configured to include at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix. As an example, when the identifier is an IP address and the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network, the storage request is NF Register ( IP range: A, priority: 100 IP range: B, priority: 200 ) Here, the first line of the storage request, "NF Register", indicates that this is a registration request related to NF, and is instruction information for requesting the storage means to store each piece of information in parentheses. Furthermore, the second and third lines of the storage request indicate that a priority of 100 has been assigned to IP address range A, and a priority of 200 has been assigned to IP address range B. Here, IP address range A and IP address range B are each information including multiple ID addresses, and are each an example of the above-mentioned "identifier group."

[0056] In addition, examples of the above-mentioned identifier names or the attribute names of the above-mentioned identifier groups when the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network are as follows. The following identifier names or the attribute names of the above-mentioned identifier groups correspond to the items specified as "Type:BsfInfo" as an example in the 5G standard. However, the following examples do not limit this exemplary embodiment. In addition, the communication control system 1A can also be applied to identifiers and identifier groups corresponding to other communication standards, and such implementation aspects are also included in this exemplary embodiment.

[0057] <Examples of identifier names or attribute names of identifiers> -ipv4AddressRanges: IP address range dnnList: List of DNNs (Data Network Names) ipDomainList: List of IP domains ·ipv6PrefixRanges: IP prefix range rxDiamHost: Diameter host of the Rx interface of the BSF rxDiamRealm: Diameter realm of the Rx interface of the BSF groupId: BSF group ID · supiRanges: SUPI ranges provided by BSF gpsiRanges: GPPI ranges provided by BSF (Request part 12) The request unit 12 transmits the storage request to the second NF 20A. Here, the second NF 20A is an NF (also called a storage unit or storage means) that realizes a storage function connected to the network N, and a specific configuration thereof will be described later. In this manner, the request unit 12 transmits the storage request to the second NF 20A, thereby requesting the storage means to store the information included in the storage request. Then, the second NF 20A that receives the storage request stores each piece of information included in the storage request in a recording medium.

[0058] In addition, when the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network, the first NF 10A corresponds to a BSF (Binding Support Function) that maintains the correspondence between the IP address of each UE (User Equipment) and a PCF (Policy Control Function), and the above storage request can be considered as a configuration equivalent to an "NF Register" as described above, but these examples do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0059] (Management Department 13) The management unit 13 functions as a management means for managing the multiple identifier groups. Here, the management unit 13 manages multiple identifier groups to which different priorities are assigned within the same instance. With this configuration, as an example, multiple identifier groups to which different priorities are assigned within the same instance are managed for each of one or more instances deployed in a physical server to function as a first NF 10A.

[0060] As described above, in the first NF 10A, for each of one or more instances, multiple identifier groups with different priorities are managed within the same instance, so that it is possible to provide a communication control technology that can utilize resources efficiently. Also, the above configuration can be suitably applied to an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration, for example. According to the above configuration, a priority is assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, so that it is possible to realize an nACT configuration that can utilize resources more efficiently than, for example, an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance.

[0061] (Acquisition part 14) The acquisition unit 14 acquires request information including a target identifier. As an example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires the request information from the third NF 30A. Here, as an example, the target identifier is an identifier for identifying a UE (User Equipment) of a call destination via the communication control system 1A. As an example, the target identifier may include at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix. More specifically, the target identifier may include each of the identifiers exemplified in <Examples of attribute names of identifier names or identifier groups>. A more specific example of processing by the acquisition unit 14 will be described later.

[0062] (Provider part 15) The providing unit 15 provides response information including the network function address associated with the target identifier as a response to the request information. As an example, when the acquiring unit 14 acquires the request information from the third NF 30A, the providing unit 15 provides the response information including the network function address associated with the target identifier to the third NF 30A as a response to the request information.

[0063] Here, the response information includes a plurality of identifier groups each including one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. More specifically, the response information includes a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. A more specific example of the processing by the providing unit 15 will be described later.

[0064] (Second NF20A) Next, the second NF 20A will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, the second NF 20A includes a providing unit 23 in addition to the acquiring unit 21 and the storing unit 22 included in the second NF 20 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0065] (Acquisition part 21) The acquisition unit 21 acquires a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, as described in the exemplary embodiment 1. Here, a specific configuration example of the storage request has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0066] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 21 acquires a discovery request for a network function from another NF included in the communication control system 1A. As an example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires a discovery request for a network function from a third NF 30A, which will be described later.

[0067] (Storage unit 22) The storage unit 22 stores the information included in the storage request as described in the exemplary embodiment 1. As an example, the storage unit 22 stores each piece of information included in the storage request on a recording medium.

[0068] (Provider 23) On the other hand, the providing unit 23 provides response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each including one or a plurality of identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups, to other NFs included in the communication control system 1A. As an example, when the acquiring unit 21 acquires a discovery request for a network function from another NF included in the communication control system 1A, the providing unit 23 provides the response information to the other NF in response to the discovery request. Here, the response information may be, for example, A first identifier group IDG1 including an identifier ID11, an identifier ID12, and an identifier ID13 A second identifier group IDG2 including the identifier ID21, the identifier ID22, and the identifier ID23 Priority P1 assigned to the first identifier group IDG1 Priority P2 assigned to the second identifier group IDG2 The identifier may include at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix. Specific examples of identifiers and identifier groups that may be included in the response information do not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but may include the examples described in <Examples of identifier names or attribute names of identifier groups>.

[0069] (The third NF30A) Next, the third NF 30A will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, the third NF 30A includes a specifying unit 33 in addition to the request unit 31 and the acquisition unit 32 included in the third NF 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0070] (Request part 31) The request unit 31 makes a discovery request for a network function to the storage means, as described in the exemplary embodiment 1. As an example, the request unit 31 makes a discovery request for a network function to the second NF 20A. Also, as described in the exemplary embodiment 1, a "discovery request" refers to a request for identification and provision of desired information, and the specific wording does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0071] (Acquisition part 32) As described in exemplary embodiment 1, the acquisition unit 32 acquires, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups.

[0072] (Specific Section 33) The identification unit 33 identifies the network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information. As an example, the identification unit 33 identifies the network function to be accessed by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier with each other.

[0073] More specifically, the specification unit 33 refers to the priority to determine which of a plurality of network functions belonging to the same category to access. For example, the response information is, for example, BSF1( IP range: A, priority: 100 IP range: B, priority: 200 ), BSF2( IP range: A, priority: 200 IP range: B, priority: 100 ) As in, BSF1 manages IP address range A, which is assigned a priority of 100, and IP address range B, which is assigned a priority of 200. BSF2 manages IP address range A, which is assigned a priority of 200, and IP address range B, which is assigned a priority of 100. In this case, the identification unit 33 determines which BSF to access from BSF1 and BSF2, which are NFs belonging to the same category, by referring to the priority assigned to each IP address range. Note that in the above example, the smaller the priority number, the higher the priority.

[0074] For example, when the IP address range including the target identifier is IP address range A, the specification unit 33 Priority 100 assigned to IP address range A associated with BSF1, Priority 200 assigned to IP address range A associated with BSF2 and selects the BSF1 associated with the IP address range A to which a higher priority (a smaller numerical value in this example) is assigned.

[0075] On the other hand, if the IP address range including the target identifier is IP address range B, the identification unit 33 Priority 200 assigned to IP address range B associated with BSF1, Priority 100 assigned to IP address range B associated with BSF2 and selects BSF2 associated with IP address range B, which is assigned a higher priority (a smaller number in this example).

[0076] In this way, the identification unit 33 can suitably identify the network function to be accessed (BSF1 or BSF2 in the above example) by comparing the priorities assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups (IP address range A and IP address range B in the above example) containing the target identifier.

[0077] (4th NF40A) The fourth NF 40A, for example, manages each identifier and related information associated with the identifier for a plurality of identifiers. For example, the fourth NF 40A manages a policy (policy rule) associated with each of a plurality of IP addresses included in an IP address group. Here, when the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network, the policy rule is, for example, information referenced to control a plane function such as a UPF (User plane Function), and includes rules related to network slicing, roaming, mobility management, and the like.

[0078] In addition, when the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network, the fourth NF 40A can be regarded as a configuration equivalent to a PCF (Policy Control Function), as an example, but this does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0079] (Specific configuration example of communication control system 1A) Next, a specific configuration example of the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram that illustrates a specific configuration example of the communication control system 1A. In the example illustrated in Fig. 8, the communication control system 1A includes the above-mentioned first NF 10A and a plurality of fourth NFs 40A (40A-1, 40A-2, ..., 40A-n in Fig. 8).

[0080] Here, the first NF 10A includes a plurality of instances, and among the plurality of instances, the first instance is denoted by reference numeral 10A-1, and the second instance is denoted by reference numeral 10A-2. These plurality of instances may be deployed on different physical servers, or may be deployed on a single physical server. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the first NF 10A functions as a BSF (Binding Support Function) in the 5G core network, and the first instance 10A-1 is referred to as BSF1, and the second instance 10A-2 is referred to as BSF1.

[0081] On the other hand, each of the multiple fourth NFs 40A shown in Fig. 8 functions as a PCF (Policy Control Function) in the 5G core network. More specifically, each of the fourth NF 40A-1, the fourth NF 40A-2, ..., and the fourth NF 40A-n functions as PCF-1, PCF-2, ..., and PCF-n, respectively.

[0082] Also, as shown in Fig. 8, each PCF manages policy rules corresponding to each of a plurality of UEs (User Equipment). Note that such a relationship between PCFs and UEs is sometimes expressed as "each UE is accommodated in a distributed manner in a plurality of PCFs."

[0083] In such a configuration, when an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) attempts to access a specific UE, the following steps are taken.

[0084] (Process 1) In order to identify the PCF that accommodates the called UE, the IMS makes an inquiry to the BSF using the IP address (also called a target identifier, a target IP address, etc.) of the called UE as a key. Here, the inquiry may include, for example, a discovery request from the third NF 30A (AF / NEF) included in the communication control system 1A to the second NF 20A (NRF).

[0085] (Process 2) Then, the IMS identifies the PCF that accommodates the called UE by referring to response information to the inquiry from the BSF. Here, the response information may include response information provided from the second NF 20A (NRF) to the third NF 30A (AF / NEF) as a response to the discovery request.

[0086] On the other hand, the first NF 10A (BSF) manages, for each of a plurality of instances, a plurality of identifier groups to which different priorities are assigned within the same instance, as shown in FIG. More specifically, in the first instance 10A-1, ·IPrange: A Priority: 100 (Primary) ·IPrange: B Priority: 200 (Secondary) In the second instance 10A-2, ·IPrange: B Priority: 100 (Primary) ·IPrange: A Priority: 200 (Secondary) In this way, by preparing a plurality of identical IP address ranges (same identifier groups) and assigning different priorities to each of these identical IP address ranges, it is possible to preferably realize an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since a priority is assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups, it is possible to realize an nACT configuration that can utilize resources more efficiently than, for example, an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance.

[0087] (Processing flow by communication control system 1A) Next, an example of the flow of processing by the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing by the communication control system 1A. As shown in Fig. 9, the flow of processing by the communication control system 1A includes the following steps.

[0088] (Step 11) The BSF1 (first NF 10A-1) generates a storage request C11 including multiple identifier groups, each including one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, and transmits the generated storage request C11 to the NRF (second NF 20A, storage means).

[0089] Here, the storage request C11 generated and transmitted by the BSF1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. NF Register ( IP range: A, priority: 100 IP range: B, priority: 200 ) An example of a storage request expressed in this way has already been described, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0090] (Step 12) The NRF (second NF 20A) that has received the storage request C11 stores each piece of information included in the storage request “NF Register.” IP range: A, priority: 100 IP range: B, priority: 200 The NRF stores the information in a recording medium. Here, the recording medium may be provided in the NRF itself, or may exist separately from the NRF. Then, the NRF (second NF 20A) that stores the information transmits, as an example, ACK information C12 to the BSF1 (first NF 10A-1) indicating that the storage of the information has been completed.

[0091] (Step 21) Similarly, the BSF2 (first NF 10A-2) generates a storage request C21 including multiple identifier groups, each including one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the multiple identifier groups, and transmits the generated storage request C21 to the NRF (second NF 20A, storage means).

[0092] Here, the storage request C21 generated and transmitted by the BSF2 is, for example, as shown in FIG. NF Register ( IP range: A, priority: 200 IP range: B, priority: 100 ) In this way, in the storage request C21 according to this example, a higher priority (a smaller numerical value) is assigned to the IP address range B, unlike the storage request C11 described above.

[0093] (Step 22) The NRF (second NF 20A) that has received the storage request C21 stores each piece of information included in the storage request “NF Register.” IP range: A, priority: 200 IP range: B, priority: 100 The NRF stores the information in a recording medium. Here, the recording medium may be provided in the NRF itself, or may exist separately from the NRF. Then, the NRF (second NF 20A) that stores the information transmits, as an example, ACK information C22 to the BSF2 (first NF 10A-2) indicating that the storage of the information has been completed.

[0094] (Step 31) On the other hand, when it becomes necessary to make an inquiry regarding the target identifier, the AF / NEF (the third NF 30A) sends a discovery request C31 to the NRF (the second NF 20A). As an example, the AF / NEF (the third NF 30A) sends a discovery request "NF discovery" regarding network functions to the NRF (the second NF 20A).

[0095] (Step 32) The NRF (second NF 20A) that has accepted the discovery request provides the AF / NEF (third NF 30A) with response information C32 that includes information related to multiple NFs that belong to the same category.

[0096] As an example, the NRF (the second NF20A) A plurality of identifier groups managed by the first BSF instance BSF1 and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups A plurality of identifier groups managed by a second BSF instance BSF2 and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups The AF / NEF (third NF 30A) then provides response information C32 including the above to the AF / NEF (third NF 30A).

[0097] More specifically, the response information C32 includes, as shown in FIG. BSF1( IP range: A, priority: 100 IP range: B, priority: 200 ), BSF2( IP range: A, priority: 200 IP range: B, priority: 100 ) The response information expressed in this manner has been described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0098] The AF / NEF (third NF 30A) that has acquired the response information C32 identifies a network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information C32. As an example, when the IP address band including the target identifier is IP address band A, the identifying unit 33 of the AF / NEF (third NF 30A) selects a BSF1 associated with IP address band A to which a higher priority (a smaller numerical value in this example) is assigned.

[0099] On the other hand, if the IP address band including the target identifier is IP address band B, the identifying unit 33 of the AF / NEF (third NF 30A) selects the BSF2 associated with the IP address band B to which a higher priority (a smaller numerical value in this example) is assigned. A more specific process by the identifying unit 33 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0100] (Step 41, Step 51) Then, the AF / NEF (the third NF 30A) accesses the BSF selected (specified) in step 32 from among BSF1 and BSF2. As an example, the AF / NEF (the third NF 30A) transmits request information (C41 or C51) to the BSF (BSF1 or BSF2) requesting notification of the network function address (NFaddress) of the PCF associated with the target identifier (IP address).

[0101] Then, the BSF that receives the request information notifies the AF / NEF (the third NF 30A) of the network function address (NF address) of the PCF that manages the target identifier (IP address) among the multiple PCFs (multiple fourth NFs 40A).

[0102] Then, the AF / NEF (third NF 30A) accesses the notified PCF, and the PCF performs connection processing for the UE associated with the target identifier.

[0103] (Example of network profile information) Next, the network profile information NFP generated and referred to by the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 10. At least a part of the data structure of the network profile information NFP is also an example of the data structure of a storage request from the first NF 10A (BSF) to the second NF 20A (NRF) and of response information from the second NF 20A (NRF) to the third NF 30A (AF / NEF). In addition, when the communication control system 1A is applied to a 5G core network as an example, the network profile information NFP can also be regarded as an example of an "NF Profile".

[0104] 10, the network profile information NFP has a hierarchical data structure having layers L1 to L4. Layer L1 includes "Nfprofile" which indicates that the information is network profile information.

[0105] Layer L2 is a layer below layer L1, and includes, for example, "Nfinstanceid", "Priority", and "Bsfinfo" as shown in FIG. 10. Note that "Priority" indicates a priority level assigned to each instance, and is not essential in the communication control system 1A. Meanwhile, "Bsfinfo" includes "ipv4Address InfoList..." and "ipv6Address InfoList..." in layer L3, which is a layer below it.

[0106] And, "ipv4Address InfoList..." includes "ipv4AddressRanges" and "Ipv4AddressPriority" associated with each of the "ipv4AddressRanges" in the lower layer, layer L4. The "ipv4AddressRanges" is an example of the IP address range (identifier group) described above. Also, the "Ipv4AddressPriority" is an example of a priority associated with (given to) each IP address range.

[0107] On the other hand, "ipv6Address InfoList..." includes "ipv6PrefixRanges" and "Ipv6AddressPriority" associated with each of the "ipv6PrefixRanges" in Layer 4, which is a lower layer. The "ipv6PrefixRanges" is an example of an IP prefix range (identifier group), which is an example of an identifier. The "Ipv6AddressPriority" is an example of a priority associated with (given to) each IP prefix range.

[0108] In this manner, the priority according to the present exemplary embodiment may be assigned to each identifier group and may be included as an element of a hierarchical data structure. By using such a data structure, the communication control system 1A can suitably manage the priority assigned to each identifier group.

[0109] (Effects of communication control system 1A) Next, the effects of the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The left side of Fig. 11 shows the configuration of the first NF 10A according to this embodiment, and the right side of Fig. 11 shows the configuration according to a comparative example.

[0110] As shown in the right side of FIG. 11, in the configuration according to the comparative example, a BSF instance is created for each IP address range (BSF11, 12, 21, and 22 in the right side of FIG. 11), and a priority is set for each BSF instance. The configuration according to the comparative example configures an ACT / SBY configuration as an example.

[0111] On the other hand, in the BSF (first NFs 10A-1, 10A-2) according to this exemplary embodiment, in each of multiple BSF instances (BSF1, BSF2), multiple IP address ranges (IP range: A, IP range: B) are managed within the same instance, and a priority is assigned to each IP address range. The communication control system 1A according to this exemplary embodiment configures an nACT configuration, as an example.

[0112] In this way, in the communication control system 1A, a priority is assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups, so that a communication control technique capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be provided. Also, as described above, the configuration of the communication control system 1A can be suitably applied to an nACT configuration having a redundant configuration, and a communication control system capable of efficiently utilizing resources can be realized, compared to an ACT / SBY configuration in which a priority is assigned to each instance.

[0113] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of each component of the communication control system 1, 1A (the first NF 10, 10A, the second NF 20, 20A, the third NF 30, 30A, the fourth NF 40A, etc.) may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip) (i.e., realized as individual devices), or by software (i.e., realized as instances deployed individually or in a distributed manner on one or more devices (physical servers)).

[0114] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized, for example, by a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter, referred to as computer C) is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0115] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to operate as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0116] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0117] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may further include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may further include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0118] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can obtain the program P via such a recording medium M. Furthermore, the program P can be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also obtain the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0119] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0120] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0121] (Appendix A1) a generating means for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a requesting means for requesting a storage means to store information included in the storage request; Equipped with Communications control system.

[0122] (Appendix A2) The identifier may include an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and / or an IP prefix. 2. A communications control system as described in Appendix A1.

[0123] (Appendix A3) a management means for managing the plurality of identifier groups, The management means includes: Manage multiple identifier groups with different priorities within the same instance 1. A communication control system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0124] (Appendix A4) An acquisition means for acquiring request information including a target identifier; providing means for providing response information including a network function address associated with the target identifier in response to the request information; The communication control system according to any one of appendices A1 to A3, further comprising:

[0125] (Appendix A5) a requesting means for making a discovery request for a network function to the storing means; an acquisition means for acquiring, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control system comprising:

[0126] (Appendix A6) A specifying means for specifying a network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information. It also has 2. A communications control system as described in Appendix A5.

[0127] (Appendix A7) The identification means is The network function to be accessed is identified by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier. 2. A communications control system as described in Appendix A6.

[0128] (Appendix A8) an acquisition means for acquiring a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a storage means for storing information included in the storage request; Equipped with Communications control system.

[0129] (Appendix A9) The acquisition means acquires a discovery request for a network function, The communication control system includes: A providing means is provided for providing, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. 2. A communications control system as described in Appendix A8.

[0130] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0131] (Appendix B1) A generation process in which at least one processor generates a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a request process in which the at least one processor requests a storage process to store information included in the storage request; Contains Communications control method.

[0132] (Appendix B2) The identifier may include an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and / or an IP prefix. 2. A communication control method according to claim 1.

[0133] (Appendix B3) The at least one processor includes a management process for managing the plurality of identifiers; In the management process, the at least one processor Manage multiple identifier groups with different priorities within the same instance A communication control method according to appendix B1 or B2.

[0134] (Appendix B4) an acquisition process in which the at least one processor acquires request information including a target identifier; a providing step of providing, in response to the request information, response information including a network function address associated with the target identifier, by the at least one processor; The communication control method according to any one of appendices B1 to B3, further comprising:

[0135] (Appendix B5) a request process in which the at least one processor issues a discovery request for a network function to a storage process; an acquisition process in which the at least one processor acquires, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control method comprising the steps of:

[0136] (Appendix B6) A process in which the at least one processor refers to the priority included in the response information and identifies a network function to be accessed. It further includes 2. A communication control method as described in Appendix B5.

[0137] (Appendix B7) In the specific process, the at least one processor The network function to be accessed is identified by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier. A communication control method according to claim B6.

[0138] (Appendix B8) an acquisition process in which the at least one processor acquires a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a storage process for storing information included in the storage request by the at least one processor; Contains Communications control method.

[0139] (Appendix B9) In the acquisition process, the at least one processor acquires a discovery request for a network function; The communication control system includes: The at least one processor includes a providing process for providing, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. 2. A communication control method according to claim 1, wherein said communication control method is a communication control method according to claim 1.

[0140] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0141] (Appendix C1) A program for causing a computer to function as a communication control system, The computer, a generating means for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a requesting means for requesting a storage means to store information included in the storage request; to function as Communications control program.

[0142] (Appendix C2) The identifier may include an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and / or an IP prefix. 2. The communication control program according to claim 1.

[0143] (Appendix C3) The computer, a management process for managing the plurality of identifier groups; The management means includes: Manage multiple identifier groups with different priorities within the same instance 2. The communication control program according to claim 1, wherein the communication control program is a program for controlling a communication between the host and the computer.

[0144] (Appendix C4) An acquisition means for acquiring request information including a target identifier; The computer, providing means for providing response information including a network function address associated with the target identifier in response to the request information; The communication control program according to any one of appendices C1 to C3, further functioning as:

[0145] (Appendix C5) The computer, a requesting means for making a discovery request for a network function to the storing means; an acquisition process for acquiring, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control program that functions as a

[0146] (Appendix C6) The computer, A specifying means for specifying a network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information. Further function as 2. The communication control program according to claim 1 ,

[0147] (Appendix C7) The identification means is The network function to be accessed is identified by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier. 2. The communication control program according to claim 1 ,

[0148] (Appendix C8) The computer, an acquisition means for acquiring a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a storage process for storing information included in the storage request; to function as Communications control program.

[0149] (Appendix C9) The computer, The acquisition means acquires a discovery request for a network function, The communication control system includes: and functioning as a providing process for providing, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. 2. The communication control program according to claim 1 ,

[0150] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0151] (Appendix D1) at least one processor, the at least one processor comprising: a generation process for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a request process for requesting a storage process to store information included in the storage request; Run Communications control system.

[0152] (Appendix D2) The identifier may include an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and / or an IP prefix. 13. The communications control system of claim 12.

[0153] (Appendix D3) The at least one processor: Executing a management process for managing the plurality of identifier groups; In the management process, the at least one processor Manage multiple identifier groups with different priorities within the same instance 2. A communication control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication control system comprises:

[0154] (Appendix D4) An acquisition process for acquiring request information including a target identifier; the at least one processor: a providing process for providing response information including a network function address associated with the target identifier in response to the request information; The communication control system according to any one of appendices D1 to D3, further comprising:

[0155] (Appendix D5) The at least one processor: a request process for making a discovery request of a network function to the storage process; an acquisition process for acquiring, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control system that performs the above.

[0156] (Appendix D6) the at least one processor: A process of identifying a network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information. Run the following again 2. A communications control system as described in Appendix D5.

[0157] (Appendix D7) In the specific process, the at least one processor The network function to be accessed is identified by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier. 13. The communications control system of claim 12,

[0158] (Appendix D8) The at least one processor: an acquisition process for acquiring a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a storage process for storing information included in the storage request; Run Communications control system.

[0159] (Appendix D9) In the acquisition process, the at least one processor acquires a discovery request for a network function; The communication control system includes: Executing a providing process for providing, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. 13. The communications control system of claim 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1,1A Communication Control System 10,10A...First NF 11...Generation unit (generation means) 12...request part (request means) 13...Management department (management means) 14 ... Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 15 ···Providing department (providing means) 20,20A...Second NF 21 ... Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 22 Storage section (storage means) 23 ···Providing Department (Providing Means) 30,30A... 3rd NF 31 ...Request part (request means) 32 ... Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 33 ... Specification part (specification means)

Claims

1. a generating means for generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a requesting means for requesting a storage means to store information included in the storage request; Equipped with Communications control system.

2. The identifier includes at least one of an IP address, a data network name, an IP domain, and an IP prefix. The communication control system according to claim 1 .

3. a management means for managing the plurality of identifier groups, The management means includes: Manage multiple identifier groups with different priorities within the same instance The communication control system according to claim 2 .

4. An acquisition means for acquiring request information including a target identifier; providing means for providing response information including a network function address associated with the target identifier in response to the request information; The communication control system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. a requesting means for making a discovery request for a network function to the storing means; an acquisition means for acquiring, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control system comprising:

6. A specifying means for specifying a network function to be accessed by referring to the priority included in the response information. It also has The communication control system according to claim 5.

7. The identification means is The network function to be accessed is identified by comparing the priorities assigned to each of a plurality of identifier groups including the target identifier. The communication control system according to claim 6.

8. an acquisition means for acquiring a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority level assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; a storage means for storing information included in the storage request; Equipped with Communications control system.

9. The acquisition means acquires a discovery request for a network function, The communication control system includes: A providing means is provided for providing, in response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups. The communication control system according to claim 8.

10. generating a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of the plurality of identifier groups including one or more identifiers, and an assigned priority for each of the plurality of identifier groups; requesting a storage means to store the information included in said storage request; A communication control method comprising the steps of:

11. making a discovery request for a network function to a storage means; obtaining, as a response to the discovery request, response information including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; A communication control method comprising the steps of:

12. obtaining a storage request including a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes one or more identifiers, and a priority assigned to each of the plurality of identifier groups; storing information included in said storage request; A communication control method comprising the steps of:

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