Repeating device, method of repeating device and program, and radio device

Abstract

To perform processing instead of a CN node according to the load state of the CN node.SOLUTION: A repeating device has: means for receiving a first trigger message transmitted based upon the load state of a core network node from a radio device connected to the core network node, wherein the core network node executing processing to receive a first request message and transmit a first response message to a first request message to a radio terminal as the transmission source of the first request message; and means for performing processing when receiving the first trigger message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device, a method and program for a relay device, and a wireless device. [Background technology]

[0002] The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) defines international standard specifications for mobile phone systems. Among these, Non-Patent Document 1 defines overload notification in the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The AMF is a CN (Core Network) node. The AMF communicates with terminals via the RAN (Radio Access Network). According to Non-Patent Document 1, when the AMF becomes overloaded, the AMF sends a notification to the RAN. Based on this notification, the RAN assumes that the AMF is in an overload state. The RAN controls the signals to be transmitted to the AMF in response to the notification. For example, the RAN identifies the content of the signal and transmits only limited signals to the AMF. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 38.413 V17.6.0(2023-09)“3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NG-RAN;NG Application Protocol (NGAP)(Release 17), September 2023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The transmission of the above-mentioned notification and the signal control of the RAN in response to the notification can reduce the load on the AMF. However, during this control, the RAN transmits only limited signals to the AMF, which causes a problem that only limited processing can be performed.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a relay device, a relay device method, a program, and a wireless device that are capable of executing processing on behalf of a CN node depending on the load situation of the CN node. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a relay device has: means for receiving a first trigger message transmitted based on the load status of a core network node from a wireless device connected to a core network node that performs processing, the wireless device receiving the first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is the sender of the first request message; and means for performing processing when the first trigger message is received.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a wireless device has: means for connecting to a core network node that performs processing, which receives a first request message and transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal that sent the first request message; means for transmitting to the relay device a first trigger message that triggers the relay device to perform processing based on the load status of the core network node; and means for transmitting to the relay device, when the first trigger message has been sent, a first request message received from the wireless terminal.

[0008] A method of a relay device in one aspect of the present invention includes receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that performs processing, the wireless device receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is the sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on the load status of the core network node, and performing processing when the first trigger message is received.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a program for a relay device receives a first request message and transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal that sent the first request message, receives a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes processing based on the load status of the core network node, and executes processing when the first trigger message is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a relay device, a relay device method, a program, and a wireless device that are capable of executing processing on behalf of a CN node depending on the load status of the CN node. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a relay device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a relay device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a core network node according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a relay device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a processing operation of the wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing and each embodiment described in the specification, components having similar functions are given similar reference numerals.

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure includes a relay device 1, a wireless terminal 20, a wireless device 30, and a core network node 40.

[0016] The operation of the relay device 1 will be described. The relay device 1 is connected to the wireless device 30. The relay device 1 is also connected to the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30. The relay device 1 receives a first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40. When the relay device 1 receives the first trigger message, it receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. The relay device 1 transmits a first response message in response to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20, which is the sender of the first request message.

[0017] The operation of the wireless terminal 20 will be described. The wireless terminal 20 connects to the wireless device 30. The wireless terminal 20 also connects to the relay device 1 and the core network node 40 via the wireless device 30. The wireless terminal 20 transmits a first request message to the core network node 40. The wireless terminal 20 receives a first response message from the core network node 40. When the relay device 1 receives a first trigger message from the wireless device 30, the wireless terminal 20 transmits a first request message to the relay device 1. When the relay device 1 receives the first request message, the wireless terminal 20 receives a first response message from the relay device 1.

[0018] The following describes the operation of the radio device 30. The radio device 30 is connected to the radio terminal 20, the relay device 1, and the core network node 40. The radio device 30 transmits a first trigger message to the relay device 1 based on the load status of the core network node.

[0019] The operation of the core network node 40 will now be described. The core network node 40 is connected to the radio device 30. The core network node 40 is also connected to the radio terminal 20 via the radio device 30. The core network node 40 receives a first request message from the radio terminal 20. The core network node 40 transmits a first response message to the first request message to the radio terminal 20.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the relay device 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0021] 2, the relay device 1 according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit 11. Referring to FIG. 2, the relay device 1 includes first trigger message receiving means 11A that receives a first trigger message, and process execution means 11B that executes a process when the first trigger message is received. Here, the first trigger message is transmitted from a wireless device based on the load status of a core network node. The process execution means 11B that executes a process includes first request message receiving means 111A that receives a first request message from a wireless terminal 20, and first response message transmitting means 111B that transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20.

[0022] The communication unit 11 receives a first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40.

[0023] When the communication unit 11 receives the first trigger message, it receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. The communication unit 11 transmits to the wireless terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless device 30 according to the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 3, the wireless device 30 according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit 31. Referring to Fig. 3, the wireless device 30 includes core network node connection means 31A that connects to a core network node 40, first trigger message transmission means 31B that transmits a first trigger message, and first request message transmission means 31C that, when the first trigger message has been transmitted, transmits a first request message received from the wireless terminal 20 to a relay device.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the relay device 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0026] In step S101, the communication unit 11 receives a first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40.

[0027] In step S102, the communication unit 11 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20.

[0028] In step S103, the communication unit 11 transmits to the wireless terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0029] Therefore, when the relay device 1 according to the present disclosure receives a first trigger message transmitted based on the load status of the core network node 40, it executes the processing of the core network node 40, that is, receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20 and transmits a first response message in response to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20. This enables the relay device 1 to execute processing on behalf of the core network node 40 in accordance with the load status of the core network node 40.

[0030] Second Embodiment A relay device 1 and a wireless communication system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The relay device 1 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the relay device 1 in the first embodiment. The wireless communication system 100 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the wireless communication system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0032] The wireless communication system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a relay device 1, a wireless terminal 20, a wireless device 30, and a core network node 40.

[0033] The relay device 1 is connected to the wireless device 30. The relay device 1 receives a first trigger message from the wireless device 30, which is transmitted based on the load status of the core network node 40.

[0034] When the relay device 1 receives the first trigger message, it receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30. The relay device 1 transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30.

[0035] The relay device 1 may be, but is not limited to, a proxy or a gateway. The relay device 1 may also be part of the wireless device 30.

[0036] The wireless terminal 20 is connected to the wireless device 30 and the core network node 40. The wireless terminal 20 transmits a first request message to the core network node 40 via the wireless device 30.

[0037] The first request message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to the registration of the wireless terminal 20. The first request message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40. The first request message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the relay device 1. Specifically, the first request message may be, but is not limited to, a Registration Request Message or a PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0038] The wireless terminal 20 receives the first response message from the core network node 40 via the wireless device 30 .

[0039] The first response message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to the registration of the wireless terminal 20. The first response message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40. The first response message may be, but is not limited to, a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the relay device 1. Specifically, the first response message may be, but is not limited to, a Registration Accept Message or a PDU Session Establishment Accept Message.

[0040] When the relay device 1 receives a first trigger message from the wireless device 30, the wireless terminal 20 transmits a first request message to the relay device 1. The wireless terminal 20 receives a first response message from the relay device 1.

[0041] The wireless terminal 20 may receive, from the wireless device 30, a notification indicating that the first trigger message has been transmitted to the relay device 1. The notification may include information about the relay device 1. When the wireless terminal 20 receives the notification, the wireless terminal 20 may change the destination of the first request message from the core network node 40 to the relay device 1.

[0042] The wireless terminal 20 registers with the relay device 10 by transmitting a first request message and receiving a first response message. The wireless terminal 20 establishes a PDU session with the relay device 10 by transmitting the first request message and receiving the first response message. After registering with the relay device 10, the wireless terminal 20 may establish a PDU session with the relay device 10. After establishing the PDU session, the wireless terminal 20 communicates with the relay device 1 or the core network node 40 via the wireless device 30. The wireless terminal 20 may be, but is not limited to, a UE.

[0043] The wireless device 30 is connected to the wireless terminal 20, the relay device 1, and the core network node 40. The wireless device 30 communicates with the wireless terminal 20.

[0044] The wireless device 30 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20 and transmits the received first request message to the core network node 40. The wireless device 30 receives a first response message in response to the first request message from the core network node 40 and transmits the received first response message to the wireless terminal 20.

[0045] The wireless device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 from the core network node 40. The notification regarding the load status may be, but is not limited to, a notification indicating that the core network node 40 is in an overload state. The notification regarding the load status may be, but is not limited to, an Overload Start Message. The wireless device 30 may periodically receive a notification regarding the load status from the core network node 40. The notification regarding the load status may include a request to transmit a first trigger message to the relay device 1.

[0046] The radio device 30 transmits a first trigger message to the relay device 1 based on a notification regarding a load status transmitted from the core network node 40 to the radio device 30. The first trigger message may be, but is not limited to, a message requesting activation of the relay device. The radio device 30 may determine whether to transmit the first trigger message to the relay device 1 based on the notification regarding the load status. The notification regarding the load status may include, for example, a numerical value regarding the load factor of the core network node 40. The radio device 30 may determine to transmit the first trigger message to the relay device 1 if the load factor is higher than a predetermined first threshold. The radio device 30 may determine not to transmit the first trigger message to the relay device 1 if the load factor is lower than a predetermined first threshold.

[0047] When wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to relay device 1, upon receiving a first request message from wireless terminal 20, wireless device 30 transmits the first request message to relay device 1. When wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to relay device 1, wireless device 30 receives a first response message to the first request message from relay device 1 and transmits the first response message to wireless terminal 20. In other words, wireless device 30 may change the destination of the first request message received from wireless terminal 20 from core network node 40 to relay device 1 based on the load status of core network node 40.

[0048] When multiple wireless terminals are present and wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to relay device 1, wireless device 30 may transmit all of the multiple first request messages received from the multiple wireless terminals to relay device 1. When multiple wireless terminals are present and wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to relay device 1, wireless device 30 may transmit some of the multiple first request messages received from the multiple wireless terminals to core network node 40, and transmit the remaining first request messages to relay device 1.

[0049] In a case where multiple wireless terminals are present and the wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to the relay device 1, the wireless device 30 may determine, based on the load status of the core network node 40, what percentage of the multiple first request messages to transmit to the core network node 40 and what percentage to transmit to the relay device 1. For example, when the load rate of the core network node 40 is higher than a predetermined second threshold, the wireless device 30 may transmit more first request messages to the relay device 1 than to the core network node 40. Note that the second threshold is higher than the first threshold. For example, when the load rate of the core network node 40 is lower than the predetermined second threshold, the wireless device 30 may transmit fewer first request messages to the relay device 1 than to the core network node 40.

[0050] The wireless device 30 may control the destination of the first request message based on information acquired from outside, as well as the load status of the core network node 40. The information acquired from outside includes information acquired from the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40.

[0051] When the wireless device 30 transmits the first trigger message to the relay device 1, the wireless device 30 may control whether to transmit the first request message to the core network node 40 or the relay device 1 based on information about the wireless terminal 20 as well as the load status of the core network node 40. The information about the wireless terminal 20 may be, for example, information indicating communication priority. The information about the wireless terminal 20 may be, for example, subscriber information. The subscriber information may be, for example, information about an operator. For example, the wireless device 30 may transmit the first request message to the core network node 40 if the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40 belong to a predetermined operator. For example, the wireless device 30 may transmit the first request message to the relay device 1 if the wireless terminal 20 belongs to an operator other than the predetermined operator. The wireless device 30 may perform control based on the information about the wireless terminal 20 when an emergency occurs. The emergency includes a disaster.

[0052] The radio device 30 may be, but is not limited to, a Radio Access Network node. The radio device 30 may be, but is not limited to, a base station such as a gNB.

[0053] The core network node 40 is connected to the wireless terminal 20 and the wireless device 30. The core network node 40 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30. The core network node 40 transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30.

[0054] The core network node 40 transmits a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 to the radio device 30. The notification regarding the load status may be, but is not limited to, a notification indicating that the core network node 40 is in an overload state. The notification regarding the load status may be, but is not limited to, an OverloadStart Message. The notification regarding the load status may include a request to start up the relay device 1. The notification regarding the load status may include, for example, a numerical value regarding the load factor of the core network node 40.

[0055] The Overload Start Message is defined in Section 8.7.7 Overload Start of 3GPP TS 38.413 V17.6.0 (2023-09) "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NG-RAN; NG Application Protocol (NGAP) (Release 17)."

[0056] The core network node 40 may be, but is not limited to, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the core network node 40.

[0058] In step S201, the core network node 40 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20.

[0059] In step S202, the core network node 40 transmits to the radio terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0061] In step S301, the radio device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 from the core network node 40.

[0062] In step S302, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 1 receives the first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40.

[0063] In step S303, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 1 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20.

[0064] In step S304, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 1 transmits to the wireless terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0065] As a result, the present embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment, that is, the relay device 1 can execute processing in place of the core network node 40 according to the load status of the core network node 40.

[0066] Furthermore, the wireless device 30 in this embodiment allocates the first request message to the relay device 1 and the core network node 40 according to the status of the wireless terminal 20. This enables the relay device 1 in this embodiment to execute processing on behalf of the core network node 40 according to information on the wireless terminal 20 as well as the load status of the core network node 40.

[0067] <Third embodiment> A relay device 10 and a wireless communication system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The relay device 10 in this embodiment differs from the relay device 1 in the second embodiment in that it has a generation unit 12 and a management unit 13 in addition to a communication unit 11. The wireless communication system 100 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the wireless communication system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0069] The wireless communication system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes a relay device 10, a wireless terminal 20, a wireless device 30, and a core network node 40.

[0070] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the relay device 10 in the third embodiment is connected to not only the wireless device 30 but also the core network node 40.

[0071] First, the operation of the relay device 10 in this embodiment will be described.

[0072] The relay device 10 receives a first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40. When the relay device 10 receives the first trigger message, the relay device 10 transmits a second request message to the core network node 40.

[0073] The second request message is a message regarding the registration of the relay device 10. Specifically, the second request message may be a Registration Request Message.

[0074] The relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo wireless terminal with respect to the core network node 40. The relay device 10 generates a pseudo second request message. That is, the relay device 10 generates the second request message using a format that is defined as the format of a message to be transmitted from the wireless terminal 20 to the core network node 40.

[0075] For example, the relay device 10 generates a pseudo IE included in the Registration Request Message. The second request message may be a simpler message than the first request message sent from the wireless terminal 20 to the core network node 40.

[0076] The Registration Request Message is defined, for example, in Section 4.2.2.2.2 General Registration of 3GPP TS 23.502 V17.7.0 (2023-09) “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Procedures for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 17).” Since the relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo wireless terminal with respect to the core network node 40, the UE is replaced with the relay device 10.

[0077] The relay device 10 receives, from the core network node 40, a second response message in response to the second request message.

[0078] The second response message is a message regarding the registration of the relay device 10. Specifically, the second response message may be a Registration Accept Message.

[0079] The Registration Accept Message is defined, for example, in Section 4.2.2.2.2 General Registration of 3GPP TS 23.502 V17.7.0 (2023-09) “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Procedures for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 17).” Since the relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo wireless terminal with respect to the core network node 40, the UE is read as the relay device 10.

[0080] The relay device 10 registers itself with the core network node 40 by transmitting the second request message and receiving the second response message.

[0081] The relay device 10 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. The first request message is a message related to the registration of the wireless terminal 20. Specifically, the first request message may be a Registration Request Message.

[0082] The relay device 10 transmits a first response message in response to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20. The first response message may be a message related to registration of the wireless terminal 20. Specifically, the first response message may be a Registration Accept Message.

[0083] The relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo core network node with respect to the wireless terminal 20. The relay device 10 generates a pseudo first response message. That is, the relay device 10 generates the first response message using a format that is defined as a format of a message to be transmitted from the core network node 40 to the wireless terminal 20. Here, the relay device 10 generates the first response message based on information included in the second response message received from the core network node 40.

[0084] For example, the relay device 10 generates a pseudo IE included in the Registration Accept Message. The first response message may be a simpler message than the first response message sent from the core network node 40 to the wireless terminal 20. Specifically, the first response message may include only some of the parameters, rather than all of the parameters.

[0085] The first response message includes at least the following parameters:

[0086] ·5G-GUTI:5G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity ·T3502: Registration Area and Duration ·AMF UE NGAP ID: AMF UE NGAP ID ·Security Context: Security Context ·PDU Session Resource Setup List: PDU Session Resource Setup List ·Allowed NSSAI: Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information

[0087] The relay device 10 registers the wireless terminal 20 by receiving the first request message and transmitting the first response message.

[0088] The relay device 10 associates information relating to registration between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with information relating to registration between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10. Specifically, the relay device 10 associates the information relating to the registration with each other after transmitting and receiving the second request message and the second response message and the first request message and the first response message. When the relay device 10 is connected to multiple wireless terminals, the relay device 10 associates the information relating to the registration with each other for each wireless terminal.

[0089] The registration information may be identification information of the wireless terminal 20. The identification information of the wireless terminal 20 may be, for example, a UE ID, an IP address, or both. The IP address is assigned to the wireless terminal 20 by the relay device 10.

[0090] The operation of the wireless terminal 20 in this embodiment is similar to the operation of the wireless terminal 20 in the second embodiment.

[0091] The operation of the wireless device 30 in this embodiment will be described.

[0092] The wireless device 30 receives, from the core network node 40, a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40. The notification regarding the load status may be, but is not limited to, a message requesting transmission of a first trigger message.

[0093] The wireless device 30 transmits a first trigger message to the relay device 10. The first trigger message may be a message requesting transmission of a second request message.

[0094] The operation of the core network node 40 in this embodiment will be described.

[0095] The core network node 40 is connected to the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless device 30. The core network node 40 is connected to the relay device 10. The core network node 40 receives a second request message from the relay device 10. The core network node 40 transmits a second response message to the second request message to the relay device 10.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the relay device 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 8, the relay device 10 according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit 11, a generation unit 12, and a management unit 13.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 has a first trigger message receiving means 11A that receives a first trigger message, a processing execution means 11B that executes processing when the first trigger message is received, a second request message sending means 11C that sends a second request message to the core network node 40, and a second response message receiving means 11D that receives a second response message from the core network node 40.

[0099] The generator 12 of the relay device 10 includes a first response message generator 12A that generates a first response message. The generator 12 of the relay device 10 generates the first response message based on information included in the second response message.

[0100] The management unit 13 of the relay device 10 has a session linking means 13A that links sessions. The sessions are a session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 and a session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10.

[0101] The communication unit 11 receives a first trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40.

[0102] When the generation unit 12 receives the first trigger message, it generates a second request message to be transmitted to the core network node 40 .

[0103] When the communication unit 11 receives the first trigger message, it transmits a second request message to the core network node 40.

[0104] The communication unit 11 receives a second response message in response to the second request message from the core network node 40.

[0105] The communication unit 11 establishes registration between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10 .

[0106] The communication unit 11 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20.

[0107] The generation unit 12 generates a first response message based on the information included in the second response message.

[0108] The communication unit 11 transmits to the wireless terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0109] The communication unit 11 establishes registration between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20.

[0110] The management unit 13 associates information relating to registration between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with information relating to registration between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0112] In step S401, the radio device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 from the core network node 40.

[0113] In step S402, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives the first trigger message transmitted based on the load status of the core network node 40 from the wireless device 30.

[0114] In step S403, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits a second request message to the core network node 40.

[0115] In step S404, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives, from the core network node 40, a second response message in response to the second request message.

[0116] In step S405 , the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives the first request message from the wireless terminal 20 .

[0117] In step S406, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits to the wireless terminal 20 a first response message in response to the first request message.

[0118] As a result, the present embodiment also achieves the same effect as the second embodiment, that is, the relay device 10 can execute processing on behalf of the core network node 40 according to the load status of the core network node 40.

[0119] Furthermore, the relay device 10 in this embodiment associates information relating to registration between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with information relating to registration between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10, and transmits messages received from multiple wireless terminals 20 to the core network node 40 in a lump. This prevents overloading of the line between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40, while enabling the wireless terminal 20 to access the core network node 40.

[0120] <Fourth embodiment> A relay device 10 and a wireless communication system 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the first request message, first response message, second request message, and second response message are messages related to the establishment of a session, rather than messages related to the registration of each device.

[0122] The wireless communication system 100 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the wireless communication system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0123] First, differences between the relay device 10 of this embodiment and the third embodiment will be described.

[0124] When the relay device 10 receives the first trigger message, it transmits a second request message to the core network node 40 .

[0125] The second request message is a message related to a session between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40. Specifically, the second request message may be a PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0126] For example, the relay device 10 generates a pseudo IE included in the PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0127] The PDU Session Establishment Request Message is defined, for example, in section 4.3.2.2 UE Requested PDU Session Establishment of 3GPP TS 23.502 V17.7.0 (2023-09) “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Procedures for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 17).” Since the relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo wireless terminal with respect to the core network node 40, the UE is replaced with the relay device 10.

[0128] The relay device 10 receives, from the core network node 40, a second response message in response to the second request message.

[0129] The second response message is a message related to the session between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40. Specifically, the second response message may be a PDU Session Establishment Accept Message.

[0130] The PDU Session Establishment Accept Message is defined, for example, in Section 4.3.2.2 UE Requested PDU Session Establishment of 3GPP TS 23.502 V17.7.0 (2023-09) “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Procedures for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 17).” Since the relay device 10 behaves as a pseudo wireless terminal with respect to the core network node 40, the UE is replaced with the relay device 10.

[0131] The relay device 10 establishes a PDU session with the core network node 40 by sending the second request message and receiving the second response message.

[0132] The relay device 10 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. The first request message is a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the relay device 10. Specifically, the first request message may be a PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0133] The relay device 10 transmits a first response message in response to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20. The first response message is a message related to a session between the wireless terminal 20 and the relay device 10. Specifically, the first response message may be a PDU Session Establishment Accept Message.

[0134] For example, the relay device 10 generates a pseudo IE included in the PDU Session Establishment Accept Message. The first response message may be a simpler message than the first response message sent from the core network node 40 to the wireless terminal 20. Specifically, the first response message may include only some of the parameters, rather than all of the parameters.

[0135] The first response message includes at least the following parameters:

[0136] ·PDU Session ID: PDU Session ID ·PDU Session Type: PDU Session Type ·QoS Flow Identifier: QoS Flow Identifier 5QI: 5G QoS Identifier ·QoS Flow Level QoS Parameters: QoS Flow Level QoS Parameters ·Data Network Name: Data Network Name SMF Identity: SMF Identity ·SM Identity: SM Identity ·PDU Session Resource Setup List: PDU Session Resource Setup List ·Allowed NSSAI: Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information

[0137] Upon receiving the first request message and the first response message, the relay device 10 establishes a PDU session with the wireless terminal 20.

[0138] The relay device 10 associates the session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with the session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10. Specifically, the relay device 10 associates the sessions after transmitting and receiving the second request message and the second response message, and after transmitting the first request message and the first response message. The relay device 10 associates the sessions using a session ID. The relay device 10 associates and manages the session ID between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with the session ID between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10.

[0139] In this case, the relay device 10 may transmit messages or data received from multiple wireless terminals collectively to the core network node 40. At this time, the relay device 10 adds, as identification information, for example, a session ID to the messages or data received from the multiple wireless terminals and forwards them to the core network node 40. The relay device 10 transmits the messages or data received from the core network node 40 to multiple wireless terminals 20. For example, the relay device 10 transmits the messages or data to an appropriate wireless terminal based on the session ID added to the messages or data received from the core network node 40, that is, according to the association. A UE ID or an IP address may be added instead of the session ID. A UE ID or an IP address may be added in addition to the session ID.

[0140] The operation of the wireless terminal 20 in this embodiment is similar to the operation of the wireless terminal 20 in the second embodiment.

[0141] The operation of the wireless device 30 in this embodiment is similar to the operation of the wireless device 30 in the third embodiment.

[0142] The operation of the core network node 40 in this embodiment is similar to the operation of the core network node 40 in the third embodiment.

[0143] The relay device 10 according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit 11, a generation unit 12, and a management unit 13.

[0144] The operation of the generation unit 12 in this embodiment is similar to the operation of the generation unit 12 in the third embodiment.

[0145] The communication unit 11 establishes a session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10. The communication unit 11 establishes a session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20.

[0146] The management unit 13 associates the session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 with the session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10. As a result, the present embodiment also achieves the same effect as the third embodiment, that is, the relay device 10 can execute processing on behalf of the core network node 40 according to the load status of the core network node 40.

[0147] Furthermore, the relay device 10 in this embodiment links a session between the relay device 10 and a wireless terminal 20 with a session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10, and transmits data received from multiple wireless terminals 20 together to the core network node 40. This prevents overloading of the line between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40, while enabling data transmission and reception between the wireless terminal and the core network node.

[0148] (Variation) The processing operations of the wireless communication system 100 may be performed by the processing operations shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10 instead of the processing operations shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operations of the wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0149] Steps S501 to S506 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 are the same as steps S401 to S406 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0150] In step S507, the wireless device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 from the core network node 40.

[0151] In step S508, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives a second trigger message transmitted from the wireless device 30 based on the load status of the core network node 40. The second trigger message is a message regarding release of the session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20 and the session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10. When the relay device 10 receives the second trigger message, it releases the session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20. When the relay device 10 receives the second trigger message, it releases the session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10.

[0152] As a result, the relay device in the present modified example 2 achieves the same effect as that of the third embodiment, that is, the relay device 10 can execute processing in place of the core network node 40 according to the load status of the core network node.

[0153] Furthermore, in this modification, the relay device 10 receives a second trigger message regarding the release of a session between the relay device 10 and a device connected to it, in addition to a first trigger message regarding the establishment of a session between the relay device 10 and a device connected to it. This makes it possible to perform processing according to the load status of the core network node 40, while saving power of the relay device 10 when processing is not required.

[0154] Fifth Embodiment A relay device 10 and a wireless communication system 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The relay device 10 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the relay device 10 in the first embodiment. The wireless communication system 100 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the wireless communication system 100 in the second embodiment.

[0156] The processing operations of the wireless communication system 100 may be performed by the processing operations shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11 instead of the processing operations shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operations of the wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0157] In step S601, the radio device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 from the core network node 40.

[0158] In step S602, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives the first trigger message transmitted based on the load status of the core network node 40 from the wireless device 30.

[0159] In step S603, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits a second request message to the core network node 40. The second request message here is a message regarding the registration of the relay device 10. The second request message is a Registration Request Message.

[0160] In step S604, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives a second response message in response to the second request message from the core network node 40. The second response message here is a message regarding the registration of the relay device 10. The second response message is a Registration Accept Message. Here, the relay device 10 is registered in the core network node 40 as a pseudo wireless terminal.

[0161] In step S605, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. The first request message here is a message regarding registration of the wireless terminal 20. The first request message is a Registration Request Message.

[0162] In step S606, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits a first response message to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20. The first response message here is a message regarding registration of the wireless terminal 20. The first response message is a Registration Accept Message. Here, the relay device 10 registers the wireless terminal 20 as a pseudo core network node.

[0163] In step S607, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits a second request message to the core network node 40. The second request message here is a message related to a PDU session between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40. The second request message is a PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0164] In step S608, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives a second response message in response to the second request message from the core network node 40. The second response message here is a message regarding a PDU session between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40. The second response message is a Registration Accept Message. Here, the relay device 10 establishes a PDU session with the core network node 40 as a pseudo wireless terminal.

[0165] In step S609, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 receives a first request message from the wireless terminal 20. Here, the first request message is a message related to a PDU session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20. The first request message is a PDU Session Establishment Request Message.

[0166] In step S610, the communication unit 11 of the relay device 10 transmits a first response message in response to the first request message to the wireless terminal 20. The first response message here is a message regarding a PDU session between the relay device 10 and the wireless terminal 20. The first response message is a PDU Session Establishment Accept Message. Here, the relay device 10 establishes a PDU session with the wireless terminal 20 as a pseudo core network node.

[0167] As a result, the relay device in this embodiment achieves the same effect as in the second embodiment, that is, the relay device 10 can execute processing on behalf of the core network node 40 according to the load status of the core network node 40.

[0168] Furthermore, the relay device 10 in this embodiment registers with the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40, and transmits messages received from multiple wireless terminals 20 together to the core network node 40. This prevents overloading of the line between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40, while enabling the wireless terminal 20 to access the core network node 40.

[0169] Additionally, the relay device 10 in this embodiment links a session between the relay device 10 and a wireless terminal 20 with a session between the core network node 40 and the relay device 10, and transmits data received from multiple wireless terminals 20 together to the core network node 40. This prevents overloading of the line between the relay device 10 and the core network node 40, while enabling data transmission and reception between the wireless terminal 20 and the core network node 40.

[0170] <Other embodiments> In this embodiment, the relay device 10 may receive the notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 instead of the wireless device 30. In this case, the core network node 40 transmits the notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40 to the relay device 10. When the relay device 10 receives the notification regarding the load status, the relay device 10 transmits a second request message to the core network node 40 based on the notification regarding the load status.

[0171] The relay device 10 transmits information about the notification regarding the load status to the wireless device 30. When the wireless device 30 receives the information, the wireless device 30 transmits the first request message received from the wireless terminal 20 to the relay device 10 instead of the core network node 40.

[0172] This provides the same effect as when the wireless device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40.

[0173] However, when the relay device 10 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40, the relay device 10 and the core network node 40 must be constantly connected.

[0174] Therefore, when the relay device 10 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40, the power consumption of the relay device 10 becomes larger than when the wireless device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40.

[0175] On the other hand, it is not necessary for the relay device 10 and the wireless device 30 to be always connected.

[0176] Therefore, when the relay device 10 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40, the power consumption of the wireless device 30 is smaller than when the wireless device 30 receives a notification regarding the load status of the core network node 40.

[0177] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments and specific examples, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0178] For example, the steps in the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the chronological order depicted in the flowcharts. For example, the steps in the processes may be performed in an order different from that depicted in the figures, or may be performed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the processes may be eliminated, and additional steps may be added to the processes.

[0179] Also, a method including the processing of the components of the relay device described in this disclosure (for example, at least one of the communication unit, generation unit, and management unit) may be provided, and a program for causing a processor to execute the processing of the components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be provided. Naturally, such devices, modules, methods, programs, and non-transitory computer-readable mediums are also included in the present disclosure.

[0180] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0181] (Appendix 1) means for receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; means for executing the process when the first trigger message is received; A relay device having the above configuration. (Appendix 2) The first request message and the first response message are messages related to registration of the wireless terminal, or messages related to a session between the wireless terminal and the core network node or the relay device. 2. The relay device of claim 1. (Appendix 3) and means for transmitting a second request message to the core network node when the first trigger message is received, and receiving a second response message in response to the second request message. the first response message transmitted from the relay device is generated based on information included in the second response message; 3. The relay device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) the first trigger message is a message requesting activation of the relay device or transmission of the second request message; 4. The relay device of claim 3. (Appendix 5) the first trigger message is transmitted from the wireless device to the relay device based on a notification regarding the load status transmitted from the core network node to the wireless device; 5. The relay device of claim 4. (Appendix 6) The relay device described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein the second request message and the second response message are messages related to registration of the relay device or messages related to a session between the core network node and the relay device. (Appendix 7) The method further includes: linking the session between the relay device and the wireless terminal with the session between the core network node and the relay device. 7. The relay device of claim 6. (Appendix 8) means for connecting to a core network node that executes processing to receive a first request message and transmit a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message; means for transmitting a first trigger message to the relay device, the first trigger message being a trigger for the relay device to execute the process based on a load status of the core network node; means for transmitting the first request message received from the wireless terminal to the relay device when the first trigger message is transmitted; A wireless device having: (Appendix 9) A method performed by a relay device, comprising: receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; When the first trigger message is received, executing the process; A method comprising: (Appendix 10) a program for causing one or more processors of a relay device to perform a method, The method comprises: receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; When the first trigger message is received, executing the process; Programs including. (Appendix 11) the second request message is a registration request message, and the second response message is a registration accept message; 8. The relay device of claim 7. (Appendix 12) The second request message is a PDU session establishment request message, and the second response message is a PDU session establishment accept message; 8. The relay device of claim 7. (Appendix 13) The notification regarding the load situation is a notification indicating that the core network node is in an overload state. 5. The relay device of claim 4. (Appendix 14) The notification regarding the load status is an Overload start message. 14. The relay device of claim 13. (Appendix 15) The first request message is a registration request message, and the first response message is a registration accept message. 3. The relay device of claim 2. (Appendix 16) The first request message is a PDU session establishment request message, and the first response message is a PDU session establishment accept message; 16. The relay device of claim 15. (Appendix 17) The core network node is an Access and Mobility Management Function; 9. The relay device of claim 8. (Appendix 18) The wireless device is a Radio Access Network. 18. The relay device of claim 17. (Appendix 19) the wireless device is a base station; 19. The relay device of claim 18. (Appendix 20) the relay device is a proxy; 20. The relay device of claim 19. (Appendix 21) the relay device is a gateway; 21. The relay device of claim 20. (Appendix 22) the relay device is part of the wireless device; 22. The relay device of claim 21. (Appendix 23) means for connecting to a core network node that executes processing to receive a first request message and transmit a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message; means for receiving, when the wireless device receives the first trigger message which is a trigger for the relay device to execute the process, the first response message from the relay device that executes the process; A wireless terminal having: (Appendix 24) further receiving, from the wireless device, a second trigger message transmitted based on the load status of the core network node; the second trigger message is a message regarding release of the session between the relay device and the wireless terminal and the session between the core network node and the relay device; 8. The relay device of claim 1, 2, 4, or 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1, 10 Repeater 11 Communications Department 11A First trigger message receiving means 11B Processing execution means 11C Second request message transmission means 11D Second response message receiving means 12 Generation part 12A First response message generating means 13 Management Department 13A Session Association Method 20 Wireless terminal 30 Radio equipment 31 Communications Department 31A Core network node connection means 31B First trigger message transmitting means 31C First request message sending means 40 core network nodes 100 Wireless Communication System 111A first request message receiving means 111B First response message transmission means

Claims

1. means for receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; means for executing the process when the first trigger message is received; A relay device having the above configuration.

2. The first request message and the first response message are messages related to registration of the wireless terminal, or messages related to a session between the wireless terminal and the core network node or the relay device. The relay device according to claim 1 .

3. and means for transmitting a second request message to the core network node when the first trigger message is received, and receiving a second response message in response to the second request message. the first response message transmitted from the relay device is generated based on information included in the second response message; The relay device according to claim 2 .

4. the first trigger message is a message requesting activation of the relay device or transmission of the second request message; The relay device according to claim 3 .

5. the first trigger message is transmitted from the wireless device to the relay device based on a notification regarding the load status transmitted from the core network node to the wireless device; The relay device according to claim 4 .

6. The second request message and the second response message are messages related to registration of the relay device or messages related to a session between the core network node and the relay device. The relay device according to claim 3 .

7. The method further includes: linking the session between the relay device and the wireless terminal with the session between the core network node and the relay device. The relay device according to claim 6.

8. means for connecting to a core network node that executes processing to receive a first request message and transmit a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message; means for transmitting a first trigger message to the relay device, the first trigger message being a trigger for the relay device to execute the process based on a load status of the core network node; means for transmitting the first request message received from the wireless terminal to the relay device when the first trigger message is transmitted; A wireless device having:

9. A method performed by a relay device, comprising: receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; When the first trigger message is received, executing the process; A method comprising:

10. a program for causing one or more processors of a relay device to execute a method, The method comprises: receiving a first trigger message from a wireless device connected to a core network node that executes a process of receiving a first request message and transmitting a first response message to the first request message to a wireless terminal that is a sender of the first request message, the first trigger message being transmitted based on a load status of the core network node; When the first trigger message is received, executing the process; Programs including.

Images