Communication control system, communication control device, and communication control method

Abstract

To provide a communication control technology capable of suitably bringing out the capability of a network function.SOLUTION: A communication control system comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire reference information on a communication path between one or a plurality of locations connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; and a determination unit configured to determine a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when a user terminal is connected to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or plurality of locations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a mobile communication network, a technique for controlling communication between a user terminal and a network function is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing a session by transmitting network slice-related information transmitted from a user device to a user plane device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 217532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that in a 5G core network, the resource load status of the UPF, which is one of the network functions, is notified to the SMF and referenced in the UPF selection process in the SMF. However, in a mobile communication network, whether the capabilities of network functions can be optimally utilized may depend not only on the processing load of each network function, but also on the specifications and status of the communication path to the network function. Therefore, even if the technology of Patent Document 1 is used, it is not necessarily possible to optimally utilize the capabilities of the network functions.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a communication control technique that can optimally utilize the capabilities of network functions in a mobile communication network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network, and a determination means for determining the network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one of the one or more bases.

[0007] A communication control device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; and a determination unit that, when connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one of the one or more bases, refers to the reference information and determines a network function to which the user terminal should be connected. It is equipped with:

[0008] A communication control method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network, and when connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one of the one or more bases, determining the network function to be connected by referring to the reference information.

[0009] The information processing device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the information processing device program that causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the information processing device to realize the information processing device on the computer, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that the capabilities of network functions can be suitably utilized in a mobile communication network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a communication control method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing by a communication control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that functions as a network function according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in 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, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] First Exemplary Embodiment A first exemplary embodiment, which is one 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. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referred to in describing this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0014] (Overview of Communication Control System 1) First, an overview of a communication control system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described. As an example, the communication control system 1 is a communication control system that controls the connection between one or more bases connected to a core network of mobile communication and one of multiple network functions included in the core network. As will be described below, the communication control system 1 includes: Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network; When connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, the user terminal refers to the reference information to determine the network function to which the user terminal should be connected. The following process is performed.

[0015] In this exemplary embodiment, the term "Network Function (NF)" 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 on the one or more physical devices, or virtual machines deployed on the one or more physical devices. Therefore, each NF according to this exemplary embodiment may also 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 below.

[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 an acquisition unit 11 and a determination unit 13. Here, as shown in Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 11 and the determination unit 13 can use, 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, although the specific configuration of the network N does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0017] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network. As an example, when the core network is configured as a 5G core network conforming to the 5G standard, the acquisition unit 11 can be realized as part of an NRF (Network Repository Function), which is one of multiple NFs (Network Functions) constituting the 5G core network, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. As another example, when the core network is realized as an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) conforming to the 4G standard, the acquisition unit 11 can be realized as a storage device associated with the EPC, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. In the following description, a network function may be simply referred to as an NF.

[0018] Furthermore, as an example, the one or more base stations may be any one of an RU (Radio Unit), a DU (Distributed Unit) (also referred to as a child station), and a CU (Central Unit) (also referred to as a parent station or an aggregation station) in a 5G network. Alternatively, the one or more base stations may be a gNB (next generation Node B), which is a base station including at least one of an RU, a DU, and a CU. As another example, the one or more base stations may be an RRH (Remote Radio Head) and a BBU (Baseband Unit) in a 4G network. Alternatively, the one or more base stations may be an eNB (evolved Node B), which is a base station including at least one of an RRH and a BBU. However, these examples do not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the "base stations" may be any element or node included in a communication system including the core network.

[0019] To give a more specific example of the processing of the acquisition unit 11, the acquisition unit 11: One or more locations connected to a 5G core network; - Multiple NFs included in the 5G core network that belong to the C-Plane ·AMF(Access and Mobility Management Function) ·SMF(Session Management Function) ·UDM(Unified Data Management) Alternatively, the configuration may be such that reference information regarding a communication path with one of the One or more locations connected to a 5G core network; - Multiple NFs included in the 5G core network that belong to the U-Plane UPF (User Plane Function) The reference information regarding the communication path with any of the above may be obtained.

[0020] As another more specific example of the processing of the acquisition unit 11, the acquisition unit 11 One or more locations connected to a 4G core network; -Multiple nodes included in the 4G core network that belong to the C-Plane ·MME(Mobility Management Entity) HSS (Home Subscriber Server) Alternatively, the configuration may be such that reference information regarding a communication path with one of the One or more locations connected to a 4G core network; -Multiple nodes included in the 4G core network that belong to the U-Plane S-GW (Serving Gateway) ·P-GW(Packet data network Gateway) The reference information regarding the communication path with any of the above may be obtained.

[0021] In addition, the above "reference information" is, for example, The upper bandwidth limit of the communication path, The usage status of the communication path, and - The cost of using the communication route The usage status of the communication path may include at least one of the following: The sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path Here, an example of the upper limit bit rate for each user or the sum of the upper limit bit rates for each user may be AMBR (Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate), but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0022] The upper bandwidth limit indicates, for example, the upper limit of the amount of data that can be transmitted through the communication path, and is expressed in units of, for example, bps (bits per second). The upper bandwidth limit may be determined, for example, by the number of optical fibers constituting the communication path, the specifications of the communication interface, etc. Note that the term "upper bandwidth limit" does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and may also be commonly expressed as "bandwidth" or "bandwidth."

[0023] (Decision Unit 13) When connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more bases, the determination unit 13 refers to the reference information and determines the network function to be connected. As an example, when the core network is configured as a 5G core network conforming to the 5G standard, the determination unit 13 can be realized as part of an SMF (Session Management Function), which is one of the plurality of NFs constituting the 5G core network, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. As another example, when the core network is realized as an EPC conforming to the 4G standard, the determination unit 13 can be realized as an MME (Mobility Management Entity) in the EPC, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Although the specific content of the determination process by the determination unit 13 does not limit this exemplary embodiment, as an example, the determination unit 13 may determine whether or not the communication path between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network is included in the reference information. The upper bandwidth limit of the communication path, The usage status of the communication path, and - The cost of using the communication route The network function to be connected can be determined by referring to at least one of the above.

[0025] As an example, the determination unit 13 The ratio between the upper bandwidth limit of the communication path and the utilization status of the communication path, and - The cost of using the communication route The network function to be connected may be determined by referring to an index obtained by a weighted sum of the above. Furthermore, the determination unit 13 may be configured to determine the network function to be connected by further referring to the utilization rate of each of the plurality of network functions in addition to at least any of the information included in the above-mentioned reference information.

[0026] (Effects of Communication Control System 1) As described above, in the communication control system 1, Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network; When connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, the user terminal refers to the reference information to determine the network function to which the user terminal should be connected. The following configuration is adopted.

[0027] In this way, according to the communication control system 1, when connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions, the network function to be connected is determined by referring to the reference information regarding the communication path. Meanwhile, in a mobile communication network, whether or not the capabilities of a network function can be optimally utilized may depend on the specifications and conditions of the communication path to that network function. According to the communication control system 1 configured as described above, the network function to be connected can be determined according to the specifications and conditions of the communication path, thereby optimally utilizing the capabilities of the network function.

[0028] (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 acquiring reference information and a process (step) S13 of referring to the reference information to determine a network function to be connected.

[0029] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 of the communication control system 1 acquires reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network. The specific processing by the acquisition unit 11 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0030] (Step S13) Next, in step S13, the determination unit 13 of the communication control system 1 refers to the reference information when connecting the user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, and determines the network function to be connected. The specific processing by the determination unit 13 has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0031] (Effects of communication control method S1) As described above, in the communication control method S1, Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network; When connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, the user terminal refers to the reference information to determine the network function to which the user terminal should be connected. Therefore, according to the communication control method S1, similarly to the communication control system 1, it is possible to preferably utilize the capabilities of the network functions.

[0032] (Flow of communication control device 100) Next, the configuration of the communication control device 100 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 device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a determination unit 13.

[0033] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network. The specific processing by the acquisition unit 11 has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0034] (Decision Unit 13) When connecting the user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, the determination unit 13 refers to the reference information and determines the network function to be connected. The specific processing by the determination unit 13 has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0035] (Effects of communication control device 100) As described above, in the communication control device 100, Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and multiple network functions included in the core network; When connecting a user terminal to one of the plurality of network functions via one or more of the bases, the user terminal refers to the reference information to determine the network function to which the user terminal should be connected. Therefore, similar to the communication control system 1, the communication control device 100 can make the most of the capabilities of the network functions.

[0036] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is one 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 assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0037] (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. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control system 1A. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication control system 1A includes a core network CN, a plurality of base stations, a plurality of user terminals, and a monitoring device. Here, the core network CN includes a plurality of NFs. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of NFs include a first NF to a fourth NF. However, the NFs included in the core network CN are not limited to these and may include other NFs. Hereinafter, the first NF may be referred to as NF1. The same applies to the other NFs. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of base stations include a first base station B1 and a second base station B2. The number of base stations included in the communication control system 1A is not particularly limited, and the communication control system 1A may include other base stations.

[0038] 4, one or more user terminals are connected to each of the plurality of base stations. As an example, user terminals UE11, UE12, ... are connected to a first base station B1, and user terminals UE21, UE22, ... are connected to a second base station B2. When there is no confusion, user terminals may be simply referred to as UEs.

[0039] As an example, the multiple base stations may be any of RUs (Radio Units), DUs (Distributed Units) (also referred to as child stations), and CUs (Central Units) (also referred to as parent stations or aggregation stations) in a 5G network. Alternatively, the multiple base stations may be gNBs (next generation Node Bs), which are base stations including at least one of RUs, DUs, and CUs. As another example, the multiple base stations may be RRHs (Remote Radio Heads) and BBUs (Baseband Units) in a 4G network. Alternatively, the multiple base stations may be eNBs (evolved Node Bs), which are base stations including at least one of RRHs and BBUs. However, these examples do not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the "base stations" may be any elements or nodes included in a communication system including the core network.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of bases is connected to a plurality of NFs via a plurality of communication paths. More specifically, the first base B1 is connected to a third NF via communication path CP13, · It is connected to the fourth NF via communication path CP14. In addition, the second base B2, connected to a third NF via communication path CP23, · It is connected to the fourth NF via communication path CP24.

[0041] Note that the above connection mode does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and each of the multiple bases can be connected to the multiple NFs via any connection mode. Furthermore, the specific configuration of the multiple communication paths does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and examples include a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks. Hereinafter, the connection mode between each of the multiple bases and each of the multiple NFs may be referred to as a network topology. However, this term does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The monitoring device MS monitors the status of each of the plurality of communication paths CP13 to CP24. The monitoring results by the monitoring device MS constitute part of the reference information described below. Specific examples of the objects monitored by the monitoring device MS are not limited to this exemplary embodiment, but include, as an example, the usage status of each communication path. Here, the usage status of the communication path may include the sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path. The monitoring device MS may also acquire information regarding the specifications of each communication path and include the information in the monitoring result. For example, the monitoring device MS may include an upper bandwidth limit value of the communication path in the monitoring result. For example, the monitoring result by the monitoring device MS is supplied to the first NF.

[0043] As described above, the core network CN includes a plurality of NFs. An example of the configuration of each NF will be described below.

[0044] (First NF) As shown in Fig. 4, the first NF includes, for example, an acquisition unit 11 and a storage unit 12. Here, the acquisition unit 11 acquires reference information related to communication paths CP13, CP14, CP23, and CP24 between multiple locations B1 and B2 connected to a core network CN and multiple network functions NF3 and NF4 included in the core network CN. As an example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires monitoring results by the above-mentioned monitoring device MS as the reference information. Then, the storage unit 12 stores the reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

[0045] When the core network CN is configured as a 5G core network conforming to the 5G standard, the first NF or the storage unit 12 can be realized as, for example, an NRF (Network Repository Function), which is one of multiple NFs constituting the 5G core network, but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, as another example, when the core network CN is configured as an EPC conforming to the 4G standard, the first NF can be realized as a storage device associated with the EPC, but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, specific processing by the acquisition unit 11 includes each of the processing described in exemplary embodiment 1. Here, descriptions overlapping with exemplary embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] (Second NF) 4, the second NF, for example, includes a determination unit 13. Here, when connecting any one of a plurality of user equipments UE11 to UE22 to any one of the plurality of network functions NF3, NF4 via any one of the plurality of bases B1, B2, for example, the determination unit 13 refers to the reference information and determines the network function to be connected.

[0047] When the core network CN is configured as a 5G core network conforming to the 5G standard, the second NF can be realized as, for example, an SMF (Session Management Function), which is one of multiple NFs constituting the 5G core network, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, as another example, when the core network CN is configured as an EPC conforming to the 4G standard, the second NF can be realized as an MME (Mobility Management Entity) in the EPC, but this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the specific processing by the determination unit 13 includes the respective processing described in exemplary embodiment 1. Here, descriptions overlapping with exemplary embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0048] (3rd NF, 4th NF) The third NF and the fourth NF are NFs to which the first base B1 or the second base B2 is connected via any of the communication paths CP13 to CP24. When the core network CN is configured as a 5G core network conforming to the 5G standard, the third NF and the fourth NF are, for example, NFs included in the 5G core network and belonging to the C-Plane. ·AMF(Access and Mobility Management Function) ·SMF(Session Management Function) ·UDM(Unified Data Management) It may be any one of the above, or a plurality of NFs included in the 5G core network that belong to the U-Plane. UPF (User Plane Function) may be.

[0049] In addition, when the core network CN is realized as an EPC compliant with the 4G standard, the third NF and the fourth NF are, for example, a plurality of nodes included in the 4G core network and are nodes belonging to the C-Plane. ·MME(Mobility Management Entity) HSS (Home Subscriber Server) It may be any one of the above, or a plurality of nodes included in the 4G core network, which are nodes belonging to the U-Plane. S-GW (Serving Gateway) ·P-GW(Packet data network Gateway) It may be either of the above.

[0050] (Example 1 of processing flow by communication control system 1A) Next, a first example of the process flow in the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This example is an example of the process flow related to the registration and update of reference information.

[0051] (Step SN101) First, in step S101, the first NF registers reference information. The reference information registered in this step is, for example, an initial value of the reference information. Furthermore, for example, the initial value includes information regarding the specifications of each of the multiple communication paths CP13 to CP24. For example, the reference information registered in this step includes an upper bandwidth limit value of each of the multiple communication paths CP13 to CP24. Here, for example, the upper bandwidth limit value indicates an upper limit value of the amount of data that can be transmitted by the communication path, and for example, is expressed in units of bps (bits per second). For example, the upper bandwidth limit value can be determined by the number of optical fibers constituting the communication path, the specifications of the communication interface, etc. Note that the term "upper bandwidth limit value" does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and may be commonly expressed as a band, a bandwidth, etc.

[0052] The reference information registered in this step may include the usage costs of the communication paths. Information on the usage costs may be obtained, for example, from the provider that operates the communication paths CP13 to CP24.

[0053] (Step SM101) Meanwhile, in step SM101, the monitoring device MS monitors the status of each of the multiple communication paths CP13 to CP24, and acquires, as an example, the usage status of each communication path. The usage status of the communication path may include, as an example, the sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path. Here, an example of the upper limit bit rate for each user or the sum of the upper limit bit rates for each user may be AMBR (Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate), but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment. The usage status of each communication path may also be expressed as line usage status.

[0054] (Steps SM102, SN102) Subsequently, in step S102, the monitoring device MS notifies the first NF of the line usage status acquired in step SM101. Then, in step SN102, the acquisition unit 11 included in the first NF acquires the line usage status.

[0055] (Step SN103) Subsequently, in step SN103, the acquisition unit 11 included in the first NF updates the reference information by referring to the line usage status acquired in step SN102. As an example, the acquisition unit 11 included in the first NF updates the reference information to include the line usage status acquired in step SN102.

[0056] The above-described processing from steps SM101 to SN103 is, for example, repeated periodically, but this processing example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0057] (Example 2 of processing flow by communication control system 1A) Next, a second example of the processing flow in the communication control system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 6. This example is an example of the processing flow for establishing a session between a user terminal and a core network CN.

[0058] (Steps SUE11, SB11, SB12) First, in step SUE11, the user equipment UE11 transmits a connection request to the first point B1. In step SB11, the first point B1 receives the connection request from the user equipment UE11. Then, in step SB12, the first point B1 transmits the connection request to the second NF.

[0059] (Steps SNF21, SNF22) In step SNF21, the second NF receives a connection request from the first base B1. Then, in step SNF22, the second NF requests the first NF to provide reference information. Here, the provision request sent from the second NF may include, for example, A first location B1 connected to the user equipment UE1; The third NF and the fourth NF are candidates for NFs connected to the first point B1. The example may include instructions to provide information regarding the specifications or status of the communication path, although this example is not intended to limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0060] (Step SNF11) Then, in step SNF11, the first NF provides the reference information to the second NF in response to the request for providing the reference information received from the second NF. Here, the reference information provided to the second NF is A first location B1 connected to the user equipment UE1; The third NF and the fourth NF are candidates for NFs connected to the first point B1. It contains information about the specifications or status of the communication path.

[0061] (Steps SNF23, SNF24) Then, in step SNF23, the acquisition unit 11 included in the second NF acquires the reference information provided from the first NF in step SNF11. Then, the determination unit 13 included in the second NF refers to the reference information and determines the NF that should be connected to the first location B1. As an example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 13 determines the fourth NF, of the third NF and the fourth NF, as the NF that should be connected to the first location B1. Note that the specific contents of the determination process by the determination unit 13 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0062] (Step SNF25) Then, in step SNF25, the second NF instructs the fourth NF to establish a session with the user equipment UE1 via the first point B1. Note that this instruction may also be called a connection instruction or a session establishment instruction.

[0063] (Step NF41) In step SNF41, the fourth NF acquires the connection instruction transmitted from the second NF in step SNF25, and based on the connection instruction, starts processing to establish a session with the user equipment UE1 via the first point B1. The fourth NF also transmits a response to the connection instruction to the second NF.

[0064] (Step SNF26) Upon receiving the response sent from the fourth NF in step SNF41, the second NF sends a response to the connection request received in step SNF21 to the first site B1 in step SN26. The response may include an instruction to establish a session with the fourth NF.

[0065] (Step SB13) Then, upon receiving the response transmitted from the second NF in step SNF26, the first site B1 transmits a response to the connection request received in step SB11 to the user equipment UE1 in step SB13. The response may include an instruction to establish a session with the fourth NF.

[0066] (Effects of communication control system 1A) As described above, in the communication control system 1A, Acquire reference information on communication paths CP13 to CP24 between multiple locations B1 and B2 connected to a core network CN and a third NF and a fourth NF included in the core network CN, storing said reference information; When connecting a user terminal to either the third NF or the fourth NF via either of the plurality of bases B1 and B2, the NF to which the user terminal should connect is determined by referring to the reference information. The following configuration is adopted.

[0067] In this way, according to the communication control system 1, when connecting a user terminal to one of a plurality of NFs, the NF to which the user terminal should be connected is determined by referring to the reference information regarding the communication path. Meanwhile, in a mobile communication network, whether or not the capabilities of an NF can be optimally utilized may depend on the specifications and conditions of the communication path to the NF. According to the communication control system 1A configured as described above, the NF to which the user terminal should be connected can be determined according to the specifications and conditions of the communication path, thereby optimally utilizing the capabilities of the NF.

[0068] Third Exemplary Embodiment A third 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 assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0069] (Configuration of communication control system 1B) The configuration of a communication control system 1B 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 1B. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication control system 1B includes a user equipment UE, a plurality of distributed units, a plurality of aggregation units, a monitoring device MS, and a core network CN. Here, the plurality of distributed units may be referred to as DUs (Distributed Units) or child stations. As the DU mainly performs processing in the user plane, it may be written as DU-U, as shown in FIG. 7. On the other hand, the plurality of aggregation units may be referred to as CUs (Central Units) or parent stations. As the CU mainly performs processing in the user plane, it may be written as CU-U, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] The DU-U and CU-U are examples of base stations according to this exemplary embodiment. However, this does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and the base station according to this exemplary embodiment may be a gNB (next generation Node B) or an eNB (evolved Node B), which is a base station including the DU-U and the CU-U. Furthermore, the multiple CU-Us provided in the communication control system 1B are also examples of the base station B1 and the base station B2 described in the exemplary embodiment 2, and therefore the CU-U may also be referred to as the base station B1 or the base station B2.

[0071] Note that this exemplary embodiment has an aspect as a specific example of the above-described exemplary embodiment 2. Therefore, duplicated explanations of matters already explained in exemplary embodiment 2 may be omitted.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the DU-U and CU-U are constructed in an on-premises environment by a provider that manages and operates the communication control system 1B, as an example. Meanwhile, in this exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the core network CN is constructed in a public cloud environment. Because the public cloud allows for flexible deployment or instantiation of each NF, a core network CN with higher scalability and flexibility can be constructed compared to a case where it is constructed in an on-premises environment. However, when an on-premises environment and a public cloud environment are used in combination as described above, depending on the status of the communication path between the on-premises environment and the public cloud environment, the communication path may become a bottleneck in processing in the communication control system 1B. In other words, whether the capabilities of each NF can be optimally utilized in the communication control system 1B may depend on the specifications and status of the communication path to the NF, making it even more important to optimally select the communication path.

[0073] In the communication control system 1B according to this exemplary embodiment, as will be described later, Acquire reference information regarding communication paths between multiple sites connected to a core network CN and multiple NFs included in the core network CN; When connecting a user equipment (UE) to one of the plurality of NFs via one of the plurality of bases, the reference information is referenced to determine the NF to which the user equipment (UE) should be connected. This configuration provides an exemplary effect of enabling the scalability and flexibility of the core network in a public cloud environment to be enjoyed while optimally utilizing the capabilities of each NF.

[0074] The description of the configuration of the communication control system 1B will continue with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the core network CN included in the communication control system 1B includes: ·NRF (Network Repository Function), Multiple UPFs (User Plane Functions) UPF1 and UPF2, and ·SMF(Session Management Function) The system includes a plurality of NFs, such as NF1, NF2, NF3, NF4, and NF4. Here, the NRF is also an example of the first NF described in exemplary embodiment 2, and therefore the NRF is also referred to as NF1. The SMF is also an example of the second NF described in exemplary embodiment 2, and therefore the SMF is also referred to as NF2. The UPF1 and UPF2 are also examples of the third NF and fourth NF described in exemplary embodiment 2, and therefore the UPF1 and UPF2 are also referred to as NF3 and NF4, respectively.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, in a communication control system 1B, at least UPF1 and UPF2 among a plurality of NFs included in a core network CN are constructed in a public cloud environment.

[0076] 7, in the communication control system 1B, a point B1, which is one CU-U, and a point B2, which is the other CU-U, are connected to UPF1 and UPF2 by a plurality of communication paths CP13 to CP24. More specifically, the first point B1 is It is connected to the third NF, UPF1, via communication path CP13, It is connected to the fourth NF, UPF2, via communication path CP14. In addition, the second base B2, It is connected to the third NF, UPF1, via communication path CP23, It is connected to the fourth NF, UPF2, via communication path CP24.

[0077] The monitoring device MS provided in the communication control system 1B monitors each of these communication paths CP13 to CP24, thereby sequentially acquiring information including the specifications and status of each of these communication paths CP13 to CP24, and sequentially providing the monitoring results including the acquired information to the first NF, NRF.

[0078] (Example 1 of processing flow by communication control system 1B) Next, a first example of the flow of processing in the communication control system 1B will be described with reference to Fig. 8. This example is an example of the flow of processing related to the registration and update of reference information.

[0079] (Process C101, C102) First, for example, the UE sends a notification to the monitoring device MS: Each line CP13 to CP24 between each CU-U and each UPF, Each of the relevant lines CP13 to CP24 and each UPF In this case, the linking information is an example of a network topology that indicates the state of the communication lines between the multiple CU-Us and the core network. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7, the linking information is CU-U as the first base B1, It is connected to the third NF, UPF1, via communication path CP13, It is connected to the fourth NF, UPF2, via communication path CP14, CU-U as the second base B2, It is connected to the third NF, UPF1, via communication path CP23, It is connected to the fourth NF, UPF2, via communication path CP24. This includes:

[0080] On the other hand, the operator of Communication Control System 1B has stated to NRF: Each line CP13 to CP24 between each CU-U and each UPF, Each of the relevant lines CP13 to CP24 and each UPF The process C102 is executed to register linking information indicating the correspondence between the above. The linking information in this process is, for example, the same as the linking information in the above process C101, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. The above-mentioned linking information is an example of reference information referenced by the SMF.

[0081] In processes C101 and C102, the UE and the operator may register information regarding the specifications of each of the multiple communication paths CP13 to CP24 in the monitoring device MS and the NRF as initial values ​​of the reference information. As an example, the reference information registered in processes C101 and C102 includes an upper bandwidth limit value for each of the multiple communication paths CP13 to CP24. Here, the upper bandwidth limit value indicates, for example, an upper limit value of the amount of data that can be transmitted through the communication path, and is expressed, for example, in units of bps (bits per second). The upper bandwidth limit value may be determined, for example, by the number of optical fibers constituting the communication path, the specifications of the communication interface, and the like. Note that the term "upper bandwidth limit value" does not limit this exemplary embodiment, and may also be commonly expressed by terms such as band or bandwidth.

[0082] The reference information registered in this step may include the usage costs of the communication paths. Information on the usage costs may be obtained, for example, from the provider that operates the communication paths CP13 to CP24.

[0083] Note that, as an example, the above-described processes C101 and C102 may be configured to be performed at the time of initial construction of the core network CN in the communication control system 1B, at the time of line reinforcement, at the time of changing the NF equipment configuration, etc. However, this example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0084] (Processes C103 and C104) Next, the monitoring device MS executes a process C103 of collecting the usage status of each of the lines CP13 to CP24. Then, the monitoring device MS executes a process C104 of notifying the NRF of the collected line usage information. Note that the line usage information collected by the monitoring device MS may include, as an example, the sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path. Here, an example of the upper limit bit rate for each user or the sum of the upper limit bit rates for each user may be AMBR (Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate), but this example does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0085] (Process C105, C106) Next, the NRF executes a process C105 in which it refers to the line usage information provided by the monitoring device MS and updates the line usage information it manages. This process may also be expressed as a process of updating reference information by referring to the line usage information provided by the monitoring device MS. As an example, the NRF updates the reference information to include the line usage information provided by the monitoring device MS. Then, the NRF transmits a response to the line usage information notification to the monitoring device MS.

[0086] The above-described processes C103 to C106 are, for example, repeated periodically, but this process example does not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0087] (Example 2 of processing flow by communication control system 1B) Next, a second example of the processing flow in the communication control system 1B will be described with reference to Fig. 9. This example is an example of the processing flow for establishing a session between the user equipment UE and the core network CN.

[0088] (Processes C201, C202, C203) First, the UE executes processing C201 to transmit a session connection request to the DU-U. When the DU-U acquires the session connection request from the UE, it executes processing C202 to transmit the session connection request to the CU-U. Then, when the CU-U acquires the session connection request from the DU-U, it executes processing C203 to transmit the session connection request to the SMF.

[0089] (Processes C204, C205) Then, the SMF that receives the session connection request from the CU-U executes process C204 to request the NRF to search for UPFs that are candidate connection destinations for the session. Here, the search request includes an instruction to provide reference information about communication lines to the UPFs that are candidate connection destinations for the session.

[0090] The NRF that has received the search request executes a process C205 to provide the search results to the SMF. The search results include reference information about communication lines to the UPFs that are candidate connection destinations for the session.

[0091] (Process C206) The SMF that has acquired the reference information from the NRF refers to the reference information and determines the UPF that should connect the session. As an example, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the SMF determines UPF2 as the UPF to which the session should be connected. Then, based on the determination, the SMF executes process C206 to send a session connection instruction to UPF2. Note that this determination process by the SMF is, for example, similar to the determination process by the determination unit 13 according to the exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0092] (Process C207) Upon receiving the session connection instruction from the SMF, the UPF 2 starts the process of establishing a session with the UE based on the instruction. The UPF 2 also executes a process C207 to send a response to the session connection instruction from the SMF.

[0093] (Processes C208, C209, C210) The SMF that has received the response from the UPF2 executes process C208 to send a response to the session connection instruction from the CU-U to the CU-U. The response may include an instruction to establish a session with the UPF2.

[0094] Furthermore, the CU-U that has received the response from the SMF executes processing C209 to send a response to the session connection instruction from the DU-U to the DU-U. The response may include an instruction to establish a session with the UPF2.

[0095] Furthermore, the DU-U that has received the response from the CU-U executes processing C210 of transmitting a response to the session connection instruction from the UE to the UE. The response may include an instruction to establish a session with the UPF2.

[0096] (Example 1 of UPF determination process by SMF) Specific example 1 of the process of determining a UPF by an SMF with reference to reference information will be described below with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining this process example. First, consider a case where a UE transmits a session connection request to one of multiple DU-Us, and the DU-U transmits a session connection request to a CU-U, which is a second point B2 (corresponding to C201 and C202 in Fig. 9).

[0097] The CU-U, which is the second point B2, sends a session connection request to the SMF (corresponding to C203 in FIG. 9). In response, the SMF instructs the NRF to provide reference information regarding the lines between the CU-U, which is the second point B2, and multiple UPFs, and obtains the reference information (corresponding to C204 and C205 in FIG. 9).

[0098] As shown in Fig. 10, a CU-U, which is a second point B2, is connected to UPF1 via line CP23 and to UPF2 via line CP24. The NRF provides the SMF with reference information on line CP23 and reference information on line CP24. Here, it is assumed that these pieces of reference information are given as follows:

[0099] (Reference information for line CP23) · Line CP23 bandwidth limit: 300Gbps · CP23 line usage (total AMBR): 200Gbps (Reference information for line CP24) · Line CP24 bandwidth limit: 800Gbps · CP24 line usage (total AMBR): 390bps SMF will refer to the above reference information to calculate the utilization rate of each line. Line utilization rate = Usage status / Bandwidth upper limit More specifically, SMF is calculated as follows: Utilization of line CP23 = 200 / 300 = 67% Utilization rate of line CP24 = 390 / 800 = 49% The SMF then compares the utilization rates of the two lines and selects the UPF connected to the line with the lower utilization rate. Specifically, the SMF selects UPF2 connected to line CP24, which is the line with the lower utilization rate.

[0100] By performing the above-described processing by the SMF, the lines connecting the CU-U and multiple UPFs are used more evenly. This prevents excessive load on the lines connecting the CU-U and multiple UPFs, thereby making it possible to optimally utilize the capabilities of the NFs included in the core network CN.

[0101] In this example, the SMF may further take into account the AMBR of the connected UE when calculating the line utilization rate. As an example, if the AMBR of the connected UE is 1 Gbps, Utilization of line CP23 = (200+1) / 300 = 67% Utilization of line CP24 = (390+1) / 800 = 49% The utilization rate of each line may be calculated as follows.

[0102] (UPF determination process example 2 by SMF) A specific example 2 of the process of determining a UPF by the SMF with reference to reference information will be described below. This example will be further described with reference to Fig. 7. In this processing example, the SMF determines the UPF to be connected by further referring to the utilization rates of multiple UPFs in addition to the reference information related to each line.

[0103] In this example, the reference information regarding the line CP23 and the reference information regarding the line CP24 are the same as those in the above-described processing example 1. Meanwhile, in this example, the SMF is further provided with reference information regarding the line CP13 connecting the CU-U, which is the first point B1, to the UPF1, and reference information regarding the line CP14 connecting the CU-U, which is the first point B1, to the UPF2, from the NRF.

[0104] (Reference information for line CP13) · Line CP13 bandwidth limit: 300Gbps · Line CP13 usage (total AMBR): 20Gbps (Reference information for line CP14) · Line CP14 bandwidth limit: 800Gbps · CP14 line usage (total AMBR): 300Gbps The SMF will also refer to the above reference information to calculate the utilization rate of each UPF. UPF utilization rate = Total usage / Bandwidth limit More specifically, SMF is calculated as follows: UPF1 utilization = (20+200) / 300 = 73% UPF2 utilization = (390+300) / 800 = 86% Then, SMF is calculated as follows: Simple or weighted average of the utilization rate of line CP23 and the utilization rate of UPF1 - Simple average or weighted average of the utilization rate of line CP24 and the utilization rate of UPF2 The UPF is selected based on the comparison result. · Simple average of the utilization rate of line CP23 and the utilization rate of UPF1 = (67+73) / 2 = 70 · Simple average of the utilization rate of line CP24 and the utilization rate of UPF2 = (49+86) / 2 = 67.5 The SMF compares the average utilization rate of each line and selects the line and UPF with the smaller average utilization rate. Specifically, the SMF selects the lines CP24 and UPF2 with the smaller average utilization rate.

[0105] By having the SMF perform the above-described processing, the lines connecting the CU-U and multiple UPFs are used more evenly, taking into account the utilization rate of the UPFs. This prevents excessive load on the lines connecting the CU-U and multiple UPFs, thereby making it possible to optimally utilize the capabilities of the NFs included in the core network CN.

[0106] In this example, the SMF may further take into account the AMBR of the connected UE when calculating the UPF utilization rate. For example, if the AMBR of the connected UE is 1 Gbps, UPF1 utilization = (20+200+1) / 300 = 73% UPF2 utilization = (390+300+1) / 800 = 86% The utilization rate of each UPF may be calculated as follows:

[0107] (UPF determination process example 3 by SMF) In the above-described processing example 1 and processing example 2, the SMF is Line utilization rate ·UPF usage rate In addition, · Line costs For example, the SMF may select a UPF to be connected by calculating a simple average or a weighted average of the line utilization rate, the UPF utilization rate, and the line cost for each line, and comparing the calculation results with each other. The ratio between the line's bandwidth upper limit and the line's usage status, and The cost of using the line The NF to be connected may be determined by referring to an index obtained by a weighted sum of the above. By performing such processing, for example, a line with low line cost is more likely to be selected, leading to cost reduction.

[0108] (Processing according to a comparative example) As a comparative example for comparison with the above processing examples 1 and 2, consider a case where the SMF determines the UPF to be connected by referring only to the UPF utilization rate without referring to the line utilization rate. In this case, the SMF: UPF1 utilization = (20+200) / 300 = 73% UPF2 utilization = (390+300) / 800 = 86% , and selects UPF1, which has a low UPF utilization rate. On the other hand, if UPF1 is selected, the utilization rate of line CP23 will further increase, increasing the load on line CP23. For this reason, even if there is no problem with the processing capacity of UPF1, line CP23 may become a bottleneck, and it may not be possible to optimally utilize the processing capacity of the UPF.

[0109] As described above, in processing example 1 and processing example 2 according to this exemplary embodiment, the UPF to be connected is selected by referring to the reference information of each line, and therefore the capabilities of the NFs included in the core network CN can be more effectively utilized than in the comparative example.

[0110] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of each component (particularly, the acquisition unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the determination unit 13) of the communication control system 1, 1A may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip) (i.e., realized as an individual device), or may be realized by software (i.e., realized as an instance deployed individually or in a distributed manner on one or more devices (physical servers)).

[0111] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, 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 Figure 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0115] 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 acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also 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 acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0116] 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.

[0117] [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.

[0118] (Appendix A1) an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination means for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A communication control system comprising:

[0119] (Appendix A2) The reference information includes: The upper limit of the bandwidth of the communication path and the usage status of the communication path The communication control system according to Appendix A1, including at least one of the above.

[0120] (Appendix A3) The usage status of the communication path includes: The sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path is included. 1. A communications control system as described in Appendix A2.

[0121] (Appendix A4) The reference information includes: The cost of using the communication path 2. A communication control system according to any one of appendices A1 to A3, comprising:

[0122] (Appendix A5) The determining means The ratio between the upper bandwidth limit of the communication path and the utilization status of the communication path, and The cost of using the communication path The network function to be connected is determined by referring to the index obtained by the weighted sum of A communications control system as described in Appendix A4.

[0123] (Appendix A6) The determining means The network function to be connected is determined by further referring to the utilization rate of each of the plurality of network functions. 1. A communications control system as described in Appendix A4 or A5.

[0124] (Appendix A7) The core network is a 5G core network. Each of the plurality of network functions is a UPF in a 5G core network. 10. A communication control system according to any one of appendices A1 to A6.

[0125] (Appendix A8) further comprising a storage means for storing the reference information; Each of the one or more bases is a CU or a DU, The storage means is an NRF in a 5G core network, The determining means is an SMF in a 5G core network. 1. A communications control system as described in Appendix A7.

[0126] [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.

[0127] (Appendix B1) an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination means for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A communication control device comprising:

[0128] (Appendix B2) The reference information includes: The upper limit of the bandwidth of the communication path and the usage status of the communication path The communication control device according to supplementary note B1, including at least one of the following:

[0129] (Appendix B3) The usage status of the communication path includes: The sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path is included. 10. A communication control device according to claim 8, wherein said communication control device is a communication control device according to claim 9.

[0130] (Appendix B4) The reference information includes: The cost of using the communication path 4. The communication control device according to any one of appendices B1 to B3,

[0131] (Appendix B5) The determining means The ratio between the upper bandwidth limit of the communication path and the utilization status of the communication path, and The cost of using the communication path The network function to be connected is determined by referring to the index obtained by the weighted sum of 1. A communication control device as described in Appendix B4.

[0132] (Appendix B6) The determining means The network function to be connected is determined by further referring to the utilization rate of each of the plurality of network functions. 10. A communications control device according to claim 9, wherein said communication control device is a communication control device according to claim 1 ....

[0133] (Appendix B7) The core network is a 5G core network. Each of the plurality of network functions is a UPF in a 5G core network. 10. A communication control device according to any one of appendices B1 to B6.

[0134] (Appendix B8) further comprising a storage means for storing the reference information; Each of the one or more bases is a CU or a DU, The storage means is an NRF in a 5G core network, The determining means is an SMF in a 5G core network. 10. The communication control device according to claim 7,

[0135] [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.

[0136] (Appendix C1) Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; When connecting a user terminal to any one of the plurality of network functions via any one of the one or a plurality of bases, referring to the reference information to determine the network function to be connected; A communication control method including the steps of:

[0137] (Appendix C2) The reference information includes: The upper limit of the bandwidth of the communication path and the usage status of the communication path The communication control method according to appendix C1, including at least one of the above.

[0138] (Appendix C3) The usage status of the communication path includes: The sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path is included. 10. A communication control method according to claim C2.

[0139] (Appendix C4) The reference information includes: The cost of using the communication path 3. A communication control method according to any one of appendices C1 to C3, comprising:

[0140] (Appendix B5) The determining step comprises: The ratio between the upper bandwidth limit of the communication path and the utilization status of the communication path, and The cost of using the communication path and determining the network function to be connected by referring to the index obtained by the weighted sum of 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix C4.

[0141] (Appendix C6) The determining step comprises: and determining a network function to be connected by further referring to the utilization rate of each of the plurality of network functions. A communication control method as described in Appendix C4 or C5.

[0142] (Appendix C7) The core network is a 5G core network. Each of the plurality of network functions is a UPF in a 5G core network. 10. A communication control method according to any one of appendices C1 to C6.

[0143] (Appendix C8) storing the reference information; Each of the one or more bases is a CU or a DU, The storing is performed by an NRF in a 5G core network; The determining is performed by an SMF in a 5G core network. 1. A communication control method as described in Appendix C7.

[0144] [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.

[0145] (Appendix D1) A program that causes a computer to function as a communication control system, The computer an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination means for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A program that functions as a

[0146] [Appendix E] 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.

[0147] (Appendix D1) at least one processor, an acquisition process for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination process for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting the user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A communications control system that performs the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1,1A Communication Control System 11 ... Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 12...Storage unit (storage means) 13. Determination unit (determination means) B1: First base (CU-U, DU-U) B2: Second base (CU-U, DU-U) NF1: First NF (NRF, acquisition means, storage means) NF2: Second NF (SMF, decision means) NF3 (UPF1) - 3rd NF (1st UPF) NF4 (UPF2) - 4th NF (2nd UPF) CP13, CP14, CP23, CP24...Communication path (line)

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination means for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A communication control system comprising:

2. The reference information includes: The upper limit of the bandwidth of the communication path and the usage status of the communication path The communication control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is included.

3. The usage status of the communication path includes: The sum of the upper limit bit rates for one or more users using the communication path is included. The communication control system according to claim 2 .

4. The reference information includes: The cost of using the communication path The communication control system according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. The determining means The ratio between the upper bandwidth limit of the communication path and the utilization status of the communication path, and The cost of using the communication path The network function to be connected is determined by referring to the index obtained by the weighted sum of The communication control system according to claim 4.

6. The determining means The network function to be connected is determined by further referring to the utilization rate of each of the plurality of network functions.

5. The communication control system according to claim 4.

7. The core network is a 5G core network. Each of the plurality of network functions is a UPF in a 5G core network. The communication control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. further comprising a storage means for storing the reference information; Each of the one or more bases is a Control Unit (CU) or a Distributed Unit (DU), The storage means is an NRF in a 5G core network, The determining means is an SMF in a 5G core network. The communication control system according to claim 7.

9. an acquisition means for acquiring reference information regarding communication paths between one or more bases connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; a determination means for determining a network function to be connected by referring to the reference information when connecting a user terminal to any of the plurality of network functions via any of the one or more bases; A communication control device comprising:

10. Obtaining reference information regarding communication paths between one or more locations connected to a core network and a plurality of network functions included in the core network; When connecting the user terminal to any one of the plurality of network functions via any one of the one or a plurality of bases, determining the network function to be connected by referring to the reference information. A communication control method including the steps of:

Images