Mobile communication system, control device, and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile communication system, control device, and control method that enable the use of different QoS (Quality of Service) in the uplink and downlink directions. [Solution] A mobile communication system comprising a user device (UE) 100, a base station (gNB) 200 that performs wireless communication with the user device, a communication device (UPF: User Plane Function) 300 that sends and receives data to and from the user device via the base station, and a control device (SMF: Session Management Function) that controls the communication device, wherein the control device changes the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities depending on the content of the data communication in the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In some regions, the operation of the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "5G system") has been started.

[0003] In the 5G system, there is a QoS (Quality of Service) service. QoS is the quality of service on the network. In the 5G system, a QoS flow is established at the time of PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session establishment or PDU session modification. The QoS flow is established between the user equipment (UE: User Equipment) and the UPF (User Plane Function) under the control of the SMF (Session Management Function). With the QoS service, it becomes possible to provide a service with a predetermined quality to the user equipment.

[0004] On the other hand, recently, the popularity of interactive services such as cloud games has been increasing. In cloud games, since rendering (or drawing) can be performed on the network side, sensor data and pose data can be transmitted to the network side in the uplink direction, and the rendered data can be received in the downlink direction. In such services, high reliability is required in the uplink direction, and reliability is not required more than in the uplink direction in the downlink direction. That is, the reliability required in the uplink direction and the downlink direction is asymmetric. There is a discussion that the existing QoS mechanism cannot satisfy such requirements for services such as cloud game services (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "SP-190564" 3GPP TSG SA Meeting #84, 05-07 June 2019, Newport Beach, USA [Overview of the project]

[0006] A mobile communication system according to the first embodiment is a mobile communication system having a user device, a base station that performs wireless communication with the user device, a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the user device via the base station, and a control device that controls the communication device. In the mobile communication system, the control device changes the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, depending on the content of the data being communicated in the communication device.

[0007] The control device according to the second embodiment is a control device that controls a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from a user device via a base station. The control device has a control unit that changes the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, depending on the content of the data transmitted in the communication device.

[0008] The control method according to the third embodiment is a control method for a mobile communication system having a user device, a base station that performs wireless communication with the user device, a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the user device via the base station, and a control device that controls the communication device. The control method includes a step in which the control device changes the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, according to the content of the data communication in the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of gNB according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a user device (UE) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) shows an example configuration of a UPF according to the first embodiment, and Figure 4(B) shows an example configuration of an SMF according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the classification of QoS flows in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure aims to enable the use of different QoS levels in the uplink and downlink directions.

[0011] [First Embodiment] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0012] (Example of a mobile communication system configuration) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the mobile communication system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The mobile communication system 10 according to the first embodiment is a 3GPP 5G system. Specifically, the radio access method in the mobile communication system 10 is NR (New Radio), which is a 5G radio access method. However, LTE (Long Term Evolution) may be applied to the mobile communication system 10 at least partially. Furthermore, the mobile communication system 10 may use a 6G or later radio access method.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the mobile communication system 10 includes User Equipment (UE) 100, gNB 200, UPF 300, SMF 400, and DN (Data Network) 500.

[0015] UE100 is a mobile wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly with gNB200. UE100 can be any device that communicates wirelessly with gNB200. For example, UE100 may be a mobile phone terminal, tablet terminal, notebook PC, sensor or device installed on a sensor, vehicle or device installed on a vehicle, or aircraft or device installed on an aircraft. UE100 can receive various services from DN500 via gNB200 and UPF300. Figure 1 shows an example of UE100 being wirelessly connected to gNB200. Note that in the mobile communication system 10, there may be one or more UE100 units.

[0016] gNB 200 is a radio communication device that performs radio communication with UE 100. gNB 200 performs radio communication with UE 100 that has established a connection with its own cell. gNB 200 has a radio resource management (RRM) function, a routing function for user data (hereinafter simply referred to as "data"), a measurement control function for mobility control and scheduling, etc. gNB 200 is a base station in the 5G system. gNB 200 may be a base station in the 4G system (i.e., eNB (evolved Node B)). Alternatively, gNB 200 may be an en-gNB (E-UTRAN-NR gNB) that can be connected to the base station. Also, gNB 200 may be a base station after the 6G system.

[0017] Also, gNB 200 is connected to UPF 300. gNB 200 is connected to UPF 300 via an interface called the N3 interface. gNB 200 performs wired communication with UPF 300 via the N3 interface.

[0018] UPF 300 is a communication device that transmits and receives data with UE 100 via gNB 200. Also, UPF 300 is a communication device that performs transfer control of data. That is, UPF 300 receives the data transmitted from DN 500 and transmits the received data to gNB 200. Also, UPF 300 receives the data transmitted from gNB 200 and transmits the received data to DN 500. Further, UPF 300 is interconnected with DN 500 as an external point of the PDU session established with UE 100. UPF 300 is connected to DN 500 via the N6 interface.

[0019] The SMF400 is a control device that controls the UPF300. The SMF400 controls and manages the PDU session, controls QoS, and assigns and manages IP addresses for the UE100. In particular, in the first embodiment, the SMF400 controls QoS flows. Details will be described later. The SMF400 is connected to the UPF300 via the N4 interface. The SMF400 performs wired communication with the UPF300 using messages of the N4 interface and the like.

[0020] The UPF300 and the SMF400 are functional blocks that constitute the 5GC (5G Core network). The 5GC includes an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). The AMF is a device that performs various mobility controls for the UE100. The AMF is connected to the gNB200 via the N2 interface and to the SMF400 via the N11 interface.

[0021] The DN500 is an external network. The DN500 may be the Internet (registered trademark).

[0022] (Configuration example of gNB) Next, a configuration example of the gNB200 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the gNB200.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the gNB200 includes a wireless communication unit 210, a network communication unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 210 performs wireless communication with the UE100. The wireless communication unit 210 includes a receiving unit 211 and a transmitting unit 212. The receiving unit 211 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 230. The receiving unit 211 includes an antenna and converts the wireless signal received by the antenna into a baseband signal (received signal) (downconvert) and outputs it to the control unit 230. The transmitting unit 212 performs various types of transmission under the control of the control unit 230. The transmitting unit 212 includes an antenna and converts the baseband signal (transmitted signal) output by the control unit 230 into a wireless signal (upconvert) and transmits it from the antenna.

[0026] The network communication unit 220 performs wired communication with the UPF300 and with the AMF. The network communication unit 220 has a receiving unit 221 and a transmitting unit 222. The receiving unit 221 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 230. The receiving unit 221 receives signals from the outside and outputs the received input signals to the control unit 230. The transmitting unit 222 performs various types of transmission under the control of the control unit 230. The transmitting unit 222 transmits the output signals output by the control unit 230 to the outside.

[0027] The control unit 230 performs various controls in the gNB200. The control unit 230 includes at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used for processing by the processor. The processor may include a baseband processor and a CPU. The baseband processor performs modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding of baseband signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory and performs various processes. In each of the embodiments shown below, each process or operation in the gNB200 may be performed by the control unit 230.

[0028] (Example of user device configuration) Next, we will describe an example configuration of the UE100, which is a user device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of UE100.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the UE100 has a wireless communication unit 110 and a control unit 120.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 110 performs wireless communication with the gNB200. The wireless communication unit 110 may also perform wireless communication in a sidelink, i.e., wireless communication with other UEs. The wireless communication unit 110 has a receiver unit 111 and a transmitter unit 112. The receiver unit 111 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 120. The receiver unit 111 includes an antenna and converts the radio signal received by the antenna into a baseband signal (received signal) (downconvert) and outputs it to the control unit 120. The transmitter unit 112 performs various types of transmission under the control of the control unit 120. The transmitter unit 112 includes an antenna and converts the baseband signal (transmitted signal) output by the control unit 120 into a radio signal (upconvert) and transmits it from the antenna.

[0032] The control unit 120 performs various controls on the UE 100. The control unit 120 includes at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used for processing by the processor. The processor may include a baseband processor and a CPU. The baseband processor performs modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding of baseband signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory and performs various processes. In the embodiments shown below, each operation or process in the UE 100 may be performed by the control unit 120.

[0033] (Example of UPF configuration) Next, an example configuration of the UPF300 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] Figure 4(A) shows an example configuration of the UPF300.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4(A), the UPF300 has a network communication unit 310 and a control unit 320.

[0036] The network communication unit 310 performs wired communication with gNB200, wired communication with SMF400, and wired communication with SN500. The network communication unit 310 transmits and receives messages (or signals) on the N3 interface with gNB200. The network communication unit 310 also transmits and receives messages (or signals) on the N4 interface with SMF400. Furthermore, the network communication unit 310 transmits and receives messages (or signals) on the N6 interface with DN500.

[0037] The network communication unit 310 also includes a receiving unit 311 and a transmitting unit 312. The receiving unit 311 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 320. The receiving unit 311 receives signals from the outside and outputs the received input signals to the control unit 320. The transmitting unit 312 performs various types of transmission under the control of the control unit 320. The transmitting unit 312 transmits the output signals output by the control unit 320 to the outside.

[0038] The control unit 320 performs various controls in the UPF300. The control unit 320 includes at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used for processing by the processor. The processor executes the programs stored in the memory and performs various processes. In each of the embodiments shown below, each process or operation in the UPF300 may be performed by the control unit 320.

[0039] (SMF configuration example) Next, an example configuration of the SMF400 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0040] Figure 4(B) shows an example configuration of the SMF400.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4(B), the SMF400 has a network communication unit 410 and a control unit 420.

[0042] The network communication unit 410 communicates with the UPF 300. The network communication unit 310 sends and receives N4 interface messages (or signals) to and from the UPF 300. The network communication unit 410 has a receiving unit 411 and a transmitting unit 412. The receiving unit 411 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 420. The receiving unit 411 receives signals from the outside and outputs the received input signals to the control unit 420. The transmitting unit 412 performs various types of transmission under the control of the control unit 420. The transmitting unit 412 transmits the output signals output by the control unit 420 to the outside.

[0043] The control unit 420 performs various controls in the SMF400. The control unit 420 includes at least one memory and at least one processor electrically connected to the memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used for processing by the processor. The processor executes the programs stored in the memory and performs various processes. In each of the embodiments shown below, each process or operation in the SMF400 may be performed by the control unit 420.

[0044] (QoS flow) Here, we will describe the QoS flow according to the first embodiment.

[0045] QoS flow is the finest granularity for distinguishing QoS within a PDU session. QoS flow is controlled by the SMF400. QoS flow is established during the PDU Session Establishment procedure or the PDU Session Modification procedure. QoS flow may be pre-configured.

[0046] Firstly, the SMF400 associates PCC (Policy and Charging Control) rules with QoS flows based on QoS and service requirements. QoS and service requirements may be received from the UE100. The PCC rules are received from the PCF and are used to detect packets belonging to the SDF (Service Data Flow, i.e., IP flows).

[0047] Secondly, the SMF400 assigns a QFI (QoS Flow ID) to each new QoS flow. The QFI is an identifier (or identifier) ​​used to identify each QoS flow.

[0048] Thirdly, the SMF400 generates QoS profiles, QoS rules, and PDRs (Packet Detection Rules) based on information such as PCC rules linked to the QoS flow.

[0049] A QoS profile includes 5QI (5G QoS Identifier), ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority), QoS flow bitrate guarantee (GFBR: Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate), and QoS flow maximum bitrate (MFBR: Maximum Flow Bit Rate). 5QI is identification information used to identify each QoS. It also represents the QoS characteristics. ARP indicates the priority of a QoS flow, showing its relative importance within the QoS flow, and is used when releasing or acquiring QoS flows. GFBR and MFBR may be enforced in the gNB200.

[0050] The SMF400 transmits the QoS profile and QFI to the gNB200 via the AMF. The gNB200 establishes a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) along with the PDU session and maps one PDU session to one DRB. The gNB200 then maps the QoS flow to the DRB based on the QoS profile and QFI.

[0051] QoS rules are used in UE100 to associate UL traffic with QoS flows. A QoS rule includes a QFI, a packet filter set, and a priority value. A packet filter set contains one or more packet filters, and each packet filter contains information for mapping SDFs to QoS flows. This information includes the source and destination IP addresses, source and destination MAC addresses, and the direction of the packet filter (UL or DL). The priority value represents the priority of the QoS rule.

[0052] The SMF400 sends QoS rules and QoS parameters (such as 5QI, GFBR, and MFBR) to the UE100. As described above, the UE100 uses the QoS rules to associate UL traffic with QoS flows. In addition to the QoS rules provided by the SMF400, the UE100 can also create its own QoS rules based on DL traffic. Such QoS rules are sometimes referred to as Reflective QoS. Reflective QoS also allows the UE100 to map UL traffic to QoS flows.

[0053] The PDR contains information for classifying packets arriving at the UPF300 (i.e., PDU packets). The PDR also contains information for mapping user plane traffic to QoS flows. There are two types of PDRs: UL PDR and DL PDR.

[0054] The SMF400 transmits PDR and QoS-related information (such as GFBR and MFBR) to the UPF300. Based on this information, the UPF300 performs tasks such as classifying user plane traffic, enforcing bandwidth, and marking.

[0055] In the mobile communication system 10 configured in this way, UL packets and DL packets (or IP flows) are linked to QoS flows at the NAS layer of UE100 and UPF300. Furthermore, QoS flows are linked to DRBs at the AS layer (i.e., the SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer) of UE100 and gNB200. Through this two-stage mapping, the mobile communication system 10 can map packets to the appropriate QoS flows and DRBs, thereby ensuring quality of service.

[0056] As mentioned above, the association between IP flows and QoS flows at the NAS layer is performed by QoS rules. Furthermore, the association between QoS flows and DRB at the AS layer is performed by mapping rules (QoS flow to DRB mapping rule) provided by gNB200 to UE100. These mapping rules may also be configured via RRC signaling.

[0057] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the classification of QoS flows according to the first embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, an example is shown in which UL packets transmitted from UE100 and DL packets transmitted from UPF300 are forwarded on the same QoS flow. By marking the same QFI on the UL packet and DL packet, it becomes possible to forward the UL packet and DL packet on the same QoS flow, as shown in Figure 5.

[0059] (QoS update) Next, we will explain how to update QoS.

[0060] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 describes an example in which a QoS update is performed by providing a new QFI to the UE100. In the following, the terms "new QFI," "updated QFI," and "modified QFI" may not be distinguished. Also, in the following, the terms "new QoS," "updated QoS," and "modified QoS" may not be distinguished.

[0061] In step S10, a PDU session is established between UE100 and UPF300, and a DRB is established between UE100 and gNB200.

[0062] In step S11, UPF300 sends a DL packet containing a new QFI to gB200.

[0063] In step S12, the gNB200 decides to send the new QoS flow via the existing DRB. Hereinafter, if the gNB200 decides to send the new QoS flow via the DRB, it is necessary that the DRB is established. The following explanation assumes that a DRB capable of receiving the new QoS flow has already been established at this point.

[0064] In step S13, the gNB200 transmits the DL packet via the selected DRB, which has a new QFI and RDI (Reflective QoS flow to DRB mapping Indication) set in the SDAP header. The RDI represents an indicator that shows whether or not the mapping rules between the QoS flow and the DRB should be updated when reflected QoS is configured in the UE100.

[0065] In step S14, UE100 identifies the QFI and RDI of the received DL packet, as well as the DRB that received the DL packet. Subsequently, the mapping rule is updated.

[0066] In step S15, the user plane data for the new QoS flow is exchanged between UE100 and gNB200 via DRB according to the updated mapping rules, and between gNB200 and UPF300 via the PDU session tunnel.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of operation when updating QoS from UPF300. Focusing on the updated user plane data (steps S15 and S16), the same QFI is used for both the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) directions. In other words, the same QoS (i.e., quality of service) is used for both the UL and DL directions.

[0068] As mentioned above, to configure QoS that supports interactive services such as cloud gaming, it is preferable to set stricter service quality settings for the UL (Ultraviolet) direction than for the DL (Download) direction. However, if the QoS becomes the same for both the UL and DL directions after a QoS update, it becomes impossible to configure QoS settings that support such services.

[0069] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of operation when QoS is updated from the UE100 side.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the PDU session and DRB are established in step S20.

[0071] In step S21, the AS layer of UE100 (e.g., the SDAP layer) receives a UL packet from a higher layer. This UL packet contains a new QFI.

[0072] In step S22, UE100 maps the UL packet to the DRB using the QFI contained in the UL packet. If the mapping rule does not include a mapping of the QFI to the DRB, UE100 assigns the UL packet to the default DRB. The default DRB is used when neither the mapping rule nor the reflected mapping rule includes the corresponding QFI.

[0073] In step S23, UE100 sends the UL packet using the default DRB. UE100 sends the UL packet with the QFI included in the SDAP header.

[0074] In step S24, gNB200 sends a UL packet containing QFI to UPF300.

[0075] In step S25, if the gNB200 uses a new DRB for this QoS flow, the gNB200 configures that DRB. It is also possible to move the QoS flow to an existing DRB that uses reflected QoS or RRC signaling.

[0076] In steps S26 and S27, the user plane data of the new QoS flow is exchanged between UE100 and gNB200 via DRB according to the updated mapping rules, and between gNB200 and UPF300 via the PDU session tunnel.

[0077] Whether the UE100 initiates the QoS flow update (Figure 7) or the UPF300 initiates the update (Figure 6), the updated QoS flow uses the same QFI, i.e., the same QoS, for both the UL direction and the downlink direction. Therefore, even when the UE100 initiates the QoS flow update, it is not possible to operate with different QoS (or asymmetric QoS) for the UL direction and the DL direction, and thus it is not possible to provide QoS that supports interactive services such as cloud games.

[0078] In the mobile communication system 10 of the first embodiment, in order to support such services, the QoS is updated so that the QoS in the uplink direction and the QoS in the downlink direction are different. Specifically, the control device (e.g., SMF400) changes the first QoS so that the first QoS in the DL direction from the communication device to the user device (e.g., UE100) and the second QoS in the UL direction from the user device to the communication device are different, depending on the content of the data communication in the communication device (e.g., UPF300).

[0079] This makes it possible to use different QoS levels for the UL (Ultra-Live) and DL (Download-Live) directions, enabling support for services such as the interactive services mentioned above, and providing an optimal network environment.

[0080] (Example of operation according to the first embodiment) Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0081] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 mainly shows operations performed by the SMF400. Before the operation shown in Figure 8 is started, a PDU session is established between the UE100 and the UPF300, and a DRB is also established between the UE100 and the gNB200. However, the QoS flow included in the PDU session is assumed to have the same QoS set for both the UL direction and the DL direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, in step S30, the SMF400 starts processing.

[0083] In step S31, the SMF400 receives the communication content transmitted from the UPF300. The communication content may also be a communication report generated by the UPF300.

[0084] In step S32, the SMF400 determines the QoS in the UL direction and the QoS in the DL direction according to the communication content.

[0085] Firstly, the communication content may consist of the amount of packets transmitted in the UL direction and the amount of packets transmitted in the DL direction in the UPF300. For example, the UPF300 measures the amount of packets transmitted for a certain period of time after communication begins and reports the measurement results to the SMF400 as the communication content.

[0086] For example, if the SMF400 determines from two traffic volumes that downlink (DL) traffic is dominant and uplink (UL) traffic is almost nonexistent, it will determine that content is being downloaded. In this case, the SMF400 will set the QoS so that the delay limit for UL is a larger value than that for DL. For example, suppose both UL and DL have a QoS with a delay limit of "10ms". The SMF400 can set the delay limit for UL to a larger value than that for DL ​​by deciding to update the QoS to a delay limit of "10ms" for UL and "5ms" for DL.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, if the SMF400 determines from two traffic volumes that both DL and UL are being used, but that the packet size of UL is smaller than that of DL, it will determine that it is an online game. In this case, the SMF400 will set the QoS so that the latency limit for DL ​​is a larger value than that for UL. For example, assuming that both UL and DL have a QoS with a latency limit of "10ms", the SMF400 can set the latency limit for DL ​​to a larger value than that for UL by deciding to update UL to "10ms" and DL to "20ms".

[0088] Secondly, the communication content may also be specific packet headers included in packets transmitted from and / or received by the UPF300.

[0089] For example, in the application layer (layer 7) of UPF300, if the packet header contains information indicating that it is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), it reports HTTP to SMF400 as a specific packet header. Upon receiving the HTTP report, SMF400 determines that DL is dominant. For example, assuming that both UL and DL have a QoS with a delay limit of "10ms", SMF400 decides to update UL to "10ms" and DL to "5ms".

[0090] Furthermore, for example, in the session layer (Layer 5) of UPF300, if the packet header contains information indicating that it is RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), it reports RTP to SMF400 as a specific packet header. When SMF400 receives the RTP report, it determines, for example, that it is a voice call. In this case, since both DL and UL are required, SMF400 decides not to change the QoS. For example, assuming that a QoS with a delay limit of "10ms" is set for both UL and DL, SMF400 decides to maintain the QoS without changing it.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, if the UPF300's transport layer (Layer 4) contains information indicating that it is a RUDP (Reliable User Datagram Protocol) packet header, it will report RUDP to the SMF400 as a specific packet header. Upon receiving the RUDP report, the SMF400 determines that it is an online game with a UL limit higher than DL. Assuming that both UL and DL have a QoS with a latency limit of "10ms", the SMF400 will decide to update UP to "10ms" and DL to "20ms".

[0092] Thirdly, the communication content may also be the packet reception interval received by the UPF300. For example, suppose the UPF300 measures the reception interval of DL packets and the average reception interval is "1 sec," and then changes to "1.1 sec" at some point. The UPF300 reports to the SMF400 that the reception interval is "1 sec," and also reports that it became "1.1 sec" from a certain point in time. When the SMF400 receives such a report, it decides to set the delay limit in the DL direction to be stricter than before so that the time interval becomes shorter than "1.1 sec" in order to recover from the delay. For example, the SMF400 decides to update the DL QoS from "10 ms" to "5 ms."

[0093] Fourth, the communication content indicates that UE100 is performing a handover. For example, when a handover occurs between UE100 and gNB200, the target gNB200 receives a HANDOVER REQUEST message from the source gNB. Upon receiving this message, gNB200 sends a message to UPF300 containing information indicating that a handover is taking place. Upon receiving this message, UPF300 reports the communication content indicating that UE100 is performing a handover to SMF400. This allows SMF400 to receive the communication content indicating that UE100 is performing a handover. When a handover is taking place at UE100, there is a risk that packets may not be received at UE100 due to delay. Therefore, SMF400 decides to update the DL (Delay Limit) QoS from "10ms" to "5ms". By lowering the DL delay limit compared to before the update, the DL delay limit is set more strictly than before the update.

[0094] In step S33, the SMF400 instructs the UPF300 to send a DL packet containing the new QFI. Specifically, if the SMF400 decides to update the DL to a QoS of "5ms", it designates the QFI corresponding to the QoS with a delay limit of "5ms" as the new (or modified) QFI and instructs the UPF300 to send a DL packet containing that QFI. Also, if the SMF400 decides to update the DL to a QoS of "20ms", it designates the QFI corresponding to the QoS with a delay limit of "20ms" as the new (or modified) QFI and instructs the UPF300 to send a DL packet containing that QFI.

[0095] In step S34, the SMF400 sends a pre-instruction to the UE100. The SMF400 may send the pre-instruction to the UE100 via the AMF and gNB200. Alternatively, the SMF400 may send the pre-instruction to the UE100 via the UPF300 and gNB200. The pre-instruction includes information instructing the UE100 not to change the QoS in the UL direction (e.g., the second quality of service). The UE's actions upon receiving the pre-instruction will be described later.

[0096] In step S35, the SMF400 completes the series of processes.

[0097] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of QoS update operation according to the first embodiment. In Figure 9, SMF400 instructs UPF300 to send a DL packet containing the new (or modified) QFI, and UPF300, upon receiving the instruction, begins sending the DL packet containing the QFI. It is also assumed that UE100 has received a prior instruction from SMF400 indicating that the QoS in the UL direction will not be changed. In Figure 9, it is assumed that a PDU session is established between UE100 and UPF300, and a DRB is established between UE100 and gNB200.

[0098] Steps S40 to S43 are the same as steps S11 to S13 in Figure 6.

[0099] In step S44, UE100 does not update the mapping rules even if it receives a new (or modified) QFI. That is, even if UE100 receives a new (or modified) QFI, it does not update the QFI in the UL direction because it has received prior instructions. In other words, UE100 maintains the QoS corresponding to the QFI before receiving the new (or modified) QFI in the UL direction. On the other hand, UE100 updates the QFI in the DL direction to the new (or modified) QFI. That is, UE100 updates the QoS corresponding to the new (or modified) QFI in the DL direction.

[0100] This means that the QoS in the DL direction will be updated without updating the QoS in the UL direction, making it possible to set different QoS settings for the UL and DL directions.

[0101] In step S45, UE100 sends a UL packet containing the pre-update QFI to UPF300. Then, in step S46, UPF300 sends a DL packet containing the updated QFI to UE100.

[0102] [Other embodiments] A program is provided that causes a computer to execute each of the processes according to the above-described embodiment. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Such a recording medium may be included in the control unit 120 of UE100, the control unit 230 of gNB200, the control unit 320 of UPF300, and the control unit 420 of SMF400. The control unit 120 of UE100, the control unit 230 of gNB200, the control unit 320 of UPF300, and the control unit 420 of SMF400 may realize the functions described in the above-described embodiment by reading the program from the recording medium and executing the program.

[0103] The terms “based on” and “depending on” used in this disclosure do not mean “based solely on” or “depending solely on” unless otherwise specified. “Based on” means both “based solely on” and “at least partially on.” Similarly, “depending on” means both “at least partially on” and “at least partially on.” Furthermore, the terms “include,” “comprise,” and variations thereof do not mean that only the listed items are included; they may include only the listed items, or they may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Also, the term “or” used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. Moreover, any reference to elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be plural unless it is clearly indicated by the context that they are not.

[0104] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the work. Furthermore, it is possible to combine each embodiment, each operation example, or each process within a non-contradictory scope.

[0105] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-050626 (filed March 25, 2022), the entirety of which is incorporated into the specification of this application.

[0106] (Note) The features of the above-described embodiment are noted below.

[0107] (1) User equipment and A base station that communicates wirelessly with the user device, A communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the user device via the base station, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned communication device, The control device changes the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, depending on the content of the data communicated in the communication device. Mobile communication system.

[0108] (2) The control device transmits the modified service quality for the first service quality and the second service quality to the user device. The user device modifies the first service quality and does not modify the second service quality among the modified service quality. The mobile communication system described in (1) above.

[0109] (3) The control device instructs the user device not to change the second quality of service. The user device, in accordance with the instructions, changes the first service quality and does not change the second service quality among the modified service quality. The mobile communication system described in (1) or (2) above.

[0110] (4) The communication content is the amount of packets transmitted in the downlink direction and the amount of packets transmitted in the uplink direction by the communication device. A mobile communication system as described in any of (1) to (3) above.

[0111] (5) The aforementioned communication content is a specific packet header included in packets transmitted from and / or received by the communication device. A mobile communication system as described in any of (1) through (4) above.

[0112] (6) The aforementioned communication content is the packet reception interval received by the communication device. A mobile communication system as described in any of (1) through (5) above.

[0113] (7) The communication content indicates that the user device is performing a handover. A mobile communication system as described in any of (1) through (6) above.

[0114] (8) The control device changes the first service quality and the second service quality to identifiers representing different service quality. A mobile communication system as described in any of (1) through (7) above.

[0115] (9) A control device that controls a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from a user device via a base station, The control unit modifies the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, depending on the content of the data communicated in the communication device. Control device.

[0116] (10) The user device and the base station will communicate wirelessly, The communication device transmits and receives data between the user device and the base station, The control device controls the communication device, The control device has a step of changing the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, depending on the content of the data communicated in the communication device. Control method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 10: Mobile communication systems 100 :UE 110: Wireless Communication Section 120: Control Unit 200 :gNB 210: Wireless Communication Section 220: Network Communications Department 230: Control Unit 300 :UPF 310: Network Communications Department 320: Control Unit 400 :SMF 410: Network Communications Department 420: Control Unit 500 :DN

Claims

1. User equipment and A base station that communicates wirelessly with the user device, The system includes a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the user device via the base station, and a control device. The control device modifies the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, based on the request for round-trip delay corresponding to the data communication content in the communication device. Mobile communication system.

2. The control device is Depending on the type of application in the communication device, the round-trip delay request is identified. The first service quality is modified so that the first service quality and the second service quality are different service qualities. The mobile communication system according to claim 1.

3. The communication device analyzes the headers of the transmitted and received packets to identify the type of application, and notifies the control device of the identified type of application. The mobile communication system according to claim 2, wherein the control device identifies the round-trip delay request according to the type of application notified by the communication device.

4. A control device, A communication device that transmits and receives data between the user device and the user device via a base station that performs wireless communication with the user device has a control unit that changes the first service quality so that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, based on a request for round-trip delay according to the content of the data being communicated. Control device.

5. The user device and the base station will communicate wirelessly, The communication device transmits and receives data between the user device and the base station, The control device modifies the first service quality such that the first service quality in the downlink direction from the communication device to the user device and the second service quality in the uplink direction from the user device to the communication device are different service qualities, based on a request for round-trip delay corresponding to the content of the data communicated in the communication device. Control method.

Images