Communication control method, network control device, and terminal control device

Abstract

To provide a network system that enables efficient communication while ensuring reliability during route switching in a communication network using multiple paths. [Solution] The communication control method according to this disclosure compares performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether or not a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of a communication path, the communication delay of a communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of a base station or terminal, for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and generates transmission path information for control to switch from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching if there is no superiority or inferiority. The range of performance difference to be tolerated when comparing performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control method, and particularly relates to a communication control method capable of constructing a highly reliable network system.

Background Art

[0002] The wireless communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless network configured such that among a plurality of communication control devices, there exist a plurality of paths for transmitting data from a source communication control device to another destination communication control device. A forwarding path control function is provided, which transmits a frame capable of investigating path information from a source to a destination, and determines, as a used path, a path whose line quality is at or above a certain level or a path with the highest line quality among the plurality of paths, based on the path information obtained through the frame.

[0003] Further, the wireless communication system disclosed in Patent Document 2 discloses a route detouring system that achieves load balancing. This system provides a route detouring system that achieves load balancing and does not cause the ping-pong phenomenon when determining a route destination, that is, the phenomenon that the determination of a route destination repeatedly occurs in a short period of time.

[0004] In the wireless communication system disclosed in Patent Document 3, an allowable delay time is set for each communication path, thereby allowing traffic having different allowable delay times to be communicated using different paths.

[0005] The communication device management system disclosed in Patent Document 4 is provided with a function for suppressing frequent execution of communication path switching control due to fault detection.

[0006] The control device for managing communication equipment disclosed in Patent Document 5 discloses a technology that performs machine learning using time-series data of a network representing network conditions for each time and each device as an argument, and using whether a path managed in the network will be congested as a return value.

Prior Art Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-136178 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-212358 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-034943 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-308798 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-140473 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The wireless communication system described in Patent Document 1 had a problem in that it would cause a ping-pong phenomenon because it would select the route to be used if the line quality was above a certain level or the route with the highest line quality among multiple routes.

[0009] Furthermore, the wireless communication system described in Patent Document 2, which distributes routes to balance the load, had the problem that if one or more routes failed, data would be lost until the routes were restored.

[0010] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system described in Patent Document 3, since an allowable delay time is set for each communication path, traffic may concentrate on one communication path when low-latency communication is required, and as a result, congestion may occur in low-latency communication.

[0011] Furthermore, the communication device management system described in Patent Document 4 had the problem of being too focused on improving the operational efficiency of the system in order to suppress the switching of communication paths caused by fault detection.

[0012] The control device for managing communication equipment shown in Patent Document 5 did not focus on efficient communication.

[0013] This disclosure is made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a network system that enables efficient communication while ensuring reliability in route switching of a communication network using multiple paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The communication control method relating to this disclosure compares performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the radio wave strength, and the location and time information of a base station or terminal, for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and generates transmission path information for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching if there is no superiority or inferiority. The range of performance difference to be tolerated when comparing the performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, the performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the communication control method described herein, the range of performance differences to be tolerated when comparing performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of performance information of at least two communication paths, performance information within the range of performance differences is determined to be of no superiority or inferiority. This ensures the reliability of communication while preventing frequent switching of communication paths. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a network system configuration to which the communication control method relating to this disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates transmission path information. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates transmission path information. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates transmission path information. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates transmission path information. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates determination information. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates determination information. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates determination information. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates determination information. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates performance information. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates performance information. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates performance information. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates performance information. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a case where a network control device generates information for generating performance information. [Figure 19]Figure 19 illustrates the case where a network control device generates information for generating performance information. [Figure 20] Figure 20 illustrates the case where a network control device generates information for generating performance information. [Figure 21] Figure 21 illustrates the case where a network control device generates information for generating performance information. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows the configuration of the network control device in modified example 3. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 27] Figure 27 illustrates a configuration that realizes another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 28] Figure 28 illustrates a configuration that realizes another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating the communication control method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 33] Figure 33 illustrates the configuration for realizing the communication control method of Embodiment 2. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the network control device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the network control device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the network control device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the terminal control device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the terminal control device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the terminal control device of Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] <Embodiment 1> <Network System> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system 1000 to which the communication control method relating to this disclosure is applied.

[0018] The network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 comprises a network control device 100, core network devices 101-103, base stations 111-113, terminals 121-123, and a terminal control device 131.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the network control device 100 is connected to core network devices 101 to 103, with core network device 101 connected to base station 111, core network device 102 connected to base station 112, and core network device 103 connected to base station 113. Base station 111 communicates wirelessly with terminal 121, base station 112 with terminal 122, and base station 113 with terminal 123. The terminal control device 131 is connected to terminals 121 to 123.

[0020] <Data transmission and reception> In the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, data is transmitted between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131. Hereinafter, data transmission from the network control device 100 to the terminal control device 131 may be referred to as downlink transmission, and data transmission from the terminal control device 131 to the network control device 100 may be referred to as uplink transmission.

[0021] Although not shown in Figure 1, a separate communication network (line) can be used between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131, in addition to the data transmission network.

[0022] For example, the network control device 100 can send transmission path information, performance information, and information for generating performance information to the terminal control device 131 using another network 200 (Figure 9), which will be described later. Of course, this transmission path information, performance information, and information for generating performance information can also be sent by data transmission between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131. When requesting transmission path information, performance information, and information for generating performance information from the network control device 100, data transmission between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131, or using another network 200, can be used.

[0023] During the downlink transmission of data between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131, the network control device 100 transmits data to at least one of the core network devices 101 to 103. Core network device 101 transmits data to terminal 121 via base station 111. Core network device 102 transmits data to terminal 122 via base station 112. Core network device 103 transmits data to terminal 123 via base station 113. Terminals 121 to 123 transmit the downlink data to the terminal control device 131.

[0024] In the uplink transmission of data between the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131, the terminal control device 131 transmits data to at least one of the terminals 121 to 123. Terminal 121 transmits data to the core network device 101 via the base station 111. Terminal 122 transmits data to the core network device 102 via the base station 112. Terminal 123 transmits data to the core network device 103 via the base station 113. The core network devices 101 to 103 transmit the uplink data to the network control device 100.

[0025] <Transmission using multiple routes> In the network system 1000, the same data can be transmitted using multiple routes. For example, the same downlink data can be transmitted using the route from core network device 101, base station 111, and terminal 121, and the route from core network device 102, base station 112, and terminal 122. Here, this transmitted data may include transmission route information, performance information, and information for generating performance information, which will be described later.

[0026] Furthermore, the same uplink transmission data can be transmitted using the route from terminal 122, base station 112, and core network device 102, and the route from terminal 123, base station 113, and core network device 103. Here, this transmission data may include transmission route information, performance information, and information requesting the network control device 100 to generate performance information, which will be described later.

[0027] In transmissions using multiple routes, the first-come, first-served data is received and the later-come-first data is discarded. For example, the terminal control device 131, which is the receiving end of a downlink communication, receives the downlink communication data that arrives first and discards any later-come-first data of the same downlink communication. This ensures the reliability of the communication.

[0028] The network control device 100, which is the receiving end of the uplink communication, receives the earliest arriving uplink communication data and discards any later arrivals of the same uplink communication data.

[0029] To determine whether the data are the same, identification information, such as a serial number and a timestamp, can be used.

[0030] <Communication control method> Next, the communication control method of Embodiment 1 will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5. The communication control method of Embodiment 1 uses performance information obtained from at least one of the following pieces of information as parameters: information on whether the downlink and uplink communication paths of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 are disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the radio wave strength, the location information of each base station and each terminal, and the time information. Then, the parameters are compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and the terminal control device 131 generates transmission path information so that it can perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching if there is no superiority or inferiority.

[0031] Note that the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 includes a wireless communication system, and therefore includes radio wave strength as a parameter option. However, if it is a wired-only network, radio wave strength will not be included as a parameter. The same applies to the other network 200 (Figure 9) which will be explained later.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication path can be a simple path between base stations 111-113 and terminals 121-123, or a communication path as described in Patent Documents 1 to 5. The same applies to other networks 200.

[0033] The flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5 illustrate various forms of the communication control method of Embodiment 1. In the communication control method shown in Figure 2, the network control device 100 first acquires at least one piece of information, including information on whether the downlink and uplink communication paths are disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the radio wave strength, the location information of each base station and each terminal, and the time information (step S11). Step S11 can be performed periodically, on request, or when there is a change in the information.

[0034] Furthermore, step S11 can also be executed when the percentage of late arrivals in data transmitted or received using multiple communication paths reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold (acceptable late arrival percentage). Here, the late arrival percentage is the percentage of times that data transmitted or received on one communication path arrives later than the same data transmitted or received on other communication paths, and if data arrives later once in 10 times on one communication path, the percentage is 0.1.

[0035] Next, in step S12, performance information is calculated from at least one piece of information obtained in step S11. The performance information can be calculated, for example, by machine learning using artificial intelligence (AI) as disclosed in Patent Document 5.

[0036] Next, in step S13, the performance information calculated in step S12 is compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication paths. Based on this determination, the network control device 100 or terminal control device 131 generates transmission path information so that it can perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching if there is no superiority or inferiority. The network control device 100 or terminal control device 131 can generate the transmission path information.

[0037] The communication control method shown in Figure 3 includes the generation of the transmission path information described above as step S14.

[0038] The generation of transmission path information in step S14 will be explained further. In step S12, shown in Figures 2 and 3, along with the calculation of performance information, the range of performance differences to be tolerated when comparing performance information is predetermined. Then, in step S13, when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two communication paths, performance information within the range of performance differences is determined to be of no superiority or inferiority, thereby ensuring the reliability of communication while preventing frequent switching of communication paths.

[0039] The allowable performance difference information used in step S13, shown in Figures 2 and 3, includes either a delay difference (allowable delay difference) or a late arrival ratio (allowable late arrival ratio). Here, the delay difference may be the difference between the arrival time of the earlier data and the arrival time of the later data.

[0040] Furthermore, in the judgment considering the allowable performance difference in step S13, the performance information generated in step S12 does not take the allowable performance difference into account, and it is also possible to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path by taking the allowable performance difference into account in step S13.

[0041] Next, the operation by which the terminal control device 131 switches the communication path based on the transmission path information will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that in the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5, steps S11 to S14 are the same processes as steps S11 to S14 shown in Figure 3, with steps S15 and S16 added.

[0042] In step S15 shown in Figure 4, a decision is made to switch the communication path based on the transmission path information generated in step S14. If it is determined in step S15 that switching is not necessary (No), the process from step S11 onwards is repeated, or if it is not necessary, the series of processes is terminated.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that a switch is necessary (if Yes), the communication path is switched in step S16 and the series of processes is terminated.

[0044] Furthermore, if the information regarding the disconnection status of the currently used communication path (including multiple paths) indicates a line disconnection, it is possible to switch to another communication path regardless of whether or not switching is prohibited during that period. This allows for a quicker decision to switch communication paths.

[0045] In the communication control method shown in Figure 5, the above-mentioned determination of line disconnection is included as step S17. That is, in step S15 of Figure 5, if it is determined that switching is not necessary (No), the process proceeds to step S17. If the information on whether the currently used communication path (including multiple paths) is disconnected indicates a line disconnection (Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If the information on whether the currently used communication path (including multiple paths) is connected indicates a line connection (No), the process from step S11 onwards is repeated, or if it is not necessary, the series of processes is terminated.

[0046] In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, by generating transmission path information to switch to a different communication path, in step S15 shown in Figure 4, if the disconnection information indicates a line disconnection, the process from step S11 onwards is repeated, or if it is not necessary, the series of processes is terminated. This indicates that step S15 includes the same process as step S17 in Figure 5 for determining whether or not a circuit is disconnected.

[0047] <Device configuration> Next, the configurations of the network control device 100 and terminal control device 131 that implement the communication control method of Embodiment 1 described above will be explained.

[0048] The following describes the case where a communication path is switched in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. In this description, a communication path switch refers to a switch between multiple paths, and means that the combination of core network equipment, base stations, and terminals that make up the path changes.

[0049] An example of route switching in multiple routes is when the communication routes using base station 111 and terminal 121 and base station 112 and terminal 122 in Figure 1 become communication routes using base station 112 and terminal 122 and base station 113 and terminal 123.

[0050] In the following, examples of the configurations of the network control device 100 and terminal control device 131 that realize the communication control method according to Embodiment 1 will be described using Figures 6 to 22.

[0051] <Example 1> First, we will explain the case in which the network control device 100 generates (sends) transmission path information using Figures 6 to 9.

[0052] The network control device 100 shown in Figure 6 includes an information acquisition unit 1001, a performance information generation unit 1002, a determination unit 1003, and a transmission path information generation unit 1004.

[0053] The information acquisition unit 1001 acquires, for example, information on whether the downlink and uplink communication paths of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 are disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information of base stations 111-113 or terminals 121-123, and at least one piece of time information for each communication path. The acquired information is input to the performance information generation unit 1002.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 1001 can acquire information periodically, on demand, or when there is a change in the information, similar to step S11 shown in Figure 2.

[0055] The performance information generation unit 1002 generates performance information for each communication path from the information input from the information acquisition unit 1001 and inputs it to the determination unit 1003.

[0056] The determination unit 1003 compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit 1002 for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, and inputs the determination result to the transmission path information generation unit 1004.

[0057] When the network control device 100 generates (sends) transmission path information, the transmission path information generation unit 1004 generates and outputs transmission path information for the terminal control device 131 to perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching if there is no superiority or inferiority determination result, based on the superiority / inferiority determination result from the determination unit 1003.

[0058] The transmission path information is sent to the terminal control device 131 via the active downlink transmission path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via another network 200 shown in Figure 6.

[0059] Furthermore, if the terminal control device 131 performs uplink communication path switching, as in the modified embodiment 1 described later, the data is sent to the network control device 100 via the active uplink transmission path or another network 200 shown in Figure 9.

[0060] Figures 7 and 8 schematically show the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the transmission path information output by the network control device 100.

[0061] When the determination unit 1003 determines the superiority or inferiority of performance information of at least two communication paths, a predetermined range of performance differences is set for comparing the performance information, and performance information that falls within this range of performance differences is determined to be of no superiority or inferiority.

[0062] For example, the allowable performance difference information, which is information about the range of performance differences used in the determination unit 1003, may be either a delay difference or a late-completion ratio. Figure 7 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is a delay difference, and Figure 8 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is a late-completion ratio.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the terminal control device 131 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, where the terminal control device 131 controls terminals 121 to 123. As shown in Figure 9, the terminal control device 131 has a transmission route information acquisition unit 1311 and a terminal switching unit 1312.

[0064] The transmission path information acquisition unit 1311 acquires transmission path information from the network control device 100. That is, it acquires transmission path information that is sent via the active downlink transmission path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via other networks 200 shown in Figure 9.

[0065] The terminal switching unit 1312 switches from a terminal on an inferior communication path to a terminal on a superior communication path, or maintains the current status without switching, based on the transmission path information acquired by the transmission path information acquisition unit 1311. This ensures the reliability of communication while preventing frequent path switching.

[0066] <Example 2> Next, we will explain the case in which the network control device 100 generates (transmits) judgment information using Figures 10 to 13.

[0067] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the network control device 100 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The difference from the network control device 100 shown in Figure 6 is that it does not have a transmission path information generation unit 1004. Components identical to those in the network control device 100 shown in Figure 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0068] The determination unit 1003 compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit 1002 for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, and outputs the determination result. The determination information is sent to the terminal control device 131 via the active downlink transmission communication path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, or via another network 200 shown in Figure 10.

[0069] Furthermore, if the terminal control device 131 performs route switching for uplink communication, as in the modified embodiment 1 described later, the data is sent to the network control device 100 via the active uplink transmission route or another network 200 shown in Figure 13.

[0070] Figures 11 and 12 schematically show the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the judgment information output by the network control device 100. Figure 11 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the delay difference, and Figure 12 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the later arrival ratio.

[0071] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the terminal control device 131 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The terminal control device 131 includes a determination information acquisition unit 1313, a terminal switching unit 1312, and a transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0072] The determination information acquisition unit 1313 acquires determination information from the network control device 100. Specifically, it acquires determination information sent via the active downlink transmission communication path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via other networks 200 shown in Figure 13, and inputs the determination information to the transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0073] The transmission path information generation unit 1314 generates transmission path information based on the input determination information, which allows the terminal control device 131 to perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority, and inputs this information to the terminal switching unit 1312.

[0074] The terminal switching unit 1312 switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path terminal based on the input transmission path information, or maintains the current status without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. This ensures the reliability of communication while preventing frequent path switching.

[0075] <Example 3> Next, we will explain the case in which the network control device 100 generates (transmits) performance information using Figures 14 to 17.

[0076] Figure 14 shows the configuration of the network control device 100 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The difference from the network control device 100 shown in Figure 10 is that it does not have a determination unit 1003. Components identical to those in the network control device 100 shown in Figure 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0077] The performance information generation unit 1002 generates and outputs performance information for each communication path from the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1001. The performance information is sent to the terminal control device 131 via the active downlink transmission communication path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via another network 200 shown in Figure 14.

[0078] Furthermore, if the terminal control device 131 performs route switching for uplink communication, as in the modified embodiment 1 described later, the data is sent to the network control device 100 via the active uplink transmission route or another network 200 shown in Figure 17.

[0079] Figures 15 and 16 schematically show the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the performance information output by the network control device 100. Figure 15 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the delay difference, and Figure 16 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the later arrival ratio.

[0080] Figure 17 shows the configuration of the terminal control device 131 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The terminal control device 131 includes a performance information acquisition unit 1315, a determination unit 1316, a terminal switching unit 1312, and a transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0081] The performance information acquisition unit 1315 acquires performance information from the network control device 100. Specifically, it acquires performance information sent via the active downlink transmission communication path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via other networks 200 shown in Figure 17, and inputs the performance information to the determination unit 1316.

[0082] The determination unit 1316 compares the performance information input from the performance information acquisition unit 1315 for each communication path, determines the superiority or inferiority, and inputs the determination information to the transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0083] The transmission path information generation unit 1314 generates transmission path information based on the input determination information, which allows the terminal control device 131 to perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority, and inputs this information to the terminal switching unit 1312.

[0084] The terminal switching unit 1312 switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path terminal based on the input transmission path information, or maintains the current status without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. This ensures the reliability of communication while preventing frequent path switching.

[0085] <Example 4> Next, using Figures 18 to 21, we will explain the case in which the network control device 100 generates (transmits) information for generating performance information.

[0086] Figure 18 shows the configuration of the network control device 100 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The difference from the network control device 100 shown in Figure 14 is that it does not have a performance information generation unit 1002.

[0087] The information acquisition unit 1001 acquires, for example, information on whether the downlink and uplink communication paths of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 are disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information of base stations 111-113 or terminals 121-123, and at least one piece of time information for each communication path. The acquired at least one piece of information is used to generate performance information.

[0088] The information used to generate this performance information is sent to the terminal control device 131 via the active downlink transmission path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, or via another network 200 shown in Figure 18.

[0089] Furthermore, if the terminal control device 131 performs uplink communication route switching, as in the modified embodiment 1 described later, the data is sent to the network control device 100 via the active uplink transmission route or another network 200 shown in Figure 21.

[0090] Figures 19 and 20 schematically show the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the information output by the network control device 100. Figure 19 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the delay difference, and Figure 20 shows the case where the allowable performance difference information is the later arrival ratio.

[0091] Figure 21 shows the configuration of the terminal control device 131 in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1. The terminal control device 131 includes an information acquisition unit 1317, a performance information generation unit 1318, a determination unit 1316, a terminal switching unit 1312, and a transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0092] The information acquisition unit 1317 acquires information from the network control device 100 for generating performance information. Specifically, it acquires information for generating performance information sent via the active downlink transmission communication path of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 or via other networks 200 shown in Figure 21, and inputs it to the performance information generation unit 1318.

[0093] The performance information generation unit 1318 generates performance information for each communication path from the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1317. The generated performance information is input to the determination unit 1316.

[0094] The determination unit 1316 compares the performance information input from the performance information generation unit 1318 for each communication path, determines the superiority or inferiority, and inputs the determination information to the transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0095] The transmission path information generation unit 1314 generates transmission path information based on the input determination information, which allows the terminal control device 131 to perform actions such as switching from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority, and inputs this information to the terminal switching unit 1312.

[0096] The terminal switching unit 1312 switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path terminal based on the input transmission path information, or maintains the current status without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. This ensures the reliability of communication while preventing frequent path switching.

[0097] <Example 1> Next, we will describe a modified example 1 of Example 4. In the network control device 100 shown in Figure 18, an information acquisition unit 1001 is provided in the network control device 100, but this information acquisition unit 1001 can also be provided in the terminal control device 131. In this case, the information acquisition unit 1317 shown in Figure 21 will perform the functions of both the information acquisition unit 1317 and the information acquisition unit 1001.

[0098] <Modification 2> Next, a modified example 2 of Example 4 will be described. In the network control device 100 shown in Figure 18, an information acquisition unit 1001 is provided in the network control device 100, but this information acquisition unit 1001 can also be provided in a device outside of the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131. In this case, the device equipped with the information acquisition unit 1001 is referred to as a separate network control device or control device from the network control device 100.

[0099] <Variation 3> Next, we will describe a modified example 3 of Example 4. In the terminal control device 131 shown in Figure 21, the terminal switching unit 1312 is provided in the terminal control device 131, but the route switching unit can also be provided in the network control device 100.

[0100] Figure 22 shows the configuration of the network control device 100 of Modification 3, which includes a route switching unit 1005 in addition to the configuration of the network control device 100 of Example 1 shown in Figure 6.

[0101] The transmission route information generation unit 1004 generates transmission route information for the terminal control device 131 to either switch from an inferior communication route to a superior communication route based on the superiority / inferiority determined by the determination unit 1003, or maintain the current status without switching regardless of superiority / inferiority, and inputs the generated transmission route information to the route switching unit 1005.

[0102] The route switching unit 1005 switches from an inferior communication route to a superior communication route, or maintains the current communication route without switching, based on the transmission route information input from the transmission route information generation unit 1004.

[0103] The route switching unit can also be provided in the core network devices 101-103 or the base stations 111-113. In other words, the route switching unit is not limited to any specific device as long as it can receive transmission route information and switch the communication path between terminal 121 and base station 111, between terminal 122 and base station 112, and between terminal 123 and base station 113.

[0104] <Determination of switching operation> From the above explanation, it can be said that at least one of the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131 can decide whether to switch communication paths. In deciding whether to switch communication paths, at least one of the following pieces of information (a0) to (a5) is input, and the information of the communication path to be used for transmission is output using the condition in (a6). The decision to switch communication paths can be made, for example, by machine learning using artificial intelligence as disclosed in Patent Document 5.

[0105] (a0): Information regarding the presence or absence of interruptions in each communication path. (a1): Throughput of each communication path (a2): Measurement results of communication delay for each communication path (a3): Location information of at least one base station or terminal (a4):Time information (a5): Information regarding radio wave strength The correspondence with the explanations given so far is as follows:

[0106] (a0): Information on whether the communication path for downlink and uplink transmission in the communication system is disconnected. (a1): Communication path throughput (a2): Communication delay in the communication path (a3): Location information of base stations 111-113 or terminals 121-123 (a4):Time information (a5): Radio wave strength (a6): Delay difference or late arrival percentage The throughput of (a1) can be measured continuously or at predetermined intervals.

[0107] As an example of the method for measuring communication delay in (a2), it can be measured by sending a measurement packet, or by using the timestamp of the user data packet.

[0108] (a3) The location information includes the relative positions of the base station and the terminal, the relative positions of the base stations themselves, and the relative positions of the terminals themselves, and the performance of the communication path changes depending on the location information. At least one of the base station and the terminal can be a mobile station or a station in motion.

[0109] The time information in (a4) could, for example, be associated with periods of congestion on communication routes based on past history.

[0110] The information regarding radio wave strength in (a5) can be, for example, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio), or other information can be used.

[0111] By using condition (a6), in a communication system with communication paths, if an allowable delay difference is set, it becomes possible to ensure a delay below a certain level even if a failure occurs in the first-come path. Furthermore, in a communication system with multiple communication paths, if an allowable late-come ratio is set, it becomes possible to quickly detect the disconnection of the first-come path, and as a result, a robust wireless communication system can be obtained.

[0112] Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 show the operation of the network control device 100 to output information about transmission path information using the information from (a0) to (a5). Figures 7, 11, 15, and 19 show the case where condition (a6) is the delay difference, while Figures 8, 12, 16, and 20 show the case where condition (a6) is the later arrival ratio.

[0113] <How to obtain information for making a decision> In downlink communication, the terminal control device 131 can measure at least one of the information described above (a0) to (a5). This corresponds to the modified example 1 of Example 4 described earlier.

[0114] Strictly speaking, condition (a6) can be set to a desired value by either the system or the user. This condition (a6) is the same in all examples and variations.

[0115] The terminal control unit 131 may be able to more easily obtain the location information of terminals 121 to 123. The terminal control unit 131 can notify the network control unit 100 of the measurement results via the terminals and base stations. The communication path currently used for uplink communication or another network 200 is used for this notification. The network control unit 100 uses this information to determine whether or not to switch the path being used.

[0116] In uplink communication, the network control device 100 can measure at least one of the information described above (a0) to (a5).

[0117] Strictly speaking, condition (a6) can be set to a desired value by either the system or the user. This condition (a6) is the same in all examples and variations.

[0118] The network control device 100 may be able to obtain location information for base stations 111-113 more easily. The network control device 100 uses this information to determine whether or not to switch the route being used.

[0119] The measurement of information (a0) to (a5) can be performed separately for each item by the network control device 100, the terminal control device 131, and a control device having the functions of the information acquisition unit 1001 other than the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131.

[0120] Of course, if you only use one of the pieces of information from (a0) to (a5), you can use only one device to acquire it.

[0121] Regarding the condition in (a6), in the sense of acquiring information from an external source, the network control device 100, the terminal control device 131, or any control device other than the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131 that has the function of the information acquisition unit 1001 can acquire the information.

[0122] <Variation> In this embodiment 1, the core network devices 101-103 and base stations 111-113 are configured separately as shown in Figure 1, but these can be included in a single device.

[0123] Furthermore, in the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, an application server can be connected to the network control device 100, and an application client can be connected to the terminal control device 131.

[0124] More specifically, it is possible to connect to an application server built on the cloud via the network control device 100. The application client is software that passes data from the user (client) to the server. The application server and application client communicate with each other using the system shown in Figure 1, enabling reliable and efficient communication between the user and the server.

[0125] Furthermore, it is possible to swap the connection destinations of the application server and the application client.

[0126] In this embodiment 1, the network control device 100 can perform both uplink and downlink route switching.

[0127] As another example, the network control device 100 may perform the route switching for one of the uplink or downlink communications, while the terminal control device 131 performs the route switching for the other. For example, the network control device 100 may perform the route switching for downlink communications, and the terminal control device 131 may perform the route switching for uplink communications. In this case, the network control device 100 can notify the terminal control device 131 of the measurement results of the information via the higher-level network device, terminal, and base station.

[0128] The currently used downlink transmission route is used to notify the measurement results. The network control device 100 can switch the route being used using the measured information.

[0129] Furthermore, the input / output operations of the network control device 100 shown in Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 can also be performed by the terminal control device 131 instead of the network control device 100. This allows both the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131 to control the switching of communication paths, thereby improving the flexibility of the communication system.

[0130] In Embodiment 1 described above, switching from multiple routes to multiple routes was explained, but the communication control method according to this disclosure can also be used to switch from multiple routes to one route, to switch from one route to multiple routes, and to switch from one route to one route.

[0131] <Other examples of communication control methods> Another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1 will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 26.

[0132] The difference between the flowchart of the communication control method of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the flowchart shown in Figures 23 to 26 is that step S13 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5 is changed to step S1323 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 26, which is a determination that takes into account the allowable performance difference and the prohibition period. All other processing steps are common to Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 23 to 26.

[0133] Step S13 is a processing step in which the performance information calculated in step S12 is compared for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority. The range of performance differences to be allowed when comparing performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of performance differences is judged as having no superiority or inferiority.

[0134] On the other hand, step S1323 is a processing step in which the range of performance differences is defined as a range where there is no superiority or inferiority during the prohibited period when switching of communication paths is prohibited, and the determination is made taking the prohibited period into consideration.

[0135] In step S1323, the period during which switching is prohibited may be a period that is repeated periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switchings in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit (first predetermined period), or a predetermined period after the previous communication path switching (second predetermined period).

[0136] This method involves periodically repeating periods during which switching is prohibited, ensuring that important communications are completed promptly. In other words, frequent switching of communication paths may result in data retransmission, potentially leading to delays. However, by periodically repeating periods during which switching is prohibited, switching of communication paths is restricted, thus avoiding delays in communication.

[0137] Furthermore, the determination in step S1323 that takes into account the prohibited period during which switching is prohibited can also be performed in step S1323 with the performance information generated in step S12 already taking this into account, or the performance information generated in step S12 may not take into account the prohibited period during which switching is prohibited, and this can be taken into account in the processing of step S1323.

[0138] The judgment considering the allowable performance difference in step S1323 is the same as in step S13.

[0139] Furthermore, the processes that consider the "prohibited period during which switching is prohibited" and the "allowable performance difference" can be executed together in either step S12 or step S1323, or they can be executed separately.

[0140] Another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1 will be explained using Figures 27 and 28, illustrating a configuration implemented with the network control device 100 and terminal control device 131 of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1.

[0141] Figures 27 and 28 schematically show the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the output of the network control device 100.

[0142] Figures 27 and 28 show configurations in which the communication path information in Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 respectively is replaced with the delay difference and the late arrival ratio, which are conditions (a6) described earlier, and with the delay difference and the period during which switching is prohibited, and the late arrival ratio and the period during which switching is prohibited.

[0143] In addition, the output of the network control device 100 in Figures 27 and 28 is transmission path information, or performance information, or information for generating performance information.

[0144] The configuration of the other communication systems is the same. Specifically, the determination unit 1003 (Figure 6) provided in the network control device 100 or the determination unit 1316 (Figure 17) provided in the terminal control device 131, in addition to the operations described above, will set the range of performance differences used to a range where there is no superiority or inferiority during the period when switching of communication paths is prohibited. The period during which switching is prohibited is a period that is repeated periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switches in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the last communication path switch.

[0145] Of course, the transmission path information generation unit 1004 (Figure 6) provided in the network control device 100 or the transmission path information generation unit 1314 (Figure 13) provided in the terminal control device 131 will still generate transmission path information to switch to another communication path when the information on whether the currently used communication path is disconnected indicates a line disconnection, regardless of whether or not switching is prohibited during that period.

[0146] In Embodiment 1, since an allowable delay difference or allowable late arrival ratio is provided in a communication system having multiple paths, it becomes possible to prevent the ping-pong phenomenon or to obtain information to achieve prevention, and as a result, complexity of the equipment used in the communication system can be avoided.

[0147] In another example of the communication control method of Embodiment 1, in addition to the allowable delay difference or allowable late arrival ratio, the period during which switching is prohibited is set to a period that repeats periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switches in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the last communication path switch. This makes it possible to prevent or obtain information to prevent the ping-pong phenomenon, and as a result, complexity of the equipment used in the communication system can be avoided. Furthermore, since communication is performed using multiple paths, the reliability of the communication can be ensured.

[0148] In Embodiment 1, since an allowable delay difference is provided in a communication system having multiple paths, it is possible to ensure a delay below a certain level even if a failure occurs in the first-come-first path. Furthermore, by utilizing the allowable delay difference, it becomes possible to quickly detect the disconnection of the first-come-first path, and as a result, a robust communication system can be obtained.

[0149] In the communication control method according to Embodiment 1, there are multiple activated communication paths, and it is possible to discard data that arrives later than the first data to arrive.

[0150] <Embodiment 2> <Communication control method> The communication control method of Embodiment 2 will be explained below using the flowcharts shown in Figures 29 to 32.

[0151] The difference between the flowchart of the modified communication control method of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 23 to 26 and the flowchart shown in Figures 29 to 32 is that step S1323 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 26, i.e., the determination considering the allowable performance difference and the prohibition period, is replaced in the flowcharts shown in Figures 29 to 32 by the determination considering the prohibition period in step S23. More specifically, step S23 is obtained by removing the process corresponding to step 13 from the process of step S1323. All other processing steps are common to Figures 23 to 26 and Figures 29 to 32.

[0152] Similarly, the difference from the flowchart of the communication control method of Embodiment 1 is that step S13 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5 is a decision that takes into account the prohibition period in step S23 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 29 to 32. All other processing steps are common to Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 29 to 32.

[0153] The differences between the communication control method of Embodiment 2 and the communication control method of Embodiment 1 (including modified communication control methods) will be explained.

[0154] Step S23 in Figures 29 to 32 is a processing step in which the performance information calculated in step S12 is compared for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority.

[0155] More specifically, in step S23 of Figures 29 to 32, during the period when switching communication paths is prohibited, it is determined that the communication path will not be switched. As a result, during the period when switching communication paths is prohibited, it is determined that there is no hierarchy among all communication paths. In other words, during the period when switching communication paths is prohibited, regardless of what processing is performed in steps S12 and S23, the communication path will ultimately not be switched. Of course, in step S12, it is also possible to generate transmission path information for information that will not be switched.

[0156] Furthermore, the determination in step S23 that takes into account the period during which switching is prohibited can also be performed in step S23 with the performance information generated in step S12 already taking this into account, or the performance information generated in step S12 may not take into account the period during which switching is prohibited, and this can be taken into account in the processing of step S23.

[0157] By doing so, it is possible to ensure the reliability of communications while preventing frequent route switching.

[0158] For example, the period during which switching is prohibited in step S23 of Figures 29 to 32 is a period that is repeated periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switchings in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the previous communication path switching, similar to the communication control method of Embodiment 1 (including the communication control method of modification).

[0159] Furthermore, similar to the communication control method of Embodiment 1 (including the communication control method of the modified example), the communication control method of Embodiment 2 generates transmission path information to switch to another communication path if the information on whether the currently used communication path is disconnected indicates a line disconnection, regardless of whether or not it is a period during which switching is prohibited (step S12).

[0160] In the communication control method of Embodiment 2, there are multiple activated communication paths, and it is possible to discard data that arrives later than the first data to arrive.

[0161] The communication control method of Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figure 33 to illustrate a configuration in which the network control device 100 and terminal control device 131 of the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1 are implemented.

[0162] Figure 33 schematically shows the communication path information acquired by the network control device 100 and the output of the network control device 100.

[0163] Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 each show a configuration in which the communication path information is replaced with the delay difference and the late arrival ratio, which are the conditions described in (a6) above, during the period when switching is prohibited.

[0164] The configuration of the other communication systems is the same. That is, it is the same as the condition in (a6) shown in Figures 27 and 28, with the delay difference and the late arrival ratio removed. Therefore, the differences between the communication control method of Embodiment 2 and the communication control method of Embodiment 1 (including the modified communication control method) will be explained.

[0165] The transmission path information generation unit 1004 (Figure 6) or the transmission path information generation unit 1314 (Figure 13) generates transmission path information that maintains the current state without switching the communication path during periods when switching the communication path is prohibited. The period during which switching is prohibited is a period that is repeated periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switches in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the last communication path switch.

[0166] In Embodiment 2, during the period when switching of the communication path is prohibited, the transmission path information generation unit 1004 or transmission path information generation unit 1314, which is preceding the determination unit 1003 (Figure 6) or determination unit 1316 (Figure 17), will not switch the communication path regardless of what processing is performed.

[0167] In other words, the determination unit 1003 or determination unit 1316 sets the range of performance differences used to a range where there is no superiority or inferiority during periods when switching of communication paths is prohibited. The period during which switching is prohibited is defined as a period that is repeated periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switches in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the previous switching of communication paths.

[0168] In Embodiment 2, the transmission path information generation unit 1004 or the transmission path information generation unit 1314 still generates transmission path information to switch to another communication path when the information on whether the currently used communication path is disconnected indicates a line disconnection, regardless of whether or not switching is prohibited during that period.

[0169] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, the network control device 100 may perform the route switching for one of the uplink or downlink communications, while the terminal control device 131 may perform the route switching for the other.

[0170] For example, the network control device 100 can perform the route switching for downlink communication, and the terminal control device 131 can perform the route switching for uplink communication.

[0171] Furthermore, the input / output operations of the network control device 100 shown in Figures 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20 can also be performed by the terminal control device 131 instead of the network control device 100. This allows both the network control device 100 and the terminal control device 131 to control the switching of communication paths, thereby improving the flexibility of the communication system.

[0172] In the communication control method of Embodiment 2, in addition to the allowable delay difference or allowable late arrival ratio, the period during which switching is prohibited is set by defining the allowable switching frequency as a period that repeats periodically, a predetermined period after the number of communication path switches in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a predetermined period after the previous communication path switch. This makes it possible to prevent or obtain information to prevent the ping-pong phenomenon, and as a result, complexity of the equipment used in the communication system can be avoided. Furthermore, since communication is performed using multiple paths, the reliability of the communication can be ensured.

[0173] <Embodiment 3> The communication control method of Embodiment 3 uses a trained model for at least one of the following: determining the priority of communication paths and generating transmission path information, as in the communication control method of Embodiment 1, its modified version, and the communication control method of Embodiment 2. Aside from using a trained model, the configuration is the same as that of the communication control method of Embodiment 1, its modified version, and the communication control method of Embodiment 2.

[0174] In the communication control method of Embodiment 3, at least one of the following—determining the superiority or inferiority of communication paths and generating transmission path information—is performed by the trained model. That is, in the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 5 of the communication control method of Embodiment 1, at least one of steps S12 and S13 is performed by the trained model.

[0175] In the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 26, which represent a modified version of the communication control method of Embodiment 1, at least one of steps S12 and S1323 is performed using the trained model.

[0176] In the flowcharts shown in Figures 29 to 32, which represent a modified version of the communication control method of Embodiment 2, at least one of steps S12 and S23 is performed using the trained model.

[0177] The trained model will be explained using Figures 34 to 36 and 37 to 39 as an example of how it is incorporated into the network control device and terminal control device in Embodiment 3.

[0178] <Integration into network control device> Figure 34 shows an example in the network control device 100 of Embodiment 3 in which a trained model is incorporated into the performance information generation unit 1002. Specifically, the first learning unit 3001 (AI) of the performance information learning device 300 acquires a trained model based on information for generating performance information, namely at least one of the following: throughput of the communication path, communication delay of the communication path, radio wave strength, location information of the base station or terminal, delay difference or late arrival ratio or information on the period during which switching is prohibited, and performance information obtained in the past, and incorporates it into the performance information generation unit 1002.

[0179] Although not shown in the diagram, the performance information learning device 300 may also have an information data input unit into which information for generating performance information is input, and a performance information data input unit into which performance information is input. In this case, the information data input unit and the performance information data input unit are connected to the first learning unit 3001.

[0180] In the example shown in Figure 34, the performance information learning device 300 is located on an external device, including a cloud server. However, the performance information learning device 300 can also be located on the performance information generation unit 1002.

[0181] The first learning unit 3001 receives information for generating performance information and performance information as input, and learns by linking the two. When new information for generating performance information is input to the already trained first learning unit 3001 (trained model), performance information corresponding to that input is generated.

[0182] The information used to generate performance data for learning can be simulated data, or it can be used to generate past performance data. Of course, past operating results of the network control device 100 or terminal control device 131 can also be fed back.

[0183] Figure 35 shows an example in the network control device 100 of Embodiment 3 in which a trained model is incorporated into the determination unit 1003. That is, the second learning unit 4001 (AI) of the performance / determination information learning device 400 acquires a trained model based on performance information and previously obtained determination information, and incorporates it into the determination unit 1003.

[0184] Although not shown in the diagram, the performance and judgment information learning device 400 may also have a performance information data input unit into which performance information is input, and a judgment information data input unit into which judgment information is input. In this case, the performance information data input unit and the judgment information data input unit are connected to the second learning unit 4001.

[0185] The second learning unit 4001 receives performance information and judgment information as input and learns by linking the two. When new performance information is input to the second learning unit 4001 (trained model), judgment information corresponding to it is generated. The performance information and judgment information used for learning can be simulated data or past performance information and judgment information. Of course, past operating results of the network control device 100 or terminal control device 131 can also be fed back.

[0186] In the example shown in Figure 35, the performance and judgment information learning device 400 is located on an external device including a cloud server, but the performance and judgment information learning device 400 can also be located on the judgment unit 1003.

[0187] Figure 36 shows an example in the network control device 100 of Embodiment 3 in which a trained model is incorporated into the transmission path information generation unit 1004. That is, the third learning unit 5001 (AI) of the judgment / transmission path information learning device 500 acquires a trained model based on judgment information and transmission path information obtained in the past, and incorporates it into the transmission path information generation unit 1004.

[0188] Although not shown in the diagram, the judgment / transmission path information learning device 500 may also have a judgment information data input unit into which judgment information is input, and a transmission path information data input unit into which transmission path information is input. In this case, the judgment information data input unit and the transmission path information data input unit are connected to the third learning unit 5001.

[0189] The third learning unit 5001 receives judgment information and transmission path information as input and learns by linking the two. When new judgment information is input to the already trained third learning unit 5001 (trained model), transmission path information corresponding to it is generated.

[0190] The judgment information and transmission path information used for learning can be simulated data, or they can be past judgment information and transmission path information. Of course, past operation results of the network control device 100 or terminal control device 131 can also be fed back.

[0191] In the example shown in Figure 36, the determination and transmission route information learning device 500 is located on an external device including a cloud server, but the determination and transmission route information learning device 500 can also be located on the transmission route information generation unit 1004.

[0192] <Integration into terminal control devices> Figure 37 shows an example in which a trained model is incorporated into the performance information generation unit 1318 in the terminal control device 131 of Embodiment 3. Specifically, the first learning unit 3001 (AI) of the performance information learning device 300 acquires a trained model based on performance information obtained in the past, along with information for generating performance information, namely, at least one of the following: throughput of the communication path, communication delay of the communication path, radio wave strength, location information of the base station or terminal, delay difference or late arrival ratio or information on the period during which switching is prohibited, and incorporates it into the performance information generation unit 1318. The function of the first learning unit 3001 is the same as that of the first learning unit 3001 shown in Figure 34.

[0193] In the example shown in Figure 37, the performance information learning device 300 is located on an external device, including a cloud server. However, the performance information learning device 300 can also be located on the performance information generation unit 1318.

[0194] Figure 38 shows an example in the terminal control device 131 of Embodiment 3 in which a trained model is incorporated into the determination unit 1316. That is, the second learning unit 4001 (AI) of the performance / determination information learning device 400 acquires a trained model based on performance information and previously obtained determination information, and incorporates it into the determination unit 1316. The function of the second learning unit 4001 is the same as that of the second learning unit 4001 shown in Figure 35.

[0195] In the example shown in Figure 38, the performance and judgment information learning device 400 is located on an external device including a cloud server; however, the performance and judgment information learning device 400 can also be located on the judgment unit 1003.

[0196] Figure 39 shows an example in the terminal control device 131 of Embodiment 3 in which a trained model is incorporated into the transmission path information generation unit 1314. That is, the third learning unit 5001 (AI) of the judgment / transmission path information learning device 500 acquires a trained model based on judgment information and previously obtained transmission path information, and incorporates it into the transmission path information generation unit 1004. The function of the third learning unit 5001 is the same as that of the third learning unit 5001 shown in Figure 36.

[0197] In the example shown in Figure 39, the determination and transmission path information learning device 500 is located on an external device including a cloud server, but the determination and transmission path information learning device 500 can also be located on the transmission path information generation unit 1004.

[0198] Further details will be provided regarding the trained models applied to the performance information generation unit 1002, performance information generation unit 1318, determination unit 1003, determination unit 1316, transmission path information generation unit 1004, and transmission path information generation unit 1314 of the network control device and terminal control device of Embodiment 3.

[0199] The learning algorithms used in the first learning unit 3001, the second learning unit 4001, and the third learning unit 5001 can include deep learning, which learns to extract features themselves, or machine learning can be performed according to other known methods, such as genetic programming, inductive logic programming, and support vector machines. These include, for example, the artificial intelligence disclosed in Patent Document 5.

[0200] In this disclosure, at least one of the following can be used as a feature: information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information of the base station or terminal, and the time information.

[0201] The first learning unit 3001, the second learning unit 4001, and the third learning unit 5001 described in Embodiment 3 can each be used for separate learning for each communication path, or a dedicated learning unit can be provided for each communication path for learning.

[0202] This third embodiment offers the following advantages by introducing a trained model to achieve the effect of preventing or obtaining information for preventing the ping-pong phenomenon in the network control device and terminal control device, in addition to the communication control method of Embodiment 1, the communication control method of its modified form, and the communication control method of Embodiment 2.

[0203] In the communication control method, network control device, and terminal control device of Embodiment 3, new data can be predicted based on the proven training data used to build the trained model, thus improving the quality of the information generated and acquired by the performance information generation unit 1002, performance information generation unit 1318, determination unit 1003, determination unit 1316, transmission path information generation unit 1004, and transmission path information generation unit 1314.

[0204] In embodiments 1 to 3, the core network device and the base station are configured separately, but they can also be combined into a single unit.

[0205] While embodiments 1 to 3 show examples of switching from multiple routes to multiple routes, it can also be used to switch from multiple routes to one route, from one route to multiple routes, or from one route to one route.

[0206] <Communication Network System> In addition to the network system 1000 shown in Figure 1, the following configurations are possible as communication network systems (communication systems) to which the communication control method relating to this disclosure is applied.

[0207] A communication network system comprising a higher-level network device, multiple base stations capable of communicating with the higher-level network, multiple combinations of multiple base stations and multiple terminals capable of communicating with each other, a network control device that controls the higher-level network device, and a terminal control device that controls the multiple terminals, is capable of switching communication paths consisting of multiple base stations and multiple terminals. The network control device and at least one of the multiple terminals take the allowable delay difference of the communication paths as input, and output transmission path information taking at least one of the throughput of each communication path, the communication delay of each communication path, and the location and time information of the multiple terminals and multiple base stations as input, and uses this output to switch communication paths.

[0208] A communication network system comprising a higher-level network device, multiple base stations capable of communicating with the higher-level network, multiple combinations of multiple base stations and multiple terminals capable of communicating with each other, a network control device that controls the higher-level network device, and a terminal control device that controls the multiple terminals, is capable of switching communication paths consisting of multiple base stations and multiple terminals. The network control device and at least one of the multiple terminals take the allowable late arrival ratio of a communication path as input, and output transmission path information taking at least one of the throughput of each communication path, the communication delay of each communication path, and the location and time information of the multiple terminals and multiple base stations as input, and uses this output to switch communication paths.

[0209] A communication network system comprising a higher-level network device, multiple base stations capable of communicating with the higher-level network, multiple combinations of multiple base stations and multiple terminals capable of communicating with each other, a network control device that controls the higher-level network device, and a terminal control device that controls the multiple terminals, is capable of switching communication paths consisting of multiple base stations and multiple terminals. The network control device and at least one of the multiple terminals take the allowable switching frequency of communication paths as input, and at least one of the throughput of each communication path, the communication delay of each communication path, and the location and time information of the multiple terminals and multiple base stations as input, and outputs transmission path information, and switches communication paths using this output.

[0210] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 1001, performance information generation unit 1002, determination unit 1003, and transmission path information generation unit 1004 of the network control device 100 in embodiments 1 to 3 described above, and the transmission path information acquisition unit 1311, terminal switching unit 1312, determination information acquisition unit 1313, transmission path information generation unit 1314, performance information acquisition unit 1315, and determination unit 1316 of the terminal control device 131 are all implemented by processing circuits such as computers. Processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) are used in the processing circuits, and the functions of each unit are realized by executing programs stored in a memory device.

[0211] Within the scope of this disclosure, it is possible to freely combine each embodiment, or to modify or omit each embodiment as appropriate.

[0212] The above-described disclosure is summarized below as an appendix.

[0213] (Note 1) Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether or not a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method wherein a range of performance differences to be tolerated when comparing the performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior.

[0214] (Note 2) The permissible performance difference information, which is information about the range of the aforementioned performance difference, The communication control method according to Appendix 1, wherein the data delay difference or the percentage of late arrival in the at least two communication paths.

[0215] (Note 3) The range of the aforementioned performance difference is, The communication control method described in Appendix 2, wherein during the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all paths are considered to have no priority.

[0216] (Note 4) During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, The communication control method described in Appendix 3, wherein the period is periodically repeated, the first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or the second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0217] (Note 5) If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, The communication control method described in Appendix 4, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

[0218] (Note 6) Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether or not a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method that determines all communication paths to be of equal priority during the period when switching of the aforementioned communication paths is prohibited.

[0219] (Note 7) Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the transmission delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method that does not switch the communication path during a period when switching of the communication path is prohibited.

[0220] (Note 8) During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, The communication control method described in Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0221] (Note 9) If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, The communication control method described in Appendix 8, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

[0222] (Note 10) A communication control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7 and 9, wherein at least one of the following—acquisition of performance information, determination of superiority or inferiority, and generation of transmission path information—is performed by a trained model.

[0223] (Note 11) The communication control method described in Appendix 8, wherein at least one of the following—acquisition of performance information, determination of superiority or inferiority, and generation of transmission path information—is performed by a trained model.

[0224] (Note 12) A communication control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 11, wherein there are multiple activated communication paths, and subsequent data other than the first data to arrive is discarded.

[0225] (Note 13) For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The determination unit, A network control device in which a range of acceptable performance differences is predetermined when comparing the performance information, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior.

[0226] (Note 14) The permissible performance difference information, which is information about the range of the aforementioned performance difference, The network control device according to Appendix 13, which is the data delay difference or the delay ratio in at least two of the aforementioned communication paths.

[0227] (Note 15) The determination unit, The range of performance differences used shall be such that there is no difference in superiority or inferiority during the period when switching of the communication path is prohibited. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, The network control device described in Appendix 14, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0228] (Note 16) The transmission route information generation unit, If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, The network control device described in Appendix 15, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

[0229] (Note 17) The network control device according to any one of the appendices 13 to 16, wherein at least one of the performance information generation unit, the determination unit, and the transmission path information generation unit has a learned model.

[0230] (Note 18) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, The network control device described in Appendix 13 acquires the transmission path information, Based on the aforementioned transmission route information, A terminal control device comprising a terminal switching unit that switches from a terminal on the inferior communication path to a terminal on the superior communication path among the plurality of terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority.

[0231] (Note 19) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, The system includes a determination unit that compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, and generates determination information. The determination unit, When comparing the performance information, the range of acceptable performance differences is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, the network control device determines that there is no superiority or inferiority for performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference, and acquires the determination information from the network control device. A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, which is the determination information, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. A terminal control device comprising: a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from a terminal on an inferior communication path to a terminal on a superior communication path among the plurality of terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority.

[0232] (Note 20) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, For each of said communication paths, acquire at least one piece of information selected from the group consisting of communication path disconnection presence / absence information, throughput of said communication path, communication delay of said communication path, radio wave intensity, position information of a plurality of base stations or said plurality of terminals, and time information, acquire said performance information from a network control device comprising a performance information generation unit that generates performance information of said communication path for each communication path from said at least one piece of information, a determination unit configured to compare said performance information for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority; and a transmission path information generation unit configured to generate transmission path information, which switches from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path or maintains the current state without switching when there is no superiority or inferiority, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by said determination unit, a terminal switching unit configured to, based on said transmission path information, switch from the terminal of an inferior communication path to the terminal of a superior communication path among said plurality of terminals, or maintain the current state without switching when there is no superiority or inferiority, wherein said determination unit is a terminal control device, wherein a range of performance difference allowed when comparing said performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of said performance information of at least two communication paths, it is determined that there is no superiority or inferiority for said performance information falling within said range of performance difference.

[0233] (Supplementary Note 21) A terminal control device that controls a plurality of terminals, wherein acquire said at least one piece of information from a network control device that acquires, for each communication path, at least one piece of information selected from the group consisting of communication path disconnection presence / absence information, throughput of said communication path, communication delay of said communication path, radio wave intensity, position information of a plurality of base stations or said plurality of terminals, and time information, a performance information generation unit configured to generate performance information of said communication path for each communication path from said at least one piece of information, a determination unit configured to compare said performance information generated by said performance information generation unit for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, a transmission path information generation unit configured to generate transmission path information, which switches from an inferior communication path to a superior communication path or maintains the current state without switching when there is no superiority or inferiority, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by said determination unit, A terminal control device comprising: a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the inferior communication path to the terminal of the dominant communication path among the plurality of terminals, or maintains the current status without switching when there is no dominance or inferiority between the communication paths.

[0234] (Supplementary Note 22) The determination unit is The terminal control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 21, wherein allowable performance difference information, which is information on a range of the performance difference to be used, is a delay difference or a late arrival ratio of data in the at least two communication paths.

[0235] (Supplementary Note 23) The determination unit is the range of the performance difference to be used is set as a range in which all communication paths are determined to have no dominance or inferiority during a period in which switching of the communication path is prohibited, the period in which the switching is prohibited is The terminal control device according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the period is a periodically repeating period, a first predetermined period after the number of times of switching the communication path within a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or a second predetermined period after a previous switching of the communication path.

[0236] (Supplementary Note 24) The transmission path information generation unit is when the disconnection presence / absence information of the currently used communication path indicates line disconnection, The terminal control device according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the transmission path information generation unit generates the transmission path information for switching to another communication path regardless of whether or not it is within the period in which the switching is prohibited.

[0237] (Supplementary Note 25) The terminal control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 24, wherein at least one of the performance information generation unit, the determination unit, and the transmission path information generation unit has a trained model.

[0238] (Supplementary Note 26) For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The determination unit, During the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all are judged to be of equal priority. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A network control device, which is a period that repeats periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0239] (Note 27) For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The transmission route information generation unit, generating the transmission path information for maintaining the current state without switching the communication path during a period in which switching of the communication path is prohibited, the period in which the switching is prohibited is a periodically repeated period, a first predetermined period after the number of times of switching the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or a second predetermined period after a previous switching of the communication path. A network control device.

[0240] (Supplementary Note 28) the transmission path information generation unit is when the disconnection presence / absence information of the currently used communication path indicates line disconnection, generates the transmission path information for switching to another communication path regardless of whether the period is the period in which the switching is prohibited. The network control device according to Supplementary Note 26 or 27.

[0241] (Supplementary Note 29) at least one of the performance information generation unit, the determination unit, and the transmission path information generation unit has a trained model. The network control device according to Supplementary Note 26 or 27.

[0242] (Supplementary Note 30) a terminal control device that controls a plurality of terminals, comprising: acquiring the transmission path information from the network control device according to Supplementary Note 26 or 27, based on the transmission path information, among the plurality of terminals, switching from a terminal on an inferior communication path to a terminal on a superior communication path, or maintaining the current state without switching when there is no superiority or inferiority. A terminal control device comprising a terminal switching unit.

[0243] (Supplementary Note 31) a terminal control device that controls a plurality of terminals, comprising: acquiring, for each of the communication paths, at least one piece of information selected from communication path disconnection presence / absence information, throughput of the communication path, communication delay of the communication path, radio wave intensity, and position information and time information of a plurality of base stations or the plurality of terminals, A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A network control device having a determination unit that compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority and generates determination information, acquires the determination information from the network control device, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, which is the determination information, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The determination unit, During the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all are judged to be of equal priority. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0244] (Note 32) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A network control device having a performance information generation unit that generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information acquires the performance information, A determination unit that compares the performance information for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The determination unit, During the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all are judged to be of equal priority. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0245] (Note 33) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, The network control device acquires at least one piece of information for each communication path, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A determination unit that compares the performance information for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The determination unit, During the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all are judged to be of equal priority. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0246] (Note 34) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A network control device having a determination unit that compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority and generates determination information, acquires the determination information from the network control device, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, which is the determination information, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The transmission route information generation unit, During the period in which switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, the transmission path information is generated to maintain the current state without switching the aforementioned communication path. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0247] (Note 35) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A network control device having a performance information generation unit that generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, acquires the performance information, A determination unit that compares the performance information for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The transmission route information generation unit, During the period in which switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, the transmission path information is generated to maintain the current state without switching the aforementioned communication path. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0248] (Note 36) A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, The network control device acquires at least one piece of information for each communication path, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from at least one piece of information, A determination unit that compares the performance information for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority, A transmission path information generation unit generates transmission path information that, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, switches from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or maintains the current state without switching based on superiority or inferiority. The system includes a terminal switching unit that, based on the transmission path information, switches from the terminal on the inferior communication path to the terminal on the superior communication path among the multiple terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. The transmission route information generation unit, During the period in which switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, the transmission path information is generated to maintain the current state without switching the aforementioned communication path. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A terminal control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds the upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

[0249] (Note 37) The transmission route information generation unit, If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, A terminal control device according to any one of appendices 30 to 36, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

[0250] (Note 38) The terminal control device according to any one of the appendices 30 to 37, wherein at least one of the performance information generation unit, the determination unit, and the transmission path information generation unit has a learned model. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0251] 1002 Performance information generation unit, 1003 Determination unit, 1004 Transmission path information generation unit, 1312 Terminal switching unit.

Claims

1. Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether or not a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method wherein a range of performance differences to be tolerated when comparing the performance information is predetermined, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior.

2. The permissible performance difference information, which is information about the range of the aforementioned performance difference, The communication control method according to claim 1, wherein the data delay difference or the rate of late arrival in the at least two communication paths is the same.

3. The range of the aforementioned performance difference is, The communication control method according to claim 2, wherein during the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all paths are within a range where there is no hierarchy of priority.

4. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, The communication control method according to claim 3, wherein the period is periodically repeated, the first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or the second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

5. If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, The communication control method according to claim 4, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

6. Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether or not a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine the superiority or inferiority of the communication path, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method that determines all communication paths to be of equal priority during the period when switching of the aforementioned communication paths is prohibited.

7. Performance information obtained from at least one piece of information, such as whether a communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the transmission delay of the communication path, the signal strength, the location information and time information of the base station or terminal, is compared for each communication path to determine superiority or inferiority, and transmission path information is generated for control to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority. A communication control method that does not switch the communication path during a period when switching of the communication path is prohibited.

8. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, The communication control method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the period is periodically repeated, the first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or the second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

9. If the information regarding the disconnection status of the communication path currently in use indicates a line disconnection, The communication control method according to claim 8, which generates transmission path information for switching to another communication path, regardless of whether or not the switching is prohibited during that period.

10. A communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein at least one of the acquisition of performance information, the determination of superiority or inferiority, and the generation of transmission path information is performed by a trained model.

11. The communication control method according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the following is performed by a trained model: acquiring the performance information, determining the superiority or inferiority, and generating the transmission path information.

12. A communication control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein there are multiple activated communication paths, and subsequent data other than the first data to arrive is discarded.

13. The communication control method according to claim 8, wherein there are multiple activated communication paths, and subsequent data other than the first data to arrive is discarded.

14. For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from the acquired information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The determination unit, A network control device in which a range of acceptable performance differences is predetermined when comparing the performance information, and when determining the superiority or inferiority of the performance information of at least two of the communication paths, performance information that falls within the range of the performance difference is determined to be neither superior nor inferior.

15. For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from the acquired information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The determination unit, During the period when switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, all are judged to be of equal priority. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A network control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

16. For each communication path, at least one piece of information is acquired, including information on whether the communication path is disconnected, the throughput of the communication path, the communication delay of the communication path, the signal strength, and the location and time information of multiple base stations or multiple terminals. A performance information generation unit generates performance information for each communication path from the acquired information, A determination unit compares the performance information generated by the performance information generation unit for each communication path and determines superiority or inferiority. The system includes a transmission path information generation unit that generates transmission path information for controlling the system to switch from the inferior communication path to the superior communication path, or to maintain the current state without switching, based on the superiority or inferiority determined by the determination unit, The transmission route information generation unit, During the period in which switching of the aforementioned communication path is prohibited, the transmission path information is generated to maintain the current state without switching the aforementioned communication path. During the period when the aforementioned switching is prohibited, A network control device, which is a period that is repeated periodically, a first predetermined period after the number of switching of the communication path in a predetermined period exceeds an upper limit, or a second predetermined period after the previous switching of the communication path.

17. A terminal control device that controls multiple terminals, The network control device described in any one of claims 14 to 16 acquires the transmission path information. Based on the acquired transmission route information, A terminal control device comprising a terminal switching unit that switches from a terminal on the inferior communication path to a terminal on the superior communication path among the plurality of terminals, or maintains the current state without switching regardless of superiority or inferiority.

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