Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

To make it possible to establish communication with a server having suitable communication performance through a communication path between control planes, in 5G core networks.SOLUTION: A communication control device (1A) includes: a calculation unit (120A) that calculates a turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including another server and a control target server, based on a required time from starting transmitting a signal to the other server by the control target server to receiving a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal; a determination unit (130A) that determines priority for selecting a connection destination server, to which the control target server is to be connected, from among the plurality of servers, based on the turnaround time; and a selection unit (140A) that selects the connection destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program.

Background Art

[0002] The architecture of a 5G system is defined in the technical standard of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). Technically, the NF services provided by each network function (NF) in the control plane (C-Plane) of a 5G core network (5GC) are arranged based on the concept of a service-based architecture (SBA) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, in recent years, cloud computing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "cloud"), which distributes processing among a plurality of servers provided on the same communication network and provides services using computer resources, has become widely popular. When a 5GC is configured by a cloud, it becomes possible to arrange NFs that provide the same NF service on a plurality of servers on the cloud.

[0004] As a mechanism for selecting a destination NF from a plurality of NFs arranged in a cloud, the technical standard defines a procedure via an NRF (NF Repository Function) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "NRF procedure"). The NRF corresponds to an NF that notifies a network function instance and an NF service provided by the network function instance based on the profile of the network function instance in the network. The server to be controlled can select a destination server based on the geographical location information or load information of the candidate destination servers by the NRF procedure.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Literature

[0005]

Non-Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, depending on the implementation specifications of the server, geographical location information and load information may not be disclosed. In such a case, when selecting a server by the NRF procedure, there is a problem that a server with good communication conditions cannot be selected as the destination server.

[0007]

[0008] In addition, the communication performance of the communication network is affected by factors other than the geographical location information and load information of the server, such as the state of the transmission path, the configuration of the server, and the state of the server. That is, even a server that is close to the source server and has a geographical advantage may have a reduced communication performance of the communication network due to the influence of noise or the like on the transmission path. In such a case, there is a problem that communication with a server having good communication conditions cannot be established only based on the selection based on the geographical location information and load information of the server.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The communication control device of the present invention includes a calculation unit that calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server based on the time required from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal; a determination unit that determines a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server connects from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; and a selection unit that selects the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority.

[0010] The communication control method of the present invention includes calculating the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server based on the time required from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal; determining a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server connects from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; and selecting the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority.

[0011] The communication control program of the present invention causes a processor to calculate the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server based on the time required from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal; determine a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server connects from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; and select the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, in a 5G core network, it is possible to establish communication with a server that can achieve suitable communication performance in a communication path between control planes. Note that according to the present invention, instead of or together with this effect, other effects may be achieved.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

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Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, duplicate descriptions may be omitted by attaching the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0015] Each of the embodiments described below is merely an example of a configuration capable of implementing the present invention. Each of the following embodiments can be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Not all combinations of elements included in the following embodiments are essential for implementing the present invention, and some of the elements can be appropriately omitted. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the following embodiments. As long as there is no contradiction, a configuration combining a plurality of configurations described in the embodiments can also be adopted.

[0016] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Outline of Embodiments of the Present Invention 2. First Embodiment 2.1. Operation Mode of Communication System 2.2. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 2.3. State of Transmission Path in Server - to - Server Communication 2.4. Functional Configuration of Controlled Server (Communication Control Apparatus) 2.5. Flow of Processing in Controlled Server (Communication Control Apparatus) 2.6. First Modification Example 2.7. Second Modification Example 3. Second Embodiment 4. Other Embodiments

[0017] <1. Outline of Embodiments of the Present Invention> First, the outline of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0018] (1) Technical Problem The architecture of the 5G system is defined in the technical standards of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). According to the technical standards, the NF services provided by each network function (NF) in the control plane (C-Plane) of the 5G core network (5th Generation Core Network: 5GC) are arranged based on the concept of the service-based architecture (SBA).

[0019] Furthermore, in recent years, cloud computing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "cloud"), which distributes processing among multiple servers provided on the same communication network and provides services using computer resources, has become widely popular. When configuring 5GC with cloud, it becomes possible to arrange NFs that provide the same NF service on multiple servers on the cloud.

[0020] As a mechanism for selecting the destination NF from multiple NFs arranged in the cloud, the technical standards define a procedure via NRF (NF Repository Function) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "NRF procedure"). NRF corresponds to an NF that notifies a network function instance and the NF service provided by the network function instance based on the profile of the network function instance in the network. The server to be controlled can select the destination server based on the geographical location information or load information of the candidate destination servers through the NRF procedure.

[0021] However, depending on the implementation specifications of the server, geographical location information and load information may not be disclosed. In such a case, when selecting a server through the NRF procedure, there is a problem that a server with good communication conditions cannot be selected as the destination server.

[0022] In addition, the communication performance of a communication network is affected by factors other than the geographical location information and load information of the server, such as the state of the transmission path, the configuration of the server, and the state of the server. For example, even if a server is geographically advantageous and close to the source server, if the transmission path is affected by noise or the like, the communication performance of the communication network will deteriorate. In such a case, there is a problem that it is not possible to select a server with good communication conditions as the destination server only based on the geographical location information and load information of the server.

[0023] In view of the above circumstances, in a 5G core network, an object is to enable communication with a server having suitable communication performance in a communication path between control planes.

[0024] (2) Technical features In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a communication control device calculates, based on the required time from when a control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until receiving a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal, the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server. A calculation unit, a determination unit that determines a priority for selecting a destination server to be connected to the control target server from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time, and a selection unit that selects the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority.

[0025] Thereby, in a 5G core network, it becomes possible to establish communication with a server having suitable communication performance in a communication path between control planes. Note that the above-described technical features are a specific example of an embodiment of the present invention, and of course, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described technical features.

[0026] <2. First Embodiment> <2.1. Operation Mode of Communication System> First, referring to FIG. 1, the operation mode of the communication system 1000A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation mode of the communication system 1000A. The communication system 1000A may be provided by cloud computing (hereinafter may be referred to as "cloud" in the following description). Also, the communication system 1000A may be implemented as a system that realizes the control plane of a 5G core network. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication system 1000A is a system that realizes the control plane of a 5G core network by cloud.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1000A is configured by connecting a control target server 1, an NRF (Network Repository Function) node 2, and servers 3, 4, 5, and 6 via a network 9. The control target server 1, the NRF node 2, and the servers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are each an information processing device such as a server and have a shared hardware configuration (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the process of selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 in the communication system 1000A will be described.

[0028] The control target server 1 is a server that provides any one of the network functions included in the C plane of the 5G core network defined in 3GPP TS 23.501, such as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), an SMF (Session Management Function), and a UDM (Unified Data Management), as a network function (Network Function: NF).

[0029] The AMF is a network function that provides an NF service for performing access management and mobility management.

[0030] The SMF is a network function that provides an NF service for performing session management.

[0031] The UDM is a network function that provides an NF service for storing and managing subscriber contract information and authentication information for authentication.

[0032] The NRF Node 2 is a server that provides the NRF which provides a discovery function for necessary NF services among each network function of the C-plane of the 5G core network. The NRF Node 2 notifies, according to the NRF procedure, a network function instance and an NF service provided by the network function instance based on the profile of the network function instance in the network. The Controlled Server 1 can obtain the geographical location information or load information of the destination candidate server based on the information notified from the NRF Node 2.

[0033] Server 3 is a server that provides the SMF among the network functions included in the C-plane of the 5G core network. Server 4 is a server that provides the SMF among the network functions included in the C-plane of the 5G core network. Server 5 is a server that provides the AMF among the network functions included in the C-plane of the 5G core network. Server 6 is a server that provides the UDM among each network function of the C-plane of the 5G core network.

[0034] Server 7 is a server that provides the NSSF (Network Slice Selection Functions), which is a network function that determines the AMF to be used by selecting a combination of network slice instances that provide services to user terminals (User Equipment: UE) connected to the communication system 1000A in the C-plane of the 5G core network. Server 8 is a server that provides the AUSF (AUthentication Server Function), which is a network function responsible for the UE authentication function in the C-plane of the 5G core network.

[0035] Server 10 is a server that provides the NEF (Network Exposure Function) among the network functions of the C-plane of the 5G core network. Server 11 is a server that provides the PCF (Policy Control function) among the network functions of the C-plane of the 5G core network. Note that the communication system 1000A may be configured to include servers other than those shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] Thus, in the communication system 1000A, each network function of the C-plane of the 5G core network is implemented in a distributed manner on the control target servers 1, NRF node 2, and servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 arranged on the cloud.

[0037] <2.2. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus> Subsequently, the hardware configurations of the information processing apparatuses such as the control target server 1, NRF node 2, and servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus.

[0038] The information processing apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a storage medium 74, and an interface (I / F) 75 that are interconnected via a bus 76. In addition to those shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus may include an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, or a display device such as a display.

[0039] The CPU 71 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire information processing apparatus. The RAM 73 is a volatile storage medium that enables high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a work area when the CPU 71 processes information. The ROM 72 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The storage medium 74 is a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that enables reading and writing of information, and stores an OS, various control programs, application programs, and the like.

[0040] The I / F 75 connects and controls the bus 76 and various hardware components. Also, the information processing apparatus is connected to the network 9 (see FIG. 1) via the I / F 75.

[0041] In such a hardware configuration, the CPU 71 performs calculations according to the programs stored in the ROM 72 or the programs loaded from the storage medium 74 to the RAM 73, thereby configuring the software control unit of the control target server 1. Then, a functional block that realizes the functions of the controller 100 (see FIG. 4) is configured by combining the software control unit configured as described above and the hardware.

[0042] <2.3. State of Transmission Path in Server-to-Server Communication> Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the state of the transmission path in server-to-server communication will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of the transmission path in server-to-server communication as a reference example. In FIG. 3, the state of the transmission path when the own server 600 communicates with the other server 700A or the other server 700B will be described. Also, in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the geographical distance between the own server 600 and the other server 700B is shorter than the geographical distance between the own server 600 and the other server 700A for the explanation.

[0043] 3GPP has defined a mechanism for obtaining the geographical location information or load information of the candidate servers for the connection destination by the above-described NRF procedure and selecting the server to be the connection destination.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, assume that the own server 600 as the control target communicates with the other server 700A or the other server 700B. When the own server 600 selects a server to be the connection destination by the NRF procedure, as described above, since the geographical distance between the own server 600 and the other server 700B is shorter than the geographical distance between the own server 600 and the other server 700A, the other server 700B is selected as the connection destination server of the own server 600.

[0045] However, the communication performance of the communication network is affected by factors other than the geographical location information and load information of the server, such as the state of the transmission path, the configuration of the server, and the state of the server. For example, even if the other server 700B is a server that is geographically superior with a shorter distance from the own server 600 which is the source server than the other server 700A, as shown in FIG. 3, the transmission path between the own server 600 and the other server 700B may be affected by noise or the like.

[0046] In FIG. 3, the influence of noise or the like on the transmission path between the own server 600 and the other server 700B is shown as a hatched area. The communication performance of the communication network in the transmission path between the own server 600 and the other server 700B will deteriorate due to the influence of noise or the like on the transmission path. In such a case, just a selection based on the geographical location information and load information of the server, such as the NRF procedure, cannot select a server with good communication conditions (for example, the other server 700A, etc.) as the connection destination server.

[0047] Regarding such a problem, in this embodiment, it is possible to select a server with good communication conditions as the connection destination server by reflecting the actual communication performance of the transmission path in the communication between servers.

[0048] <2.4. Functional Configuration of the Controlled Server (Communication Control Device)> Next, referring to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the server 1 to be controlled will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 1 to be controlled. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 1 to be controlled includes a controller 100 and a network I / F 101 which is an interface for the controller 100 to exchange information with other devices via the network 9.

[0049] When the server 1 to be controlled performs communication, the controller 100 performs control such as selecting an information processing apparatus to be a connection destination. The controller 100 is realized by installing a dedicated software program in an information processing apparatus such as the server 1 to be controlled. The controller 100 includes a transmission / reception unit 110, a calculation unit 120, a priority determination unit 130, a connection destination selection unit 140, a timing unit 150, and a storage unit 160.

[0050] The transmission / reception unit 110 transmits and receives signals to and from the servers as connection destination candidates. For example, when the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 are the servers as connection destination candidates of the server 1 to be controlled, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits signals to each of the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 via the network I / F 101. Then, the transmission / reception unit 110 receives response signals from the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 via the network I / F 101.

[0051] The calculation unit 120 calculates the turnaround time based on the data size of the signal when the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits and receives signals to and from information processing apparatuses such as the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and the required time for transmitting and receiving the signals. When the required time is the time from when the transmission / reception unit 110 starts transmitting signals to each of the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 until the transmission / reception unit 110 receives a response to the transmitted signal, the calculation unit 120 calculates, for example, the turnaround time per unit data amount based on the data size of the signal transmitted and received by the transmission / reception unit 110 and the required time. Information regarding the turnaround time calculated by the calculation unit 120 is stored in the storage unit 160.

[0052] The priority determination unit 130 determines a priority for selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 based on the turnaround time per unit data amount calculated by the calculation unit 120. The priority determination unit 130 is an example of the determination unit in the present embodiment. Information regarding the priority determined by the priority determination unit 130 is stored in the storage unit 160.

[0053] The connection destination selection unit 140 selects a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 based on the priority determined by the priority determination unit 130. The connection destination selection unit 140 is an example of the selection unit in the present embodiment.

[0054] The timing unit 150 measures, for example, the time from when the transmission / reception unit 110 starts transmitting a signal to each of the servers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 until the transmission / reception unit 110 receives a response to the transmitted signal as the required time.

[0055] The storage unit 160 is a storage area realized by a storage medium 74 or the like of the control target server 1, and stores information regarding the turnaround time calculated by the calculation unit 120, information regarding the priority determined by the priority determination unit 130, and the like.

[0056] <2.5. Flow of processing in the control target server (communication control device)> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the flow of processing until communication with a server to be the connection destination is established in the control target server 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing until communication is established between the control target server 1 and the connection destination server. FIG. 6 is a data table showing an example of information regarding the turnaround time. FIG. 7 is a data table showing an example of information regarding the priority. In the description of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the servers 3, 4, 5, 6 are servers that are connection destination candidates for the control target server 1 for the description.

[0057] In step S11, the transceiver unit 110 transmits a signal to servers 3, 4, 5, and 6. The timer unit 150 starts measuring the required time simultaneously when the transceiver unit 110 starts transmitting the signal. Note that server 3 is an example of the first server of the present embodiment.

[0058] In step S12, the transceiver unit 110 receives response signals from servers 3, 4, 5, and 6. The timer unit 150 ends the measurement of the required time at the timing when the transceiver unit 110 receives the signal.

[0059] In step S13, the calculation unit 120 calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount between the control target server 1 and each of servers 3, 4, 5, and 6. In step S13, the calculation unit 120 calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount based on the data size of the signal transmitted and received between the transceiver unit 110 and information processing devices such as servers 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the required time required for the transmission and reception of the signal.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a data table 300 showing an example of the turnaround time per unit data amount between the control target server 1 and server 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the transceiver unit 110 transmits a signal to the candidate destination server (server 3 in FIG. 6) at predetermined intervals.

[0061] The time stamp "1" in the data table 300 indicates that the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) was 5 mS / bit when the required time was 80 mS (seconds) when transmitting and receiving a signal with a data size of 16 bits to and from server 3.

[0062] The time stamp "2" in the data table 300 indicates that the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) was 3 mS / bit when the required time was 48 mS (seconds) when transmitting and receiving a signal with a data size of 16 bits to and from server 3.

[0063] The time stamp "3" in the data table 300 indicates that the turn-around time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) was 7.5 mS / bit when the required time for transmitting and receiving a 16-bit signal to and from server 3 was 120 mS (seconds).

[0064] The time stamp "4" in the data table 300 indicates that the turn-around time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) was 4 mS / bit when the required time for transmitting and receiving a 16-bit signal to and from server 3 was 64 mS (seconds).

[0065] When the transceiver 110 transmits and receives signals to and from a candidate server for a connection destination a plurality of times, the calculation unit 120 may calculate a simple average value of the turn-around time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) in the transmission and reception of signals to and from the candidate server for the connection destination a plurality of times. For example, based on the data table 300 in FIG. 6, the calculation unit 120 calculates that the simple average value of the turn-around time per unit data amount between the control target server 1 and the server 3 is 4.875 mS / bit.

[0066] In step S14, the priority determination unit 130 determines a priority for selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 based on the turn-around time per unit data amount calculated by the calculation unit 120. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a priority data table 500 that determines a priority for selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1.

[0067] Note that in FIG. 7, for each of servers 3, 4, 5, and 6, the simple average value of the turnaround time (tTAT / bit) per unit data amount in the transmission and reception of signals between each of servers 3, 4, 5, and 6 and the controlled server 1 over a plurality of times (time stamps 1 to 4, see FIG. 6) is shown as the transmission ratio. For servers 7, 8, 10, and 11 as well, similar to server 3, the simple average value of the turnaround time (tTAT / bit) per unit data amount in the transmission and reception of signals between the controlled server 1 over a plurality of times may be used as the transmission ratio. In addition, other than this, the simple average value of the turnaround time (tTAT / bit) per unit data amount in the transmission and reception of signals between the controlled server 1 calculated within a predetermined time from the current time may be used as the transmission ratio.

[0068] The priority determination unit 130 determines the priority based on the priority data table 500 so as to select, for example, the server (destination server) to which the controlled server 1 connects in ascending order of the transmission ratio. In FIG. 7, the priority determination unit 130 determines the priority so as to select, for example, the servers to which the controlled server 1 connects in the order of server 5 → server 3 → server 6 → server 4.

[0069] Note that when the controlled server 1 is a server that provides the SMF and a failure has occurred in the controlled server 1, the priority determination unit 130 determines the priority by selecting, as the candidate servers for the selection destination, the servers that provide the network functions corresponding to the SMF among the transmission ratios of the servers shown in the priority data table 500.

[0070] From FIG. 1, servers 3 and 4 are network nodes that each provide the SMF. Therefore, servers 3 and 4 correspond to servers that provide the same network functions as the controlled server 1. In such a case, the priority determination unit 130 determines the priority so as to select, for example, for servers 3 and 4, in ascending order of the transmission ratio, that is, in the order of server 3 → server 4, the servers to which the controlled server 1 connects.

[0071] Thus, priorities may be determined so as to select, from among a plurality of servers capable of providing the network functions required by the server 1 to be controlled, the server to be the connection destination of the server 1 to be controlled. In this case, the candidate servers for the connection destination of the server 1 to be controlled (for example, servers 3 and 4) each provide the same network function as the network function required by the server 1 to be controlled (for example, the SMF function).

[0072] Note that the "server capable of providing the network function required by the server 1 to be controlled" corresponds to, for example, a server capable of providing the same network function as the network function provided by the server 1 to be controlled.

[0073] Also, for example, the "server capable of providing the network function required by the server 1 to be controlled" corresponds to a server capable of providing the network function corresponding to the network function provided by the server 1 to be controlled when the server 1 to be controlled transmits a signal to a specific server by the network function provided by the server 1 to be controlled. Specifically, when the server 1 to be controlled is a server that provides SMF and performs a process of reading subscriber information, a server capable of providing UDM corresponds to an example of the "server capable of providing the network function required by the server 1 to be controlled".

[0074] Subsequently, in step S15, the connection destination selection unit 140 selects, based on the priorities determined by the priority determination unit 130, the server to be the connection destination of the server 1 to be controlled. For example, when priorities are determined so as to select, in the order of server 5 → server 3 → server 6 → server 4, the server to be the connection destination of the server 1 to be controlled, the connection destination selection unit 140 selects, as the connection destination server of the server 1 to be controlled, the server with the smallest transmission ratio, that is, server 5 with the shortest turnaround time.

[0075] Subsequently, in step S16, the network I / F 101 establishes communication with server 5 selected as the connection destination server in step S15, and ends this process.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, the server 1 to be controlled can select the server to be the connection destination based on the actual communication quality in the transmission path with the servers (for example, servers 3, 4, 5, 6, ···) included in the communication system 1000A. By doing so, the server 1 to be controlled can establish communication with a server having suitable communication performance in the communication path between control planes in the 5G core network.

[0077] Note that the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to a communication system composed of a plurality of servers that are not in the control plane of the 5G core network. Even when the configuration of this embodiment is applied to a communication system composed of a plurality of servers that are not in the control plane of the 5G core network, the server to be controlled can establish communication with a server having suitable communication performance in the communication path.

[0078] <2.6. First Modification Example> In the first embodiment, when the transmission / reception unit 110 is transmitting and receiving signals to and from the candidate servers for the connection destination a plurality of times, the calculation unit 120 calculates the simple average value of the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) in the transmission and reception of signals to and from the candidate servers for the connection destination a plurality of times. In addition to this, the calculation unit 120 may, for example, weight the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) according to the elapsed time since the calculation of the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit), and then calculate the average value of the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit).

[0079] In this case, the priority determination unit 130 may determine the priority for selecting the server to be the connection destination of the server 1 to be controlled based on the average value of the weighted turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit).

[0080] <2.7. Second Modification Example> Also, in the first embodiment, the calculation unit 120 calculated the turnaround time per unit data amount between the control target server 1 and each of the servers 3, 4, 5, and 6. In addition, for example, servers included in the communication system 1000A may be grouped into a plurality of server groups, and priorities for selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 may be determined.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of the communication system 1000A according to the second modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the first server group 200A includes the server 3 and the server 4. The second server group 200B includes the server 5 and the server 6. Further, the third server group 200C includes the server 7, the server 8, the server 10, and the server 11.

[0082] Assume that in the case where the communication system 1000A includes the first server group 200A, the second server group 200B, and the third server group 200C, the calculation unit 120 calculated the simple average value of the turnaround time per unit data amount (tTAT / bit) in the transmission and reception of signals between the control target server 1 and the servers 3, 4, 5, and 6 over a plurality of times as the transmission ratio (see FIG. 7).

[0083] In such a case, the priority determination unit 130 may determine selection information for selecting a server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1 based on, for example, the average value of the transmission ratios calculated by the calculation unit 120 for the servers included in the first server group 200A and the average value of the transmission ratios calculated by the calculation unit 120 for the servers included in the first server group 200A.

[0084] When using the transmission ratio illustrated in FIG. 7, the average value of the transmission ratio for the servers included in the first server group 200A is 5.7875 mS / bit. Also, when using the transmission ratio illustrated in FIG. 7, the average value of the transmission ratio for the servers included in the second server group 200B is 4.952 mS / bit. In this case, the priority determination unit 130 may determine selection information so as to select, as the server to be the connection destination of the control target server 1, a server included in the second server group 200B having a smaller transmission ratio than the first server group 200A, that is, a server having better communication performance.

[0085] In addition to the above, the grouping of servers in the communication system 1000A may be, for example, to group servers that provide the same network function as the same server group. Also, the combination of servers included in the server group in the communication system 1000A may be changed dynamically according to the configuration of the servers and the communication performance.

[0086] <3. Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The above-described first embodiment is a specific embodiment, while the second embodiment is a more generalized embodiment. According to the following second embodiment, the same technical effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication control device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The communication control device 1A includes a calculation unit 120A, a determination unit 130A, and a selection unit 140A.

[0088] The calculation unit 120A calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including other servers different from the control target server and the control target server. The calculation unit 120A calculates the turnaround time based on the required time from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server and the data size of the signal.

[0089] The determination unit 130A determines the priority for selecting the destination server to which the server to be controlled is to be connected from among a plurality of servers based on the turnaround time.

[0090] The selection unit 140A selects the destination server from among a plurality of servers based on the priority.

[0091] - Relationship with the First Embodiment As an example, the communication control device 1A according to the second embodiment may execute the operation of the server 1 to be controlled according to the first embodiment. In the above case, the description of the first embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment. Note that the second embodiment is not limited to the above example.

[0092] <4. Other Embodiments> As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0093] For example, the steps in the processes described in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in time series in the order described in the flowchart. For example, the steps in the process may be executed in an order different from the order described as a flowchart, or may be executed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the process may be deleted, or additional steps may be added to the process.

[0094] In addition, an apparatus including the components of the control target server 1 described in this specification (for example, components corresponding to the calculation unit 120, the priority determination unit 130, and the connection destination selection unit 140) may be provided. Further, a method including the processing of the above components may be provided, and a program for causing a processor to execute the processing of the above components may be provided. Further, a non-transitory computer readable medium recording the program may be provided. Of course, such an apparatus, module, method, program, and non-transitory computer readable medium are also included in the present invention.

[0095] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0096] (Appended Claim 1) A calculation unit that calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server based on the required time from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until receiving a response to the signal from the other server and the data size of the signal; A determination unit that determines a priority for selecting a connection destination server that becomes the connection destination of the control target server from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; A selection unit that selects the connection destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority, A communication control device.

[0097] (Appended Claim 2) The determination unit determines the priority based on the simple average value of the turnaround time calculated within a predetermined time. The communication control device according to Appended Claim 1.

[0098] (Appended Claim 3) The determination unit The calculation unit weights the turnaround time according to the elapsed time since the calculation of the turnaround time, and determines the priority based on the average value of the weighted turnaround time. The communication control device according to Addendum 1.

[0099] (Addendum 4) The plurality of servers include a first server group including a first server and a second server group including a second server different from the first server. The determination unit Based on the turnaround time between the control target server and the servers included in the first server group and the turnaround time between the control target server and the servers included in the second server group, as the priority, selection information for selecting the server group to be the connection destination of the control target server is determined. The communication control device according to any one of Addenda 1 to 3.

[0100] (Addendum 5) The selection unit Based on the priority, among the plurality of servers, the server with the shortest turnaround time is selected as the connection destination server. The communication control device according to any one of Addenda 1 to 4.

[0101] (Addendum 6) The control target server and the plurality of servers are network nodes included in the control plane of a 5G core network. The communication control device according to any one of Addenda 1 to 5.

[0102] (Addendum 7) The plurality of servers are network nodes that provide the same function. The communication control device according to Addendum 6.

[0103] (Addendum 8) The control target server and the plurality of servers are arranged on the cloud. The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 9) Based on the required time from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal, calculate the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of the plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server; Determine a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server will connect from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; Select the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority. A communication control method.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 10) Based on the required time from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal, calculate the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of the plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server; Determine a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server will connect from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; Cause a processor to select the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority. A communication control program.

Industrial Applicability

[0106] In a 5G core network, it enables the establishment of communication with a server having suitable communication performance in the communication path between control planes.

Explanation of Signs

[0107] 1 Control target server 1A Communication Control Device 2 NRF Node 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 Servers 100 Controller 110 Transceiver 120 Calculation Unit 120A Calculation Unit 130 Priority Determination Unit 130A Determination Unit 140 Destination Selection Unit 140A Selection Unit 200A First Server Group 200B Second Server Group 200C Third Server Group 300 Data Table 500 Priority Data Table 1000A Communication System

Claims

1. A calculation unit that calculates the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of a plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server based on the required time from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server and the data size of the signal; A determination unit that determines a priority for selecting a destination server to which the control target server connects from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; A selection unit that selects the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority, and a communication control device. Communication control device.

2. The determination unit determines the priority based on the simple average value of the turnaround time calculated within a predetermined time, The communication control device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit weights the turnaround time according to the elapsed time since the calculation unit calculated the turnaround time, and determines the priority based on the average value of the weighted turnaround time, The communication control device according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of servers include a first server group including a first server and a second server group including a second server different from the first server, The determination unit determines selection information for selecting a server group to be the connection destination of the control target server as the priority based on the turnaround time between the control target server and the servers included in the first server group and the turnaround time between the control target server and the servers included in the second server group. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The selection unit selects, based on the priority, the server with the shortest turnaround time among the plurality of servers as the destination server. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control target server and the plurality of servers are network nodes included in the control plane of a 5G core network. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The plurality of servers are network nodes that provide the same function. The communication control device according to claim 6.

8. The control target server and the plurality of servers are arranged on the cloud. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Based on the time required from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal, calculate the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of the plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server. Determine a priority for selecting a destination server that becomes the connection destination of the control target server from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time. Select the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority. A communication control method.

10. Based on the time required from when the control target server starts transmitting a signal to another server until it receives a response to the signal from the other server, and the data size of the signal, calculate the turnaround time per unit data amount between each of the plurality of servers including the other server and the control target server. Determining a priority for selecting a destination server to which the target server to be controlled is to be connected from among the plurality of servers based on the turnaround time; Causing a processor to select the destination server from among the plurality of servers based on the priority; and A communication control program.

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