Communication system, communication processing apparatus, and equipment expansion method

Abstract

To reduce costs in connecting an apparatus.SOLUTION: A communication system comprises a first node and a second node connected at a rank lower than that of the first node. The second node includes a transmission unit that, when connected to the first node, transmits function identification information for identifying functions implemented in the own node. The first node includes: a reception unit for receiving the function identification information transmitted from the second node; and a processor connected to the reception unit. The processor determines a function to be validated or to be invalidated of the functions implemented in the second node on the basis of the function identification information and executes processing of selecting a test item for verifying the function determined to be validated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication processing apparatus, and a method for adding equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), for example, communication systems have come to support services with various requirements. For this reason, in the communication standard of the fifth-generation mobile communication (5G or New Radio (NR)), in addition to the standard technologies of the fourth-generation mobile communication (4G), it is required to achieve further higher data rate, larger capacity, and lower latency.

[0003] In communication systems such as 5G, various communication devices from different vendors are used, and recently, open interfaces common to these communication devices have been studied. Specifically, for example, an industry group called the Open Radio Access Network Alliance (O-RAN Alliance), established in 2018, is working on formulating an interface that can be interoperable among communication devices from different vendors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even if the interface conforms to a standardized specification such as O-RAN, the interconnection of communication devices is not guaranteed, and there is a problem that the cost of constructing a communication system increases.

[0006] Specifically, since the functions implemented by the communication devices of each vendor and the profiles used are different, even if devices are connected by an interface compliant with the standardization specifications, the communication system constructed by these devices does not always operate properly. Therefore, when adding a new device to a communication system, for example, an operation to verify the connection between the existing device and the added device occurs, increasing the cost of adding the device.

[0007] In particular, when the base station of a communication system is composed of nodes such as a CU (Central Unit), a DU (Distributed Unit), and an RU (Remote Unit), for example, the cost of adding nodes from different vendors increases. Also, in the future, as virtualization of networks such as software base stations, network slicing, and RAN (Radio Access Network) sharing progress, inter-device connection becomes an issue, and the cost required to construct a communication system between different vendors may become enormous.

[0008] The disclosed technology has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system, a communication processing apparatus, and a method for adding a device that can reduce the cost when connecting devices.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The communication system disclosed in the present application, in one aspect, is a communication system having a first node and a second node connected below the first node, wherein the second node has a transmission unit that transmits function identification information for identifying a function implemented in its own node when connected to the first node, and the first node has a reception unit that receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node and a processor connected to the reception unit, and the processor executes a process of determining a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the second node based on the function identification information and selecting a test item for verifying the function determined to be enabled.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the communication system, communication processing apparatus, and equipment addition method disclosed in the present application, an effect of reducing the cost when connecting equipment can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the communication system, communication processing apparatus, and equipment addition method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system shown in FIG. 1 includes a CU (Central Unit) 100, a DU (Distributed Unit) 200a, an RU (Remote Unit) 300a, and a terminal device 400.

[0014] The CU100 connects to a core network (not shown) and transmits and receives data to and from the DU200a connected below it. Also, the CU100 transmits and receives signals for maintenance management to and from the lower DU200a via the SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) 150. In addition to the DU200a, it is possible to newly connect a DU200b to the CU100. That is, it is possible to add a DU200b below the CU100.

[0015] The DU200a transmits and receives data to and from the CU100 connected above it, and also transmits and receives data to and from the RU300a connected below it. In addition to the RU300a, it is possible to newly connect a RU300b to the DU200a. That is, it is possible to add a RU300b below the DU200a.

[0016] The RU300a transmits and receives data to and from the DU200a connected above it, and performs wireless communication with the terminal device 400 located within the cell formed by itself.

[0017] In this way, the CU100, DU200a, and RU300a constitute a base station that wirelessly communicates with the terminal device 400 in the communication system. That is, the base station of the communication system according to the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of nodes. Also, in the present embodiment, a device closer to the core network may be referred to as an "upper node", and a device farther from the core network may be referred to as a "lower node". That is, for example, the CU100 is an upper node of the DU200a, and the DU200a is a lower node of the CU100. Similarly, for example, the DU200a is an upper node of the RU300a, and the RU300a is a lower node of the DU200a.

[0018] In this embodiment, when a new lower node is connected to an upper node, the lower node transmits function identification information indicating its own functions to the upper node that is the connection destination. Then, based on the function identification information received from the lower node, the upper node enables or disables the functions of itself and the lower node, and conducts tests on the functions to be enabled. That is, when a lower node is added, the connection between the upper node and the lower node is automatically verified based on the function identification information of the lower node. This device addition method will be described in detail later.

[0019] The terminal device 400 performs wireless communication with a neighboring RU. That is, when the terminal device 400 is within the cell formed by the RU 300a, it performs wireless communication with the RU 300a.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the CU 100 and the DU 200 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, the CU 100 is an upper node of the DU 200. Also, the DU 200 is a lower node of the CU 100 and has the same configuration as the DU 200a and 200b shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The CU 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a lower interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as "lower IF unit") 110, a processor 120, and a memory 130.

[0022] The lower IF unit 110 is an interface for connecting to the DU 200 which is a lower node. The lower IF unit 110 is connected to the DU 200 by, for example, an F1AP interface and an O1 interface via the SMO 150. Then, when a new DU 200 which is a lower node is connected, the lower IF unit 110 receives function identification information indicating the functions implemented in the DU 200 from the DU 200. At this time, the lower IF unit 110 receives verification completion information indicating the test items for which verification of the DU 200 has already been completed and profile information indicating the version of the profile corresponding to the DU 200 together with the function identification information. Also, the lower IF unit 110 transmits various information to the DU 200 according to an instruction from the processor 120.

[0023] The processor 120 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and overall controls the entire CU100. Specifically, the processor 120 has a function control unit 121, a profile control unit 122, and a test control unit 123.

[0024] The function control unit 121 acquires the function identification information transmitted from the DU200, and enables and disables the functions of the DU200 based on the function identification information. Specifically, the function control unit 121 compares the functions of the CU100 and the DU200, and determines to enable the functions supported by both nodes. Also, the function control unit 121 determines to disable the functions of the DU200 that are not supported by the CU100. Then, the function control unit 121 instructs the DU200 to enable and disable functions.

[0025] The profile control unit 122 acquires the profile information transmitted from the DU200, and determines whether the profile needs to be changed. Specifically, the profile control unit 122 compares the version of the profile of the CU100 and the version of the profile of the DU200. If the versions of the profiles of both nodes match, it determines that the profile does not need to be changed. Also, the profile control unit 122 determines that the profile does not need to be changed if the version of the profile of the DU200 is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of the CU100.

[0026] On the one hand, when the version of the profile of the DU200 is a version that does not guarantee backward compatibility with the profile of the CU100, the profile control unit 122 determines that it is necessary to change the profile of the DU200 or the CU100. And when it is determined that the profile needs to be changed, the profile control unit 122 instructs the DU200 to update the profile, or updates the profile of the CU100. Note that when the profile control unit 122 updates the profile of the CU100, it instructs other DU200s that are already connected to the CU100 to update the profile as well, if necessary. Also, the profile control unit 122 may adjust the set values of the profiles of the CU100 and the DU200 for each test item as necessary.

[0027] The test control unit 123 selects test items for verifying the functions enabled by the function control unit 121 and conducts tests related to the selected test items. Specifically, the test control unit 123 selects, based on the verification completion information transmitted from the DU200, the test items that have not been verified among the test items for verifying the functions enabled in the DU200. At this time, even for test items that have been verified, the test control unit 123 selects them as items to be implemented if there is a possibility that they will be operated under conditions different from those during the previously conducted tests. Note that as test items for verifying functions, for example, test items of O-RAN IOT (Inter-Operability Test) or test items of a compliance test by a predetermined certification organization can be used.

[0028] After selecting the test items, when the profile control unit 122 guarantees the compatibility of the profiles of the CU100 and the DU200, the test control unit 123 conducts tests related to the selected test items. That is, the test control unit 123 conducts necessary operation tests including signal transmission and reception between the CU100 and the DU200 for each selected test item, and verifies whether the functions enabled in the DU200 operate normally.

[0029] The memory 130 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores information used for processing by the processor 120.

[0030] The DU200 shown in FIG. 2 has an upper interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as "upper IF unit") 210, a processor 220, a memory 230, and a lower IF unit 240.

[0031] The upper IF unit 210 is an interface that connects to the CU100, which is an upper node. The upper IF unit 210 is connected to the CU100, for example, by an F1AP interface and an O1 interface via the SMO150. Then, when the DU200 is newly connected to the CU100, which is an upper node, the upper IF unit 210 transmits function identification information indicating the functions implemented in the DU200 to the CU100. At this time, the upper IF unit 210 transmits verification completion information indicating the test items that have already been verified for the DU200 and profile information indicating the version of the profile corresponding to the DU200 together with the function identification information. In addition, the upper IF unit 210 receives various information from the CU100.

[0032] The processor 220 includes, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or a DSP, and comprehensively controls the entire DU200. Specifically, the processor 220 has a function control unit 221, a profile control unit 222, and a test control unit 223.

[0033] When the DU200 is connected to the CU100, which is an upper node, the function control unit 221 reads function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information regarding the DU200 from the memory 230 and causes the upper IF unit 210 to transmit them to the CU100. Also, when an instruction to enable and disable functions is received from the CU100, the function control unit 221 enables and disables the functions of the DU200 according to the instruction.

[0034] When the RU300, which is a lower - level node, newly connects, the function control unit 221 acquires the function identification information transmitted from the RU300, and based on the function identification information, enables and disables the functions of the RU300. Specifically, the function control unit 221 compares the functions of the DU200 and the RU300, and determines to enable the functions supported by both nodes. Also, the function control unit 221 determines to disable the functions of the RU300 that are not supported by the DU200. Then, the function control unit 221 instructs the RU300 to enable and disable functions.

[0035] When instructed by the CU100 to update the profile, the profile control unit 222 updates the profile of the DU200 according to the instruction.

[0036] Also, when the RU300, which is a lower - level node, newly connects, the profile control unit 222 acquires the profile information transmitted from the RU300 and determines whether the profile needs to be changed. Specifically, the profile control unit 222 compares the version of the profile of the DU200 with the version of the profile of the RU300. If the versions of the profiles of both nodes match, it is determined that the profile does not need to be changed. Also, the profile control unit 222 determines that the profile does not need to be changed if the version of the profile of the RU300 is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of the DU200.

[0037] On the one hand, when the version of the profile of RU300 is a version that does not guarantee backward compatibility with the profile of DU200, the profile control unit 222 determines that it is necessary to change the profile of RU300 or DU200. When it is determined that the profile needs to be changed, the profile control unit 222 instructs RU300 to update the profile, or updates the profile of DU200. Note that when the profile control unit 222 updates the profile of DU200, it also instructs other RU300s already connected to DU200 and CU100, which is the upper node, to update the profile as necessary. In addition, the profile control unit 222 may adjust the set values of the profiles of DU200 and RU300 for each test item as necessary.

[0038] When a test regarding the functions of the enabled DU200 is carried out, the test control unit 223 performs an operation test according to the instructions from CU100. In addition, after a test regarding the functions of DU200 is carried out, when the CU100 notifies that a function that has been confirmed to operate normally has been verified, the test control unit 223 stores in the memory 230 as verification completion information that the verification of the test items regarding this function has been completed.

[0039] When a new RU300, which is a lower node, connects, the test control unit 223 selects test items for verifying the functions enabled by the function control unit 221 and performs tests regarding the selected test items. Specifically, the test control unit 223 selects, from among the test items for verifying the functions enabled in RU300, the test items for which verification has not been completed, based on the verification completion information transmitted from RU300. At this time, even for test items for which verification has been completed, the test control unit 223 selects as test items to be implemented those test items that may be operated under conditions different from those during the tests already carried out.

[0040] After selecting the test items, the test control unit 223 conducts tests related to the selected test items when the profile control unit 222 ensures the compatibility of the profiles of the DU 200 and the RU 300. That is, for each selected test item, the test control unit 223 conducts necessary operation tests including signal transmission and reception between the DU 200 and the RU 300, and verifies whether the functions enabled in the RU 300 operate normally.

[0041] The memory 230 includes, for example, a RAM or a ROM, and stores information used for processing by the processor 220.

[0042] The lower IF unit 240 is an interface that connects to the RU 300 which is a lower node. The lower IF unit 240 is connected to the RU 300 through, for example, an interface of the M plane (Management Plane). When a new RU 300 which is a lower node is connected, the lower IF unit 240 receives function identification information indicating the functions implemented in the RU 300 from the RU 300. At this time, the lower IF unit 240 receives verification completion information indicating the test items for which verification of the RU 300 has already been completed and profile information indicating the version of the profile corresponding to the RU 300 together with the function identification information. Also, the lower IF unit 240 transmits various information to the RU 300 according to instructions from the processor 220.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the DU 200 and the RU 300 according to an embodiment. In Figure 3, the DU 200 is a higher node of the RU 300. Also, the RU 300 is a lower node of the DU 200 and has the same configuration as the RU 300a and 300b shown in Figure 1. Since the DU 200 shown in Figure 3 has the same configuration as that in Figure 2, its description is omitted.

[0044] The RU 300 shown in Figure 3 includes a higher IF unit 310, a processor 320, a memory 330, and a wireless communication unit 340.

[0045] The upper IF unit 310 is an interface that connects to the DU200 which is the upper node. The upper IF unit 310 is connected to the DU200, for example, by an interface of the M plane. And when the RU300 is newly connected to the DU200 which is the upper node, the upper IF unit 310 transmits function identification information indicating the functions implemented in the RU300 to the DU200. At this time, the upper IF unit 310 transmits verification completion information indicating the test items that have already been verified for the RU300 and profile information indicating the version of the profile corresponding to the RU300 together with the function identification information. Also, the upper IF unit 310 receives various information from the DU200.

[0046] The processor 320 includes, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or a DSP, etc., and overall controls the entire RU300. Specifically, the processor 320 has a function control unit 321.

[0047] When the RU300 is connected to the DU200 which is the upper node, the function control unit 321 reads out the function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information regarding the RU300 from the memory 330 and causes the upper IF unit 310 to transmit them to the DU200. Also, when the function to be enabled and disabled is instructed from the DU200, the function control unit 321 enables and disables the functions of the RU300 according to the instruction.

[0048] Also, when instructed by the DU200 to update the profile, the function control unit 321 updates the profile of the RU300 according to the instruction. Further, when a test regarding the function of the RU300 to be enabled is being carried out, the function control unit 321 conducts an operation test according to the instruction from the DU200. And after the test regarding the function of the RU300 has been carried out, when the DU200 notifies that the function that has been confirmed to operate normally, the function control unit 321 stores in the memory 330 that the verification of the test items regarding this function has been completed as verification completion information.

[0049] The memory 330 includes, for example, a RAM or a ROM, etc., and stores information used for the processing by the processor 320.

[0050] The wireless communication unit 340 performs wireless communication with the terminal device 400. That is, the wireless communication unit 340 wirelessly transmits the signal addressed to the terminal device 400 output from the processor 320 to the terminal device 400 via the antenna. Further, the wireless communication unit 340 wirelessly receives the signal transmitted from the terminal device 400 via the antenna, and outputs the received signal to the processor 320.

[0051] Next, a method for adding devices in the communication system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a method for adding a device when adding a DU200 below the CU100.

[0052] When the DU200, which is a lower node, is added, the DU200 is physically connected to the CU100 (step S101). Then, the function control unit 221 of the DU200 reads the function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information regarding the DU200 from the memory 230 and transmits them to the CU100 via the upper IF unit 210 (step S102). The function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information are received by the lower IF unit 110 of the CU100, which is an upper node.

[0053] Then, the function control unit 121 of the CU100 sets the activation and deactivation of the functions of the DU200 based on the function identification information of the DU200 (step S103). Specifically, the functions of the CU100 and the DU200 are compared, and it is determined to activate the functions supported by the CU100 among the functions supported by the DU200, while it is determined to deactivate the functions not supported by the CU100. The setting of the activation and deactivation of the functions of the DU200 is notified to the DU200 via the lower IF unit 110, and the function control unit 221 of the DU200 activates and deactivates the functions of the DU200, respectively.

[0054] Also, the test items to be implemented to verify the enabled functions are selected by the test control unit 123 of CU100 (step S104). Specifically, based on the verification completion information transmitted from DU200, the test items that have not been verified among the test items for verifying the functions enabled in DU200 are selected. At this time, even for the test items for which the verification has been completed, if there is a possibility that they will be operated under conditions different from those at the time of the implemented test, they are selected as the test items to be implemented.

[0055] Then, the necessity of profile change is determined based on the profile information by the profile control unit 122 of CU100 (step S105). Specifically, the version of the profile of CU100 is compared with the version of the profile of DU200. If the versions of the profiles of both nodes match, it is determined that the profile change is unnecessary. Also, if the version of the profile of DU200 is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of CU100, it is determined that the profile change is unnecessary.

[0056] On the other hand, if the version of the profile of DU200 is a version that does not guarantee backward compatibility with the profile of CU100, it is determined that it is necessary to change the profile of DU200 or CU100. When it is determined that the profile change is necessary, the profile control unit 122 instructs DU200 to update the profile, or the profile of CU100 is updated. Thereby, the compatibility of the profiles of CU100 and DU200 is guaranteed.

[0057] Note that in the profiles of CU100 and DU200 for which the compatibility is guaranteed, the respective setting values may be adjusted for each test item according to the conditions assumed during the actual operation of CU100 and DU200.

[0058] Then, the test control unit 123 conducts a test on the selected test items (step S106). That is, for each selected test item, an operation test including signal transmission and reception between the CU100 and the DU200 is conducted, and it is verified whether the functions enabled in the DU200 operate normally. When it is verified that the functions of the DU200 operate normally, it becomes possible to start a service using this function.

[0059] The test result of the functions of the DU200 is notified from the lower layer IF unit 110 to the DU200 (step S107). That is, a test result indicating whether the functions enabled in the DU200 operate normally is notified to the DU200. At this time, the settings of enabling and disabling the functions of the DU200 determined in step S103 may also be notified to the DU200 together with the test result.

[0060] Then, the test control unit 223 of the DU200 stores verification completion information indicating that the verification of the test items related to the functions operating normally has been completed in the memory 230 (step S108). At the same time, information such as the functions enabled in the DU200 and the versions of the profiles may be stored in the memory 230. After these pieces of information are stored, a service using the functions enabled and verified to operate normally in the DU200 may be automatically started.

[0061] In this way, when the DU200, which is a lower node, is physically connected to the CU100, which is an upper node, the function identification information of the DU200 is transmitted to the CU100, and the CU100 sets the enabling and disabling of the functions of the DU200 and conducts an operation test on the enabled functions. Therefore, when adding the DU200, the verification of the connection between the CU100 and the DU200 can be efficiently executed, and the cost of connecting the devices can be reduced.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a device addition method when adding an RU300 below the DU200.

[0063] When adding the lower node RU300, the RU300 is physically connected to the DU200 (step S201). Then, the function control unit 321 of the RU300 reads out the function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information regarding the RU300 from the memory 330 and transmits them to the DU200 via the upper IF unit 310 (step S202). The function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information are received by the lower IF unit 240 of the upper node DU200.

[0064] Then, the function control unit 221 of the DU200 sets the activation and deactivation of the functions of the RU300 based on the function identification information of the RU300 (step S203). Specifically, the functions of the DU200 and the RU300 are compared, and it is determined to activate the functions supported by the DU200 among the functions supported by the RU300, while it is determined to deactivate the functions not supported by the DU200. The setting of the activation and deactivation of the functions of the RU300 is notified to the RU300 via the lower IF unit 240, and the functions of the RU300 are respectively activated and deactivated by the function control unit 321 of the RU300.

[0065] Also, the test control unit 223 of the DU200 selects the test items to be implemented to verify the activated functions (step S204). Specifically, based on the verification completion information transmitted from the RU300, the test items that have not been verified among the test items for verifying the functions activated in the RU300 are selected. At this time, even for the test items that have been verified, the test items that may be operated under conditions different from those during the executed tests are selected as the test items to be implemented.

[0066] Then, the profile control unit 222 of the DU200 determines whether a profile change is necessary based on the profile information (step S205). Specifically, the version of the profile of the DU200 is compared with the version of the profile of the RU300. If the versions of the profiles of both nodes match, it is determined that a profile change is unnecessary. Also, if the version of the profile of the RU300 is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of the DU200, it is determined that a profile change is unnecessary.

[0067] On the other hand, if the version of the profile of the RU300 is a version that does not guarantee backward compatibility with the profile of the DU200, it is determined that a change to the profile of the RU300 or the DU200 is necessary. If it is determined that a profile change is necessary, the profile control unit 222 instructs the RU300 to update the profile, or the profile of the DU200 is updated. This ensures the compatibility of the profiles of the DU200 and the RU300.

[0068] Note that in the profiles of the DU200 and the RU300 for which compatibility is guaranteed, the respective set values may be adjusted for each test item according to the conditions assumed during the actual operation of the DU200 and the RU300.

[0069] Then, the test control unit 223 conducts a test on the selected test item (step S206). That is, for each selected test item, a necessary operation test including signal transmission and reception between the DU200 and the RU300 is conducted, and it is verified whether the functions enabled in the RU300 operate normally. When it is verified that the functions of the RU300 operate normally, it becomes possible to start a service using this function.

[0070] The test results of the functions of RU300 are notified from the lower IF unit 240 to RU300 (step S207). That is, the test results indicating whether the functions activated in RU300 operate normally are notified to RU300. At this time, the settings for activation and deactivation of the functions of RU300 determined in step S203 may be notified to RU300 together with the test results.

[0071] Then, the function control unit 321 of RU300 stores in the memory 330 verification completion information indicating that the verification of the test items related to the functions operating normally has been completed (step S208). At the same time, information such as the functions activated in RU300 and the versions of the profiles may be stored in the memory 330. After these pieces of information are stored, the service using the functions activated in RU300 and verified to operate normally in RU300 may be automatically started.

[0072] In this way, when RU300, which is a lower node, is physically connected to DU200, which is an upper node, the function identification information of RU300 is transmitted to DU200, and DU200 sets the activation and deactivation of the functions of RU300 and conducts an operation test on the functions to be activated. Therefore, when adding RU300, the verification of the connection between DU200 and RU300 can be efficiently executed, and the cost of connecting the devices can be reduced.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a lower node is added, the function identification information, verification completion information, and profile information related to the lower node are transmitted to the upper node, and the upper node determines the functions to be activated in the added lower node based on the function identification information. Then, the upper node selects the test items to be implemented for the functions to be activated based on the verification completion information, and when the compatibility of the profiles is guaranteed from the profile information, the upper node conducts the tests of the selected test items. Therefore, the verification of the connection between the upper node and the lower node can be efficiently executed, and the cost of connecting the devices can be reduced.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, all processes are assumed to be executed by the CU100 or DU200, which is the upper node, and the DU200 or RU300, which is the lower node. However, at least some of the processes may be executed by an external device connected to each node. For example, processes such as selection of test items, determination of necessity for profile change, control of profile update, and control of test execution may be executed by an external device connected to the CU100 or DU200, which is the upper node.

[0075] Also, in the above-described embodiment, at least some of the processing results executed by the CU100 or DU200, which is the upper node, and the DU200 or RU300, which is the lower node, may be notified to the maintainers of each device. That is, for example, it may be notified to the maintainers that it is determined that a profile change is necessary, or the results of the executed test may be notified to the maintainers. In this case, in response to an operation from the notified maintainer, profile update may be executed or a service may be started.

[0076] Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 1) A communication system having a first node and a second node connected to the lower level of the first node, wherein the second node when connected to the first node, has a transmission unit that transmits function identification information for identifying functions implemented in its own node, wherein the first node has a reception unit that receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node, and a processor connected to the reception unit, wherein the processor determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the second node based on the function identification information, and selects test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled A communication system characterized by executing processing.

[0078] (Appendix 2) The determining process is to compare the functions implemented in each of the first node and the second node, and determine to enable the functions supported by both nodes The communication system according to Appendix 1, characterized by the above.

[0079] (Appendix 3) The determining process is to determine to disable the functions implemented in the second node that are not supported by the first node The communication system according to Appendix 1, characterized by the above.

[0080] (Appendix 4) The receiving unit is to receive verification completion information indicating test items that have already been verified in the second node, The selecting process is to select, based on the verification completion information, the test items that have not been verified among the test items for verifying the functions determined to be enabled The communication system according to Appendix 1, characterized by the above.

[0081] (Appendix 5) The receiving unit is to receive profile information indicating the version of the profile of the second node, The processor is to determine, based on the profile information, whether it is necessary to change the profile of the first node or the second node The communication system according to Appendix 1, characterized by executing processing.

[0082] (Appendix 6) The determining process is to compare the versions of the profiles of the first node and the second node respectively, and determine that no profile change is required when the versions of the profiles of both nodes match The communication system according to Appendix 5, characterized by the above.

[0083] (Appendix 7) The determination process is When the version of the profile of the second node is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of the first node, it is determined that no profile change is necessary The communication system according to Appendix 5, characterized in that

[0084] (Appendix 8) The processor is When it is determined that a profile change is necessary, instruct the second node to update the profile The communication system according to Appendix 5, characterized in that the processor further executes a process

[0085] (Appendix 9) The processor is Execute the test of the selected test item The communication system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the processor further executes a process

[0086] (Appendix 10) The processor is Notify the first node of the result of the test The communication system according to Appendix 9, characterized in that the processor further executes a process

[0087] (Appendix 11) The processor is When a test result indicating that the function determined to be activated operates normally is obtained, start the service using the function The communication system according to Appendix 10, characterized in that the processor further executes a process

[0088] (Appendix 12) An interface unit communicably connected to a higher-level node, and A processor that controls the interface unit, and The processor is When the interface unit is connected to the higher-level node, cause the interface unit to transmit function identification information for identifying the functions implemented in the own device to the higher-level node A communication processing apparatus characterized by executing a process.

[0089] (Appendix 13) A receiving unit that receives function identification information for identifying functions implemented in a lower node, and a processor connected to the receiving unit, wherein the processor determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the lower node based on the function identification information, and selects test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled A communication processing apparatus characterized by executing a process.

[0090] (Appendix 14) A method for adding a device that connects a second node below a first node, wherein when the second node is connected to the first node, it transmits function identification information for identifying functions implemented in its own node, and the first node receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node, determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the second node based on the function identification information, and selects test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled A method for adding a device characterized by having a process.

Description of Signs

[0091] 110, 240 Lower IF unit 120, 220, 320 Processor 121, 221, 321 Function control unit 122, 222 Profile control unit 123, 223 Test control unit 130, 230, 330 Memory 210, 310 Upper IF unit 340 Wireless communication unit

Claims

1. A communication system having a first node and a second node connected below the first node, wherein the second node has a transmission unit that transmits function identification information for identifying functions implemented in its own node when connected to the first node, wherein the first node has a reception unit that receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node, and a processor connected to the reception unit, wherein the processor determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the second node based on the function identification information, and executes a process of selecting test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled, wherein the reception unit receives verification completion information indicating test items that have already been verified in the second node, wherein the selecting process selects, based on the verification completion information, test items that have not been verified among the test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled. A communication system characterized by this.

2. The determining process compares the functions implemented in each of the first node and the second node, and determines to enable functions supported by both nodes. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The determining process determines to disable functions implemented in the second node that are not supported by the first node. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The reception unit receives profile information indicating the version of the profile of the second node, wherein the processor executes a process of determining whether it is necessary to change the profile of the first node or the second node based on the profile information. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

5. The determining process compares the versions of the profiles of each of the first node and the second node, and determines that it is not necessary to change the profile when the versions of the profiles of both nodes match. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized by this.

6. The determining process determines that it is not necessary to change the profile when the version of the profile of the second node is a version that guarantees backward compatibility with the profile of the first node. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized by this.

7. An interface unit communicably connected to an upper node, and a processor that controls the interface unit, wherein the processor causes the interface unit to transmit function identification information for identifying functions implemented in the own device to the upper node when the interface unit is connected to the upper node, and executes a process of causing the interface unit to transmit verification completion information indicating test items that have already been verified in the own device to the upper node. A communication processing device characterized by that.

8. A receiving unit that receives function identification information for identifying functions implemented in a lower node and verification completion information indicating test items that have already been verified in the lower node, and a processor connected to the receiving unit, wherein the processor determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the lower node based on the function identification information, and executes a process of selecting, among test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled, test items for which verification has not been completed based on the verification completion information. A communication processing device characterized by that.

9. A method for adding a device that connects a second node below a first node, wherein when the second node is connected to the first node, transmits function identification information for identifying functions implemented in the own node, and the first node receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node, determines a function to be enabled or disabled among the functions implemented in the second node based on the function identification information, and has a process of selecting test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled, wherein the receiving process receives verification completion information indicating test items that have already been verified in the second node, and the selecting process selects, based on the verification completion information, test items for which verification has not been completed among test items for verifying the function determined to be enabled. A method for adding a device characterized by that.

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