Relay device, relay method, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a technique relating to enabling mobile communication systems to be operated at lower cost. This relay device comprises a processor and a storage unit, said processor being configured to achieve: a first communication unit that executes a program stored in the storage unit, thereby receiving, from a base station, uplink data associated with first identification information: a division / integration unit that determines to transmit the uplink data to that one of a plurality of mobile communication networks which is associated with the first identification information; a conversion unit that converts, on the basis of the first identification information, a first parameter, which is included in the uplink data received from the base station, to a second parameter; and a second communication unit that transmits the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device, a relay method, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which formulates standards for mobile communications, has defined and is operating communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G (5th Generation) (Non-Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 2). Mobile communication systems compliant with communication standards such as LTE and 5G use small-cell base stations, which have a smaller coverage area than a macro-cell base station, to improve coverage for terminal devices (User Equipment: UE). Small-cell base stations connect to terminal devices via access link (AC) communication paths. Small-cell base stations also connect to core networks operated by mobile network operators (MNOs) via wired or wireless backhaul link (BH) communication paths. Standards for sharing wireless communication paths among multiple mobile communication networks have also been proposed (Non-Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] http: / / www.3gpp.org / technologies / keywords-acronyms / 98-lte [Non-patent document 2] https: / / www.3gpp.org / news-events / 3gpp-news / 1987-imt2020_workshop [Non-patent document 3] http: / / www.3gpp.org / news-events / 3gpp-news / 1592-gush Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a mobile communication system such as that described in the above prior art document, a base station is associated with a specific mobile communication operator and is connected to a mobile communication network operated by this specific mobile communication operator.

[0005] However, in many countries, multiple mobile communication operators provide services, and each operator may install a base station, which may not be cost-effective.

[0006] The present invention provides a technique for enabling a mobile communication system to be operated at lower cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A relay device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a relay device including a processor and a memory unit, wherein the processor is configured to execute a program stored in the memory unit to realize a first communication unit that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from a base station, a splitting and integration unit that determines to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks, a conversion unit that converts a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the base station into a second parameter based on the first identification information, and a second communication unit that transmits the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information.

[0008] A relay method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a relay method implemented by a computer having a processor and a memory unit, and includes the processor executing a program stored in the memory unit to receive uplink data associated with first identification information from a base station, determine to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks, convert a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the base station to a second parameter based on the first identification information, and transmit the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information.

[0009] A storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention stores a computer program for executing a relay method implemented by a computer having a processor and a memory unit, the computer program including: receiving uplink data associated with first identification information from a base station by executing a program stored in the memory unit; determining to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks; converting a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the base station into a second parameter based on the first identification information; and transmitting the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for enabling a mobile communication system to be operated at lower cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining parameters according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining parameters according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining parameters according to an embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining parameters according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data division operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data integration operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration pattern of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration pattern of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration pattern of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration pattern of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6E] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration pattern of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples and do not exclude various modifications not expressly stated. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> This first embodiment relates to a basic form of a mobile communication system that can simultaneously connect to mobile communication networks (MN) operated by different mobile network operators (MNOs). In the following description, different mobile communication operators are identified by lowercase letters. For example, device XY, which is a system or configuration associated with mobile communication operator a, will be written as device XYa with the lowercase letter a.

[0014] (whole system) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mobile communication system according to the first embodiment. Although part of the configuration of the mobile communication system shown in Fig. 1 is shown in accordance with the architecture of the LTE standard, the mobile communication systems in this embodiment and other embodiments may be configured in accordance with the 5G standard or other communication standards. As shown in Fig. 1, the mobile communication system 100 is configured to include terminal devices 10a and 10b, a relay device 20, and mobile communication networks MNa and MNb.

[0015] The terminal devices 10a and 10b are mobile communication terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones, and are also referred to as UE (User Equipment) in the drawings. Hereinafter, when there is no need to associate them with mobile communication carriers, they will be simply referred to as "terminal devices 10."

[0016] Mobile communication network MNa is a base system operated by mobile communication operator a, and mobile communication network MNb is a base system operated by mobile communication operator b. For simplicity, Fig. 1 illustrates a case where only mobile communication network MNa managed by mobile communication operator a and mobile communication network MNb managed by mobile communication operator b are connected. However, mobile communication networks managed by other mobile communication operators may also be connected.

[0017] For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed below that the mobile communication networks MNa and MNb have the same configuration. Furthermore, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the mobile communication networks, the numerical symbols will be written without lowercase letters.

[0018] (Mobile communication network) The mobile communication network MN includes a core network 40. The core network 40 is connected to a base station 30 via a relay device 20, and is also connected to an external network .

[0019] The core network 40 is also called EPC (Evolved Packet Core) in particular in the LTE standard, and is also called 5GC (5th Generation Core network) in the 5G standard.

[0020] The core network 40 is a network that mainly controls the base stations 30 and manages the establishment and release of backhaul communication paths BH.

[0021] Specifically, the core network 40 includes a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 401, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 402, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 403, a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 404, and a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server 405.

[0022] The HSS 401 is a server that manages subscriber information of users who use the terminal device 10. The MME 402 is a node that performs mobility management such as location management and paging of the terminal device 10. The SGW 403 is a node that transmits user packet data. The PGW 404 is a node that has an interface with the external network 70. The DHCP server 405 is a server that assigns IP addresses to the terminal device 10 that is directly connected to the base station 30 and the backhaul communication unit 26 of the relay device 20. Note that, instead of using the DHCP server 405 to assign IP addresses, the PGW 404 may also have that function.

[0023] The base station 30 establishes a backhaul communication path with the terminal device and the relay device via a wireless bearer or a wired path. In particular, in the LTE and 5G standards, a base station is sometimes referred to as an eNB. Each base station 30 operates to form a radio access network (RAN). The base station 30 is configured to establish a backhaul communication path BH with the relay device 20, and also to establish a direct access communication path AC with the terminal device 10.

[0024] Furthermore, the base station 30 is shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks MN (for example, mobile communication network MNa and mobile communication network MNb). Therefore, for example, communication between the terminal device 10a and the mobile communication network MNa is performed via the base station 30, and communication between the terminal device 10b and the mobile communication network MNb is performed via the base station 30. That is, the base station 30 can be connected to the terminal device 10a associated with the mobile communication operator a and the terminal device 10b associated with the mobile communication operator b.

[0025] The external network 70 is a broadband network connected via an IP transmission device (router or the like) not shown, and is typically the Internet.

[0026] The above configuration of the mobile communication network MN is an example and is not limited to this.

[0027] (Relay device) 1, the relay device 20 is a relay device that relays communications between a base station 30 and a mobile communication network MN, and includes an access communication unit 22, a segmentation and aggregation unit 24, a conversion unit 28, and a backhaul communication unit 26. In the drawing, the relay device 20 is also referred to as an NHE (Neutral Host Entity).

[0028] With the above-described components, the relay device 20 of this embodiment is configured to be able to implement a relay method including the following processes for relaying communications between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN. The following processes are implemented, for example, by the processor of the relay device 20 executing a program stored in the storage unit.

[0029] (A1) Uplink data associated with the first identification information is received from the base station 30 (access communication unit 22). (B2) It is determined that the uplink data should be transmitted to the mobile communication network MN associated with the first identification information among the plurality of mobile communication networks MN (the division and integration unit 24). (A3) Based on the first identification information, the first parameter included in the uplink data received from the base station 30 is converted into a second parameter (conversion unit 28). (A4) The uplink data including the second parameter is transmitted to the mobile communication network MN associated with the first identification information (backhaul communication unit 26).

[0030] As described above, according to this embodiment, the relay device 20 receives uplink data associated with the first identification information from the base station 30 and determines to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network MN associated with the first identification information among multiple mobile communication networks MN. That is, the relay device 20 can perform routing (control the communication path) based on the first identification information in communication from the base station 30 to the mobile communication network MN. As a result, in the mobile communication system, one base station 30 can be shared by multiple mobile communication networks MN. This sharing allows the mobile communication system to be operated at lower cost than when a different base station 30 is provided for each mobile communication network MN.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the relay device 20 converts a first parameter included in uplink data received from the base station 30 into a second parameter based on first identification information associated with the uplink data received from the base station 30. As a result, for example, the relay device 20 can convert a first parameter that is uniquely identifiable in data transmitted and received by the base station 30 (i.e., in multiple mobile communication networks MN) into a second parameter that is uniquely identifiable in a specific mobile communication network MN. As a result, for example, in communication between the terminal device 10 and the base station 30, a parameter (first parameter) that is unique in multiple mobile communication networks MN is used, but the mobile communication operator a that operates the mobile communication network MNa can use a parameter (second parameter) set by the mobile communication operator a in the mobile communication network MNa without being aware of parameters used in other mobile communication networks MNb.

[0032] Furthermore, the relay device 20 of this embodiment is configured to be able to implement a relay method including the following processes for relaying communication between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN.

[0033] (B1) Receive downlink data from a plurality of mobile communication networks MN (backhaul communication unit 26). (B2) The second parameter included in the downlink data is converted into the first parameter (conversion unit 28). (B3) The downlink data received from the plurality of mobile communication networks is integrated (division and integration unit 24). (B4) The downlink data that includes the first parameter and that has been integrated is output to the base station 30 (access communication unit 22).

[0034] The components that execute the above processes will be specifically described below. The access communication unit 22 is a communication device for performing communication such as sending and receiving (or input / output, hereinafter the same) data (or messages, hereinafter the same) with one or more base stations 30. Communication between the access communication unit 22 and the base station 30 may be wireless communication or wired communication. In the drawings, the access communication unit 22 is represented as an ACU (Access Communication Unit).

[0035] The access communication unit 22 is configured to output uplink data received from the base station 30 as a block of packet data, a control signal, a message, or the like. In the following description, the block of packet data, the control signal, or the message can be interchangeable. For example, the block of packet data can be interchangeable with the control signal or the message.

[0036] The access communication unit 22 is also configured to transmit blocks of packet data, which are downlink data provided by the segmentation and aggregation unit 24, to the base station 30. Both the uplink data received by the access communication unit 22 and the downlink data transmitted by the access communication unit 22 are composed of multiple blocks of packet data. Each block of packet data is assigned an identification information ID for identifying a mobile communications carrier. The identification information ID makes it possible to identify the mobile communications carrier corresponding to each block of packet data.

[0037] The identification information ID is unique information that identifies a mobile communications carrier, and can be, for example, a public land mobile network (PLMN) number. The PLMN number is composed of a three-digit mobile country code (MCC) and a two- or three-digit network number (MNC) that identifies the carrier. However, the identification information ID may be assigned in a system other than the PLMN number. For simplicity, the identification information of mobile communications carrier a will be referred to as IDa below.

[0038] The backhaul communication unit 26 establishes a wired or wireless backhaul communication channel BH associated with a specific identification information ID between the mobile communication network MN associated with the specific identification information. When the backhaul communication channel BH is wired, each backhaul communication channel BH may be separated by an IP address in a wired cable, or multiple wired cables may be physically separated into each backhaul communication channel BH. In FIG. 1 , the backhaul communication unit 26 establishes a backhaul communication channel BHa between the mobile communication network MNa associated with identification information IDa that identifies mobile communication operator a. The backhaul communication unit 26 also establishes a backhaul communication channel BHb between the mobile communication network MNb associated with identification information IDb that identifies mobile communication operator b.

[0039] When communication between the backhaul communication unit 26 and the mobile communication network MN is wireless, the uplink data and downlink data transmitted and received via the backhaul communication path BH are radio waves modulated with carrier waves in the frequency band specified by the corresponding mobile communication network MN. In the drawings, the backhaul communication unit 26 is referred to as a BCU (Backhaul Communication Unit).

[0040] The backhaul communication channel BH formed by the backhaul communication unit 26 may be a path for transmitting packet data via an antenna. The packet data may be modulated with a carrier wave in a predetermined frequency band in accordance with a predetermined modulation method in accordance with a communication standard.

[0041] A connection destination restriction means may be provided for the backhaul communication unit 26. The connection destination restriction means has a function of permitting connection only to specific mobile communication carriers and prohibiting connection to other mobile communication carriers. A typical example of such a restriction means is a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module).

[0042] Each SIM is assigned identification information IDx for identifying a specific mobile communications carrier x. The SIM can connect only to a mobile communications network MNx operated by the mobile communications carrier x identified by the identification information IDx assigned to it, and connection to a mobile communications network MNy operated by another mobile communications carrier y is restricted. In this embodiment, the SIM provided in the backhaul communication unit 26 controls connection to the mobile communications networks MNa and MNb. The SIM may be configured in the form of a SIM card, which is hardware, that is detachable from each backhaul communication unit 26, or may be configured as an eSIM (embedded SIM), which is software, and configured to have arbitrary identification information IDx set therein.

[0043] SIM cards are provided in various formats, such as standard SIM, micro SIM, and nano SIM. By replacing a SIM card with one assigned a different identification information ID, it is possible to change the connection destination to a different mobile communication network MN.

[0044] When an eSIM is applied, for example, it is inserted into a card reader of the backhaul communication unit 26 as a rewritable memory card. It is configured so that identification information ID can be downloaded from a remote location to the memory card of the corresponding backhaul communication unit 26. For example, identification information IDa is downloaded to the memory card of the backhaul communication unit 26. This operation sets the backhaul communication unit 26 to connect to the mobile communication network MNa. With an eSIM, even if specific identification information IDx is downloaded to the memory card once and the memory card is set to connect to the mobile communication network MNx, it is possible to later download other identification information IDy to rewrite the information and change the memory card to connect to a different mobile communication network MN.

[0045] The splitting and combining unit (SCU) 24 determines a mobile communication network MN to which the access communication unit 22 is to transmit the uplink data received from the base station 30. In detail, the splitting and combining unit 24 first identifies a specific identification information ID that is associated with or included in the uplink data received from the base station 30 by the access communication unit 22. The splitting and combining unit 24 determines to transmit the data to a specific mobile communication network MN that is associated with the identified identification information ID among multiple mobile communication networks MN.

[0046] Information indicating the correspondence between the identification information ID and the mobile communication network MN is stored, for example, in a storage unit of the relay device 20. The division / integration unit 24 may refer to the information indicating the correspondence stored in the storage unit to determine the destination mobile communication network MN.

[0047] Furthermore, the division and integration unit 24 integrates downlink data received by the backhaul communication unit 26 from multiple mobile communication networks MN. The integration of downlink data is performed in a manner that allows the data before integration to be identified. Furthermore, the integration of downlink data may be performed in the order in which the mobile communication network MN receives the data, or may be performed according to other rules.

[0048] The division and integration unit 24 is functionally realized by, for example, operating predetermined hardware with software.

[0049] The converter (CVT) 28 converts a first parameter included in the uplink data received by the access communication unit 22 from the base station 30 into a second parameter (hereinafter also referred to as first conversion) based on identification information ID associated with the uplink data. The first parameter is, for example, a parameter that can be uniquely identified within a plurality of mobile communication networks MN or globally. The second parameter is a parameter that can be uniquely identified within a specific mobile communication network MN (for example, a mobile communication network MN in which the second parameter is used) among a plurality of mobile communication networks MN.

[0050] Furthermore, the conversion unit 28 converts the second parameter included in the downlink data received by the backhaul communication unit 26 from the mobile communication network MN into the first parameter (hereinafter also referred to as second conversion).

[0051] The above-mentioned parameter conversion process by the converter 28 is performed by, for example, referring to information (e.g., a conversion table) indicating the correspondence between the first parameter and the second parameter. The information indicating the correspondence between the first parameter and the second parameter is set for each mobile communication network MN. Therefore, for example, it is assumed that the mobile communication network MNa is associated with first identification information a, and the first identification information a is associated with conversion table a. In this case, with respect to the parameters transmitted to the mobile communication network MNa, the converter 28 converts the first parameter into the second parameter based on the conversion table a associated with the first identification information a. The information indicating the correspondence may be stored in a storage unit of the relay device 20 or may be acquired from an external device of the relay device 20. The information indicating the correspondence relationship may include, for example, information associating a parameter (first parameter) that can uniquely identify the base station 30 in a plurality of mobile communication networks MN with a parameter (second parameter) that can uniquely identify the base station 30 in a specific mobile communication network MN (e.g., mobile communication network MNa) when the first parameter and the second parameter are identification information of the base station 30. That is, the first parameter and the second parameter include identification information of the base station.

[0052] 2A to 2C, PLMN-ID, TAI (Tracking Area Identifier), and E-CGI (EUTRAN-Cell Global Identifier) ​​will be described as examples of parameters included in uplink data and downlink data in the mobile communication system 100. As shown in FIG. 2A, the PLMN-ID is formed by concatenating the MNC and MCC. The PLMN-ID is information for identifying a mobile communication network MN. In this embodiment, the PLMN-ID (or PLMN number) is also simply referred to as PLMN.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2B, the TAI is composed of a combination of the MNC, MCC, and TAC (Tracking Area Code).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2C, the E-CGI is composed of a concatenation of the MCC, MNC, ENB-ID, and CELL-ID.

[0055] The relationship of the E-CGI will be explained with reference to Figure 2D. The mobile communication networks MN, base stations, and cells of a mobile communication operator (MNO) and a mobile communication operator MNO2 are conceptually shown. Figure 2D also shows the PLMN of each mobile communication network MN of each mobile communication operator (MNO1 and MNO2), the ENB-ID of each base station, and the CELL-ID of each cell. The E-CGI is configured by concatenating the PLMN (MCC+MNC), ENB-ID, and CELL-ID.

[0056] As can be seen from the CELL-ID shown in FIG. 2D, there are multiple cells with a CELL-ID of "1." That is, even if a CELL-ID is unique within the same base station, it may not be unique within the same mobile communication network MN or within a network operated by another mobile communication network MN. Similarly, even if an ENB-ID is unique within the same mobile communication network MN, it may not be unique within another mobile communication network MN. In such a situation, when the base station 30 in this embodiment is shared by multiple mobile communication networks MN, the values ​​of CELL-ID, etc. set by each mobile communication carrier, etc., may not be unique. For example, CELL-IDs for referencing different cells may have the same value, or ENB-IDs for referencing base stations may have the same value. Furthermore, due to restrictions imposed by each mobile communication carrier, CELL-ID, etc., may become values ​​that cannot be used by each mobile communication carrier. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned first and second conversions are performed to avoid such problems.

[0057] For example, when the E-CGI is "440-00-0001-1" (first parameter), the conversion unit 28 may convert the E-CGI to "441-10-0002-1" (second parameter) through a first conversion. Furthermore, the conversion unit 28 may convert the E-CGI from "441-10-0002-1" (second parameter) to "440-00-0001-1" (first parameter) through a second conversion. Similarly, the conversion unit 28 may also perform the first and second conversions on, for example, the PLMN, TAI, EAI (Emergency Area Identifier), and the like. The first and second parameters converted by the conversion unit 28 do not necessarily correspond to the entire E-CGI, but may correspond individually to, for example, the MCC, MNC, ENB-ID, and CELL-ID.

[0058] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 1, in the relay device 20, the processing by the division and integration unit 24 and the processing by the conversion unit 28 may be performed in any order. That is, in communications from the base station 30 to the mobile communication network MN, the conversion processing by the conversion unit 28 may be performed after the determination of the transmission destination by the division and integration unit 24, or the determination of the transmission destination by the division and integration unit 24 may be performed after the conversion processing by the conversion unit 28. Also, in communications from the mobile communication network MN to the base station 30, the conversion processing by the conversion unit 28 may be performed before the integration processing by the division and integration unit 24, or the conversion processing by the conversion unit 28 may be performed after the integration processing by the division and integration unit 24.

[0059] 1, the relay device 20 is provided in a network between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN, but is not limited to such a configuration. The relay device 20 may be provided in the base station 30, for example.

[0060] The access communication unit 22, the splitting and integration unit 24, the conversion unit 28, and the backhaul communication unit 26 may be realized primarily using hardware, or may be realized through the cooperation of software, a processor, and other hardware by a processor executing a computer program.

[0061] 3 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a computer for realizing the relay device 20 or at least a part of the access communication unit 22, the division / integration unit 24, the conversion unit 28, and the backhaul communication unit 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 300 includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 204, and an input / output (I / O) unit 206.

[0062] The control unit 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201 and a memory 202, and the functions of the relay device 20 are realized by the CPU 201 executing a computer program stored in the memory 202.

[0063] The input / output unit 206 is configured to transmit and receive data to and from an external device, and is, for example, a communication unit.

[0064] The storage unit 204 stores various types of data, such as data input by the input / output unit 206, data to be output by the input / output unit 206, and data resulting from processing by the control unit 200. The storage unit 204 is configured, for example, from a magnetic disk or a semiconductor. The data stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, uplink data and downlink data.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4A, an example of the uplink data division operation (communication path control) performed by the segmentation / integration unit 24 of the relay device 20 will be described. FIG. 4A illustrates a case in which aggregated data CD, which is formed by concatenating packet data blocks ACb, ACa, and ACc transmitted in this order from the terminal devices 10b, 10a, and 10c, is segmented and supplied to a selected backhaul communication channel BH. The packet data blocks from each terminal device 10 are assigned identification information IDb, IDa, and IDc that identify the corresponding mobile communications carrier. The segmentation / integration unit 24 writes the packet data blocks to the storage unit 204 (see FIG. 3), for example, in the order in which they arrive. Then, the segmentation / integration unit 24 reads the packet data blocks in the order in which they were written, using the function of the storage unit 204. The read packet data blocks are supplied by the backhaul communication unit 26 as divided data SDx sorted for each mobile communications carrier x according to the identification information IDx. The supplied divided data SDx is transmitted to the corresponding mobile communications network MNx via the backhaul communication channel BHx.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4B, the downlink data integration operation by the segmentation and integration unit 24 will be described. FIG. 4B illustrates a case where packet data blocks are supplied to the backhaul communication unit 26 from mobile communication networks MNa, MNc, and MNb in this order via their respective backhaul communication paths BHa, BHc, and BHb. Each packet data block is assigned identification information IDa, IDc, and IDb that identifies the corresponding mobile communication carrier. Each backhaul communication unit 26 outputs the packet data blocks in the order of arrival. The segmentation and integration unit 24 writes the packet data blocks to the storage unit 204 in the order of output. Then, using the function of the storage unit 204, the segmentation and integration unit 24 reads the packet data blocks in the order they were written and outputs them to the access communication unit 22 as integrated data CD. The access communication unit 22 sequentially transmits the packet data blocks in a common frequency band. Each terminal device 10a, 10c, 10b can refer to all packet data provided in the same frequency band, but uses identification information IDx to identify and receive only blocks of packet data directed to mobile communication operator x with which it has a contract.

[0067] (Explanation of the processing flow) 5, an example of the initial operation process in the mobile communication system 100 will be described. The initial operation is executed after the relay device 20 is powered on and the establishment of a backhaul communication path is completed.

[0068] In step ST11, the base station 30 transmits a setup request S1SetupRequest for establishing an S1 link between the MME 402 of the core network 40a and the MME 402 of the core network 40b to the relay device 20. The S1SetupRequest includes, as parameters, for example, the PLMNs of mobile communication operators a and b.

[0069] The relay device 20 determines the destination of the received S1SetupRequest using the splitting and integrating unit 24, and determines whether or not to convert the parameters included in the S1SetupRequest using the conversion unit 28. This determination is made, for example, by the method described above. Assume that the relay device 20 determines that the destination is the MME 402 in the core network 40a and the MME 402 in the core network 40b, and determines not to convert the parameters for the core network 40a but to convert the parameters for the core network 40b. In this case, first, in step ST12, the relay device 20 transmits the S1SetupRequest to the MME 402 in the core network 40a without converting the parameters.

[0070] Next, in step ST13, in response to receiving the S1SetupRequest, the MME 402 in the core network 40a transmits an S1SetupResponse to the relay device 20. The S1SetupResponse includes, as a parameter, for example, a GUMMEI (Globally Unique MME Identifier) ​​of the MME 402 in the core network 40a.

[0071] Next, in step ST14, the relay device 20 transmits an S1SetupResponse to the base station 30 in response to receiving the S1SetupResponse.

[0072] Next, in step ST15, the relay device 20 converts the parameters included in the S1SetupRequest in order to transmit the S1SetupRequest to the MME 402 of the core network 40b. The conversion is from the first parameters to the second parameters. For example, the relay device 20 converts the value of the TAI included in the S1SetupRequest (first parameter) into a predetermined value (second parameter) desired by the mobile communication operator b.

[0073] Next, in step ST16, the relay device 20 transmits an S1SetupRequest including the parameters converted in step ST16 to the MME 402 in the core network 40b.

[0074] Next, in step ST17, the MME 402 in the core network 40b transmits an S1SetupResponse to the relay device 20. The S1SetupResponse includes, as parameters, for example, a Globally Unique MME Identity (GUMMEI), PLMN, eNB-ID, and Tracking Area Code (TAC) of the MME 402 in the core network 40b.

[0075] Next, in step ST18, the relay device 20 converts (into first parameters) predetermined parameters included in the S1SetupResponse received in step ST17. For example, the relay device 20 converts the TAI into the parameters before conversion in step ST15.

[0076] Next, in step ST19, the relay device 20 transmits an MMEConfigurationUpdate to the base station 30. In step ST20, in response to receiving the MMEConfigurationUpdate, the base station 30 transmits an MMEConfigurationUpdateAcknowledge to the relay device 20 as a reception confirmation.

[0077] Through the above processing, an S1 link is established between the base station 30 and the MME 402 in the core network 40a and the MME 402 in the core network 40b.

[0078] 5, an example of the processing of determining the division or transmission destination and converting parameters performed by the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 of the relay device 20 in the initial setting of the S1 link has been described, but the implementation of this processing is not limited to the initial setting of the S1 link. For example, the processing by the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 may be performed in handover, in the initial setting of the X2 link, and in the initial setting of the NG and Xn interfaces in 5G. For example, in the handover processing, the conversion unit 28 may perform the first and second conversion processing described above on parameters included in a handover request, a receipt confirmation of the handover request, etc.

[0079] The parameters converted by the conversion unit 28 include parameters that need to be uniquely identified within each mobile communication network MN, such as E-CGI, TAC, EAI, etc. The parameters converted by the conversion unit 28 further include parameters that need to be uniquely identified within each mobile communication network MN and are associated with a cell.

[0080] Even if a parameter is associated with a cell, such as PCI (Physical Cell Identifier) ​​and CELL-ID, it does not have to be uniquely identified within each mobile communication network MN, and the parameter may or may not be converted by the conversion unit 28.

[0081] The conversion unit 28 may not convert parameters such as identification information related to the terminal device 10, RF (Radio Frequency) information left by the terminal device 10, and information related to the operations of the terminal device 10 and the base station 30.

[0082] (Explanation of configuration pattern) 6A to 6E, configuration (placement) patterns of the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 in the mobile communication system 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 of the relay device 20 are placed between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN has been described, but the placement of the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 is not limited to this. Several patterns regarding the placement of the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 will be described.

[0083] Fig. 6A shows the configuration pattern described above in this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 6A, the segmentation / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are arranged in a network between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN. The segmentation / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are realized, for example, by the relay device 20 described above. In the configuration shown in Fig. 6A, in communication from the base station 30 to the mobile communication network MN, processing by the segmentation / integration unit 24 is performed after processing by the conversion unit 28. In communication from the mobile communication network MN to the base station 30, processing by the segmentation / integration unit 24 is performed after processing by the conversion unit 28.

[0084] In Figures 6B to 6E described below, of the splitting and integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28, the configuration located on the left side performs processing first in communication from the base station 30 to the mobile communication network MN, and the configuration located on the right side performs processing first in communication from the mobile communication network MN to the base station 30.

[0085] 6B, the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are arranged in a network between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN. The division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are realized, for example, by the above-mentioned relay device 20. The division / integration unit 24 is arranged on the left side of the conversion unit 28. Two conversion units 28 are provided, each corresponding to one of the two mobile communication networks MN.

[0086] In the example shown in Fig. 6C, the conversion unit 28 is provided in the base station 30, and the segmentation / integration unit 24 is arranged in a network between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN. The conversion unit 28 is realized by a device provided in the base station 30. The device is, for example, a computer equipped with a processor, such as a device having a configuration similar to that of the relay device 20. The same applies to the device provided in the base station 30 described below. The segmentation / integration unit 24 is realized by, for example, the above-mentioned relay device 20.

[0087] 6D, the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are provided in the base station 30. The division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are realized by devices provided in the base station 30. The conversion unit 28 is arranged on the left side, and the division / integration unit 24 is arranged on the right side.

[0088] 6E, the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are provided in the base station 30. The division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are realized by devices provided in the base station 30. The division / integration unit 24 is disposed on the left side of the conversion unit 28. Two conversion units 28 are provided, each corresponding to one of the two mobile communication networks MN.

[0089] The advantages of the configurations shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E regarding the mobile communication system 100 will be described below.

[0090] Unification of the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E) 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E have the same configuration, that is, the segmentation / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 are provided in the base station 30 or the relay device 20. As a result, the network load or communication line congestion does not occur when transmitting and receiving data between the segmentation / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28. As a result, the communication speed and communication volume of user content can be increased. In particular, since 5G requires communication with even lower latency than LTE, it is preferable to minimize communication using backhaul lines, which are a cause of delay. Therefore, the configurations shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E are effective in terms of increasing the communication volume and reducing communication latency.

[0091] Centralization on the network side (Figures 6A and 6B) Compared to disposing the division / integration unit 24 and the conversion unit 28 in the base station 30, disposing them on the network side, i.e., in the network between the base station 30 and the mobile communication network MN, may make system synchronization easier. For example, there are cases where different base stations 30 are used for LTE standard communication and 5G standard communication. In such cases, achieving synchronization in the mobile communication system 100 according to this embodiment may become complicated.

[0092] Furthermore, it is expected that the power required for base stations in 5G will be three to four times that of LTE, and nine times greater overall, so further power savings are required. By arranging the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 on the network side, it is possible to reduce the functions of the base station 30 and reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since multiple base stations 30 are connected to the relay device 20 installed on the network side, centralization on the network side eliminates the need to arrange the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 in each of the multiple base stations 30, and as a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption throughout the mobile communication system 100.

[0093] It is said that 5G will require three to four times the number of base stations to secure the same coverage area as 4G. Increasing the number of base stations poses challenges such as securing space for installation and relaxing installation conditions to build the desired coverage area, which requires miniaturizing base stations. By arranging the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 on the network side, the requirements for the base station 30 can be reduced, enabling miniaturization.

[0094] In order to continuously operate the base station 30 for users, it is necessary to reduce the time required to respond to failures and the amount of maintenance work required. Generally, there is a limit to the size of a base station, so it is difficult to ensure hardware redundancy of functions on the base station side. However, by placing this function on the network side, hardware redundancy can be ensured.

[0095] Furthermore, if the base station 30 has the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28, it will be impossible to isolate the cause of a transmission line interruption, and the duration of the interruption will be extended. For example, the number of items to be addressed at the base station 30, which requires man-hours to respond to the interruption, will increase. By placing them on the network side, the operation time can be extended and maintenance man-hours can be reduced.

[0096] Generally, base stations and networks require periodic work for maintenance or updates. Therefore, as the number of base stations increases, the standardization and reduction of work becomes even more important. If the division and integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 are placed on the network side, there is no need to add functions to the base station 30 side, so it becomes possible to use the standardized base station 30 or the customer's (MNO) existing facilities and maintenance operation system as is, leading to the standardization and reduction of work. Furthermore, updates may be limited to the hardware, so replacement work may be required. If the division and integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 are placed on the base station 30, the work of making the hardware compatible with the latest functions becomes enormous. Therefore, by placing them on the network side, the amount of work can be dramatically reduced.

[0097] Functions required for 5G include simultaneous processing capabilities and low latency, which are realized by MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) and edge computing. Generally, the hardware scale of a base station is limited in order to perform practical station placement, and it is necessary to select the functions to be realized in the base station. Therefore, if the segmentation and integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 are placed in the base station 30, which has a limited processing capacity, the resources available for 5G and the number of simultaneous connections will be reduced. By placing the segmentation and integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 on the network side, the processing speed and number of simultaneous connections of the base station 30 will increase, and the communication volume / speed per unit of time will increase.

[0098] - Centralization at the base station side (Figure 6D, Figure 6E) 5G NSA (Non Stand Alone) services utilize existing LTE networks, so it is assumed that existing facilities are in operation. However, in order to deploy 5G, it is difficult to actively add functions to older-generation LTE and allocate operational resources. By arranging the division / integration unit 24 and conversion unit 28 in the base station 30, no additional functions need to be added to the network side to implement the mobile communication system 100 according to this embodiment. This makes it possible to continue using standard products, existing customer (MNO) networks, and maintenance and operation systems as they are, thereby facilitating the deployment of 5G.

[0099] The segmentation and integration unit 24 is arranged on the network side (FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C). The functions required for 5G include simultaneous processing capabilities and low latency, which are realized by MEC, edge computing, etc. Generally, the hardware scale of a base station is limited in order to allow for practical deployment, and it is necessary to select the functions to be realized in the base station. If a segmentation / integration unit 24 is installed in the base station 30, multiple IP-SEC (Security Architecture for IP) must be configured for each traffic segmented by the segmentation / integration unit 24. Since the termination of IP-SEC has a significant impact on delay, delay can be reduced by transmitting IP-SEC in an aggregated state at the base station 30 (i.e., without segmentation), and having the segmentation / integration unit 24 perform the segmentation process on the network side. This increases the processing speed and the number of simultaneous connections, and increases the communication volume / speed per unit of time.

[0100] <Embodiment 2> The present embodiment 2 relates to a modified example of the relay device described in the embodiment 1. In the present embodiment 2, the relay device 20 includes a plurality of emulators, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of mobile communication networks MN. The emulators are configured to function as virtual base stations that exclusively communicate with the mobile communication network MN (e.g., the mobile communication network MNa) associated with the emulator.

[0101] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mobile communication system 100 according to a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the relay device 20 according to the second embodiment includes emulators 29a and 29b in addition to the configuration of the relay device 20 according to the first embodiment. The emulators 29a and 29b may be provided as part of the configuration of the backhaul communication unit 26. In the following description, when the emulators 29a and 29b are not distinguished from each other and are collectively referred to as emulators 29, they will be referred to as emulators 29. Other configurations of the mobile communication system 100 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the mobile communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] Each of the emulators 29a and 29b establishes a backhaul communication channel BH associated with a specific identification information ID between the emulators 29a and 29b and a mobile communication network MN associated with a specific identification information ID. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the emulator 29a establishes a backhaul communication channel BHa between the emulators 29a and 29b and a mobile communication network MNa associated with an identification information IDa that identifies a mobile communication operator a. The emulator 29a functions as a virtual base station dedicated to the mobile communication operator a or the mobile communication network MNa, and is not shared with other mobile communication operators. A one-to-one correspondence is provided between the base station 30 and the emulator 29a. Therefore, if the mobile communication system 100 includes two base stations 30, two emulators 29a are provided.

[0103] Furthermore, the emulator 29b establishes a backhaul communication path BHb with a mobile communication network MNb associated with identification information IDb that identifies the mobile communication operator b. The emulator 29b is not shared with other mobile communication operators, but functions as a virtual base station dedicated to the mobile communication operator b or the mobile communication network MNb. The base station 30 and the emulator 29b are provided in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0104] A mobile communication operator can set the emulator 29 as a communication endpoint like its own base station. For example, each of the multiple emulators 29 is assigned a different address (for example, IP address) to be used for communication.

[0105] The emulator 29 is configured so that the functions of the emulator 29 are realized by the control unit of the relay device 20 executing a computer program. However, the emulator 29 may also be configured mainly using hardware.

[0106] Generally, the maintenance and operation methods for base stations are determined for each mobile communications carrier, and the introduction of new mechanisms must be avoided from the perspective of adjustment man-hours and accident prevention. In contrast, according to this embodiment, it is possible to emulate a virtual base station associated with each mobile communications carrier. As a result, mobile communications carriers can use base station 30 as if it were their own base station, eliminating or reducing the need for maintenance and operation adjustments. As a result, it is possible to dramatically reduce adjustments, operation man-hours, and the possibility of accidents due to the introduction of a new system.

[0107] <Embodiment 3> A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. A difference from the first embodiment is that in the third embodiment, the mobile communication system 100 includes a base station 31 in addition to the base station 30. Furthermore, each mobile communication network MN includes two core networks. Furthermore, the installation locations of the access communication unit 22, the division / aggregation unit 24, the conversion unit 28, and the backhaul communication unit 26 are different from those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, instead of the relay device 20 of the first embodiment, the mobile communication system 100 of the third embodiment includes relay devices 203 and 205. The differences from the first embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0108] The base station 30 functions as a donor cell base station. A base station 30 is provided for each mobile communication network MN, and communicates with the mobile communication network MN wirelessly or via wired communication. The base station 31 functions as a relay base station that relays communication between the terminal device 10 and the base station 30. The base station 31 is shared by multiple mobile communication networks MN.

[0109] The mobile communication network MN has, as core networks, a first core network 40 and a second core network 60. The configuration of the first core network 40 is the same as the core network 40 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The base station 30 and the first core network 40 may be provided as a relay function that relays communication between the base station 31 and the second core network 60.

[0111] The second core network 60 is a network that mainly manages the terminal device 10. For example, the second core network 60 performs connection control for outgoing and incoming calls to the terminal device 10, billing management, etc. Specifically, the second core network 60 includes an HSS 601, an MME 602, an SGW 603, and a PGW 604. The HSS 601 is a server that manages subscriber information of users who use the terminal device 10. The MME 602 is a node that performs mobility management such as location management and calling of the terminal device 10. The SGW 603 is a node that transmits user packet data. The PGW 604 is a node that has an interface with the external network 70.

[0112] The relay device 203 is provided in a network between the base station 30 and the base station 31. Communication between the relay device 203 and the base station 30 and the base station 31 may be wireless or wired. The relay device 203 is realized by, for example, the computer 300 described with reference to FIG. 3. The relay device 203 includes, as functional components, an access communication unit 22 and a division / integration unit 24. The processing by the access communication unit 22 and the division / integration unit 24 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] The relay device 205 is provided in a network between the first core network 40 and the second core network 60. Communication between the relay device 205 and the first core network 40 and the second core network 60 may be wireless or wired. The relay device 205 is realized by, for example, the computer 300 described with reference to FIG. 3. The relay device 205 includes, as functional components, a conversion unit 28 and a backhaul communication unit 26. The processing by the conversion unit 28 and the backhaul communication unit 26 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] According to the third embodiment, the mobile communication system 100 includes a relay device 203 that relays communication between a base station 30 and a base station 31, and a mobile communication network MN corresponding to each of the multiple base stations 30 connected to the relay device 203. The mobile communication network MN includes a relay device 205 that relays communication between a first core network 40 that communicates with the base station 30 and a second core network 60 that communicates with an external network 70. The relay device 203 includes an access communication unit 22 that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from the terminal device 10, and a segmentation and aggregation unit 24 that determines to transmit the uplink data to a mobile communication network MN associated with the first identification information among the multiple mobile communication networks MN. The relay device 205 includes a conversion unit 28 that converts a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the first core network 40 into a second parameter based on the first identification information, and a backhaul communication unit 26 that transmits the uplink data including the second parameter to the second core network 60 associated with the first identification information.

[0115] <Embodiment 4> A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in the location of the conversion unit 28. In the fourth embodiment, the conversion unit 28 is provided in the relay device 203, not in the relay device 205. The other configurations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] According to the fourth embodiment, the mobile communication system 100 includes a relay device 203 that relays communication between a base station 30 and a base station 31, and mobile communication networks MN corresponding to each of the multiple base stations 30 connected to the relay device 203. The mobile communication network MN includes a relay device 205 that relays communication between a first core network 40 that communicates with the base station 30 and a second core network 60 that communicates with an external network 70. The relay device 203 includes an access communication unit 22 that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from the terminal device 10, a segmentation and integration unit 24 that determines to transmit the uplink data to a mobile communication network MN associated with the first identification information among the multiple mobile communication networks MN, and a conversion unit 28 that converts a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the segmentation and integration unit 24 into a second parameter based on the first identification information. The relay device 205 includes a backhaul communication unit 26 that transmits uplink data including the second parameter received from the first core network 40 to the second core network 60 associated with the first identification information.

[0117] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should not be understood that the present invention is limited to the disclosure of these embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be applied in various modified forms.

[0118] Specifically, although the above embodiments have been described assuming that the communication standard is LTE, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to 5G, a successor standard to LTE. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10... terminal device, 20... relay device, 22... access communication unit, 24... division and integration unit, 26, 26B... backhaul communication unit, 28... conversion unit, 29... emulator, 30... donor cell (macrocell) base station, 40... core network, 70... external network, 100... mobile communication system, MN... mobile communication network

Claims

1. A relay device comprising a processor and a storage unit, wherein the processor executes a program stored in the storage unit to: a first communication unit that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from a base station; a division and integration unit that determines to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks; a conversion unit that converts a first parameter included in uplink data received from the base station into a second parameter based on the first identification information; a second communication unit that transmits the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information; It is configured to achieve the second parameter converted by the conversion unit includes a parameter that needs to be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network and that is associated with the first identification information; a plurality of emulators each associated with one of the plurality of mobile communication networks; The relay device is configured so that the emulator functions as a virtual base station that is exclusively connected to the mobile communication network associated with the emulator.

2. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the conversion unit performs the conversion after the determination by the division / integration unit.

3. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the dividing and integrating unit performs the determination after the conversion by the conversion unit.

4. a base station and a plurality of mobile communication networks; a first storage unit configured to store information indicating a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the mobile communication network; The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the division and integration unit refers to information indicating the correspondence relationship stored in the first storage unit to determine the mobile communication network of the destination.

5. 2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of emulators is assigned a different address used for communication.

6. the second communication unit receives downlink data from the plurality of mobile communication networks; the conversion unit converts the second parameter included in the downlink data into the first parameter; the division and integration unit integrates the downlink data received from the plurality of mobile communication networks; the first communication unit outputs the consolidated downlink data, including the first parameter, to the base station; The relay device according to claim 1 .

7. 7. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the first parameter is uniquely identified in the plurality of mobile communication networks, and the second parameter is uniquely identified in a specific mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks.

8. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the first parameter and the second parameter include identification information of the base station.

9. The relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the conversion unit converts the first parameter into the second parameter based on a conversion table associated with the first identification information.

10. a first relay device that relays communication between the donor cell base station and the relay base station; a mobile communication network corresponding to each of the plurality of donor cell base stations to which the first relay device is connected, the mobile communication network includes a second relay device that relays communication between a first core network that communicates with the donor cell base station and a second core network that communicates with an external network; The first relay device a first communication unit that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from a terminal device; a division and integration unit that determines to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among the plurality of mobile communication networks, The second relay device a conversion unit that converts a first parameter included in uplink data received from the first core network into a second parameter based on the first identification information; a second communication unit configured to transmit the uplink data including the second parameter to the second core network associated with the first identification information; the second parameter converted by the conversion unit includes a parameter that needs to be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network and that is associated with the first identification information; A mobile communication system in which the first identification information is E-CGI and the second parameter includes a CELL-ID that must be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information.

11. a first relay device that relays communication between the donor cell base station and the relay base station; a mobile communication network corresponding to each of the plurality of donor cell base stations to which the first relay device is connected, the mobile communication network includes a second relay device that relays communication between a first core network that communicates with the donor cell base station and a second core network that communicates with an external network; The first relay device a first communication unit that receives uplink data associated with first identification information from a terminal device; a division and integration unit that determines to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among the plurality of mobile communication networks; a conversion unit that converts a first parameter included in the uplink data received from the segmentation and integration unit into a second parameter based on the first identification information, the second parameter converted by the conversion unit includes a parameter that needs to be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network and that is associated with the first identification information; The second relay device a second communication unit that transmits the uplink data including the second parameter received from the first core network to the second core network associated with the first identification information, A mobile communication system in which the first identification information is E-CGI and the second parameter includes a CELL-ID that must be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information.

12. A relay method implemented by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, the method comprising: causing the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit; receiving uplink data associated with the first identification information from the base station; determining to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks; converting a first parameter included in uplink data received from the base station into a second parameter based on the first identification information; transmitting the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information; Including, the second parameter converted from the first parameter includes a parameter that needs to be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information; A relay method including a plurality of emulators, each associated with one of the plurality of mobile communication networks, functioning as virtual base stations that exclusively communicate with the mobile communication network associated with that emulator.

13. A relay method implemented by a computer including a processor and a storage unit, the method comprising: causing the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit; receiving uplink data associated with the first identification information from the base station; determining to transmit the uplink data to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information among a plurality of mobile communication networks; converting a first parameter included in uplink data received from the base station into a second parameter based on the first identification information; transmitting the uplink data including the second parameter to the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information; Including, the second parameter converted from the first parameter includes a parameter that needs to be uniquely identified within the mobile communication network associated with the first identification information; A storage medium storing a computer program for executing a relay method, which includes multiple emulators, each associated with one of the multiple mobile communication networks, functioning as virtual base stations that exclusively communicate with the mobile communication network associated with that emulator.

Images