Communication device and communication system

Abstract

To reduce an increase in a construction time and development cost required to accommodate generational change.SOLUTION: A communication device includes a communication unit that has a first wireless communication layer and a second wireless communication layer, and in which the second wireless communication layer has a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol that is a wireless link protocol, and performs wireless communication via the first wireless communication layer with another communication device, and a control unit that, in transmitting and receiving data of the second wireless communication layer, controls the data depending on whether the wireless link protocol constituting the second wireless communication layer corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, and controls communication to transmit and receive the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In today's networks, traffic from mobile devices (smartphones and feature phones) accounts for the majority of network resources, and the traffic used by mobile devices is expected to continue to expand in the future.

[0003] On the other hand, with the development of IoT (Internet of Things) and V2X services (for example, transportation systems, smart meters, and monitoring systems for devices), there is a need to support services with diverse requirements. Therefore, in the communication standard for fifth-generation mobile communications (5G or NR (New Radio)), in addition to the standard technologies of 4G (fourth-generation mobile communications) (for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 to 42), technologies that achieve even higher data rates, larger capacities, and lower latency are required.

[0004] Furthermore, in communication standards for wireless communication systems, specifications are generally defined as a protocol stack (also called a hierarchical protocol) in which wireless communication functions are divided into a series of layers.

[0005] 5G-related technologies are described in the following prior art documents: [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-patent document 01] 3GPP TS36.133 LTE-A Radio Measurement Specification [Non-patent document 02] 3GPP TS36.300 LTE-A Overview Specifications [Non-patent document 03] 3GPP TS36.211 LTE-A PHY Channel Specification [Non-patent document 04] 3GPP TS36.212 LTE-A PHY Coding Specification [Non-patent document 05] 3GPP TS36.213 LTE-A PHY Procedure Specification [Non-patent document 06] 3GPP TS36.214 LTE-A PHY Measurement Specification [Non-patent document 07] 3GPP TS36.321 LTE-A MAC Specification [Non-patent document 08] 3GPP TS36.322 LTE-A RLC Specification [Non-patent document 09] 3GPP TS36.323 LTE-A PDCP Specification [Non-Patent Document 10] 3GPP TS36.331 LTE-A RRC Specification [Non-Patent Document 11] 3GPP TS36.413 LTE-A S1 Specification [Non-Patent Document 12] 3GPP TS36.423 LTE-A X2 Specification [Non-Patent Document 13] 3GPP TS36.425 LTE-A Xn Specification [Non-Patent Document 14] 3GPP TR36.912 NR Radio Access Overview [Non-Patent Document 15] 3GPP TR38.913 NR Requirements [Non-Patent Document 16] 3GPP TR38.913 NR Requirements [Non-Patent Document 17] 3GPP TR38.801 NR Network Architecture Overview [Non-Patent Document 18] 3GPP TR38.802 NR PHY Overview [Non-Patent Document 19] 3GPP TR38.803 NR RF Overview [Non-Patent Document 20] 3GPP TR38.804 NR L2 Overview [Non-Patent Document 21] 3GPP TR38.900 NR High Frequency Overview [Non-Patent Document 22] 3GPP TS38.300 NR Overview Specifications [Non-Patent Document 23] 3GPP TS37.340 NR Multiple Access Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 24] 3GPP TS38.201 NR PHY Specification Overview [Non-Patent Document 25] 3GPP TS38.202 NR PHY Service Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 26] 3GPP TS38.211 NR PHY Channel Specification [Non-Patent Document 27] 3GPP TS38.212 NR PHY Coding Specification [Non-patent document 28] 3GPP TS38.213 NR PHY Data Channel Procedure Specification [Non-Patent Document 29] 3GPP TS38.214 NR PHY Control Channel Procedure Specification [Non-Patent Document 30] 3GPP TS38.215 NR PHY Measurement Specification [Non-Patent Document 31] 3GPP TS38.321 NR MAC Specification [Non-Patent Document 32] 3GPP TS38.322 NR RLC Specification [Non-Patent Document 33] 3GPP TS38.323 NR PDCP Specification [Non-Patent Document 34] 3GPP TS37.324 NR SDAP Specification [Non-Patent Document 35] 3GPP TS38.331 NR RRC Specification [Non-Patent Document 36] 3GPP TS38.401 NR Architecture Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 37] 3GPP TS38.410 NR Core Network Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 38] 3GPP TS38.413 NR Core Network AP Specification [Non-Patent Document 39] 3GPP TS38.420 NR Xn Interface Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 40] 3GPP TS38.423 NR XnAP Specification [Non-Patent Document 41] 3GPP TS38.470 NR F1 Interface Overview Specification [Non-Patent Document 42] 3GPP TS38.473 NR F1AP Specification [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-511863 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-087856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, standardization of communication standards will not stop at 5G but will continue into the next generation (e.g., B5G; Beyond 5G, and 6G). The protocol configuration of communication standards changes with each new generation (communication generation). For example, the protocol configuration in Layer 2 and Layer 1 may change significantly. Developing communication devices (terminal devices and base station devices) separately for each generation to accommodate these changes in protocol configuration would lengthen the construction period and increase development costs. Furthermore, next-generation communications will enable communication to be carried out through multiple connections between communication devices of multiple generations. It will be difficult to configure protocols or layers appropriately amid fluctuating communication conditions in multiple communication devices or the communication areas provided by the communication devices. This may result in the communication system as a whole failing to provide the maximum possible communication characteristics.

[0009] Therefore, one disclosure provides a communication device and a communication system that suppresses increases in construction time and development costs for responding to generation changes, and also provides a communication device and a communication system that appropriately controls protocols or layer configurations depending on communication conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A communication device has a first wireless communication layer and a second wireless communication layer, generally the nth wireless communication layer (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and the second wireless communication layer has a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, which is a wireless link protocol, generally the mth link layer protocol (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and has a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an opposing communication device via the first wireless communication layer, and a control unit that, when receiving data of the second wireless communication layer, adjusts the data depending on whether the wireless link protocol constituting the second wireless communication layer corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, generally the mth link layer protocol, and controls communication to receive the data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present disclosure can suppress increases in construction time and development costs required to accommodate generation changes. Also, the present disclosure can appropriately control protocols or layer configurations depending on communication conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the configuration of the base station device 200. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the terminal device 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the TBS conversion process S100. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between B5G TBS and 5G TBS. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of conversion between B5G TBS and 5G TBS. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the Num conversion process S200. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between B5G Num and 5G Num. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of the candidate notification process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of bit up of candidate Num. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the range of Num. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in the case where a selection result notification is not transmitted. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of the candidate notification process. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the pattern number of B5G Num and the Num of 5G. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of the candidate notification process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of the candidate notification process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The problems and examples in this specification are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present application. In particular, even if the expressions used are different, the technology of the present application can be applied as long as they are technically equivalent, and do not limit the scope of the rights.

[0014] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described.

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1. The communication system 1 includes a communication device 2.

[0016] The communication device 2 has a control unit and a communication unit (not shown). Each unit is constructed by a computer (processor) included in the communication device 2 executing a program.

[0017] The communication device 2 has a first wireless communication layer and a second wireless communication layer, generally an n-th wireless communication layer. The second wireless communication layer supports (corresponds to) either a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, generally an m-th link layer protocol, which are wireless link protocols. An interface may be provided between a communication unit (not shown) and the second wireless communication layer. An adaptation layer may also be provided as an intermediate layer.

[0018] The communication device 2 receives data D1 from another communication device (S1). The data D1 is data that complies with either a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, generally an m-th link layer protocol.

[0019] The communication device 2 performs control, for example adjustment, on the received data D1 depending on whether the data D1 corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, generally the m-th link layer protocol (S2).

[0020] For example, when the link layer protocol supported by the communication device 2 differs from the link layer protocol corresponding to the data D1, the communication device 2 performs parameter mapping, data size and format conversion, and data transfer rate adjustment so that the link layer protocol supported by the communication device 2 can process the data D1. The communication device 2 converts, for example, parameters of the link layer protocol.

[0021] Then, the communication device 2 passes the adjusted data D1 to the second wireless communication layer (S3).

[0022] The communication unit performs wireless communication with other communication devices via the first wireless communication layer. The communication unit receives, for example, the above-mentioned data D1.

[0023] In receiving data of the second wireless communication layer, the control unit adjusts the data depending on whether the wireless link protocol constituting the second wireless communication layer corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, generally the mth protocol, and controls communication to receive the data. The control unit performs, for example, the adjustment process S2 and the handover process S3 described above.

[0024] This makes it possible to suppress increases in construction time and development costs for changing protocols in accordance with generation changes, and also makes it possible to appropriately control protocols or layer configurations in accordance with communication conditions, for example.

[0025] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. Note that the following embodiments may be considered as specific examples of the first embodiment. For example, the communication device of the first embodiment may be a base station device 200 and a terminal device 100, the first wireless communication layer and the second wireless communication layer may be associated with either a 5G physical layer or a B5G physical layer, and the first link layer protocol and the second link layer protocol may be associated with either a 5G MAC layer or a B5G MAC layer.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 10. The communication system 10 includes a terminal device 100, a base station device 200, and a core network 300. The communication system 10 is a system in which the terminal device 100 communicates with other communication devices on the core network 300 via the base station device 200. The terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 may be referred to as a communication device 50.

[0027] The terminal device 100 wirelessly connects to and communicates with the base station device 200. The terminal device 100 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone that supports both or one of 5G and B5G.

[0028] The base station device 200 is a relay device that relays communication between the terminal device 100 and other devices. The base station device 200 is, for example, a communication device that supports both or one of 5G and B5G.

[0029] The core network 300 is a network that performs communication using, for example, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, and is, for example, the Internet or a local network.

[0030] In the communication system 10, adjustment is made to MAC (Medium Access Control) PDUs (Protocol Data Units) used to transmit and receive data between the terminal device 100 and the base station device 200. For example, the base station device 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of available formats for MAC PDUs, and the terminal device 100 selects the MAC PDU format to use. This enables appropriate MAC PDU transmission and reception between communication devices (terminal device 100 and base station device 200) that support communication standards of different generations.

[0031] <Configuration Example of Base Station Device 200> 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the base station device 200. The base station device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a storage 220, a memory 230, and a communication circuit 240.

[0032] The storage 220 is an auxiliary storage device that stores programs and data, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 220 stores an N-th generation communication program 221 and an inter-generation communication adjustment program 222.

[0033] The memory 230 is an area into which the programs stored in the storage 220 are loaded. The memory 230 may also be used as an area in which the programs store data.

[0034] The communication circuit 240 is a circuit that connects to and communicates with the terminal device 100 and the core network 300. The communication circuit 240 that communicates with the terminal device 100 and the communication circuit 240 that connects to the core network may be configured with a plurality of different communication circuits. For example, the communication circuit 240 that communicates with the terminal device 100 may be a device that supports wireless connection, and the communication circuit 240 that communicates with the core network 300 may be a device that supports wired connection.

[0035] The CPU 210 is a processor that loads a program stored in the storage 220 into the memory 230, executes the loaded program, configures each unit, and realizes each process.

[0036] The CPU 210 executes the Nth generation communication program 221 to configure a communication unit and a control unit and perform Nth generation communication processing. The Nth generation communication processing is processing for executing communication conforming to the Nth generation communication standard. The Nth generation is, for example, 5G, B5G, 6G, etc. The Nth generation may also be another generation or another communication standard. The Nth generation communication processing is divided into layers, and processing corresponding to the Nth generation is performed for each layer.

[0037] The CPU 210 constructs a control unit and performs inter-generation communication adjustment processing by executing the inter-generation communication adjustment program 222. The inter-generation communication adjustment processing is processing for converting a MAC PDU received from a communication device 50 (terminal device 100) of a different generation so that the MAC PDU conforms to the Nth generation communication standard supported by the device itself.

[0038] <Configuration example of terminal device 100> 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 includes a CPU 110, a storage 120, a memory 130, and a communication circuit 140.

[0039] The storage 120 is an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory, HDD, or SSD that stores programs and data. The storage 120 stores an M-th generation communication program 121 and a candidate receiving program 122.

[0040] The memory 130 is an area into which the programs stored in the storage 120 are loaded. The memory 130 may also be used as an area in which the programs store data.

[0041] The communication circuit 140 is a circuit that wirelessly connects to a base station device and communicates with the base station device, and is, for example, a network interface card.

[0042] The CPU 110 is a processor that loads the program stored in the storage 120 into the memory 130, executes the loaded program, constructs each part, and realizes each process.

[0043] By executing the 5G communication program 121, the CPU 110 constructs the terminal communication unit and the terminal control unit, and performs 5G communication processing. The 5G communication processing is a process of executing communication according to the 5G communication standard. The 5G generation is, for example, 5G, B5G, 6G, etc. Note that the 5G generation is a different generation from the 4G generation.

[0044] By executing the candidate reception program 122, the CPU 110 constructs the terminal communication unit and the terminal control unit, and performs candidate reception processing. The candidate reception processing is a process of receiving candidates for parameters (for example, packet size, subcarrier spacing, etc.) related to the MAC PDU to be transmitted, selecting the parameters to be used from the candidates, and using the selected parameters in subsequent MAC PDU transmissions.

[0045] <MAC PDU Size Adjustment Processing> The size (data size) of the MAC PDU is defined in units of 1 byte as the TBS (Transport Block Size). The defined TBS is changed and added as the communication standard generation changes, and it is expected that changes and additions will also be made in future generations (for example, B5G). Therefore, the terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 or either one of the devices (communication device 50) applies the TBS as a parameter to be controlled, and performs control processing related to the TBS, for example, TBS conversion processing. Note that the TBS conversion processing is an example of inter-generation communication adjustment processing.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the TBS conversion process S100 as an example of the TBS control process. FIG. 5 is a diagram when a communication device 50 corresponding to 5G (having a MAC layer corresponding to 5G) receives a MAC PDU of the TBS defined in B5G.

[0047] The specifications of a 5G-compatible communication device 50 are defined, for example, as a protocol stack (also referred to as a hierarchical protocol) in which wireless communication functions are divided into a series of layers. In FIG. 5, the communication device 50 has a 5G-compatible 5G physical layer, a MAC layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer. The TBS conversion process S100 may be a function of the 5G physical layer or a function of the MAC layer. Furthermore, the TBS conversion process S100 may have an interface between the 5G physical layer and the MAC layer. Furthermore, an adaptation layer that handles conversion processing for both the 5G physical layer and the MAC layer may be included as an intermediate layer between the 5G physical layer and the MAC layer.

[0048] The communication device 50 receives a MAC PDU corresponding to the B5G TBS from another communication device having a B5G physical layer that supports B5G (S10). When the communication device 50 receives the MAC PDU corresponding to the B5G TBS (S10), it performs TBS conversion processing S100, converts it into a MAC PDU corresponding to the 5G TBS, and hands it over to the MAC layer (S11).

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between B5G TBSs and 5G TBSs. A, B, C, D, and E indicate B5G TBS indexes, and X, Y, and Z indicate 5G TBS indexes. Sizes (number of bytes) may be used instead of indexes. Note that, as the generation progresses, it is expected that more TBSs will be supported, so as shown in FIG. 6, overlapping 5G TBSs (for example, X and Y correspond to two B5G TBSs, B, C, and D, E, respectively) may exist.

[0050] In the TBS conversion process S100, for example, when the communication device 50 receives a MAC PDU with index A (B5G compatible), it converts it into a MAC PDU with index Z (5G compatible) in accordance with the correspondence relationship in Figure 6 and hands it over to the MAC layer.

[0051] In the second embodiment, by having the TBS conversion process S100, it is possible to receive and transmit B5G MAC PDUs without making any changes (developments) to the MAC layer and upper layers to support B5G.

[0052] The communication device 50 may store the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 6 in advance. The communication device 50 may perform other control. For example, the communication device 50 may select a TBS that is smaller than the B5G TBS and has the largest size among the 5G TBSs. This makes it possible to select a 5G TBS with a size that is close to the size of the B5G TBS. The communication device 50 may also select a TBS that is larger than the B5G TBS and has the smallest size among the 5G TBSs.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, a B5G TBS may be larger than the maximum TBS supported by 5G. In this case, the transmitting communication device 50 may aggregate multiple 5G TBSs to form one large TBS in the TBS conversion process S100. In contrast, the receiving communication device 50 may reassemble the aggregated TBSs and extract individual TBSs in the TBS conversion process S100.

[0054] A specific example is described below. In the case of downstream communication, the transmitting communication device 50 constructs an aggregated TBS as described above and transmits it to the receiving communication device 50. When the receiving communication device 50 receives the aggregated TBS, it performs reassembly and extracts the original TBS.

[0055] On the other hand, in the case of upstream communication, the transmitting communication device 50 aggregates multiple TBSs to form a TBS specified in a dynamic grant or configured grant from the receiving communication device 50. Then, the configured TBS is transmitted to the receiving communication device 50. When the receiving communication device 50 receives the aggregated TBS, it performs reassembly and extracts the original TBS.

[0056] In the TBS conversion process S100, the communication device 50 adjusts the number of aggregations when aggregating a plurality of TBSs. For example, the communication device 50 notifies the MAC layer of the number of aggregations. In the case of downlink communication, this number is the number of times of performing downlink radio resource allocation (e.g., DL assignment). On the other hand, in the case of uplink communication, this number is the number of times of performing uplink radio resource allocation (e.g., UL grant). The reason for this is that the MAC layer generates a TB upon receiving a TB generation request from the PHY layer.

[0057] Here, the number of TBSs aggregated by the transmitting-side communication device 50 needs to share information with the receiving-side communication device 50. As a sharing method, as described in FIG. 7, it can be implemented by a pre-defined method. For example, when the maximum TBS of 5G is X and the TBS of the data transmitted in B5G is 2×X + n (n < X), two TBs with the maximum TBS are aggregated, and one more TBS with the TBS of n is aggregated to construct one TBS as the transmitted data. Since the number of aggregated TBSs can be minimized, the header overhead associated with the TBS can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 7, for the TBS of 5G, two pieces of TBS data and one piece of smaller TBS data are aggregated to form one piece of TBS data of B5G.

[0058] Note that the method of constructing one large TBS is not limited to this. For example, there is also a method of expanding the maximum TBS of 5G to support the TBS of B5G. In this case, the TBS of the data transmitted in B5G and the TBS size constructed in the MAC layer are the same. Therefore, the control process S100 does not need to perform adjustment of the TBS size, and it is only necessary to transmit the TB from the MAC layer to B5G, so the processing amount is reduced.

[0059] According to this embodiment, communication using B5G while leveraging the MAC layer of 5G becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the construction period and development costs for coping with generation change. Also, compared with the case of communicating using a link layer protocol including a MAC layer developed specifically for B5G, communication characteristics can be improved. For example, when the traffic load of B5G is high, if a link layer protocol dedicated to B5G is used, resources such as CPU and memory are used even though its performance cannot be maximally exhibited. However, by leveraging the link layer protocol of 5G, resources of B5G can be conserved and allocated to necessary traffic, thereby providing QoS for that traffic. Also, there is a case of performing 4G communication using the link layer protocol of 5G. For example, it is a case where traffic is offloaded. Since using a link layer protocol dedicated to 5G results in excessive performance for the serviced traffic, 5G resources can be conserved by offloading to 4G. Therefore, the coverage and capacity of 5G can be maintained.

[0060] [[ID=३]] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment mobile device, the communication device 50 has a Num conversion process for adjusting the Numerology (Num: for example, subcarrier spacing) of the MAC PDU. This embodiment is different from the TBS conversion process shown in S100 in terms of control processing compared with the second embodiment, but other functions and processes are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the content disclosed in the second embodiment is also applicable to this embodiment.

[0061] <Num conversion process> Control processing involves control processing related to Num conversion, such as Num conversion processing. Num control processing has a larger control time scale than TBS control processing. This is because TBS control processing involves packet scheduling. For example, packet scheduling includes dynamic grants, in which data transmission is controlled by the PDCCH, and configured grants, in which data transmission is controlled by pre-allocation of resources rather than the PDCCH. In either case, data transmission operates at high speeds on the order of milliseconds, so high speed is also important for TBS control processing. However, Num is not often changed during communication, and it can be said that the same Num is used continuously during communication. Therefore, while it is preferable for TBS control processing to operate according to predetermined rules, Num control processing does not require high speed, so the rules can be changed during communication.

[0062] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the Num conversion process S200. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a case where a MAC PDU of Num defined in B5G is received by a communication device 50 that supports 5G (having a MAC layer that supports 5G). Note that the Num conversion process is an example of an inter-generation adjustment process.

[0063] The Num conversion process S200 may be a function of the 5G physical layer or a function of the MAC layer. The Num conversion process S200 may also have an interface between the 5G physical layer and the MAC layer.

[0064] The communication device 50 receives a MAC PDU corresponding to the B5G Num from another communication device having a B5G physical layer corresponding to B5G (S20). When the communication device 50 receives a MAC PDU corresponding to the B5G Num (S20), it performs a Num conversion process S200 to convert the MAC PDU into a MAC PDU corresponding to the 5G Num and passes it to the MAC layer (S21).

[0065] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between B5G Num and 5G Num. A, B, C, D, and E indicate B5G Num indexes, and X, Y, and Z indicate 5G Num indexes. The index may be replaced by the time length per slot.

[0066] In the Num conversion process S200, when the communication device 50 receives a MAC PDU with index A, for example, it converts it into a MAC PDU with index Z in accordance with the correspondence relationship in FIG. 9 and passes it to the MAC layer.

[0067] In the second embodiment, by having the Num conversion process S200, it is possible to receive and transmit B5G MAC PDUs without making any changes (developments) to the MAC layer and upper layers to support B5G.

[0068] This embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments. For example, this embodiment can reduce the man-hours required for development (protocol-compatible development) to absorb differences in the numerology of corresponding PDUs in communication protocols of different generations.

[0069] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment is characterized in that the communication device 50 in the third embodiment implements control that allows the communication device 50 to easily select Num, and other functions and processes are the same as those in the third embodiment. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the contents disclosed in the third embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment.

[0070] To perform the Num conversion process S200, it is necessary to select a Num with an approximate time length and to have information on the Num that the other communication device can handle. Also, by selecting and using a number of candidate Nums, the communication device 50 can select a Num that is appropriate for, for example, the wireless conditions, the amount of data to be transmitted, or the processing load.

[0071] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the communication device 50 notifies information related to the supported Num and the Num to be selected and used. Below, the process of notifying transmission candidates will be explained using the terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 as examples. Note that the terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 may each be another communication device 50. Also, depending on the device configuration, a message notifying the supported Num may be used instead of the UE capability.

[0072] <Candidate notification process> 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a candidate notification process. The terminal device 100 transmits UE capability including support Num information related to Num (support parameter) supported by the terminal device 100 to the base station device 200 (S31). The terminal device 100 may use UE Assistance Information instead of the UE capability.

[0073] The terminal device 100 returns the UE capability to the base station in response to a request from the network or the base station device 200. Generally, in wireless communication, the functions to be installed in the terminal device 100 are selected and decided by the manufacturer from among a large number of functions. Then, by notifying the network or the base station device 200 of the implemented (supported) functions, the network or the base station device 200 can configure only the implemented functions.

[0074] On the other hand, the UE Assistance Information is transmitted by the terminal device 100 to the base station device 200. The terminal device 100 notifies the network or the base station device 200 of communication-related information such as preferred communication parameters. In other words, the UE Assistance Information can be considered auxiliary information for making preferred settings when the base station device 200 sets communication-related information such as parameters in the terminal device 100.

[0075] Based on the support Num information, the base station device 200 compares the Num of B5G that the device itself can support with the Num of 5G that the terminal device 100 can support. Then, the base station device 200 extracts the Num of 5G that has a subcarrier length similar to the Num of B5G that the base station device 200 can support, and sets this as a candidate Num (candidate parameter).

[0076] The base station device 200 transmits a transmission candidate notification including candidate number information related to the candidate number to the terminal device 100 (S32). The candidate number is notified by, for example, a bitmap.

[0077] Bitmap B30 is information about a candidate Num of 8 bits (1 byte), with each square representing 1 bit. The first 3 bits, "R," are reserved bits that may or may not be used for other purposes. Each of the last 5 bits corresponds to the bitmap shown in Figure 11, with "1" indicating a usable (candidate) Num and "0" indicating an unusable (non-candidate) Num.

[0078] 11 is a diagram showing an example of bit-up of candidate Num. For example, the first bit (fourth bit in one byte) corresponds to "Z", which is one of the Num of 5G.

[0079] Returning to the sequence of Figure 10, bitmap B30 indicates that 5G Num "Z" and "Y" are candidate Num because the fourth and fifth bits are "1".

[0080] When the terminal device 100 receives the transmission candidate notification (S32), it selects a Num to use from the candidate Nums, includes selected Num information about the selected Num in a selection result notification, and transmits the same to the base station device 200 (S33).

[0081] The bitmap B31 is the selected Num information and has the same configuration as the candidate Num. Each of the last 5 bits corresponds to the bitmap shown in FIG. 11, where "1" indicates the selected Num and "0" indicates the unselected Num. Since the 4th bit of the bitmap B31 is "1", it indicates that the "Z" of the 5G Num is the selected Num.

[0082] The base station device 200 obtains that the 5G Num "Z" has been selected. Thereafter, in the Num conversion process S200, it selects the B5G Num approximated (corresponding) to "Z" and performs the conversion process.

[0083] <Examples of the expression method of the Num range> When the communication device 50 does not transmit UE capability, for example, it notifies (or may be determined in advance) the approximation range (the allowable Num range) between 5G and B5G.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the Num range. The table is the basic mapping, where the 5G and B5G Nums correspond one-to-one. Assume that the communication device 50 has this basic mapping in advance. In addition to the basic Num, the communication device 50 notifies other communication devices of the allowable width (upper limit, lower limit). Thereby, when the correspondence between B5G and 5G is changed, the other communication device can obtain the approximation range (the range allowable by the other device) up to which Num and select an appropriate Num.

[0085] Case 1 shows an example where, for example, wireless communication was originally planned to be performed in correspondence with B5G but is changed to wireless communication in correspondence with 5G due to traffic offloading or the like. In Case 1, the B5G Num "C" is the basic Num, the allowable upper limit is "+2", and the lower limit is "-1".

[0086] In addition to the 5G Num "X" corresponding to the B5G Num "C", the communication device 50 also allows "Y" and "Z" which are higher numbers with only the upper limit, and "W" which is lower numbers with only the lower limit. In other words, the communication device 50 allows "W" to "Z" as 5G Num.

[0087] Case 2 shows an example where, for example, wireless communication was planned to be 5G compatible, but due to factors such as improved characteristics, the wireless communication is changed to B5G compatible. In Case 2, the 5G Num "Y" is the basic Num, and the allowable upper limit is "+5" and the allowable lower limit is "-1".

[0088] In addition to the B5G Num "D" corresponding to the 5G Num "Y", the communication device 50 also allows "E" to "I" which are higher numbers with only the upper limit, and "C" which is lower numbers with only the lower limit. In other words, the communication device 50 allows "C" to "I" as B5G Num.

[0089] <Example of not sending a selection result notification> The communication device 50 (terminal device 100) does not transmit a selection result notification, so that the partner communication device 50 (base station device 200) performs blind decoding when it receives the MAC PDU.

[0090] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence when a selection result notification is not sent. Process S41, process S42, and bitmap B40 are similar to process S31, process S42, and bitmap B30 shown in FIG.

[0091] When the terminal device 100 receives the transmission candidate notification (S42), it selects a Num to use from the candidate Num. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may store the candidate Num and select a Num to use from the candidate Num when transmitting a MAC PDU.

[0092] When the terminal device 100 is triggered to transmit a MAC PDU, it uses the selected Num and transmits the MAC PDU (S43).

[0093] Since the base station apparatus 200 has not received the selection result notification, it performs blind decoding (S44). The blind decoding S44 is a process of decoding all of the candidate Nums and determining the one that has been successfully decoded as the Num of the MAC PDU.

[0094] The base station device 200 may store the Num that was successfully decoded in the blind decoding, and thereafter perform decoding using the stored Num when receiving a MAC PDU from the terminal device 100. Furthermore, the base station device 200 may perform blind decoding S44 every time it receives a MAC PDU from the terminal device 100.

[0095] <Example of a bitmap pattern for sending candidate notifications> Another example of a bitmap pattern for transmission candidate notification is shown below.

[0096] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of a candidate notification process. The terminal device 100 transmits UE capability including supported Num information related to Num supported by the terminal device 100 to the base station device 200 (S51).

[0097] Based on the support Num information, the base station device 200 compares the B5G Num that the device itself can support with the 5G Num that the terminal device 100 can support. Then, the base station device 200 extracts a 5G Num that has a subcarrier length similar to the compatible B5G Num and that the terminal device 100 can support, and sets this as a candidate Num. The base station device 200 selects a pattern number of the B5G Num that matches (or is similar to) the selected candidate Num.

[0098] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the pattern number of B5G Num and 5G Num. The terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 store this correspondence relationship in advance or by receiving it. The numbers in parentheses in FIG. 6 indicate an example of a 3-bit bit pattern. The base station device 200 uses this 3-bit bit pattern to transmit a candidate Num to the terminal device 100.

[0099] 14, the base station device 200 selects, for example, B5G Num pattern 4. Then, the base station device 200 includes a bitmap B50 including the bit pattern "100" of pattern 4 in a transmission candidate notification and transmits the same to the terminal device 100 (S52).

[0100] When the terminal device 100 receives the transmission candidate notification (S52), it acquires that the pattern number of the B5G Num is pattern 4, and acquires that the candidate Num is "X" and "Y" from the correspondence relationship shown in FIG.

[0101] The terminal device 100 selects a Num to be used from the candidate Nums, includes selected Num information related to the selected Num in a selection result notification, and transmits the same to the base station device 200 (S53).

[0102] The selected Num information may be, for example, a bitmap in which the bit corresponding to the selected Num is set to "1", as in the sequence of Fig. 9. Also, the selection result notification may not be sent if there is only one candidate Num, such as in patterns 1, 3, or 5 of Fig. 15.

[0103] By providing a pattern for the B5G Num, the communication device 50 may be able to transmit using fewer bits than a bitmap that uses one bit for each type of 5G Num.

[0104] <Examples of when a state change occurs> When a change occurs in the state (for example, wireless state, communication volume, etc.) of the communication device 50 (base station device 200), the communication device 50 transmits a transmission candidate notification.

[0105] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of candidate notification processing. The base station device 200 transmits a transmission candidate notification to the terminal device 100 (S61). The bitmap of candidate Num uses, for example, the correspondence relationship in Fig. 15. In Fig. 16, bitmap B60 (pattern 4) is transmitted.

[0106] Then, a state change occurs in the base station device 200 (S62). A state change indicates, for example, a case where the QoS level, the traffic volume in the cell, the radio wave conditions (noise state, etc.), etc., are above or below a threshold. In addition, a state change may be, for example, a state related to the terminal device 100, such as the battery state of the terminal device 100.

[0107] When the base station device 200 detects a state change (S62), it selects a Num candidate according to the changed state and transmits a transmission candidate notification again (S63). In Fig. 16, bitmap B61 (pattern 3) is transmitted.

[0108] The transmission candidate notification is transmitted, for example, by a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a MAC Control Element (CE) message, or a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

[0109] Similarly to the base station device 200, when the terminal device 100 detects a state change (S64), it changes the Num to be used according to the changed state and transmits the changed Num in a selection result notification (S65).

[0110] The terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 change Num (candidate Num, selected Num) in response to a change in state and notify the other communication device. This makes it possible to dynamically change Num in response to a changing state.

[0111] <Example of sending candidate notification> The communication device 50 notifies the B5G pattern number shown in Figure 15 and the index number within that pattern number in the transmission candidate notification. The index number is a number assigned when there are multiple 5G Numbers within each pattern. For example, in Figure 15, pattern 4 has two 5G Numbers, "X" and "Y", and index 1 is assigned to "X" and index 2 is assigned to "Y".

[0112] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of candidate notification processing. The base station device 200 transmits a transmission candidate notification to the terminal device 100 (S71). In FIG. 16, a bitmap B70 is transmitted.

[0113] Bitmap B70 uses the lowest five bits (bits 4 to 8) to represent the candidate Num. The three bits, bits 4 to 6, indicate the B5G pattern number. The two bits, bits 7 and 8, indicate the index number. Bit 7 corresponds to index 1, and bit 8 corresponds to index 2. When bits 7 and 8 are "1", they indicate that the 5G Num of the corresponding index number is a candidate Num.

[0114] Bitmap B70 indicates that the 4th to 6th bits are "100", which means that the B5G Num is pattern 4. Bitmap B70 also indicates that the 7th bit is "1" and the 7th bit is "0", which means that the 5G Num "X" is a candidate Num, but "Y" is not a candidate Num.

[0115] In this way, depending on how the patterns shown in Figure 15 are assembled and the number of 5G candidate numbers, it may be possible to notify the candidate numbers using fewer bits by combining the pattern and the index number and notifying them.

[0116] This embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first, second, and third embodiments. This embodiment can, for example, reduce the number of bits of transmission candidate information. For transmission candidate notification, a more efficient bit pattern (with fewer bits) or transmission method can be selected depending on the type of Num supported by each protocol and the number of Num that each device can support. Furthermore, this embodiment can reduce the number of message transmissions and make effective use of wireless resources by omitting the notification of the selection result.

[0117] [Other embodiments] The embodiments may be combined. For example, the bitmap pattern of the transmission candidate notification, whether or not to notify the selection result, the timing of transmitting the transmission candidate notification, and the like may be combined.

[0118] Furthermore, the generations of communication standards supported by the terminal device 100 and the base station device 200 may be different, and it does not matter which generation of communication standard each device supports. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1: Communication Systems 2: Communication equipment 10: Communication Systems 50:Communication equipment 100: Terminal device 110:CPU 120: Storage 121: M Generation Communication Program 122: Candidate receiving program 130: Memory 140: Communication circuit 200:Base station equipment 210:CPU 220: Storage 221: Nth Generation Communications Program 222: Intergenerational Communication Coordination Program 230: Memory 240: Communication circuit 300: Core Network

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates data processed by a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, which are wireless link protocols, with another communication device via a wireless communication layer; a control unit that, in transmitting and receiving the data via the wireless communication layer, performs control on the data to adjust parameters for transmitting and receiving the data depending on whether the data corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, and controls communication to transmit and receive the data, the wireless communication layer is a physical layer, the first link layer protocol corresponds to a first communication standard that is an n-th generation communication standard; The second link layer protocol corresponds to a second communication standard that is a communication standard of a different generation from the n-th generation communication standard. Communication equipment.

2. the first link layer protocol is a first MAC (Media Access Control) layer protocol corresponding to the first communication standard, and the second link layer protocol is a second MAC layer protocol corresponding to the second communication standard; The communication device according to claim 1.

3. the wireless communication layer does not support the first link layer protocol; In the control, when transmitting and receiving data corresponding to the first link layer protocol from the other communication device, the control unit adjusts a first parameter that is a parameter of the first link layer protocol of the data to a second parameter that is a parameter of the second link layer protocol so that the data corresponds to the second link layer protocol. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. the parameter is information about a size of a packet that transmits the data; The control unit defines a parameter that is equal to or smaller than the data size of the first parameter and has a maximum size that can be supported by the device as a second parameter.

4. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. the parameter is information about a size of a packet that transmits the data; The control unit defines a parameter that is equal to or larger than the data size of the first parameter and has a minimum size that can be supported by the device as a second parameter.

4. The communication device according to claim 3.

6. the parameter is information about a subcarrier spacing of a packet that transmits the data; The control unit determines a parameter that is the same as the subcarrier spacing of the first parameter or that has a small difference from the subcarrier spacing of the first parameter as a second parameter.

4. The communication device according to claim 3.

7. The control unit receives supported parameters that are parameters of the first link layer protocol supported by the other communication device, selects parameters that are the same as or similar to parameters of the second link layer protocol supported by the own device from the supported parameters, and controls to notify the other communication device of the selected parameters as candidate parameters.

6. The communication device according to claim 5.

8. The support parameters are included in UE capability or UE assistance information.

8. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. The notification is performed using RRC (Radio Resource Control), MAC (Medium Access Control) Performed by CE (Control Element) or PDCCH (Physical Data Control Channel) 8. The communication device according to claim 7.

10. a communication unit that communicates data processed by a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, which are wireless link protocols, with another communication device via a wireless communication layer; a control unit that, in transmitting and receiving the data in the wireless communication layer, performs control to adjust a parameter for transmitting and receiving the data in accordance with one of the parameters of the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol received from the other communication device, and controls communication to transmit and receive the data; the wireless communication layer is a physical layer, The first link layer protocol corresponds to a first communication standard that is an n-th generation communication standard, and the second link layer protocol corresponds to a second communication standard that is a communication standard of a different generation from the n-th generation communication standard. Communication equipment.

11. A communication system having a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device, communicating data processed by a first link layer protocol or a second link layer protocol, which are wireless link protocols, with the second communication device via a wireless communication layer; In transmitting and receiving the data via the wireless communication layer, control is performed on the data to adjust parameters for transmitting and receiving the data depending on whether the data corresponds to the first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol, and communication is controlled to transmit and receive the data; the second communication device, The first link layer protocol or the second link layer protocol received from the first communication device performing control on the data to adjust parameters for transmitting and receiving the data in accordance with one of the parameters of a client protocol, and controlling communication to transmit and receive the data; the wireless communication layer is a physical layer, the first link layer protocol corresponds to a first communication standard that is an n-th generation communication standard; The second link layer protocol corresponds to a second communication standard that is a communication standard of a different generation from the n-th generation communication standard. Communication system.

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