Communication control device, method and computer program

Abstract

To extend the communication range of a communication control device in a core network.SOLUTION: A communication control device (300) in a core network includes: a receiving unit (331) configured to receive a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device, from a terminal device; and a control unit (332) configured to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network using the communication control information to execute communication processing with respect to the other communication control device using the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, a method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a wireless communication system, a terminal device performs location registration with a network (including a wireless access network and a core network). A device in the core network (hereinafter referred to as a "communication control device") receives a location registration request from the terminal device. The communication control device registers the location of the terminal device in response to the location registration request, and then provides a service (or function) requested by the terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-029030 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 23.501 v16.7.0(2020-12) 5.18 Network Sharing Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, the architecture of 5GS (5th Generation System), a next-generation wireless communication system, is being studied in the standards of 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). In this architecture, multiple NFs (Network Functions) are defined in a core network. The NFs include, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and a Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0006] Networks are identified by PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information. A communication control device in a core network operating as an NF uses the PLMN information to perform communication processing for other NFs. In this configuration, the communication control device uses the PLMN information included in a location registration request transmitted from a terminal device. Therefore, the communication range of the communication control device is limited. For example, the communication control device cannot perform communication processing for an NF that belongs to a network different from the network identified by the PLMN information included in the location registration request. As a result, the range of services that can be provided to the terminal device is limited.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique that can extend the communication range of a communication control device within a core network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect, there is provided a communication control device in a core network, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device, and a control unit configured to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, using the communication control information, and to execute communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information.

[0009] According to another aspect, there is provided a method in a communication control device in a core network, the method including: receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network; and using the second information, executing communication processing for the other communication control device.

[0010] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program that causes at least one processor mounted in a communication control device within a core network to receive, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device, replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, using the communication control information, and execute communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above configuration, it is possible to extend the communication range of the communication control device within the core network. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a table showing an example of a configuration of setting information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when a terminal device transmits a location registration request. [Figure 6] 10 is a table illustrating an example of a configuration of setting information. [Figure 7] 10 is a table illustrating an example of a configuration of setting information. [Figure 8] 10 is a table illustrating an example of a configuration of setting information. [Figure 9] 10 is a table showing an example of the configuration of setting information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a communication control device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] One or more embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0014] The explanation will be given in the following order: 1. Overview of the embodiment 2. First embodiment 2-1. System configuration 2-2. Terminal device configuration 2-3.Configuration of communication control device 2-4.Configuration of location registration request 2-5. Configuration of setting information 2-6. Processing flow Advantages 2-8. Variations 3. Second embodiment 3-1. Configuration of setting information 3-2. Processing flow Advantages 4. Third embodiment 4-1.Configuration of communication control device 4-2.Processing flow

[0015] <<1. Overview of the embodiment>> First, an overview of one or more embodiments described below will be provided.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a communication control device in a core network is provided. The communication control device is, for example, a device that operates as an NF. The communication control device includes a receiving unit and a control unit. The receiving unit receives a location registration request from a terminal device. The location registration request includes first information (e.g., PLMN information) that identifies a first network to which the communication control device belongs, and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device. The control unit uses the communication control information to replace the first information with second information (e.g., virtual PLMN information, described later) for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network. The control unit uses the second information to perform communication processing for the other communication control device.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the communication control device can execute communication processing for another communication control device that belongs to a second network different from the first network to which the communication control device belongs, thereby expanding the communication range of the communication control device.

[0018] <<2. First Embodiment>> Next, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] <2-1. System Configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system 1. For example, the wireless communication system 1 is a system that complies with 3GPP. Specifically, the wireless communication system 1 may be a system that complies with the 5G standard. Naturally, the wireless communication system 1 is not limited to this example.

[0020] The wireless communication system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a first network 20, and a second network 30.

[0021] The terminal device 10 may be referred to as a user equipment (UE) or a mobile station, etc. The terminal device 10 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet.

[0022] The first network 20 and the second network 30 may cover different geographical areas. For example, the first network 20 may be a network covering a specific area. The first network 20 may be a Local Area Data Network (LDN). For example, the second network 30 may be a network covering a wider area than the first network 20. The second network 30 may be a public wireless communication network.

[0023] The first network 20 and the second network 30 are each identified by PLMN information. The PLMN information is a combination of a mobile country code and a mobile country network code. The PLMN information is also called a PLMNID (Public Land Mobile Network Identity).

[0024] In this example, the PLMN information identifying the first network 20 is referred to as "first PLMN information." The first PLMN information may be written as "PLMNID1." Furthermore, the PLMN information identifying the second network 30 is referred to as "second PLMN information." The second PLMN information may be written as "PLMNID2."

[0025] (1) First Network 20 The first network 20 includes a first radio access network 21 and a first core network 23.

[0026] The first radio access network 21 includes a first base station 22. The first base station 22 may be a single node. In another example, the first base station 22 may include multiple nodes.

[0027] The first core network 23 includes a plurality of NFs 24, 25, 26, and 27. Note that the NFs may also be referred to as "communication control devices in a core network" or "control nodes in a core network."

[0028] Examples of NFs include AMF, UDM, AUSF (Authentication Server Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), SMF (Session Management Function), AF (Application Function), and SCP (Service Communication Proxy).

[0029] In this example, NF 24 is an AMF. The AMF has a registration management function, a connection management function, and a mobility management function for the terminal device 10. The AMF is a C-Plane function shared by multiple network slices, and is also called a CCNF (Common Control Network Function). NFs 25, 26, and 27 are NFs other than the AMF.

[0030] Note that one or more of the multiple NFs 24 to 27 may be implemented as dedicated hardware. In another example, one or more of the multiple NFs 24 to 27 may be implemented as software on a general-purpose server using virtualization technology.

[0031] (2) Second Network 30 The second network 30 includes a second radio access network 31 and a second core network 33 .

[0032] The second radio access network 31 includes a second base station 32. The second base station 32 may be a single node. In another example, the second base station 32 may include multiple nodes.

[0033] The second core network 33 includes multiple NFs 34, 35, 36, and 37. In this example, the NF 34 is an AMF. The NFs 35, 36, and 37 are each an NF other than an AMF.

[0034] Note that one or more of the multiple NFs 34 to 37 may be implemented as dedicated hardware. In another example, one or more of the multiple NFs 34 to 37 may be implemented as software on a general-purpose server using virtualization technology.

[0035] <2-2. Terminal Device Configuration> Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 includes a wireless communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a processing unit 230.

[0036] (1) Wireless communication unit 210 The wireless communication unit 210 includes an antenna for wireless communication, and receives signals from each of the base stations (the first base station 22 and the second base station 32) via the antenna, and transmits signals to each of the base stations.

[0037] (2) Storage section 220 The storage unit 220 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, one or more of a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0038] The nonvolatile memory stores program codes (instructions) for realizing various functions of the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory stores information (data) used in the operation of the processing unit 230. In this example, the nonvolatile memory stores PLMN information of networks with which the terminal device 10 can communicate. Specifically, the nonvolatile memory stores first PLMN information. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can communicate with components included in the first network 20 (such as the first base station 22 and the NF 24).

[0039] (3) Processing unit 230 The processing unit 230 includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a microcontroller. The processing unit 230 executes program codes (instructions) stored in the storage unit 220 to realize various functions of the terminal device 10.

[0040] The processing unit 230 receives broadcast information (hereinafter referred to as "first broadcast information") from the first base station 22 and broadcast information (hereinafter referred to as "second broadcast information") from the second base station 32 via the wireless communication unit 210. The first broadcast information includes first PLMN information. The second broadcast information includes second PLMN information. The processing unit 230 compares the PLMN information included in the broadcast information with the PLMN information stored in the storage unit 220. If the PLMN information included in the broadcast information matches the PLMN information stored in the storage unit 220, the processing unit 230 determines that the base station that transmitted the broadcast information is a base station that can communicate with the terminal device 10. In this example, the processing unit 230 determines that the first base station 22 is a base station that can communicate with the terminal device 10.

[0041] The processing unit 230 performs location registration in the first network 20. To do so, the processing unit 230 transmits a location registration request to the first base station 22. The NF 24 (i.e., AMF) receives the location registration request via the first base station 22. The NF 24 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request. Note that the NF 24 may also receive the location registration request directly from the terminal device 10.

[0042] <2-3. Configuration of communication control device> Next, the configuration of a communication control device 300 that operates as an NF 24 (AMF) will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication control device 300. The communication control device 300 includes a network communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a processing unit 330.

[0043] (1) Network communication unit 310 The network communication unit 310 includes an interface that mediates communication with other NFs (communication control devices in a core network). The network communication unit 310 may include a connection terminal and a connection circuit for wired communication, or may include an antenna or the like for wireless communication.

[0044] (2) Storage section 220 The storage unit 220 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, a RAM. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, one or more of a ROM, an HDD, and an SSD. The non-volatile memory stores program code (instructions) for implementing various functions of the communication control device 300. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory stores information (data) used in the operation of the processing unit 330. The information stored in the non-volatile memory includes setting information 321. Details of the setting information 321 will be described later.

[0045] (3) Processing unit 330 The processing unit 330 includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, an MPU, and a microcontroller. The processing unit 330 realizes various functions of the communication control device 300 by executing program codes (instructions) stored in the storage unit 320. In this example, the processing unit 330 functions as a receiving unit 331 and a control unit 332. In other words, the receiving unit 331 and the control unit 332 are functional modules realized by the processing unit 330. Note that the processing unit 330 may further include other components in addition to these components.

[0046] The receiving unit 331 receives a location registration request. The control unit 332 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request. Furthermore, the control unit 332 executes communication processing with the NF in the first core network 23 and / or the second core network 33, and provides the service requested by the terminal device 10.

[0047] <2-4. Configuration of location registration request> Next, we will explain the configuration of a location registration request transmitted by the terminal device 10. The location registration request includes PLMN information (first PLMN information in this example) and communication control information. Note that the location registration request may further include information other than these.

[0048] In this example, the communication control information includes Requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) and Data Network Name (DNN).

[0049] The Requested NSSAI is information regarding a service requested by the terminal device 10. Specifically, the Requested NSSAI is information that identifies a network slice requested by the terminal device 10. A network slice is a logical network that provides a specific network service and / or network characteristics.

[0050] The DNN is information about a network to which the terminal device 10 should connect. The DNN may include information identifying a network (e.g., a core network) and / or information identifying other external networks. Note that if the first network 20 is a Local Area Network (LADN), the DNN may include the DNN of the LADN and / or service area information of the LADN.

[0051] In the location registration request, one or more Requested NSSAIs may be associated with the first PLMN information. That is, one or more network slices may be associated with the first PLMN information. Furthermore, one or more DNNs may be associated with one Requested NSSAI. That is, one or more networks may be associated with one network slice.

[0052] The communication control information may further include other information. For example, the communication control information may further include an MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number). The MSIN is information about a subscriber of a service provided to the terminal device 10. The MSIN may also be simply referred to as a "subscriber identification number."

[0053] The communication control information is used to determine a virtual network that the communication control device 300 should access. In this example, the virtual network is a network virtually configured on the first core network 23 and the second core network 33. The virtual network is configured to include at least a part of the first core network 23 and at least a part of the second core network 33.

[0054] <2-5. Configuration of setting information> Next, an example of the configuration of the setting information 321 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a table 400 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. Note that the format of the setting information 321 is not limited to a table format, and other formats may also be used.

[0055] The table 400 is used to determine a virtual network that the communication control device 300 should access and an NF included in that virtual network (hereinafter referred to as a "target NF"). The table 400 is also used to determine virtual PLMN information. The virtual PLMN information is PLMN information that the communication control device 300 uses when communicating with the target NF. In this example, the virtual PLMN information is information that uniquely identifies the virtual network, and is information different from the first PLMN information and the second PLMN information.

[0056] For the above purpose, table 400 defines the relationship between communication control information, target NFs included in a virtual network determined by the communication control information, and virtual PLMN information. More specifically, table 400 includes, as configuration items, PLMN information 410, NSSAI 420, DNN 430, NF 440, and virtual PLMN information 450.

[0057] The PLMN information 410 corresponds to the PLMN information included in the location registration request. The NSSAI 420 corresponds to the Requested NSSAI included in the location registration request. The DNN 430 corresponds to the DNN included in the location registration request. The NF 440 represents an NF (i.e., a target NF) included in a virtual network determined by the "combination of the NSSAI 420 and the DNN 430."

[0058] According to the above configuration, the control unit 332 refers to the table 400 using various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request. This allows the control unit 332 to determine the target NF included in the virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device 300 and the virtual PLMN information to be used for the target NF.

[0059] In this example, the virtual network VN1 shown in Fig. 1 is defined using "the combination of NSSAI420 (=001) and DNN430 (=DN1)." The virtual network VN1 includes a part of the first core network 23 and a part of the second core network 33. The virtual network VN1 includes NF25, NF26, and NF37 as target NFs. Furthermore, "PLMNID3" is defined as virtual PLMN information 450 to be used when communicating with the target NF.

[0060] In this configuration, NF 25 supports communication processing using "PLMNID1" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". NF 26 supports communication processing using "PLMNID1" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". NF 37 supports communication processing using "PLMNID2" and communication processing using "PLMNID3". Therefore, the communication control device 300 can execute communication processing for the target NFs (NFs 25, 26, and 37) using "PLMNID3" as virtual PLMN information.

[0061] The configuration (scope) of the virtual network is not limited to the above example. The virtual network may be configured to include the first network 20 to which the communication control device 300 belongs and one or more networks different from the first network 20. For example, the virtual network may be configured to span three or more networks. The virtual network may also be configured to further include at least a part of a third network (not shown).

[0062] <2-6. Processing flow> Next, the operation of each component in the wireless communication system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow when the terminal device 10 transmits a location registration request.

[0063] The terminal device 10 transmits a location registration request to the first base station 22 (501). The first base station 22 receives the location registration request and transmits the location registration request to the NF 24 (communication control device 300) (502).

[0064] The receiving unit 331 receives the location registration request, and the control unit 332 performs location registration of the terminal device 10 in response to the location registration request (503).

[0065] Next, the control unit 332 uses various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request to refer to the table 400 (504). For example, it is assumed that the location registration request includes the following (a) to (c): (a)PLMN information = PLMNID1 (b) Requested NSSAI = 001 (c)DNN = DN1

[0066] Specifically, the control unit 332 searches the table 400 for a record that matches the information (a) to (c) above. As a result, the control unit 332 determines NF25, NF26, and NF37 included in the virtual network VN1 as the target NFs. Furthermore, the control unit 332 determines "PLMNID3" as the virtual PLMN information to be used when communicating with each of the target NFs.

[0067] The control unit 332 executes communication processing for the target NF using the virtual PLMN information (505). Specifically, the control unit 332 executes communication processing for NF 25 using "PLMNID3" as the virtual PLMN information. The control unit 332 executes communication processing for NF 26 using "PLMNID3" as the virtual PLMN information. The control unit 332 executes communication processing for NF 37 using "PLMNID3" as the virtual PLMN information.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 332 executes communication processing for the terminal device 10 using the PLMN information included in the location registration request (506). Specifically, the control unit 332 executes communication processing for the terminal device 10 using "PLMNID1" as the PLMN information. The control unit 332 provides the service requested by the terminal device 10 to the terminal device 10.

[0069] When the control unit 332 refers to the table 400, there may be a case where no record exists that matches the various information (PLMN information and communication control information) included in the location registration request. This means that the communication control device 300 does not need to access the virtual network. In other words, the communication control device 300 does not need to access the second network 30. In this case, the control unit 332 uses "PLMNID1" as the PLMN information and executes communication processing for at least one NF in the first core network 23.

[0070] <2-7.Advantages> The above configuration has the following advantages. The communication control device 300 replaces the first PLMN information (PLMNID1) with the virtual PLMN information (PLMNID3) by referring to the table 400 using the communication control information (in this example, the Requested NSSAI and DNN). The communication control device 300 can use the virtual PLMN information (PLMNID3) to execute communication processing for the NF 37 belonging to the second network 30 different from the first network 20. In this way, it is possible to expand the communication range of the communication control device 300. This makes it possible to expand the range of services that can be provided to the terminal device 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the virtual network accessed by the communication control device 300 can be flexibly set by changing the settings in the table 400. The range of services provided to the terminal device 10 can be easily changed.

[0072] As described above, since the communication control device 300 can use an NF belonging to the second core network 33 that is different from the first core network 23, it becomes possible to provide a new service to the terminal device 10 without adding a new NF to the first core network 23.

[0073] Even when a new NF is added to the first core network 23, the communication control device 300 can use the added NF by changing the settings in the table 400.

[0074] <2-8. Variations> The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0075] (1) First Modification A first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a table 600 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in table 600, a virtual network and target NFs included in the virtual network may be defined using only the NSSAI 420.

[0076] 7 is a table 700 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. As shown in the table 700, a virtual network and target NFs included in the virtual network may be defined using only the DNN 430.

[0077] (2) Second Modification The second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a table 800 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. The control unit 332 may refer to the table 800 and set virtual PLMN information according to the network to which the target NFs (25, 26, and 37) belong.

[0078] NF25 and NF26 belong to the first core network 23. Therefore, in table 800, first PLMN information (PLMNID1) is set for NF25 and NF26 as virtual PLMN information 450. On the other hand, NF37 belongs to the second core network 33. Therefore, in table 800, second PLMN information (PLMNID2) is set for NF37 as virtual PLMN information 450.

[0079] According to this configuration, the control unit 332 uses the first PLMN information (PLMNID1) to perform communication processing for NF 25 and NF 26. Furthermore, the control unit 332 uses the second PLMN information (PLMNID2) to perform communication processing for NF 37. According to this configuration, the communication control device 300 can perform communication processing for the target NF using existing PLMN information (i.e., the first PLMN information and the second PLMN information) without setting virtual PLMN information specific to the virtual network VN1.

[0080] <<3. Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The components of the communication control device 300 (the receiving unit 331 and the control unit 332) may be implemented on a device that operates as an NF other than an AMF.

[0081] In this embodiment, the NF 25 is a UDM, and the components of the communication control device 300 are implemented on a device that operates as a UDM. The UDM has a function of managing contract information and the like of subscribers of services provided to the terminal device 10.

[0082] <3-1. Configuration of setting information> The configuration of the setting information 321 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a table 900 showing an example of the configuration of the setting information 321. Table 900 is a table in which MSIN 435 is added to table 400. In this example, the virtual network is defined using "the combination of NSSAI 420, DNN 430, and MSIN 435." For example, table 900 defines a virtual network including NF26, NF36, and NF37 as target NFs using "the combination of NSSAI 420, DNN 430, and MSIN 435."

[0083] It should be noted that the virtual network may be defined using one of the NSSAI 420, the DNN 430, and the MSIN 435, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0084] <3-2. Processing flow> The processing flow of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the following points: NF 24 (i.e., AMF) receives a location registration request. NF 24 extracts PLMN information and communication control information from the location registration request and transmits the PLMN information and communication control information to NF 25 (i.e., communication control device 300 operating as UDM). At this time, NF 24 executes communication processing for NF 25 using the first PLMN information. NF 25 receives the PLMN information and communication control information. NF 25 replaces the first PLMN information with virtual PLMN information by referring to table 900. NF 25 executes communication processing for a target NF included in the virtual network using the virtual PLMN information.

[0085] <3-3.Advantages> The above configuration has the following advantages: The table 900 defines a virtual network using the MSIN 435. The range of the virtual network (that is, the range of the service) can be flexibly set for each subscriber of the terminal device 10.

[0086] <<4. Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The first and second embodiments described above are specific embodiments, but the third embodiment is a more generalized embodiment.

[0087] <4-1. Configuration of communication control device> 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device 1000. The communication control device 1000 belongs to the first network 20 and operates within the core network of the first network 20. The communication control device 1000 includes a receiving unit 1001 and a control unit 1002.

[0088] The receiving unit 1001 and the control unit 1002 may be implemented by one or more processors and memories. The one or more processors may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, an MPU, and a microcontroller. The memory may include a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory may store program code (instructions). The one or more processors may implement the functions of the receiving unit 1001 and the control unit 1002 by executing the program code stored in the memory.

[0089] The receiving unit 1001 may operate in the same manner as the above-described receiving unit 331. As an example, the receiving unit 1001 receives a location registration request from the terminal device 10. The location registration request includes first information that identifies the first network 20 to which the communication control device 1000 belongs, and communication control information for determining the virtual network that the communication control device 1000 should access.

[0090] The configurations of the location registration request and the communication control information may be the same as those in the above-described first or second embodiment. The first information may be, for example, PLMN information.

[0091] The control unit 1002 may operate in the same manner as the above-described control unit 332. As an example, the control unit 1002 uses the communication control information to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and executes communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information. The second information may be, for example, PLMN information or virtual PLMN information. The other communication control device may be a node in a network different from the first network 20. The other communication control device may be a device operating as an NF, or may be an NF implemented as software using virtualization technology. The memory may store information (e.g., setting information 321) for replacing the first information with the second information. The control unit 1002 may use the setting information 321.

[0092] <4-2. Processing flow> 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the communication control device 1000. The receiving unit 1001 receives a location registration request from the terminal device 10 (1101). The receiving unit 1001 may receive the location registration request directly from the terminal device 10. The receiving unit 1001 may also receive the location registration request from the terminal device 10 via another node. Next, the control unit 1002 replaces the first information with second information using the communication control information, and executes communication processing for another communication control device using the second information (1102).

[0093] The above configuration makes it possible to expand the communication range of the communication control device 1000. Note that the first embodiment and its respective modifications (first and second modifications) and the second embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment.

[0094] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and modified examples are merely examples, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described configurations. Other aspects conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] A device or module may be provided that includes the components (eg, receiver and / or controller) of the communication control device 300 or 1000 described herein.

[0096] The processing steps shown in the sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. The processing steps may be executed in an order different from that shown, or two or more processing steps may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, some processing steps may be deleted, and additional processing steps may be added.

[0097] In this specification, "sending X to Y" is not limited to directly sending X to Y, but also includes indirectly sending X to Y (i.e., X is sent to another node, and X is sent from the other node to Y). Similarly, "receiving X from Y" is not limited to directly receiving X from Y, but also includes indirectly receiving X from Y (i.e., X is sent from Y to another node, and X is received from the other node).

[0098] The functions of the communication control device 300 or 1000 described herein may be realized by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The program code (instructions) constituting the software may be stored, for example, in a computer-readable recording medium inside or outside each device, and may be loaded into memory and executed by a processor at runtime. Alternatively, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the program code is recorded may be provided.

[0099] Some or all of the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0100] (Appendix 1) A communication control device in a core network, a receiving unit configured to receive, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; a control unit configured to use the communication control information to replace the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and to execute communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information; A communication control device comprising:

[0101] (Appendix 2) In the communication control device according to Supplementary Note 1, the second information is information that uniquely identifies the virtual network.

[0102] (Appendix 3) In the communication control device according to supplementary note 1, the control unit sets the second information according to a network to which the other communication control device belongs.

[0103] (Appendix 4) In the communication control device described in Supplementary Note 3, the control unit sets PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information that identifies a network to which the other communication control device belongs as the second information.

[0104] (Appendix 5) In the communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, The communication control information information regarding the service requested by the terminal device; Information about a network to which the terminal device should connect; information about subscribers of services provided to said terminal devices; Contains at least one of the following:

[0105] (Appendix 6) The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5 further includes a storage unit configured to store setting information defining a relationship between the communication control information, the other communication control device, and the second information, and the control unit replaces the first information with the second information by referring to the setting information.

[0106] (Appendix 7) In the communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the virtual network includes at least a part of the first network and at least a part of a second network different from the first network.

[0107] (Appendix 8) In the communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the first information is PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information, and the second information is virtual PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information.

[0108] (Appendix 9) In the communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the communication control device is a device that operates as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function).

[0109] (Appendix 10) In the communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the communication control device is a device that operates as a UDM (Unified Data Management).

[0110] (Appendix 11) A method in a communication control device in a core network, comprising: receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and executing communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information; A method comprising:

[0111] (Appendix 12) At least one processor mounted in a communication control device in the core network receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and executing communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information; A computer program that executes the following:

[0112] (Appendix 13) At least one processor mounted in a communication control device in the core network receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; Using the communication control information, replacing the first information with second information for communicating with at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network, and executing communication processing for the other communication control device using the second information; A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the above is recorded. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] In a wireless communication system, the communication range of a communication control device in a core network can be extended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1: Wireless communication system 10: Terminal device 20: First Network 30: Second Network 300: Communication control device 310: Network Communications Department 320: Storage section 321: Setting information 330: Processing section 331: Receiving unit 332: Control unit 1000: Communication control device 1001: Receiver 1002: Control unit

Claims

1. A communication control device in a core network, a receiving unit configured to receive, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; a storage unit configured to store setting information that defines a relationship between the first information, second information that identifies the virtual network, and third information that indicates at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network; a control unit configured to use the communication control information to replace the first information with the second information and the third information from the setting information, determine the virtual network using the second information, determine the other communication control device using the third information, and communicate with the determined other communication control device; A communication control device comprising:

2. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, the control unit sets the second information according to a network to which the other communication control device belongs. Communications control device.

3. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The communication control information information regarding the service requested by the terminal device; Information about a network to which the terminal device should connect; information about subscribers of services provided to said terminal devices; at least one of Communications control device.

4. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the virtual network includes at least a portion of the first network and at least a portion of a second network different from the first network; Communications control device.

5. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The communication control device is a device that operates as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function).

6. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The communication control device is a device that operates as a UDM (Unified Data Management).

7. A method in a communication control device in a core network, comprising: receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; storing setting information that defines a relationship between the first information, second information that identifies the virtual network, and third information that indicates at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network; using the communication control information, replacing the first information with the second information and the third information from the setting information, determining the virtual network using the second information, determining the other communication control device using the third information, and communicating with the determined other communication control device; A method comprising:

8. At least one processor mounted in a communication control device in the core network receiving, from a terminal device, a location registration request including first information for identifying a first network to which the communication control device belongs and communication control information for determining a virtual network to be accessed by the communication control device; storing setting information that defines a relationship between the first information, second information that identifies the virtual network, and third information that indicates at least one other communication control device included in the virtual network; using the communication control information, replacing the first information with the second information and the third information from the setting information, determining the virtual network using the second information, determining the other communication control device using the third information, and communicating with the determined other communication control device; A computer program that executes the following:

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