Wireless communication system and communication control device

Abstract

To suppress an increase in size of a device.SOLUTION: A wireless communication system includes: a wireless communication device capable of forming a plurality of beams each pointing in a different direction; and a communication control device that controls the wireless communication device. The communication control device includes: a processor that executes processes of acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device, determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information, and generating beam time information indicating the determined allocation time for each beam; and a transmitting unit that transmits the beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, wireless communication systems have begun to introduce services using fifth-generation mobile communications (5G), which enables high-speed, large-capacity data communication. 5G services use higher-frequency radio waves, such as millimeter waves, than those used in LTE (Long Term Evolution) and other standards. Because such high-frequency radio waves have a high degree of directionality and are less likely to penetrate obstructions, cell radii tend to be smaller. As a result, building wireless communication systems requires the installation of base station equipment at high density.

[0003] Specifically, a base station device is separated into, for example, a baseband device (CU / DU: Central Unit / Distributed Unit) that performs baseband processing and a radio device (RU: Radio Unit) that performs radio processing, so RUs with antennas are densely arranged. For this reason, a mobile network operator (MNO) that builds a wireless communication system can efficiently expand the communication area and system capacity by cooperating with other MNOs to install shareable RUs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-135686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when multiple MNOs share an RU, the RU becomes larger. Specifically, an RU shared by multiple MNOs (hereinafter referred to as a "shared RU") has circuits that process the transmission signals of these MNOs. While some of these circuits, such as power amplifiers, can be shared for the transmission signals of multiple MNOs, it is difficult to share other circuits, such as phase shifters for beamforming, for the transmission signals of multiple MNOs.

[0006] In other words, the transmission signals of each MNO may be transmitted using beams pointing in different directions, and in order to transmit these transmission signals simultaneously, a beam for transmitting each MNO's transmission signal must be formed using a phase shifter for each MNO. As a result, the shared RU must be equipped with a phase shifter corresponding to each of the multiple MNOs, which leads to an increase in the size of the equipment.

[0007] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a wireless communication system that can prevent the device from becoming large. and communication control device The purpose is to provide the following. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, the wireless communication system disclosed in the present application is a wireless communication system having a wireless communication device capable of forming multiple beams each pointing in a different direction, and a communication control device that controls the wireless communication device, wherein the communication control device has a processor that executes a process of acquiring distribution information indicating the distribution of terminal devices that communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication device, determining an allocation time to be assigned to each of the multiple beams based on the acquired distribution information, and generating beam time information indicating the allocation time for each determined beam, and a transmitting unit that transmits the beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Wireless communication system disclosed in the present application and communication control deviceAccording to one aspect, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming too large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CU / DU. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shared RU. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the shared control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the beam allocation determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of beam allocation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the beam allocation determination process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of beam allocation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the beam allocation determination process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the shared control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a wireless communication system, a communication control device, and a communication device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to embodiment 1. In the wireless communication system illustrated in Fig. 1, a plurality of CU / DUs 100a and 100b managed by different MNOs share a shared RU 200. That is, the CU / DUs 100a and 100b are each connected to the shared RU 200 via a fronthaul line (FH line). The CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200 are also connected to a shared control device 300.

[0013] The CU / DUs 100a and 100b are baseband devices constituting a base station. The CU / DUs 100a and 100b are each connected to a core network for each MNO (not shown) and perform baseband processing on signals for each MNO. The CU / DUs 100a and 100b are also connected to a shared RU 200 via an FH line and acquire information about user equipment (UE) 10 that communicates wirelessly with the shared RU 200 and is under the jurisdiction of the MNO itself. The CU / DUs 100a and 100b then notify the shared control device 300 of the acquired information about UE 10. The information about UE 10 includes UE distribution information that indicates, for each beam formed by the shared RU 200, the number of UE 10 under the jurisdiction of the MNO itself that are located in the direction of the beam.

[0014] In addition, the CU / DUs 100a and 100b acquire beam time information relating to the time when the shared RU 200 forms a beam in each direction from the shared control device 300, and perform scheduling for the UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of their own MNO based on the beam time information.

[0015] The shared RU 200 is a radio device that constitutes a base station. The shared RU 200 connects to multiple CU / DUs 100a and 100b corresponding to multiple MNOs and performs radio processing on signals. That is, the shared RU 200 wirelessly transmits and receives signals to and from UEs 10 within a cell. At this time, the shared RU 200 acquires beam time information regarding the time for forming beams in each direction from the shared control device 300, forms beams according to the beam time information, and transmits signals addressed to each UE 10.

[0016] The UE 10 is a terminal device capable of wireless communication. The UE 10 performs wireless communication with the shared RU 200 that forms the cell in which the UE 10 is located. The UE 10 is under the jurisdiction of one of multiple MNOs that share the shared RU 200, and transmits and receives signals to and from the CU / DUs 100a and 100b of that MNO.

[0017] The shared control device 300 acquires UE distribution information from the CU / DUs 100a and 100b, which indicates the distribution of UEs 10 located in each direction of the beams formed by the shared RU 200, and determines the time to allocate to each beam. The shared control device 300 then generates beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam, and notifies the beam time information to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200. The configuration and operation of the shared control device 300 will be described in detail later.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CU / DU 100. The CU / DU 100 has the same configuration as the CU / DUs 100a and 100b. The CU / DU 100 shown in Fig. 2 has a communication interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as "communication I / F unit") 110, a processor 120, and a memory 130.

[0019] The communication I / F unit 110 is an interface for communicating with the shared RU 200 and the shared control device 300. The communication I / F unit 110 transmits a transmission signal addressed to the UE 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO to the shared RU 200. The communication I / F unit 110 also transmits UE distribution information regarding the UE 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO to the shared control device 300, and receives beam time information from the shared control device 300.

[0020] The processor 120 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and performs overall control of the CU / DU 100. Specifically, the processor 120 includes a scheduler unit 121 and a signal generation unit 122.

[0021] The scheduler unit 121 schedules the timing of transmitting signals addressed to UE 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO, based on the beam time information received by the communication I / F unit 110. Specifically, the scheduler unit 121 refers to the beam time information to determine the slots in which beams are formed in each direction, and schedules signals addressed to UE 10 located in the direction of the beams to be transmitted in the slots in which the beams are formed.

[0022] The scheduler unit 121 identifies the optimal beam direction for each UE 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO, generates UE distribution information indicating the number of UE 10 for each beam, and transmits it from the communication I / F unit 110 to the shared control device 300.

[0023] The signal generation unit 122 generates a signal addressed to the UE 10 in accordance with the result of scheduling by the scheduler unit 121. Then, the signal generation unit 122 causes the transmission signal addressed to the UE 10 to be transmitted from the communication I / F unit 110 to the shared RU 200.

[0024] The memory 130 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), and stores information used in processing by the processor 120.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of shared RU 200. Shared RU 200 shown in Fig. 3 includes communication I / F unit 210, processor 220, memory 230, DACs (Digital Analog Converters) 240a and 240b, upconverters 250a and 250b, combiner 260, distributor 270, phase shifter 280, and power amplifier 290.

[0026] The communication I / F unit 210 is an interface for communicating with the CU / DUs 100a, 100b and the shared control device 300. The communication I / F unit 210 receives transmission signals of the respective MNOs from the CU / DUs 100a, 100b. These transmission signals are signals addressed to the UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of the respective MNOs. In addition, the communication I / F unit 210 receives beam time information from the shared control device 300 that indicates the allocation time for each beam.

[0027] The processor 220 includes, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or a DSP, and performs overall control of the shared RU 200. Specifically, the processor 220 includes a signal processing unit 221 and a phase shifter control unit 222.

[0028] The signal processing unit 221 performs signal processing, such as distortion compensation processing for compensating for nonlinear distortion occurring in the power amplifier 290, on a transmission signal addressed to the UE 10 of each MNO. Then, the signal processing unit 221 outputs a transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100a to the DAC 240a, and outputs a transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100b to the DAC 240b.

[0029] The phase shifter control unit 222 acquires the beam time information received by the communication I / F unit 210 and controls the phase shifter 280 according to the beam time information. Specifically, the phase shifter control unit 222 sets the phase rotation amounts of the phase shifters 280 corresponding to the multiple antenna elements so that each beam is formed according to the allocated time for each beam indicated by the beam time information.

[0030] The memory 230 includes, for example, a RAM or a ROM, and stores information used in processing by the processor 220.

[0031] The DACs 240a and 240b perform DA (Digital-to-Analog) conversion of transmission signals addressed to the UE 10 of each MNO. That is, the DAC 240a performs DA conversion of the transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100a, and the DAC 240b performs DA conversion of the transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100b.

[0032] The upconverters 250a and 250b upconvert the transmission signals of each MNO addressed to the UE 10. That is, the upconverter 250a upconverts the transmission signals transmitted from the CU / DU 100a, and the upconverter 250b upconverts the transmission signals transmitted from the CU / DU 100b.

[0033] The combiner 260 combines the transmission signals of each MNO addressed to the UE 10. That is, the combiner 260 combines the transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100a and the transmission signal transmitted from the CU / DU 100b.

[0034] The divider 270 divides the transmission signal obtained by combining by the combiner 260 to a plurality of antenna elements.

[0035] A phase shifter 280 is provided for each of the multiple antenna elements, and applies a phase rotation to the transmission signal distributed to each antenna element to set a phase difference in the transmission signal between the antenna elements and form a beam. The phase shifter 280 applies a phase rotation to the transmission signal of each antenna element under the control of the phase shifter control unit 222, and forms a beam according to the beam time information.

[0036] A power amplifier 290 is provided for each of the plurality of antenna elements, and amplifies the transmission signals distributed to each antenna element. Then, the power amplifier 290 wirelessly transmits the amplified transmission signals from each antenna element.

[0037] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of shared control device 300 according to Embodiment 1. Shared control device 300 shown in FIG.

[0038] The communication I / F unit 310 is an interface for communicating with the CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200. The communication I / F unit 310 receives UE distribution information for each MNO from the CU / DUs 100a and 100b. The communication I / F unit 310 also transmits beam time information to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200.

[0039] The processor 320 includes, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or a DSP, and performs overall control of the shared control device 300. Specifically, the processor 320 includes a notification request generation unit 321 and a beam allocation determination unit 322.

[0040] The notification request generation unit 321 generates notification requests at predetermined intervals to request the CU / DUs 100a and 100b of each MNO to notify them of UE distribution information. Then, the notification request generation unit 321 transmits the notification requests from the communication I / F unit 310, requesting the CU / DUs 100a and 100b to provide the UE distribution information.

[0041] When the communication I / F unit 310 receives UE distribution information for each MNO, the beam allocation determination unit 322 determines the allocation time for each beam formed by the shared RU 200 according to the distribution of UE 10. Specifically, the beam allocation determination unit 322 increases the allocation time for beams in directions in which more UE 10 are located, thereby lengthening the time available for transmitting transmission signals addressed to more UE 10. The beam allocation determination unit 322 then generates beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam, and causes the communication I / F unit 310 to transmit this information to the CU / DUs 100a, 100b and the shared RU 200.

[0042] The memory 330 includes, for example, a RAM or a ROM, and stores information used in processing by the processor 320.

[0043] Next, a communication method in the wireless communication system configured as above will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0044] The notification request generation unit 321 of the shared control device 300 generates notification requests for requesting notification of UE distribution information at predetermined intervals. This notification request is transmitted to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b (step S101). The CU / DU 100a that receives the notification request counts the number of UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO for each beam formed by the shared RU 200, and transmits UE distribution information indicating the number of UEs 10 for each beam to the shared control device 300 (step S102). Similarly, the CU / DU 100b that receives the notification request counts the number of UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of its own MNO for each beam formed by the shared RU 200, and transmits UE distribution information indicating the number of UEs 10 for each beam to the shared control device 300 (step S103). Note that the UE distribution information may include information on the amount of traffic transmitted and received by the UEs 10 for each beam, in addition to the number of UEs 10 for each beam.

[0045] The UE distribution information of each MNO is received by the communication I / F unit 310 of the shared control device 300, and the beam allocation determination unit 322 executes a beam allocation determination process based on the UE distribution information (step S104). That is, regardless of the MNO, the number of UEs 10 for each beam is counted, and more slots are allocated to beams in directions in which more UEs 10 are located. Then, beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam is generated and transmitted to the CU / DUs 100a, 100b and the shared RU 200 (step S105). The beam allocation determination process in step S104 will be described in detail later.

[0046] When the beam time information is received by the communication I / F units 110 of the CU / DUs 100a and 100b, the scheduler unit 121 performs scheduling based on the beam time information (step S106). That is, scheduling is performed so that signals addressed to UEs 10 located in the direction of the beams are transmitted in slots in which the shared RUs 200 form their respective beams. Then, according to the scheduling results, signals addressed to UEs 10 are generated by the signal generator 122, and the transmission signals addressed to each UE 10 are transmitted to the shared RUs 200 (step S107).

[0047] On the other hand, when the beam time information is received by the communication I / F unit 210 of the shared RU 200, the phase shifter control unit 222 executes beam control according to the beam time information (step S108). That is, the phase rotation amount set in the phase shifter 280 for each of the multiple antenna elements is controlled so that a beam is formed in each assigned time. Then, the transmission signal sent from the CU / DU 100a, 100b to the UE 10 is wirelessly transmitted to the UE 10 using the beam formed by the phase shifter 280 (step S109).

[0048] In this way, the allocated time for forming each beam is determined according to the number of UEs 10 for each beam, and the timing for transmitting signals addressed to UEs 10 is scheduled based on the allocated time for each beam. Therefore, even if the MNOs in charge are different, signals addressed to UEs 10 located in the direction of the same beam are transmitted simultaneously, so that phase shifter 280 can be shared to transmit signals addressed to UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of each MNO. As a result, a phase shifter for each MNO is not required, and the size of shared RU 200 can be prevented from increasing.

[0049] Next, the beam allocation determination process according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 6. This beam allocation determination process is mainly executed by beam allocation determination section 322 of shared control device 300.

[0050] Notification requests for UE distribution information are sent to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b at predetermined intervals, and the shared control device 300 receives UE distribution information from the CU / DUs 100a and 100b of each MNO. The UE distribution information of each MNO is acquired by the beam allocation determination unit 322 (step S201), and the number of UEs 10 for each MNO located in the direction of each beam formed by the shared RU 200 is identified. Then, the number of slots to be allocated to each beam is calculated using the number of UEs 10 for each MNO for each beam (step S202).

[0051] Specifically, the number of UEs 10 of MNO#m in beam #b is N UE (m, b), the number of slots N assigned to beam #b is given by the following equation (1): beam (b) is calculated.

number

[0052] In the above formula (1), int(A) is a function that converts A into an integer, and N slot indicates the total number of slots to be assigned to the beam within a given time. Also, MNO indicates the set of all MNOs that share the shared RU 200, and Beam indicates the set of all beams formed by the shared RU 200. In this way, the number of slots N assigned to beam #b is beam (b) is determined according to the ratio of the total number of UEs 10 for each MNO in the direction of beam #b to the total number of UEs 10. That is, the number of slots N allocated to beam #b beam (b) is proportional to the number of UEs 10 in the direction of beam #b.

[0053] Also, the number of slots assigned to beam #b is N beam (b) may be calculated, for example, by the following equation (2), where the traffic volume of UE#u of MNO#m in beam#b is represented as T(m, b, u).

number

[0054] In the above formula (2), UE(m') represents the set of all UEs 10 under the jurisdiction of MNO#m'. beam (b) may be determined according to the ratio of the total traffic volume of UE 10 for each MNO in the direction of beam #b to the traffic volume of all UE 10. That is, the number of slots N allocated to beam #b beam (b) may be determined to be proportional to the traffic volume of UE 10 in the direction of beam #b.

[0055] Furthermore, the number of slots assigned to beam #b is N beam (b) may be calculated taking into consideration the priority of the UE 10. That is, for example, the priority of UE#u' is set to w(u'), and N in the above formula (1) is calculated. UE (m, b) and N UE By replacing (m, b') as follows, the number of slots for each beam according to the priority of each UE 10 can be calculated based on the number of UEs 10 for each beam.

number

[0056] Similarly, by using the following equation instead of the above equation (2), the number of slots for each beam according to the priority of each UE 10 can be calculated based on the traffic volume of the UE 10 for each beam.

number

[0057] The priority of the UE 10 may be set according to the type of data transmitted and received by each UE 10. That is, for example, a high priority may be set for a UE 10 that transmits and receives real-time video data, and a low priority may be set for a UE 10 that downloads files, for example.

[0058] In this way, the number of slots N assigned to beam #b is beam By calculating (b), for example, as shown in FIG. 7, N beam (0)~N beam (B-1) slots are allocated. Then, beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam is generated (step S203) and transmitted from the communication I / F unit 310 to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200 (step S204).

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shared control device determines the allocation time of each beam according to the number of UEs or traffic volume for each beam based on the UE distribution information of each MNO, and notifies the CU / DU and shared RU of the beam time information. The CU / DU then performs scheduling based on the beam time information, and the shared RU forms beams according to the beam time information. As a result, the shared RU simultaneously transmits signals addressed to UEs located in the direction of the same beam among UEs managed by multiple MNOs, allowing the phase shifter for beam formation to be shared among multiple MNOs. As a result, a phase shifter for each MNO is no longer required, and the size of the device can be reduced.

[0060] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment is characterized in that the allocation time for each beam is evenly distributed, and the transmission timing for each UE is evenly allocated.

[0061] The configuration of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the configurations of the CU / DUs 100a, 100b, the shared RU 200, and the shared control device 300 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 4), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the beam allocation determination process executed by the beam allocation determination unit 322 of the shared control device 300 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0062] 8 and 9 are flow diagrams showing a beam allocation determination process according to Embodiment 2. In Figs. 8 and 9, the same parts as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] A notification request for requesting notification of UE distribution information is transmitted to CU / DU 100a, 100b at a predetermined period, and the UE distribution information of each MNO is acquired by beam allocation determination unit 322 (step S201). Then, the number of slots to be allocated to each beam is calculated using the number of UEs 10 or traffic volume of each MNO for each beam (step S202).

[0064] Once the number of slots allocated to each beam is determined, the target allocation rate N~ for each beam is calculated. beam (b) is set (step S301). That is, the total number of slots N is calculated by the following equation (3). slot The ratio of the number of slots of beam #b to the total is calculated, and this ratio is the target allocation rate N~ beam The result is (b).

number

[0065] Target allocation rate N~ for all beams beam When (b) is set, the average allocation rate per beam N ave Specifically, the average allocation rate N of beam #b is calculated by the following equation (4) (step S302). ave The initial value of (b) is calculated.

number

[0066] In the above equation (4), RND(0,1) is a random number between 0 and 1. In this way, the average allocation rate N ave The initial value of (b) is the target allocation rate N~ beam (b) is set using a random number.

[0067] The first slot within the predetermined time that is to be assigned to the beam is the slot of interest, and the slot number N of the slot of interest is f In the following, the slot of interest N is set to 0 (step S303). f beam b(N f ) is written as the first slot (N f =0), the beam b(0) of the slot of interest is determined (step S304). Specifically, the average allocation rate N ave The beam #b with the largest (b) is determined to be beam b(0).

[0068] Once the beam b(0) of the first slot is determined, the slot of interest moves to the next slot (step S305). Then, the metric M(b) for each beam is calculated using the following equation (5) (step S306).

number

[0069] This metric M(b) is the average allocation rate N ave (b) is the target allocation rate N~ beam The closer it is to (b), the closer it is to 1 and the smaller it becomes. Therefore, the average allocation rate N ave (b) is the target allocation rate N~ beam The farther the beam is from (b), the larger the metric M(b).

[0070] In addition, since the target slot has moved, the average allocation rate of each beam N ave (b) is updated (step S307). That is, the average allocation rate N of each beam #b is calculated by the following equation (6): ave (b) will be updated uniformly.

number

[0071] Then, using the metric M(b) calculated in step S306, the beam b(N f) is determined (step S308). Specifically, the beam #b with the largest metric M(b) is the beam b(N f ) is determined to be

[0072] Beam b(N f ) is determined, the determined beam b(N f ) average allocation rate N ave (b(N f )) is updated (step S309). That is, the beam b(N f ) average allocation rate N ave (b(N f )) will be updated.

number

[0073] Then, it is determined whether the last slot within the predetermined time to be assigned to a beam is the target slot (step S310). If there is still a slot that has not been assigned to the target slot (step S310 No), the target slot moves to the next slot (step S305), and the beam b(N f ) is then repeated.

[0074] In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. f The beam b(N f ), the average allocation rate of each beam N ave (b) is the target allocation rate N~ beam Beam allocation can be determined evenly so as to approach (b). Then, when allocation to beams has been determined up to the last slot (Yes in step S310), beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam is generated (step S203) and transmitted from the communication I / F unit 310 to the CU / DUs 100a and 100b and the shared RU 200 (step S204).

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shared control device determines the allocation time of each beam based on the UE distribution information of each MNO so that the allocation time for each beam is evenly distributed, and notifies the beam time information to the CU / DU and the shared RU. This makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming large and to allocate transmission timing for each UE evenly.

[0076] (Embodiment 3) A feature of the third embodiment is that the allocation time of each beam is set within a retransmission enabled period, thereby enabling retransmission of data to each UE.

[0077] The configuration of the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the configurations of the CU / DUs 100a and 100b, the shared RU 200, and the shared control device 300 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 4), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the beam allocation determination process executed by the beam allocation determination unit 322 of the shared control device 300 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0078] 11 and 12 are flow diagrams showing a beam allocation determination process according to Embodiment 3. In Figs. 11 and 12, the same parts as those in Figs. 6, 8 and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] A notification request for requesting notification of UE distribution information is transmitted to CU / DU 100a, 100b at a predetermined period, and the UE distribution information of each MNO is acquired by beam allocation determination unit 322 (step S201). Then, the number of slots to be allocated to each beam is calculated using the number of UEs 10 or traffic volume of each MNO for each beam (step S202).

[0080] Once the number of slots to be allocated to each beam is determined, the target allocation rate N~ for each beam is calculated using the above equation (3). beam (b) is set (step S301), and the average allocation rate N for each beam is calculated by the above equation (4).ave (b) is initialized (step S302). Then, the first slot within the predetermined time to be assigned to the beam becomes the target slot, and the slot number N of the target slot is set. f (step S303), and the beam b(0) of the slot of interest is determined (step S304).

[0081] When the beam b(0) of the first slot is determined, the slot of interest moves to the next slot (step S305). Then, the number of slots N corresponding to the maximum time length in which data retransmission is permitted is determined. retx The beam b(N f -N retx ) is confirmed, and beam b(N f -N retx ) is determined (step S401). f -N retx ) to the slot immediately following it, and then to the slot of interest N. f Until then, the preceding slot (N f -N retx ), the data transmitted in the preceding slot (N f -N retx ) is assigned to the same beam as the retransmission enabled section.

[0082] As a result of this determination, beam b(N f -N retx If the same beam as the beam b(N) of the slot of interest is not assigned (step S401 No), f ) is forced to the preceding slot (N f -N retx ) beam b(N f -N retx ) is determined to be the same beam as the preceding slot (N f -N retx ) within the retransmission period of the data transmitted in the preceding slot (N f -N retx) is formed, allowing data to be retransmitted.

[0083] On the other hand, beam b(N f -N retx ) are assigned (step S401 Yes), the metric M(b) for each beam is calculated using the above formula (5) (step S306). Also, the average allocation rate N ave (b) is updated (step S307). Then, using the metric M(b) calculated in step S306, the beam b(N f ) is determined (step S308).

[0084] Forcibly or using the metric M(b), the beam b(N f ) is determined, the determined beam b(N f ) average allocation rate N ave (b(N f )) is updated (step S309). Then, it is determined whether the last slot within the predetermined time to be assigned to a beam is the target slot (step S310). If there is still a slot that has not been selected as the target slot (step S310 No), the target slot moves to the next slot (step S305), and the beam b(N f ) is then repeated.

[0085] When the allocation to beams has been determined up to the last slot (step S310 Yes), beam time information indicating the allocation time for each beam is generated (step S203) and transmitted from the communication I / F unit 310 to CU / DUs 100a, 100b and shared RU 200 (step S204).

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shared control device determines the allocation time of each beam based on the UE distribution information of each MNO so that at least one identical beam is formed within the retransmission enabled interval, and notifies the CU / DU and the shared RU of the beam time information. This makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming large, and to transmit retransmission data when retransmission of data to each UE occurs.

[0087] In each of the above embodiments, the CU / DUs 100a and 100b transmit UE distribution information to the shared control device 300 in response to a notification request from the shared control device 300. However, the CU / DUs 100a and 100b may also transmit UE distribution information voluntarily to the shared control device 300. That is, the CU / DUs 100a and 100b may transmit UE distribution information to the shared control device 300, for example, when the positions of the UEs 10 managed by their own MNO change and the number of UEs 10 per beam changes to a value greater than a predetermined standard.

[0088] In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 13, shared control device 300 may be configured without report request generation unit 321. Similar to each of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, shared control device 300 shown in Fig. 13 can determine the allocation time for each beam using UE distribution information in beam allocation determination unit 322.

[0089] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the shared control device 300 is provided as a separate entity from the CU / DUs 100a, 100b and the shared RU 200, but the shared control device 300 may be integrated with the CU / DUs 100a, 100b or the shared RU 200. Even when the shared control device 300 is integrated with the CU / DUs 100a, 100b or the shared RU 200, it is possible to prevent the CU / DUs 100a, 100b or the shared RU 200 from becoming larger.

[0090] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 1) A wireless communication system having a wireless communication device capable of forming a plurality of beams each pointing in a different direction, and a communication control device that controls the wireless communication device, The communication control device acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device; determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; A wireless communication system comprising:

[0092] (Supplementary Note 2) The acquisition process is Obtain distribution information indicating the number of terminal devices located in the direction of each of the plurality of beams 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 3) The process of determining Determine the allocation time for each beam in proportion to the number of terminal devices per beam. 3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2.

[0094] (Appendix 4) The acquisition process is Obtain distribution information indicating the traffic volume of terminal devices located in the direction of each of the plurality of beams 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

[0095] (Supplementary Note 5) The process of determining The allocation time for each beam is determined in proportion to the traffic volume of the terminal device for each beam. 5. The wireless communication system according to claim 4.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 6) The process of determining The allocation time for each beam is determined according to the priority of the terminal device for each beam. 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

[0097] (Supplementary Note 7) The process of determining Each slot in a predetermined range is sequentially set as a target slot, and a beam to which the target slot is assigned is determined so that the allocation rate for each beam is close to the target allocation rate. 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

[0098] (Supplementary Note 8) The process of determining determining whether or not a slot within a retransmission enabled section from immediately after the preceding slot to the target slot is assigned to the same beam as a preceding slot that precedes the target slot by the maximum time allowed for data retransmission; If no slot in the retransmittable section is assigned to the same beam as the preceding slot, the slot of interest is assigned to the same beam as the preceding slot. 8. The wireless communication system according to claim 7.

[0099] (Supplementary Note 9) The acquiring process is Obtaining distribution information regarding terminal devices under the jurisdiction of each of the communication carriers from a plurality of communication devices belonging to different communication carriers 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 10) The processor, Requesting the plurality of communication devices to notify the distribution information at a predetermined interval 10. The wireless communication system of claim 9, further comprising:

[0101] (Supplementary Note 11) Obtain distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device using one of a plurality of beams formed by the wireless communication device; determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; A communication control device comprising:

[0102] (Supplementary Note 12) A receiving unit that receives beam time information indicating allocation times of each of a plurality of beams formed by a wireless communication device; a processor that schedules transmission timings to a terminal device that communicates wirelessly with the wireless communication device using any of the plurality of beams based on beam time information received by the receiving unit; A communication device comprising:

[0103] (Supplementary Note 13) A plurality of antenna elements; phase shifters provided in the plurality of antenna elements and capable of forming a plurality of beams each pointing in a different direction; a receiving unit for receiving beam time information indicating an allocation time of each of the plurality of beams; a processor for controlling the phase shifter to form any one of the plurality of beams according to beam time information received by the receiver; A communication device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 110, 210, 310 Communication I / F section 120, 220, 320 processors 121 Scheduler 122 Signal Generation Unit 130, 230, 330 memory 221 Signal Processing Unit 222 Phase shifter control section 240a, 240b DAC 250a, 250b upconverter 260 Synthesizer 270 Distributor 280 phase shifter 290 Power Amplifier 321 Notification request generator 322 Beam Allocation Decision Unit

Claims

1. A wireless communication system having a wireless communication device capable of forming a plurality of beams each pointing in a different direction, and a communication control device that controls the wireless communication device, The communication control device acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device; determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information, the allocation time for each beam being determined according to the priority of the terminal device for each of the beams; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; A wireless communication system comprising:

2. The acquiring process includes: Obtain distribution information indicating the number of terminal devices located in the direction of each of the plurality of beams 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

3. The determining process includes: Determine the allocation time for each beam in proportion to the number of terminal devices per beam.

3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2.

4. The acquiring process includes: Obtain distribution information indicating the traffic volume of terminal devices located in the direction of each of the plurality of beams 2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

5. The determining process includes: The allocation time for each beam is determined in proportion to the traffic volume of the terminal device for each beam.

5. The wireless communication system according to claim 4.

6. A wireless communication system having a wireless communication device capable of forming a plurality of beams each pointing in a different direction, and a communication control device that controls the wireless communication device, The communication control device acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication device; determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; The determining process includes: Each slot in a predetermined range is sequentially set as a target slot, and a beam to which the target slot is assigned is determined so that the allocation rate for each beam is close to the target allocation rate. A wireless communication system comprising:

7. The determining process includes: determining whether or not a slot within a retransmission enabled section from immediately after the preceding slot to the target slot is assigned to the same beam as a preceding slot that precedes the target slot by the maximum time allowed for data retransmission; If no slot in the retransmittable section is assigned to the same beam as the preceding slot, the slot of interest is assigned to the same beam as the preceding slot.

7. The wireless communication system according to claim 6.

8. acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication device using any of a plurality of beams formed by the wireless communication device; Based on the acquired distribution information, an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams is determined according to the priority of the terminal device for each of the beams; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; A communication control device comprising:

9. acquiring distribution information indicating a distribution of terminal devices that communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication device using any of a plurality of beams formed by the wireless communication device; determining an allocation time to be allocated to each of the plurality of beams based on the acquired distribution information; Generate beam time information that indicates the allocated time for each determined beam a processor for executing the processing; a transmitting unit that transmits beam time information generated by the processor to the wireless communication device; The determining process includes: Each slot in a predetermined range is sequentially set as a target slot, and a beam to which the target slot is assigned is determined so that the allocation rate for each beam is close to the target allocation rate. A communication control device characterized by:

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