Communication control systems, devices, and methods

Abstract

To provide a communication control system, a device, and a method for controlling resources and networks in a satellite ground communication system, which enables construction and optimization of a flexible and global communication network based on user requests.SOLUTION: An orchestrator 5 comprises an orchestrator network control calculation unit 55 for non-territorial networks that controls non-territorial communication between a non-territorial node group including non-territorial communication stations and a territorial node group including territorial communication stations, and an orchestrator request adjustment calculation unit 56 for territorial communication that controls territorial communication between the territorial node group and one or more communication terminals. The orchestrator network control calculation unit 55 for non-territorial networks calculates non-territorial line parameters to be used for controlling non-territorial communication based on monitoring information for controlling the non-territorial communication, and the orchestrator request adjustment calculation unit 56 for territorial communication calculates territorial line parameters to be used for controlling territorial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-territorial line parameters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control system, apparatus, and method for resources and networks in a satellite terrestrial connection system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a growing need for non-terrestrial networks (NTN: Non-Terrestrial Networks) that connect non-terrestrial operators and can expand the communication area of terrestrial networks connecting multiple terrestrial operators, such as using the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). As services using this non-terrestrial network, services by constellations of a large number of satellites centered on NGSO satellites have started, and communication services using HAPS are also planned. In addition, non-terrestrial networks can also support communication networks that cannot be used by terrestrial operators, such as mobile communication and emergency communication for aircraft and ships.

[0003] For these reasons, 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) has already started standardizing non-terrestrial networks. For example, 3GPP TR22.822 describes use cases such as roaming between terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks and continuous cross-border services.

[0004] As a result, a satellite terrestrial connection system that interconnects non-terrestrial networks and terrestrial networks can expand the wireless communication network in three dimensions with global coverage. Therefore, the use cases and application scenarios of non-terrestrial networks are expanded, and services are diversified not only limited to conventional broadband communication services, mobile communication services, emergency communication services, etc., but also in the fields of finance, medicine, etc. In addition, the number of users who require services provided by non-terrestrial networks is increasing. Therefore, a system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, has attracted attention in order to meet this need.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that can reduce the load on a busy ground base station by generating an acknowledgment command when the non-terrestrial signal receiver receives a data packet from a non-terrestrial node with sufficient accuracy, and generating a negation command when the non-terrestrial signal receiver receives a data packet from a non-terrestrial node with inaccurate accuracy. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-535770 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not assume that multiple non-terrestrial operators and multiple terrestrial operators are interconnected in a satellite-to-terrestrial connectivity system. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem of low efficiency because, for example, it is necessary to adjust for each individual operator how much of the user's requested traffic is routed to which non-terrestrial operator.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a communication control system, apparatus, and method for resources and networks in a satellite-ground connection system that enables the construction and optimization of a flexible and global communication network in accordance with user requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The communication control system according to the first invention comprises: non-terrestrial link control means for controlling non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station; and terrestrial resource control means for controlling terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals. The non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the group of terrestrial nodes, and the communication terminals; and the terrestrial resource control means calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control means. The non-terrestrial link control means calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the request information regarding the request for QoS (Quality of Service) parameters of the communication and the monitoring information. It is characterized by the following:

[0010] The communication control system according to the second invention is: The system comprises: non-terrestrial link control means for controlling non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station; terrestrial resource control means for controlling terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, wherein the non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminals; the terrestrial resource control means calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control means; and further comprises: non-terrestrial network control means for controlling non-terrestrial network communication between the group of non-terrestrial nodes, wherein the non-terrestrial network control means calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information; and the non-terrestrial link control means calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control means. It is characterized by the following:

[0011] Regarding the third invention The communication control device comprises a non-terrestrial link control unit that controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, and a terrestrial resource control unit that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals. The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminals. The terrestrial resource control unit calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control unit. The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information relating to requests for QoS (Quality of Service) parameters of communication and the monitoring information. It is characterized by the following.

[0012] Regarding the fourth invention The communication control device comprises a non-terrestrial link control unit that controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, and a terrestrial resource control unit that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, wherein the non-terrestrial link control unit calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal, the terrestrial resource control unit calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control unit, and further comprises a non-terrestrial network control unit that controls non-terrestrial network communication between the group of non-terrestrial nodes, wherein the non-terrestrial network control unit calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information, and the non-terrestrial link control unit calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control unit. It is characterized by the following.

[0013] Regarding the fifth invention The communication control method involves having a computer execute a non-terrestrial link control step to control non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication entity and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication entity, and a terrestrial resource control step to control terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals. The non-terrestrial link control step calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminals. The terrestrial resource control step calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control step. The non-terrestrial link control step calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information relating to requests for QoS (Quality of Service) parameters of communication and the monitoring information. It is characterized by the following.

[0014] The communication control method according to the sixth invention causes a computer to perform the following steps: a non-terrestrial link control step for controlling non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication body and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication body; and a terrestrial resource control step for controlling terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals. The non-terrestrial link control step calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the group of terrestrial nodes, and the communication terminals. The terrestrial resource control step calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control step. The system further comprises a non-terrestrial network control step for controlling non-terrestrial network communication between the non-terrestrial node group, wherein the non-terrestrial network control step calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information, and the non-terrestrial link control step calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control step. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first to sixth inventions, the non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters based on monitoring information, and the terrestrial resource control means calculates terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters. Therefore, even when there are multiple non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators, roaming is possible regardless of whether it is a non-terrestrial or terrestrial network. Furthermore, even if there are differences in coverage and capacity between individual non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators, it is possible to calculate appropriate line parameters according to these differences. This makes it possible to build and optimize a flexible and global communication network according to user requirements.

[0016] In particular, the 1 According to the invention, the non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information and monitoring information. Therefore, it is possible to calculate appropriate line parameters according to the characteristics of the user and use case. This enables the construction and optimization of a more flexible and global communication network in response to user requirements.

[0017] In particular, according to the 1 invention, the non-terrestrial link control means determines, for example, a priority based on request information, and calculates non-terrestrial line parameters based on the determined priority and monitoring information. Therefore, it becomes possible to calculate more appropriate line parameters according to the characteristics of users or use cases. As a result, it becomes possible to construct and optimize a more flexible and global communication network according to user requests.

[0018] In particular, according to the 2 invention, the non-terrestrial network control means calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on monitoring information, and the non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control means. Therefore, it becomes possible to calculate line parameters considering the respective line states of non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators. As a result, it becomes possible to construct and optimize a more flexible and global communication network according to user requests.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a hierarchical communication control system to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a management station and a feeder link earth station. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of terrestrial communication stations such as a group of terrestrial nodes. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an orchestrator. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of a hierarchical communication control system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of an orchestrator. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of a management station. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operational flow of a terrestrial network operator, such as a terrestrial base station. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) shows the configuration of a hierarchical communication control system using a C-plane (control plane). Figure 9(b) shows the configuration of a hierarchical communication control system using an M-plane (management plane). [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the configuration of a hierarchical communication control system using a U-plane (user plane). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The hierarchical communication control system to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a hierarchical communication control system 100 to which the present invention is applied. The hierarchical communication control system 100 comprises a non-terrestrial node group 1, a terrestrial node group 2 connected to the non-terrestrial node group 1, a management station 3 connected to the non-terrestrial node group 1 and the terrestrial node group 2, a feeder link earth station 4 connected to the non-terrestrial node group 1 and the management station 3, an orchestrator 5 connected to the management station 3, a terrestrial core 6 connected to the feeder link earth station 4 and the orchestrator 5, and a data network 7 connected to the feeder link earth station 4 and the terrestrial core 6. Furthermore, the hierarchical communication control system 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1, and the non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, management station 3, feeder link earth station 4, orchestrator 5, terrestrial core 6, and data network 7 may be connected in any way.

[0022] Furthermore, the hierarchical communication control system 100 may include multiple non-terrestrial node groups 1 (1A to 1C), multiple management stations 3 (3A to 3C), multiple feeder link earth stations 4 (4A to 4C), and terrestrial cores 6 (6A to 6C), each managed by a different operator.

[0023] Non-terrestrial node group 1 is a group of nodes consisting of non-terrestrial nodes, including non-terrestrial communication stations. Non-terrestrial node group 1 is a group of nodes consisting of non-terrestrial nodes, including non-terrestrial communication stations located in arbitrary orbits and altitudes, such as geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites 11, non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites 12, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as drones 14. Non-terrestrial node group 1 (1A, 1B) may each be managed by different non-terrestrial operators. Non-terrestrial node group 1 may include non-terrestrial nodes managed by multiple non-terrestrial operators, such as multiple geostationary satellites 11, multiple non-geostationary satellites 12 (12A~12C), multiple high-altitude communication platforms 13 (13A, 13B), and multiple drones 14 (14A, 14B).

[0024] Non-terrestrial node group 1 performs non-terrestrial communication with terrestrial node group 2. Non-terrestrial node group 1 also performs non-terrestrial network communication with other non-terrestrial systems, which are systems consisting of parts managed by non-terrestrial operators. Furthermore, non-terrestrial node group 1 may also perform non-terrestrial network communication with non-terrestrial node group 1 (1A, 1B), each managed by a different non-terrestrial operator.

[0025] The non-terrestrial system is a system consisting of parts managed by a non-terrestrial system operator, and includes a non-terrestrial system node group 1, non-terrestrial system users, feeder link earth stations 4, and management stations 3, etc. The non-terrestrial system users are fixed stations and mobile stations that communicate directly with the non-terrestrial system node group 1 and receive communication services. Mobile stations may be flying objects (aircraft 22, drones 14, HAPS 13, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), etc.), mobile objects on the sea, underwater, or on the surface of the water (ships 24, UAVs, USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles), etc.), or mobile objects on land (cars 23, trains, etc.).

[0026] The communication payload of the non-terrestrial node group 1 may be a vent-pipe type (transparent type) payload, which performs frequency conversion and amplification on the received signal before transmitting it to other nodes (including the feeder link earth station 4). Alternatively, the communication payload of the non-terrestrial node group 1 may be a regenerative type payload, which performs demodulation, decoding, computation, frequency conversion, modulation, encoding, and amplification on the received signal using an onboard processor before transmitting it to other nodes (including the feeling earth station 4). The communication payload of the non-terrestrial network 1 may also be equipped with a flexible payload such as a digital channelizer or a digital beamformer.

[0027] The terrestrial node group 2 is a group of nodes that includes terrestrial communication stations such as terrestrial base stations 21 and communication terminals 211. The terrestrial node group 2 may be a group of nodes managed by a terrestrial operator. Furthermore, the terrestrial node group 2 may include multiple terrestrial base stations 21 (21A to 21C) and multiple communication terminals 211 (211A to 211E).

[0028] The terrestrial node group 2 is not limited to any particular generation of mobile communication system, and may target 5G, 4G / LTE, 3G, and future generations of mobile communication systems that will be standardized (Beyond 5G / 6G), etc. The terrestrial node group 2 may have appropriate communication terminal 211, terrestrial base station 21, terrestrial core 6 functions, and their interface functions depending on the generation of the mobile communication system being targeted.

[0029] The terrestrial node group 2 performs terrestrial communication between terrestrial systems, which are systems consisting of parts managed by terrestrial operators. A terrestrial system is a system consisting of parts managed by a terrestrial operator and includes communication terminals 211, terrestrial base stations 21, and terrestrial core 6, etc.

[0030] The control station 3 issues instructions to the non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, feeling ground station 4, orchestrator 5, etc., and controls non-terrestrial and terrestrial communications. For example, the control station 3 calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial communications based on monitoring information regarding the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, and communication terminal 211.

[0031] The feeder link earth station 4 is an earth station that accommodates the communication line between the non-terrestrial node group 1 and the communication terminal 211, and is connected to a data network (DN) such as the Internet. When the non-terrestrial system is used as a backhaul for the terrestrial system, the feeder link earth station 4 also serves as a relay point between the terrestrial operator and the terrestrial core 6. A feeder link earth station 4 may be provided for each non-terrestrial operator. Furthermore, the feeder link earth station 4 may be used by a non-terrestrial operator different from the one to which it is provided.

[0032] The orchestrator 5 manages the entire network of the hierarchical communication control system 100. For example, the orchestrator 5 calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communications based on monitoring information.

[0033] The terrestrial core 6 has functions for registering, authenticating, and establishing sessions for communication terminals 211. The terrestrial core 6 may also have functions for coordinating terrestrial requests and determining resource allocation to each communication terminal 211. The terrestrial core 6 may be provided for each terrestrial network operator, or it may be used by operators other than the terrestrial network operator to which it is provided.

[0034] Data network 7 is any network, such as the internet. Alternatively, data network 7 may be a cloud service where various types of information are stored.

[0035] The communication terminal 211 is a terminal that receives terrestrial communication services, and may communicate via the terrestrial base station 21, or, if it is a terminal that has an interface with the non-terrestrial node group 1, it may communicate directly with the non-terrestrial node group 1.

[0036] Next, we will explain the functions of the control station 3 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the control station 3 and the feeder link earth station 4.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the management station 3 comprises a non-terrestrial NOC (Network Operations Center) 32, a non-terrestrial SOC (Satellite Operations Center) 31 connected to the non-terrestrial NOC 32, and an NOC database unit 33 connected to both the non-terrestrial NOC 32 and the non-terrestrial SOC 31. These components may be arranged with arbitrary connections.

[0038] The non-terrestrial NOC32 calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial communications, for example, based on monitoring information. The non-terrestrial NOC32 may also calculate network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communications, for example, based on monitoring information. The non-terrestrial NOC32 may be provided for each non-terrestrial operator. In such cases, the non-terrestrial NOC32 may calculate terrestrial line parameters for controlling terrestrial communications of a non-terrestrial operator different from the one to which it is provided.

[0039] The non-terrestrial NOC32 comprises an NOC processing unit 321 connected to the non-terrestrial SOC31, an NOC control unit 322 connected to the NOC processing unit 321 and the NOC database unit 33, and an NOC orchestrator interface unit 325 connected to the NOC processing unit 321 and the orchestrator 5.

[0040] The NOC orchestrator interface unit 325 has an interface function with the orchestrator 5. The NOC orchestrator interface unit 325 obtains request information regarding communication requests from the orchestrator 5 and notifies the orchestrator 5 of various line parameters, etc., determined by the NOC control unit 322.

[0041] The NOC processing unit 321 determines the functions to be used by the NOC control unit 322 based on the information received from the NOC orchestrator interface unit 325 and the non-terrestrial node communication unit 41. The NOC processing unit 321 may also acquire request information such as the non-terrestrial user's own position coordinates, communication destination, QoS parameters, and requested bandwidth. Furthermore, based on the information determined by the NOC control unit 322, it determines the content of notifications to the NOC orchestrator interface unit 325, the command creation unit 313, and the non-terrestrial node communication unit 41.

[0042] The NOC control unit 322 includes an NOC non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 323 and an NOC non-terrestrial link control calculation unit 324. Depending on the role of the non-terrestrial operator, the NOC control unit 322 performs parameter calculations using the NOC non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 323 and the NOC non-terrestrial link control calculation unit 324. During calculations, the NOC control unit 322 reads data from the NOC database unit 33. When the calculation is completed and the command transmission to the non-terrestrial nodes is complete, the NOC control unit 322 updates the NOC database unit 33. Furthermore, if the orchestrator 5 controls the non-terrestrial network, the NOC control unit 322 does not need to include the NOC non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 324.

[0043] The NOC non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 323 calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on monitoring information. Based on the calculated network line parameters, the NOC non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 323 determines the beam to be used for communication (in the case of multi-beam satellites using radio waves), frequency / wavelength, output power, bandwidth allocation (in the case of satellites equipped with digital channelizers), beam irradiation area (in the case of satellites equipped with digital beamformers), modulation scheme, type and coding rate of error correction codes, and whether or not encryption is used.

[0044] The NOC non-terrestrial link control calculation unit 324 calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial communications based on monitoring information.

[0045] The NOC database unit 33 includes an NOC line monitoring database DB1 for storing monitoring information, an NOC non-terrestrial node orbit database DB2 for storing information related to the orbits of non-terrestrial nodes, and an NOC user request database DB3 for storing request information. The NOC database unit 33 is connected to a cloud server, and if the functional units of a non-terrestrial operator are distributed, information is shared via the cloud server.

[0046] The non-terrestrial SOC31 creates commands from various line parameters transmitted from the non-terrestrial NOC32. The non-terrestrial SOC31 may be established for each non-terrestrial operator. In such cases, the non-terrestrial SOC31 creates commands from terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial NOC32 for controlling terrestrial communications of a non-terrestrial operator different from the one established.

[0047] The non-terrestrial SOC31 comprises a command creation unit 313 that creates commands based on information output from the NOC processing unit 321, a command transmission unit 311 that transmits the commands created by the command creation unit 313, and a telemetry receiving unit 312 that outputs the received information to the NOC database unit 33. The non-terrestrial SOC31 is responsible for transmitting commands to non-terrestrial operators and receiving telemetry from each non-terrestrial operator.

[0048] The NOC database unit 33 includes an NOC line monitoring database DB1 for storing monitoring information, an NOC non-terrestrial node orbit database DB2 for storing information about the orbits of non-terrestrial nodes, and an NOC user request database DB3 for storing request information.

[0049] The feeder earth station 4 includes a non-terrestrial node communication unit 41 for communicating with the non-terrestrial node group 1, and an earth station terrestrial operator interface unit 42 for communicating with the terrestrial node group 2.

[0050] The non-terrestrial node communication unit 41 communicates with the non-terrestrial node group 1. The non-terrestrial node communication unit 41 is connected to the data network 7 and, when using the U-plane described later, exchanges signals with the non-terrestrial user. The non-terrestrial node communication unit 41 sends the various information it obtains to the NOC database unit 33. The non-terrestrial node communication unit 41 notifies the NOC processing unit 321 of the request information of the non-terrestrial user.

[0051] The Earth Station Ground System Operator Interface Unit 42 is connected to multiple ground system operators and, when using U-plane or C-plane as described later, exchanges signals with ground system users.

[0052] The terrestrial base station 21 is a ground station that accommodates the traffic of the communication terminal 211 and has a communication interface with the non-terrestrial node group 1. The terrestrial base station 21 does not have a communication interface with the non-terrestrial node group 1, and some of the terrestrial core 6 or network nodes such as routers connected to the terrestrial base station 21 may have a communication interface with the non-terrestrial node group 1. When communicating with the non-terrestrial node group 1, the terrestrial base station 21 may be treated as a non-terrestrial user. If multiple slices are defined, the terrestrial base station 21 may be treated as multiple non-terrestrial users. The terrestrial base station 21 has an interface with the terrestrial system and may communicate directly with the terrestrial core 6. The terrestrial base station 21 may be provided for each terrestrial operator, or it may be used by an operator different from the terrestrial operator to which it is provided. A slice is a group of multiple terrestrial users with specific QoS parameters. The terrestrial core 6 or terrestrial base station 21 of the terrestrial operator or the orchestrator 5 may configure the slice according to the QoS parameters and use cases of each user. If a user accommodated by a terrestrial base station 21 spans multiple slices, it may be treated as if there are as many non-terrestrial users as there are slices. The orchestrator 5 and the non-terrestrial node group 1 may have the function to generate slices. QoS parameters may be redefined for each slice.

[0053] Next, we will explain the configuration of the terrestrial communication stations, such as Terrestrial Node Group 2. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terrestrial communication stations, such as Terrestrial Node Group 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the terrestrial base station 21 comprises a terrestrial processing unit 214, a terrestrial control unit 216 connected to the terrestrial processing unit 214, a terrestrial database unit 219 connected to the terrestrial control unit 216, a terrestrial core unit 213 connected to the terrestrial processing unit 214, the terrestrial database unit 218, and the terrestrial core 6, a terrestrial-non-terrestrial carrier interface unit 212 connected to the terrestrial core unit 213 and the non-terrestrial carrier, and an orchestrator interface unit 215 connected to the orchestrator 5 and the terrestrial processing unit 214.

[0055] The orchestrator interface unit 215 has an interface function with the orchestrator 5. The orchestrator interface unit 215 notifies the orchestrator 5 of request information regarding communication requests from the communication terminal 211, etc., and receives calculation results, allocation results, etc.

[0056] The terrestrial / non-terrestrial operator interface unit 212 is connected to multiple non-terrestrial operators and, when using U-plane or C-plane as described later, exchanges signals with terrestrial users.

[0057] The ground system core unit 213 exchanges signals with the ground system user when using the C-plane described later. When resource management is required, the ground system core unit 213 issues a resource control request to the ground system processing unit 214. The ground system core unit 213 is also connected to the data network 7, and when using the U-plane described later, signals from the ground system user pass through it.

[0058] The ground system processing unit 214 determines the functions to be used by the ground system control unit 216 based on the information received from the orchestrator interface unit 215 and the ground system core unit 213. The ground system processing unit 214 may also acquire request information such as the non-ground system user's own position coordinates, communication destination, QoS parameters, and requested bandwidth. Based on the information determined by the ground system control unit 216, the ground system processing unit 214 determines the content of the notification to the orchestrator interface unit 215 and the ground system core unit 213.

[0059] The ground system control unit 216 comprises a ground system resource control unit 217 and a ground system communication request adjustment calculation unit 218. The ground system control unit 216 reads data from the ground system database unit 219 during calculations and updates the data in the ground system database unit 219 after calculations.

[0060] The terrestrial resource control unit 217 calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling terrestrial communications based on monitoring information and non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial NOC32, etc.

[0061] The terrestrial communication request adjustment calculation unit 218 adjusts terrestrial communications based on monitoring information.

[0062] The terrestrial network database unit 219 includes a terrestrial network line monitoring database DB4 for storing monitoring information and a terrestrial network user request database DB5 for storing request information. The terrestrial network database unit 219 is connected to a cloud server, and if the functional units of a terrestrial network operator are distributed, information is shared via the cloud server.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the orchestrator 5. The orchestrator 5 comprises an orchestrator system processing unit 52, an orchestrator control unit 54 connected to the orchestrator system processing unit 52, an orchestrator database unit 57 connected to the orchestrator system processing unit 52 and the orchestrator control unit 54, a non-terrestrial operator interface unit 51 connected to the orchestrator system processing unit 52 and the orchestrator database unit 57, and a terrestrial operator interface unit 53 connected to the orchestrator system processing unit 52 and the orchestrator database unit 57. Furthermore, these components may be arranged by any connection.

[0064] The non-terrestrial operator interface unit 51 is connected to multiple non-terrestrial operators and notifies them of request information and various calculation results calculated by the orchestrator system processing unit 52, and receives calculation results, allocation results, monitoring information, etc. from the non-terrestrial operators.

[0065] The orchestrator processing unit 52 reads information such as the orbits of non-terrestrial nodes and monitoring information from the orchestrator database unit 57, and works in cooperation with the orchestrator control unit 54 to predict future throughput, latency, link survival probability, etc., and to perform optimization calculations for the frequency resources to be used in the future. Based on the information received by the non-terrestrial operator interface unit 51 and the terrestrial operator interface unit 53, the orchestrator processing unit 52 determines the functions to be used by the orchestrator control unit 54. In addition, based on the information determined by the orchestrator control unit 54, the orchestrator processing unit 52 determines the content of notifications to each operator.

[0066] The terrestrial network operator interface unit 53 is connected to multiple terrestrial network operators and notifies them of request information and various calculation results calculated by the orchestrator processing unit 52, and receives calculation results, allocation results, monitoring information, etc. from non-terrestrial network operators.

[0067] The orchestrator control unit 54 comprises an orchestrator non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 55 and an orchestrator terrestrial communication request adjustment calculation unit 56. The orchestrator control unit 54 performs parameter calculations according to the role of the orchestrator 5. The orchestrator control unit 54 reads data from the orchestrator database unit 57 as needed.

[0068] The orchestrator non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 55 calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information. The orchestrator non-terrestrial network control calculation unit 55 also calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication between the non-terrestrial node group 1 based on monitoring information.

[0069] The orchestrator terrestrial communication request adjustment calculation unit 56 calculates the adjustment of requests for terrestrial communication.

[0070] The orchestrator database unit 57 includes a line monitoring database DB6 for storing monitoring information, a non-terrestrial node orbit database DB7 for storing information about the orbits of non-terrestrial nodes, and a user request database DB8 for storing request information.

[0071] Next, the operation of the hierarchical communication control system 100 will be explained. Figure 5 shows the flow of operation of the hierarchical communication control system 100. The operation of the hierarchical communication control system 100 is divided into three types of control functions: non-terrestrial network communication control, non-terrestrial link control, and terrestrial resource control. These are implemented hierarchically as shown in Figure 5 in order to handle communication requests, time variations in link status, and the different characteristics of non-terrestrial and terrestrial systems.

[0072] Non-terrestrial network communication refers to communication between non-terrestrial node groups 1. Alternatively, non-terrestrial network communication may also refer to communication between multiple non-terrestrial node groups 1 managed by different non-terrestrial operators. Furthermore, non-terrestrial network communication may refer to communication between non-terrestrial systems themselves.

[0073] Non-terrestrial link control is the control of non-terrestrial communication between non-terrestrial node group 1 and terrestrial node group 2. Non-terrestrial link control may also be the control of communication between non-terrestrial and terrestrial systems. Non-terrestrial link control may also be the control of communication on links involving non-terrestrial node group 1. Links involving non-terrestrial node group 1 are either between non-terrestrial users and non-terrestrial node group 1, between non-terrestrial node group 1 itself, or between non-terrestrial node group 1 and feeder link earth station 4.

[0074] Terrestrial resource control is the control of terrestrial communication between the terrestrial node group 2 and one or more communication terminals 211. Alternatively, terrestrial resource control may also be the control of communication between the terrestrial node group 2 and terrestrial users. Furthermore, terrestrial resource control may also be the control of communication between terrestrial systems.

[0075] First, in step S1, the hierarchical communication control system 100 starts controlling non-terrestrial network communication. In step S1, for example, the orchestrator 5 calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on monitoring information, and starts controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the calculated network line parameters. Alternatively, in step S1, for example, the management station 3 may calculate network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on monitoring information instead of the orchestrator 5, and start controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the calculated network line parameters.

[0076] The monitoring information is information regarding the communication environment of at least one of the following: non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, and communication terminal 211. The monitoring information includes evaluation indicators such as throughput, latency, number of terrestrial and non-terrestrial users who can communicate, number of handovers, number of non-terrestrial nodes used, and number of terrestrial and non-terrestrial operators through which communication signals pass, for example, non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, or communication terminal 211. The monitoring information may also include received power, received C / N0 (carrier power to noise power density ratio), center frequency, bandwidth, throughput, bit error rate (BER), packet loss rate, rainfall attenuation, etc. Furthermore, the monitoring information includes information regarding the non-terrestrial communication environment. Information regarding the non-terrestrial communication environment may include specifications such as the number, orbit, location, coverage, bandwidth, and maximum power of non-terrestrial communication stations and feeder link earth stations 4 included in the non-terrestrial node group 1, as well as the number of non-terrestrial users and the resource utilization status of the non-terrestrial node group 1, or information regarding link conditions such as throughput, propagation delay, jitter, packet loss, atmospheric propagation, and Doppler shift. Line parameters are parameters related to the network configuration, such as the non-terrestrial node group 1 used for communication, the feeder link earth stations 4 used, the transmission path, and topology. Line parameters may also be parameters related to bandwidth allocation. Furthermore, line parameters may include transmission power, carrier frequency, bandwidth, modulation scheme, type and coding rate of error correction codes, multiplexing scheme, and number of carriers. Network line parameters are line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication.

[0077] Furthermore, in step S1, for example, the orchestrator 5 may calculate the topology and bandwidth used for non-terrestrial network communication based solely on the information regarding the non-terrestrial communication environment included in the monitoring information.

[0078] Furthermore, in step S1, for example, the orchestrator 5 may calculate network line parameters based on request information regarding communication requests from at least one of the non-terrestrial node group 1, terrestrial node group 2, and communication terminal 211, as well as monitoring information. The request information may include, for example, the self-position coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the terrestrial and non-terrestrial users requesting communication, the communication destination (another user or data network 7), QoS (Quality of Service) parameters, etc.

[0079] QoS parameters include, for example, resource type, priority, acceptable latency, and security level. If the resource type is GBR, the QoS parameters may also include guaranteed bandwidth. For 5G, QoS parameters may use the 3GPP standard 5QI (5G QoS Identifier) ​​or be newly defined. Priority and security level may be set according to the use case, user billing amount, or communication plan.

[0080] Furthermore, in step S1, the orchestrator 5 may, for example, determine a priority order for controlling communication from each of the multiple communication terminals 211 based on the request information, and calculate network line parameters based on the determined priority order and monitoring information. The orchestrator 5 may, for example, determine the priority order based on the priority of each communication terminal 211.

[0081] Furthermore, in step S1, the orchestrator 5 may, for example, determine the bandwidth allocation to be used for communication on a per-operator basis. In such a case, the orchestrator 5 may allocate a bandwidth of 50 MHz for GEO and 50 MHz for LEO for operator A, and a bandwidth of 50 MHz for GEO and 50 MHz for LEO for operator B. Alternatively, in step S1, the orchestrator 5 may allocate a total bandwidth of 100 MHz for operator A and a total bandwidth of 100 MHz for operator B.

[0082] Next, in step S2, the control station 3 controls the topology of the non-terrestrial network. In step S2, for example, the orchestrator 5 controls the topology of the non-terrestrial network based on the network line parameters calculated in step S1. The topology is the structure of the network, including communication paths and line shapes.

[0083] Next, in step S3, the control station 3 performs non-terrestrial beam control. For example, the orchestrator 5 controls the bandwidth allocation to each node and each beam of each node, taking into account the network line parameters calculated in step S1 and the demands of each non-terrestrial user, including the terrestrial base station 21 and slices. In step S3, the control station 3 may also control frequency flexibility functions and area flexibility functions.

[0084] Next, in step S4, the control station 3 performs non-terrestrial link control. For example, based on the network line parameters and monitoring information calculated in step S1, the control station 3 calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial communication and controls non-terrestrial communication. In step S4, for example, the control station 3 allocates frequency bandwidth to non-terrestrial communication, which is a link related to the non-terrestrial node group 1, including the terrestrial base station 21, based on monitoring information indicating the communication environment of the terrestrial node group 2 and the network line parameters calculated in step S1. The control station 3 also determines the frequency channel if radio waves are used, or the optical multiplexing if light is used. In step S4, for example, the control station 3 also determines the output power, modulation / coding scheme, etc. for each non-terrestrial link based on the network line parameters calculated in step S1. In the case of a multi-beam non-terrestrial node, the beam used for each non-terrestrial link may also be determined.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S4, the management station 3 may calculate non-terrestrial line parameters based on the request information and the monitoring information. Also, in step S4, for example, the management station 3 may allocate frequency bandwidth to terrestrial communications based on the information regarding the terrestrial communication environment included in the monitoring information and the topology and bandwidth used for non-terrestrial network communications calculated in step S1.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S4, the management station 3 may calculate the non-terrestrial line parameters based on monitoring information, without using the network line parameters calculated in step S1.

[0087] Next, in step S5, the hierarchical communication control system 100 controls the resources of the terrestrial communication. In step S5, for example, the terrestrial base station 21 calculates terrestrial circuit parameters for controlling terrestrial communication based on the non-terrestrial circuit parameters and monitoring information calculated in step S4, and controls terrestrial communication based on the calculated terrestrial circuit parameters. In step S5, for example, the terrestrial base station 21 allocates bandwidth for communication between the terrestrial user and the terrestrial base station 21 based on the non-terrestrial circuit parameters and monitoring information calculated in step S4, for example.

[0088] In step S5, the terrestrial base station 21 may calculate terrestrial line parameters based on the request information and the monitoring information. Also in step S5, for example, the terrestrial base station 21 may allocate the communication bandwidth between the terrestrial user and the terrestrial base station 21 based on the information regarding the communication environment of the communication terminal 211 included in the monitoring information and the frequency bandwidth allocated in step S4.

[0089] Next, the operations of the orchestrator 5, the control station 3, and the ground-based base station 21 in the hierarchical communication control system 100 will be described.

[0090] Figure 6 shows the operation flow of Orchestrator 5. First, in step S100, Orchestrator 5 sets time t to 0.

[0091] Next, in step S101, the orchestrator 5 receives monitoring information. In this case, the orchestrator 5 receives various information from the NOC database section 33, orchestrator database section 57, and terrestrial database section 219, etc., of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication stations managed by terrestrial and non-terrestrial operators.

[0092] Next, in step S102, the orchestrator 5 determines the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication. If the orchestrator 5 matches the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication, the orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S103. If the orchestrator 5 does not match the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication, the orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S117.

[0093] The control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication requires orchestrator 5 to collect the status of non-terrestrial node group 1 from multiple non-terrestrial operators and coordinate between non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators. Non-terrestrial link control can be performed more frequently than non-terrestrial network communication control because the non-terrestrial NOC32 manages its own system. Therefore, the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication control takes longer than the control cycle for non-terrestrial link control. In addition, terrestrial operators perform terrestrial resource control at a cycle of milliseconds to seconds. Furthermore, in the terrestrial system, because the control cycle for non-terrestrial link control is longer than the control cycle for terrestrial resource control, allocated bandwidth cannot be changed frequently, and terrestrial users share the same total bandwidth within the control cycle of non-terrestrial link control.

[0094] Next, in step S103, the orchestrator 5 starts controlling the non-terrestrial network communication.

[0095] Next, in step S104, the orchestrator 5 receives request information. In this case, the orchestrator 5 receives request information from, for example, a terrestrial carrier or a non-terrestrial carrier, indicating a request for communication from a terrestrial user or a non-terrestrial user.

[0096] Next, in step S105, the orchestrator 5 adjusts the requirements of the terrestrial broadcasting operator.

[0097] Next, in step S106, the orchestrator 5 determines whether to control non-terrestrial network communication. If the orchestrator 5 decides to control non-terrestrial network communication, it proceeds to step S107. If the orchestrator 5 decides not to control non-terrestrial network communication, it proceeds to step S111.

[0098] If there are multiple non-terrestrial operators, Orchestrator 5 is responsible for non-terrestrial topology control, collecting requests from non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators, and negotiating between operators. Each non-terrestrial operator is responsible for non-terrestrial beam control and non-terrestrial link control related to the nodes they own, and each terrestrial operator may be responsible for terrestrial resource control.

[0099] If there is only one non-terrestrial network operator, the target of non-terrestrial network topology control is the non-terrestrial network managed by that operator, and since the operator can perform non-terrestrial network topology control itself, orchestrator 5 does not need to perform non-terrestrial network topology control.

[0100] Next, in step S107, the orchestrator 5 determines the non-terrestrial nodes and feeder link earth stations 4, etc. to be used. The orchestrator 5 may, for example, determine the topology of the non-terrestrial network based on the network line parameters calculated in step S1, and then determine the non-terrestrial nodes and feeder link earth stations 4, etc. to be used based on the determined topology.

[0101] Next, in step S108, the orchestrator 5 notifies the ground node and feeder link earth station 4 to be used, as determined in step S107.

[0102] Next, in step S109, the orchestrator 5 determines whether it has received approval from the ground node and feeder link earth station 4 notified in step S108. If approval is received, the orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S116. If approval is not received, the orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S110.

[0103] Next, in step S116, the orchestrator 5 terminates control of the non-terrestrial network.

[0104] In step S110, orchestrator 5 coordinates with non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators, and then proceeds to step S107.

[0105] In step S111, the orchestrator 5 notifies the non-terrestrial operator of the request information received in step S104. The orchestrator 5 is not required to notify the non-terrestrial operator of the request information from the terrestrial user in its original value; it may increase or decrease the total request bandwidth requested from the non-terrestrial operator based on non-terrestrial monitoring information and predictions of requests from terrestrial users.

[0106] Next, in step S112, the orchestrator 5 receives the network topology determined by the non-terrestrial operator notified in step S111.

[0107] Next, in step S113, the orchestrator 5 notifies the non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators used in the network topology received in step S112.

[0108] Next, in step S114, orchestrator 5 determines whether it has obtained approval from the non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators notified in step S113. If approval is obtained, orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S116. If approval is not obtained, orchestrator 5 proceeds to step S115.

[0109] In step S115, orchestrator 5 coordinates with non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators, and then proceeds back to step S111.

[0110] Next, in step S117, orchestrator 5 decides whether to terminate its operation. If it decides to terminate its operation, it stops the operation of orchestrator 5. If it does not decide to terminate its operation, it proceeds to step S118.

[0111] Next, in step S118, orchestrator 5 returns to step S101, with time t = t + 1.

[0112] Next, the operation of the control station 3 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the control station's operation. First, in step S200, the control station 3 sets time t to 0.

[0113] Next, in step S201, the control station 3 receives the request information and the monitoring information.

[0114] Next, in step S202, the management unit 3 saves the request information and monitoring information to a database. In step S202, the management unit 3 saves the request information and monitoring information, for example, in the NOC database unit 33. The management unit 3 may also save the network line parameters calculated in step S107.

[0115] Next, in step S203, the control station 3 determines the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link that controls the non-terrestrial communication. If the control station 3 matches the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link, it proceeds to step S204. If the control station 3 does not match the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link, it proceeds to step S227.

[0116] Next, in step S204, control station 3 starts controlling the non-terrestrial link.

[0117] Next, in step S205, the management unit 3 reads from the NOC database unit 33. In this case, for example, the management unit 3 may read the network line parameters, request information, and monitoring information saved in step S202.

[0118] Next, in step S206, the control station 3 performs processing to determine the bandwidth allocation, frequency channel, beam used, output power, modulation / coding scheme, etc., for the non-terrestrial node. In this case, the control station 3 may calculate the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and request information read in step S205, and perform processing according to the calculated line parameters. Alternatively, the control station 3 may calculate the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and network line parameters.

[0119] Next, in step S207, the control center 3 creates and sends commands to non-terrestrial nodes. In this case, the control center 3 creates and sends commands to perform the various processes determined in step S206.

[0120] Next, in step S208, the control station 3 notifies the feeder earth station 4 of the information.

[0121] Next, in step S209, the management bureau 3 saves the various information determined in step S206 to the database.

[0122] Next, in step S210, control station 3 terminates the non-terrestrial link control.

[0123] Next, in step S211, the control station 3 determines the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication. If the control station 3 matches the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication, it proceeds to step S212. If the control station 3 does not match the control cycle for non-terrestrial network communication, it proceeds to step S227.

[0124] Next, in step S212, the control station 3 starts controlling the non-terrestrial network communication.

[0125] Next, in step S213, the control station 3 reads the non-terrestrial node database. In this case, the control station 3 reads the request information, monitoring information, and various other information saved in steps S202 and S213.

[0126] Next, in step S214, the control center 3 notifies the orchestrator 5 of the information read in step S213. The information that the control center 3 notifies the orchestrator 5 may be a predetermined minimum amount of information, or it may be more than the minimum amount of information.

[0127] Next, in step S215, the control station 3 determines whether the orchestrator 5 will control the non-terrestrial network communication. If the orchestrator 5 will control the non-terrestrial network communication, the control station 3 proceeds to step S216. If the orchestrator 5 will not control the non-terrestrial network communication, the control station 3 proceeds to step S219.

[0128] Next, in step S216, the control center 3 receives the network topology notified by the orchestrator 5 in step S108.

[0129] Next, in step S217, the management bureau 3 determines whether approval has been obtained from other non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators. If approval has been obtained, the management bureau 3 proceeds to step S223. If approval has not been obtained, the management bureau 3 proceeds to step S218.

[0130] In step S218, control 3 coordinates with orchestrator 5 and then proceeds to step S216.

[0131] In step S219, the control station 3 determines the non-terrestrial nodes and feeder link earth stations 4 to be used. In this case, the control station 3 calculates network line parameters based on monitoring information, for example, and determines the non-terrestrial nodes and feeder link earth stations 4 to be used from the calculated network line parameters.

[0132] In step S220, the control center 3 notifies the orchestrator 5.

[0133] Next, in step S221, the management bureau 3 determines whether approval has been obtained from other non-terrestrial operators and terrestrial operators. If approval has been obtained, the management bureau 3 proceeds to step S223. If approval has not been obtained, the management bureau 3 proceeds to step S222.

[0134] In step S222, control 3 coordinates with orchestrator 5 and then proceeds to step S219.

[0135] In step S223, control station 3 creates and transmits commands to non-terrestrial nodes.

[0136] In step S224, control station 3 notifies the feeding earth station 4 of the information.

[0137] In step S225, the management bureau 3 stores the determined information in the NOC database unit 33.

[0138] In step S226, control station 3 terminates control of the non-terrestrial network.

[0139] Next, in step S227, the control station 3 decides whether to terminate the operation. If it decides to terminate the operation, the control station 3 terminates its operation. If it does not decide to terminate the operation, it proceeds to step S228.

[0140] Next, in step S228, control 3 returns to step S201, with time t = t + 1.

[0141] Next, the operation of the terrestrial base station 21 and other ground operators will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flow of operation of the terrestrial base station and other ground operators. First, in step S300, the terrestrial base station 21 sets time t to 0.

[0142] Next, in step S301, the ground base station 21 receives the request information and the monitoring information.

[0143] Next, in step S302, the terrestrial base station 21 stores the request information and monitoring information in a database. In step S302, the terrestrial base station 21 stores the request information and monitoring information in, for example, the terrestrial database unit 219. The terrestrial base station 21 may also store the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated in step S206.

[0144] Next, in step S303, the ground base station 21 determines the control cycle of the ground resource that controls the ground communication. If the control cycle of the ground resource matches, the ground base station 21 proceeds to step S304. If the control cycle of the ground resource does not match, the ground base station 21 proceeds to step S323. The control cycle of the ground resource may be set to be shorter than the control cycle of the non-ground link control.

[0145] Next, in step S304, the ground base station 21 starts controlling the ground resources.

[0146] Next, in step S305, the terrestrial base station 21 allocates bandwidth and determines frequency channels for each terrestrial user. In this case, the terrestrial base station 21 may calculate terrestrial circuit parameters based on, for example, the non-terrestrial circuit parameters calculated in step S206 and the request information and monitoring information saved in step S302, and then allocate bandwidth and determine frequency channels for each communication terminal according to the calculated terrestrial circuit parameters.

[0147] Next, in step S306, the ground base station 21 terminates control of the ground resources.

[0148] Next, in step S307, the ground base station 21 determines the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link. If the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link matches, the ground base station 21 proceeds to step S308. If the control cycle of the non-terrestrial link does not match, the ground base station 21 proceeds to step S323.

[0149] Next, in step S308, the ground base station 21 starts controlling the non-terrestrial link.

[0150] Next, in step S309, the ground base station 21 adjusts the requests of the communication terminals.

[0151] Next, in step S310, the ground base station 21 notifies the orchestrator 5 of request information and monitoring information. The information that the ground base station 21 notifies the orchestrator 5 may be a predetermined minimum amount of information, or it may be more than the minimum amount of information.

[0152] Next, in step S311, the ground base station 21 receives the link assignment determined by the management station 3 in S206 via the orchestrator 5.

[0153] Next, in step S312, the ground base station 21 decides whether to accept the link assignment received in step S311. If the ground base station 21 accepts the link assignment, it proceeds to step S314. If the ground base station 21 does not accept the link assignment, it proceeds to step S313.

[0154] In step S313, the ground base station 21 notifies the orchestrator 5 and proceeds to step S311.

[0155] In step S314, the ground-based base station 21 terminates non-terrestrial link control.

[0156] Next, in step S315, the terrestrial base station 21 determines the control cycle for the non-terrestrial network. If the terrestrial base station 21 matches the control cycle for the non-terrestrial network, it proceeds to step S316. If the terrestrial base station 21 does not match the control cycle for the non-terrestrial network, it proceeds to step S323.

[0157] Next, in step S316, the ground-based base station 21 starts controlling the non-terrestrial network communication.

[0158] Next, in step S317, the ground base station 21 adjusts the requests of the ground users.

[0159] Next, in step S318, the ground base station 21 notifies the orchestrator 5 of the request information and monitoring information.

[0160] Next, in step S319, the ground base station 21 receives the network structure or topology determined by the orchestrator 5 in step S107 or by the management station 3 in S219 via the orchestrator 5.

[0161] Next, in step S320, the ground base station 21 decides whether to accept the network topology received in step S319. If the ground base station 21 accepts the topology, it proceeds to step S322. If the ground base station 21 does not accept the network topology, it proceeds to step S321.

[0162] In step S321, the ground base station 21 notifies the orchestrator 5 and proceeds to step S319.

[0163] In step S322, the terrestrial base station 21 terminates control of the non-terrestrial network.

[0164] Next, in step S323, the ground base station 21 decides whether to terminate its operations. If it decides to terminate its operations, it terminates the operation of the ground base station 21. If it does not decide to terminate its operations, it proceeds to step S324.

[0165] Next, in step S324, the ground base station 21 sets the variable t = t + 1 and proceeds back to step S301.

[0166] This completes the operation of the orchestrator 5, the management station 3, and the terrestrial base station 21. This enables roaming regardless of whether it is a non-terrestrial or terrestrial network, even when multiple non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators exist. Furthermore, even if there are differences in coverage and capacity between individual non-terrestrial and terrestrial operators, it becomes possible to calculate appropriate line parameters according to these differences. This makes it possible to build and optimize a flexible and global communication network according to user requirements.

[0167] Next, a second embodiment of the hierarchical communication control system 100 will be described. Figure 9(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the hierarchical communication control system 100 using a C-plane (control plane). Figures 9(a), 9(b), and 10 also show examples where a non-terrestrial system functions as a backhaul for a terrestrial system.

[0168] The hierarchical communication control system 100 comprises a group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, a terrestrial base station 21 connected to the group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, non-terrestrial users such as aircraft 22 and ships 24, a feeder link earth station 4, a communication terminal 211 connected to the terrestrial base station 21, and a terrestrial core 6 and a non-terrestrial NOC 32 connected to the feeder link earth station 4.

[0169] The hierarchical communication control system 100 sends messages such as registration and session establishment requests to the communication terminal 211 and processes them in the terrestrial core 6, and forwards messages requesting bandwidth to the non-terrestrial NOC 32 for processing in the case of non-terrestrial users.

[0170] The communication terminal 211 first connects to the terrestrial base station 21 that interfaces with it, and this terrestrial base station 21 operates as a non-terrestrial user together with the communication terminal 211. Messages from the terrestrial base station 21 reach the terrestrial core 6 via the non-terrestrial node group 1 and the feeder link earth station 4. The feeder link earth station 4 accommodates the links of non-terrestrial users and acts as a relay point.

[0171] On the other hand, non-terrestrial users are directly connected to non-terrestrial node group 1, and their request messages reach non-terrestrial NOC32 through feeder link earth station 4. In this case, links between non-terrestrial node groups 1 between different operators may also be established.

[0172] Next, a third embodiment of the hierarchical communication control system 100 will be described. Figure 9(b) shows the configuration of the hierarchical communication control system 100 using an M-plane (management plane).

[0173] The hierarchical communication control system 100 comprises a group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, a feeder link earth station 4 and a non-terrestrial SOC 31 connected to the group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, a terrestrial core 6 connected to the feeder link earth station 4, a non-terrestrial NOC 32 connected to the feeder link earth station 4 and the non-terrestrial SOC 31, and an orchestrator 5 connected to the terrestrial core 6 and the non-terrestrial NOC 32.

[0174] The hierarchical communication control system 100 processes signals between the orchestrator 5, the non-terrestrial NOC 32, and the terrestrial core 6. The orchestrator 5 interfaces with the non-terrestrial NOC 32 and the terrestrial core 6 and coordinates these multiple operators. The non-terrestrial SOC 21 transmits commands to control the non-terrestrial node group 1 based on decisions made by management functions such as the orchestrator 5.

[0175] Next, a fourth embodiment of the hierarchical communication control system 100 will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the hierarchical communication control system 100 using a U-plane (user plane).

[0176] The hierarchical communication control system 100 comprises a group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, a terrestrial base station 21 connected to the group of non-terrestrial nodes 1, non-terrestrial users such as aircraft 22 and ships 24, a feeder link earth station 4, a communication terminal 211 connected to the terrestrial base station 21, a terrestrial core 6 connected to the feeder link earth station 4, and a data network 7 connected to the terrestrial core 6.

[0177] The hierarchical communication control system 100 ensures that data from terrestrial and non-terrestrial users reaches communication destinations such as other users or the data network 7.

[0178] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0179] 1. Non-terrestrial node group 2. Ground-based node group 3 Management Bureau 4. Feederlink Earth Station 5 Orchestrators 6. Ground-based core 7. Data Network 11 Geostationary orbit satellite 12 Non-geostationary orbit satellites 13 High-Altitude Communication Platforms 14 Drones 21 Terrestrial base station 22 Aircraft 23 Automobiles 24 Ships 31 Non-terrestrial SOC 32 Non-terrestrial NOC 33 NOC Database Department 41 Non-terrestrial node communication unit 42 Earth Station Ground System Operator Interface Section 51 Non-terrestrial operator interface section 52 Orchestrator System Processing Unit 53 Terrestrial network operator interface section 54 Orchestrator Control Unit 55 Orchestrator Non-German Network Control Calculation Unit 56 Orchestrator Terrestrial Communication Request Coordination Calculation Unit 57 Database Department 100-layer communication control system 211 Communication terminals 212 Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Operator Interface Section 213 Ground System Core 214 Ground System Processing Unit 215 Ground System Orchestrator Interface Section 216 Ground System Control Unit 217 Ground System Resource Control Calculation Unit 218 Terrestrial communication request adjustment calculation unit 219 Terrestrial System Database Department 311 Command transmission unit 312 Telemetry Receiver 313 Command Specialist Section 321 NOC Processing Unit 322 NOC Control Unit 323 NOC Non-terrestrial Network Limit Calculation Unit 324 NOC Non-Ground Link Control Calculation Unit 325 NOC Orchestrator Interface Unit DB1 NOC Line Monitoring Database DB2 NOC Non-Ground System Node Orbit Database DB3 NOCUser Request Database DB4 Terrestrial Network Monitoring Database DB5 Ground System User Request Database DB6 Circuit Monitoring Database DB7 Non-Ground Node Orbit Database DB8 User Request Database

Claims

1. A non-terrestrial link control means for controlling non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, A terrestrial resource control means for controlling terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Equipped with, The non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control means calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control means. The non-terrestrial link control means calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information relating to the request for Quality of Service (QoS) parameters of the communication and the monitoring information. A communication control system characterized by the following.

2. A non-terrestrial link control means for controlling non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, A terrestrial resource control means for controlling terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Equipped with, The non-terrestrial link control means calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control means calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control means. The system further comprises non-terrestrial network control means for controlling non-terrestrial network communication between the aforementioned non-terrestrial node group, The non-terrestrial network control means calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information, The non-terrestrial link control means calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control means. A communication control system characterized by the following.

3. A non-terrestrial link control unit controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, A terrestrial resource control unit that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Equipped with, The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control unit calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control unit. The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information regarding the request for the communication's QoS (Quality of Service) parameters and the monitoring information. A communication control device characterized by the following.

4. A non-terrestrial link control unit controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication station and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication station, A terrestrial resource control unit that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Equipped with, The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control unit calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial link control unit. The system further includes a non-terrestrial network control unit that controls non-terrestrial network communication between the aforementioned non-terrestrial node group, The non-terrestrial network control unit calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information, The non-terrestrial link control unit calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control unit. A communication control device characterized by the following.

5. A non-terrestrial link control step controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication device and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication device. A terrestrial resource control step that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Have the computer run it, The non-terrestrial link control step calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control step calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated in the non-terrestrial link control step. The non-terrestrial link control step involves calculating the non-terrestrial line parameters based on request information regarding the request for the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters of the communication and the monitoring information. A communication control method characterized by the following.

6. A non-terrestrial link control step controls non-terrestrial communication between a group of non-terrestrial nodes including a non-terrestrial communication device and a group of terrestrial nodes including a terrestrial communication device. A terrestrial resource control step that controls terrestrial communication between the group of terrestrial nodes and one or more communication terminals, Have the computer run it, The non-terrestrial link control step calculates non-terrestrial line parameters for controlling the non-terrestrial communication based on monitoring information relating to the communication environment of at least one of the non-terrestrial node group, the terrestrial node group, and the communication terminal. The terrestrial resource control step calculates terrestrial line parameters for controlling the terrestrial communication based on the monitoring information and the non-terrestrial line parameters calculated in the non-terrestrial link control step. The system further includes a non-terrestrial network control step for controlling non-terrestrial network communication between the aforementioned non-terrestrial node group, The aforementioned non-terrestrial network control step calculates network line parameters for controlling non-terrestrial network communication based on the monitoring information, The non-terrestrial link control step calculates the non-terrestrial line parameters based on the monitoring information and the network line parameters calculated by the non-terrestrial network control step. A communication control method characterized by the following.

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