Base station equipment, core network equipment, communication system, control method and program for base station equipment

Abstract

To appropriately control an amount of resources available to each telecommunication carrier while reducing a processing load at a base station device.SOLUTION: On the basis of the minimum number of connections to a mobile communication network concerned reported by each mobile communication network, setting means (11) respectively sets, among processing resources of a base station device (1), shared resources to be shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device (1), if any shared resources remain, connection control means (12) allocates processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the shared resources, and, if no shared resources remain, allocates processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is to be connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a base station device, a core network device, a communication system, a control method for a base station device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, mobile networks have become an important infrastructure, and each communication carrier is expanding its service area. Each of a plurality of communication carriers constructs a RAN (Radio Access Network) within its service area and connects the RAN to a core network. As a technology related thereto, there is an invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a shared base station is owned and operated by Carrier A or Carrier B or a third party (for example, a further network carrier), and a network carrier contracts with the shared base station so that a certain specific ratio of available resources is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Constructing a RAN requires a significant amount of labor, time, and cost, such as antenna installation and area selection. Therefore, there is a movement to share the RAN network, and network sharing carriers have emerged. As a result, a plurality of communication carriers can share the RAN, enabling cost reduction, early start of services, and the like.

[0006] ​However, RAN resources (memory and CPU resources used by subscriber connections) are limited and can be monopolized by the traffic of a particular telecommunications carrier. Therefore, if a particular carrier has more connections than the system can handle, subscribers of other carriers sharing the RAN may be unable to connect. Furthermore, if each carrier requests excessive RAN resources, the system will have to deploy RAN equipment with more resources than it actually needs.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses that a network operator may contract to be provided with a certain percentage of the available resources at a shared base station. However, the shared portion (shared resources) can only be used for a telecommunications carrier's communication bearer after one of the carriers has fully utilized its reserved resources. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the resource usage of each carrier until one of the carriers has fully utilized its reserved resources, which increases the processing load at the shared base station.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that can appropriately control the amount of resources available to each telecommunications carrier while reducing the processing load on base station equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A base station device according to one aspect of the present invention is a base station device shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks, comprising: setting means for setting shared resources shared by the plurality of mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively, from the processing resources of the base station device based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network; and connection control means for allocating processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the shared resources if the shared resources remain, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, and allocating processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected if the shared resources do not remain.

[0010] A core network device according to one aspect of the present invention is a core network device for a mobile communication network, comprising: a calculation means for calculating the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the traffic of the mobile communication network; and a notification means for notifying base station devices shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks, including the mobile communication network, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means.

[0011] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication system comprising: core network devices of a plurality of mobile communication networks; and base station devices shared by the plurality of mobile communication networks, wherein each core network device of a mobile communication network includes notification means for notifying the base station devices of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network, and the base station devices include setting means for setting shared resources shared by the plurality of mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively, from the processing resources of the base station devices based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by the core network device of each mobile communication network, and connection control means for allocating processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the shared resources if the shared resources remain, and allocating processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device connects, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device.

[0012] A control method for a base station device according to one aspect of the present invention includes setting, based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a base station device shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks, and individual resources for each mobile communication network, from the processing resources of the base station device, and, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, allocating processing resources for use for the terminal device from the shared resources if the shared resources remain, and allocating processing resources for use for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device connects if the shared resources do not remain.

[0013] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer in a base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks to perform a setting process that sets, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a shared resource shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and an individual resource for each mobile communication network, from the processing resources of the base station device; and a connection control process that, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the shared resources if the shared resources remain, and allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device connects if the shared resources do not remain. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the amount of resources available to each telecommunications carrier can be appropriately controlled while reducing the processing load on the base station equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a base station device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the processing method of a base station device according to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a core network device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the processing method of a core network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A diagram schematically showing the operation of a communication system in normal times. [Figure 8] A diagram schematically showing the operation of a communication system when the connections by subscribers of Carrier A have increased significantly. [Figure 9] A sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of a communication system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing the configurations of a base station device, a core network device, and a computer functioning as a communication system according to each exemplary embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] 〔Exemplary Embodiment 1〕 <Base Station Device 1 According to Exemplary Embodiment 1> The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form of the exemplary embodiments described later. The reference numerals attached to the drawings in this summary are for convenience and are attached to each element as an example to assist understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects. Also, the connection lines between the blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. The one-way arrows schematically show the flow of the main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Also, the connection points of the inputs and outputs of each block in the figure may be configured with ports or interfaces, but the illustration of these configurations is omitted.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a base station device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The base station device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is a base station device shared by a plurality of mobile communication networks, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a setting means 11 and a connection control means 12.

[0018] Mobile communication networks include, for example, 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system), 4G (fourth-generation mobile communication system), local 5G, local 4G, etc., as defined by 3GPP (Third Generation Mobile Communication System Partnership Project). A mobile communication network may have a RAN and a core network, or it may have only a core network.

[0019] By sharing base station equipment 1 with multiple mobile communication networks, the resources of base station equipment 1 (memory resources and CPU resources used for subscriber connections) are shared by multiple mobile communication networks.

[0020] The setting means 11 sets the processing resources of the base station device 1, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, to be shared resources shared by multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network.

[0021] The minimum number of connections is the minimum number of subscriber connections required by each mobile communication network operator that shares base station equipment 1. The processing resources of base station equipment 1 are the memory resources and CPU resources that base station equipment 1 possesses, and from these processing resources, the resources necessary for connection requests from subscribers are allocated.

[0022] Individual resources are resources corresponding to the minimum number of connections notified by each mobile communication network, and the amount of these resources can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the average amount of memory resources or CPU resources required per subscriber connection by the minimum number of connections.

[0023] Shared resources are resources that can be shared and used by each mobile communication network. For example, the amount of these resources is the total amount of processing resources of base station equipment 1 minus the sum of the resource amounts of the individual resources of each mobile communication network.

[0024] The connection control means 12, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device 1, allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the shared resources if shared resources are available, or allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected if no shared resources are available.

[0025] When the connection control means 12 receives a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device 1, it first allocates processing resources from the shared resources for use by that terminal device. Then, each time a connection request is received from a terminal device, the connection control means 12 determines whether or not there are any remaining resources in the shared resources.

[0026] When the connection control means 12 receives a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device 1, and determines that there are no remaining shared resources, it allocates processing resources for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. Therefore, once the remaining shared resources are depleted, the individual resources corresponding to the mobile communication network operator contracted by the terminal device user will be used.

[0027] <Effects of base station device 1> As described above, according to the base station device 1 of this exemplary embodiment, the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources for use for the terminal device from the shared resources if shared resources remain. Therefore, if the base station device 1 can operate within the scope of shared resources, it is not necessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, if no shared resources remain, the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the provision of an excessive amount of resources to a particular mobile communication network operator.

[0029] <Processing method flow by base station device 1> The flow of the processing method executed by the base station device 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing method of the base station device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the processing method S1 includes steps S11 to S15.

[0030] First, the setting means 11 of the base station device 1, which is shared by multiple mobile communication networks, sets the shared resources of the base station device 1, which are shared by multiple mobile communication networks, and the individual resources for each mobile communication network, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network (S11).

[0031] Mobile communication networks include, for example, 5G, 4G, local 5G, local 4G, etc., as defined by 3GPP. A mobile communication network may have a RAN and a core network, or it may have only a core network.

[0032] The minimum number of connections is the minimum number of subscriber connections required by each mobile communication network operator sharing base station equipment 1. Individual resources are resources corresponding to the minimum number of connections notified by each mobile communication network. Shared resources are resources that can be shared and used by each mobile communication network.

[0033] Next, when the base station device 1 receives a connection request from the terminal device (S12), the connection control means 12 determines whether or not shared resources remain available (S13). In response to the connection request from the terminal device to the base station device 1, if shared resources remain available (S13, Yes), the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources from the shared resources for use by the terminal device (S14).

[0034] Furthermore, if there are no shared resources remaining (S13, No), the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected (S15).

[0035] <Effects of the processing method for base station device 1> As described above, according to the processing method of the base station device 1 in this exemplary embodiment, the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources for use for the terminal device from the shared resources if shared resources remain. Therefore, if the base station device 1 can operate within the scope of shared resources, it is no longer necessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0036] Furthermore, if no shared resources remain, the connection control means 12 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the provision of an excessive amount of resources to a particular mobile communication network operator.

[0037] <Core network device 2 according to exemplary embodiment 1> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a core network device 2 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The core network device 2 according to this exemplary embodiment is a core network device for a mobile communication network and, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a calculation means 21 and a notification means 22.

[0038] The calculation means 21 calculates the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network's traffic. For example, the calculation means 21 calculates a value proportional to the amount of traffic on the mobile communication network over a predetermined period as the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network.

[0039] The notification means 22 notifies the base station device 1, which is shared by multiple mobile communication networks including the mobile communication network, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means 21.

[0040] As described above, the setting means 11 of the base station device 1 sets the shared resources that are shared by multiple mobile communication networks and the individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively, from the processing resources of the base station device 1, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network.

[0041] <Effects of Core Network Device 2> As described above, according to the core network device 2 of this exemplary embodiment, the notification means 22 notifies the base station device 1 of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means 21. Therefore, the base station device 1 can easily set up shared resources shared by multiple mobile communication networks, and individual resources for each mobile communication network.

[0042] <Processing method flow by Core Network Device 2> The processing method performed by the core network device 2 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing method of the core network device 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the processing method S2 includes steps S21 to S22.

[0043] First, the calculation means 21 of the core network device 2 calculates the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network's traffic (S21). For example, the calculation means 21 can calculate a value proportional to the amount of traffic on the mobile communication network over a predetermined period as the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network.

[0044] Next, the notification means 22 notifies the base station device 1, which is shared by multiple mobile communication networks including the mobile communication network, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means 21 (S22).

[0045] <Communication system 100 according to exemplary embodiment 1> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment comprises core network devices 2-1 to 2-n of a plurality of mobile communication networks and a base station device 1 shared by the plurality of mobile communication networks.

[0046] The notification means 22-1 to 22-n of the core network devices 2-1 to 2-n notify the base station device 1 of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network. The minimum number of connections is the minimum number of subscribers required by each mobile communication network operator that shares the base station device 1.

[0047] The core network devices 2-1 to 2-n may further include calculation means 21-1 to 21-n that calculate the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network's traffic.

[0048] The setting means 11 of the base station device 1 sets the shared resources that are shared by multiple mobile communication networks and the individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively, from the processing resources of the base station device 1, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by the core network devices 2-1 to 2-n of each mobile communication network.

[0049] The connection control means 12 of the base station device 1, in response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device 1, allocates processing resources from the shared resources for use by the terminal device, if shared resources remain available.

[0050] Furthermore, if no shared resources remain, the connection control means 12 of the base station device 1 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected.

[0051] <Effects of Communication System 100> As described above, according to the communication system 100 of this exemplary embodiment, the connection control means 12 of the base station device 1 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the shared resources if shared resources remain. Therefore, if the base station device 1 can operate within the scope of the shared resources, it is no longer necessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, if no shared resources remain, the connection control means 12 of the base station device 1 allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the provision of an excessive amount of resources to the operator of a particular mobile communication network.

[0053] [Exemplary Embodiment 2] <Example configuration of communication system 100A according to exemplary embodiment 2> Figure 6 shows the configuration of a communication system 100A according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a base station device 1A and a core network device 2A. The core network device 2A also comprises an AMF (Access and Mobility Function) 3, an SMF (Session Management Function) 4, and a UPF (User Plane Function) 5. Although only one core network device is shown in Figure 6, multiple core network devices are assumed to be connected to the base station device 1A, as in the communication system 100 shown in Figure 5.

[0054] In 5GC (5G Core Network), an architecture is employed that separates the processing of the C-Plane (Control Plane) for control signal communication such as establishing communication, and the U-Plane (User Plane) for user data communication. The C-Plane includes AMF3, SMF4, etc. The U-Plane includes UPF5.

[0055] AMF3 is a Network Function (NF) that provides authentication, authorization, and mobility management for UEs (Terminal Devices), and controls SMF4. SMF4, in turn, is an NF responsible for UE session management, IP address allocation, and selection and control of UPF5 for data transfer.

[0056] When a UE establishes multiple sessions, the AMF3 can assign a different SMF4 to each session so that the SMF4 manages each session independently and utilizes different functions for each session. In 5GC, UE-related management is handled by a single AMF3, and traffic is handled by an SMF4 for each individual network slice.

[0057] UPF5 functions as an external PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point for interconnection to DN (Data Network) 6, and is a Network Function (NF) that performs packet routing, forwarding, etc.

[0058] DN6 is a data network outside of 5GC, and includes wide-area networks such as the Internet and narrow-area networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks).

[0059] Figure 7 schematically illustrates the operation of the communication system 100A under normal circumstances. The base station equipment (gNB) 1A is shared by the core network equipment 2A-1 operated by mobile communication network operator A and the core network equipment 2A-2 operated by mobile communication network operator B. In Figure 7, since the number of connections of terminal equipment 7A of operator A's subscribers and terminal equipment 7B of operator B's subscribers are within the allowable limit, all subscribers can connect.

[0060] Figure 8 schematically illustrates the operation of the communication system 100A when the number of connections by subscribers of carrier A increases significantly. As shown in Figure 8, when the number of connections by terminal devices 7A of subscribers of carrier A in the mobile communication network increases significantly, and the number of connections by terminal devices 7A of carrier A's subscribers and terminal devices 7B of carrier B's subscribers exceeds the allowable number, new connections from terminal devices 7B will not be possible, even if the number of connections by carrier B's subscribers is not large.

[0061] The communication system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment prevents the rejection of connections from subscribers of other carriers due to an excessive number of connections from subscribers of a particular carrier, as shown in Figure 8.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6, the AMF3 includes a calculation unit 21A and a communication unit 22A. The calculation unit 21A is configured to implement the calculation means in this exemplary embodiment. The communication unit 22A is configured to implement the notification means in this exemplary embodiment.

[0063] The calculation unit 21A calculates the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network traffic, information indicating the contract details between the mobile communication network operator and the base station equipment operator, and at least one of the number of registered subscribers to the mobile communication network. In other words, the calculation unit 21A may determine the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network traffic and information indicating the contract details between the mobile communication network operator and the base station equipment operator. Alternatively, the calculation unit 21A may determine the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network traffic and the number of registered subscribers to the mobile communication network.

[0064] First, an example will be described in which the calculation unit 21A determines the minimum number of connections to a mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the mobile communication network and the number of registered subscribers to the mobile communication network. For example, the calculation unit 21A can use the amount of traffic of the mobile communication network over a predetermined period as traffic statistics of the mobile communication network. The number of registered subscribers to the mobile communication network is the total number of subscribers that can be registered to the mobile communication network.

[0065] The required number of registered subscribers for each business must satisfy the following equation (Equation 1).

[0066] Required number of registered subscribers for each service provider > Minimum number of connections per service provider ... (Equation 1) Furthermore, the number of subscribers that base station device 1A can register must satisfy the following equations (Equation 2) and (Equation 3).

[0067] Number of subscribers that can be registered by base station device 1A > Minimum number of connections for carrier 1 + Minimum number of connections for carrier 2 + ... + Minimum number of connections for carrier n ... (Equation 2) Number of subscribers that can be registered by base station device 1A > Number of registered subscribers required for each operator ... (Equation 3) For example, the calculation unit 21A may calculate the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network from the average traffic volume at the same time over the past seven days. Alternatively, the calculation unit 21A may calculate the number of registered subscribers to the mobile communication network from the peak traffic volume over the past seven days.

[0068] Next, an example of a configuration in which the calculation unit 21A determines the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on statistical information of the mobile communication network traffic and information indicating the contract details between the mobile communication network operator and the base station equipment operator will be described. The information indicating the contract details between the mobile communication network operator (core network equipment 2A) and the base station equipment 1A operator is, for example, the minimum number of mobile communication network subscribers that the base station equipment 1A can accept.

[0069] For example, the calculation unit 21A can calculate the minimum number of connections to a mobile communication network from statistical information on the traffic of the mobile communication network and the minimum number of subscribers to the mobile communication network that the base station device 1A can accept.

[0070] Therefore, the greater the traffic volume of a mobile communication network during a predetermined period, the greater the minimum number of connections required to that mobile communication network, and the less traffic volume of a mobile communication network during a predetermined period, the smaller the minimum number of connections required to that mobile communication network.

[0071] Similarly, the larger the minimum number of subscribers to a mobile communication network that base station equipment 1A can accept, the larger the minimum number of connections to that mobile communication network becomes, and the smaller the minimum number of subscribers to a mobile communication network that base station equipment 1A can accept, the smaller the minimum number of connections to that mobile communication network becomes.

[0072] The calculation unit 21A calculates the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network from the minimum number of connections calculated based on the contract details and the minimum number of connections based on the statistical information calculated above.

[0073] The communication unit 22A notifies the base station device 1A, which is shared by multiple mobile communication networks, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation unit 21A. If the communication system 100A is, for example, 5G as defined by 3GPP, the communication unit 22A notifies the base station device 1A of the minimum number of connections via the interface N2 between the base station device 1A, which is a gNB (next generation NodeB), and the AMF3 of the core network device 2A.

[0074] The base station device 1A includes a setting unit 11A, a connection control unit 12A, and a communication unit 13A. The setting unit 11A is configured to implement setting means in this exemplary embodiment. The connection control unit 12A is configured to implement connection control means in this exemplary embodiment.

[0075] The communication unit 13A receives the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by that mobile communication network. If the communication system 100A is, for example, 5G as defined by 3GPP, the communication unit 13A receives the minimum number of connections from the core network device 2A via the interface N2 between the base station device 1A, which is a gNB, and the AMF3 of the core network device 2A.

[0076] The configuration unit 11A sets the processing resources of the base station device 1A, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, for both the shared resources shared by multiple mobile communication networks and the individual resources for each mobile communication network.

[0077] If the minimum number of connections notified by the first mobile communication network among multiple mobile communication networks exceeds the allowable value, the setting unit 11A sets the resource amount of the individual resources for the first mobile communication network to an amount corresponding to the allowable value.

[0078] The base station device 1A has a predetermined tolerance value for the minimum number of connections corresponding to each mobile communication network. For example, if the minimum number of connections notified by the first mobile communication network exceeds the tolerance value, the base station device 1A sets the minimum number of connections for the first mobile communication network to the tolerance value. This prevents setting an excessive minimum number of connections for the first mobile communication network.

[0079] The setting unit 11A then notifies the core network device 2A of the first mobile communication network via the communication unit 13A that the minimum number of connections to the first mobile communication network has been set to an acceptable value. This allows the core network device 2A of the first mobile communication network to know the minimum number of connections permitted by the base station device 1A.

[0080] In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device 1A, the connection control unit 12A allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the shared resources if shared resources are available, or allocates processing resources for use by the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected if no shared resources are available.

[0081] Furthermore, the connection control unit 12A rejects new connection requests from terminal devices connected to the second mobile communication network if all shared resources have been allocated and all individual resources for the second mobile communication network among the multiple mobile communication networks have been allocated. This allows the connection control unit 12A to limit the number of connections of subscribers to the second mobile communication network to the minimum number of connections corresponding to the second mobile communication network.

[0082] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of a communication system 100A according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First, when the AMF(A)3-1 of the core network device 2A-1 of carrier A issues an AMF CONFIGURATION UPDATE to the base station device (gNB)1A, it notifies the minimum number of connections of carrier A's subscribers (S31).

[0083] When base station equipment (gNB) 1A receives the minimum number of connections from AMF(A) 3-1, it reserves individual resources for carrier A (S32). If the minimum number of connections notified by AMF(A) 3-1 is within the acceptable range, base station equipment (gNB) 1A sets the resource amount of the individual resources for carrier A to an amount corresponding to the minimum number of connections and notifies AMF(A) 3-1 of the minimum reserved number along with an ACK. If the minimum number of connections notified by AMF(A) 3-1 exceeds the acceptable range, base station equipment (gNB) 1A sets the resource amount of the individual resources for carrier A to an amount corresponding to the acceptable range and notifies AMF(A) 3-1 of the minimum reserved number along with an ACK (S33).

[0084] Similarly, when base station equipment (gNB) 1A receives the minimum number of connections from AMF(B) 3-2 (S34), it reserves individual resources for carrier B (S35). If the minimum number of connections notified by AMF(B) 3-2 is within the acceptable range, base station equipment (gNB) 1A sets the resource amount of the individual resources for carrier B to an amount corresponding to the minimum number of connections and notifies AMF(B) 3-2 of the minimum reserved number along with an ACK. If the minimum number of connections notified by AMF(B) 3-2 exceeds the acceptable range, base station equipment (gNB) 1A sets the resource amount of the individual resources for carrier B to an amount corresponding to the acceptable range and notifies AMF(B) 3-2 of the minimum reserved number along with an ACK (S36).

[0085] Furthermore, the minimum number of connections is received from other AMFs (S37), and resources are secured for the relevant carrier. At this time, once individual resources for all carriers have been secured, the base station equipment (gNB) 1A sets a shared resource from the individual resources for all carriers (S38). For example, the amount of the shared resource is the total amount of processing resources of the base station equipment (gNB) 1A minus the sum of the amount of individual resources of each mobile communication network's AMF.

[0086] Subsequently, registration takes place between multiple UE(A)7A and AMF(A)3-1 (S39), and between multiple UE(B)7B and AMF(B)3-2 (S40). If the number of new connection requests from UE(A)7A increases (increase in users) (S41), the remaining shared resources will be depleted, and the base station equipment (gNB)1A will use the individual resources of each mobile communication network operator.

[0087] Subsequently, registration takes place between multiple UE(A)7A and AMF(A)3-1 (S42, S43). When operator A runs out of individual resources (S44), base station equipment (gNB)1A receives an RRC Setup Request from UE(A)7A (S45), sends an RRC Reject to UE(A)7A (S46), and rejects new connection requests from UE(A)7A (S46).

[0088] Meanwhile, when base station equipment (gNB)1A receives an RRC Setup Request from UE(B)7B (S47), it sends an RRC Setup to UE(B)7B (S48) because there are remaining individual resources for operator B, and permits new connection requests from UE(B)7B.

[0089] <Effects of Communication System 100A> As described above, according to the communication system 100A of this exemplary embodiment, if the minimum number of connections notified by the first mobile communication network among the multiple mobile communication networks exceeds the allowable value, the setting unit 11A of the base station device 1A sets the amount of individual resources for the first mobile communication network to an amount corresponding to the allowable value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the provision of excessive resource amounts to the operator of the first mobile communication network.

[0090] Furthermore, the setting unit 11A notifies the core network device 2A of the first mobile communication network via the communication unit 13A that the minimum number of connections to the first mobile communication network has been set to an acceptable value. Therefore, the core network device 2A can recognize the minimum number of connections allowed by the base station device 1A.

[0091] Furthermore, the connection control unit 12A rejects new connection requests from terminal devices connected to the second mobile communication network if all shared resources have been allocated and all individual resources for the second mobile communication network among the multiple mobile communication networks have been allocated. This allows the connection control unit 12A to limit the number of connections of subscribers to the second mobile communication network to the minimum number of connections corresponding to the second mobile communication network.

[0092] [Examples of implementation using software] Some or all of the functions of base station equipment 1, 1A, core network equipment 2, 2A, and communication systems 100, 100A may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits (IC chips) or by software.

[0093] In the latter case, the base station devices 1 and 1A, the core network devices 2 and 2A, and the communication systems 100 and 100A are realized, for example, by a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that implements each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 10. Computer C comprises at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. Memory C2 stores a program P that causes computer C to operate as base station devices 1 and 1A, core network devices 2 and 2A, and communication systems 100 and 100A. In computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes program P from memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of base station devices 1 and 1A, core network devices 2 and 2A, and communication systems 100 and 100A.

[0094] Processor C1 can include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), microcontroller, or a combination thereof. Memory C2 can include, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof.

[0095] Computer C may also be equipped with RAM for loading program P at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. Furthermore, computer C may be equipped with communication interfaces for sending and receiving data with other devices. Additionally, computer C may be equipped with input / output interfaces for connecting input / output devices such as keyboards, mice, displays, and printers.

[0096] Furthermore, program P can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium M that is readable by computer C. Such a recording medium M could be, for example, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuitry. Computer C can acquire program P via such a recording medium M. Program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium could be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer C can also acquire program P via such a transmission medium.

[0097] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] [Additional Note 2] Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0099] (Note 1) A base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, A setting means for setting the processing resources of the base station device, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a shared resource shared by the multiple mobile communication networks, and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, connection control means allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected, A base station device equipped with the following features.

[0100] According to the above configuration, if the base station equipment can be operated within the scope of shared resources, it becomes unnecessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0101] Furthermore, it can prevent the provision of excessive resource amounts to specific mobile communication network operators.

[0102] (Note 2) The setting means, if the minimum number of connections notified by the first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks exceeds an allowable value, sets the resource amount of the individual resources for the first mobile communication network to an amount corresponding to the allowable value. The base station equipment described in Appendix 1.

[0103] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the provision of an excessive amount of resources to the operator of the first mobile communication network.

[0104] (Note 3) The setting means notifies the core network device of the first mobile communication network that the minimum number of connections to the first mobile communication network has been set to the allowable value. Base station equipment as described in Appendix 2.

[0105] With the above configuration, the core network equipment can recognize the minimum number of devices allowed by the base station equipment.

[0106] (Note 4) The connection control means rejects new connection requests from terminal devices connected to the second mobile communication network when all of the shared resources have been allocated and all of the individual resources for the second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks have been allocated. A base station device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the connection control means can limit the number of connections of subscribers to the second mobile communication network to the minimum number of connections corresponding to the second mobile communication network.

[0108] (Note 5) A core network device for a mobile communications network, A calculation means for calculating the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the said mobile communication network, A notification means that notifies a base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, including the said mobile communication network, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means, A core network device equipped with the following features.

[0109] With the above configuration, the base station equipment can easily configure shared resources shared by multiple mobile communication networks, as well as individual resources for each mobile communication network.

[0110] (Note 6) The calculation means determines the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network. Traffic statistics for the aforementioned mobile communication network, Information indicating the contract details between the operator of the mobile communication network and the operator of the base station equipment, and Number of registered subscribers of the aforementioned mobile communication network Calculated based on at least one of the following: The core network device described in Appendix 5.

[0111] With the above configuration, the core network device can easily calculate the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network.

[0112] (Note 7) Core network equipment for multiple mobile communication networks, A communication system comprising a base station device shared by the aforementioned plurality of mobile communication networks, Each mobile communication network's core network equipment includes a notification means for notifying the base station equipment of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network. The base station device is, A setting means for setting the processing resources of the base station device, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by the core network device of each mobile communication network, to be shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, connection control means allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected, A communication system equipped with [the following features].

[0113] According to the above configuration, if the base station equipment can be operated within the scope of shared resources, it becomes unnecessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0114] Furthermore, it can prevent the provision of excessive resource amounts to specific mobile communication network operators.

[0115] (Note 8) Each mobile communication network's core network equipment further includes a calculation means for calculating the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the mobile communication network. The communication system described in Appendix 7.

[0116] With the above configuration, the core network device can easily calculate the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network.

[0117] (Note 9) Base station equipment shared by multiple mobile communication networks, Based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, the processing resources of the base station device are configured to include shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources mentioned above are not available, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. A control method for base station equipment, including the equipment itself.

[0118] According to the above configuration, if the base station equipment can be operated within the scope of shared resources, it becomes unnecessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0119] Furthermore, it can prevent the provision of excessive resource amounts to specific mobile communication network operators.

[0120] (Note 10) A computer in a base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, Based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a configuration process is performed to set the base station equipment's processing resources, specifically the shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and the individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, a connection control process is performed to allocate the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. A program that executes something.

[0121] According to the above configuration, if the base station equipment can be operated within the scope of shared resources, it becomes unnecessary to identify the mobile communication network operator, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0122] Furthermore, it can prevent the provision of excessive resource amounts to specific mobile communication network operators.

[0123] (Note 11) A base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, It comprises at least one processor, the processor being, Based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, the processing resources of the base station device are configured to include shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources mentioned above are not available, the process of allocating the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected, A base station device that performs this operation.

[0124] Furthermore, this communication system may also be equipped with memory, which may store a program that causes the processor to execute the setting process and the allocation process. This program may also be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium.

[0125] (Note 12) A core network device for a mobile communications network, It comprises at least one processor, the processor being, A process to calculate the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the said mobile communication network, The process involves notifying base station equipment shared by multiple mobile communication networks, including the said mobile communication network, of the calculated minimum number of connections to the said mobile communication network. A core network device that performs this task.

[0126] Furthermore, this inference device may also be equipped with memory, which may store a program that causes the processor to perform the calculation process and the notification process. This program may also be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1,1A base station equipment (gNB) 2.2A Core Network Device 3 AMF 4 SMF 5 UPF 6 DN 11 Setting means 11A setting section 12 Connection control means 12A Connection Control Unit 13A,22A Communication Department 21 Calculation method 21A Calculation section 22 Means of Notification 100,100A communication system

Claims

1. A base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, A setting means for setting the processing resources of the base station device, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a shared resource shared by the multiple mobile communication networks, and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, connection control means allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected, A base station device equipped with the following features.

2. The setting means, if the minimum number of connections notified by the first mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks exceeds an allowable value, sets the resource amount of the individual resources for the first mobile communication network to an amount corresponding to the allowable value. The base station device according to claim 1.

3. The setting means notifies the core network device of the first mobile communication network that the minimum number of connections to the first mobile communication network has been set to the allowable value. The base station device according to claim 2.

4. The connection control means rejects new connection requests from terminal devices connected to the second mobile communication network when all of the shared resources have been allocated and all of the individual resources for the second mobile communication network among the plurality of mobile communication networks have been allocated. The base station device according to claim 1.

5. A core network device for a mobile communications network, A calculation means for calculating the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the said mobile communication network, A notification means that notifies a base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, including the said mobile communication network, of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network calculated by the calculation means, A core network device equipped with the following features.

6. The calculation means determines the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network. Traffic statistics for the aforementioned mobile communication network, Information indicating the contract details between the operator of the mobile communication network and the operator of the base station equipment, and Number of registered subscribers of the aforementioned mobile communication network Calculated based on at least one of the following: The core network device according to claim 5.

7. Core network equipment for multiple mobile communication networks, A communication system comprising a base station device shared by the aforementioned plurality of mobile communication networks, Each mobile communication network's core network equipment includes a notification means for notifying the base station equipment of the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network. The base station device is, A setting means for setting the processing resources of the base station device, based on the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network notified by the core network device of each mobile communication network, to be shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, connection control means allocates the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected, A communication system equipped with [the following features].

8. Each mobile communication network's core network equipment further includes a calculation means for calculating the minimum number of connections to the mobile communication network based on traffic statistics of the mobile communication network. The communication system according to claim 7.

9. Base station equipment shared by multiple mobile communication networks, Based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, the processing resources of the base station device are configured to include shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and individual resources for each mobile communication network, respectively. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources mentioned above are not available, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. A control method for base station equipment, including the equipment itself.

10. A computer in a base station device shared by multiple mobile communication networks, Based on the minimum number of connections to each mobile communication network notified by each mobile communication network, a configuration process is performed to set the base station equipment's processing resources, specifically the shared resources shared by the multiple mobile communication networks and the individual resources for each mobile communication network. In response to a connection request from a terminal device to the base station device, If the shared resources remain, the processing resources to be used for the terminal device shall be allocated from the shared resources. If the shared resources are not available, a connection control process is performed to allocate the processing resources to be used for the terminal device from the individual resources for the mobile communication network to which the terminal device is connected. A program that executes something.

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