Signal transmission system, base station equipment, transmission control device, and signal transmission method

Abstract

A signal transfer system for transferring a signal from one communication device to another communication device, the signal transfer system comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires, for each traffic flow heading from the one communication device to the other communication device, network transfer information relating to the traffic flow from the one communication device; and a communication control unit that executes adjustment processing for controlling transmission of a frame in the one communication device so as to reduce a frame wait time on the basis of the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal transfer system, a base station device, a transfer control device, and a signal transfer method.

Background Art

[0002] In signal transmission in a conventional mobile communication system, when signals are exchanged between a base station and a wireless terminal, Time Division Duplex (TDD) that alternately transmits downlink and uplink in the time domain is used, and at that time, signal transmission and reception are performed in units of wireless transmission frames called Transport Blocks.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, jitter could occur due to the uplink transmission latency during uplink transmission using TDD, or the latency for Transport Block formation when the Transport Block size was larger than the frame size output from the application layer function within the wireless terminal. This was because, even if each traffic flow on the uplink link was transmitted to the MAC (Media Access Control) layer function within the terminal with consistent frame transmission intervals and minimal jitter at the output from the application layer function within the wireless terminal, jitter could still occur due to the aforementioned latency.

[0005] As a result, end-to-end jitter could increase due to jitter in the wireless transmission section. This issue was not limited to mobile communication systems but was a common problem in communication between communication devices.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can suppress the increase in jitter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transfer system for transferring signals from one communication device to another, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires network transfer information, which is information relating to the traffic flow, from one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device; and a communication control unit that performs adjustment processing to control the transmission of frames in one communication device in order to shorten the waiting time of frames, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transfer system for transferring signals from one communication device to another communication device, comprising: a transfer unit for transferring the signals; an information acquisition unit for acquiring network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device; and a transfer control unit that performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of frames in the transfer unit so as to shorten the waiting time of frames, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a base station device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and transfers signals transmitted from the one communication device to the other communication device, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from the one communication device for each traffic flow from the one communication device to the other communication device; and a communication control unit that performs adjustment processing to control the transmission of the frame in the one communication device in order to shorten the waiting time of the frame, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a base station device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and performs signal transfer from the one communication device to the other communication device, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires network transfer information, which is information relating to the traffic flow, from the one communication device for each traffic flow from the one communication device to the other communication device; and an information transmission unit that transmits the network transfer information to a transfer control device that performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of the frames based on the network transfer information in order to shorten the waiting time of the frames in the transfer unit that performs the signal transfer.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a transfer control device for controlling a transfer unit that transfers a signal from one communication device to another communication device, comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires network transfer information, which is information relating to traffic flows, from a base station device wirelessly connected to one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device; and a transfer control unit that performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of frames in the transfer unit that transfers the signal so as to shorten the waiting time of frames, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transfer method for transferring a signal from one communication device to another communication device, comprising: an information acquisition step of acquiring network transfer information, which is information relating to the traffic flow, from one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device; and a communication control step of performing an adjustment process that controls the transmission of the frame in one communication device to shorten the frame waiting time, based on the network transfer information acquired in the information acquisition step.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transfer method for transferring a signal from one communication device to another communication device, comprising: a transfer step for transferring the signal; an information acquisition step for acquiring network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device; and a transfer control step for executing an adjustment process that controls the transfer of the frame in the transfer step to shorten the frame waiting time, based on the network transfer information acquired in the information acquisition step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] This invention makes it possible to suppress the increase in jitter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the signal transfer system of the embodiment. [Figure 2] First explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of the adjustment process in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Second explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of the adjustment process in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing a first application example of the signal transfer system in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the signal transfer system of the first application example in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing a second application example of the signal transfer system in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the signal transfer system of the second application example in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transfer device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the transfer device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transfer device controller in the embodiment. [Figure 11] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the transfer device controller in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the base station in the embodiment. [Figure 13] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the base station in the embodiment. [Figure 14] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the distributed station in the embodiment. [Figure 15] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the distributed station in the embodiment. [Figure 16] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 17] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the wireless terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 18] A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device in an embodiment. [Figure 19] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in the communication device in the embodiment. [Figure 20] A block diagram showing a first application example of the signal transfer system in a second modified embodiment. [Figure 21] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system of the first application example of a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 22] A block diagram showing a second application example of the signal transfer system in a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 23] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system in a second application example of a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 24] A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a wireless controller in a second modified embodiment. [Figure 25] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit included in a wireless controller in a second modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overview of a signal transfer system 100 according to an embodiment. The signal transfer system 100 is a system that transfers signals from one communication device to another. The signal transfer system 100 includes, for example, a transfer device, a base station, and a control device for the transfer device, and performs signal transfer from a server to a wireless terminal, and signal transfer from a wireless terminal to a server. The signal transfer system 100 also includes, for example, a transfer device, a distributed station, and a control device for the transfer device, and performs signal transfer from a central station to a wireless terminal, and signal transfer from a wireless terminal to a central station. Details of application examples of such a signal transfer system 100 will be described later, but first, an overview of the signal transfer system 100 will be explained.

[0017] The signal transfer system 100 comprises a transfer control unit 101 and a communication control unit 102. The transfer control unit 101 acquires network transfer information from one communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. The network transfer information is information about the traffic flow. The traffic flow information indicates, for example, the frame size and transmission interval of a frame. Therefore, the network transfer information includes, for example, information indicating the frame size and transmission interval of a frame. The frame size and transmission interval of a frame indicated by the information indicating the frame size and transmission interval of a frame are, for example, the frame size and transmission interval of an uplink frame.

[0018] Furthermore, information regarding traffic flow may also include, for example, the transmission rate or the destination address. Therefore, network forwarding information may include, for example, information indicating the transmission rate or information indicating the destination address.

[0019] One communication device is, for example, the server described above, and in this case, the other communication device is, for example, a wireless terminal. Also, if one communication device is, for example, a wireless terminal, then the other communication device is, for example, the server described above. In the case of communication between such a server and a wireless terminal, the frame size of the uplink frame indicated in the network transfer information is, for example, the frame size of the frame going from the wireless terminal to the server. That is, in such a case, uplink means the direction of signal propagation from the wireless terminal to the server.

[0020] One communication device is, for example, the central station mentioned above, and in this case, the other communication device is, for example, a wireless terminal. Also, if one communication device is, for example, a wireless terminal, then the other communication device is, for example, the central station mentioned above. In the case of communication between such a central station and a wireless terminal, the frame size of the uplink frame indicated by the network transfer information is, for example, the frame size of the frame traveling from the wireless terminal to the central station. That is, in such a case, uplink means the direction of signal propagation from the wireless terminal to the central station.

[0021] In Figure 1, the communication device 900 is an example of one type of communication device, and the wireless terminal 901 in Figure 1 is an example of the other type of communication device. Therefore, the communication device 900 may be, for example, a server, or for example, a central station.

[0022] The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on network transfer information obtained from the other communication device. The adjustment processing is a process that shortens the waiting time until a frame is transmitted, according to predetermined rules based on the network transfer information.

[0023] The process of reducing the waiting time until a frame is transmitted is, for example, the process of adjusting the frame transmission timing in Time Division Duplex (TDD) according to predetermined rules (hereinafter referred to as "TDD timing adjustment process"). Frame transmission timing refers to the timing at which a frame is transmitted. The process of reducing the waiting time until a frame is transmitted may also be, for example, the process of adjusting the Transport Block Size (TBS) according to predetermined rules (hereinafter referred to as "TBS adjustment process").

[0024] Furthermore, the adjustment process may be, for example, a process that adjusts both the frame transmission timing in TDD and the TBS according to predetermined rules. Therefore, the adjustment process may be, for example, a process that performs either or both of the TDD timing adjustment process and the TBS adjustment process.

[0025] The waiting time until the frame shortened by the adjustment process is transmitted is, for example, the waiting time in the transmission of an uplink transmission frame. An uplink transmission frame is a frame that propagates in the uplink direction and is sent to a destination such as a server or central station. Therefore, when the destination is a server or central station, the uplink transmission frame is the frame transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 to the communication device such as the server or central station.

[0026] If the waiting time before a frame is transmitted is the waiting time for the uplink transmission frame, then the frame transmission timing is, for example, the uplink transmission timing. Furthermore, the uplink transmission timing refers to the timing at which the uplink transmission frame is transmitted.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication control unit 102 forwards the acquired network transfer information to the transfer control unit 101. Based on the network transfer information acquired from the communication control unit 102, the transfer control unit 101 controls the timing of frame transmission and reception.

[0028] The effects of the adjustment process will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. To make the explanation easier to understand, the effects of the adjustment process will be explained using the traffic flow from a wireless terminal to a base station as an example. Figure 2 is the first explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of the adjustment process in the embodiment. More specifically, Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the TDD timing adjustment process in the embodiment.

[0029] Image G101 in Figure 2 shows an example of the signal transmitted from a wireless terminal to a base station when no adjustment processing is performed. More specifically, image G101 uses five frames, F1 to F5, to show an example of the signal transmission when no adjustment processing is performed. In image G101, the period between frame F2 and frame F3 is the downlink transmission timing in TDD.

[0030] If the adjustment process is not performed, the uplink signal cannot be transmitted at this timing. As a result, as shown in image G101, the time intervals between frame F1 and frame F2, between frame F2 and frame F3, and between frame F3 and frame F4 are non-uniform. This non-uniformity in frame intervals is a factor that increases jitter.

[0031] Image G102 in Figure 2 shows an example of signal transmission from a wireless terminal to a base station when TDD timing adjustment processing is performed. More specifically, image G102 uses five frames, F1 to F5, to show an example of signal transmission when TDD timing adjustment processing is performed. As described above, TDD timing adjustment processing is a process in which the communication control unit 102 adjusts to shorten the waiting time between frames.

[0032] Image G102 shows an example of TDD timing adjustment processing, where the transmission timings for the uplink and downlink of the TDD are divided more finely than in the case of Image G101, based on the frame size and transmission interval of the uplink transmission frame. Dividing the transmission timing more finely means, for example, setting the time interval for the uplink transmission of the TDD to an interval corresponding to the frame size of the uplink transmission frame, and setting the time interval for the downlink transmission of the TDD to an interval corresponding to the transmission interval of the uplink transmission frame. As a result, in the example of Image G102, the frame interval of the uplink transmission frame is uniform. Consequently, jitter is reduced in the example of Image G102.

[0033] Figure 3 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of the adjustment process in the embodiment. More specifically, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the TBS adjustment process in the embodiment.

[0034] Image G103 in Figure 3 shows an example of the signal transmitted from a wireless terminal to a base station when no adjustment processing is performed. More specifically, image G103 uses five frames, F1 to F5, to show an example of the signal transmission when no adjustment processing is performed. In the example of image G103, frames 1 and 2 form a single Transport Block.

[0035] Furthermore, in the example in image G103, frames 3-5 form a separate Transport Block distinct from frames 1 and 2. Each Transport Block has a different size because it contains a different number of frames. In the example in image G103, since multiple frames form a Transport Block, a buffer occurs within the base station until all frames are received. As shown in image G103, the frame spacing is not uniform in this example. Therefore, this is a factor that increases jitter in the example in image G103.

[0036] Image G104 in Figure 3 shows an example of the signal transmitted from a wireless terminal to a base station when TBS adjustment processing is performed. More specifically, image G104 uses five frames, frames 1 to 5, to show an example of the signal transmission when TBS adjustment processing is performed. Image G104 shows an example of the result of TBS adjustment processing in which the size of the Transport Block is divided more finely than in the case of image G103, based on the frame size and frame interval. As a result, in the example of image G104, each of frames 1 to 5 forms one Transport Block. Therefore, the frame interval is uniform in the example of image G104. Consequently, jitter is reduced in the example of image G104.

[0037] In this way, jitter is reduced by performing the adjustment process.

[0038] The following describes a first and second application example of the signal transfer system 100 in the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a first application example of the signal transfer system 100 in the embodiment. Hereinafter, the signal transfer system 100 in the first application example will be referred to as signal transfer system 100a. The signal transfer system 100a performs signal transfer from the wireless terminal 901 to the server 902 and signal transfer from the server 902 to the wireless terminal 901. The server 902 is an example of a communication device 900. The signal transfer system 100a comprises one or more transfer devices 1a, a transfer device controller 2a, and one or more base stations 3a. Both the wireless terminal 901 and the server 902 are devices that transmit and receive signals.

[0040] The transfer device 1a transfers the signal received from the source device to the destination device. The transfer device controller 2a controls the operation of each transfer device 1a in the signal transfer system 100a. The transfer device controller 2a determines, for example, the destination device to which each transfer device 1a transfers its signal. The base station 3a is a base station that communicates with the wireless terminal 901. Through communication with the wireless terminal 901, the base station 3a transfers the signal received from the wireless terminal 901 to the destination transfer device 1a and transmits the signal transferred from the transfer device 1a to the wireless terminal 901.

[0041] Each wireless terminal 901 is equipped with an information transmission unit 911. The information transmission unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901 extracts network transfer information for each traffic flow. The information transmission unit 911 transmits the extracted network transfer information to the information receiving unit 104 of the base station 3a that is opposite (communicating with) its own device (wireless terminal 901).

[0042] Network forwarding information is information about the traffic flow. Traffic flow information includes information indicating the frame size and transmission interval of uplink transmission frames. Therefore, network forwarding information includes information indicating the frame size and transmission interval of uplink transmission frames. Uplink transmission frames are frames propagated in the uplink direction and refer to frames transmitted from wireless terminal 901 to server 902. Note that traffic flow information may also include, for example, information indicating the transmission rate or information indicating the destination address. Therefore, network forwarding information may include, for example, information indicating the transmission rate or information indicating the destination address.

[0043] Each base station 3a is equipped with a communication control unit 102 and an information receiving unit 104. The information receiving unit 104 of the base station 3a receives network transfer information transmitted from the information transmitting unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901 that is communicating with the base station 3a. The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of the base station 3a.

[0044] The communication control unit 102 of base station 3a acquires network transfer information output from its own device (base station 3a) information receiving unit 104. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information.

[0045] The adjustment process is a process that shortens the waiting time until an uplink transmission frame is transmitted in the wireless terminal 901, according to predetermined rules based on network transfer information. The process that shortens the waiting time until an uplink transmission frame is transmitted may be a TDD timing adjustment process or a TBS adjustment process. Alternatively, the adjustment process may be both a TDD timing adjustment process and a TBS adjustment process. Therefore, the adjustment process is a process that performs either one or both of the TDD timing adjustment process and the TBS adjustment process.

[0046] Based on the results of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of base station 3a sends back information indicating uplink transmission permission to the wireless terminal 901 (which has transmitted network transfer information to its own device (base station 3a)). The information indicating uplink transmission permission is information that instructs base station 3a on the timing to transmit uplink transmission frames to wireless terminal 901. This controls the transmission timing of uplink transmission frames at wireless terminal 901, and shortens the waiting time until uplink transmission frames are transmitted at wireless terminal 901. As a result, jitter that occurs in wireless transmission on the uplink link is reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, the communication control unit 102 of the base station 3a transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 4, the transfer device 1a is installed in a section called a BH (Backhaul), for example.

[0049] The base station 3a may be, for example, a Wi-Fi® access point. Furthermore, the signal transmission system 100a does not necessarily have to be applied to a mobile communication system; it may also be applied to wireless communication systems other than mobile communication systems.

[0050] The transfer device controller 2a includes a control determination unit 103. The control determination unit 103 receives network transfer information transmitted from each base station 3a. Based on the received network transfer information, the control determination unit 103 determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames in each transfer device 1a. The control determination unit 103 transmits instruction information to each transfer device 1a, indicating an instruction to transmit and receive uplink transmission frames at the determined transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames.

[0051] The transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames is determined, for example, based on bandwidth allocation by Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) of a Passive Optical Network (PON), or the gate opening and closing timing of the 802.1Qbv Time Aware Shaper described in Non-Patent Document 3.

[0052] Each transmission device 1a is equipped with a transmission control unit 101. The transmission control unit 101 of the transmission device 1a receives instruction information transmitted from the control determination unit 103 of the transmission device controller 2a. The transmission control unit 101 performs signal transmission control to transmit and receive uplink transmission frames at the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames determined by the control determination unit 103 of the transmission device controller 2a, according to the received instruction information. This reduces the waiting time in the transmission device 1a until an uplink transmission frame is transmitted, for example during congestion, and reduces jitter that occurs in wireless transmission on the uplink.

[0053] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100a in the embodiment. More specifically, it shows an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100a when a signal is transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 to the server 902. The signal transfer system 100a repeats the processing shown in Figure 5.

[0054] The information receiving unit 104 of each base station 3a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 facing its own device (base station 3a) (step S101). The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of its own device (base station 3a). The communication control unit 102 acquires the network transfer information output from the information receiving unit 104. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information (step S102). The adjustment processing is a process that performs either or both of the following: TDD timing adjustment processing and TBS adjustment processing.

[0055] Based on the result of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of base station 3a sends back information indicating permission for uplink transmission to the wireless terminal 901 (which transmitted network transfer information to its own device (base station 3a)) (step S103). The communication control unit 102 also transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a (step S104).

[0056] The control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a receives network transfer information transmitted from each base station 3a (step S105). Based on the received network transfer information, the control determination unit 103 determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames at each transfer device 1a (step S106). The control determination unit 103 transmits instruction information to each transfer device 1a indicating instructions to transmit and receive uplink transmission frames at the determined transmission and reception timing (step S107).

[0057] The transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a receives instruction information transmitted from the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a (step S108). The transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a executes transfer control to send and receive uplink transmission frames at the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames determined by the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a, in accordance with the received instruction information (step S109). This completes the process executed by the signal transfer system 100a shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0058] As described above, according to the first application example of the signal transfer system 100 in the embodiment, first, network transfer information is transmitted from each wireless terminal 901 to the base station 3a. As a result, for each traffic flow, each wireless terminal 901 notifies the base station 3a of information indicating at least one of the frame size and transmission interval of the uplink transmission frame transmitted from the application layer function within each wireless terminal 901.

[0059] Each base station 3a performs adjustment processing to adjust at least one of the TDD uplink transmission timing and TBS based on the information notified by the radio terminal 901. Based on the results of the adjustment processing, each base station 3a sends back information indicating uplink transmission permission to the radio terminal 901. This controls the transmission timing of uplink transmission frames at the radio terminal 901, and reduces the waiting time until uplink transmission frames are transmitted at the radio terminal 901. This reduces jitter that occurs in uplink wireless transmission.

[0060] Furthermore, each base station 3a forwards the acquired network forwarding information to the forwarding device controller 2a. The forwarding device controller 2a receives the network forwarding information transmitted from each base station 3a. Based on the received network forwarding information, the forwarding device controller 2a determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames in each forwarding device 1a. The forwarding device controller 2a controls each forwarding device 1a so that uplink transmission frames are forwarded at the determined transmission and reception timing. This reduces the waiting time for uplink transmission frames to be transmitted in the forwarding device 1a during congestion, and reduces jitter that occurs in wireless transmission on the uplink.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a second application example of the signal transfer system 100 in the embodiment. Hereinafter, the signal transfer system 100 in the second application example will be referred to as signal transfer system 100b. Signal transfer system 100b performs signal transfer from wireless terminal 901 to central station 903 and signal transfer from central station 903 to wireless terminal 901. Central station 903 is an example of a communication device 900. Signal transfer system 100b differs from signal transfer system 100a in the first application example described above in that it includes a distributed station 4a instead of a base station 3a. Central station 903 is a central station that transmits and receives signals.

[0062] Distributed station 4a is a distributed station that communicates with the wireless terminal 901. Through communication with the wireless terminal 901, distributed station 4a performs the following functions: forwarding signals received from the wireless terminal 901 to the forwarding device 1a, and transmitting signals forwarded from the forwarding device 1a to the wireless terminal 901.

[0063] Each distributed station 4a is equipped with a communication control unit 102 and an information receiving unit 104. The information receiving unit 104 of the distributed station 4a receives network transfer information transmitted from the information transmitting unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901 facing the distributed station 4a. The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a.

[0064] The communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a acquires network transfer information output from the information receiving unit 104 of its own device (distributed station 4a). The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information. The adjustment processing is a process that performs either or both of the following: TDD timing adjustment processing and TBS adjustment processing.

[0065] Based on the results of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of distributed station 4a sends back information indicating permission for uplink transmission to the wireless terminal 901 (which sent network transfer information to its own device (distributed station 4a)). This controls the transmission timing of uplink transmission frames at the wireless terminal 901, and shortens the waiting time until uplink transmission frames are transmitted at the wireless terminal 901. This reduces jitter that occurs in wireless transmission on the uplink link.

[0066] Furthermore, the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a.

[0067] In the example in Figure 6, the central station 903 and distributed station 4a are, for example, the CU (Central Unit) and DU (Distributed Unit) in a mobile communication system. The forwarding device 1a in the example in Figure 6 is installed in a section called, for example, MMH (Mobile Midhaul).

[0068] Furthermore, the central station 903 may be a DU (Digital Unit) and the distributed station 4a may be a RU (Radio Unit). In such a case, the forwarding device 1a may be installed in a section called, for example, an MFH (Mobile Fronthaul).

[0069] Furthermore, the central station 903 may be a Wi-Fi® controller, and the distributed station 4a may be a Wi-Fi® access point. Also, the signal transfer system 100b does not necessarily have to be applied to a mobile communication system, and may be applied to wireless communication systems other than mobile communication systems.

[0070] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100b in the embodiment. More specifically, it shows an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100b when a signal is transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 to the central station 903. The signal transfer system 100b repeats the processing shown in Figure 7.

[0071] The information receiving unit 104 of each distributed station 4a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 facing its own device (distributed station 4a) (step S201). The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of its own device (distributed station 4a). The communication control unit 102 acquires the network transfer information output from the information receiving unit 104. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information (step S202). The adjustment processing is a process that performs either or both of the following: TDD timing adjustment processing and TBS adjustment processing.

[0072] Based on the results of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a sends back information indicating permission for uplink transmission to the wireless terminal 901 (which transmitted network transfer information to its own device (distributed station 4a)) (step S203). The communication control unit 102 also transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a (step S204).

[0073] The control decision unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a receives network transfer information transmitted from each distributed station 4a (step S205). Based on the received network transfer information, the control decision unit 103 determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames at each transfer device 1a (step S206). The control decision unit 103 transmits instruction information to each transfer device 1a indicating instructions to transmit and receive uplink transmission frames at the determined transmission and reception timing (step S207).

[0074] The transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a receives instruction information transmitted from the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a (step S208). The transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a executes transfer control to send and receive uplink transmission frames at the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames determined by the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a, in accordance with the received instruction information (step S209). This completes the process executed by the signal transfer system 100b shown in the flowchart of Figure 7.

[0075] As described above, according to the first application example of the signal transfer system 100 in the embodiment, first, network transfer information is transmitted from each wireless terminal 901 to the distributed station 4a. As a result, for each traffic flow, each wireless terminal 901 notifies the distributed station 4a of information indicating at least one of the frame size and transmission interval of the uplink transmission frame transmitted from the application layer function within each wireless terminal 901.

[0076] Each distributed station 4a performs adjustment processing to adjust at least one of the TDD uplink transmission timing and TBS based on the information notified from the radio terminal 901. Based on the results of the adjustment processing, each distributed station 4a sends back information indicating uplink transmission permission to the radio terminal 901. This controls the transmission timing of uplink transmission frames at the radio terminal 901, and reduces the waiting time until uplink transmission frames are transmitted at the radio terminal 901. This reduces jitter that occurs in uplink radio transmission.

[0077] Furthermore, each distributed station 4a forwards the acquired network forwarding information to the forwarding device controller 2a. The forwarding device controller 2a receives the network forwarding information transmitted from each distributed station 4a. Based on the received network forwarding information, the forwarding device controller 2a determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames in each forwarding device 1a. The forwarding device controller 2a controls each forwarding device 1a so that uplink transmission frames are forwarded at the determined transmission and reception timing. This reduces the waiting time for uplink transmission frames to be transmitted in forwarding device 1a during congestion, and reduces jitter that occurs in uplink wireless transmission.

[0078] <An example of the hardware configuration of each device in the system> <Transfer device> Figure 8 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the transfer device 1a (first transfer device) in the embodiment. The transfer device 1a includes a control unit 11a which has a processor 91a such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory 92a connected by a bus, and executes a program. The transfer device 1a functions as a device comprising the control unit 11a, user interface 12, communication unit 13, and storage unit 14 by executing the program.

[0079] More specifically, the transfer device 1a reads the program stored in the memory 14 by the processor 91a and stores the read program in the memory 92a. By executing the program stored in the memory 92a, the processor 91a functions as a device comprising a control unit 11a, a user interface 12, a communication unit 13, and a memory unit 14.

[0080] The control unit 11a controls the operation of various functional units provided by the transfer device 1a. The user interface 12 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 12 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the transfer device 1a.

[0081] Furthermore, the user interface 12 may include a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The user interface 12 may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the transfer device 1a.

[0082] The communication unit 13 is configured to include an interface for connecting the transfer device 1a to an external device. The communication unit 13 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, a device that transmits a signal. The communication unit 13 receives a signal by communicating with the device that transmits the signal. The external device is, for example, a device to which the signal is forwarded. The communication unit 13 forwards the signal to the destination device by communicating with the destination device. The communication unit 13 receives instruction information transmitted from, for example, the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a.

[0083] The storage unit 14 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 14 stores various information related to the transfer device 1a. The storage unit 14 stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 11a.

[0084] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 11a provided in the transfer device 1a in the embodiment. The control unit 11a comprises a transfer control unit 101, an interface control unit 112, a communication control unit 113, and a storage control unit 114. The transfer control unit 101 performs signal transfer control to send and receive uplink transmission frames at the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames determined by the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a, according to the instruction information received by the communication unit 13. The interface control unit 112 controls the operation of the user interface 12. The communication control unit 113 controls the operation of the communication unit 13. The storage control unit 114 controls the operation of the storage unit 14.

[0085] <Transfer device controller> Figure 10 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the transfer device controller 2a (first transfer device controller) in the embodiment. The transfer device controller 2a includes a control unit 21a which has a processor 93a such as a CPU and memory 94a connected by a bus, and executes a program. The transfer device controller 2a functions as a device comprising the control unit 21a, user interface 22, communication unit 23 and storage unit 24 by executing the program.

[0086] More specifically, the transfer device controller 2a reads the program stored in the storage unit 24 by the processor 93a and stores the read program in the memory 94a. By having the processor 93a execute the program stored in the memory 94a, the transfer device controller 2a functions as a device comprising a control unit 21a, a user interface 22, a communication unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0087] The control unit 21a controls the operation of various functional units provided by the transfer device controller 2a. The user interface 22 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 22 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the transfer device controller 2a.

[0088] Furthermore, the user interface 22 may include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 22 may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the transfer device controller 2a.

[0089] The communication unit 23 is configured to include an interface for connecting the transfer device controller 2a to an external device. The communication unit 23 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless connection. The external device is, for example, the transfer device 1a. The external device is, for example, a base station 3a or a distributed station 4a. The communication unit 23 acquires, for example, network transfer information. The communication unit 23 transfers, for example, the network transfer information to a predetermined transfer destination such as the communication control unit 102.

[0090] The storage unit 24 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 24 stores various information related to the transfer device controller 2a. The storage unit 24 also stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 21a.

[0091] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 21a provided in the transfer device controller 2a in the embodiment. The control unit 21a includes a control determination unit 103, an interface control unit 212, a communication control unit 213, and a storage control unit 214. The control determination unit 103 determines the transmission and reception timing of uplink transmission frames in each transfer device 1a based on network transfer information acquired from each base station 3a. The control determination unit 103 transmits instruction information to each transfer device 1a to cause it to transmit and receive uplink transmission frames at the determined transmission and reception timing. The interface control unit 212 controls the operation of the user interface 22. The communication control unit 213 controls the operation of the communication unit 23. The storage control unit 214 controls the operation of the storage unit 24.

[0092] <Base station> Figure 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of base station 3a (first base station) in the embodiment. Base station 3a includes a control unit 31a which has a processor 95a such as a CPU and memory 96a connected by a bus, and executes a program. By executing the program, base station 3a functions as a device comprising the control unit 31a, user interface 32, communication unit 33 and storage unit 34.

[0093] More specifically, the base station 3a reads a program stored in the memory unit 34 by the processor 95a and stores the read program in the memory 96a. By executing the program stored in the memory 96a, the processor 95a functions as a device comprising a control unit 31a, a user interface 32, a communication unit 33, and a memory unit 34.

[0094] The control unit 31a controls the operation of various functional units provided by the base station 3a. The user interface 32 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 32 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the base station 3a.

[0095] Furthermore, the user interface 32 may include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 32 may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the base station 3a.

[0096] The communication unit 33 is configured to include an interface for connecting the base station 3a to an external device. The communication unit 33 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, a transfer device 1a. The external device is, for example, a wireless terminal 901. The operation of the communication unit 33 is controlled by the communication control unit 102. The communication unit 33 acquires network transfer information, for example, through communication between the information receiving unit 104 and the information transmitting unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901.

[0097] The storage unit 34 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 34 stores various information related to the base station 3a. The storage unit 34 stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 31a.

[0098] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 31a provided in the base station 3a in the embodiment. The control unit 31a includes a communication control unit 102, an information receiving unit 104, an interface control unit 312, and a storage control unit 314. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on network transfer information input from the information receiving unit 104. Based on the result of the adjustment processing, the communication control unit 102 sends back information indicating uplink transmission permission to the wireless terminal 901. The communication control unit 102 also transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a. The information receiving unit 104 outputs the network transfer information received from the information transmission unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901 to the communication control unit 102. The interface control unit 312 controls the operation of the user interface 32. The storage control unit 314 controls the operation of the storage unit 24.

[0099] <Distributed station> Figure 14 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a distributed station 4a (first distributed station) in an embodiment. The distributed station 4a includes a control unit 41a which has a processor 97a such as a CPU and memory 98a connected by a bus, and executes a program. By executing the program, the distributed station 4a functions as a device comprising the control unit 41a, user interface 42, communication unit 43 and storage unit 44.

[0100] More specifically, the distributed station 4a reads the program stored in the memory unit 44 by the processor 97a and stores the read program in the memory 98a. By executing the program stored in the memory 98a, the processor 97a functions as a device comprising a control unit 41a, a user interface 42, a communication unit 43, and a memory unit 44.

[0101] The control unit 41a controls the operation of various functional units provided by the distributed station 4a. The user interface 42 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 42 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the distributed station 4a.

[0102] Furthermore, the user interface 42 is configured to include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 42 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these display devices to the distributed station 4a.

[0103] The communication unit 43 is configured to include an interface for connecting the distributed station 4a to an external device. The communication unit 43 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, a transfer device 1a. The external device is, for example, a wireless terminal 901. The operation of the communication unit 43 is controlled by the communication control unit 102. The communication unit 43 acquires network transfer information, for example, through communication between the information receiving unit 104 and the information transmitting unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901.

[0104] The storage unit 44 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 44 stores various information related to the distributed station 4a. The storage unit 44 stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 41a.

[0105] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 41a provided in the distributed station 4a in the embodiment. The control unit 41a comprises a communication control unit 102, an information receiving unit 104, an interface control unit 412, and a storage control unit 414. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on network transfer information input from the information receiving unit 104. Based on the result of the adjustment processing, the communication control unit 102 sends back information indicating uplink transmission permission to the wireless terminal 901. The communication control unit 102 also transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a. The information receiving unit 104 outputs the network transfer information received from the information transmission unit 911 of the wireless terminal 901 to the communication control unit 102. The interface control unit 412 controls the operation of the user interface 42. The storage control unit 414 controls the operation of the storage unit 44.

[0106] <Wireless terminal> Figure 16 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a wireless terminal 901 in an embodiment. The wireless terminal 901 includes a control unit 910a which has a processor 991 such as a CPU and a memory 992 connected by a bus, and executes a program. Through the execution of the program, the wireless terminal 901 functions as a device comprising the control unit 910a, a user interface 920a, a communication unit 930a, and a storage unit 940a.

[0107] More specifically, the wireless terminal 901 has the processor 991 read a program stored in the memory unit 940a and store the read program in the memory 992. By having the processor 991 execute the program stored in the memory 992, the wireless terminal 901 functions as a device comprising a control unit 910a, a user interface 920a, a communication unit 930a, and a memory unit 940a.

[0108] The control unit 910a controls the operation of various functional units of the wireless terminal 901. The user interface 920a is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 920a may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the wireless terminal 901.

[0109] Furthermore, the user interface 920a may include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 920a may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the wireless terminal 901.

[0110] The communication unit 930a is configured to include an interface for connecting the wireless terminal 901 to an external device. The communication unit 930a communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, a base station 3a or a distributed station 4a.

[0111] The storage unit 940a is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 940a stores various information related to the wireless terminal 901. The storage unit 940a stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 910a.

[0112] Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 910a provided in the wireless terminal 901 in the embodiment. The wireless terminal 901 includes an information transmission unit 911, an interface control unit 912, a communication control unit 913, and a storage control unit 914. The information transmission unit 911 transmits network transfer information extracted for each traffic flow to the information receiving unit 104 of the base station 3a. The interface control unit 912 controls the operation of the user interface 920. The communication control unit 913 controls the operation of the communication unit 930. The storage control unit 914 controls the operation of the storage unit 940.

[0113] <Communication equipment such as servers or central offices> Figure 18 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 900 in an embodiment. The communication device 900 includes a control unit 910 which has a processor 991 such as a CPU and a memory 992 connected by a bus, and executes a program. The communication device 900 functions as a device comprising the control unit 910, a user interface 920, a communication unit 930, and a storage unit 940 through the execution of the program.

[0114] More specifically, the communication device 900 functions as a device comprising a control unit 910, a user interface 920, a communication unit 930, and a storage unit 940. The processor 991 then executes the program stored in the memory 992, thereby enabling the communication device 900 to function as a device comprising a control unit 910, a user interface 920, a communication unit 930, and a storage unit 940.

[0115] The control unit 910 controls the operation of various functional units of the communication device 900. The user interface 920 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 920 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the communication device 900.

[0116] Furthermore, the user interface 920 may include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 920 may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the communication device 900.

[0117] The communication unit 930 is configured to include an interface for connecting the communication device 900 to an external device. The communication unit 930 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, the transfer device 1a.

[0118] The storage unit 940 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 940 stores various information related to the communication device 900. The storage unit 940 stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 910.

[0119] Figure 19 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 910 included in the communication device 900 in the embodiment. The communication device 900 includes an interface control unit 912, a communication control unit 913, and a storage control unit 914. The interface control unit 912 controls the operation of the user interface 920. The communication control unit 913 controls the operation of the communication unit 930. The storage control unit 914 controls the operation of the storage unit 940.

[0120] (First variation) Furthermore, the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a may perform analysis processing (hereinafter referred to as "analysis processing") based on network transfer information acquired from the communication control units 102 of multiple base stations 3a or multiple distributed stations 4a. The analysis processing includes, for example, averaging values ​​related to the frame state, such as the frame size and transmission interval of uplink transmission frames, based on network transfer information acquired from the communication control units 102 of multiple base stations 3a or multiple distributed stations 4a.

[0121] The analysis process may include, for example, a process to predict future frame states, such as the frame size and transmission interval of uplink transmission frames, based on values ​​related to the frame state, such as the frame size and transmission interval of uplink transmission frames, which are obtained from the communication control units 102 of multiple base stations 3a or multiple distributed stations 4a, based on network transfer information. The results of the analysis process can be used, for example, in adjustment processing for future communications, and have the effect of reducing waiting times even for uplink transmission frames for which network transfer information has not been transferred to the communication control units 102 of base stations 3a or distributed stations 4a.

[0122] (Second variation) The following describes the first and second application examples of the signal transfer system 100 in a second modified embodiment.

[0123] As a first application example of the second modification, the signal transmission system 100a may further include a wireless controller 5. The wireless controller 5 controls the operation of the base station 3a. The signal transmission system 100 equipped with the wireless controller 5 will be described below. Hereinafter, the signal transmission system 100a equipped with the wireless controller 5 will be referred to as signal transmission system c.

[0124] Figure 20 is a block diagram showing a first application example of the signal transfer system in a second modified embodiment. Signal transfer system c differs from signal transfer system 100a in that it includes a wireless controller 5. The wireless controller 5 controls the operation of the base station 3a. The wireless controller 5 includes an information transfer unit 105. The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 receives network transfer information transmitted from the communication control unit 102 of the base station 3a. The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 transfers the received network transfer information to the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a.

[0125] Thus, the control decision unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a may acquire network transfer information via the information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5, rather than directly from the communication control unit 102 of the base station 3a.

[0126] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100c in the first application example of the second modification. More specifically, it shows an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100c when a signal is transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 to the server 902. The signal transfer system 100c repeats the processing shown in Figure 21.

[0127] The information receiving unit 104 of each base station 3a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 facing its own device (base station 3a) (step S301). The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of its own device (base station 3a). The communication control unit 102 acquires the network transfer information output from the information receiving unit 104. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information (step S302). The adjustment processing is a process that performs either or both of the following: TDD timing adjustment processing and TBS adjustment processing.

[0128] Based on the results of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of base station 3a sends back information indicating permission for uplink transmission to the wireless terminal 901 (which transmitted network transfer information to its own device (base station 3a)) (step S303). The communication control unit 102 also forwards the acquired network transfer information to the wireless controller 5 (step S304).

[0129] The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 receives network transfer information transmitted from each base station 3a (step S305). The communication control unit 102 transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a (step S306).

[0130] The control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless controller 5 (step S307).

[0131] The subsequent processing in steps S308 and S309 by the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a is the same as the processing in steps S106 and S107 shown in Figure 5. Also, the processing in steps S310 and S311 by the transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a is the same as the processing in steps S108 and S109 shown in Figure 5. This completes the processing performed by the signal transfer system 100c as shown in the flowchart of Figure 21.

[0132] As a second application example of the second modification, the signal transfer system 100b may further include a wireless controller 5. The wireless controller 5 controls the operation of the distributed station 4a. The signal transfer system 100 equipped with the wireless controller 5 will be described below. Hereinafter, the signal transfer system 100b equipped with the wireless controller 5 will be referred to as signal transfer system d.

[0133] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing a second application example of the signal transfer system in a second modified embodiment. Signal transfer system d differs from signal transfer system 100b in that it includes a wireless controller 5. The wireless controller 5 controls the operation of the distributed station 4a. The wireless controller 5 includes an information transfer unit 105. The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 receives network transfer information transmitted from the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a. The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 transfers the received network transfer information to the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a.

[0134] Thus, the control decision unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a may acquire network transfer information via the information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5, rather than directly from the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a.

[0135] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100d in the second application example of the second modification. More specifically, it shows an example of the processing flow performed by the signal transfer system 100d when a signal is transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 to the server 902. The signal transfer system 100d repeats the processing shown in Figure 23.

[0136] The information receiving unit 104 of each distributed station 4a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless terminal 901 facing its own device (distributed station 4a) (step S401). The information receiving unit 104 outputs the received network transfer information to the communication control unit 102 of its own device (distributed station 4a). The communication control unit 102 acquires the network transfer information output from the information receiving unit 104. The communication control unit 102 performs adjustment processing based on the acquired network transfer information (step S402). The adjustment processing is a process that performs either or both of the following: TDD timing adjustment processing and TBS adjustment processing.

[0137] Based on the results of the adjustment process, the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a sends back information indicating permission for uplink transmission to the wireless terminal 901 (which transmitted network transfer information to its own device (distributed station 4a)) (step S403). The communication control unit 102 also forwards the acquired network transfer information to the wireless controller 5 (step S404).

[0138] The information transfer unit 105 of the wireless controller 5 receives network transfer information transmitted from each distributed station 4a (step S405). The communication control unit 102 transfers the acquired network transfer information to the transfer device controller 2a (step S406).

[0139] The control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a receives network transfer information transmitted from the wireless controller 5 (step S407).

[0140] The subsequent processing in steps S408 and S409 by the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a is the same as the processing in steps S206 and S207 shown in Figure 7. Also, the processing in steps S410 and S411 by the transfer control unit 101 of each transfer device 1a is the same as the processing in steps S208 and S209 shown in Figure 7. This completes the processing performed by the signal transfer system 100c shown in the flowchart of Figure 23.

[0141] <Example of a wireless controller hardware configuration> Figure 24 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless controller 5 in a modified example. The wireless controller 5 includes a control unit 51 which has a processor 993 such as a CPU and a memory 994 connected by a bus, and executes a program. The wireless controller 5 functions as a device comprising the control unit 51, user interface 52, communication unit 53, and storage unit 54 by executing the program.

[0142] More specifically, the wireless controller 5 reads the program stored in the memory 54 by the processor 993 and stores the read program in the memory 994. By executing the program stored in the memory 994, the processor 993 functions as a device comprising a control unit 51, a user interface 52, a communication unit 53, and a memory unit 54.

[0143] The control unit 51 controls the operation of various functional units of the wireless controller 5. The user interface 52 is configured to include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The user interface 52 may also be configured to include an interface for connecting these input devices to the wireless controller 5.

[0144] Furthermore, the user interface 52 may include a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The user interface 52 may also include an interface for connecting these display devices to the wireless controller 5.

[0145] The communication unit 53 is configured to include an interface for connecting the wireless controller 5 to an external device. The communication unit 53 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless means. The external device is, for example, a transfer device controller 2a. The communication unit 53 obtains network transfer information through communication with the transfer device controller 2a. The external device is, for example, a base station 3a or a distributed station 4a. The communication unit 53 transmits the network transfer information to, for example, the base station 3a or the distributed station 4a.

[0146] The storage unit 54 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 54 stores various information related to the wireless controller 5. The storage unit 54 stores various information resulting from processing performed by, for example, the control unit 51.

[0147] Figure 25 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 51 of the wireless controller 5 in a modified example. The control unit 51 includes an information transfer unit 105, an interface control unit 512, a communication control unit 513, and a storage control unit 514. The information transfer unit 105 transfers network transfer information acquired from the communication control unit 102 of the distributed station 4a to the control determination unit 103 of the transfer device controller 2a. The interface control unit 512 controls the operation of the user interface 52. The communication control unit 513 controls the operation of the communication unit 53. The storage control unit 514 controls the operation of the storage unit 54.

[0148] Furthermore, each of the devices provided in the signal transfer system 100 and signal transfer systems 100a to 100d in the above embodiments and their variations may be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices that are connected to each other via a network.

[0149] According to the embodiments described above, the signal transfer system is a system that transfers signals from one communication device to another. For example, the signal transfer system is the signal transfer system 100a to 100d in the embodiments, the one communication device is the wireless terminal 901 in the embodiments, and the other communication device is the server 902 or the central station 903 in the embodiments. The signal transfer system includes an information acquisition unit and a communication control unit. For example, the information acquisition unit is the information receiving unit 104 in the embodiments, and the communication control unit is the communication control unit 102 in the embodiments.

[0150] The information acquisition unit described above acquires network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device to the other communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. Based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit, the communication control unit performs adjustment processing to control the transmission of frames at one communication device in order to shorten the frame waiting time. For example, the frame is an uplink transmission frame in this embodiment.

[0151] The above signal transfer system may further include a transfer unit and a transfer control unit. For example, the transfer unit is the transfer device 1a in the embodiment, and the transfer control unit is the transfer device controller 2a in the embodiment. The transfer unit performs signal transfer. For example, the signal is an uplink transmission frame in the embodiment. The transfer control unit performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of frames in the transfer unit in order to shorten the waiting time of frames, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit. For example, the frame is an uplink transmission frame in the embodiment.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above signal transfer system, the communication control unit may perform analysis to average values ​​related to the state of frames, or analysis to predict the state of future frames, based on network transfer information.

[0153] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the signal transfer system is a system that transfers signals from one communication device to another. For example, the signal transfer system is the signal transfer system 100a to 100d in the embodiments, the one communication device is the wireless terminal 901 in the embodiments, and the other communication device is the server 902 or the central station 903 in the embodiments. The signal transfer system comprises a transfer unit, an information acquisition unit, and a transfer control unit. For example, the transfer unit is the transfer device 1a in the embodiments, the information acquisition unit is the information receiving unit 104 in the embodiments, and the transfer control unit is the transfer device controller 2a in the embodiments.

[0154] The above-described transfer unit performs signal transfer. For example, the signal is an uplink transmission frame in the embodiment. The above-described information acquisition unit acquires network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device to the other communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. The above-described transfer control unit performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of frames in the transfer unit in order to shorten the frame waiting time, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit. For example, the frame is an uplink transmission frame in the embodiment.

[0155] In the above signal transfer system, the adjustment process may consist of either a TDD timing adjustment process, which adjusts the frame transmission timing, which is the timing at which frames are transmitted in Time Division Duplex (TDD) according to predetermined rules, or a TBS adjustment process, which adjusts the Transport Block Size (TBS) according to predetermined rules, or both.

[0156] In the above signal transfer system, one of the communication devices may be a wireless terminal, and the frame transmission timing may be the timing at which an uplink transmission frame, which is a frame transmitted from the wireless terminal to the other communication device, is transmitted.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the base station device is a device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and transfers signals transmitted from the one communication device to the other communication device. For example, the base station device is base station 3a or distributed station 4a in the embodiment, one communication device is wireless terminal 901 in the embodiment, and the other communication device is server 902 or central station 903 in the embodiment. The base station device comprises an information acquisition unit and a communication control unit. For example, the information acquisition unit is information receiving unit 104 in the embodiment, and the communication control unit is communication control unit 102 in the embodiment.

[0158] The information acquisition unit described above acquires network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device to the other communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. Based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit, the communication control unit performs adjustment processing to control the transmission of frames at one communication device in order to shorten the frame waiting time. For example, the frame is an uplink transmission frame in this embodiment.

[0159] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the base station device is a device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and transfers signals transmitted from one communication device to the other. For example, the base station device is base station 3a or distributed station 4a in the embodiment, one communication device is wireless terminal 901 in the embodiment, and the other communication device is server 902 or central station 903 in the embodiment. The base station device includes an information acquisition unit and an information transmission unit. For example, the information acquisition unit is information receiving unit 104 in the embodiment, and the information transmission unit is communication control unit 102 in the embodiment.

[0160] The information acquisition unit described above acquires network transfer information, which is information about the traffic flow, from one communication device to the other communication device for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. The information transmission unit described above transmits the network transfer information to a transfer control device that performs adjustment processing to control the transfer of frames based on the network transfer information in order to shorten the waiting time of frames in the transfer unit that performs signal transfer. For example, the transfer unit is the transfer device 1a in the embodiment, the frame is the uplink transmission frame in the embodiment, and the transfer control device is the transfer device controller 2a in the embodiment.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the transfer control device is a device that controls a transfer unit that transfers signals transmitted from one communication device to the other communication device. For example, the transfer control device is the transfer device controller 2a in the embodiment, one communication device is the wireless terminal 901 in the embodiment, the other communication device is the server 902 or central station 903 in the embodiment, and the transfer unit is the transfer device 1a in the embodiment. The transfer control device comprises an information acquisition unit and a transfer control unit. For example, the information acquisition unit and the transfer control unit are the control determination unit 103 in the embodiment.

[0162] The information acquisition unit acquires network forwarding information, which is information about the traffic flow, from a base station device wirelessly connected to one communication device, for each traffic flow from one communication device to the other communication device. For example, the base station device is base station 3a or distributed station 4a in the embodiment. The forwarding control unit performs adjustment processing to control the forwarding of frames in the forwarding unit in order to shorten the waiting time of frames based on the network forwarding information acquired by the information acquisition unit. For example, the frame is an uplink transmission frame in the embodiment.

[0163] Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the devices provided by the signal transfer system 100 and signal transfer systems 100a to 100d in the above embodiments and their variations may be implemented using hardware such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0164] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1a...Transfer device, 2a...Transfer device controller, 3a...Base station, 4a...Distributed station, 5...Wireless controller, 11a, 21a, 31a, 41a, 51, 910, 910a...Control unit, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 920, 920a...User interface, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 930, 930a...Communication unit, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 940, 940a...Storage unit, 91a, 93a, 95a, 97a, 991, 993...Processor, 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a, 99 2, 994…Memory, 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d…Signal transfer system, 101…Transfer control unit, 102, 113, 213, 513, 913…Communication control unit, 103…Control determination unit, 104…Information receiving unit, 105…Information transfer unit, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 912…Interface control unit, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 914…Storage control unit, 900…Communication device, 901…Wireless terminal, 902…Server, 903…Central station, 911…Information transmission unit

Claims

1. A signal transfer system that transfers signals from one communication device to another communication device, A transfer unit that performs the transfer of the aforementioned signal, An information acquisition unit acquires network transfer information from one of the communication devices indicating at least one of the frame size and frame transmission interval for each traffic flow from one of the communication devices toward the other communication device, A communication control unit performs an adjustment process based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit to shorten the frame waiting time by controlling at least one of the frame transmission timing and transport block size in one of the communication devices and the frame transfer timing in the transfer unit. A signal transmission system equipped with the following features.

2. A base station device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and transfers signals transmitted from the one communication device to the other communication device, An information acquisition unit acquires network transfer information from one of the communication devices indicating at least one of the frame size and frame transmission interval for each traffic flow from one of the communication devices toward the other communication device, A communication control unit performs an adjustment process based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit to shorten the frame waiting time by controlling at least one of the frame transmission timing and transport block size in one of the communication devices and the frame transfer timing in the transfer unit that performs the signal transfer. A base station device equipped with the following features.

3. A base station device that wirelessly connects to one communication device and transfers signals transmitted from the one communication device to the other communication device, An information acquisition unit acquires network transfer information from one of the communication devices indicating at least one of the frame size and frame transmission interval for each traffic flow from one of the communication devices toward the other communication device, A communication control unit performs an adjustment process to control at least one of the frame transmission timing and transport block size in one of the communication devices in order to shorten the frame waiting time, based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit. An information transmission unit transmits the network transfer information to a transfer control device that performs an adjustment process to control the frame transfer timing based on the network transfer information in order to shorten the waiting time of the frame in the transfer unit that performs the transfer of the signal, A base station device equipped with the following features.

4. A transfer control device that controls a transfer unit that transfers signals transmitted from one communication device to another communication device, An information acquisition unit acquires network transfer information, which is information used for adjustment processing to control at least one of the frame transmission timing and transport block size in the one communication device in order to shorten the frame latency for each traffic flow from the one communication device to the other communication device, and which indicates at least one of the frame size and the frame transmission interval. A transfer control unit that performs an adjustment process to control the transfer timing of the frame in the transfer unit in order to shorten the waiting time of the frame based on the network transfer information acquired by the information acquisition unit, A transfer control device equipped with the following:

5. A signal transfer method for transferring a signal from one communication device to another communication device, A transfer step that performs the transfer of the aforementioned signal, An information acquisition step of acquiring network forwarding information from one of the communication devices, which is information indicating at least one of the frame size and frame transmission interval for each traffic flow from one of the communication devices toward the other communication device, A communication control step that performs adjustment processing to control at least one of the frame transmission timing and transport block size in one of the communication devices and the frame transfer timing in the transfer step, based on the network transfer information acquired in the information acquisition step, in order to shorten the frame waiting time. A signal transfer method having

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