Communication equipment and communication systems

Abstract

Provided is a method for determining whether connection is possible between a DU and an RU that constitute a radio access network. The DU obtains from the RU a first profile representing information related to a function provided by the RU, determines whether the function provided by the DU is supported by the RU on the basis of the first profile and a second profile representing information related to a function provided by the DU, and transmits the second profile to the RU when the function provided by the DU is supported by the RU. The RU edits first control information including communication parameters corresponding to the first profile on the basis of the second profile, and transmits the edited first control information to the DU. The DU determines whether the communication parameters related to the function provided by the DU are supported by the RU on the basis of the first control information and second control information including communication parameters corresponding to the second profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication system for wireless communication.

Background Art

[0002] The radio access network (RAN) of a 5G network includes a DU (Distributed Unit) and a RU (Radio Unit) in many cases. The DU provides radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and PHY-High functions, etc. That is, the DU processes signals at the upper layer. The RU provides PHY-Low functions and RF processing, etc. That is, the RU can accommodate wireless terminals.

[0003] The interface between the DU and the RU has conventionally been designed for each vendor of communication devices. However, in recent years, the opening of the interface of the radio access network has been promoted. For example, the Open RAN Alliance has defined the interface of the radio access network and the specifications of communication devices. In this case, by each vendor providing a communication device compliant with Open RAN, it becomes possible to connect communication devices of different vendors to each other.

[0004] Regarding the fronthaul interface of Open RAN, for example, it is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, O-RAN does not specify all the requirements for connecting DUs and RUs. Therefore, even if each vendor provides O-RAN compliant communication equipment, the equipment may not be able to connect to each other due to differences in the functionality of the communication equipment, the profiles used by the communication equipment, and the version of O-RAN that the communication equipment conforms to.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for determining whether or not a connection can be established between communication devices constituting a wireless access network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first communication device for accommodating wireless terminals and a second communication device for processing signals from the first communication device. The second communication device obtains a first profile from the first communication device representing information relating to a function provided by the first communication device, determines whether the function provided by the second communication device is supported by the first communication device based on the first profile and the second profile representing information relating to a function provided by the second communication device, and transmits the second profile to the first communication device when the function provided by the second communication device is supported by the first communication device. The first communication device edits first control information including communication parameters corresponding to the first profile based on the second profile, and transmits the edited first control information to the second communication device. The second communication device determines whether the communication parameters relating to a function provided by the second communication device are supported by the first communication device based on the first control information and the second control information including communication parameters corresponding to the second profile. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether or not connections can be made between communication devices constituting a wireless access network before the service starts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a profile that defines the management (M) plane interface between the DU and RU. [Figure 3] This figure shows another example of a profile that defines the control (C) / user (U) / synchronous (S) plane interface between the DU and RU. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a sequence for determining whether interconnection between DU and RU is possible. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of RU profile information set for an RU. [Figure 6] This is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a YANG module configured in RU. [Figure 7] This is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of a YANG module configured in RU. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of DU profile information set in DU. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of comparing profile information. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of editing the YANG module. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of editing the YANG module. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a RU_YANG module edited using the procedure shown in Figures 10 and 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the initial values ​​and ranges of each parameter within the YANG module set in RU. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the expected values ​​for each parameter within the YANG module set in DU. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing the functions of communication device RU and communication device DU. [Figure 16]It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the determination unit. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the communication system 100 includes a CU (Central Unit), a DU, a RU, and a wireless terminal. As described above, the DU and the RU constitute a radio access network. That is, the RU provides functions such as PHY-Low function and RF processing, and can accommodate wireless terminals. Therefore, the RU is an example of a wireless device that accommodates wireless terminals in a radio access network. The DU provides functions such as radio link control, media access control, and PHY-High function, and processes the signals of the RU in the upper layer. Note that a plurality of RUs can be connected to the DU. That is, the DU can process the signals of a plurality of RUs. The CU is provided between the core network and the DU, and further processes the signals of the DU in the upper layer. The wireless terminal is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a UE (User Equipment).

[0012] The DU and the RU are interconnected by a known interface. In this example, the interface between the DU and the RU is a fronthaul interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance.

[0013] The radio access network is configured using, for example, the NETCONF (NETwork CONFiguration) protocol. NETCONF is one of the standard transport protocols for communicating with network devices. Specifically, NETCONF provides functions such as editing configuration data and a mechanism for acquiring operational data from network devices.

[0014] NETCONF uses the YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) modeling language. That is, in NETCONF, network device configuration is performed based on data described in YANG. YANG is a modeling language developed with the aim of describing the structure of network device configuration items, states, and procedure calls in a human-readable format. Data abstracted using YANG to represent network device configuration values ​​and structures is sometimes called a "YANG data model" or "YANG module."

[0015] Furthermore, O-RAN WG4 has created the IOT SPEC (Interoperability Test Specification), a specification document that defines the functions to be used during interconnection. This specification lists the functions to be used for each item. The listed contents are sometimes referred to as the "IOT profile" or simply the "profile".

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 show examples of profiles defining the interface between a DU and an RU. In the profile shown in Figure 2, for example, it is specified that IPv4 be used in the management (M) plane. In this case, the DU and RU must each support the functionality to communicate using IPv4. In the profile shown in Figure 3, for example, the DU and RU must each support the functionality to communicate using the NR TDD method in the control (C) / user (U) / synchronous (S) planes. It is also possible to set multiple functions (or operating conditions) for each item. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, two functions are set for the fronthaul Ethernet link (Ethernet is a registered trademark). In this case, the DU and RU must each support at least one of the two functions.

[0017] Figure 4 shows an example of a sequence for determining whether interconnection between the DU and RU is possible. This sequence is initiated, for example, when the RU is started up. In the following description, the RU and DU may be referred to as communication device RU and communication device DU, respectively.

[0018] The memory of the communication device RU stores RU profile information, RU_YANG module, and RU parameter setting information. Note that the RU profile information, RU_YANG module, and RU parameter setting information are created and written to the memory of the communication device RU, for example, by the vendor of the communication device RU.

[0019] RU profile information defines the functions available to the communication device RU in the interconnection between the communication device RU and the communication device DU, and is created according to the O-RAN specifications. An example of RU profile information is shown in Figure 5. According to the RU profile information shown in Figure 5, the communication device RU supports, for example, a hierarchical model and a hybrid model as architectural models. The communication device RU also supports IPv4.

[0020] The RU_YANG module is created based on RU profile information and uses YANG to represent the settings and structure of the communication device RU. An example of a RU_YANG module is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 describes information related to DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Figure 7 describes information related to file management.

[0021] RU parameter setting information represents the initial values ​​and valid ranges of parameters used within the RU_YANG module in the communication device RU. Note that RU parameter setting information may also be part of the RU_YANG module.

[0022] Similarly, the memory of the communication device DU stores DU profile information, DU_YANG module, and DU parameter information. Note that the DU profile information, DU_YANG module, and DU parameter information are created and written to the memory of the communication device DU, for example, by the vendor of the communication device DU or the administrator of the wireless access network containing the communication device DU.

[0023] DU profile information defines the functions that the communication device DU wants to provide in the interconnection between the communication device RU and the communication device DU, and is created according to the O-RAN specifications. Here, the functions that the communication device DU wants to provide include the services that the communication device DU wants to initiate. An example of DU profile information is shown in Figure 8. According to the DU profile information shown in Figure 8, the communication device DU uses, for example, a hybrid model as its architectural model. The communication device DU also uses IPv4.

[0024] The DU_YANG module is created based on DU profile information and uses YANG to represent the settings and structure of the communication device DU. DU parameter information represents the expected values ​​of parameters used within the DU_YANG module in the communication device DU. The expected values ​​represent the functions that the communication device DU wants to provide or the services that the communication device DU wants to start. Note that DU parameter information may also be part of the DU_YANG module.

[0025] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. In the sequence shown in Figure 4, when the communication device RU is started, a link is established between the communication device RU and the communication device DU. In this embodiment, the link is established using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). SSL / TLS is a protocol for authentication and encrypted communication. Therefore, when the communication device RU is started, for example, the communication device RU acts as a client. In this case, the SSL / TLS procedure is initiated when the communication device RU sends a client Hello message to the communication device DU.

[0026] When a link is established between communication device RU and communication device DU, in S1, communication device RU reads RU profile information from its memory. Then, communication device RU transmits RU profile information to communication device DU. In other words, communication device DU obtains RU profile information from communication device RU that represents information related to the functions provided by communication device RU. An example of RU profile information is shown in Figure 5.

[0027] In S2, the communication device DU reads the DU profile information from its memory. An example of the DU profile information is shown in Figure 8. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the communication device DU compares the DU profile information with the RU profile information obtained from the communication device RU. Specifically, based on the DU profile information and the RU profile information, the communication device DU determines whether the functions (including services) that the communication device DU wants to provide are supported by the communication device RU.

[0028] For example, according to the DU profile information, the communication device DU uses a hybrid model as its architectural model. In contrast, according to the RU profile information, the communication device RU supports both a hierarchical model and a hybrid model as its architectural models. That is, the architectural model that the communication device DU wants to provide is supported by the communication device RU. Also, the communication device DU communicates management plane data using IPv4. On the other hand, the communication device RU supports IPv4 and IPv6. That is, the communication protocol (IPv4) that the communication device DU wants to use is supported by the communication device RU.

[0029] Similarly, the communication device DU determines whether the function it wishes to provide is supported by the communication device RU for each item in the DU profile information. If one or more items in the DU profile information do not support the function that the communication device DU wishes to provide, the communication device DU sends an error message to the operator terminal. In this case, the error message includes information that identifies the function not supported by the communication device RU. The operator terminal is a computer operated by the administrator of the wireless access network.

[0030] If all items in the DU profile information are supported by the communication device RU, then in S3, the communication device DU transmits the DU profile information to the communication device RU. An example of DU profile information is shown in Figure 8.

[0031] In S4, the communication device RU edits the RU_YANG module based on the DU profile information received from the communication device DU. At this time, the communication device RU deletes descriptions related to functions that the communication device DU does not require in the RU_YANG module.

[0032] For example, suppose the communication device RU is configured with the RU_YANG module shown in Figure 6. Here, the communication device RU supports IPv4 and IPv6. That is, the RU_YANG module contains descriptions related to IPv4 (ro dhcpv4) and IPv6 (ro dhcpv6). The communication device RU receives the DU profile information shown in Figure 8 from the communication device DU. According to this DU profile information, the communication device DU communicates using IPv4. In this case, the description related to IPv6 (ro dhcpv6) is unnecessary in the RU_YANG module. Therefore, based on the DU profile information, the communication device RU removes the description related to IPv6 (ro dhcpv6) from the RU_YANG module, as shown in Figure 10.

[0033] Furthermore, it is assumed that the communication device RU has the RU_YANG module shown in Figure 7 configured. Here, the communication device RU supports password authentication. That is, the RU_YANG module contains information related to password authentication. The communication device RU then receives the DU profile information shown in Figure 8 from the communication device DU. According to this DU profile information, the communication device DU uses TLS. In TLS, mutual authentication is performed without the use of passwords. In this case, the description related to passwords is unnecessary in the RU_YANG module. Therefore, based on the DU profile information, the communication device RU removes the description related to passwords from the RU_YANG module, as shown in Figure 11.

[0034] Figure 12 shows an example of a RU_YANG module edited using the procedure shown in Figures 10 and 11. In this way, the communication device RU removes descriptions in the RU_YANG module that do not correspond to the functions provided by the communication device DU.

[0035] In S5, the communication device RU determines the initial values ​​and valid ranges for each parameter in the edited RU_YANG module. Here, the initial values ​​and valid ranges for each parameter related to the operation of the communication device RU are pre-stored in the memory of the communication device RU as RU parameter setting information shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, it is assumed that the RU_YANG module shown in Figure 13(a) has been obtained in the communication device RU through editing based on the DU profile information. In this case, the communication device RU can determine the initial values ​​and valid ranges for each parameter in the RU_YANG module, as shown in Figure 13(b), by referring to the pre-prepared RU parameter setting information. In the following description, the information representing the initial values ​​and valid ranges for each parameter of the communication device RU may be referred to as "RU parameter information." Also, the RU_YANG module to which the RU parameter information is attached may be referred to as "parameter mapping data."

[0036] In this embodiment, for example, the initial value and valid range of "rw acceptance-list-of-ssm" are set to "PRC" and "PRC, SSU_B," respectively. This indicates that the communication device RU supports PRC and SSU_B, and the default operating state is PRC. Also, the initial value and valid range of "rw ssw-timeout?" are set to "5" and "1~5," respectively. This indicates that the valid range for the SSW timeout in the communication device RU is "1~5," and the default operating state is "1."

[0037] In S6, the communication device RU transmits parameter mapping data to the communication device DU. That is, the communication device DU receives the parameter mapping data from the communication device RU. The parameter mapping data corresponds to RU parameter information that represents the initial values ​​and valid ranges of each parameter used by the edited RU_YANG module and the communication device RU.

[0038] In S7, the communication device DU checks the consistency between the communication parameters set in the communication device RU and the communication parameters used by the communication device DU. The communication parameters set in the communication device RU are represented by parameter mapping data sent from the communication device RU to the communication device DU. The communication parameters used by the communication device DU are obtained by referring to the DU parameter setting information shown in Figure 4 based on the DU_YANG module. In this case, the DU_YANG module contains descriptions related to the functions / services that the communication device DU wants to start. That is, descriptions not related to the functions / services that the communication device DU wants to start are assumed to be removed from the DU_YANG module. The DU parameter setting information represents the expected values ​​of the communication parameters that represent the functions / services that the communication device DU wants to start, and is created and written to memory by the vendor of the communication device DU or the administrator of the wireless access network including the communication device DU.

[0039] For example, the DU_YANG module shown in Figure 14(a) is configured on the communication device DU. However, the communication device DU does not use GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Therefore, the description related to GNSS is removed from the DU_YANG module. The communication device DU then refers to the DU parameter setting information to identify the expected value corresponding to each parameter in the DU_YANG module, as shown in Figure 14(b). The expected value of the parameter represents the specific content of the function / service that the communication device DU wants to start.

[0040] Next, the communication device DU determines whether the expected values ​​of each parameter in the DU_YANG module are supported by the communication device RU. Here, it is assumed that the expected values ​​shown in Figure 14(b) are set in the communication device DU. It is also assumed that the communication device DU has received the RU parameter information shown in Figure 13(b) from the communication device RU.

[0041] For example, the determination for "acceptance-list-of-ssm" is as follows. Note that the value of this parameter can be rewritten by the communication device RU in response to instructions from the communication device DU. In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, parameters with "rw" appended can be rewritten by the communication device RU, while parameters with "ro" appended cannot be rewritten by the communication device RU.

[0042] First, it is determined whether the expected value of communication device DU falls within the valid range of communication device RU. In this example, the expected value of communication device DU is "SSU_B", and the valid range of communication device RU is "PRC, SSU_B". Therefore, the expected value of communication device DU falls within the valid range of communication device RU. In this case, the expected value of communication device DU is compared with the initial value of communication device RU. In this example, the initial value of communication device RU is "PRC". That is, the initial value of communication device RU is different from the expected value of communication device DU. In this case, it is checked whether the parameter to be checked is rewritable in communication device RU. In this example, "rw" is assigned to this parameter, and it is rewritable in communication device RU. Therefore, communication device DU generates an update message instructing it to rewrite the value of this parameter from "PRC" to "SSU_B". Note that if the expected value of communication device DU does not fall within the valid range of communication device RU, an error message is generated. Furthermore, when the initial value of communication device RU matches the expected value of communication device DU, an OK message is generated and the following parameters are selected.

[0043] The determination of "lock-state" is as follows. Note that the value of this parameter cannot be rewritten by the communication device RU in response to instructions from the communication device DU.

[0044] It is determined whether the expected value of communication device DU falls within the valid range of communication device RU. In this example, the expected value of communication device DU is "UNLOCKED," and the valid range of communication device RU is "LOCKED, UNLOCKED." Therefore, the expected value of communication device DU falls within the valid range of communication device RU. In this case, the expected value of communication device DU is compared with the initial value of communication device RU. In this example, the initial value of communication device RU is "UNLOCKED." That is, the initial value of communication device RU matches the expected value of communication device DU. In this case, an OK message is generated.

[0045] The value of this parameter cannot be rewritten by the communication device RU in response to instructions from the communication device DU. Therefore, if the initial value of the communication device RU differs from the expected value of the communication device DU, communication may not be possible between the communication device DU and the communication device RU. For example, if the initial value of the communication device RU is "LOCKED", even if the expected value of the communication device DU falls within the valid range of the communication device RU, the parameter values ​​cannot be matched between the communication device DU and the communication device RU. In this case, an error message will be generated.

[0046] As described above, the communication device DU determines whether each parameter in the DU_YANG module is supported by the communication device RU. If all parameters are supported by the communication device RU, the communication device DU sends a start command to the communication device RU in S8. If an update message is generated for one or more parameters, the communication device DU sends the start command and the update message to the communication device RU. If an error message is generated for one or more parameters, the communication device DU sends the error message to the operator terminal without sending a start command to the communication device RU.

[0047] When the communication device RU receives a startup instruction and an update message, it updates the value of the corresponding parameter in the RU_YANG module in S9. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the communication device RU receives an update message instructing it to update the value of "acceptance-list-of-ssm" from "PRC" to "SSU_B". In this case, the communication device RU updates the value of "acceptance-list-of-ssm" from "PRC" to "SSU_B".

[0048] In S10, the communication device RU starts the circuit in the communication device DU according to the received startup instruction. Subsequently, in S11, the communication device DU and the communication device RU start the communication service.

[0049] Thus, in the wireless access network according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the communication device RU is started, it is determined whether the communication parameters related to the functions / services that the communication device DU wants to provide are supported by the communication device RU. If the communication parameters related to the functions / services that the communication device DU wants to provide are not supported by the communication device RU, an error message indicating the unsupported communication parameters is generated by the communication device RU. Therefore, if there is a problem with the interconnection between the communication device DU and the communication device RU, the administrator of the wireless access network can easily recognize the problem before the service starts. This reduces the effort required to build the wireless access network.

[0050] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functions of communication device RU and communication device DU. Communication device RU and communication device DU are interconnected via a front hole.

[0051] The communication device RU10 comprises an FH interface unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an RU control unit 13. The FH interface unit 11 communicates with the communication device DU20 via the front hole. The communication device RU10 also includes a wireless antenna and can accommodate wireless terminals.

[0052] The storage unit 12 stores RU profile information, RU_YANG modules, and RU parameter setting information. As shown in Figure 5, the RU profile information represents the functions / services that communication device RU10 supports in the interconnection between communication device RU10 and communication device DU20. The RU_YANG module is created based on the RU profile information and represents the settings and structure of communication device RU10, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The RU_YANG module is an example of control information that includes communication parameters corresponding to the RU profile information. The RU parameter setting information represents the initial values ​​and effective ranges of parameters used within the RU_YANG module in communication device RU10.

[0053] The RU control unit 13 controls the operation of the communication device RU10. The RU control unit 13 also includes an editing unit 13a. The editing unit 13a edits the RU_YANG module based on the DU profile information received from the communication device DU20. For example, based on the DU profile information, the editing unit 13a removes descriptions from the RU_YANG module that are not related to the functions provided by the communication device DU20. In the example shown in Figure 10, the editing unit 13a removes descriptions related to IPv6 from the RU_YANG module. The editing unit 13a also refers to the RU parameter setting information and generates RU parameter information representing the initial values ​​and valid ranges of each communication parameter included in the edited RU_YANG module. The edited RU_YANG module and RU parameter information are transmitted to the communication device DU20 by the FH interface unit 11.

[0054] The communication device DU20 comprises an FH interface unit 21, a storage unit 22, a DU control unit 23, and an OP interface unit 24. The FH interface unit 21 communicates with the communication device RU10 via the front haul. The OP interface unit 24 communicates with the operator terminal 30.

[0055] The storage unit 22 stores DU profile information, DU_YANG modules, and DU parameter setting information. As shown in Figure 8, the DU profile information represents the functions / services that communication device DU20 wants to provide in the interconnection between communication device RU10 and communication device DU20. The DU_YANG module is created based on the DU profile information and represents the settings and structure of communication device DU20. The DU_YANG module is an example of control information that includes communication parameters corresponding to the DU profile information. The DU parameter setting information represents the expected values ​​of parameters used in the RU_YANG module in communication device DU10.

[0056] The DU control unit 23 controls the operation of the communication device DU20. The DU control unit 23 also includes a determination unit 23a. The determination unit 23a determines whether the functions / services provided by the communication device DU20 are supported by the communication device RU10. For example, when the FH interface unit 21 receives RU profile information from the communication device RU10, the determination unit 23a determines, based on the DU profile information and RU profile information, whether the functions / services provided by the communication device DU20 are supported by the communication device RU10. In the example shown in Figure 9, each function / service provided by the communication device DU20 is supported by the communication device RU10.

[0057] When the FH interface unit 21 receives the RU_YANG module from the communication device RU10, the determination unit 23a determines, based on the DU_YANG module and the RU_YANG module, whether the communication parameters related to the functions / services provided by the communication device DU20 are supported by the communication device RU10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 14, the determination unit 23a determines that the expected values ​​of each communication parameter used by the communication device DU20 are within the valid range defined in the communication device RU10. The determination unit 23a may also determine whether the expected values ​​of each communication parameter used by the communication device DU20 match the initial values ​​defined in the communication device RU10. If the expected values ​​of the communication parameters used by the communication device DU20 do not match the initial values ​​defined in the communication device RU10, the determination unit 23a may generate an update message instructing that the initial values ​​of the corresponding communication parameters in the RU_YANG module be updated to the expected values ​​of the communication parameters in the communication device DU20. In this case, the FH interface unit 21 transmits this update message to the communication device RU10.

[0058] If the expected value of the communication parameters related to the functions / services provided by the communication device DU20 does not fall within the valid range defined in the communication device RU10, the determination unit 23a may output an error message. Furthermore, if the expected value of the communication parameters related to the functions / services provided by the communication device DU20 does not match the initial value defined in the communication device RU10, and the initial value of the corresponding communication parameter in the RU_YANG module cannot be updated, the determination unit 23a may output an error message. The error message is transmitted to the operator terminal 30 by the OP interface unit 24.

[0059] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the determination unit 23a. The determination unit 23a is implemented in the communication device DU20. Furthermore, the processing in this flowchart corresponds to the parameter determination performed in S7 shown in Figure 4.

[0060] In S21, the determination unit 23a obtains the RU_YANG module and RU parameter information from the communication device RU10. In S22, the determination unit 23a selects the parameter to be determined from among the parameters used by the DU_YANG module. Then, the determination unit 23a recognizes the expected value of the selected parameter by referring to the DU parameter setting information stored in the storage unit 22. In the following description, the parameter selected in S22 may be referred to as the target parameter.

[0061] In S23, the determination unit 23a determines whether the expected value of the target parameter falls within the valid range of the corresponding parameter used in the communication device RU10. The valid range of each parameter used in the communication device RU10 is represented by the RU parameter information received from the communication device RU10.

[0062] If the expected value of the target parameter falls within the valid range of the corresponding parameter, the determination unit 23a determines in S24 whether the expected value of the target parameter matches the initial value of the corresponding parameter used in the communication device RU10. The initial values ​​of each parameter used in the communication device RU10 are represented by the RU parameter information received from the communication device RU10.

[0063] If the expected value of the target parameter matches the initial value of the corresponding parameter, the determination unit 23a proceeds to S27. If the expected value of the target parameter does not match the initial value of the corresponding parameter, the determination unit 23a determines in S25 whether the initial value of the corresponding parameter can be updated to the expected value of the target parameter. If the initial value of the corresponding parameter can be updated to the expected value of the target parameter, the determination unit 23a generates an update message in S26. This update message instructs that the initial value of the corresponding parameter be updated to the expected value of the target parameter.

[0064] In S27, the determination unit 23a determines whether the processes in S23 to S26 have been executed for all parameters in the DU_YANG module. If there are any parameters for which the processes in S23 to S26 have not been executed, the determination unit 23a returns to S22. The determination unit 23a then selects the next parameter from the DU_YANG module. That is, the processes in S23 to S26 are executed for each parameter in the DU_YANG module. Once the processes in S23 to S26 have been executed for all parameters in the DU_YANG module, the determination unit 23a proceeds to S28.

[0065] In S28, the determination unit 23a determines whether each parameter in the DU_YANG module satisfies either condition (1) or condition (2) below. (1) The expected value of the target parameter falls within the valid range of the corresponding parameter in the communication device RU10 and matches the initial value of the corresponding parameter in the communication device RU10. (2) The expected value of the target parameter falls within the valid range of the corresponding parameter in the communication device RU10, and the initial value of the corresponding parameter in the communication device RU10 can be updated to the expected value of the target parameter.

[0066] If all parameters in the DU_YANG module satisfy condition (1) or condition (2), the determination unit 23a generates a start instruction in S29. The start instruction instructs the start of the wireless access network service. The start instruction is then sent to the communication device RU10. If an update message has been generated, both the start instruction and the update message are sent to the communication device RU10.

[0067] Furthermore, if the expected value of the target parameter does not fall within the valid range of the corresponding parameter (S23: No), an error message is generated in S30. Also, if the initial value of the corresponding parameter cannot be updated to the expected value of the target parameter (S25: No), an error message is generated in S30. The error message is sent to the operator terminal 30.

[0068] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 17 shows an example of the hardware configuration of communication devices RU10 and DU20. Communication device RU10 includes a processor 41, memory 42, storage device 43, communication interface circuit 44, and wireless circuit 45.

[0069] The processor 41 controls the operation of the communication device RU10 by executing a communication program stored in the storage device 43. The communication program includes program code that describes the procedure for editing the RU_YANG module. Therefore, the execution of this communication program by the processor 41 provides the functionality of the editing unit 13a. Memory 42 is used as the workspace for the processor 41. The storage device 43 stores the communication program and other programs mentioned above. In addition, RU profile information, the RU_YANG module, and RU parameter setting information are stored in the storage device 43. The communication interface circuit 44 corresponds to the FH interface unit 11 shown in Figure 15 and communicates with the communication device DU20 via the fronthaul. The wireless circuit 45 includes a wireless transmitter that transmits signals to wireless terminals and a wireless receiver that receives signals from wireless terminals.

[0070] The communication device DU20 comprises a processor 51, memory 52, storage device 53, and communication interface circuit 54. In other words, the configuration of the communication device DU20 is generally the same as that of the communication device RU10. However, the communication program executed by the processor 51 includes program code that describes a procedure for determining whether the functions / services of the communication device DU20 are supported by the communication device RU10. Therefore, the execution of this communication program by the processor 51 provides the functionality of the determination unit 23a. Furthermore, the communication device DU20 does not have a wireless circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 Communication equipment RU 11 FH Interface Section 12 Storage section 13 RU Control Unit 13a Editorial Department 20 Communication equipment DU 21 FH Interface Section 22 Preservation Department 23 DU Control Unit 23a Judgment part

Claims

1. A communication device that accommodates wireless terminals in a wireless access network, An interface unit that communicates with a second communication device that processes signals from the communication device in the aforementioned wireless access network, A storage unit that stores a first profile representing information related to the functions provided by the communication device and control information including communication parameters corresponding to the first profile, The system comprises an editing unit for editing the aforementioned control information, The interface unit transmits the first profile to the second communication device and receives a second profile from the second communication device that represents information relating to the functions provided by the second communication device. The editorial department edits the control information based on the second profile. The interface unit transmits the edited control information to the second communication device. In the second communication device, when it is determined, based on the edited control information, that the communication parameters related to the functions provided by the second communication device are supported by the second communication device, the communication device initiates a communication service based on the edited control information. A communication device characterized by the following features.

2. Based on the second profile, the editorial department deletes descriptions from the control information that are not related to the functions provided by the second communication device. The communication device according to feature 1.

3. The editing department generates parameter information representing the initial values ​​and ranges of each communication parameter included in the edited control information, The interface unit transmits the edited control information and parameter information to the second communication device. The communication device according to feature 2.

4. A communication device that processes signals from a radio device that accommodates a radio terminal in a radio access network, An interface unit that communicates with the aforementioned wireless device, A storage unit that stores a first profile representing information related to the functions provided by the communication device and a first control information including communication parameters corresponding to the first profile, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether the functions provided by the communication device are supported by the wireless device, When the interface unit receives a second profile from the wireless device that represents information relating to the functions provided by the wireless device, the determination unit determines, based on the first profile and the second profile, whether or not the functions provided by the communication device are supported by the wireless device. When the interface unit receives second control information from the wireless device, which includes communication parameters corresponding to the second profile, the determination unit determines, based on the first control information and the second control information, whether or not the communication parameters related to the functions provided by the communication device are supported by the wireless device. A communication device characterized by the following features.

5. When the interface unit receives parameter information representing the initial value and range of the communication parameters included in the second control information, the determination unit determines whether the expected value of the communication parameters related to the function provided by the communication device is within the range of the communication parameters represented by the parameter information. The communication device according to feature 4.

6. The determination unit determines whether the expected value of the communication parameter related to the function provided by the communication device matches the initial value of the communication parameter represented by the parameter information. The communication device according to feature 5.

7. If the expected value of the communication parameter related to the function provided by the communication device does not match the initial value of the communication parameter represented by the parameter information, the determination unit generates an update message instructing that the initial value of the communication parameter represented by the parameter information be updated to the expected value of the communication parameter of the communication device. The interface unit transmits the update message to the wireless device. The communication device according to feature 6.

8. When the expected value of the communication parameters related to the function provided by the communication device does not fall within the range of communication parameters represented by the parameter information, the determination unit outputs an error message. The communication device according to feature 7.

9. When the expected value of the communication parameter related to the function provided by the communication device does not match the initial value of the communication parameter represented by the parameter information, and the initial value of the communication parameter represented by the parameter information cannot be updated to the expected value of the communication parameter of the communication device, the determination unit outputs an error message. The communication device according to feature 7.

10. A communication system comprising a first communication device for accommodating wireless terminals and a second communication device for processing signals from the first communication device, The second communication device is A first profile representing information related to the functions provided by the first communication device is obtained from the first communication device. Based on the first profile and the second profile representing information relating to the functions provided by the second communication device, it is determined whether the functions provided by the second communication device are supported by the first communication device. When the functions provided by the second communication device are supported by the first communication device, the second profile is transmitted to the first communication device. The first communication device is Based on the second profile, first control information including communication parameters corresponding to the first profile is edited. The edited first control information is transmitted to the second communication device. The second communication device determines, based on the first control information and the second control information including communication parameters corresponding to the second profile, whether or not the communication parameters related to the functions provided by the second communication device are supported by the first communication device. A communication system characterized by the following features.

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