Prediction of event influence upon communication through analysis based on event information

Abstract

A communication control device according to the present invention comprises: an event information transmission unit that transmits event information pertaining to an event which may exert influence upon communication on a communication network; and an event influence prediction unit that predicts, through analysis based on the event information, influence exerted by the event upon communication on the communication network. In the communication network, a status information transmission unit is present which receives the event information from the event information transmission unit and transmits, to the event influence prediction unit, status information pertaining to the status of the communication network recognized by the status information transmission unit. The event influence prediction unit predicts, through analysis based on the received status information, influence exerted by the event upon communication on the communication network.

Description

Predicting the impact of events on communications through event-based analysis

[0001] The present disclosure relates to predicting the impact of events on communications through analysis based on event information.

[0002] The information provided in this Background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the general background of the present disclosure and should not be construed as an admission that the information is prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art, nor should it be construed as suggesting in any way that prior art is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0003] The number, types, and uses of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as communication devices), such as smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are steadily increasing, and wireless communication standards are continually being expanded and improved. For example, commercial service for the fifth-generation mobile communication system, known as "5G," began in 2018, and standardization is still underway at the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Efforts are also underway to develop standards for the sixth-generation mobile communication system, or "6G," as the next-generation wireless communication standard following 5G.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0168643

[0005] Communications over a communication network are affected by various events that occur both inside and outside the network. For example, when a disaster such as a large-scale earthquake or tsunami occurs, not only is there a risk that the communication network itself will be damaged, but communications over the network will also be severely affected due to a sudden increase in communications for safety confirmation and other purposes.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and provides a communication control device and the like that can appropriately predict the impact of an event on communication on a communication network.

[0007] A communication control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an event information transmission unit that transmits event information regarding an event that may affect communication on a communication network, and an event impact prediction unit that predicts the impact of the event on communication on the communication network through analysis based on the event information.

[0008] According to this aspect, the effect of an event on communication on a communication network can be appropriately predicted through analysis based on event information.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method that includes transmitting event information regarding an event that may affect communication on a communication network and predicting an effect of the event on communication on the communication network through analysis based on the event information.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium storing a communication control program that causes a computer to transmit event information regarding an event that may affect communications on a communication network and predict the effect of the event on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the event information.

[0011] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of these expressions into methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also encompassed within the present disclosure.

[0012] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0013] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overview of a wireless communication system to which a communication control device is applied; FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram of a communication control device; FIG. 3 is an example of a flow of communication control processing by a communication control device; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of components of a communication control device; FIG. 5 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram in a proposal document related to the present embodiment; FIG.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure presents illustrations and descriptions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure and may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. Furthermore, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or may be incorporated into or combined with one or more features of another embodiment). The flowcharts and descriptions of the operations presented below relate to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it should be noted that other embodiments may be created that do not exactly match the flowcharts and descriptions. It should also be understood that in other embodiments, one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, or one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least partially).

[0015] It should be apparent that the systems, methods, or both described herein may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the actual specific control hardware or software code used to implement these systems, methods, or both should not limit their implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems, methods, or both will be described herein without reference to specific software code. It should also be understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems, methods, or both based on the description herein.

[0016] Although a particular combination of features may be recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, it is not intended that the disclosure of embodiments be limited to that particular combination. Moreover, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims, or not disclosed in the specification, or both. Also, even if a dependent claim depends directly on only one claim, the disclosure of embodiments may include combinations of that dependent claim with each claim recited in the claims.

[0017] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless expressly stated as such. Furthermore, herein, nouns not referred to in the plural (such as when the English articles "a" and "an" are used with a noun) are intended to include one or more of that noun and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Furthermore, as used herein, terms such as "have," "having," "include," and "comprises" are intended to be open-ended terms, i.e., may have or include other elements, etc. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, phrases such as "at least one of [A] and [B]," "[A] and / or [B]," or "at least one of [A] or [B]" should be understood to include only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a detailed description will be given of a form for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as an embodiment). In the description and / or drawings, the same or equivalent components, members, processes, etc. are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The scale and shape of each part shown in the drawings are set for convenience to simplify the description, and should not be interpreted as limiting unless otherwise specified. The embodiment is an example and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. All features and combinations thereof presented in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the present disclosure.

[0019] For convenience, the embodiments are presented by breaking down the embodiments into components for each function and / or each group of functions that realize the functions. However, one component in the embodiments may actually be realized by a combination of multiple separate components, or multiple components in the embodiments may actually be realized by a single integrated component. Furthermore, in describing the wireless communication system in the present embodiments, terminology in existing wireless communication standards such as 5G is used for convenience. This is not intended to limit the present disclosure to 5G or the like, and does not prevent the present disclosure from being applied when a technology similar to the present disclosure is provided under a different name in future wireless communication systems such as 6G.

[0020] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an overview of a wireless communication system 1 to which a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The wireless communication system 1 includes a 5G wireless communication system 11, a 4G wireless communication system 12, and a satellite communication system 13. The 5G wireless communication system 11 conforms to a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) that uses NR (New Radio) or 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) as a radio access technology (RAT) and 5GC (Fifth Generation Core) as a core network (CN). The 4G wireless communication system 12 conforms to a fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G) that uses LTE (Long Term Evolution) or LTE-Advanced as a radio access technology and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) as a core network. The satellite communication system 13 is responsible for satellite communication via a communication satellite 131. Although not shown, the wireless communication system 1 may include a wireless communication system of a generation earlier than 4G, a wireless communication system of a generation later than 5G (such as 6G), or any wireless communication system that cannot be associated with a generation such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the wireless communication system 1 may not include some or all of the 5G wireless communication system 11, the 4G wireless communication system 12, and the satellite communication system 13.

[0021] The 5G wireless communication system 11 includes communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (hereinafter collectively referred to as communication devices 2) such as smartphones that are installed on the ground and are also referred to as UE (User Equipment) or UT (User Terminal), and multiple 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C (hereinafter collectively referred to as 5G base stations 111) that can communicate via 5G NR. The base station 111 in 5G is also called a gNodeB (gNB). The communication range or support range of each of the 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C is called a cell, and is illustrated as 112A, 112B, and 112C, respectively (hereinafter collectively referred to as 5G cells 112).

[0022] The size of the 5G cell 112 of each 5G base station 111 is arbitrary, but typically has a radius of several meters to several tens of kilometers. Although there is no established definition, a cell with a radius of several meters to several tens of meters is called a femtocell, a cell with a radius of tens to several tens of meters is called a picocell, a cell with a radius of several tens to several hundred meters is called a microcell, and a cell with a radius of more than several hundred meters is called a macrocell. 5G often uses high-frequency radio waves such as millimeter waves, and because of their high line-propagation ability, the radio waves are blocked by obstacles, shortening the communication distance. For this reason, 5G tends to use smaller cells than 4G and earlier generations.

[0023] A communication device 2 can perform 5G communication if it is located within at least one of multiple 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C. In the illustrated example, a communication device 2B located within 5G cells 112A and 112B can communicate with both 5G base stations 111A and 111B via 5G NR. Furthermore, a communication device 2C located within 5G cell 112C can communicate with 5G base station 111C via 5G NR. Communication devices 2A and 2D are located outside all of the 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C and are therefore unable to communicate via 5G NR. 5G communication via 5G NR between each communication device 2 and each 5G base station 111 is managed by the 5GC, which is a core network. For example, the 5GC handles data exchange with each 5G base station 111, data exchange with external networks such as EPC, satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.

[0024] The 4G wireless communication system 12 includes multiple 4G base stations 121 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ). The multiple 4G base stations 121 are installed on the ground and are capable of communicating with the communication device 2 via LTE or LTE-Advanced. In 4G, the base station 121 is also called an eNodeB (eNB). Like each 5G base station 111, the communication range or support area of ​​each 4G base station 121 is also called a cell, and is illustrated as 122.

[0025] Communication device 2 can perform 4G communication if it is located inside 4G cell 122. In the illustrated example, communication devices 2A and 2B located inside 4G cell 122 can communicate with 4G base station 121 via LTE or LTE-Advanced. Communication devices 2C and 2D are located outside 4G cell 122 and therefore cannot communicate via LTE or LTE-Advanced. 4G communication between each communication device 2 and each 4G base station 121 using LTE or LTE-Advanced is managed by the EPC, which is a core network. For example, the EPC handles the exchange of data with each 4G base station 121, the exchange of data with external networks such as 5GC, satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and the mobility management of communication device 2.

[0026] Focusing on each of the communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in the illustrated example, communication device 2A is capable of 4G communication with 4G base station 121, communication device 2B is capable of 5G communication with 5G base stations 111A and 111B and 4G communication with 4G base station 121, and communication device 2C is capable of 5G communication with 5G base station 111C. When there are multiple base stations (111A, 111B, 121) with which communication is possible, as with communication device 2B, one base station determined to be optimal in terms of communication quality, etc. is selected under the management of the core network 5GC and / or EPC, and communication with communication device 2B is performed. Furthermore, communication device 2D is not capable of communication with any of the 5G base stations 111 and 4G base station 121, and therefore performs communication via satellite communication system 13, which will be described next.

[0027] The satellite communication system 13 is a wireless communication system that uses a communication satellite 131, a low-orbit satellite that flies in space at an altitude of approximately 500 km to 700 km above the Earth's surface, as a non-terrestrial base station. Similar to the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, the communication coverage or support area of ​​the communication satellite 131 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 132. In this way, the communication satellite 131, as a non-terrestrial base station, provides the satellite communication cell 132, as a non-terrestrial communication cell, to the ground. A terrestrial communication device 2 can perform satellite communication if it is located within the satellite communication cell 132. Similar to the 5G base station 111 in the 5G wireless communication system 11 and the 4G base station 121 in the 4G wireless communication system 12, the communication satellite 131, as a base station in the satellite communication system 13, can wirelessly communicate with the communication device 2 within the satellite communication cell 132 directly or indirectly via an aircraft or the like. The radio access technology that the communication satellite 131 uses for radio communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 may be 5G NR, the same as the 5G base station 111, or LTE or LTE-Advanced, the same as the 4G base station 121, or any other radio access technology that can be used by the communication device 2. Therefore, the communication device 2 does not need to be provided with special functions or components for satellite communication.

[0028] The satellite communication system 13 includes a gateway 133 as a ground station installed on the ground and capable of communicating with a communication satellite 131. The gateway 133 includes a satellite antenna for communicating with the communication satellite 131, and is connected to a 5G base station 111 and a 4G base station 121 as terrestrial base stations constituting a terrestrial network (TN) via their respective wireless access technologies, such as 5G NR or LTE, or other wired or wireless access technologies or interfaces. In this way, the gateway 133 connects the non-terrestrial network (NTN) constituted by the communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station or satellite base station and the TN constituted by the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 so that they can communicate with each other. When the communication satellite 131 performs 5G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 using 5G NR, the 5GC connected via the gateway 133 and the 5G base station 111 (or a 5G radio access network) in the TN is used as the core network, and when the communication satellite 131 performs 4G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 using LTE or LTE-Advanced, the EPC connected via the gateway 133 and the 4G base station 121 (or a 4G radio access network) in the TN is used as the core network. In this way, appropriate cooperation is achieved between different wireless communication systems such as 5G communication, 4G communication, and satellite communication via the gateway 133.

[0029] Satellite communication using a communication satellite 131 is primarily used to cover areas where terrestrial base stations such as the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121 are not installed or are few in number. In the illustrated example, a communication device 2D located outside the communication cells of all terrestrial base stations communicates with the communication satellite 131. Meanwhile, communication devices 2A, 2B, and 2C that can communicate satisfactorily with any terrestrial base station are also within the satellite communication cell 132 and can therefore communicate with the communication satellite 131. However, by communicating with the terrestrial base station rather than the communication satellite 131 as a satellite base station, the limited communication resources (including power) of the communication satellite 131 are conserved for the communication device 2D and the like. The communication satellite 131 improves the quality of communication with the communication device 2D by directing communication radio waves toward the communication device 2D within the satellite communication cell 132 using beamforming.

[0030] The size of the satellite communication cell 132 of the communication satellite 131 serving as a satellite base station can be set arbitrarily depending on the number of beams emitted by the communication satellite 131. For example, a satellite communication cell 132 with a diameter of approximately 24 km can be formed by combining up to 2,800 beams. As shown in the figure, the satellite communication cell 132 is typically larger than terrestrial communication cells such as the 5G cell 112 and the 4G cell 122, and may include one or more 5G cells 112 and / or 4G cells 122 therein. Note that, although the above example illustrates a communication satellite 131 flying in low orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km to 700 km above the Earth's surface as a flying non-terrestrial base station, a communication satellite flying in high orbit such as a geostationary orbit, or an unmanned or manned aircraft or drone flying in the atmosphere at a lower altitude (e.g., approximately 20 km above the Earth's surface), such as the stratosphere, may also be used as a non-terrestrial base station in addition to or instead of the communication satellite 131.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of a communication control device 3 according to this embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes an event information transmitter 31, a status information transmitter 32, and an event influence predictor 33. Some of these functional blocks may be omitted as long as the communication control device 3 can achieve at least some of the actions and / or effects described below. These functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of hardware resources, such as a computer's central processing unit, memory, input devices, output devices, and peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using these resources. Regardless of the type of computer or its location, each of the above functional blocks may be realized by the hardware resources of a single computer or by combining hardware resources distributed across multiple computers. In particular, in this embodiment, it is preferable that some or all of the functional blocks of the communication control device 3 are realized in the core network, but they may also be realized in a centralized or distributed manner in the base stations 111, 121, and 131 (each of which may be divided into a distributed unit (DU) and a central unit (CU)), or in the RAN (Radio Access Network) including them, the gateway 133, or a computer or processor provided in the communication device 2.

[0032] The event information transmission unit 31 transmits event information regarding an event EV that may affect communication on a communication network (for example, the wireless communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 ). The event EV is, for example, at least one of a disaster, incident, accident, communication failure, and large-scale update that occurs in an area where communication is possible through the communication network, but is not limited to these, and includes any event inside or outside the communication network that may affect communication on the communication network.

[0033] The communication area here may be each of the individual cells 112, 122, and 132 provided by the individual base stations 111, 121, and 131, a location registration area or tracking area that can be set as a collection of these, a geographical or administrative region or area that includes one or more cells 112, 122, and 132, or any other area that can be set arbitrarily. In each of these various communication areas, there is at least one cell 112, 122, and 132 that can communicate. An event EV, such as a disaster, incident, accident, communication failure, or large-scale update, that occurs in the communication area may have an adverse effect on communication in the at least one cell 112, 122, and 132 that is typically undesirable.

[0034] For example, suppose a large-scale disaster such as an earthquake, tsunami, fire, heavy rain, flood, windstorm, or eruption occurs in a certain communication area. In this case, the base stations 111, 121, and 131 that provide the cells 112, 122, and 132 within the communication area may be damaged or become inoperable. In this way, an event such as a disaster may reduce the communication capability or capacity in the communication area.

[0035] Furthermore, after an event EV such as a disaster occurs, there is a risk of a sudden increase in communications for contacting the event EV, such as safety confirmation. Thus, an event EV such as a disaster may increase communication traffic. The communication traffic here includes not only the amount of communication data actually transmitted and received between users, but also the amount of control signals transmitted and received between the UE (communication device 2), the RAN (base station 111, 121, 131, etc.), the core network, etc., for establishing the communication. Furthermore, processing large amounts of control signals and communication data may place a heavy load on the UE, the RAN, the core network, etc. Thus, when an event EV such as a disaster occurs, the amount of control signals and processing load exceed the capability or capacity of the communication network (which may itself be reduced, particularly during a disaster, etc.), which may be referred to as a signaling storm.

[0036] The event information transmission unit 31 detects or recognizes whether various event EVs as described above have occurred (in the past), are currently occurring (present), or are likely to occur (in the future) through various information sources. For example, with regard to disasters, incidents, and accidents, the event information transmission unit 31 detects or recognizes whether they have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur in the future through emergency information distribution requests from the CBE (described later), announcements by government agencies, breaking news or reports, etc. With regard to communication failures, the event information transmission unit 31 detects or recognizes whether they have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur in the future, for example, by monitoring the operation status of the communication network. With regard to large-scale updates, the event information transmission unit 31 detects or recognizes the date and time of occurrence by referring to the plan for the large-scale update, etc.

[0037] The event information transmission unit 31 transmits event information related to the event EV based on the occurrence information of the event EV in the past (particularly, immediately before), present, and future (particularly, immediately after) acquired as described above. As will be described later, the event information transmission unit 31 may transmit the event information to the situation information transmission unit 32, may transmit the event information to the event influence prediction unit 33, or may transmit the event information to both in parallel.

[0038] Furthermore, the event information transmitted to the situation information transmission unit 32 and / or the event impact prediction unit 33 may be the occurrence information of the event EV itself obtained by the event information transmission unit 31 through various information sources, or may be information that has been appropriately processed by the event information transmission unit 31, such as a summary, to suit the recipient situation information transmission unit 32 and / or the event impact prediction unit 33. The event information preferably includes not only basic occurrence information such as the location of the event EV (or the location expected to occur) and the time of occurrence (or the expected time of occurrence) but also detailed information about the event EV. For example, if the event EV is an earthquake, the event information preferably includes information about the type of "earthquake," information about the detailed location or location such as the epicenter and its depth, information about the magnitude such as the seismic intensity and magnitude, and accompanying information such as any secondary disasters that have occurred or any warnings that have been issued.

[0039] The event information transmission unit 31 described above can be realized in any component (e.g., the communication device 2, the base stations 111, 121, 131, and the gateway 133) of a communication network (e.g., the wireless communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1), but is preferably realized in a core network. As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the core network CN is a collection of functions such as network functions (NF: Network Function) and service functions (SF: Service Function), and therefore the event information transmission unit 31 is preferably realized by one or more of these functions.

[0040] For example, the event information transmission unit 31 may be configured by a CBCF (Cell Broadcast Center Function) in a core network CN serving as a 5GC. The CBCF is a network function that cooperates with a PWS-IWF (PWS-Inter Working Function) to realize a warning distribution system (PWS: Public Warning System) or an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS: Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System) that distributes warnings regarding event EVs such as disasters. The CBCF receives a distribution request for emergency information regarding event EVs such as disasters from a CBE (Cell Broadcast Entity) (not shown) outside the communication network.

[0041] Then, in response to an emergency information distribution request from the CBE, the CBCF functioning as the event information transmission unit 31 transmits a "Write-Replace Warning Request," which is a signal or message defined in 5G, to an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) functioning as the situation information transmission unit 32, an NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) functioning as the event impact prediction unit 33, etc. Note that the existing 5G standard specifies that the CBCF transmits a "Write-Replace Warning Request" to the AMF, but does not specify that the AMF provides communication network situation information to the NWDAF or that the CBCF directly provides event information to the NWDAF, as will be described later.

[0042] In the above example, the event information transmission unit 31 is configured by the CBCF, but the network functions and / or service functions that function as the event information transmission unit 31 may vary depending on the type and scale of the event EV. For example, for large-scale disasters, incidents, and accidents, it is effective to utilize the existing PWS or ETWS framework, and as in the above example, it is preferable that the event information transmission unit 31 be configured by the CBCF. Furthermore, for communication failures and large-scale updates related to the communication network itself, it is preferable that the event information transmission unit 31 be configured by an OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) function, which is a collective term for one or more network functions and / or service functions responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of the communication network.

[0043] 3 is merely one example of the event information transmission unit 31, and depending on the mode of the event EV and the configuration of the core network CN, any other network function and / or service function in the core network CN may function as the event information transmission unit 31. Furthermore, depending on the configuration and method of the communication network, the RAN including the base stations 111, 121, and 131 and the communication device 2 (UE) may perform at least part of the functions of the event information transmission unit 31.

[0044] 2, a situation information transmitter 32 present on a communication network constituted by a core network CN, a RAN, a communication device 2, etc. receives event information from an event information transmitter 31, and transmits situation information relating to the situation of the communication network that the situation information transmitter 32 recognizes to an event influence prediction unit 33. At least a part of the situation information transmitter 32 may be realized by the core network CN, by the RAN constituted by base stations 111, 121, and 131 or a gateway 133, or by the communication device 2. Furthermore, the situation information transmitter 32 may be provided in a distributed manner across multiple locations on the communication network, such as the core network CN, the RAN, and the communication device 2.

[0045] For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 3 , the situation information transmission unit 32 may be configured by an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in a core network CN as a 5GC. The AMF is a network function responsible for managing access and mobility of the communication devices 2. The AMF also knows the location of each communication device 2, and recognizes, for example, which cell 112, 122, or 132 the communication device 2 is in, or which base station 111, 121, or 131 the communication device 2 is accessible to. In this way, the AMF knows which communication area (described above) each communication device 2 is in, or where each communication device 2 is located within a specific communication area.

[0046] When the AMF serving as such a situation information transmitter 32 receives information about the occurrence of a disaster or the like in a specific area from the CBCF or the like serving as the event information transmitter 31 in the form of a "Write-Replace Warning Request" or the like, it transmits communication device information about the communication devices 2 that it recognizes and that are present in the specific area as situation information to an event impact prediction unit 33 such as an NWDAF. Examples of communication device information that can be transmitted from the situation information transmitter 32 realized in the core network CN (not limited to the AMF) include the total number of communication devices 2 present in the area where an event EV such as a disaster will occur (or has occurred), communication status including communication volume and connection status, and user attributes (e.g., gender and age). The event impact prediction unit 33, which will be described later, can accurately predict the adverse impact that an event EV such as a disaster will have on communications involving the communication devices 2 and / or the users, based on situation information about the communication devices 2 and / or users that are actually present in such a disaster area or the like.

[0047] In the above example, the situation information transmission unit 32 is configured by AMF, but the network functions and / or service functions that function as the situation information transmission unit 32 may change depending on the type and scale of the event EV. For example, in the case of a large-scale disaster, incident, or accident, it is important to understand the situation and attributes of the communication device 2 and / or users that are actually affected, so it is preferable that the situation information transmission unit 32 be realized by AMF or other functions that handle information about the communication device 2 and / or users, as in the above example.

[0048] The impact of a disaster or the like on actual communications may depend not only on the capabilities and capacities of each point in the communications network, but also on the operational status and load status. Therefore, in addition to or instead of the AMF, the OAM function described above may be used as the status information transmitter 32. The event impact prediction unit 33, which will be described later, can accurately predict the adverse impact of an event such as a disaster on communications on the communications network, based on status information about the actual communications network in the affected area or the like (which may include information about the capabilities and capacity of the communications network itself).

[0049] Furthermore, for a communication failure or a large-scale update related to the communication network itself, the status information transmitter 32 may be realized by an OAM function. In this case, the status information transmitter 32 may, for example, collect operation status information and load status information of various locations in the communication network that may be affected by the communication event EV in response to occurrence information of the communication event EV, such as a communication failure or a large-scale update, received from the event information transmitter 31, and transmit the information to the event impact prediction unit 33. Note that for a communication failure or a large-scale update, the event information transmitter 31 may also be realized by an OAM function, and the event information transmitter 31 and the status information transmitter 32 may be configured as substantially a single functional block that uses the OAM function.

[0050] The situation information transmitter 32 may be configured by a radio access network (RAN) to which the communication device 2 is connected in a communication network. For example, the situation information transmitter 32 may be configured by the base stations 111, 121, and 131 that constitute the RAN, and their constituent elements, such as distributed units (DUs) and centralized units (CUs). The RAN functioning as the situation information transmitter 32 is closer to the communication device 2 than the core network CN, and the communication device 2 is actually connected to the RAN to communicate. Therefore, the RAN may be able to grasp the actual communication situation in each communication area more accurately than the AMF or the like. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the NWDAF or the like as the event impact predictor 33 may be improved by situation information provided from the RAN (situation information transmitter 32) in addition to or instead of the core network CN (AMF or the like).

[0051] Similarly, the situation information transmitter 32 may be configured by a communication device 2 connected to a communication network or a RAN. In this way, the communication device 2 functioning as the situation information transmitter 32 communicates on the communication network itself, and therefore can accurately transmit or report the actual communication situation in each communication area. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the NWDAF and the like as the event impact predictor 33 can be improved by situation information provided from the communication device 2 in addition to or instead of the core network CN (AMF, etc.) or the RAN.

[0052] The event impact prediction unit 33 predicts the impact of an event EV on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the event information transmitted by the event information transmission unit 31. The event impact prediction unit 33 may analyze event information provided directly from the event information transmission unit 31, such as a CBCF, to predict the impact of an event EV on communications on the communication network. The event impact prediction unit 33 may analyze situation information transmitted by a situation information transmission unit 32, such as an AMF, in accordance with the event information transmitted by the event information transmission unit 31, such as a CBCF, to predict the impact of an event EV on communications on the communication network. The greater the quantity and quality of event information and situation information provided to the event impact prediction unit 33, the higher the prediction accuracy by the event impact prediction unit 33 is expected to be.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , the event impact prediction unit 33 may be configured by a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) in the core network CN as a 5G (5G Global Control) network. The NWDAF is a network function responsible for collecting and analyzing data on a 5G communication network, and may be an AI / ML function configured by artificial intelligence (AI) capable of machine learning (ML). It is anticipated that a function similar to the NWDAF may be provided under a different name in a wireless communication system other than 5G (e.g., a wireless communication system of a generation later than 5G). In this embodiment, such a similar function may be used instead of or in addition to the NWDAF.

[0054] The event impact prediction unit 33 such as NWDAF may predict the impact of an event EV on communication on a communication network by predicting an increase in load on the communication network that may occur due to the event EV, or may predict at least one of an increase in control signals (i.e., a signaling storm) and an increase in communication data that may occur in the communication network due to the event EV.

[0055] The event impact prediction unit 33 of the NWDAF or the like may be configured as a trained model that has undergone comprehensive machine learning using, as training data or teacher data, a dataset including, for example, event information (corresponding to input from the event information transmission unit 31) and / or situation information (particularly from immediately before to immediately after the occurrence of the event EV) related to various event EVs that have actually occurred in the past (corresponding to input from the situation information transmission unit 32), and the impact of the event EV on communications on the communication network (e.g., the amount and pattern of increases in load, control signals, and communication data, which correspond to output from the event impact prediction unit 33). Such a trained model, the event impact prediction unit 33, can predict and output the impact of the event EV on communications on the communication network based on the event information related to the event EV input from the event information transmission unit 31 and / or the situation information input from the situation information transmission unit 32.

[0056] The event impact prediction unit 33 provides pre-registered subscriber NFs with prediction results of the impact of the event EV on communications on the communication network. The subscriber NF is, for example, any network function in the core network CN. The subscriber NF may also be a network function (e.g., CBCF, AMF, OAM function) that can function as the event information transmission unit 31 or the status information transmission unit 32. Based on the prediction results provided by the event impact prediction unit 33, the subscriber NF can optimize its own functions in accordance with the event EV.

[0057] According to the present embodiment as described above, the influence of an event EV on communication on a communication network can be appropriately predicted through analysis based on event information.

[0058] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the flow of communication control processing by the communication control device 3 according to this embodiment. In this example, the CBCF functions as an event information transmitter 31, at least one of the AMF, RAN, and UE (communication device 2) functions as a situation information transmitter 32, and the NWDAF functions as an event impact predictor 33. "Subscriber" corresponds to the subscriber NF in FIG. 2. In this example, the NWDAF as the event impact predictor 33 predicts the occurrence of a signaling storm in a disaster area where a disaster such as an earthquake has occurred. "S" in this diagram denotes a step or process.

[0059] In S1, a "Subscriber," which is an arbitrary network function, registers a subscription for a signaling storm in a specific communication area in advance with the NWDAF, which serves as the event impact prediction unit 33. If a signaling storm is predicted to occur in the communication area, the prediction result is provided to the "Subscriber" in accordance with the subscription. This corresponds to providing an arrow pointing from the event impact prediction unit 33 to the subscriber NF in FIG. 2.

[0060] In S2, the NWDAF serving as the event impact prediction unit 33 may register in advance a subscription to event information in a specific communication area with the CBCF serving as the event information transmission unit 31. This corresponds to providing an arrow pointing from the event information transmission unit 31 to the event impact prediction unit 33 in FIG.

[0061] In S3, the NWDAF serving as the event impact prediction unit 33 may register in advance a subscription to communication network status information related to a specific communication area with at least one of the AMF, RAN, and UE serving as the status information transmission unit 32. This corresponds to providing an arrow pointing from the status information transmission unit 32 to the event impact prediction unit 33 in FIG.

[0062] As described above, in a state where subscriptions between entities in a communication network have been registered in advance, it is assumed that a disaster as an "Event" occurs in the communication area in S4. The occurrence of the disaster is notified to the CBCF as the event information transmission unit 31 in the form of a distribution request for emergency information from a CBE (not shown) outside the communication network.

[0063] In S5, the CBCF serving as the event information transmission unit 31 transmits event information relating to the event EV that occurred in S4 to the NWDAF serving as the event influence prediction unit 33 in accordance with the subscription registered in advance in S2.

[0064] In S6, the CBCF functioning as the event information transmitter 31 transmits event information related to the event EV that occurred in S4 to the AMF, the RAN, and the UE, which can function as the status information transmitter 32. The event information is transmitted in the order of the CBCF, the AMF, the RAN, and the UE. Note that the transmission of the event information to the UE may be the same as the conventional distribution of emergency information (Cell Broadcast).

[0065] In S7, in accordance with the subscription previously registered in S3, at least one of the AMF, RAN, and UE serving as the status information transmission unit 32 transmits status information of the communication network regarding the disaster area where the event EV occurred in S4 to the NWDAF serving as the event impact prediction unit 33.

[0066] In S8, the NWDAF as the event impact prediction unit 33 analyzes the event information provided in S5 and / or the situation information provided in S7, and predicts the impact that the event EV that occurred in S4 will have on communications on the communications network. In S9, in accordance with the subscription registered in advance in S1, the NWDAF as the event impact prediction unit 33 provides the prediction result of S8 (for example, the prediction result that a large-scale signaling storm will occur in the affected area) to the "Subscriber."

[0067] 5 shows an embodiment of a communication control device 300. As shown in FIG. 5, the device 300 includes a processor 310, a memory 320, a storage unit 330, an input unit 340, an output unit 350, a communication interface 360, and a bus 370.

[0068] As used herein, processor 310 refers to any type of computing circuitry that may include hardware and software elements. Processor 310 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, a combination of one or more multi-core processors, a combination of one or more single-core processors, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors, or may be embodied as a distributed processing system, etc. Processor 310 may also be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an high-speed processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other type of processing unit.

[0069] Memory 320 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Memory 320 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or a combination of at least two thereof) or a combination of at least two thereof, that store information, instructions, or both used by processor 310. Memory 320 includes machine-readable instructions executable by processor 310. These machine-readable instructions, when executed by processor 310, cause processor 310 to perform one or more of the method steps of the above-described embodiments.

[0070] Storage unit 330 stores information, software, or both related to the operation and use of device 300. Storage unit 330 may include, for example, a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state disk, or a combination of at least two thereof), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, other type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, or a combination of at least two thereof, along with a corresponding drive.

[0071] The input unit 340 is configured to accept information such as user input. The input unit 340 may include, but is not limited to, a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, or a combination of at least two thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the input unit 340 may include a sensor for detecting information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, or a combination of at least two thereof).

[0072] Output unit 350 is configured to provide output information from device 300. Output unit 350 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a display, a speaker, a command device for an external device, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0073] The communication interface 360 ​​is an interface that provides a communication connection with other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection via the communication interface 360 ​​may be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection, or may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication network that exists between the device 300 and the other device. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 360 ​​is not limited.

[0074] The bus 370 interconnects the processor 310, memory 320, storage unit 330, input unit 340, output unit 350, and communication interface 360 ​​of the device 300. The bus 370 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0075] The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 5 are provided as an example. In practice, device 300 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged components than those shown in Figure 5. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 300. Furthermore, one or more method steps described in any embodiment may be performed using multiple devices 300 in communication with each other.

[0076] Next, excerpts from proposal documents related to this embodiment are shown. The elements disclosed in these proposal documents constitute part of this disclosure and may be arbitrarily combined with the elements disclosed in this embodiment described above.

[0077] 1 Discussion In KI#4 of TR23.700-84, the following aspects are identified to be considered in the context of FS_AIML_CN: - Whether and how existing or new analytics can be used to assist in the detection and prediction of signaling storms, including aspects of input / output data that need to be collected / provided by the NWDAF - Which NFs will be consumers of such analytics, and whether and how they can use them - Whether and how signaling storms can be prevented or mitigated based on inputs provided by the NWDAF

[0078] Signaling storms typically occur during disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Information about when and where a disaster occurs, along with information about its scale, can help predict signaling storms, such as the subsequent sudden increase in voice calls and safety confirmation traffic. When supporting PWS in the 5G Core (5GC), using public warning system (PWS) distribution information (warning area, disaster type, message) can contribute to faster and more accurate analysis.

[0079] 2. Proposal It is proposed to adopt the following changes in TR 23.700-84:

[0080] ****Changes Start****

[0081] 6.x Solution #X: Anomalous Control Plane Signaling Pattern Analytics for Signaling Storm Prediction and Protection

[0082] 6.x.1 Description Signaling storms typically occur during disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Information about when and where a disaster occurs, along with information about its scale, can help predict signaling storms, such as the subsequent sudden increase in voice call and safety confirmation traffic. There is an old discussion in RAN2#80 about cases where burst traffic can be caused by smartphone applications when the network sends PWS / ETWS R2-125594.zip. When supporting PWS in 5G Core (5GC), using public warning system (PWS) distribution information (warning area, disaster type, message) can also contribute to faster and more accurate analysis and machine learning.

[0083] 6.x.2 Procedure The NWDAF subscribes to other network entities for input data required for analytics. In addition, the NWDAF also subscribes to the AMF and / or CBCF to collect warning message delivery information (see Figure 6).

[0084] 6.x.3 Impact on existing services, entities and interfaces The solution has the following impacts: NWDAF: - Extension of functionality to generate control plane signaling anomaly analytics ID AMF or CBCF in 5GC: - Extension of services to report warning message delivery information (e.g. IE included in WRITE-REPLACE WARNING REQUEST in TS38.413) (see Figure 7)

[0085] ****Changes complete****

[0086] 3GPP TR23.700-84 V0.3.0 (2024-04) Technical Report 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Study on Core Network Enhanced Support for Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) (Release 19)

[0087] 4 Architecture Assumptions and Requirements This study does not consider service-based interfaces with the RAN and UE. The architecture for this study complies with the existing NWDAF framework as defined in TS 23.288 [5] and the existing 5GS framework as defined in TS 23.501 [2], TS 23.502 [3] and TS 23.503 [4]. The architecture for this study complies with the existing location services architecture as defined in TS 23.273 [7].

[0088] Note 1: The study takes into account and reuses, where possible, relevant deliverables from SA WG5 and CT WG4. Note 2: Security aspects will be considered by SA WG3. Consideration of AI / ML cross-domain coordination aspects is based on possible requirements defined by the RAN WG taking into account the conclusions in TR38.843[6]. Note 3: UE data collection, model distribution and transfer to UE, and model identification / management are not within the scope of the study.

[0089] 5 Use Cases, Motivations and Key Issues 5.1 Use Cases 5.1.0 Guidelines The use cases covered in the following subsections relate to key issue #2, key issue #3 and key issue #4. Table 5.2.0-1 shows the mapping of key issues to use cases.

[0090] Note 1: Covering use cases for key issue #4 is optional. Note 2: For KI#1, the use cases are based on Case 2b and Case 3b of positioning accuracy improvement (defined in TR38.843[6]). No additional use cases for KI#1 are defined in this TR.

[0091] 5.1.3 Use Case #3: NWDAF Support in Device Signaling Storm Prevention and Mitigation In some scenarios, such as the NB-IoT CP optimization scenario, the UE sends small data over NAS signaling. For example, if the applications on the NB-IoT UE are not implemented correctly and report data simultaneously, NB-IoT devices in several areas may be active at the same time. This may result in a large amount of NAS signaling being transmitted within the network, which may result in a signaling storm in that area during that period.

[0092] Certainly, it is beneficial to negotiate with application providers to mitigate signaling. However, this use case takes into account the possibility that many IoT application providers will enter the market and some of them may not implement such mitigation. In such cases, the NWDAF can provide some analytics or predictions about the behavior of NB-IoT devices and network status in some areas of interest to help the network handle these NB-IoT devices in a way that avoids signaling storms.

[0093] NWDAF supports different aspects of network protection from signaling storms and abnormal network functions, and therefore has several analytics IDs related to abnormal network behavior and load status, such as "NF Load Information," "Abnormal Behavior," "Suspected DDoS Attack," and "Session Management Congestion Control Experience," already provided in TS23.288 [5]. However, the prevention of signaling storms caused by a large amount of signaling (e.g., in NB-IoT scenarios with the assistance of NWDAF) has not been considered. Clearly, the existing analytics IDs are not sufficient for networks to deal with signaling storms. Further research is needed on how to prevent and mitigate signaling storms in NB-IoT scenarios and other scenarios.

[0094] 5.1.6 Use Case #6: Analytics-assisted prevention of anomalous NF behavior resulting in signaling storms and mitigating its impact in the network The presented use case details how analytics can assist entities in 5GC (e.g., NFs, OAM) to prevent and mitigate the impact of anomalous behavior (i.e., signaling storms in the network). Based on analytics, the network may detect anomalous NF behavior (i.e., signaling storms) and may initiate enforcement actions that can contribute to preventing a signaling storm or mitigating its impact.

[0095] 5.2 Key Issues 5.2.4 Key Issue #4: Improving the NWDAF to support mitigation and prevention of anomalous network behavior (i.e., signaling storms) This key issue aims to provide a solution with the support of the NWDAF for the prediction, detection, prevention, and mitigation of anomalous network behavior (i.e., signaling storms). In particular, the following aspects are emphasized: - Identifying scenarios that may result in signaling storm situations - Whether and how existing or new analytics can be used to support the detection and / or prediction of signaling storms, including aspects of input / output data that need to be collected / provided by the NWDAF

[0096] Which NFs will be consumers of such analytics and whether and how they can use them: - Whether and how signaling storms can be prevented and / or mitigated based on inputs provided by the NWDAF

[0097] Note 1: Collaboration with SA WG3 is required for improvements to data access rights, privacy and security. Note 2: The study of this key issue will consider existing studies / deliverables by SA WG5 and CT WG4 in this regard and will collaborate with SA WG5 / CT WG4 on handling of anomalous network behavior.

[0098] 6 Solution 6.35 Solution #35: Mitigating and preventing abnormal network behavior with the help of NWDAF

[0099] 6.35.1 Description This solution addresses KI#4 on "Improvements to NWDAF to support mitigation and prevention of abnormal network behavior (i.e., signaling storms)." For some scenarios, it can be difficult to troubleshoot and / or understand whether the NF itself is working correctly. Often, they may not know that their features / functions are working as expected (or not) due to cases such as signaling storms or complex NF signaling exchange procedures. This can happen regardless of irregularities in the number of UEs or the type of UE devices.

[0100] Therefore, NFs need to be robust and robust to ensure that UE signaling exchange information is verified (detected, predicted, mitigated, and prevented) through AI / ML NWDAF assistance. In such cases, NFs need to be able to extract / forward those signaling exchange information and context information to the NWDAF, for example, to guide mitigation and prevention of any potential expected (or unexpected) behavior. In this regard, signaling storm mitigation and prevention should generally not be limited to counting a specific number of message types from a specific NF.

[0101] The solution includes input data such as: - sudden increases / decreases (bursts) in TPS (transactions per second) and / or CPS (connections per second) from various NF interfaces (e.g. SBI and non-SBI) of individual and / or group of NFs - information related to UE or session procedures such as attachment, registration, mobility and session management procedures of individual and / or group of NFs - information including information about UE or session contexts of individual and / or group of NFs that allows the NWDAF to determine the cause of a signaling storm.

[0102] Furthermore, all of the potential scenarios may be observed and measured over a specific period of time, including start and end times, and the number of successful / failed attempts of various UE and NF service requests.

[0103] 6.35.2 Procedures 6.35.2.1 Overview The NWDAF can provide information about abnormal network behavior (i.e., signaling storms) as follows (see Figure 8):

[0104] 1. A consumer NF, such as an MDAF / MDAS, subscribes to or sends a request to the NWDAF for assistance information on abnormal NF signaling storms using the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operation. The request additionally includes thresholds such as a confidence level and accuracy of detection. The request may also include an indication of a use case for the signaling storm (e.g., a signaling storm for UE mobility) as an analysis filter.

[0105] 2. The NWDAF uses Nnf_EventExposure_Subscribe to pull input data such as signaling exchange information and context information from the NF to obtain the required analytics, as specified in section 6.35.2.2.

[0106] 3. The NWDAF derives the required analytics based on the consumer NF request. The NWDAF can collect additional input data from different NFs, including MDAF / MDAS, etc. The NWDAF also takes into account the signaling storm use case (if provided in step 1) when collecting input data from the NFs.

[0107] 4. The NWDAF initiates a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request response to the consumer NF for output data analytics, as specified in section 6.35.2.3.

[0108] 5. The consumer receives the detection, prediction, and mitigation outputs and acts on them as described in section 6.35.2.4.

[0109] Note: Load considerations are required when requesting data collection to avoid signaling storms caused by NWDAF-assisted anomalous network behavior mitigation and prevention procedures.

[0110] 6.35.2.2 Input Data NFs can extract various information when acting as consumers or producers. It is assumed that input data is considered from the perspective of the producer NF. The NWDAF collects signaling storm information as listed in tables 6.35.2.2-1 to 6.35.2.2-3 (Figures 9 to 13). Editor's note: It is FFS which parameters in the above tables are per UE, per NF, and whether and how the per NF ones are derived from OAM.

[0111] 6.35.2.3 Output Analytics The output analytics for signaling storm statistics for the NWDAF are defined in Table 6.35.2.3-1 (Figure 14).

[0112] The output analytics for the NWDAF signaling storm forecast are defined in Table 6.35.2.3-2 (Figure 15).

[0113] Editor's note: NWDAF may utilize MDAF / MDAS to derive output data. Which parameters in the above tables are required or optional is FFS.

[0114] 6.35.2.4 Mitigation or Prevention The following examples (Figure 16) of existing mechanisms can be used to mitigate and prevent signaling storms: Note: The detailed mechanisms for mitigating and preventing signaling storms will take into account the operator's policies. Editor's Note: The list in Table 6.35.2.4-1 (Figure 16) will be further updated based on the discussion. Editor's Note: The role that the PCF can play to mitigate / prevent signaling storms is the FFS.

[0115] 6.35.3 Impact on Services, Entities and Interfaces NWDAF: - Supports providing subscriptions and / or requests for anomalous NF signaling storm analytics - Supports deriving statistics and / or predictions based on analytics consumer subscriptions and / or requests Consumer NF: - Supports subscribing to or requesting anomalous NF signaling storm analytics from the NWDAF using the service Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request - Supports taking mitigation and prevention actions based on analytics data from the NWDAF Source NF: - Supports providing additional data exposure for anomalous NF signaling storm analytics using the service Nnf_EventExposure

[0116] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. Various modifications are possible to the combinations of the components and processes in the exemplary embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such modifications are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] The configuration, operation, and function of each device and method described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources, software resources, or a combination of hardware and software resources. Examples of hardware resources include processors, ROM, RAM, and various integrated circuits. Examples of software resources include operating systems, applications, and other programs.

[0118] The present disclosure may be expressed as follows:

[0119] Item 1: A communication control device comprising: an event information transmission unit that transmits event information related to an event that may affect communications on a communication network; and an event impact prediction unit that predicts the impact of the event on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the event information. Item 2: The communication network is provided with a situation information transmission unit that receives the event information from the event information transmission unit and transmits situation information related to a situation of the communication network that the situation information transmission unit recognizes to the event impact prediction unit, and the event impact prediction unit predicts the impact of the event on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the received situation information. Item 3: The communication control device according to item 2, wherein the situation information transmission unit transmits communication device information related to communication devices present in an area where the event occurs as the situation information to the event impact prediction unit. Item 4: The communication control device according to item 3, wherein the situation information transmission unit is configured by an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in the communication network. Item 5: The communication control device according to item 3 or 4, wherein the status information transmission unit is configured by a Radio Access Network (RAN) to which a communication device is connected in the communication network. Item 6: The communication control device according to any of items 3 to 5, wherein the status information transmission unit is configured by a communication device connected to the communication network. Item 7: The communication control device according to any of items 1 to 6, wherein the event information transmission unit transmits the event information directly to the event impact prediction unit. Item 8: The communication control device according to any of items 1 to 7, wherein the event information transmission unit is configured by a Cell Broadcast Center Function (CBCF) in the communication network. Item 9: The communication control device according to any of items 1 to 8, wherein the event impact prediction unit is configured by a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) in the communication network.Item 10: The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the event impact prediction unit predicts an increase in load in the communication network that may occur in conjunction with the event. Item 11: The communication control device according to item 10, wherein the event impact prediction unit predicts an increase in at least one of control signals and communication data in the communication network that may occur in conjunction with the event. Item 12: The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the event impact prediction unit provides the prediction result to a pre-registered subscriber. Item 13: The communication control device according to item 12, wherein the subscriber is a network function in the communication network. Item 14: The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the event is at least one of a disaster, incident, accident, communication failure, and large-scale update that occurs in an area where communication is possible through the communication network. Item 15: A communication control method comprising: transmitting event information related to an event that may affect communication on a communication network; and predicting the impact of the event on communication on the communication network through analysis based on the event information. Item 16: A storage medium storing a communication control program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: transmitting event information regarding events that may affect communications on a communication network; and predicting the impact of the events on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the event information.

[0120] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-61680, filed April 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0121] The present disclosure relates to predicting the impact of events on communications through analysis based on event information.

[0122] 1 Wireless communication system, 2 Communication device, 3 Communication control device, 11 5G wireless communication system, 12 4G wireless communication system, 13 Satellite communication system, 31 Event information transmission unit, 32 Situation information transmission unit, 33 Event impact prediction unit, 111 5G base station, 112 5G cell, 121 4G base station, 122 4G cell, 131 Communication satellite, 132 Satellite communication cell, 133 Gateway, 300 Communication control device.

Claims

1. The Event Information Dissemination Department, which disseminates event information regarding events that may affect communications on the communication network, An event impact prediction unit predicts the impact of the event on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the event information, A communication control device equipped with the following features.

2. On the aforementioned communication network, there exists a status information transmission unit that receives the event information from the event information transmission unit and transmits status information regarding the status of the communication network as it perceives it to the event impact prediction unit. The event impact prediction unit predicts the impact of the event on communications on the communication network through analysis based on the received situation information. The communication control device according to claim 1.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the status information transmission unit transmits communication device information relating to communication devices located in the area where the event occurs as status information to the event impact prediction unit.

4. The communication control device according to claim 3, wherein the status information transmission unit is configured by an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in the communication network.

5. The communication control device according to claim 3, wherein the status information transmission unit is configured by a RAN (Radio Access Network) to which communication devices are connected in the communication network.

6. The communication control device according to claim 3, wherein the status information transmission unit is comprised of a communication device connected to the communication network.

7. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event information transmission unit directly transmits the event information to the event impact prediction unit.

8. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event information transmission unit is configured by a CBCF (Cell Broadcast Center Function) in the communication network.

9. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event impact prediction unit is configured by an NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) in the communication network.

10. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event impact prediction unit predicts the increase in load on the communication network that may occur as a result of the event.

11. The communication control device according to claim 10, wherein the event impact prediction unit predicts an increase in at least one of the control signals and communication data in the communication network that may occur as a result of the event.

12. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event impact prediction unit provides the prediction results to subscribers that have been registered in advance.

13. The communication control device according to claim 12, wherein the subscriber is a network function in the communication network.

14. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the event is at least one of a disaster, incident, accident, communication failure, or major update occurring in the area where communication is possible by the communication network.

15. To disseminate event information regarding events that may affect communications on the communication network, Through analysis based on the aforementioned event information, the impact of the event on communications on the communication network is to be predicted, A communication control method that performs this action.

16. To disseminate event information regarding events that may affect communications on the communication network, Through analysis based on the aforementioned event information, the impact of the event on communications on the communication network is to be predicted, A communication control program that causes a computer to execute a command.