Information processing device and information processing system

Abstract

The present invention implements an information processing device that makes it possible to achieve cooperation between devices when a network is built using a device in which a plurality of functions are integrated. This information processing device has a function of a node included in a base station and a core network, and comprises: a determination unit that determines whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller for managing another information processing device; and a management unit that, if the information processing device is determined to function as the controller by the determination unit, manages the other information processing device.

Description

Information processing device and information processing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing system.

[0002] A technique for integrating network functions into one device is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile communication system including an RF / sector functional device having a plurality of functional sub-devices, a receiver-transmitter device including a receiver device and a transmitter device, and a coder-decoder device including a decoder device and a coder device.

[0003] Japan Special Table No. 2001-519635

[0004] In order to realize communication with higher speed, larger capacity, and lower latency than the mobile communication system described in Patent Document 1, devices with more integrated functions are required. When a network is constructed using devices with multiple integrated functions, cooperation between the devices is necessary. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that enables cooperation between devices when a network is constructed using devices with multiple integrated functions.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology for enabling cooperation between devices when a network is constructed using devices that integrate multiple functions.

[0006] An information processing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that has the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and is equipped with a determination means that determines whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network that includes the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices, and a management means that manages the one or more other information processing devices when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0007] An information processing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices, each having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device that manages the plurality of information processing devices, wherein the integrated management device comprises a decision means that determines which of the plurality of information processing devices is to function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices, and an instruction means that instructs the information processing device that the decision means has determined to function as the controller to function as the controller, and each of the plurality of information processing devices comprises a reception means that receives instructions from the integrated management device, a determination means that determines whether or not to function as the controller, and a management means that manages one or more other information processing devices, wherein the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller if the instruction received by the reception means is an instruction to function as the controller, and when the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller, the management means manages the one or more other information processing devices.

[0008] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is provided in that a technology can be provided that allows devices to cooperate with each other when a network is constructed using devices that integrate multiple functions.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a flow of an information processing method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a flow of an information processing method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an integrated managing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a method in which an information processing device according to the present disclosure connects to an integrated managing device. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a method in which an integrated managing device according to the present disclosure instructs a host device to become a host device and notifies a client device of the host device. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a method in which an integrated managing device according to the present disclosure instructs a host device to become a host device and notifies a client device of the host device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a method in which an information processing device functioning as a controller in an information processing system according to the present disclosure and a method in which an information processing device functioning as a controller is determined and notifies a client device of the determination. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer functioning as an information processing device or an integrated managing device according to the present disclosure.

[0010] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0011] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0012] (Configuration of information processing device 1) The configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a determination unit 11 and a management unit 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the determination unit 11 and the management unit 12 respectively realize a determination means and a management means.

[0013] The information processing device 1 has the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, in other words, it is a device that integrates multiple functions.

[0014] (Determination unit 11) The determination unit 11 determines whether or not the information processing device 1 functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device 1 and one or more other information processing devices. The determination unit 11 supplies the determination result to the management unit 12.

[0015] (Management Unit 12) When the determination unit 11 determines that the management unit 12 functions as a controller, the management unit 12 manages one or more other information processing devices.

[0016] (Effects of information processing device 1) As described above, the information processing device 1, which has the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, employs a configuration including a determination unit 11 that determines whether or not the information processing device 1 functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device 1 and one or more other information processing devices, and a management unit 12 that manages one or more other information processing devices when the determination unit 11 determines that the information processing device 1 functions as a controller.

[0017] Therefore, according to the information processing device 1, a network is constructed using the information processing device 1 in which multiple functions are integrated, and when the information processing device 1 functions as a controller, it manages other information processing devices. Therefore, according to the information processing device 1, it is possible to obtain an effect that when a network is constructed using devices in which multiple functions are integrated, cooperation can be achieved between the devices.

[0018] (Flow of Information Processing Method S1) The flow of information processing method S1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of information processing method S1. Information processing method S1 is a method executed by an information processing device 1 that includes the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, information processing method S1 includes a determination process S11 and a management process S13.

[0019] In the determination process S11, the determination unit 11 determines whether the information processing device 1 functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device 1 and one or more other information processing devices. The determination unit 11 supplies the determination result to the management unit 12.

[0020] (Step S12) In step S12, the management unit 12 determines whether or not it has been determined in the determination process S11 that the management unit 12 functions as a controller.

[0021] If it is determined in the determination process S11 that the device does not function as a controller (step S12: NO), the information processing method S1 ends.

[0022] (Management Process S12) If it is determined in the determination process S11 that the information processing device functions as a controller (step S12: YES), in the management process S12, the management unit 12 manages one or more other information processing devices.

[0023] (Effects of information processing method S1) As described above, the information processing method S1 employs a configuration including a determination process S11 in which the determination unit 11 determines whether or not the information processing device 1 functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device 1 and one or more other information processing devices, and a management process S12 in which the management unit 12 manages one or more other information processing devices if it is determined in the determination process S11 that the information processing device 1 functions as a controller.

[0024] Therefore, according to the information processing method S1, the same effects as those of the information processing device 1 described above can be obtained.

[0025] (Configuration of Information Processing System 100) The configuration of the information processing system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system 100 includes a plurality of information processing devices 3 (information processing device 3_1, information processing device 3_2, and information processing device 3_3), each of which has the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device 2 that manages the plurality of information processing devices 3.

[0026] 3, the integrated management device 2 and the information processing device 3 are communicatively connected to each other via a network N. The specific configuration of the network N does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0027] 3, the central managing device 2 includes a determining unit 21 and an instruction unit 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the determining unit 21 and the instruction unit 22 respectively function as a determining means and an instruction means.

[0028] (Determination unit 21) The determination unit 21 determines, from among a plurality of information processing devices 3, an information processing device 3 to function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices 3. The determination unit 21 supplies, to the instruction unit 22, information indicating the information processing device 3 to function as the controller.

[0029] (Instruction Unit 22) The instruction unit 22 instructs the information processing device 3 that the decision unit 21 has determined to function as a controller to function as a controller.

[0030] 3, each of the information processing devices 3 includes a reception unit 31, a determination unit 32, and a management unit 33. In this exemplary embodiment, the reception unit 31, the determination unit 32, and the management unit 33 realize a reception means, a determination means, and a management means.

[0031] (Reception Unit 31) The reception unit 31 receives an instruction from the central managing device 2. The reception unit 31 supplies the received instruction to the determination unit 32.

[0032] (Determination unit 32) The determination unit 32 determines whether or not to function as a controller. As an example, if the instruction received by the reception unit 31 is an instruction to function as a controller, the determination unit 32 determines that the device functions as a controller. The determination unit 32 supplies the determination result to the management unit 33.

[0033] (Management Unit 33) The management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3. As an example, when the determination unit 32 determines that the information processing device 3 functions as a controller, the management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3.

[0034] (Effects of information processing system 100) As described above, in the information processing system 100 including a plurality of information processing devices 3 each having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in the core network, and an integrated management device 2 that manages the plurality of information processing devices 3, the integrated management device 2 is configured to include a decision unit 21 that decides which of the plurality of information processing devices 3 will function as a controller in the network including the plurality of information processing devices 3, and an instruction unit 22 that instructs the information processing device 3 that the decision unit 21 has decided to function as a controller to function as a controller.

[0035] In addition, in the information processing system 100, each of the multiple information processing devices 3 is configured to include a reception unit 31 that receives instructions from the integrated management device 2, a determination unit 32 that determines whether or not it functions as a controller, and a management unit 33 that manages one or more other information processing devices 3.

[0036] In addition, in each of the multiple information processing devices 3, if the instruction received by the receiving unit 31 is an instruction to function as a controller, the judgment unit 32 judges that it will function as a controller, and if the judgment unit 32 determines that it will function as a controller, the management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3.

[0037] Therefore, the information processing system 100 can provide the same effects as the information processing device 1 described above.

[0038] (Flow of Information Processing Method S100) The flow of information processing method S100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of information processing method S100. Information processing method S100 is a method executed by an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices 3, each including the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device 2 that manages the plurality of information processing devices 3. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, information processing method S100 includes a decision process S101, an instruction process S102, a reception process S103, a judgment process S104, and a management process S106.

[0039] (Determination process S101) In the determination process S101, the determination unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2 determines, from among the plurality of information processing devices 3, an information processing device 3 to function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices 3. The determination unit 21 supplies, to the instruction unit 22, information indicating the information processing device 3 to function as the controller.

[0040] (Instruction Process S102) In the instruction process S102, the instruction unit 22 of the central managing device 2 instructs the information processing device 3 that the decision unit 21 has determined to function as a controller to function as a controller.

[0041] (Reception Process S103) In the reception process S103, the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3 receives an instruction from the central managing device 2. The reception unit 31 supplies the received instruction to the determination unit 32.

[0042] In the determination process S104, if the instruction received by the reception unit 31 is an instruction to function as a controller, the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3 determines that the information processing device 3 functions as a controller. The determination unit 32 supplies the determination result to the management unit 33.

[0043] (Step S105) In step S105, the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3 determines whether or not it has been determined in the determination process S104 that it functions as a controller.

[0044] If it is determined in the determination process S104 that the device does not function as a controller (step S105: NO), the information processing method S100 ends.

[0045] (Management Process S106) If it is determined in the determination process S104 that the information processing device 3 functions as a controller (step S105: YES), the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3 manages one or more other information processing devices 3 in the management process S106.

[0046] (Effects of information processing method S100) As described above, the information processing method S100 employs a configuration including a decision process S101 in which the decision unit 21 of the integrated management device 2 decides which of the multiple information processing devices 3 is to function as a controller in a network including the multiple information processing devices 3, and an instruction process S102 in which the instruction unit 22 of the integrated management device 2 instructs the information processing device 3 that the decision unit 21 has decided to cause to function as a controller to function as a controller.

[0047] In addition, the information processing method S100 employs a configuration including a reception process S103 in which the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3 receives an instruction from the integrated management device 2, a determination process S104 in which the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3 determines that the information processing device will function as a controller if the instruction received by the reception unit 31 is an instruction to function as a controller, and a management process S106 in which the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3 manages one or more other information processing devices 3 if it is determined in the determination process S104 that the information processing device will function as a controller.

[0048] Therefore, according to the information processing method S100, the same effects as those of the information processing device 1 described above can be obtained.

[0049] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0050] (Outline of Information Processing System 100A) An outline of the information processing system 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the information processing system 100A. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing system 100A includes an integrated managing device 2A, information processing devices 3A (information processing devices 3A_1, information processing device 3A_2, and information processing device 3A_3), a portal site PS, and a 5G (5th Generation) core CO.

[0051] The information processing system 100A is a system built on a 5G network. In the information processing system 100A, as shown in Fig. 5 , an information processing device 3A is arranged on the on-premise side, and an integrated management device 2A, a portal site PS, and a 5G core CO are arranged on the cloud side.

[0052] Each of the information processing devices 3A has multiple functions, and as an example, has the functions of at least one node included in a base station gNB and a 5G core CO. The at least one node included in the 5G core CO provided in the information processing device 3 is not particularly limited, but an example is a UPF (User Plane Function) that processes user plane communication with a large amount of user traffic. The configuration of the information processing device 3A will be described later. In the following, the information processing device 3A may refer to multiple information processing devices 3A or may refer to any information processing device 3A.

[0053] The portal site PS provides the integrated management device 2A with 5G network subscriber information such as config (setting information) of the information processing device 3A and the 5G core CO, and SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) authentication information. The config (setting information) is setting information for each information processing device 3A to function as a network component, and is setting information for at least one function of at least one node included in the base station gNB and the 5G core CO. This information may be stored in the portal site PS by a network user or an operator supporting operation of a system integrator or the like.

[0054] The 5G core CO is a core network configured to connect from the 5G network to a data network such as the Internet. The 5G core CO includes, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) that manages access and terminals, a session management function (SMF) that manages sessions, a unified data management (UDM) that manages subscriber data, and a unified data repository (UDR) that records information such as subscriber information and location information.

[0055] The integrated managing device 2A manages each of the information processing devices 3A. The integrated managing device 2A also manages a portal site PS and a 5G core CO that are arranged on the cloud.

[0056] As an example of processing by the integrated managing device 2A, subscriber information is output to the 5G core CO. As an example of processing in this case, the integrated managing device 2A receives a request to acquire subscriber information of the information processing device 3A managed by the integrated managing device 2A from the 5G core CO. When the integrated managing device 2A receives the request to acquire subscriber information, it outputs the subscriber information of the information processing device 3A managed by the integrated managing device 2A to the 5G core CO.

[0057] The integrated management device 2A also determines, from among the multiple information processing devices 3A, an information processing device 3A that functions as a controller that monitors and controls the 5G network. An example of a controller is an element management system (EMS). The EMS is a system that provides functions such as fault management, performance management, configuration management, and security management.

[0058] The controller is also referred to as an OAM (Operations, Administration, and Management) device of the 5G core CO. The controller also manages FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security), for example. The configuration of the integrated management device 2A will be described later.

[0059] The information processing device 3A functioning as a controller may also function as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server. An FTP server is a server that provides a protocol for sending and receiving files, and in 5G, it is mainly used for uploading log files and updating software. By providing the information processing device 3A located on the on-premise side with the FTP server function, it is not necessary to place large-capacity software on the cloud, and the amount of communication with the cloud side can be reduced.

[0060] In the following description, among the information processing devices 3A, the information processing device 3A that functions as a controller will also be referred to as a host device, and the information processing device 3A other than the host device will also be referred to as a client device.

[0061] In addition, although a configuration in which one of the information processing devices 3A is used as a host device will be described below, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In the present disclosure, the number of information processing devices 3A included in the information processing system 100A is not limited, and if the number of information processing devices 3A is large, multiple information processing devices 3A may be used as host devices.

[0062] Although the following describes an information processing system 100A constructed using a 5G network, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the information processing system 100A may be a network constructed using a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication method of a fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G) or a sixth-generation (6G) network.

[0063] The information processing system 100A may be applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) in a 5G network or a 6G network, for example. The information processing system 100A may be applied to a public safety LTE (PS-LTE) network, which is a public safety network expected to be used in the event of terrorism or disasters.

[0064] The information processing system 100A may also be configured with multiple 5G networks. For example, the information processing system 100A may be configured with a 5G network 1 (e.g., a network used by customer 1) including information processing devices 3A_1 to 3A_3, a 5G network 2 (e.g., a network used by customer 2) including information processing devices 3A_4 to 3A_8, and a 5G network 3 (e.g., a network used by customer 3) including information processing devices 3A_9 to 3A_14. In this case, the information processing devices 3A included in each of the 5G networks 1 to 3 are connected to the integrated management device 2A.

[0065] (Configuration of the Integrated Managing Device 2A) The configuration of the integrated managing device 2A will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the integrated managing device 2A. As shown in Fig. 6, the integrated managing device 2A includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 27, an input / output unit 28, and a communication interface 29.

[0066] (Storage Unit 27) The storage unit 27 stores data referenced by the control unit 20. Examples of the storage unit 27 include, but are not limited to, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0067] (Input / Output Unit 28) The input / output unit 28 is an interface that receives input of data and outputs data. Examples of the input / output unit 28 include, but are not limited to, a microphone, a camera, an eye-gaze input device, a keyboard, a touchpad, a speaker, and a liquid crystal display.

[0068] (Communication Interface 29) The communication interface 29 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data via the network N. Examples of the communication interface 29 include, but are not limited to, communication chips for various communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and wireless communication standards for mobile data communication networks, and a USB-compliant connector.

[0069] (Control unit 20) The control unit 20 controls each of the components included in the integrated managing device 2A. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 20 also includes a determination unit 21, an instruction unit 22, and a monitoring unit 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the determination unit 21, the instruction unit 22, and the monitoring unit 23 respectively realize a determination means, an instruction means, and a monitoring means.

[0070] (Determination unit 21) The determination unit 21 determines, from among information processing devices 3A, an information processing device 3A to function as a controller in a network including the information processing device 3A. An example of a method by which the determination unit 21 determines a controller will be described later. The determination unit 21 stores information indicative of the information processing device 3A to function as a controller in the storage unit 27.

[0071] (Instruction Unit 22) The instruction unit 22 instructs the information processing device 3A that the decision unit 21 has determined to function as a controller to function as a controller.

[0072] Furthermore, the instruction unit 22 instructs the information processing devices 3A other than the information processing device 3A determined by the determination unit 21 to function as a controller to function as a client device.

[0073] The instruction unit 22 also acquires the config of the information processing device 3A (host device and client device) from the portal site PS, and inputs the config acquired from the portal site PS into the client device.

[0074] An example of a method in which the instruction unit 22 gives instructions to the information processing device 3A will be described later.

[0075] (Monitoring unit 23) The monitoring unit 23 monitors whether an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3A that the determination unit 21 has determined to function as the controller. When the monitoring unit 23 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3A functioning as the controller, the monitoring unit 23 stores in the storage unit 27 information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3A functioning as the controller.

[0076] An example of a method by which the monitoring unit 23 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3A functioning as a controller is to instruct the information processing device 3A functioning as a controller to respond. If there is no response for a predetermined period after instructing the information processing device 3A functioning as a controller to respond, the monitoring unit 23 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device 3A functioning as a controller.

[0077] (Configuration of information processing device 3A) The configuration of information processing device 3A will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of information processing device 3A. As shown in Fig. 7, information processing device 3A includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 37, an input / output unit 38, and a communication interface 39. The functions and examples of the storage unit 37, the input / output unit 38, and the communication interface 39 are the same as those of the storage unit 27, the input / output unit 28, and the communication interface 29 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0078] (Control Unit 30) The control unit 30 controls each component included in the information processing device 3A. As shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 30 includes a reception unit 31, a determination unit 32, a management unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, and an output unit 35. In this exemplary embodiment, the reception unit 31, the determination unit 32, and the management unit 33 respectively implement a reception unit, a determination unit, and a management unit. In this exemplary embodiment, the acquisition unit 34 implements a setting information acquisition unit, an information acquisition unit, and an identification information acquisition unit. In this exemplary embodiment, the output unit 35 implements a setting information output unit and an IP address output unit.

[0079] (Reception unit 31) The reception unit 31 receives instructions from the integrated managing device 2A. As one example, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction from the integrated managing device 2A to function as a controller. As another example, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction from the integrated managing device 2A to function as a client device. In other words, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction from the integrated managing device 2A as to whether or not the information processing device 3A will function as a controller. The reception unit 31 stores the received instruction in the memory unit 37.

[0080] (Determination unit 32) The determination unit 32 determines whether or not to function as a controller. As one example, if the instruction received by the reception unit 31 is an instruction to function as a controller, the determination unit 32 determines that the device will function as a controller. As another example, if the instruction received by the reception unit 31 is an instruction to function as a client device, the determination unit 32 determines that the device will not function as a controller. The determination unit 32 stores the determination result in the storage unit 27.

[0081] (Management unit 33) The management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3A. As an example, when the determination unit 32 determines that the management unit 33 functions as a controller, the management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3A. More specifically, when the determination unit 32 determines that the management unit 33 functions as a controller, the management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3A arranged on the same network.

[0082] (Acquisition unit 34) The acquisition unit 34 acquires data via the input / output unit 38 or the communication interface 39. As one example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating the information processing device 3A functioning as a controller from the integrated managing device 2A. As another example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires config (setting information) from the integrated managing device 2A. As yet another example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires config from another information processing device 3. The acquisition unit 34 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 37.

[0083] (Output unit 35) The output unit 35 outputs data via the input / output unit 38 or the communication interface 39. As one example, the output unit 35 outputs, to each of one or more other information processing devices 3A, the config of the other information processing device 3A, which is the config acquired by the acquisition unit 34. As another example, the output unit 35 outputs identification information (e.g., a MAC address, a serial number, etc.) for identifying the information processing device 3A from the other information processing devices. As yet another example, the output unit 35 outputs the IP address of the other information processing device 3A to the other information processing device 3A.

[0084] (Example 1 of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) An example of a method for the determination unit 21 to determine an information processing device 3A to function as a controller will be described.

[0085] The determination unit 21 may determine the information processing device 3A that functions as the controller based on the connection order between each of the multiple information processing devices 3A and the integrated managing device 2A. A method for connecting the information processing device 3A to the integrated managing device 2A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the method (S100A) for connecting the information processing device 3A to the integrated managing device 2A.

[0086] (Step S101A) In step S101A, the information processing device 3A sets the fully qualified domain name (FQDN), which is the host name of the integrated managing device 2A, in the default configuration. Then, the information processing device 3A uses the FQDN to access a domain name server (DNS), not shown in FIG. 5 .

[0087] An example of a method in which the information processing device 3A sets the FQDN as the default configuration is a method in which the FQDN is set by an operator at the time of shipping from the factory.

[0088] (Step S102A) When the DNS is accessed using the FQDN, in step S102A, it assigns the IP address of the integrated managing device 2A to the information processing device 3A.

[0089] (Step S103A) In step S103A, the information processing device 3A acquires the IP address of the integrated managing device 2A.

[0090] (Step S104A) In step S104A, the information processing device 3A accesses the integrated managing device 2A using the IP address of the integrated managing device 2A and requests allocation of a host device.

[0091] (Step S105A) In step S105A, the determination unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2A receives a host device allocation request from the information processing device 3A.

[0092] When an information processing device 3A connects to the integrated managing device 2A and receives a request for host device allocation, the determination unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2A determines the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device based on the connection order. As an example, the information processing device 3A determines the information processing device 3A that connected first (the information processing device 3A that first received a host device allocation request) as the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device.

[0093] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, the information processing device 3A that connects first functions as a controller, and other information processing devices 3A that connect after the first information processing device 3A function as client devices, allowing the information processing device 3A to function preferably as a host device.

[0094] (Second Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) Another example of the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as a controller will be described.

[0095] The determination unit 21 may determine the information processing device 3A that functions as the controller based on identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of information processing devices 3A from the other information processing devices 3A.

[0096] For example, in step S104A described above, a request for allocation of a host device is made, and the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3A outputs identification information to the integrated managing device 2A.

[0097] Next, in step S105A described above, the determining unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2A receives a host device allocation request from the information processing device 3A and acquires the identification information.

[0098] Then, the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device based on the identification information. As an example, the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A with the largest (or smallest) value of the identification information as the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device.

[0099] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, the host device is determined based on identification information having a different value for each information processing device 3A, so that only one information processing device 3A can be made to function suitably as the host device.

[0100] (Third Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) A description will now be given of yet another example of the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as a controller.

[0101] The determination unit 21 may randomly determine the information processing device 3A to function as the controller.

[0102] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, only one information processing device 3A can be made to function suitably as a host device.

[0103] (Fourth Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) Still another example of the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as a controller will be described.

[0104] The determination unit 21 may determine the information processing device 3A to function as the controller based on the loads of each of the plurality of information processing devices 3A.

[0105] For example, in step S104A described above, the information processing device 3A requests allocation of a host device, and the output unit 35 outputs the CPU (Central Processing Unit) usage rate or memory usage rate to the integrated managing device 2A.

[0106] Next, in step S105A described above, the decision unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2A receives a host device allocation request from the information processing device 3A, and acquires the CPU usage rate or memory usage rate.

[0107] Then, the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device based on the CPU usage rate or the memory usage rate. As an example, the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A with the lowest CPU usage rate or the lowest memory usage rate as the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device.

[0108] With this configuration, the information processing system 100A allows the information processing device 3A with a light load to function as the host device, so that the host device can be selected to optimize the communication environment while maintaining the health of the network.

[0109] (Fifth Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) A description will now be given of yet another example of the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as a controller.

[0110] When the integrated management device 2A manages multiple 5G networks (for example, when managing the above-mentioned 5G networks 1 to 3), the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device in each 5G network using one of the methods described in Examples 1 to 4 above.

[0111] In this case, the information processing device 3A that functions as a host device may be determined using the same method in all of the multiple 5G networks, or the information processing device 3A that functions as a host device may be determined using different methods.

[0112] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, when the integrated management device 2A manages multiple 5G networks, it is possible to determine the information processing device 3A that will function as the host device using a method suitable for each 5G network.

[0113] (Example 6 of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3A to Function as Controller) Still another example of the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as a controller will be described.

[0114] The determination unit 21 may determine the information processing device 3A determined by the network operator as the information processing device 3A that functions as the controller. In this case, the determination unit 21 may be configured to be able to switch whether or not to acquire information indicating the host device determined by the operator. For example, the determination unit 21 may display a button on the input / output unit 28 that switches whether or not to prompt the operator to input the host device. When the operator performs an operation to input the host device, the determination unit 21 acquires the input indicating the host device.

[0115] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, for example, the information processing device 3A located in a physically safe place can be preferentially determined as the host device.

[0116] (Example 1 of a method for instructing a host device and a method for notifying a client device) An example of a method for the integrated managing device 2A to instruct a host device to become a host device, and a method for notifying a client device that it is a host device, will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of an example of a method for the integrated managing device 2A to instruct a host device to become a host device and a method for notifying a client device that it is a host device (S100B).

[0117] (Step S101B) In step S101B, the determination unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2A determines the information processing device 3A that will be the host device. The method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A that will be the host device is as described above. In this example, a case will be described in which the determination unit 21 determines that the information processing device 3A_1 will be the host device. The determination unit 21 supplies information indicating the information processing device 3A_1 that will be the host device to the instruction unit 22.

[0118] (Step S102B) In step S102B, the instruction unit 22 refers to the information from the determination unit 21 and instructs the information processing device 3A_1 to become the host device to become the host device.

[0119] As described above, the information processing device 3A_1 that the instructing unit 22 instructs to become the host device is the information processing device 3A_1 determined by the method described above. In other words, the instruction in step S102B is an instruction determined by the integrated managing device based on any of identification information for distinguishing the information processing device 3A_1 from one or more other information processing devices 3A and the identification information of the one or more other information processing devices 3A (information processing device 3A_2 and information processing device 3A_3), the load of the information processing device 3A and the load of the one or more other information processing devices 3A, and the order of connection to the integrated managing device 2A, or an instruction randomly determined by the integrated managing device 2A.

[0120] (Step S103B) In step S103B, the receiving unit 31 of the information processing device 3A_1 receives an instruction to become the host device.

[0121] (Step S104B) In step S104, the instruction unit 22 outputs information indicating the information processing device 3A_1 that will become the host device (e.g., the IP address of the information processing device 3A_1) to an information processing device 3A (e.g., the information processing device 3A_2) other than the information processing device 3A_1 that will become the host device.

[0122] In step S105B, the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3A_2 acquires information indicating the information processing device 3A_1 that will be the host device. In other words, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction to function as a client device (an instruction not to function as a host device).

[0123] In step S106B, the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3A_1 determines whether or not to become a host device. Here, since the reception unit 31 has received an instruction to become a host device in step S103B described above, the determination unit 32 determines that the information processing device 3A_1 will become a host device.

[0124] (Step S107B) In step S107B, the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3A_1 manages the other information processing devices 3A.

[0125] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, the integrated managing device 2A can instruct the information processing device 3A_1, which is to be the host device, to become the host device. Also, in the information processing system 100A, the integrated managing device 2A can instruct the information processing device 3A_2, which is to be the client device, to become the client device and notify the information processing device 3A_1, which is the host device, of information.

[0126] (Example 2 of a method for instructing a host device and a method for notifying a client device) Another example of a method by which the integrated managing device 2A instructs a host device to become a host device and a method by which a client device is notified of the host device will be described. The method by which the integrated managing device 2A instructs a host device to become a host device is the same as the method described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] After executing step S103B described above, the integrated managing device 2A may notify the information processing device 3A that has requested the allocation of a host device of information indicating the information processing device 3A_1 that will become the host device. In other words, the integrated managing device 2A may notify the information processing device 3A that has accessed the integrated managing device 2A after it has been determined that the host device is the information processing device 3A_1 of information that will become the host device.

[0128] In this case, when the determination unit 21 of the integrated management device 2A receives a request to allocate a host device from an information processing device 3A other than the host device, the instruction unit 22 outputs information indicating the information processing device 3A_1 that will become the host device to an information processing device 3A other than the information processing device 3A_1 that will become the host device (for example, information processing device 3A_2).

[0129] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, if a host device has already been decided, the integrated managing device 2A can notify the information processing device 3A that has requested allocation of a host device of information about the host device.

[0130] (Third Example of Method for Instructing Host Device and Notifying Client Device) A further example of a method by which the integrated managing device 2A instructs a host device to become a host device and a method by which a client device is notified of the host device will be described.

[0131] After executing step S101B described above, the instruction unit 22 of the integrated managing device 2A broadcasts to the information processing device 3A using the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

[0132] When the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3A receives the broadcast from the central managing device 2A, it returns a response.

[0133] When the instruction unit 22 of the central managing device 2A receives the response, it instructs the information processing device 3A that returned the response as to whether it is a host device or a client device.

[0134] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100A, the integrated management device 2A instructs the information processing device 3A that responded to the broadcast whether it is a host device or a client device, so that the information processing device 3A can be preferably notified as to whether it is a host device or a client device.

[0135] (Example 1 of method for inputting config) An example of a method by which the integrated managing device 2A inputs config to the information processing device 3A will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of an example of a method (S100C) by which the integrated managing device 2A inputs config to the information processing device 3A. The following describes a case where the information processing device 3A_1 is the host device and the information processing device 3A_2 is the client device.

[0136] (Step S101C) In step S101C, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_1, which is the host device, requests the central managing device 2A to acquire the config of the information processing devices 3A (information processing devices 3A_1 and information processing devices 3A_2).

[0137] (Step S102C) In step S102C, the instruction unit 22 of the integrated managing device 2A receives a request to obtain config.

[0138] (Step S103C) In step S103C, the instruction unit 22 issues the config of the information processing device 3A to the information processing device 3A_1. The config may be stored in the storage unit 27 of the integrated managing device 2A or may be stored in the portal site PS. If the config is stored in the portal site PS, the instruction unit 22 acquires the config of the information processing device 3A from the portal site.

[0139] (Step S104C) In step S104C, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_1 acquires the config of the information processing device 3A.

[0140] (Step S105C) In step S105C, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3A_1 outputs the config of the information processing device 3A_2, among the configs acquired by the acquisition unit 34, to the information processing device 3A_2.

[0141] (Step S106C) In step S106C, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_2 acquires the config of the information processing device 3A_2.

[0142] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100, the information processing device 3A can preferably acquire the config even if it is a client device.

[0143] (Example 2 of Config Input Method) Another example of the method in which the integrated managing device 2A inputs config to the information processing device 3A will be described.

[0144] In the above-described step S101C, in addition to the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_1 which is the host device, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_2 which is the client device also makes a request to acquire a config to the integrated managing device 2 A. In this case, the information processing device 3A_1 makes a request to acquire the config of the information processing device 3A_1, and the information processing device 3A_2 makes a request to acquire the config of the information processing device 3A_2.

[0145] Next, when the instruction unit 22 of the integrated managing device 2A receives a request to acquire config in step S102C described above, in step S103C the instruction unit 22 issues the config of the information processing device 3A_1 to the information processing device 3A_1 and issues the config of the information processing device 3A_2 to the information processing device 3A_2.

[0146] Then, in step S104C described above, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_1 acquires the config of the information processing device 3A_1, and the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3A_2 acquires the config of the information processing device 3A_2.

[0147] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100, the information processing device 3A can preferably acquire the config even if it is a client device.

[0148] (Example of Failover Method) An example of a failover method in the information processing system 100A will be described.

[0149] When the monitoring unit 23 of the integrated managing device 2A detects that an abnormality has occurred in the host device, it supplies the determining unit 21 with information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the host device.

[0150] When the determination unit 21 receives information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the host device from the monitoring unit 23, the determination unit 21 determines to cause an information processing device 3A other than the host device in which the abnormality has occurred to function as the host device. The method by which the monitoring unit 23 detects an abnormality in a host device and the method by which the determination unit 21 determines the information processing device 3A to function as the host device are as described above.

[0151] With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs in the host device in the information processing system 100A, it is possible to switch the host device.

[0152] (Effects of the information processing system 100A) As described above, in the information processing system 100A, each of the multiple information processing devices 3A connects to the integrated management device 2A. In this configuration, an information processing device 3A that integrates multiple functions (base station gNB and UPF) and functions as a host device can cooperate with other information processing devices 3A. In other words, in the information processing system 100A, when a network is constructed using information processing devices 3A that integrate multiple functions, cooperation can be achieved between the information processing devices 3A.

[0153] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100A, since multiple information processing devices 3A each having multiple integrated functions can cooperate with each other, the number of devices required to build a network using the information processing devices 3A can be reduced. Furthermore, in the information processing system 100A, the initial investment and maintenance costs required to build a network using the information processing devices 3A can be reduced. In other words, the information processing system 100A allows users to easily build a network using the information processing devices 3A.

[0154] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100A, a network with a simple configuration can be constructed using multiple information processing devices 3A each having multiple integrated functions. Therefore, in the information processing system 100A, even a user without specialized knowledge about networks can construct and operate the network.

[0155] [Third Exemplary Embodiment] A third exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0156] (Outline of Information Processing System 100B) An outline of the information processing system 100B will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the information processing system 100B. As shown in Fig. 11, the information processing system 100B includes an integrated managing device 2B, information processing devices 3B (information processing devices 3B_1, information processing devices 3B_2, and information processing devices 3B_3), a portal site PS, and a 5G core CO.

[0157] Like the information processing system 100A, the information processing system 100B is a system constructed using a 5G network, with the information processing device 3B located on the on-premises side and the integrated management device 2B, portal site PS, and 5G core CO located on the cloud side.

[0158] 11, in the information processing system 100B, the integrated managing device 2B and the information processing device 3B_1, which is a host device, are connected. In addition, the information processing devices 3B_2 and 3B_3, which are client devices, are connected to the information processing device 3B_1, which is the host device, using an Xn interface. The portal site PS and the 5G core CO are as described above.

[0159] The configurations of the central managing device 2B and the information processing device 3B are the same as those of the central managing device 2A and the information processing device 3A described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0160] (Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3B to Function as Controller) An example of a method for the determination unit 21 to determine the information processing device 3B to function as a controller will be described.

[0161] The determination unit 21 may randomly determine the information processing device 3B to function as the controller.

[0162] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100B, just like the information processing system 100A, it is possible to allow only one information processing device 3B to function suitably as a host device.

[0163] (Example of method for instructing a host device and method for notifying a client device) An example of a method for the integrated managing device 2B to instruct a host device to become a host device and a method for notifying a client device that it is a host device will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of an example of a method (S100D) for the integrated managing device 2B to instruct a host device to become a host device and a method for notifying a client device that it is a host device.

[0164] (Steps S101B to S103B, Step S106B) The processes from step S101B, in which the determination unit 21 of the integrated managing device 2B determines which information processing device 3B_1 will become the host device, to step S103B, in which the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3B_1 receives an instruction to become the host device, are the same as the processes described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the process of step S106B, in which the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3B_1 determines whether or not to become the host device and determines that it will become the host device, is also the same as the processes described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] (Step S107D) In ​​step S107D, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3B_1 outputs information indicating that the information processing device 3B_1 is the host device to the information processing device 3B_2 using the Xn interface. The output unit 35 may be configured to broadcast the information indicating that the information processing device 3B_1 is the host device using the Xn interface.

[0166] As an example, the output unit 35 sets the IP address of the information processing device 3B_1 in the NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message via the Xn interface, and outputs the message to the information processing device 3B_2 using the Xn interface.

[0167] As another example, the information processing device 3B_1 may function as a DHCP server. In this case, the acquisition unit 34 acquires DHCP Discover from the information processing device 3B_2, which is a client device. When the acquisition unit 34 acquires DHCP Discover, the output unit 35 assigns an IP address of the information processing device 3B_2 from an IP address pool. In other words, the output unit 35 outputs the IP address of the information processing device 3B_2 to the information processing device 3B_2 via the Xn interface.

[0168] Furthermore, when notifying the IP address of the information processing device 3B_1, the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3B_1 uses, as an example, a communication protocol (SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol)) for managing the information processing device 3B_2. With this configuration, the information processing device 3B_1 can assign the IP address of the information processing device 3B_2 and notify the information processing device 3B_1 of the IP address without accessing the integrated management device 2A.

[0169] In step S108D, the reception unit 31 of the information processing device 3B_2 acquires information indicating the information processing device 3B_1 that will be the host device. In other words, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction to function as a client device (an instruction not to function as a host device).

[0170] (Step S109D) In ​​step S109D, the management unit 33 of the information processing device 3B_1 manages the other information processing device 3B_2.

[0171] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100B, the information processing device 3B_1, which is the host device, can suitably manage the client device even if the information processing device 3B_2, which is the client device, is not connected to the integrated management device 2A.

[0172] (Example of Method for Inputting Config) The method by which the integrated managing device 2B inputs the config to the information processing device 3B is the same as the method shown in FIG. 10 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0173] (Example of Failover Method) The failover method in the information processing system 100B is the same as the method described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0174] (Effects of Information Processing System 100B) As described above, in the information processing system 100B, the information processing device 3B_1, which is the host device, is connected to the integrated managing device 2B, and the information processing devices 3B_2 and 3B_3, which are client devices, are not connected to the integrated managing device 2B. Even in this configuration, when a network is constructed using information processing devices 3B in which multiple functions are integrated, cooperation between the information processing devices 3B can be achieved.

[0175] In addition, in the information processing system 100B, only the integrated management device 2B arranged on the cloud side and the information processing device 3B_1, which is a host device arranged on the on-premise side, are connected, so that the amount of communication between the on-premise side and the cloud side can be reduced in the information processing system 100B.

[0176] [Fourth Exemplary Embodiment] A fourth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0177] (Outline of Information Processing System 100C) An outline of the information processing system 100C will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of the information processing system 100C. As shown in Fig. 13, the information processing system 100C includes an integrated managing device 2C, information processing devices 3C (information processing devices 3C_1, information processing devices 3C_2, and information processing devices 3C_3), and a portal site PS.

[0178] The information processing system 100C is a system built on a 5G network, similar to the information processing system 100A, in which the information processing device 3C is located on the on-premise side and the portal site PS is located on the cloud side. The integrated management device 2C may be located on the on-premise side or on the cloud side.

[0179] In addition, the information processing system 100C is configured such that the information processing device 3C is equipped with the 5G core CO in the above-described exemplary embodiment.

[0180] 13, in the information processing system 100C, similarly to the information processing system 100B, an integrated managing device 2C is connected to an information processing device 3C_1, which is a host device. Furthermore, information processing devices 3C_2 and 3C_3, which are client devices, are connected to the information processing device 3B_1 using an Xn interface.

[0181] The configurations of the central managing device 2C and the information processing device 3C are the same as those of the central managing device 2A and the information processing device 3A described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] In addition, in the information processing system 100C, the method of determining the information processing device 3C that will function as the controller, the method of instructing the host device and notifying the client device, the method of inputting config, and the method of failover are the same as those in the above-mentioned information processing system 100B.

[0183] The information processing system 100C may be configured such that a host device and a client device are connected to the integrated management device 2C. In this case, the method of determining the information processing device 3C that will function as a controller, the method of issuing instructions to the host device and notifying the client device, the method of inputting config, and the method of failover are the same as those in the information processing system 100A described above.

[0184] (Effects of Information Processing System 100C) As described above, in the information processing system 100C, the information processing device 3C includes a 5G core CO. In this configuration, as in the exemplary embodiment described above, when a network is constructed using information processing devices 3C in which multiple functions are integrated, cooperation between the information processing devices 3C can be achieved.

[0185] Furthermore, in the information processing system 100C, the information processing device 3C is equipped with a 5G core CO, so processing can be completed on the on-premise side where the information processing device 3C is located.

[0186] Fifth Exemplary Embodiment A fifth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0187] (Outline of Information Processing System 100D) An outline of the information processing system 100D will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of the information processing system 100D. The information processing system 100D includes information processing devices 3D (information processing devices 3D_1, information processing device 3D_2, and information processing device 3D_3), a 5G core CO, and a portal site PS. In other words, the information processing system 100D does not include an integrated management device.

[0188] Like the information processing system 100A, the information processing system 100D is a system constructed using a 5G network, in which the information processing device 3D is located on the on-premise side, and the portal site PS and 5G core CO are located on the cloud side.

[0189] 14, in the information processing system 100D, the information processing devices 3D are connected to the 5G core CO. The information processing devices 3D are also connected using the Xn interface.

[0190] (Configuration of information processing device 3D) The configuration of information processing device 3D will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of information processing device 3D. As shown in Fig. 15, information processing device 3D includes a control unit 30D, a storage unit 37, an input / output unit 38, and a communication interface 39. The storage unit 37, the input / output unit 38, and the communication interface 39 are as described above.

[0191] (Control unit 30D) The control unit 30D controls each component included in the information processing device 3D. As shown in FIG. 15 , the control unit 30D also includes a reception unit 31, a determination unit 32, a management unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, an output unit 35, and an identification unit 36. In this exemplary embodiment, the reception unit 31, the determination unit 32, the management unit 33, and the identification unit 36 ​​respectively implement a reception means, a determination means, a management means, and an identification means. The acquisition unit 34 also implements an information acquisition means, an identification information acquisition means, and a setting information acquisition means. The output unit 35 also implements an IP address output means and a setting information output means.

[0192] (Reception unit 31) The reception unit 31 receives instructions. As an example, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction from another information processing device 3D to function as a host device. As another example, the reception unit 31 receives an instruction from another information processing device 3D to function as a client device. The reception unit 31 stores the received instruction in the storage unit 27.

[0193] (Determination Unit 32) The determination unit 32 determines whether or not to function as a controller. The determination process by the determination unit 32 will be described later. The determination unit 32 stores the determination result in the storage unit 27.

[0194] (Management Unit 33) When the determination unit 32 determines that the management unit 33 functions as a controller, the management unit 33 manages one or more other information processing devices 3D arranged on the same network.

[0195] (Acquisition unit 34) The acquisition unit 34 acquires data via the input / output unit 38 or the communication interface 39. As one example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires config. As another example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires identification information of another information processing device 3D via the Xn interface. The acquisition unit 34 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 37.

[0196] (Output unit 35) The output unit 35 outputs data via the input / output unit 38 or the communication interface 39. As one example, the output unit 35 outputs, to each of one or more other information processing devices 3D, the config of the other information processing device 3D, which is the config acquired by the acquisition unit 34. As another example, the output unit 35 outputs identification information (e.g., a MAC address, a serial number, etc.) for identifying the information processing device 3D from the other information processing devices. As yet another example, the output unit 35 outputs the IP address of the other information processing device 3D to the other information processing device 3D.

[0197] (Identification unit 36) The identification unit 36 ​​identifies an information processing device 3D that functions as a controller. As an example, the identification unit 36 ​​refers to information indicating that the information processing device 3D functions as a controller, and identifies the information processing device 3D indicated by the information as the information processing device 3D that functions as a controller.

[0198] (Example 1 of a method for determining an information processing device 3D that functions as a controller and a method for notifying a client device) An example of a method for determining an information processing device 3D that functions as a controller and a method for notifying a client device in the information processing system 100D will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of an example of a method for determining an information processing device 3D that functions as a controller and a method for notifying a client device (S100E) in the information processing system 100D.

[0199] (Step S101E) In step S101E, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 outputs the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1 to the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 by broadcasting using the DHCP protocol. In addition, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 outputs the identification information and starts a timer.

[0200] Assume that the information processing device 3D_1 and the information processing device 3D_2 exist in different subnetworks on an Ethernet network. In this case, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 sets a DHCP relay and outputs identification information to the information processing device 3D_2 that exists in the other subnetwork.

[0201] Furthermore, when a MAC address is used as identification information, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 outputs the MAC address of the information processing device 3D_1 to the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 by broadcasting according to the DHCP protocol, as described above.

[0202] On the other hand, when using identification information other than a MAC address (for example, a serial number), the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 uses an option such as DHCP Option 43 to output the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1 to the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 by broadcasting using the DHCP protocol.

[0203] (Step S102E) In step S102E, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3D_2 acquires the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1.

[0204] (Step S103E) In step S103E, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3D_3 acquires the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1.

[0205] Here, the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 similarly output their identification information to the other information processing devices 3D by broadcasting according to the DHCP protocol. That is, each of the information processing devices 3D acquires the identification information of the other information processing devices 3D.

[0206] (Step S104E) In step S104E, the determination unit 32 determines whether the timer has expired.

[0207] If it is determined in step S104E that the timer has not expired (step S104E: NO), the determination unit 32 executes step S104E again.

[0208] (Step S105E) If it is determined in step S104E that the timer has expired (step S104E: YES), in step S105E, the determining unit 32 determines whether or not to become the host device.

[0209] The determination unit 32 may determine whether to become a host device based on the above-described identification information, i.e., the determination unit 32 determines whether to become a host device based on the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1, the identification information of the information processing device 3D_2, and the identification information of the information processing device 3D_3.

[0210] (Step S106E) In step S106E, the output unit 35 determines whether it has been determined that the device will become a host device.

[0211] If it is determined in step S106E that the information processing system 100D will not become a host device (step S106E: NO), the process of the information processing system 100D ends. That is, the information processing device 3D_1 waits until it acquires information from a host device.

[0212] (Step S107E) If it is determined in step S106E that the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 will become the host device (step S106E: YES), the output unit 35 outputs information indicating that the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 are the host device in step S107E.

[0213] (Step S108E) In step S108E, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3D_2 acquires information indicating that the information processing device 3D_1 is the host device. That is, if the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3D_2 determines that the information processing device 3D_2 will not become the host device, the acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating that the information processing device 3D_1 is the host device. Then, the identification unit 36 ​​of the information processing device 3D_2 refers to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 34 and identifies the information processing device 3D_1 that functions as the host device.

[0214] In step S109E, the acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3D_3 acquires information indicating that the information processing device 3D_1 is the host device. As with the information processing device 3D_2, the identification unit 36 ​​of the information processing device 3D_3 refers to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 34 and identifies the information processing device 3D_1 that functions as the host device.

[0215] With this configuration, the information processing system 100D can determine the host device even if there is no integrated management device.

[0216] (Second Example of Method for Determining Information Processing Device 3D Functioning as Controller and Notifying Client Device) Another example of the method for determining the information processing device 3D functioning as a controller and the method for notifying client devices in the information processing system 100D will be described.

[0217] First, the information processing device 3D_1, the information processing device 3D_2, and the information processing device 3D_3 are connected to each other using the Xn interface.

[0218] As an example, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 uses an Xn SETUP message to output the identification information of the information processing device 3D_1 to the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3.

[0219] Here, if the host device has already been determined, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_1 outputs the IP address of the host device instead of the identification information.

[0220] The acquisition unit 34 of the information processing device 3D_2 acquires the Xn SETUP message including the identification information via the Xn interface. Then, the output unit 35 of the information processing device 3D_2 outputs the identification information of the information processing device 3D_2 to the information processing device 3D_1 using the Xn SETUP RESPONSE message.

[0221] Similarly, the information processing device 3D_3 outputs the identification information of the information processing device 3D_3 to the information processing device 3D_1 using an Xn SETUP RESPONSE message.

[0222] In this way, the information processing device 3D_1, the information processing device 3D_2, and the information processing device 3D_3 are connected to each other using the Xn interface.

[0223] Next, the determination units 32 of the information processing devices 3D_1, 3D_2, and 3D_3 each determine whether or not to become a host device after a certain period of time has elapsed. The determination units 32 may determine whether or not to become a host device based on the above-described identification information.

[0224] For example, when the determination unit 32 of the information processing device 3D_1 determines that it will become the host device, the output unit 35 sets the IP address of the information processing device 3D_1, which is the host device, in an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message and transmits the message to the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3 via the Xn interface.

[0225] With this configuration, the information processing system 100D can determine the host device via the Xn interface even if there is no integrated management device.

[0226] (Example of a method for inputting a config) An example of a method for inputting a config to the information processing device 3D will be described.

[0227] The config may be manually input to the information processing device 3D by an administrator.

[0228] Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a config is manually input to the host device, and the host device outputs the config of the client device to the client device.

[0229] With this configuration, in the information processing system 100D, even if there is no integrated management device, it is possible to input a config to the information processing device 3D.

[0230] (Example of Failover Method) An example of a failover method in the information processing system 100D will be described.

[0231] For example, if information processing device 3D_1 is a host device and is connected to information processing device 3D_2 using the Xn interface, when the connection with information processing device 3D_1 using the Xn interface is lost, information processing device 3D_2 determines that an abnormality has occurred in information processing device 3D_1.

[0232] In this case, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the information processing device 3D_2 and the information processing device 3D_3, which are client devices, determine whether or not to become a host device based on the identification information, as described above. For example, if it is determined that the information processing device 3D_2 will become a host device, the information processing device 3D_2 outputs information indicating that it is a host device to the information processing device 3D_3 by the method described above.

[0233] With this configuration, the information processing system 100D can switch host devices when an abnormality occurs in a host device, even if there is no integrated management device.

[0234] (Advantages of Information Processing System 100D) As described above, the information processing system 100D does not include an integrated management device. In this configuration, the information processing device 3D determines the host device, and the host device notifies the client device that it is the host device, inputs a config, and performs a failover. In other words, the information processing system 100D can link the information processing devices 3D together even without including an integrated management device.

[0235] [Example of implementation by software] Some or all of the functions of the information processing devices 1, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and the integrated management devices 2, 2A, 2B, 2C (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0236] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0237] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to function as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0238] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0239] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0240] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0241] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0242] (Supplementary Note A1) An information processing device having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, comprising: a determination means for determining whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices; and a management means for managing the one or more other information processing devices when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0243] (Supplementary Note A2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the information processing device functions as the controller based on identification information for identifying the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices.

[0244] (Supplementary Note A3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2, further comprising: a specifying means for specifying an information processing device that functions as the controller; and when the determining means determines that the information processing device does not function as the controller, the specifying means specifies the information processing device that functions as the controller.

[0245] (Appendix A4) The information processing device according to Appendix A1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction from an integrated management device that manages the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices as to whether the information processing device functions as a controller, and when the receiving means receives an instruction that the information processing device functions as a controller, the determining means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0246] (Appendix A5) The information processing device described in Appendix A4, further comprising an information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller from the integrated management device, wherein when the reception means receives an instruction that the information processing device does not function as a controller, the information acquisition means acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller.

[0247] (Appendix A6) The information processing device according to any one of Appendices A1 to A5, wherein the core network is a 5th Generation (5G) core network, and further comprises an identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the one or more other information processing devices via an Xn interface, and the determination means determines whether or not to function as the controller based on the identification information of the information processing device and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means.

[0248] (Appendix A7) An information processing device as described in Appendix A6, further comprising an IP address output means for outputting an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the one or more other information processing devices to each of the one or more other information processing devices via the Xn interface, wherein when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller, the IP address output means notifies each of the one or more other information processing devices of the IP address of the other information processing device via the Xn interface.

[0249] (Appendix A8) The information processing device according to any one of appendices A1 to A7, wherein when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller, the information processing device also functions as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server for the one or more other information processing devices managed by the management means.

[0250] (Supplementary Note A9) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2, wherein the information processing device also functions as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

[0251] (Appendix A10) The information processing device described in Appendix A4 or A5, wherein the instruction is an instruction determined by the integrated management device based on any of identification information for identifying the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices, the load of the information processing device and the load of the one or more other information processing devices, and the order of connection to the integrated management device, or an instruction randomly determined by the integrated management device.

[0252] (Appendix A11) The information processing device described in Appendix A4 or A5, further comprising: a setting information acquisition means for acquiring setting information from the integrated management device; and a setting information output means for outputting, to each of the one or more other information processing devices, the setting information of the other information processing devices acquired by the setting information acquisition means.

[0253] (Appendix A12) An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices each having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device that manages the plurality of information processing devices, wherein the integrated management device comprises: a decision means for deciding which of the plurality of information processing devices to make function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices; and an instruction means for instructing the information processing device decided by the decision means to make the information processing device function as the controller to function as the controller, wherein each of the plurality of information processing devices comprises: a reception means for receiving an instruction from the integrated management device; a determination means for determining whether or not to function as the controller; and a management means for managing one or more other information processing devices, wherein the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller if the instruction received by the reception means is an instruction to function as the controller, and when the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller, the management means manages the one or more other information processing devices.

[0254] (Appendix A13) The information processing system described in Appendix A12, wherein the determination means determines the information processing device to function as the controller based on any of identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of information processing devices from other information processing devices, the load of each of the plurality of information processing devices, and the connection order of each of the plurality of information processing devices to the integrated management device, or randomly determines the information processing device to function as the controller.

[0255] (Appendix A14) The information processing system described in Appendix A12 or A13, wherein the integrated management device further includes a monitoring means for monitoring whether an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device that the decision means has decided to have function as the controller, and when the monitoring means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device, the decision means decides to have an information processing device different from the information processing device decide to have function as the controller.

[0256] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0257] (Supplementary Note B1) An information processing method including: a determination process for determining whether an information processing device including the functions of at least one node included in a base station and a core network functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device and one or more other information processing devices; and a management process for managing the one or more other information processing devices when the determination process determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0258] (Appendix B2) The information processing method according to Appendix B1, wherein in the determination process, the information processing device determines whether or not to function as the controller based on identification information for distinguishing the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices.

[0259] (Supplementary Note B3) The information processing method described in Supplementary Note B1 or B2, further including a specification process for specifying an information processing device that functions as the controller, and if it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device does not function as the controller, in the specification process, the information processing device specifies an information processing device that functions as the controller.

[0260] (Appendix B4) The information processing method described in Appendix B1, further including a reception process in which the information processing device receives an instruction as to whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller from an integrated management device that manages the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices, and if the information processing device receives an instruction in the reception process that the information processing device functions as a controller, the determination process determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0261] (Appendix B5) The information processing method described in Appendix B4, further including an information acquisition process in which the information processing device acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller from the integrated management device, and if the reception process receives an instruction that the information processing device does not function as a controller, the information processing device acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller in the information acquisition process.

[0262] (Appendix B6) The information processing method according to any one of Appendices B1 to B5, wherein the core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network, and the information processing device further includes an identification information acquisition process for acquiring identification information of the one or more other information processing devices via an Xn interface, and in the determination process, the information processing device determines whether or not to function as the controller based on the identification information of the information processing device and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition process.

[0263] (Appendix B7) The information processing method described in Appendix B6, further including an IP address output process in which the information processing device outputs an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the one or more other information processing devices to each of the one or more other information processing devices via the Xn interface, and if it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device functions as the controller, in the IP address output process the information processing device notifies each of the one or more other information processing devices of the IP address of the other information processing device via the Xn interface.

[0264] (Appendix B8) An information processing method described in any one of Appendices B1 to B7, wherein, if it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device functions as the controller, the information processing device also functions as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server for the one or more other information processing devices managed in the management process.

[0265] (Supplementary Note B9) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note B1 or B2, wherein the information processing device also functions as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

[0266] (Appendix B10) The information processing method described in Appendix B4 or B5, wherein the instruction is an instruction determined by the integrated management device based on any of: identification information for distinguishing the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices; the load of the information processing device and the load of the one or more other information processing devices; and the order of connection to the integrated management device; or an instruction randomly determined by the integrated management device.

[0267] (Appendix B11) The information processing method described in Appendix B4 or B5 further includes: a setting information acquisition process in which the small-scale information processing device acquires setting information from the integrated management device; and a setting information output process in which the information processing device outputs, to each of the one or more other information processing devices, the setting information of the other information processing devices acquired in the setting information acquisition process.

[0268] (Appendix B12) An information processing method in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices each including the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device that manages the plurality of information processing devices, wherein the integrated management device includes: a decision process for deciding which of the plurality of information processing devices to make function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices; and an instruction process for instructing the information processing device decided to make function as the controller in the decision process to function as the controller, wherein each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: a reception process for receiving an instruction from the integrated management device; a determination process for determining whether or not to function as the controller; and a management process for managing one or more other information processing devices, wherein if the instruction received in the reception process is an instruction to function as the controller, the information processing device determines in the determination process to function as the controller, and if it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device will function as the controller, the information processing device manages the one or more other information processing devices in the management process.

[0269] (Appendix B13) The information processing method described in Appendix B12, wherein in the determination process, the integrated management device determines the information processing device to function as the controller based on any of identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of information processing devices from other information processing devices, the load of each of the plurality of information processing devices, and the connection order of each of the plurality of information processing devices to the integrated management device, or randomly determines the information processing device to function as the controller.

[0270] (Appendix B14) The information processing method described in Appendix B12 or B13, wherein the integrated management device further includes a monitoring process for monitoring whether an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device that has been determined to function as the controller in the determination process, and if an abnormality has been detected in the information processing device in the monitoring process, the integrated management device determines in the determination process to cause an information processing device different from the information processing device to function as the controller.

[0271] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0272] (Appendix C1) A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, the information processing program causing the computer to function as: a determination means that determines whether the computer functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device and one or more other information processing devices; and a management means that manages the one or more other information processing devices when the determination means determines that the computer functions as the controller.

[0273] (Appendix C2) The information processing program according to Appendix C1, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the information processing device functions as the controller based on identification information for identifying the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices.

[0274] (Appendix C3) An information processing program according to appendix C1 or C2, further causing the computer to function as an identification means for identifying an information processing device that functions as the controller, and when the determination means determines that the information processing device does not function as the controller, the identification means identifies the information processing device that functions as the controller.

[0275] (Appendix C4) An information processing program as described in Appendix C1, further causing the computer to function as a receiving means for receiving an instruction from an integrated management device that manages the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices as to whether the information processing device will function as a controller, and when the receiving means receives an instruction that the information processing device will function as a controller, the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller.

[0276] (Appendix C5) An information processing program described in Appendix C4, further causing the computer to function as an information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating an information processing device functioning as the controller from the integrated management device, and when the reception means receives an instruction that the information processing device does not function as a controller, the information acquisition means acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller.

[0277] (Appendix C6) The information processing program according to any one of Appendices C1 to C5, wherein the core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network, and the computer is further made to function as an identification information acquisition means that acquires identification information of the one or more other information processing devices via an Xn interface, and the determination means determines whether or not to function as the controller based on the identification information of the information processing device and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means.

[0278] (Appendix C7) An information processing program as described in Appendix C6, further causing the computer to function as an IP address output means that outputs an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the one or more other information processing devices to each of the one or more other information processing devices via the Xn interface, and when the determination means determines that the computer functions as the controller, the IP address output means notifies each of the one or more other information processing devices of the IP address of the other information processing device via the Xn interface.

[0279] (Appendix C8) An information processing program described in any one of Appendices C1 to C7, wherein, when the determination means determines that the computer functions as the controller, the computer also functions as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server for the one or more other information processing devices managed by the management means.

[0280] (Supplementary Note C9) The information processing program according to Supplementary Note C1 or C2, wherein the information processing device also functions as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

[0281] (Appendix C10) The information processing program described in Appendix C4 or C5, wherein the instruction is an instruction determined by the integrated management device based on any of: identification information for distinguishing the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices; the load of the information processing device and the load of the one or more other information processing devices; and the order of connection to the integrated management device; or an instruction randomly determined by the integrated management device.

[0282] (Appendix C11) An information processing program described in Appendix C4 or C5, which causes the computer to further function as: a setting information acquisition means for acquiring setting information from the integrated management device; and a setting information output means for outputting, to each of the one or more other information processing devices, the setting information of the other information processing devices acquired by the setting information acquisition means.

[0283] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0284] (Supplementary Note D1) An information processing device having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor executes a determination process of determining whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device itself and the one or more other information processing devices, and a management process of managing the one or more other information processing devices when it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device functions as the controller.

[0285] The information processing device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0286] (Appendix D2) The information processing device described in Appendix D1, wherein in the determination process, the at least one processor determines whether or not to function as the controller based on identification information for identifying the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices.

[0287] (Appendix D3) The information processing device described in Appendix D1 or D2, wherein the at least one processor further executes a specification process to specify an information processing device that functions as the controller, and if the determination process determines that the information processing device does not function as the controller, in the specification process, the at least one processor specifies an information processing device that functions as the controller.

[0288] (Appendix D4) The information processing device described in Appendix D1, wherein the at least one processor further executes a reception process to receive an instruction from an integrated management device that manages the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices as to whether the information processing device will function as a controller, and if an instruction that the information processing device will function as a controller is received in the reception process, the at least one processor determines in the determination process that the information processing device will function as the controller.

[0289] (Appendix D5) The information processing device described in Appendix D4, wherein the at least one processor further executes an information acquisition process to acquire information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller from the integrated management device, and when an instruction is received in the reception process that the information processing device does not function as a controller, the at least one processor acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller in the information acquisition process.

[0290] (Appendix D6) The information processing device described in any one of Appendices D1 to D5, wherein the core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network, the at least one processor further executes an identification information acquisition process to acquire identification information of the one or more other information processing devices via an Xn interface, and in the determination process, the at least one processor determines whether or not to function as the controller based on the identification information of the information processing device and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition process.

[0291] (Appendix D7) The information processing device described in Appendix D6, wherein the at least one processor further executes an IP address output process that outputs an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the one or more other information processing devices to each of the one or more other information processing devices via the Xn interface, and when it is determined by the determination process that the at least one processor functions as the controller, in the IP address output process, the at least one processor notifies each of the one or more other information processing devices of the IP address of the other information processing device via the Xn interface.

[0292] (Appendix D8) An information processing device described in any one of Appendices D1 to D7, wherein if it is determined in the determination process that the information processing device functions as the controller, the information processing device also functions as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server for the one or more other information processing devices managed in the management process.

[0293] (Appendix D9) The information processing device according to appendix D1 or D2, wherein the information processing device also functions as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server.

[0294] (Appendix D10) An information processing device described in Appendix D4 or D5, wherein the instruction is an instruction determined by the integrated management device based on any of: identification information for distinguishing the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and identification information of the one or more other information processing devices; the load of the information processing device and the load of the one or more other information processing devices; and the order of connection to the integrated management device; or an instruction randomly determined by the integrated management device.

[0295] (Appendix D11) The information processing device described in Appendix D4 or D5, wherein the at least one processor further executes a setting information acquisition process to acquire setting information from the integrated management device, and a setting information output process to output, to each of the one or more other information processing devices, the setting information of the other information processing devices acquired in the setting information acquisition process.

[0296] (Supplementary Note D12) An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices each having functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device that manages the plurality of information processing devices, wherein the integrated management device includes at least one processor, and the at least one processor executes: a determination process for determining, among the plurality of information processing devices, an information processing device to function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices; and an instruction process for instructing the information processing device determined to function as the controller in the determination process to function as the controller, wherein each of the plurality of information processing devices includes at least one processor, and the at least one processor executes: a reception process for receiving an instruction from the integrated management device; a determination process for determining whether or not to function as the controller; and a management process for managing one or more other information processing devices, wherein if the instruction received in the reception process is an instruction to function as the controller, the at least one processor determines in the determination process that the at least one processor will function as the controller, and if it is determined in the determination process that the at least one processor will function as the controller, the at least one processor manages the one or more other information processing devices in the management process. Information processing system.

[0297] (Appendix D13) In the information processing system described in Appendix D12, in the determination process, the at least one processor provided in the integrated management device determines the information processing device to function as the controller based on any of identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of information processing devices from other information processing devices, the load of each of the plurality of information processing devices, and the connection order of each of the plurality of information processing devices to the integrated management device, or randomly determines the information processing device to function as the controller.

[0298] (Appendix D14) The information processing system described in Appendix D12 or D13, wherein the at least one processor provided in the integrated management device further performs a monitoring process to monitor whether an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device that has been decided to function as the controller in the decision process, and if the monitoring process detects that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device, the at least one processor decides in the decision process to have an information processing device different from the information processing device function as the controller.

[0299] [Appendix E] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0300] (Appendix E1) A non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon an information processing program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, the non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon an information processing program that causes the computer to execute: a determination process that determines whether or not the computer will function as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network that includes the information processing device and one or more other information processing devices; and a management process that manages the one or more other information processing devices when the determination process determines that the computer will function as the controller.

[0301] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE 2, 2A, 2B, 2C INTEGRATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE 11, 32 DETERMINATION UNIT 12, 33 MANAGEMENT UNIT 21 DECISION UNIT 22 INSTRUCTION UNIT 23 MONITORING UNIT 31 RECEIVER 34 ACCESSION UNIT 35 OUTPUT UNIT 36 IDENTIFICATION UNIT 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM

Claims

1. An information processing device having the functions of at least one node included in a base station and a core network, comprising: a determination means for determining whether or not the information processing device functions as a controller that manages one or more other information processing devices in a network including the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices; and a management means for managing the one or more other information processing devices when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the information processing device functions as the controller based on identification information for distinguishing the information processing device from the one or more other information processing devices and the identification information of the one or more other information processing devices.

3. An information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an identification means for identifying an information processing device that functions as the controller, wherein when the determination means determines that the information processing device does not function as the controller, the identification means identifies the information processing device that functions as the controller.

4. An information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction from an integrated management device that manages the information processing device and the one or more other information processing devices as to whether the information processing device functions as a controller, and when the receiving means receives an instruction that the information processing device functions as a controller, the determining means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller.

5. An information processing device according to claim 4, further comprising an information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller from the integrated management device, wherein when the reception means receives an instruction that the information processing device does not function as a controller, the information acquisition means acquires information indicating the information processing device functioning as the controller.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network, and further comprises an identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the one or more other information processing devices via an Xn interface, and the determination means determines whether or not to function as the controller based on the identification information of the information processing device and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means.

7. An information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising an IP address output means for outputting an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the one or more other information processing devices to each of the one or more other information processing devices via the Xn interface, and when the determination means determines that the information processing device functions as the controller, the IP address output means notifies each of the one or more other information processing devices of the IP address of the other information processing device via the Xn interface.

8. An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices each having the functions of a base station and at least one node included in a core network, and an integrated management device that manages the plurality of information processing devices, wherein the integrated management device comprises: a decision means that decides which of the plurality of information processing devices will function as a controller in a network including the plurality of information processing devices; and an instruction means that instructs the information processing device decided by the decision means to function as the controller to function as the controller, wherein each of the plurality of information processing devices comprises: a reception means that receives instructions from the integrated management device; a determination means that determines whether or not to function as the controller; and a management means that manages one or more other information processing devices, wherein the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller if the instruction received by the reception means is an instruction to function as the controller, and when the determination means determines that the information processing device will function as the controller, the management means manages the one or more other information processing devices.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the determination means determines the information processing device to function as the controller based on any of identification information for distinguishing each of the plurality of information processing devices from other information processing devices, the load of each of the plurality of information processing devices, and the order of connection between each of the plurality of information processing devices and the integrated management device, or randomly determines the information processing device to function as the controller.

10. The information processing system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the integrated management device further comprises a monitoring means for monitoring whether an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device that the decision means has decided to have function as the controller, and when the monitoring means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the information processing device, the decision means decides to have an information processing device different from the information processing device decide to have function as the controller.

Images