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WO2015178035A1 - Appareil de communication, procédé de communication, système de communication, et programme - Google Patents

Appareil de communication, procédé de communication, système de communication, et programme Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015178035A1
WO2015178035A1 PCT/JP2015/002591 JP2015002591W WO2015178035A1 WO 2015178035 A1 WO2015178035 A1 WO 2015178035A1 JP 2015002591 W JP2015002591 W JP 2015002591W WO 2015178035 A1 WO2015178035 A1 WO 2015178035A1
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Prior art keywords
network
communication
virtual
communication data
operator
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
一平 秋好
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NEC Corp
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NEC Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
    • H04W28/08—Load balancing or load distribution
    • H04W28/084—Load balancing or load distribution among network function virtualisation [NFV] entities; among edge computing entities, e.g. multi-access edge computing

Definitions

  • the present invention is based on the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-106619 filed on May 23, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It shall be.
  • the present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, a communication system, and a program used for communication.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching between a plurality of types of wireless systems in accordance with network congestion. If the terminal can use both cellular communication and wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as a wireless system, congestion determination can be performed and an optimal wireless system can be selected. For example, by switching cellular communication traffic to a wireless LAN network, congestion of the cellular network can be reduced.
  • cellular communication and wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as a wireless system
  • congestion determination can be performed and an optimal wireless system can be selected. For example, by switching cellular communication traffic to a wireless LAN network, congestion of the cellular network can be reduced.
  • wireless LAN Local Area Network
  • Patent Document 1 the network switching technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is limited to a case where a terminal can use a plurality of different wireless systems. Therefore, for example, when a plurality of types of wireless systems cannot be accessed depending on the stay location of the terminal, it is not possible to perform offloading of communication traffic, and it is not possible to achieve network congestion reduction.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a new traffic offload technology.
  • the communication apparatus of the present invention includes a first means for identifying communication data of a subscriber terminal of a first operator that operates a first network including a first network node that executes predetermined signal processing; A second means for transmitting the identified communication data to a second network node that operates the function of the first network node by a virtual machine in a second network operated by an operator of Including.
  • the communication method of the present invention identifies communication data of a subscriber terminal of a first operator that operates a first network including a first network node that executes predetermined signal processing, and is operated by a second operator. The identified communication data is transmitted to a second network node that operates the function of the first network node by a virtual machine in the second network.
  • the communication system of the present invention is a communication system including a communication device for processing communication data, and the communication device operates a first network including a first network node that executes predetermined signal processing.
  • First means for identifying communication data of the subscriber terminal of the operator, and a second network node for operating a function of the first network node by a virtual machine in a second network operated by the second operator A second means for transmitting the identified communication data.
  • the program of the present invention includes a process for identifying communication data of a subscriber terminal of a first operator that operates a first network including a first network node that executes predetermined signal processing in a computer; A process of transmitting the identified communication data to a second network node that operates a function of the first network node by a virtual machine in a second network operated by an operator.
  • FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of the base station according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of the terminal according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication system according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first operation example of the communication system according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of the base station according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of the terminal according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation related to a non-MTC device in the second operation example of the communication system according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing operations related to the MTC device in the second operation example of the communication system according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of identifying the MME terminal type in the second operation example of the communication system according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of the MME in the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third operation example of the communication system according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a base station according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a policy management database provided in the base station according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a router according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication system according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation example of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a control device according to the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a base station according to the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 23 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a control device according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a communication device according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a control device according to the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a base station according to the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 23 is a system configuration diagram showing
  • FIG. 26 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a schematic system configuration diagram for explaining an example of a charging method in the communication system according to the seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication system according to the seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation example of the communication system according to the seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 30 is a system configuration diagram illustrating another example of the communication system according to the seventh embodiment.
  • an example of an LTE communication system will be described as a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the communication system to which the present invention is applied is not limited to LTE.
  • the present invention is applicable to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwaves, etc.).
  • the communication system includes a terminal 1, a legacy network, and a virtual network.
  • the terminal 1 is a mobile phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile router, a smart device (smart meter, smart TV, wearable terminal for monitoring power consumption at home), an M2M (Machine to Machine) device, and the like.
  • M2M Machine to Machine
  • the legacy network and the virtual network are backbone networks such as EPC (Evolved Packet Core), and are used for the terminal 1 to communicate with an external network such as the Internet via the base station 2.
  • EPC Evolved Packet Core
  • the legacy network includes a plurality of network nodes for providing a communication service to the terminal 1, and each network node is a communication device having a predetermined communication function.
  • the network node is a communication device such as a base station (eNB) 2, a SGW (Serving Gateway) 3, a PGW (PDN Gateway) 4, and an MME (Mobility Management Entity) 5.
  • the terminal 1 is connected to the base station 2 and can access a network such as the Internet via the SGW 3 and the PGW 4.
  • the communication system shown in FIG. 1 may include a network other than the legacy network and the virtual network.
  • the legacy network and the virtual network may each include a plurality of types of networks, such as an LTE network, a GPRS network, a UMTS network, and the like.
  • Each network node illustrated in FIG. 1 executes predetermined signal processing.
  • Each network node includes the following functions related to signal processing, for example.
  • SGW3 ⁇ Packet processing function (User-Plane function) ⁇ Function to process control signaling (C-Plane function) -Lawful Interception (LI) function
  • PGW4 for intercepting communication ⁇ Packet processing function (User-Plane function) -Function to manage the billing status according to communication (PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) ⁇ Function to control policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and Charging Rule Function)
  • MME5 ⁇ Function to process control signaling (C-Plane function) ⁇ Function to manage subscriber information of communication system in cooperation with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)
  • the virtual network In the virtual network, at least a part of the functions of the network node of the legacy network is virtually operated by software. For example, the function of the network node is operated by an application on the virtual machine.
  • the virtual network is constructed in a data center composed of, for example, servers and other communication devices (routers and the like).
  • the functions (for example, MME functions) of some network nodes of the legacy network can be operated by software such as a virtual machine.
  • a virtual network can be constructed by dynamically scaling out / in a virtual machine.
  • a network operator can dynamically build a virtual network by starting or stopping a virtual machine according to the state of communication traffic in the network or according to whether or not it is in a predetermined time zone.
  • the network operator can also dynamically construct a virtual network by starting or stopping a virtual machine corresponding to predetermined communication traffic, for example, communication traffic of a predetermined terminal 1.
  • the network operator can dynamically construct a virtual network by starting or stopping a virtual machine so as to satisfy a request condition (for example, SLA: Service Level Agreement) for processing communication traffic. For example, by stopping some virtual machines in a predetermined time zone with low communication traffic, it is possible to suppress resources allocated to the virtual network and reduce power consumption of the data center.
  • a request condition for example, SLA: Service Level Agreement
  • the base station 2 can distribute, distribute, distribute or switch communication traffic among a plurality of networks constituting the backbone.
  • communication traffic is distributed or switched between a legacy network and a virtual network that form a backbone of a wireless network between the terminal 1 and the base station 2. Therefore, for example, even if the terminal 1 that can be used in a network such as a wireless LAN cannot access the wireless LAN, communication traffic can be offloaded in the backbone network. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the base station 2 can execute traffic offload that does not depend on the radio environment of the terminal.
  • FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the base station 2 which is an example of the communication device according to the present embodiment.
  • the base station 2 includes an identification unit 20 and a network switching unit 21.
  • the identification unit 20 identifies the type of communication traffic or the attribute / type of the terminal 1, and selects a network corresponding to the identified communication traffic or the terminal 1 from a plurality of networks including a legacy network and a virtual network. Further, the identification unit 20 may select a network node corresponding to the identified communication traffic or the terminal 1 from a plurality of network nodes including a legacy network node and a virtual network virtual node.
  • the identification unit 20 can identify the type of communication traffic, the type of the terminal 1, and the like based on a predetermined identification policy. For example, the identification unit 20 identifies communication traffic to be processed in the virtual network based on the identification policy. For example, the identification unit 20 identifies whether the terminal 1 is a type of terminal 1 to be processed in the virtual network based on the identification policy.
  • the identification policy of the identification unit 20 can be dynamically changed, for example, by a network operator.
  • the network switching unit 21 transfers the communication traffic to the network selected for the communication traffic. For example, the network switching unit 21 switches the communication traffic transfer path so that the communication traffic related to the terminal 1 passes through a selected network (for example, a legacy network or a virtual network). For example, the network switching unit 21 transfers the specific communication traffic identified by the identification unit 20 to the virtual network.
  • a selected network for example, a legacy network or a virtual network.
  • the network switching unit 21 can manage the legacy network node and the virtual network node separately from each other.
  • the network switching unit 21 manages the identification information (for example, the address of the node) regarding the node of the legacy network and the identification information (for example, the address of the virtual node) regarding the virtual node of the virtual network, separately from each other.
  • the network switching unit 21 may manage the identification information of each node in association with a flag indicating whether or not the node is a virtual node. With the above configuration, the network switching unit 21 can transmit communication traffic to be offloaded to the virtual network to the virtual node on the virtual network.
  • the identification unit 20 identifies, for example, whether the terminal 1 is an MTC (Machine Type Communication) device. For example, the network switching unit 21 transfers the communication traffic of the terminal 1 identified by the identifying unit 20 as an MTC device to the virtual network. For example, when the terminal 1 is an MTC device, the identification unit 20 may identify the MTC device group to which the terminal belongs. For example, the network switching unit 21 switches a network for transferring communication traffic related to the terminal according to the identified MTC device group.
  • MTC Machine Type Communication
  • the identification unit 20 can identify communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined application. As an example, when the identification unit 20 identifies communication traffic corresponding to an application related to M2M (Machine-to-Machine), the network switching unit 21 transfers the communication traffic related to M2M to, for example, a virtual network. As another example, the identification unit 20 may identify communication traffic corresponding to an application such as SNS (Social Network Service). Further, the identification unit 20 may identify communication traffic corresponding to an application that operates in the background of the terminal 1 (for example, an application that automatically communicates at a predetermined time interval regardless of a user operation).
  • M2M Machine-to-Machine
  • SNS Social Network Service
  • the identification unit 20 can identify communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined position (for example, a predetermined base station, a predetermined cell, etc.). As an example, the identification unit 20 can identify communication traffic corresponding to a position (event venue, shopping mall, etc.) where many users gather.
  • the network switching unit 21 transfers the communication traffic identified by the identification unit 20 to, for example, a virtual network.
  • the base station 2 is exemplified as the communication device according to the present embodiment, but the MME 5 may have the functions of the identification unit 20 and the network switching unit 21 described above as the communication device.
  • the base station 2 can also select a network based on a predetermined message transmitted from the terminal 1.
  • a configuration example of the terminal 1 capable of transmitting a predetermined message to the base station 2 will be shown with reference to FIG.
  • the terminal 1 includes a message generation unit 10 and a communication unit 11.
  • the message generator 10 generates a message for the base station 2 to select a network. For example, the message generator 10 generates a message including information indicating whether the terminal 1 is an MTC device. Further, for example, the message generation unit 10 generates a message including information indicating an application corresponding to communication traffic.
  • the communication unit 11 transmits the generated message to the base station 2. As described above, the base station 2 selects a network based on the message transmitted from the terminal 1.
  • the traffic offload according to the present embodiment can be implemented using either one or both of the base station 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the terminal 1 illustrated in FIG.
  • the communication method according to the present embodiment will be described.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the terminal 1 notifies the base station 2 of a connection request to the network (operation S1-1). For example, the terminal 1 notifies the base station 2 of a connection request to the network when the power is turned on or the cellular communication function is turned on.
  • the base station 2 selects a network to which the terminal 1 is connected in response to a connection request from the terminal 1 (operation S1-2).
  • the base station 2 selects either a legacy network or a virtual network.
  • the terminal 1 that has notified the connection request is an MTC device
  • the base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to the virtual network.
  • the base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to the selected network (operation S1-3).
  • the base station 2 connects the terminal 1 to either a legacy network or a virtual network.
  • the base station 2 can adjust the amount of traffic flowing into the legacy network.
  • the base station 2 can select a network node to which the terminal 1 is connected depending on whether or not the terminal 1 is an MTC device.
  • the technique of the second embodiment can be applied to both the first embodiment and the later-described embodiments.
  • the MTC device includes the M2M device exemplified in the above embodiment.
  • the MTC device is, for example, a smart device (a smart meter that monitors household power consumption, a smart TV, a wearable terminal, etc.), an industrial device, a car, a healthcare device, a home appliance, or the like.
  • MTC refers to a form of data communication that does not necessarily require human intervention, such as a smart meter. That is, the MTC device can perform autonomous communication with a communication partner device.
  • MTC is being standardized by technical standard specifications (3GPP TS22.368 etc.).
  • the MTC device is assumed to be used when communicating at a specific time (for example, “every day, PM 12:00”, “every Friday, AM 3:00”, etc.). Therefore, when there are a large number of similar MTC devices (eg, smart meters), it is assumed that a large amount of traffic occurs at a specific time when communication is started at the same time. Such a large amount of traffic is a heavy load on the legacy network.
  • the base station 2 can offload the communication traffic of the MTC device to the virtual network.
  • the load can be reduced.
  • the communication system according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of FIG. 1, but the terminal 1 includes a Non-MTC device 1A and an MTC device 1B. . Since the configurations of the Non-MTC device 1A, the MTC device 1B, and the base station 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, since the functions of the network nodes (SGW3, PGW4, MME5) illustrated in FIG. 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • the base station 2 which is a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment can connect the MTC device 1B to the virtual network and the non-MTC device 1A to the legacy network. Therefore, the base station 2 can offload communication traffic related to the MTC device 1B to the virtual network.
  • a virtual network node that constitutes a virtual network is operated by a virtual machine that is dynamically constructed according to a request condition related to processing of communication data of the MTC device 1B.
  • the required conditions include, for example, the performance and communication bandwidth required for processing the communication data of the MTC device 1B, the SLA (Service Level Agreement) required for the communication of the MTC device 1B, and the time when the communication by the MTC device 1B occurs Obi etc.
  • the base station 2 selects the MME to which the terminal is connected in response to the reception of “RRC Connection Request” (Operation S2-2). For example, the identification unit 20 of the base station 2 identifies whether the terminal is an MTC device based on information included in “RRC Connection Request”. As an example, the identification unit 20 identifies whether the type of the terminal is an MTC device based on whether “LAPI: Low Access Priority Indicator” is included in “RRC Connection Request”. Since “LAPI” is not included in the “RRC Connection Request” transmitted from the non-MTC device 1A, in operation S2-2, the terminal is identified as a non-MTC device and is legacy to the non-MTC device. Select a network.
  • the non-MTC device 1A transmits a message (“Attach Request”) requesting connection to the network to the base station 2.
  • the network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits the “Attach Request” received from the non-MTC device 1A to the MME 5 of the selected legacy network because the MME 5 of the legacy network is selected in the operation S2-2 ( Operation S2-3).
  • the MME 5 of the legacy network starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (operation S2-4).
  • the EPS bearer establishment procedure is started by the MME 5, control signals are exchanged among the SGW 3, the PGW 4, the MME 5, and the base station 2, and the EPS bearer is established.
  • the network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits and receives communication data related to the non-MTC device 1A via the EPS bearer, so that the non-MTC device 1A can communicate with the external network via the established EPS bearer.
  • the base station 2 selects the MME to which the terminal is connected in response to the reception of “RRC Connection Request” (Operation S2-6). Since “LAPI” is included in the “RRC Connection Request” transmitted from the MTC device 1B, the identification unit 20 of the base station 2 performs “RRC Connection Request” based on the LAPI included in the “RRC Connection Request”.
  • the transmitting terminal is identified as an MTC device, and a virtual network is selected for the MTC device.
  • the network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 receives the “Attach Request” received from the MTC device 1B. Transmit to the virtual MME 5A of the selected virtual network (operation S2-7).
  • the virtual MME 5A In response to the reception of “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (operation S2-8). By starting the EPS bearer establishment procedure by the virtual MME 5A, control signals are exchanged among the virtual SGW 3A, the virtual PGW 4A, the virtual MME 5A, and the base station 2 to establish an EPS bearer.
  • the network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 transmits and receives communication data related to the MTC device 1B via the EPS bearer, so that the MTC device 1B communicates via the established EPS bearer.
  • FIG. 7 shows an operation example related to the non-MTC device 1A.
  • the base station 2 transmits “Attach Request” to the MME 5 of the legacy network.
  • the MME 5 executes a terminal authentication procedure in response to the reception of “Attach Request” (operation S3-2).
  • the MME 5 executes identification of the terminal type in the authentication procedure (Operation S3-3).
  • the MME 5 identifies the type of the terminal based on the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) included in the “Attach Request”.
  • IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
  • the MME 5 determines that the terminal is not an MTC device by the above-described identification procedure, the MME 5 starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (operation S3-4).
  • the EPS bearer establishment procedure is the same as that in the operation example of FIG.
  • the MME 5 transmits “Authentication Information Request” to the HSS (Home Subscriber Server) 6 (operation S3-10).
  • “Authentication Information Request” includes IMSI.
  • the HSS 6 manages “External Identifier” which is identification information for identifying an MTC device by an external AS (Application Server).
  • the external AS calls the MTC device based on “External Identifier” (Call procedure triggered by the external AS).
  • the M2M service provider uses “External Identifier” to identify the MTC device.
  • the HSS 6 manages, for example, IMSI and “External Identifier” in association with each other.
  • the HSS 6 searches for “External Identifier” in response to the reception of “Authentication Information Request” (operation S3-11). For example, the HSS 6 searches for “External Identifier” associated with the IMSI included in the “Authentication Information Request”.
  • the HSS 6 includes the search result of “External Identifier” in “Authentication Information Answer” and transmits it to the MME 5 (operation S3-12). For example, when information indicating that “External Identifier” is searched for in “Authentication Information Answer”, the MME 5 determines that the terminal is an MTC device. For example, when the information indicating that “External Identifier” has been searched for is not included in “Authentication Information Answer”, the MME 5 determines that the terminal is not an MTC device.
  • the MME 5 when the MME 5 identifies that the terminal is an MTC device by the terminal identification procedure (operation S3-7), the MME 5 transmits “MME Reselection Indication” to the base station 2 and transmits the MME to the base station 2. Reselect (operation S3-8).
  • the MME 5 includes, for example, information on the MME to be reselected by the base station 2 in “MME Selection Indication” and transmits the information to the base station 2.
  • the MME 5 can include the IP address of the MME (virtual MME 5A) of the virtual network in the “MME Reselection Indication”.
  • the base station 2 In response to the reception of “MME Selection Indication”, the base station 2 transmits “Attach Request” to the reselected MME (operation S3-9). If the base station 2 reselects the virtual MME 5A, the base station 2 transmits “Attach Request” to the reselected virtual MME 5A.
  • the virtual MME 5A In response to the reception of “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A starts an EPS bearer construction procedure in the virtual network (operation S3-10).
  • the EPS bearer establishment procedure is the same as that in the operation example of FIG.
  • the MTC device 1B communicates with the Internet or the like via an EPS bearer constructed in a virtual network.
  • the MME 5 has a function of instructing the base station 2 to reselect the MME according to the type of the terminal.
  • the MME 5 includes a virtual entity management unit 50 and a control unit 51.
  • the virtual entity management unit 50 manages, for example, the address (IP address or the like) of the virtual MME 5A arranged in the virtual network.
  • the control unit 51 acquires the address of the virtual MME 5A from the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • the control unit 51 transmits the acquired IP address to the base station 2 and instructs reselection of the MME. In this way, as described above, the base station 2 retransmits “Attach Request” to the virtual MME 5A of the IP address notified from the control unit 51.
  • the “RRC Connection Request” transmitted to the base station 2 includes the MTC device identifier, so the base station 2 includes the MTC device identifier in the “RRC Connection Request”.
  • the MME can be selected depending on whether or not it is selected. For example, if the MTC device identifier is included in “RRC Connection Request”, the base station 2 selects the MME (virtual MME 5A) of the virtual network.
  • the base station 2 or the MME 5 selects the network to which the terminal 1 is connected according to the type of the terminal 1 (that is, whether or not it is an MTC device).
  • the base station 2 or the MME 5 may select a network to which the terminal 1 is connected based on a policy regarding the type of the terminal 1.
  • the base station 2 or the MME 5 is based on the user attributes of the terminal 1 (for example, whether or not it is a premium user), the charging characteristics of the terminal 1 (for example, whether it is pay-as-you-go or flat-rate charging), etc. You can also select a network.
  • the base station 2 can select a network node to which the terminal 1 is connected according to the type of communication traffic.
  • the third embodiment can be applied to any of the first and second embodiments or the later-described embodiments.
  • the base station 2 and the router 7 configure a legacy network and a virtual network as a network through which communication traffic between the terminal 1 and the external network passes according to the communication type. You can choose from. Since the configurations of the legacy network and the virtual network are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the details are omitted.
  • the base station 2 has a switch function capable of switching the transfer destination of communication traffic, and may have the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 or the configuration illustrated in FIG.
  • the base station 2 includes a switch unit 22 and a policy management DB (Data Base) 24, and the switch unit 22 includes a plurality of ports 23.
  • the switch unit 22 can switch the transfer destination of communication traffic according to the communication type.
  • the switch unit 22 may be a virtual switch (vSwitch) configured by software, for example.
  • the policy management DB 24 has the data configuration illustrated in FIG. 14 and includes a rule for identifying communication traffic (“Identification Rule”) and a transfer destination (“Destination”) of communication traffic conforming to the rule. .
  • the switch unit 22 refers to the policy management DB 24 and identifies the type of communication traffic input to the port 23. More specifically, the switch unit 22 includes the port number of the input communication traffic (for example, port number “80” for HTTP communication, port number “25” for SMTP communication), and “Identification Rule” in the policy management DB 24. And “Identification Rule” is searched using the port number of the input communication traffic. The switch unit 22 transfers the input communication traffic to “Destination” associated with the searched “Identification Rule”, that is, to the port 23 corresponding to the selected network, and transmits it to the selected network. When the “Identification Rule” corresponding to the communication traffic is not searched in the policy management DB 24, the switch unit 22 selects a default transfer destination (for example, legacy network) and transfers the communication traffic to the corresponding port 23. .
  • a default transfer destination for example, legacy network
  • the router 7 has the same configuration and function as the base station 2. That is, the router 7 includes a switch unit 70 and a policy management DB 72, and has the same configuration and function as the switch unit 22 and the policy management DB 24 of the base station 2, respectively.
  • the MME 5 and the virtual MME 5A each start an EPS bearer establishment procedure (Operation S5-2, Operation S5-3).
  • the EPS bearer establishment procedure is started by the MME 5
  • control signals are exchanged among the SGW 3, the PGW 4, the MME 5, and the base station 2, and the EPS bearer is established.
  • an EPS bearer establishment procedure is started by the virtual MME 5A
  • control signals are exchanged among the virtual SGW 3A, the virtual PGW 4A, the virtual MME 5A, and the base station 2, and an EPS bearer is established.
  • the base station 2 when the base station 2 receives the “Attach Request” from the terminal 1, it may transmit it only to the MME 5 of the legacy network (operation S5-1).
  • the MME 5 In response to the reception of “Attach Request”, the MME 5 starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure in the legacy network and the virtual network (operation S5-2, operation S5-3). For example, MME5 transmits the control signal regarding EPS bearer establishment to SGW3 and virtual SGW3A according to reception of "Attach Request".
  • the base station 2 and the router 7 pass the EPS related to the communication traffic related to the terminal 1 according to the communication type. Switch bearers.
  • the base station 2 and the router 7 transfer the communication traffic to the EPS bearer established in the legacy network or perform communication. If the type is “Traffic (B)”, the communication traffic is transferred to the EPS bearer established in the virtual network (operation S5-4, operation S5-5).
  • a network node to which the terminal 1 is connected is selected based on information related to the position of the terminal 1.
  • the fourth embodiment can be applied to both the first to third embodiments and the embodiments described later.
  • the communication system illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a plurality of networks (here, a legacy network and a virtual network) and a plurality of base stations, and is connected depending on the geographical location of the terminal 1.
  • Network to select Since the configurations of the legacy network and the virtual network have already been described, details are omitted.
  • the network to which the terminal 1 can be connected is determined to be either a legacy network or a virtual network depending on the position of the terminal 1.
  • the terminal 1 is connected to the legacy network when staying in the cover area of the base station 2 (A), and is connected to the virtual network when staying in the cover area of the base station 2 (B).
  • the terminal 1 transmits “Attach Request” to the base station 2 (A), and in response, the base station 2 (A) sets “Attach Request” to the default MME (here, the legacy network). It is assumed that it has been transmitted to the MME 5) (operation S6-1).
  • “Attach Request” includes TAI (Tracking Area ID) and ECGI (E-UTRAN Cell Global ID). The TAI is an identifier of an area where the terminal 1 has performed location registration. ECGI is the identifier of the cell of the base station 2 to which the terminal 1 is connected.
  • the MME 5 selects a network to which the terminal 1 should be connected based on at least one of the TAI and ECGI included in the “Attach Request” (operation S6-2).
  • the MME 5 in this operation example has the configuration and functions illustrated in FIG. 10 described above, for example. That is, the control unit 51 of the MME 5 selects a network to which the terminal 1 is connected based on at least one of TAI and ECGI.
  • the control unit 51 has policy information indicating a network associated with the position (TAI or ECGI) of the terminal 1.
  • the control unit 51 refers to the policy information and searches for a network corresponding to the TAI or ECGI included in the “Attach Request”.
  • the control unit 51 searches the virtual entity management unit 50 for the address of the virtual MME 5A.
  • the control unit 51 notifies the base station 2 of the address of the searched virtual MME 5A.
  • the base station 2 retransmits “Attach Request” to the address of the notified virtual MME 5A.
  • the legacy network is associated with the TAI or ECGI corresponding to the base station 2 (A). Therefore, the MME 5 selects the legacy network as the network to which the terminal 1 is connected in operation S6-2. Since the MME 5 is located in the legacy network, the EPS bearer establishment procedure is started without instructing the base station 2 (A) to reselect the MME (operation S6-3), and the EPS bearer is established in the legacy network. Is done.
  • the terminal 1 communicates via an EPS bearer constructed in a legacy network.
  • the terminal 1 transmits “Attach Request” to the base station 2 (B), connects in response to this, and the base station 2 (B) transmits “Attach Request” to the MME 5 of the legacy network. (Operation S6-4).
  • the MME 5 searches for a network associated with the TAI or ECGI included in the “Attach Request” received from the base station 2 (B).
  • a virtual network is associated with the TAI or ECGI corresponding to the base station 2 (B). Therefore, the MME 5 selects a virtual network as a network to which the terminal 1 is connected (Operation S6-5).
  • the MME 5 transmits an instruction including the address of the virtual MME 5A (“MME Reselection Indication”) to the base station 2 (B) (Operation S6-6).
  • the base station 2 (B) retransmits “Attach Request” to the instructed address, that is, the virtual MME 5A (operation S6-7).
  • the virtual MME 5A When receiving the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure (operation S6-8), and thereby an EPS bearer is constructed in the virtual network.
  • the terminal 1 communicates via an EPS bearer constructed in a virtual network.
  • an MME is associated with each base station 2 in advance.
  • the MME 5 of the legacy network is associated with the base station 2 (A)
  • the virtual MME 5A of the virtual network is associated with the base station 2 (B).
  • the base station 2 (A) transmits “Attach Request” transmitted from the terminal 1 to the MME 5 corresponding to the base station 2 (A) (operation S6-9). Receiving “Attach Request”, the MME 5 starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure in the legacy network (operation S6-10). As the EPS bearer establishment procedure is started by the MME 5, control signals are exchanged among the SGW 3, the PGW 4, the MME 5, and the base station 2, and the EPS bearer is established.
  • the base station 2 (B) transmits “Attach Request” transmitted from the terminal 1 to the virtual MME 5 A corresponding to the base station 2 (B) (operation S 6-11).
  • the virtual MME 5A receives the “Attach Request”, and starts an EPS bearer establishment procedure in the virtual network (operation S6-12).
  • control signals are exchanged among the virtual SGW 3A, the virtual PGW 4A, the virtual MME 5A, and the base station 2 to establish an EPS bearer.
  • a control device centrally manages a policy for network selection. Therefore, the efficiency of policy operation management for network selection or network node selection is improved.
  • the fifth embodiment can be applied to any of the first to fourth embodiments and later-described embodiments.
  • the communication system according to this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 has a policy for network selection to a plurality of networks (here, legacy network and virtual network), terminal 1, base station 2, base station 2 and / or MME. And a control device 8 having a function of notifying. Since the configurations of the legacy network and the virtual network are as described above, the same reference numerals are assigned and details are omitted.
  • control device 8 includes a policy management DB (Data Base) 80, a control unit 81, and an interface 82.
  • DB Data Base
  • the interface 82 is an interface for communicating with the base station 2 and the MME 5.
  • the control device 8 can communicate with the base station 2 and the MME 5 using a predetermined protocol via the interface 82.
  • the policy management DB 80 manages policies for network selection. For example, the network operator inputs a policy to the policy management DB 80.
  • the control unit 81 refers to the policy management DB 80 and notifies the policy to the base station 2 and the MME 5 via the interface 82.
  • the control device 8 may be, for example, a SON (Self Organizing Network) server or an operation management device used by a network operator.
  • SON Self Organizing Network
  • the policy management DB 80 manages, for example, a policy used for the virtual network to offload the load on the legacy network. Examples of policies stored in the policy management DB 80 are as follows.
  • a policy / MTC device related to the type of terminal is connected to the virtual network. Connect non-MTC devices to legacy networks. Connect a predetermined MTC device (eg, smart meter) to the virtual network. Connect MTC devices belonging to a predetermined MTC device group to the virtual network. -The terminal 1 corresponding to a predetermined user attribute (for example, premium user) is connected to the legacy network. The terminal 1 corresponding to a predetermined user attribute (for example, a general user) is connected to the virtual network. -Connect the terminal 1 of the user whose communication volume exceeds a predetermined value to the virtual network. -The policy is enabled only during a predetermined time period (for example, AM 1: 00-AM 4:00). (This policy is used in combination with at least one of the above policies.)
  • a predetermined time period for example, AM 1: 00-AM 4:00.
  • a predetermined application for example, SNS application
  • Transfer a portion of communication traffic for a given application eg, SNS application
  • Forward communication traffic for a given application eg, SNS application
  • Connecting communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined charging characteristic for example, flat fee charging
  • Connect communication traffic corresponding to a predetermined charging characteristic for example, pay-per-use charging
  • the policy is validated only during a predetermined time period (Ex: AM 1: 00-AM 4:00). (This policy is used in combination with at least one of the above policies.)
  • the terminal 1 connected to a predetermined base station is connected to the virtual network.
  • a terminal 1 connected to a base station corresponding to a predetermined event or a predetermined location is connected to the virtual network.
  • the terminal 1 connected to a predetermined cell is connected to the virtual network.
  • a terminal 1 connected to a cell corresponding to a predetermined event or a predetermined location is connected to the virtual network.
  • the policy is enabled only during a predetermined time period (for example, AM 1: 00-AM 4:00). (This policy is used in combination with at least one of the above policies.)
  • the base station 2 and the MME 5 select a network or a network node by the method described in the above embodiment based on the received policy.
  • the base station 2 and the MME 5 can use the above-described policies individually or in combination with the above-described policies.
  • the base station 2 is assumed to communicate with the control device 8 via the interface 25.
  • the base station 2 receives the policy from the control device 8 via the interface 25, the base station 2 stores the received policy in the identification unit 20.
  • the identification unit 20 selects a network based on the received policy. Further, the identification unit 20 may select a network node based on the received policy.
  • the MME 5 may have an interface for communicating with the control device 8, similarly to the base station 2.
  • the MME 5 receives a policy from the control device 8 via the interface, and selects a network based on the received policy.
  • the MME 5 may select a network node based on the received policy.
  • control device can execute the provisioning of the virtual network resources, thereby improving the efficiency of the operation management of the virtual network.
  • the sixth embodiment can be applied to both the first to fifth embodiments and the embodiments described later.
  • the communication system according to this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23 includes a plurality of networks (here, legacy network and virtual network), a terminal 1, a base station 2, and a control device 8. Since the configurations of the legacy network and the virtual network are as described above, the same reference numerals are assigned and details are omitted.
  • the control device 8 executes virtual network resource provisioning. For example, the control device 8 can allocate resources (server resources, CPU resources, network resources, etc.) to virtual network nodes (virtual MME, virtual SGW, virtual PGW, etc.) in preparation for offloading of communication traffic. .
  • the resource allocation for the virtual network node can be performed, for example, for a virtual machine that operates the virtual network node.
  • control device 8 can predict a time zone during which communication traffic increases, and can provision virtual network resources prior to the time zone. Further, the control device 8 can dynamically execute the provisioning of the resources of the virtual network as the communication traffic increases.
  • control device 8 is a virtual NW that executes provisioning of virtual network resources.
  • a (network) control unit 83 is included.
  • the configuration of the control device 8 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the example of FIG.
  • the control device 8 may not have a function (policy management DB 80 or the like) for notifying the base station 2 or the like of a policy for selecting a network.
  • the control device according to the present embodiment may be a device different from the control device according to the fifth embodiment (FIG. 21).
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates, for example, a resource capable of processing communication traffic by the MTC device to the virtual network prior to a time zone when communication by a predetermined type of MTC device occurs.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates a resource for processing a control signal (for example, a control signal related to a connection request to the network) transmitted by the MTC device to the virtual MME 5A. Further, for example, the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates resources for processing U-Plane (user plane) data transmitted by the MTC device to the virtual SGW 3A and the virtual PGW 4A. The virtual NW control unit 83 may assign a resource for processing communication traffic related to a predetermined type of MTC device group to the virtual network. The virtual NW control unit 83 may release resources from the virtual network during a time period when no communication traffic is generated by the MTC device.
  • a control signal for example, a control signal related to a connection request to the network
  • U-Plane (user plane) data transmitted by the MTC device to the virtual SGW 3A and the virtual PGW 4A.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 may assign a resource for processing communication traffic related to a predetermined type of MTC device group to the virtual network.
  • control unit 81 of the control device 8 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy for network selection in response to allocation of resources for processing communication traffic related to the MTC device.
  • the policy notified to the base station 2 or the like is, for example, a policy related to the MTC device among the policies exemplified in the fifth embodiment.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 predicts a time zone in which communication traffic increases based on the analysis result of communication traffic in the communication system, and allocates resources for processing the increased communication traffic based on the prediction result. Can be assigned to a virtual network.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 may perform analysis of communication traffic.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 may acquire the result of traffic analysis from the network operator via OSS / BSS (Operation Support System / Business Support System).
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates a resource for processing a control signal of communication traffic expected to increase to the virtual MME 5A. Further, for example, the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates resources for processing U-Plane (user plane) data expected to increase to the virtual SGW 3A and the virtual PGW 4A.
  • U-Plane user plane
  • the control unit 81 of the control device 8 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy for network selection, for example, in response to the resource being allocated.
  • the control unit 81 can also notify the base station 2 or the like of at least one of the policies exemplified in the fifth embodiment.
  • the control unit 81 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy indicating that the communication traffic related to a predetermined application is transferred to the virtual network in order to offload the communication traffic.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 can allocate resources to the virtual network in response to a disaster such as an earthquake. Also, the virtual NW control unit 83 can allocate resources to the virtual network prior to the date and time when an event where a large number of terminal users gather is held, for example.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 can allocate, to the virtual SGW 3, the virtual PGW 4, and the virtual MME 5A, a resource for processing a call or data communication that is expected to increase with the occurrence of a disaster or with an event.
  • the control unit 81 of the control device 8 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy for network selection in response to the resource being allocated.
  • the control unit 81 can notify the base station 2 or the like of at least one of the policies exemplified in the fifth embodiment.
  • the control unit 81 may notify the base station 2 or the like of a policy indicating that communication traffic related to a predetermined application is transferred to the virtual network in order to offload communication traffic.
  • control unit 81 can notify the base station 2 or the like of a policy indicating that the terminal 1 corresponding to a predetermined user attribute (for example, a general user) is connected to the virtual network.
  • the control unit 81 may notify the base station 2 or the like of a policy indicating that communication traffic related to a call is transferred to either the virtual network or the legacy network in a round robin manner for each user.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 can allocate resources to the virtual network based on performance required for the virtual network, for example. For example, the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates resources to the virtual network so as to satisfy SLA (Service Level Agreement) required for the virtual network. For example, the control unit 81 of the control device 8 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy for network selection in response to the resource being allocated. For example, the control unit 81 may notify the base station 2 or the like of at least one of the policies exemplified in the fifth embodiment.
  • SLA Service Level Agreement
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 can predict the amount of communication traffic that is assumed to flow into the virtual network, for example, according to a policy that has been notified to the base station 2 or the like.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 may predict the amount of communication traffic assumed to flow into the virtual network according to a policy scheduled to be notified to the base station 2 or the like.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates resources to the virtual network based on the communication amount predicted in this way. For example, the virtual NW control unit 83 allocates resources necessary for processing communication traffic assumed to flow into the virtual network to the virtual network.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 may allocate resources necessary for processing communication traffic assumed to flow into the virtual network with performance satisfying a predetermined SLA to the virtual network.
  • control unit 81 of the control device 8 notifies the base station 2 or the like of a policy for network selection in response to the resource being allocated.
  • control unit 81 notifies the base station 2 or the like of at least one of the policies exemplified in the fifth embodiment.
  • the communication device 100 is a device that operates a virtual machine that provides a virtual network function in a virtual network, that is, a function of a virtual network node (for example, virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, virtual MME 5A, etc.). is there.
  • a virtual network node for example, virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, virtual MME 5A, etc.
  • the communication device 100 includes a control unit 110 and at least one virtual network function (VNF) 120.
  • VNF virtual network function
  • the control unit 110 can operate the VNF 120 that provides the function of the virtual network node on the virtual machine.
  • the control unit 110 may be configured by control software capable of executing computer virtualization, such as a hypervisor.
  • the control unit 110 can execute at least one of start, stop, and migration (migration for migrating a virtual machine to another communication apparatus 100) of a virtual machine that operates the VNF 120.
  • Each virtual network node has the following functions, for example.
  • Virtual P-GW4A ⁇ Packet processing function (User-Plane function) -Function to manage the billing status according to communication (PCEF: Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) ⁇ Function to control policies such as QoS (PCRF: Policy and Charging Rule Function)
  • Virtual S-GW3A ⁇ Packet processing function (User-Plane function) ⁇ Function to process control signaling (C-Plane function) ⁇ Lawful Interception (LI) function for intercepting communications
  • Virtual MME5A ⁇ Function to process control signaling (C-Plane function) ⁇ Function to manage subscriber information of communication system in cooperation with HSS (Home Subscriber Server)
  • the VNF 120 operates as the above-described virtual network node on the virtual machine.
  • the VNF 120 is constructed for each virtual network node.
  • the VNF 120 may be constructed for each function of each virtual network node.
  • the VNF 120 may operate as a U-Plane function of the virtual PGW 4A on the virtual machine.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 of the control device 8 can instruct the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 to start, delete, and migrate at least one of the virtual machines for executing the VNF 120.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 can control the resources of the virtual network by instructing the control unit 110 to perform at least one of activation, deletion, and migration of the virtual machine.
  • a virtual network operator can lend a virtual network to a legacy network operator. By lending the virtual network for a fee, the operator of the virtual network can obtain a usage fee for the virtual network. In addition, the operator of the legacy network can virtually augment the network without investing in the legacy network.
  • the seventh embodiment can be applied to any of the first to sixth embodiments.
  • a communication system includes a plurality of networks (legacy network and virtual network here) operated by respective operators, a terminal 1, and a base station 2.
  • Terminal 1 is a legacy network subscriber terminal. Since the configurations of the legacy network and the virtual network are as described above, the same reference numerals are assigned and details are omitted.
  • the virtual network operator (operator: B) can lend the virtual network to the legacy network operator (operator: A).
  • the operator A can reduce the load on the legacy network by offloading communication traffic to the borrowed virtual network.
  • the base station 2 is assumed to be owned by either the operator A or B, and can transmit at least a part of the communication traffic of the subscriber terminal of the operator A to the virtual network.
  • the base station 2 can identify the communication traffic of the subscriber terminal and transmit the identified traffic to the virtual network.
  • the base station 2 can transmit a part of the communication traffic of the subscriber terminal of the operator A to the virtual network, for example, based on the policy exemplified in the fifth embodiment described above.
  • the operator A pays a usage fee to the operator B as consideration for using the virtual network owned by the operator B.
  • a charging method for the operator A for example, a flat rate system in units of months or years, a pay-per-use system according to communication data or communication time of the virtual network, or a resource amount corresponding to a virtual machine assigned to the virtual network for the operator A A pay-as-you-go system can be adopted. Note that these charging methods are examples, and the charging method for the operator A is not limited to the above example.
  • the policy for network selection set by the operator A in the base station 2 may be, for example, the policy illustrated in the fifth embodiment described above.
  • the operator A may set a policy for the MME 5.
  • the base station 2 or the MME 5 selects a network to which the terminal 1 is connected according to the set policy.
  • the operator B of the virtual network may set a policy for the base station 2 or the like instead of the operator A.
  • the base station 2 transmits the “Attach Request” received from the terminal 1 to the virtual MME 5A (operation S7-1).
  • the base station 2 can select the virtual MME 5A by the operations S2-5 and S2-6 in FIG. 6 prior to the operation S7-1.
  • the virtual MME 5A may be selected as the transmission destination of “Attach Request” by the operations S3-6 to S3-9 in FIG.
  • the virtual MME 5A may be selected as the transmission destination of “Attach Request” by the operations S4-5 to S4-7 in FIG.
  • “Attach Request” may be transmitted to the virtual MME 5A based on the operation illustrated in FIG. 16, FIG. 18, or FIG.
  • the base station 2 can manage the virtual MME 5A for each operator using the virtual network.
  • the network switching unit 21 of the base station 2 can select a dedicated virtual MME 5A for the operator A. That is, the base station 2 can select the dedicated virtual MME 5 for the traffic from the subscriber terminal 1 of the legacy network owned by the operator A.
  • the virtual MME 5A executes the authentication process of the terminal 1 prior to the reception of “Attach Request”.
  • the virtual MME 5A can authenticate the terminal 1 using, for example, the HSS 6 arranged in the virtual network.
  • the virtual MME 5A may authenticate the terminal 1 using the HSS 6 arranged in the legacy network.
  • the HSS 6 manages, for example, the IMSI of the terminal 1 and information related to the operator to which the terminal 1 subscribes.
  • the virtual MME 5A acquires information regarding the operator to which the terminal 1 joins from the HSS 6 during the above authentication process, and recognizes the operator corresponding to the terminal 1.
  • the virtual MME 5A starts building an EPS bearer.
  • the virtual MME 5A assigns dedicated gateways (virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A) to the operator A who borrows the virtual network from the operator B. Even if another operator (for example, operator C) borrows a virtual network from operator B, different gateways are assigned to operator A and operator C, respectively. By assigning a different gateway to each operator who uses the virtual network, communication traffic relating to each operator is virtually separated, and security is improved.
  • the virtual MME 5A selects the virtual SGW 3 dedicated to the operator A (operation S7-2).
  • the virtual entity management unit 50 of the virtual MME 5A manages a virtual entity (virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, etc.) for each operator using the virtual network.
  • the control unit 51 of the virtual MME 5A selects the virtual SGW 3A corresponding to the operator A according to the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • control unit 51 of the virtual MME 5A selects a virtual SGW 3A to be assigned to the operator A from the virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • the virtual entity management unit 50 associates the virtual SGW 3A selected by the control unit 51 with the identification information of the operator to which the virtual SGW 3A is assigned.
  • the control unit 51 selects a virtual entity that is not associated with operator identification information from among the virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • the virtual MME 5A transmits a “Create Session Request” message to the virtual SGW 3A selected in operation S7-2 (operation S7-3).
  • the virtual MME 5A allocates a dedicated virtual PGW 4A to the operator A who borrows a virtual network from the operator B.
  • the virtual MME 5A includes the IP address of the virtual PGW 4A assigned to the operator A in the “Create Session Request” message.
  • the virtual entity management unit 50 of the virtual MME 5A manages a virtual entity (virtual SGW 3A, virtual PGW 4A, etc.) for each operator using the virtual network.
  • the control unit 51 of the virtual MME 5A includes the IP address of the virtual PGW 4A corresponding to the operator A in the “Create Session Request” message according to the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • control unit 51 of the virtual MME 5A selects the virtual PGW 4A to be assigned to the operator A from the virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • the virtual entity management unit 50 associates the virtual PGW 4A selected by the control unit 51 with the identification information of the operator to which the virtual PGW 4A is assigned.
  • the control unit 51 selects a virtual entity that is not associated with operator identification information from among the virtual entities managed by the virtual entity management unit 50.
  • the virtual SGW 3A In response to receiving the “Create Session Request” message from the virtual MME 5A, the virtual SGW 3A transmits a “Create Session Request” message to the virtual PGW 4A designated by the received message (operation S7-4).
  • the virtual SGW 3A includes its own IP address in the message transmitted to the virtual PGW 4A.
  • the virtual PGW 4A returns a “Create Session Response” message to the virtual SGW 3A (operation S7-5).
  • the virtual SGW 3A returns a “Create Session Response” message to the virtual MME 5A (operation S7-6).
  • the virtual MME 5A In response to receiving the “Create Session Response” message, the virtual MME 5A notifies the base station 2 of information for establishing a session between the virtual SGW 3A and the base station 2.
  • the EPS bearer is constructed in the virtual network by the operation illustrated in FIG.
  • the operator A's legacy network subscriber terminal (terminal 1 in FIG. 28) communicates via the constructed EPS bearer.
  • the base station 2 transmits the “Attach Request” received from the terminal 1 to the virtual MME 5A (operation S8-1). For example, prior to the operation S8-1, the base station 2 selects the virtual MME 5A as the transmission destination of “Attach Request” by the operations S2-5 and S2-6 in FIG. Further, for example, the base station 2 may select the virtual MME 5A as the transmission destination of “Attach Request” by the operations S3-6 to S3-9 in FIG. Further, for example, the base station 2 may select the virtual MME 5A as the transmission destination of “Attach Request” by the operations S4-5 to S4-7 in FIG. For example, the base station 2 may transmit “Attach Request” to the virtual MME 5A based on the operations illustrated in FIG. 16, FIG. 18, and FIG.
  • the virtual MME 5A executes the authentication process of the terminal 1 prior to the reception of “Attach Request”.
  • the virtual MME 5A can authenticate the terminal 1 using, for example, the HSS 6 arranged in the virtual network.
  • the virtual MME 5A may authenticate the terminal 1 using the HSS 6 arranged in the legacy network.
  • the HSS 6 manages, for example, the IMSI of the terminal 1 and information related to the operator to which the terminal 1 subscribes.
  • the virtual MME 5A acquires information regarding the operator to which the terminal 1 joins from the HSS 6 during the above authentication process, and recognizes the operator corresponding to the terminal 1.
  • the virtual MME 5A When receiving the “Attach Request”, the virtual MME 5A transmits a “Create Session Request” message to the virtual SGW 3A (operation S8-2).
  • the virtual MME 5A includes, for example, information about an operator corresponding to the terminal 1 in “Create Session Request”.
  • the virtual MME 5A starts construction of an EPS bearer by transmitting a “Create Session Request” message.
  • the virtual MME 5A, the virtual SGW 3A, and the virtual PGW 4A each allocate a dedicated TEID to the bearer related to the operator A who borrows the virtual network from the operator B. Even if another operator (for example, operator C) borrows a virtual network from operator B, the bearers related to operator A and operator C are assigned TEIDs specific to the respective operators. Security is improved by assigning a unique TEID to each operator using the virtual network.
  • the virtual SGW 3A When receiving the “Attach Request” from the virtual MME 5A, the virtual SGW 3A transmits a “Create Session Request” message to the virtual PGW 4A (operation S8-3).
  • the virtual SGW 3A assigns the TEID for the operator A to the terminal 1 which is the subscriber terminal of the operator A, and includes the selected TEID in the “Create Session Request” message. Further, the virtual SGW 3A may include information on an operator corresponding to the terminal 1 in the “Create Session Request”.
  • the virtual SGW 3A can manage a candidate TEID group to be assigned to each operator for each operator using the virtual network. For example, the virtual SGW 3A manages a candidate TEID group to be assigned to the operator A and a candidate TEID group to be assigned to the operator C. The virtual SGW 3A selects the TEID based on the operator information notified from the virtual MME 5A.
  • the virtual SGW 3A selects a TEID assigned to the operator A from the TEID group.
  • the virtual SGW 3A associates the selected TEID with the identification information of the operator assigned with the TEID.
  • the virtual SGW 3A selects a TEID that is not associated with operator identification information.
  • the virtual PGW 4A When the virtual PGW 4A receives the “Create Session Request” message from the virtual SGW 3A, it returns a “Create Session Response” message to the virtual SGW 3A (operation S8-4).
  • the virtual PGW 4A assigns a TEID for the operator A to the terminal 1 which is a subscriber terminal of the operator A, and includes the selected TEID in the “Create Session Request” message. For example, the virtual PGW 4A selects a TEID in the same manner as the virtual SGW 3A.
  • the virtual SGW 3A When the virtual SGW 3A receives the “Create Session Request” message from the virtual PGW 4A, it transmits a “Create Session Response” message to the virtual MME 5A (operation S8-5).
  • the virtual SGW 3A assigns the TEID for the operator A to the terminal 1 which is the subscriber terminal of the operator A, and includes the selected TEID in the “Create Session Request” message.
  • the virtual MME 5A In response to receiving the “Create Session Response” message, the virtual MME 5A notifies the base station 2 of information for establishing a session between the virtual SGW 3A and the base station 2.
  • the EPS bearer is constructed in the virtual network by the operation illustrated in FIG. A subscriber terminal (terminal 1 in FIG. 29) of the legacy network of operator A communicates via the constructed EPS bearer.
  • a virtual PCRF (Policy and Charging Rule Function) 40 arranged in the virtual network monitors communication traffic.
  • the virtual PCRF 40 is arranged for each operator (operator A, operator C) who borrows a virtual network from the operator B.
  • the operator B of the virtual network arranges the virtual PCRF 40 in the virtual network by the control device 8, for example.
  • the virtual NW control unit 83 of the control device 8 arranges the virtual PCRF 40 for monitoring the communication traffic related to the operator A using the virtual network in the virtual network.
  • each virtual PGW 4A is connected to an operator virtual PCRF 40 associated with each virtual PGW 4A.
  • Each of the virtual PGWs 4A can count the number of packets with a PCEF (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) function, and can transfer the packet count result to the virtual PCRF 40 connected to each virtual PGW 4A.
  • PCEF Policy and Charging Enforcement Function
  • the operator (operator B) of the virtual network monitors the packet count by each virtual PCRF 40 and acquires the communication amount for each operator using the virtual network. For example, the operator B charges the usage fee of the virtual network to each operator based on the communication amount for each operator.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention vise à proposer une nouvelle technologie de délestage de trafic pour un système de communication. À cette fin, l'invention concerne un appareil de communication comprenant : des premiers moyens qui identifient des données de communication provenant d'un terminal d'abonné associé à un premier opérateur qui exploite un premier réseau contenant un premier nœud de réseau qui exécute un traitement de signal prescrit ; et des seconds moyens qui transmettent les données de communication identifiées, à un second nœud de réseau qui utilise une machine virtuelle pour exécuter les fonctions du premier nœud de réseau dans un second réseau exploité par un second opérateur.
PCT/JP2015/002591 2014-05-23 2015-05-22 Appareil de communication, procédé de communication, système de communication, et programme Ceased WO2015178035A1 (fr)

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WO2018059494A1 (fr) * 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 华为技术有限公司 Procédé de sélection de tranche de réseau, dispositif terminal, et dispositif de réseau
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US11799619B2 (en) 2018-04-13 2023-10-24 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Method and devices for communication of information regarding a frequency resource unit
JP2025047801A (ja) * 2023-09-21 2025-04-03 Kddi株式会社 災害情報に基づいてネットワーク機能の制御を行う制御装置、制御方法、及びプログラム
JP7742868B2 (ja) 2023-09-21 2025-09-22 Kddi株式会社 災害情報に基づいてネットワーク機能の制御を行う制御装置、制御方法、及びプログラム

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