技术领域Technical field
本发明涉及通信系统中的通信控制技术。The present invention relates to communication control technology in communication systems.
背景技术Background technique
以智能手机和IoT(Internet of Things：物联网)装置为代表的无线通信装置的数量、种类和用途一直在增加，无线通信标准持续得到扩展和改善。比如，作为“5G”广为人知的第五代移动通信系统的商用服务始于2018年，目前仍由3GPP(Third GenerationPartnership Project：第三代合作伙伴计划)在推进标准的制定。此外，作为5G之后的下一代无线通信标准，已开始致力于“6G”或第六代移动通信系统的标准制定。The number, types, and uses of wireless communication devices represented by smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things: Internet of Things) devices have been increasing, and wireless communication standards have continued to expand and improve. For example, commercial services of the fifth-generation mobile communication system, widely known as "5G", began in 2018, and the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) is still promoting the formulation of standards. In addition, as the next generation wireless communication standard after 5G, efforts have been made to formulate standards for "6G" or sixth-generation mobile communication systems.
面向智能手机、移动电话等移动体或便携式通信设备(以下统称为通信设备)的移动通信(以下也称为移动体通信)网络通常由设置于地面的基站(以下也称为地面基站)所提供的通信小区(以下也称为地面通信小区)构建。但是，由于各种原因，在有些地区难以设置足够数量的地面基站，存在移动体通信的质量相对变低的问题。Mobile communications (hereinafter also referred to as mobile communications) networks for mobile or portable communication devices (hereinafter collectively referred to as communication devices) such as smartphones and mobile phones are generally provided by base stations installed on the ground (hereinafter also referred to as ground base stations) Communication cells (hereinafter also referred to as terrestrial communication cells) are constructed. However, due to various reasons, it is difficult to install a sufficient number of ground base stations in some areas, and there is a problem that the quality of mobile communications becomes relatively low.
为了解决此种因地区原因造成的移动通信质量差异的问题，以及有些地区的通信设备无法进行移动体通信这一所谓的“不在服务区”问题，正在推进非地面系网络(NTN：Non-Terrestrial Network)的研究。在NTN中，在宇宙空间、平流层等大气层中飞行的通信卫星和无人航空器作为基站(以下也称为非地面基站，特别地，通信卫星也称为卫星基站)，为地面提供通信小区(以下也称为非地面通信小区，特别地，通信卫星所提供的通信小区也称为卫星通信小区)。位于非地面通信小区内的通信设备直接地或经由其他通信设备间接地与非地面基站通信。通过为缺乏地面通信小区的地区提供非地面通信小区，能够提高该地区中的移动体通信的质量。In order to solve the problem of differences in mobile communication quality due to regional reasons, as well as the so-called "out of service area" problem that communication equipment in some areas cannot perform mobile communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN: Non-Terrestrial) are being promoted. Network) research. In NTN, communication satellites and unmanned aircraft flying in the atmosphere such as space and the stratosphere serve as base stations (hereinafter also referred to as non-ground base stations, in particular, communication satellites are also referred to as satellite base stations), providing communication cells for the ground ( Hereinafter, it is also called a non-terrestrial communication cell. In particular, a communication cell provided by a communication satellite is also called a satellite communication cell). Communication equipment located within a non-terrestrial communication cell communicates with non-terrestrial base stations directly or indirectly via other communication equipment. By providing non-terrestrial communication cells to areas lacking terrestrial communication cells, the quality of mobile communications in the area can be improved.
现有技术文献existing technical documents
在移动通信系统中，为了跟踪或检测通信设备的大致位置而配置位置注册区域或跟踪区域(TA：Tracking Area)。就位置注册区域而言，将由一个或者多个基站构成、该各基站对地面提供的各通信小区合在一起而成的整个区域相当于该位置注册区域。例如，日本某移动体通信运营商(MNO：Mobile Network Operator)通过数十个位置注册区域覆盖了日本全国。In a mobile communication system, a location registration area or a tracking area (TA: Tracking Area) is configured in order to track or detect the approximate location of a communication device. As for the location registration area, the entire area composed of one or more base stations and the communication cells provided by each base station on the ground is equivalent to the location registration area. For example, a Japanese mobile network operator (MNO: Mobile Network Operator) covers the entire country of Japan through dozens of location registration areas.
历来，为了管理通信设备对无线通信系统的连接权限，在核心网络中设置EIR(Equipment Identity Register：设备身份注册器)。EIR是通信设备的数据库，除了记录用于确定各通信设备的IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity：国际移动设备身份码)等通信设备特有信息或通信设备ID之外，还记录各通信设备对无线通信系统(特别是5G无线通信系统等地面系通信系统)的连接权限的有无、或“白”(White)、“黑”(Black)、“灰”(Grey)等分类。例如，允许具有连接权限的“白”通信设备对无线通信系统的连接，并且禁止没有连接权限的“黑”通信设备对无线通信系统的连接。另外，连接权限的有无尚未确定的“灰”通信设备也被注册在EIR中。Traditionally, in order to manage the connection rights of communication devices to the wireless communication system, an EIR (Equipment Identity Register) was set up in the core network. EIR is a database of communication equipment. In addition to recording information unique to communication equipment such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity: International Mobile Equipment Identity) or communication equipment ID used to identify each communication equipment, it also records the effects of each communication equipment on the wireless communication system. (especially terrestrial communication systems such as 5G wireless communication systems), or classification such as "White", "Black", "Grey", etc. For example, a "white" communication device with connection authority is allowed to connect to the wireless communication system, and a "black" communication device without connection authority is prohibited from connecting to the wireless communication system. In addition, "gray" communication devices whose connection permissions have not yet been determined are also registered in the EIR.
专利文献patent documents
专利文献1：日本特开2010-278886号公报。Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-278886.
发明内容Contents of the invention
发明要解决的问题Invent the problem to be solved
由于现有的EIR是考虑到5G无线通信系统等地面系通信系统而设计的，因此在将其应用于地面系通信系统和卫星通信系统等非地面系通信系统并存的无线通信系统时，可能会发生故障。Since the existing EIR is designed with terrestrial communication systems such as 5G wireless communication systems in mind, it may cause problems when applied to wireless communication systems in which terrestrial communication systems and non-terrestrial communication systems such as satellite communication systems coexist. malfunction.
本发明是鉴于此种状况而做出的，其目的在于提供一种通信控制装置，该通信控制装置能够有效地管理通信设备的对地面系通信系统和非地面系通信系统共存的无线通信系统的连接权限。The present invention has been made in view of this situation, and an object thereof is to provide a communication control device that can effectively manage a wireless communication system in which a ground-based communication system and a non-ground-based communication system of communication equipment coexist. Connection permissions.
用于解决问题的方案solutions to problems
为了解决上述问题，本发明一些方面的通信控制装置包括：第一连接权限管理部，管理通信设备对设置于地面的地面基站的第一连接权限；第二连接权限管理部，管理通信设备对飞行的非地面基站的第二连接权限；以及连接控制部，限制不具有第一连接权限的通信设备向地面基站的连接，并且限制不具有第二连接权限的通信设备向非地面基站的连接。In order to solve the above problems, the communication control device in some aspects of the present invention includes: a first connection authority management unit, which manages the first connection authority of the communication equipment to the ground base station installed on the ground; a second connection authority management unit, which manages the first connection authority of the communication equipment to the ground base station installed on the ground. a second connection authority of the non-terrestrial base station; and a connection control unit that restricts the connection of the communication device without the first connection authority to the ground base station, and restricts the connection of the communication device without the second connection authority with the non-terrestrial base station.
在本方式中，通过分别设置的第一连接权限管理部和第二连接权限管理部，能够有效地管理通信设备对地面基站的(第一)连接权限和通信设备对非地面基站的(第二)连接权限。In this method, through the respectively provided first connection authority management unit and the second connection authority management unit, the (first) connection authority of the communication device to the ground base station and the (second) connection authority of the communication device to the non-terrestrial base station can be effectively managed. ) connection permission.
本发明的另一方面是一种通信控制方法。所述方法包括：第一连接权限管理步骤，管理通信设备对设置于地面的地面基站的第一连接权限；第二连接权限管理步骤，管理通信设备对飞行的非地面基站的第二连接权限；以及连接控制步骤，限制不具有第一连接权限的通信设备向地面基站的连接，并且限制不具有第二连接权限的通信设备向非地面基站的连接。Another aspect of the invention is a communication control method. The method includes: a first connection authority management step, managing the first connection authority of the communication device to the ground base station installed on the ground; a second connection authority management step, managing the second connection authority of the communication device to the flying non-ground base station; and a connection control step of restricting the connection of the communication device without the first connection authority to the terrestrial base station, and restricting the connection of the communication device without the second connection authority to the non-terrestrial base station.
另外，以上的构成要素的任意组合、本发明的表达在方法、装置、系统、记录介质、计算机程序等之间的转换作为本发明的方式也是有效的。In addition, arbitrary combinations of the above constituent elements and conversion of expressions of the present invention into methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as forms of the present invention.
发明效果Invention effect
根据本发明，能够有效地管理通信设备对地面系通信系统和非地面系通信系统共存的无线通信系统的连接权限。According to the present invention, the connection authority of a communication device to a wireless communication system in which a terrestrial communication system and a non-terrestrial communication system coexist can be effectively managed.
附图说明Description of the drawings
图1示意性地示出了适用通信控制装置的无线通信系统的概要。FIG. 1 schematically shows an outline of a wireless communication system to which a communication control device is applied.
图2示意性地示出了包括地面通信小区和非地面通信小区的位置注册区域的例子。FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a location registration area including a terrestrial communication cell and a non-terrestrial communication cell.
图3是第一实施方式涉及的通信控制装置的功能框图。FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device according to the first embodiment.
图4是示出了第一实施方式涉及的通信控制装置的通信控制处理的流程图。FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing communication control processing of the communication control device according to the first embodiment.
图5是第二实施方式涉及的通信控制装置的功能框图。FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device according to the second embodiment.
图6是第三实施方式涉及的通信控制装置的功能框图。FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device according to the third embodiment.
图7是第四实施方式涉及的通信控制装置的功能框图。FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device according to the fourth embodiment.
图8示意性地示出了通信设备管理部将通信设备注册到EIR中并进行管理的处理。FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a process in which the communication device management unit registers and manages the communication device in the EIR.
具体实施方式Detailed ways
图1示意性地示出了适用本发明的实施方式所涉及的通信控制装置的无线通信系统1的概要。无线通信系统1包括5G无线通信系统11、4G无线通信系统12、以及卫星通信系统13。5G无线通信系统11使用NR(New Radio)或5G NR(Fifth Generation New Radio)作为无线接入技术(RAT：Radio Access Technology)，使用5GC(Fifth Generation Core)作为核心网络(CN：Core Network)，符合第五代移动通信系统(5G)。4G无线通信系统12使用LTE(Long Term Evolution：长期演进)或LTE-Advanced作为无线接入技术，使用EPC(EvolvedPacket Core：演进分组核心)作为核心网络，符合第四代移动通信系统(4G)。卫星通信系统13负责经由通信卫星131的卫星通信。尽管省略图示，但无线通信系统1也可以包括4G之前的代的无线通信系统、5G之后的代(例如6G)的无线通信系统，或者也可以包括Wi-Fi等与代无关联的任意的无线通信系统。FIG. 1 schematically shows an outline of a wireless communication system 1 to which a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The wireless communication system 1 includes a 5G wireless communication system 11, a 4G wireless communication system 12, and a satellite communication system 13. The 5G wireless communication system 11 uses NR (New Radio) or 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) as a radio access technology (RAT). : Radio Access Technology), uses 5GC (Fifth Generation Core) as the core network (CN: Core Network), and is in line with the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). The 4G wireless communication system 12 uses LTE (Long Term Evolution: Long Term Evolution) or LTE-Advanced as the wireless access technology, uses EPC (Evolved Packet Core: Evolved Packet Core) as the core network, and complies with the fourth generation mobile communication system (4G). Satellite communications system 13 is responsible for satellite communications via communications satellite 131 . Although illustration is omitted, the wireless communication system 1 may include a wireless communication system of a generation before 4G, a wireless communication system of a generation after 5G (for example, 6G), or may include any wireless communication system unrelated to a generation such as Wi-Fi. Wireless communication systems.
5G无线通信系统11包括多个5G基站111A、111B、111C(下文中有时统称为5G基站111)，这些多个5G基站111A、111B、111C能够通过5G NR与设置于地面并被称为UE(UserEquipment：用户设备)的智能手机等通信设备2A、2B、2C、2D(下文中有时统称为通信设备2)通信。5G中的基站111也被称为gNodeB(gNB)。各5G基站111A、111B、111C的可通信范围或支持范围被称为小区，分别图示为112A、112B、112C(下文中有时统称为5G小区112)。The 5G wireless communication system 11 includes a plurality of 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as 5G base stations 111). These multiple 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C can be installed on the ground through 5G NR and are called UE ( UserEquipment: user equipment) communicates with communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the communication device 2) such as smartphones. The base station 111 in 5G is also called gNodeB (gNB). The communicable range or support range of each 5G base station 111A, 111B, and 111C is called a cell, and is illustrated as 112A, 112B, and 112C respectively (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the 5G cell 112).
各5G基站111的5G小区112的大小是任意的，但一般在半径几米到几十千米之间。尽管没有确定的定义，但将半径数米到十米的小区称为毫微微(femto)小区，将半径十米到数十米的小区称为微微(pico)小区，将半径数十米到数百米的小区称为微(micro)小区，将半径超过几百米的小区称为宏(macro)小区。在5G中，多使用毫米波等的高频电波，由于直进性较高，电波被障碍物遮挡时可通信距离变短。因此，与4G以及之前的代相比，5G倾向于更多地使用小的小区。The size of the 5G cell 112 of each 5G base station 111 is arbitrary, but generally ranges from a few meters to tens of kilometers in radius. Although there is no definite definition, a cell with a radius of several meters to ten meters is called a femto cell, a cell with a radius of ten meters to tens of meters is called a pico cell, and a cell with a radius of tens of meters to several tens of meters is called a pico cell. A cell with a radius of 100 meters is called a micro cell, and a cell with a radius of more than a few hundred meters is called a macro cell. In 5G, high-frequency radio waves such as millimeter waves are mostly used. Due to their high linearity, the communication distance becomes shorter when the radio waves are blocked by obstacles. Therefore, 5G tends to use smaller cells more than 4G and previous generations.
通信设备2如果位于多个5G小区112A、112B和112C中的至少一个的内部，则能够进行5G通信。在图示的例子中，位于5G小区112A和112B内的通信设备2B能够通过5G NR与5G基站111A和111B中的任一者通信。另外，位于5G小区112C内的通信设备2C能够通过5G NR与5G基站111C通信。通信设备2A和2D由于位于所有5G小区112A、112B和112C之外，因此处于无法通过5GNR进行通信的状态。各通信设备2和各5G基站111之间的通过5GNR进行的5G通信由作为核心网络的5GC管理。例如，5GC执行与各5G基站111之间的数据交换、与EPC、卫星通信系统13、互联网等外部网络之间的数据交换、通信设备2的移动管理等。The communication device 2 can perform 5G communication if it is located inside at least one of the plurality of 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C. In the illustrated example, the communication device 2B located within the 5G cells 112A and 112B can communicate with either of the 5G base stations 111A and 111B through 5G NR. In addition, the communication device 2C located in the 5G cell 112C can communicate with the 5G base station 111C through 5G NR. Since the communication devices 2A and 2D are located outside all 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C, they are in a state in which they cannot communicate via 5GNR. 5G communication through 5GNR between each communication device 2 and each 5G base station 111 is managed by 5GC as a core network. For example, the 5GC performs data exchange with each 5G base station 111, data exchange with external networks such as EPC, satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.
4G无线通信系统12包括设置于地面并能够通过LTE或LTE-Advanced与通信设备2通信的多个4G基站121(图1中仅示出一个)。4G中的基站121也被称为eNodeB(eNB)。与各5G基站111一样，各4G基站121的可通信范围或支持范围也被称为小区并被图示为122。The 4G wireless communication system 12 includes a plurality of 4G base stations 121 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ) that is disposed on the ground and capable of communicating with the communication device 2 through LTE or LTE-Advanced. The base station 121 in 4G is also called eNodeB (eNB). Like each 5G base station 111, the communicable range or support range of each 4G base station 121 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 122.
通信设备2在位于4G小区122内部时能够进行4G通信。在图示的例子中，位于4G小区122内的通信设备2A和2B能够通过LTE或LTE-Advanced与4G基站121通信。通信设备2C和2D由于位于4G小区122外，因此处于无法通过LTE或LTE-Advanced进行通信的状态。各通信设备2和各4G基站121之间的通过LTE或LTE-Advanced进行的4G通信由作为核心网络的EPC管理。例如，EPC执行与各4G基站121之间的数据交换、与5GC、卫星通信系统13、互联网等外部网络之间的数据交换、通信设备2的移动管理等。The communication device 2 is capable of 4G communication when located inside the 4G cell 122 . In the illustrated example, the communication devices 2A and 2B located in the 4G cell 122 can communicate with the 4G base station 121 through LTE or LTE-Advanced. Since the communication devices 2C and 2D are located outside the 4G cell 122, they are in a state where they cannot communicate via LTE or LTE-Advanced. 4G communication by LTE or LTE-Advanced between each communication device 2 and each 4G base station 121 is managed by the EPC as the core network. For example, the EPC performs data exchange with each 4G base station 121, data exchange with external networks such as 5GC, satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.
注意各通信设备2A、2B、2C和2D，在图示的例子中，通信设备2A处于能够与4G基站121进行4G通信的状态，通信设备2B处于能够与5G基站111A和111B进行5G通信以及能够与4G基站121进行4G通信的状态，并且通信设备2C处于能够与5G基站111C进行5G通信的状态。当像通信设备2B那样存在能够通信的多个基站(111A、111B、121)时，在作为核心网络的5GC和/或EPC的管理下，选择从通信质量等方面被判断为最佳的一个基站来进行与通信设备2B的通信。此外，通信设备2D由于不处于能够与任一5G基站111和4G基站121通信的状态，因此通过如下所述的卫星通信系统13进行通信。Note that each of the communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D is in the illustrated example. The communication device 2A is in a state capable of 4G communication with the 4G base station 121, and the communication device 2B is in a state capable of 5G communication with the 5G base stations 111A and 111B. The communication device 2C is in a state of performing 4G communication with the 4G base station 121, and the communication device 2C is in a state of being able to perform 5G communication with the 5G base station 111C. When there are a plurality of base stations (111A, 111B, 121) that can communicate like the communication device 2B, under the management of the 5GC and/or EPC as the core network, one base station judged to be the best in terms of communication quality, etc. to communicate with the communication device 2B. In addition, since the communication device 2D is not in a state capable of communicating with any of the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, communication is performed through the satellite communication system 13 described below.
卫星通信系统13是将作为在高度距离地表500km至700km的低轨道宇宙空间中飞行的低轨道卫星的通信卫星131用作非地面基站的无线通信系统。与5G基站111和4G基站121类似，通信卫星131的可通信范围或支持范围也被称为小区并被图示为132。这样，作为非地面基站的通信卫星131在地面提供作为非地面通信小区的卫星通信小区132。地面的通信设备2如果位于卫星通信小区132内部，则能够进行卫星通信。类似于5G无线通信系统11中的5G基站111和4G无线通信系统12中的4G基站121，卫星通信系统13中作为基站的通信卫星131能够直接地或通过航空器等间接地与卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2进行无线通信。通信卫星131用来与卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2进行无线通信的无线接入技术可以与5G基站111相同是5G NR，也可以与4G基站121相同是LTE或LTE-Advanced，或者也可以是通信设备2能够使用的任意其他无线接入技术。因此，通信设备2中可以不设置用于卫星通信的特殊功能或部件。The satellite communication system 13 is a wireless communication system using a communication satellite 131, which is a low-orbit satellite flying in low-orbit space at an altitude of 500 km to 700 km from the earth's surface, as a non-terrestrial base station. Similar to the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, the communicable range or supported range of the communication satellite 131 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 132. In this way, the communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station provides the satellite communication cell 132 as a non-terrestrial communication cell on the ground. If the communication device 2 on the ground is located inside the satellite communication cell 132, it can perform satellite communication. Similar to the 5G base station 111 in the 5G wireless communication system 11 and the 4G base station 121 in the 4G wireless communication system 12, the communication satellite 131 serving as a base station in the satellite communication system 13 can directly or indirectly communicate with the satellite communication cell 132 through aircraft, etc. The communication device 2 performs wireless communication. The wireless access technology used by the communication satellite 131 to perform wireless communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 can be the same as the 5G base station 111, which is 5G NR, or it can be the same as the 4G base station 121, which is LTE or LTE-Advanced, or it can also be It is any other wireless access technology that the communication device 2 can use. Therefore, the communication device 2 may not be provided with special functions or components for satellite communication.
卫星通信系统13包括网关133，网关133作为设置于地面并能够与通信卫星131通信的地面站。网关133具备用于与通信卫星131通信的卫星天线，并且与5G基站111和4G基站121连接，该5G基站111和4G基站121作为构成地面系网络(TN：Terrestrial Network)的地面基站。以此方式，网关133将包括通信卫星131的NTN和包括地面基站111、121的TN可相互通信地连接。在通信卫星131通过5G NR与卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2进行5G通信的情况下，将经由网关133以及TN中的5G基站111(或5G无线接入网络)连接的5GC用作核心网络，在通信卫星131通过LTE或LTE-Advanced与卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2进行4G通信的情况下，将经由网关133以及TN中的4G基站121(或4G无线接入网络)连接的EPC用作核心网络。以此方式，经由网关133，在5G通信、4G通信、卫星通信等不同无线通信系统之间进行适当的协作。The satellite communication system 13 includes a gateway 133 as a ground station installed on the ground and capable of communicating with the communication satellite 131 . The gateway 133 has a satellite antenna for communicating with the communication satellite 131, and is connected to the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, which are terrestrial base stations constituting a terrestrial network (TN: Terrestrial Network). In this manner, the gateway 133 connects the NTN including the communication satellite 131 and the TN including the ground base stations 111 and 121 so as to be communicably connected to each other. When the communication satellite 131 performs 5G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 through 5G NR, the 5GC connected via the gateway 133 and the 5G base station 111 (or 5G wireless access network) in the TN is used as the core network , when the communication satellite 131 performs 4G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 through LTE or LTE-Advanced, the EPC will be connected via the gateway 133 and the 4G base station 121 (or 4G wireless access network) in the TN. Used as core network. In this way, appropriate cooperation is performed between different wireless communication systems such as 5G communication, 4G communication, satellite communication, etc. via the gateway 133.
基于通信卫星131的卫星通信主要用于覆盖不设5G基站111或4G基站121等地面基站或地面基站较少的地区。在图示的例子中，位于所有地面基站的通信小区之外的通信设备2D与通信卫星131通信。另一方面，尽管处于能够与任一地面基站进行良好通信状态的通信设备2A、2B、2C因位于卫星通信小区132内而也能够与通信卫星131通信，但是原则上与地面基站而非作为卫星基站的通信卫星131通信，从而节约通信卫星131的有限通信资源(包括电力)以用于通信设备2D等。通信卫星131通过波束成形将通信电波朝向卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2D，以提高与通信设备2D的通信质量。Satellite communications based on communication satellites 131 are mainly used to cover areas where there are no ground base stations such as 5G base stations 111 or 4G base stations 121 or where there are few ground base stations. In the illustrated example, the communication device 2D located outside the communication cells of all ground base stations communicates with the communication satellite 131 . On the other hand, although the communication devices 2A, 2B, and 2C that are in a state of being able to communicate well with any ground base station can also communicate with the communication satellite 131 because they are located in the satellite communication cell 132, in principle, they communicate with the ground base station rather than as a satellite. The communication satellite 131 of the base station communicates, thereby saving limited communication resources (including power) of the communication satellite 131 for the communication device 2D and the like. The communication satellite 131 directs communication radio waves toward the communication device 2D in the satellite communication cell 132 through beamforming to improve the communication quality with the communication device 2D.
作为卫星基站的通信卫星131的卫星通信小区132的大小可以根据通信卫星131所发出的波束的数量而任意设置，例如，能够通过将最多2800个波束组合从而形成直径约24km的卫星通信小区132。如图所示，卫星通信小区132一般比5G小区112或4G小区122等地面通信小区大，并且可以在其内部包括一个或多个5G小区112和/或4G小区122。此外，虽然在上面，作为飞行的非地面基站例示了在距离地表大约500km至700km的低轨道宇宙空间中飞行的通信卫星131，但也可以作为通信卫星131的附加或替代，将在更高的静止轨道等高轨道宇宙空间中飞行的通信卫星或在更低的(例如，距离地表大约20km)的平流层等大气层中飞行的无人或有人航空器用作非地面基站。The size of the satellite communication cell 132 of the communication satellite 131 as a satellite base station can be set arbitrarily according to the number of beams emitted by the communication satellite 131. For example, a satellite communication cell 132 with a diameter of about 24 km can be formed by combining up to 2800 beams. As shown, the satellite communication cell 132 is generally larger than a terrestrial communication cell such as the 5G cell 112 or the 4G cell 122, and may include one or more 5G cells 112 and/or 4G cells 122 therein. In addition, although the communication satellite 131 flying in the low-orbit space approximately 500 km to 700 km from the earth's surface is exemplified above as a flying non-terrestrial base station, it may also be used in addition to or instead of the communication satellite 131 at a higher altitude. Communication satellites flying in high-orbit space such as geostationary orbit or unmanned or manned aircraft flying in the lower atmosphere (for example, about 20 km from the earth's surface) such as the stratosphere are used as non-ground base stations.
如上所述，本实施方式涉及的无线通信系统1包括地面系网络(TN)11、12、以及非地面系网络(NTN)13。该地面系网络(TN)11、12能够与由设置于地面的地面基站111、121对地面提供的地面通信小区112、122内的通信设备2通信，该非地面系网络(NTN)13能够与由飞行的非地面基站131对地面提供的非地面通信小区132内的通信设备2通信。As described above, the wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment includes the terrestrial networks (TN) 11 and 12 and the non-terrestrial network (NTN) 13. The terrestrial networks (TN) 11 and 12 can communicate with the communication equipment 2 in the terrestrial communication cells 112 and 122 provided by the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 installed on the ground, and the non-terrestrial network (NTN) 13 can communicate with the terrestrial network (NTN) 13. The flying non-terrestrial base station 131 communicates with the communication equipment 2 in the non-terrestrial communication cell 132 provided on the ground.
在下文中，将共同参考图2来分别说明用于实施本发明的多个实施方式。只要不阻碍各实施方式的作用或效果，那么各实施方式的全部或部分结构要素能够任意组合。另外，对多个实施方式中共通或者相同的结构要素附以相同的附图标记，并且省略重复的说明。In the following, various embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described respectively with reference to FIG. 2 . All or part of the structural elements of each embodiment can be combined arbitrarily as long as the functions or effects of each embodiment are not hindered. In addition, common or identical structural elements in a plurality of embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.
图2示意性地示出了由地面通信小区112、122(在图2中标记为“TN Cell”)和非地面通信小区132(在图2中标记为“NTN Cell”)构成的位置注册区域或跟踪区域(图2中标记为“TA”)的示例，该地面通信小区112、122由设置于地面的地面基站111、121对地面提供，该非地面通信小区132由飞行的非地面基站131对地面提供。第一位置注册区域TA1是由地理上相邻或接近的一个或多个(图2中为多个)地面通信小区112、122构成的位置注册区域，第二位置注册区域TA2是由地理上相邻或接近的一个或多个(图2中为一个)非地面通信小区132构成的位置注册区域，第三位置注册区域TA3是由地理上相邻或接近的一个或多个(图2中为多个)地面通信小区112、122构成的位置注册区域。Figure 2 schematically shows a location registration area composed of terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 (marked as "TN Cell" in Figure 2) and a non-terrestrial communication cell 132 (marked as "NTN Cell" in Figure 2) Or an example of a tracking area (marked "TA" in Figure 2). The ground communication cells 112 and 122 are provided to the ground by the ground base stations 111 and 121 installed on the ground. The non-ground communication cell 132 is provided by the flying non-ground base station 131. Provided on the ground. The first location registration area TA1 is a location registration area composed of one or more (multiple in FIG. 2 ) terrestrial communication cells 112 and 122 that are geographically adjacent or close. The second location registration area TA2 is a location registration area that is geographically adjacent or close to each other. The third location registration area TA3 is a location registration area composed of one or more (one in Figure 2) non-terrestrial communication cells 132 that are adjacent or close to each other. The third location registration area TA3 is composed of one or more (one in Figure 2) that are geographically adjacent or close to each other. A location registration area composed of multiple) ground communication cells 112 and 122.
对各位置注册区域TA1～TA3附以对称为TAC(Tracking Area Code：跟踪区域代码)的位置注册区域进行唯一确定的代码或ID，在图2中简单地示为“#1”～“#3”。具体而言，第一位置注册区域TA1的TAC或ID是“#1”，第二位置注册区域TA2的TAC或ID是“#2”，第三位置注册区域TA3的TAC或ID是“#3”。但是，如后所述，有时也将第二位置注册区域TA2的TAC或ID设定为与第一位置注册区域TA1相同的“#1”。因此，一个位置注册区域可以包括不同类型的通信小区(地面通信小区112、122和非地面通信小区132)。在图2的例子中，通信设备2E位于第一位置注册区域TA1内，通信设备2F位于第一位置注册区域TA1以及第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域内，通信设备2G位于第二位置注册区域TA2内，通信设备2H位于第二位置注册区域TA2以及第三位置注册区域TA3的重叠区域内，通信设备2I位于第三位置注册区域TA3内(以下也将通信设备2E～2I统称为通信设备2)。A code or ID that uniquely identifies the location registration area called TAC (Tracking Area Code) is attached to each location registration area TA1 to TA3, and is simply shown as "#1" to "#3" in FIG. 2 ". Specifically, the TAC or ID of the first location registration area TA1 is "#1", the TAC or ID of the second location registration area TA2 is "#2", and the TAC or ID of the third location registration area TA3 is "#3" ". However, as will be described later, the TAC or ID of the second location registration area TA2 may be set to the same "#1" as the first location registration area TA1. Therefore, one location registration area may include different types of communication cells (terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 and non-terrestrial communication cells 132). In the example of FIG. 2 , the communication device 2E is located in the first location registration area TA1 , the communication device 2F is located in the overlapping area of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 , and the communication device 2G is located in the second location registration area. In TA2, the communication device 2H is located in the overlapping area of the second location registration area TA2 and the third location registration area TA3, and the communication device 2I is located in the third location registration area TA3 (hereinafter, the communication devices 2E to 2I will also be collectively referred to as the communication device 2 ).
图3是第一实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的功能框图。通信控制装置3具备估计部301、连接检测部302、重叠区域确定部303、连接变更限制部304、连接控制部305、区域变更检测部306、区域变更通知部307、以及连接历史信息保持部308。这些功能块是通过计算机的中央运算处理装置、存储器、输入装置、输出装置、连接于计算机的外围设备等硬件资源和使用它们执行的软件的协作来实现的。不管计算机的类型和设置场所如何，上述各功能块既可以由单个计算机的硬件资源实现，也可以通过将分散于多台计算机的硬件资源组合来实现。特别是在本实施方式中，通信控制装置3的功能块的一部分或全部可以通过通信设备2(2F等)、地面基站111、121、非地面基站131、以及设置在核心网络CN中的计算机或处理器来分布式地或集中地实现(图3中为了方便将这些所有功能块单独示出)。FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device 3 according to the first embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes an estimation unit 301, a connection detection unit 302, an overlapping area determination unit 303, a connection change restriction unit 304, a connection control unit 305, an area change detection unit 306, an area change notification unit 307, and a connection history information holding unit 308. . These functional blocks are realized through the cooperation of hardware resources such as the computer's central processing unit, memory, input devices, output devices, peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using them. Regardless of the type and installation location of the computer, each of the above functional blocks can be implemented by the hardware resources of a single computer or by combining hardware resources dispersed in multiple computers. Particularly in this embodiment, part or all of the functional blocks of the communication control device 3 can be configured by the communication equipment 2 (2F, etc.), the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121, the non-terrestrial base station 131, and a computer or computer installed in the core network CN. The processor is implemented in a distributed or centralized manner (all functional blocks are shown separately in Figure 3 for convenience).
在本实施方式中，对包括地面基站的第一位置注册区域TA1和包括非地面基站的第二位置注册区域TA2附以不同的TAC或ID“#1”和“#2”。即，地面基站对地面提供的地面通信小区和非地面基站对地面提供的非地面通信小区属于互不相同的位置注册区域TA1和TA2。在这种情况下，第一位置注册区域TA1和第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F能够与第一位置注册区域TA1内的地面基站和第二位置注册区域TA2内的非地面基站二者通信。如果该重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接目的地在地面基站和非地面基站之间频繁切换，那么通信设备2F所属的位置注册区域每次都变更，因此，后述的区域变更通知部307将会频繁地发出区域变更通知。本实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3抑制这样的地面通信小区和非地面通信小区的重叠区域OA中的位置注册区域的变更或区域变更通知的频繁发生。In this embodiment, different TACs or IDs "#1" and "#2" are attached to the first location registration area TA1 including the terrestrial base station and the second location registration area TA2 including the non-terrestrial base station. That is, the terrestrial communication cells provided by the terrestrial base station to the ground and the non-terrestrial communication cells provided by the non-terrestrial base station belong to mutually different location registration areas TA1 and TA2. In this case, the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 can communicate with the ground base station in the first location registration area TA1 and the non-stationary base station in the second location registration area TA2. The two ground base stations communicate. If the connection destination of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is frequently switched between the terrestrial base station and the non-terrestrial base station, the location registration area to which the communication device 2F belongs changes every time. Therefore, the area change notification unit 307 described below Frequent zone change notifications will be issued. The communication control device 3 according to the present embodiment suppresses such frequent occurrence of changes in the location registration area or area change notifications in the overlapping area OA of the terrestrial communication cell and the non-terrestrial communication cell.
估计部301估计重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接状况(例如，当前与地面基站和非地面基站中的哪个连接等)和位置(例如，是否位于重叠区域OA内)。估计部301从通信设备2(2F等)、构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站、构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站、核心网络CN、无线通信系统1外的任意数据库4等获取对重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接状况和位置进行指示的信息。The estimation unit 301 estimates the connection status (for example, which of the terrestrial base station and the non-terrestrial base station it is currently connected to) and the position (for example, whether it is located in the overlap area OA) of the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA. The estimation unit 301 acquires it from the communication device 2 (2F, etc.), the terrestrial base station constituting the first location registration area TA1, the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2, the core network CN, any database 4 outside the wireless communication system 1, etc. Information indicating the connection status and location of the communication device 2F within the overlap area OA.
例如，从被引入5G的核心网络CN、即5GC中的NWDAF(Network Data AnalyticsFunction：网络数据分析功能)或LMF(Location Management Function：位置管理功能)获得对重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接状态和位置进行指示的信息。NWDAF负责收集和分析包括5G的网络上的数据。具体而言，NWDAF收集和累积与连接于网络的多个通信设备2在网络上进行的各种活动有关的活动历史信息(包括与通信设备2的连接目的地基站和通信设备2的位置有关的历史信息)，并将这些信息的分析结果用于例如网络上的流量控制。LMF对包括5G的网络上的各通信设备2的物理位置进行管理。此外，在包括5G之后的某代无线通信系统的其他无线通信系统中，设想会用不同的名称来提供与NWDAF和/或LMF类似的功能，但在本实施方式中，此种类似的功能可以作为NWDAF和/或LMF的替代或附加来使用。For example, the connection status to the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA is obtained from the NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) or LMF (Location Management Function) in the core network CN introduced into 5G, that is, 5GC. and location information. NWDAF is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on networks including 5G. Specifically, NWDAF collects and accumulates activity history information related to various activities performed on the network by a plurality of communication devices 2 connected to the network (including information related to the connection destination base station of the communication device 2 and the location of the communication device 2 historical information) and use the analysis results of this information for, for example, traffic control on the network. The LMF manages the physical location of each communication device 2 on the network including 5G. In addition, in other wireless communication systems, including certain generations of wireless communication systems after 5G, it is envisaged that different names will be used to provide similar functions to NWDAF and/or LMF, but in this embodiment, such similar functions can Used as an alternative to or in addition to NWDAF and/or LMF.
另外，无线通信系统1外的数据库4包括对连接于网络的多个通信设备2提供地图服务和位置跟踪服务的服务运营商所使用的服务器，由此也可以获得对重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的位置等进行指示的信息。在这些服务中，从GPS模块等收集并累积连接于网络的多个通信设备2的位置数据，并且基于对这些数据的分析，生成例如与各地区的各时间段的拥塞状况有关的数据，从而用于提高服务质量等。In addition, the database 4 outside the wireless communication system 1 includes a server used by a service operator that provides map services and location tracking services to a plurality of communication devices 2 connected to the network, thereby also obtaining information about the communication devices in the overlapping area OA. Information indicating the location of 2F, etc. In these services, location data of a plurality of communication devices 2 connected to the network are collected and accumulated from a GPS module and the like, and based on analysis of these data, data related to congestion conditions in each time period in each area are generated, thereby Used to improve service quality, etc.
如上所述，能够从核心网络CN(NWDAF等)和/或数据库4主要获取与不特定多数的通信设备2的在网络上的活动有关的统计信息(包括与连接目的地基站有关的统计信息)和/或与物理位置有关的历史信息。在图3的例子中，估计部301可以从核心网络CN或数据库4获取重叠区域OA和非重叠区域(例如，通信设备2E或2G所在的区域)各自内的各时间段的拥塞状况或通信流量等的活动历史信息，作为对重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的当前连接状况或位置进行指示的信息。例如，在估计部301进行通信设备2F的当前连接状况或位置的估计的时间段内，当来自核心网络CN或数据库4的活动历史信息指示重叠区域OA内的通信设备2的数量或通信量平均来说多于非重叠区域内的通信设备2的数量或通信量、或者该重叠区域OA内的通信设备2中的大部分正连接于地面基站时，能够估计通信设备2F位于重叠区域OA内的可能性高，并且正连接于地面基站(第一位置注册区域TA1)的可能性高。As described above, statistical information mainly related to the activities of an unspecified number of communication devices 2 on the network (including statistical information related to the connection destination base station) can be obtained from the core network CN (NWDAF, etc.) and/or the database 4 and/or historical information related to the physical location. In the example of FIG. 3 , the estimation unit 301 may obtain the congestion status or communication traffic in each time period in the overlapping area OA and the non-overlapping area (for example, the area where the communication device 2E or 2G is located) from the core network CN or the database 4 The activity history information of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is information indicating the current connection status or location of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA. For example, when the activity history information from the core network CN or the database 4 indicates the number of communication devices 2 or the average communication volume in the overlapping area OA during the time period in which the estimation section 301 estimates the current connection status or location of the communication device 2F, In other words, when there are more communication devices 2 or traffic volume in the non-overlapping area, or when most of the communication devices 2 in the overlapping area OA are connected to the ground base station, it can be estimated that the communication device 2F is located in the overlapping area OA. The possibility is high, and the possibility is high that it is connected to the ground base station (first location registration area TA1).
另外，不限于来自核心网络CN或数据库4的不特定多数的通信设备2的活动历史信息，在能够从通信设备2F自身、构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站、构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站、核心网络CN、数据库4等获取作为估计对象的通信设备2F自身的活动历史信息的情况下，能够高精度地估计通信设备2F的连接状况或位置。例如，在估计部301进行通信设备2F的当前连接状况或位置的估计的时间段内，当所获取的活动历史信息指示通信设备2F过去处于重叠区域OA内的频率高于非重叠区域、处于重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F过去连接于地面基站的频率高时，能够估计通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的可能性极高，并且连接于地面基站(第一位置注册区域TA1)的可能性极高。In addition, it is not limited to the activity history information of an unspecified plurality of communication devices 2 from the core network CN or the database 4. It is possible to configure the second location registration area TA2 from the communication device 2F itself, the ground base station constituting the first location registration area TA1, and the second location registration area TA2. When the non-terrestrial base station, core network CN, database 4, etc. acquire the activity history information of the communication device 2F itself as the estimation target, the connection status or position of the communication device 2F can be estimated with high accuracy. For example, within the time period when the estimation unit 301 estimates the current connection status or location of the communication device 2F, when the acquired activity history information indicates that the communication device 2F has been in the overlapping area OA in the past more frequently than in the non-overlapping area, it is in the overlapping area. When the communication device 2F in OA has a high frequency of connection to the ground base station in the past, it can be estimated that the possibility of the communication device 2F being in the overlapping area OA is extremely high, and the possibility of being connected to the ground base station (first location registration area TA1) is extremely high. .
另外，除了此种过去另一天的活动历史信息之外或作为其代替，也可以利用估计部301估计通信设备2F的当前连接状况或位置之前刚才(例如，1个小时之内)的通信设备2F的活动历史信息。例如，如果在估计部301估计通信设备2F的当前连接状况和位置之前30分钟内，所获取的活动历史信息指示通信设备2F位于重叠区域OA内且连接于地面基站，则能够估计通信设备2F继续位于重叠区域OA内且连接于地面基站(第一位置注册区域TA1)的可能性极高。In addition, in addition to or instead of such activity history information of another day in the past, the estimation unit 301 may also be used to estimate the current connection status or location of the communication device 2F just before (for example, within 1 hour). activity history information. For example, if the acquired activity history information indicates that the communication device 2F is located in the overlapping area OA and connected to the ground base station within 30 minutes before the estimation section 301 estimates the current connection status and location of the communication device 2F, it can be estimated that the communication device 2F continues The possibility of being located in the overlapping area OA and connected to the ground base station (first location registration area TA1) is extremely high.
对于主要收集不特定多数的通信设备2的活动历史信息的NWDAF和数据库4，LMF能够收集与特定通信设备2F在网络上的活动有关的统计信息和/或与物理位置有关的历史信息。例如，在估计部301进行通信设备2F的当前连接状况或位置的估计的时间段内，当从LMF获得的活动历史信息指示通信设备2F过去处于重叠区域OA内的频率高于非重叠区域、处于重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F过去连接于地面基站的频率高时，能够估计通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的可能性极高，并且连接于地面基站(第一位置注册区域TA1)的可能性极高。另外，如果在估计部301进行通信设备2F的当前连接状况和位置的估计之前30分钟内，从LMF获得的活动历史信息指示通信设备2F位于重叠区域OA内且连接于地面基站，则能够估计通信设备2F继续位于重叠区域OA内且连接于地面基站(第一位置注册区域TA1)的可能性极高。另外，估计部301可以从搭载于通信设备2F的GPS模块、存储器等、构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站、构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站等直接获取如上所述的特定的通信设备2F的活动历史信息。For NWDAF and database 4 that mainly collect activity history information of an unspecified majority of communication devices 2, LMF is able to collect statistical information related to the activity of a specific communication device 2F on the network and/or historical information related to the physical location. For example, during the time period in which the estimation section 301 estimates the current connection status or location of the communication device 2F, when the activity history information obtained from the LMF indicates that the communication device 2F has been in the overlapping area OA in the past more frequently than in the non-overlapping area. When the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA has a high frequency of connection to the ground base station in the past, it can be estimated that the possibility of the communication device 2F being in the overlapping area OA is extremely high and connected to the ground base station (first location registration area TA1). Extremely high. In addition, if the activity history information obtained from the LMF indicates that the communication device 2F is located in the overlapping area OA and is connected to the ground base station within 30 minutes before the estimation unit 301 estimates the current connection status and position of the communication device 2F, the communication can be estimated The possibility that the device 2F continues to be located in the overlapping area OA and connected to the ground base station (the first location registration area TA1) is extremely high. In addition, the estimation unit 301 may directly obtain the specific information as described above from the GPS module, memory, etc. mounted on the communication device 2F, the ground base station constituting the first location registration area TA1, the non-ground base station constituting the second location registration area TA2, etc. Activity history information of the communication device 2F.
当能够从后述连接控制部305直接且实时地识别估计部301的估计对象、即通信设备2F的连接状况时，估计部301可以不估计通信设备2F的连接状况。类似地，当能够从搭载于通信设备2F的GPS模块等直接且实时地识别估计部301的估计对象、即通信设备2F的位置时，估计部301可以不估计通信设备2F的位置。When the connection status of the communication device 2F, which is the estimation target of the estimation unit 301, can be recognized directly and in real time from the connection control unit 305 described later, the estimation unit 301 may not estimate the connection status of the communication device 2F. Similarly, the estimation unit 301 may not estimate the position of the communication device 2F when the position of the communication device 2F, which is the estimation target of the estimation unit 301, can be recognized directly and in real time from the GPS module or the like mounted on the communication device 2F.
连接检测部302检测重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F是否正连接于构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站和构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站中的一者。连接检测部302可以基于由估计部301估计的通信设备2F的连接状况或由连接控制部305识别的通信设备2F的实时连接状况，检测重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F连接着的基站。The connection detection unit 302 detects whether the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA is connected to one of the terrestrial base station constituting the first location registration area TA1 and the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2. The connection detection unit 302 can detect the base station to which the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected based on the connection status of the communication device 2F estimated by the estimation unit 301 or the real-time connection status of the communication device 2F recognized by the connection control unit 305 .
重叠区域确定部303确定第一位置注册区域TA1及第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA，并且检测通信设备2F是否处于重叠区域OA内。重叠区域确定部303可以基于由估计部301估计的通信设备2F的位置、由搭载于通信设备2F的GPS模块等识别的通信设备2F的实时位置，判定通信设备22F是否处于重叠区域OA内。The overlapping area determination unit 303 determines the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2, and detects whether the communication device 2F is within the overlapping area OA. The overlapping area determination unit 303 can determine whether the communication device 22F is within the overlapping area OA based on the position of the communication device 2F estimated by the estimation unit 301 and the real-time position of the communication device 2F recognized by a GPS module or the like mounted on the communication device 2F.
在由重叠区域确定部303确认通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的期间，连接变更限制部304限制从构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站和构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站中的一种基站向另一种基站的该通信设备2F的连接目的地的变更。例如，连接变更限制部304至少拒绝一次从重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F接收到的到另一种基站的连接目的地变更请求。另外，连接变更限制部304也可以将包含另一种基站的位置注册区域作为禁止迁移区域通知给重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F。While the overlapping area determining unit 303 confirms that the communication device 2F is within the overlapping area OA, the connection change restricting unit 304 restricts access from the terrestrial base station constituting the first location registration area TA1 and the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2. Change of the connection destination of the communication device 2F from one type of base station to another type of base station. For example, the connection change restriction unit 304 rejects a connection destination change request to another base station received from the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA at least once. In addition, the connection change restriction unit 304 may notify the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA of a location registration area including another base station as a migration prohibited area.
具体而言，当重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F连接于构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站时，该通信设备2F的连接目的地向构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站的变更受到限制。相反，当重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F连接于构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站时，该通信设备2F的连接目的地向构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站的变更受到限制。由此，在通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的情况被确认的期间，与位置注册区域的变更直接相关的连接目的地的基站类型的变更受到限制。如此，根据本实施方式，能够抑制重叠区域OA中的位置注册区域的变更的频繁发生以及由后述的区域变更通知部307进行的区域变更通知的频繁发生。Specifically, when the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected to the terrestrial base station constituting the first location registration area TA1, the connection destination of the communication device 2F is changed to the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2. limit. On the contrary, when the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected to the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2, the change of the connection destination of the communication device 2F to the terrestrial base station constituting the first location registration area TA1 is restricted. Therefore, while the communication device 2F is confirmed to be in the overlapping area OA, the change of the base station type of the connection destination, which is directly related to the change of the location registration area, is restricted. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the frequent occurrence of changes to the location registration area in the overlapping area OA and the frequent occurrence of area change notifications by the area change notification unit 307 described below.
连接控制部305使各通信设备2连接于各基站，根据各基站的通信质量的波动或各通信设备2的移动来变更各通信设备2的连接目的地基站。对于重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F，如前所述，重叠区域OA内的基站类型的变更受到限制，但在重叠区域OA内正处于连接中的一种类型的基站的通信质量极端恶化的情况下、或通信设备2F移动到了重叠区域OA外的情况下(由重叠区域确定部303检测到)，允许将连接目的地变更到另一种类型的基站。The connection control unit 305 connects each communication device 2 to each base station, and changes the connection destination base station of each communication device 2 based on fluctuations in communication quality of each base station or movement of each communication device 2 . Regarding the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA, as mentioned above, the change of the base station type in the overlapping area OA is restricted, but the communication quality of one type of base station being connected in the overlapping area OA is extremely deteriorated. or the communication device 2F moves outside the overlap area OA (detected by the overlap area determination unit 303), the connection destination is allowed to be changed to another type of base station.
区域变更检测部306检测各通信设备2所连接的位置注册区域的变更。例如，在重叠区域OA内连接于构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站的通信设备2F移动到重叠区域OA外、并且移动到第一位置注册区域TA1外且第二位置注册区域TA2内的区域的情况下，连接控制部305将通信设备2F连接于构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站。此时，通信设备2F的连接目的地的位置注册区域被从第一位置注册区域TA1变更为第二位置注册区域TA2，并由区域变更检测部306检测到。The area change detection unit 306 detects changes in the location registration area to which each communication device 2 is connected. For example, the communication device 2F connected to the ground base station constituting the first location registration area TA1 in the overlapping area OA moves outside the overlapping area OA and moves to an area outside the first location registration area TA1 and within the second location registration area TA2 In the case of , the connection control unit 305 connects the communication device 2F to the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2. At this time, the location registration area of the connection destination of the communication device 2F is changed from the first location registration area TA1 to the second location registration area TA2, and is detected by the area change detection unit 306 .
在由区域变更检测部306检测到各通信设备2的连接目的地的位置注册区域的变更时，区域变更通知部307生成区域变更通知(TA Update)。区域变更检测部306以及区域变更通知部307典型地设置在通信设备2F中。具体而言，通信设备2F基于连接变更目的地的非地面基站所发送的报知信息中包含的TAC“#2”识别出自身连接到了第二位置注册区域TA2，基于与连接变更源的地面基站所发送的报知信息中包含的第一位置注册区域TA1的TAC“#1”不同，检测出自身的连接目的地的位置注册区域已变更(区域变更检测部306)。然后，通信设备2F以区域变更通知的形式向核心网络CN通知自身的连接目的地的位置注册区域已变更(区域变更通知部307)。When the area change detection unit 306 detects a change in the location registration area of the connection destination of each communication device 2, the area change notification unit 307 generates an area change notification (TA Update). The area change detection unit 306 and the area change notification unit 307 are typically provided in the communication device 2F. Specifically, the communication device 2F recognizes that it is connected to the second location registration area TA2 based on the TAC "#2" included in the notification information sent by the non-terrestrial base station of the connection change destination, and communicates with the terrestrial base station of the connection change source. The TAC "#1" of the first location registration area TA1 included in the transmitted notification information is different, and it is detected that the location registration area of its own connection destination has been changed (area change detection unit 306). Then, the communication device 2F notifies the core network CN that the location registration area of its connection destination has been changed in the form of an area change notification (area change notification unit 307).
在重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接目的地从一种类型的基站(例如，地面基站)变更为了另一种类型的基站(例如，非地面基站)的情况下，连接历史信息保持部308保持对该一种类型的基站的连接历史信息。典型地，设置在通信设备2F中的连接历史信息保持部308至少在预定时间内保持表示通信设备2F连接于该一种类型的基站的连接历史信息。在连接历史信息保持部308保持连接历史信息的期间，并且在由重叠区域确定部303确认通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的期间，通信设备2F的连接目的地从另一种类型的基站再次变更为连接历史信息得到保持的该一种类型的基站的情况下，区域变更通知部307不生成区域变更通知。例如，在重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接目的地从地面基站变更为非地面基站之后再次变更为地面基站的情况下，由于基于连接历史信息保持部308所保持的连接历史信息，不生成从第二位置注册区域TA2(非地面基站)到第一位置注册区域TA1(地面基站)的区域变更通知，因此能够抑制重叠区域OA中的区域变更通知的频繁发生。When the connection destination of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is changed from one type of base station (for example, a terrestrial base station) to another type of base station (for example, a non-terrestrial base station), the connection history information holding unit 308 Maintains connection history information for this type of base station. Typically, the connection history information holding section 308 provided in the communication device 2F holds connection history information indicating that the communication device 2F is connected to the base station of the one type for at least a predetermined time. While the connection history information holding unit 308 holds the connection history information, and while the overlapping area determining unit 303 confirms that the communication device 2F is within the overlapping area OA, the connection destination of the communication device 2F is changed again from another type of base station. In the case of this type of base station in which connection history information is held, the area change notification unit 307 does not generate an area change notification. For example, when the connection destination of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is changed from a terrestrial base station to a non-terrestrial base station and then changed again to a terrestrial base station, the connection destination is not generated based on the connection history information held by the connection history information holding unit 308. Area change notification from the second location registration area TA2 (non-terrestrial base station) to the first location registration area TA1 (terrestrial base station), therefore frequent occurrence of area change notifications in the overlapping area OA can be suppressed.
图4是示出了第一实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的通信控制处理的流程图。流程图中的“S”表示步骤或处理。在S1中，重叠区域确定部303确定第一位置注册区域TA1及第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA，并且判定通信设备2F是否处于重叠区域OA内。当在S1中判定为“是”时前进至S2，估计部301估计重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接状况。在S3中，连接检测部302基于在S2中估计的通信设备2F的连接状况、由连接控制部305识别的通信设备2F的实时连接状况，检测重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F是否连接于构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站和构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站中的一者。FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the communication control process of the communication control device 3 according to the first embodiment. The "S" in the flowchart represents a step or process. In S1, the overlapping area determination unit 303 determines the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2, and determines whether the communication device 2F is within the overlapping area OA. When the determination in S1 is "YES", the process proceeds to S2, and the estimation unit 301 estimates the connection status of the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA. In S3, the connection detection unit 302 detects whether the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected to the communication device 2F that constitutes the first communication device based on the connection status of the communication device 2F estimated in S2 and the real-time connection status of the communication device 2F recognized by the connection control unit 305. One of the terrestrial base stations in one location registration area TA1 and the non-terrestrial base stations constituting the second location registration area TA2.
在S4中，连接变更限制部304在通过S1确认通信设备2F处于重叠区域OA内的期间，限制该通信设备2F从构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站和构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站中的一种基站向另一种基站的连接目的地变更。在S5中，由连接控制部305判定通信设备2F的连接目的地基站是否已变更。在S5中为“是”的情况下前进至S6，区域变更检测部306检测通信设备2F所连接的位置注册区域的变更，区域变更通知部307生成区域变更通知(TA Update)。在S7中，重叠区域确定部303判定通信设备2F是否处于重叠区域OA内。In S4, while it is confirmed in S1 that the communication device 2F is in the overlapping area OA, the connection change restriction unit 304 restricts the communication device 2F from moving from the ground base station constituting the first location registration area TA1 and from the non-stationary base station constituting the second location registration area TA2. The connection destination of one type of ground base station is changed to another type of base station. In S5, the connection control unit 305 determines whether the connection destination base station of the communication device 2F has been changed. If YES in S5, the process proceeds to S6, the area change detection unit 306 detects a change in the location registration area connected to the communication device 2F, and the area change notification unit 307 generates an area change notification (TA Update). In S7, the overlapping area determination unit 303 determines whether the communication device 2F is within the overlapping area OA.
在S7中为“否”的情况下，意味着由于通信设备2F移动到重叠区域OA外，发生了S5中的连接目的地基站的变更。在S7中为“是”的情况下，意味着在通信设备2F停留在重叠区域OA内的状态下，发生了S5中的连接目的地基站的变更。在这种情况下，在随后的S8中，连接历史信息保持部308生成并保持连接历史信息，该连接历史信息表示重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F在S5中的连接目的地变更之前连接于一种类型的基站。在S9中，由连接控制部305判定重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接目的地基站是否已再次变更。在S9中为“是”的情况下前进至S10，但是在由连接历史信息保持部308保持在S8中生成的连接历史信息的期间，区域变更通知部307不随着S9中的连接目的地变更而生成区域变更通知。If NO in S7, it means that the communication device 2F has moved outside the overlap area OA, and the connection destination base station has been changed in S5. If "YES" in S7, it means that the connection destination base station in S5 has been changed while the communication device 2F remains in the overlapping area OA. In this case, in subsequent S8, the connection history information holding unit 308 generates and holds connection history information indicating that the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA was connected to a location before the connection destination change in S5. types of base stations. In S9, the connection control unit 305 determines whether the connection destination base station of the communication device 2F in the overlap area OA has been changed again. If YES in S9, the process proceeds to S10. However, while the connection history information holding unit 308 holds the connection history information generated in S8, the area change notification unit 307 does not follow the connection destination change in S9. Generate zone change notifications.
图5是第二实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的功能框图。通信控制装置3包括与第一实施方式(图3)相同的估计部301、连接检测部302、重叠区域确定部303，并额外包括第一寻呼控制部309、第二寻呼控制部310和基站类型记录部311。省略对与第一实施方式共通的功能块的重复说明。FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device 3 according to the second embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes the same estimation unit 301, connection detection unit 302, and overlapping area determination unit 303 as in the first embodiment (Fig. 3), and additionally includes a first paging control unit 309, a second paging control unit 310, and Base station type recording unit 311. Duplicate description of functional blocks common to the first embodiment is omitted.
在本实施方式中，对包括地面通信小区112、122的第一位置注册区域TA1和包括非地面通信小区132的第二位置注册区域TA2附以相同的TAC或ID“#1”。即，第一位置注册区域TA1以及第二位置注册区域TA2构成被附以为“#1”的TAC或ID的一个大的综合位置注册区域TA0。In this embodiment, the same TAC or ID "#1" is assigned to the first location registration area TA1 including the terrestrial communication cells 112 and 122 and the second location registration area TA2 including the non-terrestrial communication cell 132. That is, the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 constitute one large comprehensive location registration area TA0 with a TAC or ID attached to "#1".
一般来说，在对某个位置注册区域内的通信设备进行通话呼叫或短消息发送时，从该位置注册区域内的全部基站一齐发送用于呼叫该通信设备的寻呼信号。因此，不仅从构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站111、121，还从构成第二位置注册区域TA2的通信卫星131一齐发送用于呼叫综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G、2H的寻呼信号。综合位置注册区域TA0是一个大范围的区域，其所包含的基站以及在服务区内的通信设备的数量较多，因而用于发送寻呼信号的网络负载增大。另外，如前所述，一般来说通信设备2优先连接于地面基站111、121，因此认为在许多地区通信设备2连接于通信卫星131的可能性相对较低。不希望将搭载于通信卫星131的太阳能电池板从太阳光发电得到的有限电力浪费在发送被认为呼叫成功概率相对较低的寻呼信号上。本实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3使得对分别包括至少一个地面通信小区和至少一个非地面通信小区的综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H高效地发送寻呼信号。Generally speaking, when making a call or sending a short message to a communication device in a certain location registration area, paging signals for calling the communication device are simultaneously sent from all base stations in the location registration area. Therefore, not only the ground base stations 111 and 121 constituting the first location registration area TA1 but also the communication satellite 131 constituting the second location registration area TA2 simultaneously transmit signals for calling the communication devices 2E, 2F, and 2G in the integrated location registration area TA0 , 2H paging signal. The comprehensive location registration area TA0 is a large-scale area, which contains a large number of base stations and communication devices in the service area, so the network load for sending paging signals increases. In addition, as mentioned above, generally speaking, the communication device 2 preferentially connects to the ground base stations 111 and 121. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility of the communication device 2 connecting to the communication satellite 131 is relatively low in many areas. It is not desirable to waste the limited power obtained from solar power generation by the solar panel mounted on the communication satellite 131 in transmitting paging signals, which are considered to have a relatively low probability of call success. The communication control device 3 involved in this embodiment enables efficient transmission of paging signals to the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H within the comprehensive location registration area TA0, which respectively includes at least one terrestrial communication cell and at least one non-terrestrial communication cell.
基站估计部、即估计部301估计综合位置注册区域TAO内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H正连接着的基站。估计部301能够与图3的第一实施方式的估计部301同样地构成。虽然第一实施方式的估计部301估计重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的连接状况和位置，但本实施方式的估计部301估计连接目的地基站的类型(地面基站111、121或非地面基站131)，作为不限于重叠区域OA内的综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G、2H的连接状况。另外，本实施方式的估计部301可以以与第一实施方式相同的方式估计综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的其他连接状况和位置。The base station estimating unit, that is, the estimating unit 301 estimates the base station to which the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H within the integrated location registration area TAO are connected. The estimation unit 301 can be configured similarly to the estimation unit 301 of the first embodiment in FIG. 3 . The estimation unit 301 of the first embodiment estimates the connection status and position of the communication device 2F within the overlap area OA. The estimation unit 301 of the present embodiment estimates the type of the connection destination base station (terrestrial base stations 111, 121 or non-terrestrial base station 131 ), as the connection status of the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the comprehensive location registration area TA0, which is not limited to the overlapping area OA. In addition, the estimation unit 301 of the present embodiment can estimate other connection conditions and positions of the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H within the comprehensive location registration area TA0 in the same manner as the first embodiment.
估计部301基于综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的性能信息、对应频率信息、签约信息、位置信息、通信状况信息、活动历史信息、以及综合位置注册区域TA0内的不特定多数的通信设备2的活动历史信息中的至少一者，估计综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H所连接的基站的类型。指示综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G、2H的连接目的地基站的类型的这些信息由估计部301从作为估计对象的通信设备2自身、构成第一位置注册区域TA1的地面基站、构成第二位置注册区域TA2的非地面基站、核心网络CN、无线通信系统1外的任意数据库4等获取。The estimation unit 301 is based on the performance information, corresponding frequency information, contract information, location information, communication status information, activity history information of the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the comprehensive location registration area TA0, and the performance information of the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the comprehensive location registration area TA0. At least one of the activity history information of an unspecified plurality of communication devices 2 estimates the type of base station to which the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H in the integrated location registration area TAO are connected. The information indicating the types of connection destination base stations of the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the integrated location registration area TA0 is obtained by the estimation unit 301 from the communication device 2 itself as the estimation target and the ground surface constituting the first location registration area TA1 The base station, the non-terrestrial base station constituting the second location registration area TA2, the core network CN, any database 4 outside the wireless communication system 1, etc. are acquired.
例如，作为估计对象的通信设备2的性能信息、对应频率信息、签约信息、通信状况信息和活动历史信息表示通信设备2分别是否能够对应于或是否倾向于通过地面基站111、121进行的地面通信和通过非地面基站131进行的非地面通信，因此提供了与通信设备2的连接目的地基站的类型有关的有益指示。另外，根据从核心网络CN的LMF、通信设备2的GPS模块等获得的估计对象、即通信设备2的位置信息，能够检测或估计该通信设备2在综合位置注册区域TA0内的位置，因此能够估计或断定第一位置注册区域TA1内且重叠区域OA外的通信设备2E的连接目的地是地面基站111、121，能够估计或断定第二位置注册区域TA2内且重叠区域OA外的通信设备2G、2H的连接目的地是非地面基站131。对于重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F，与第一实施方式相同，估计部301参考从核心网络CN的NWDAF、数据库4获得的不特定多数的通信设备2的活动历史信息等，估计连接目的地基站的类型。For example, the performance information, corresponding frequency information, contract information, communication status information, and activity history information of the communication device 2 as an estimation object indicate whether the communication device 2 can correspond to or is inclined to terrestrial communications through the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 respectively. and non-terrestrial communication through the non-terrestrial base station 131, thus providing a useful indication as to the type of connection destination base station of the communication device 2. In addition, the position of the communication device 2 within the comprehensive location registration area TA0 can be detected or estimated based on the position information of the estimation target, that is, the communication device 2 obtained from the LMF of the core network CN, the GPS module of the communication device 2, etc., so that it is possible to It is estimated or concluded that the connection destination of the communication device 2E within the first location registration area TA1 and outside the overlapping area OA is the ground base station 111, 121, and it is possible to estimate or determine that the communication device 2G within the second location registration area TA2 and outside the overlapping area OA is , the connection destination of 2H is the non-terrestrial base station 131. For the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA, the estimation unit 301 estimates the connection destination base station by referring to the NWDAF of the core network CN, the activity history information of an unspecified plurality of communication devices 2 obtained from the database 4, etc., as in the first embodiment. type.
连接检测部302还参考估计部301的估计结果，检测综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H所连接的基站(的类型)。重叠区域确定部303确定第一位置注册区域TA1(地面通信小区112、122)和第二位置注册区域TA2(非地面通信小区132)的重叠区域OA，并检测该重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F。The connection detection unit 302 also refers to the estimation result of the estimation unit 301 and detects (types of) base stations to which the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the integrated location registration area TA0 are connected. The overlapping area determination unit 303 determines the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 (terrestrial communication cells 112, 122) and the second location registration area TA2 (non-terrestrial communication cell 132), and detects the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA. .
当从核心网络CN接收到针对分别包括至少一个地面通信小区112、122和至少一个非地面通信小区132的综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的通话呼叫和短消息时，第一寻呼控制部309使得从地面基站111、121和非地面基站131中的一种类型的基站发送去往该通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的第一寻呼信号。When receiving call calls and short messages from the core network CN for the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H within the comprehensive location registration area TAO including at least one terrestrial communication cell 112, 122 and at least one non-terrestrial communication cell 132, respectively , the first paging control section 309 causes the first paging signal destined for the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H to be sent from one type of base station among the terrestrial base stations 111, 121 and the non-terrestrial base station 131.
例如，如图所示，第一寻呼控制部309使得从地面基站111、121(第一位置注册区域TA1)发送第一寻呼信号。通过该第一寻呼信号，能够正常地呼叫在第一位置注册区域TA1内连接于地面基站111、121的通信设备2E、2F等。如果通过第一寻呼信号进行的呼叫成功，则不需要从通信卫星131发送第二寻呼信号，因而可以节省通信卫星131的有限的电力。另外，通过使得仅从包括在综合位置注册区域TA0中的一部分基站发送第一寻呼信号，能够降低用于发送寻呼信号的网络负载。For example, as shown in the figure, the first paging control unit 309 causes the first paging signal to be transmitted from the ground base stations 111 and 121 (the first location registration area TA1). Through this first paging signal, communication devices 2E, 2F, etc. connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121 in the first location registration area TA1 can be normally called. If the call through the first paging signal is successful, there is no need to transmit the second paging signal from the communication satellite 131, and thus the limited power of the communication satellite 131 can be saved. In addition, by causing the first paging signal to be transmitted from only a part of the base stations included in the integrated location registration area TAO, the network load for transmitting the paging signal can be reduced.
第一寻呼控制部309还可以使得从作为非地面基站的通信卫星131(第二位置注册区域TA2)发送第一寻呼信号。通过该第一寻呼信号，能够正常地呼叫在第二位置注册区域TA2内连接于通信卫星131的通信设备2F、2G、2H等。The first paging control unit 309 may also cause the first paging signal to be transmitted from the communication satellite 131 (second location registration area TA2) which is a non-terrestrial base station. This first paging signal can normally call the communication devices 2F, 2G, 2H, etc. connected to the communication satellite 131 in the second location registration area TA2.
优选地，第一寻呼控制部309使得从估计部301所估计的类型的基站和/或由连接检测部302检测出的类型的基站发送第一寻呼信号。例如，在呼叫由于处于第一位置注册区域TA1(地面通信小区112、122)内且处于重叠区域OA外而很可能正连接于地面基站111、121的通信设备2E的情况下，使得从地面基站111、121发送第一寻呼信号。另外，在呼叫由于处于第二位置注册区域TA2(卫星通信小区132)内且处于重叠区域OA外而很可能正连接于通信卫星131的通信设备2G、2H的情况下，使得从通信卫星131发送第一寻呼信号。Preferably, the first paging control unit 309 causes the first paging signal to be transmitted from the base station of the type estimated by the estimation unit 301 and/or the type of base station detected by the connection detection unit 302 . For example, in the case of calling the communication device 2E that is likely to be connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121 because it is in the first location registration area TA1 (ground communication cells 112 and 122) and outside the overlapping area OA, the call is made from the ground base station 111 and 121 send the first paging signal. In addition, when calling the communication devices 2G and 2H that are likely to be connected to the communication satellite 131 because they are in the second location registration area TA2 (satellite communication cell 132) and are outside the overlap area OA, the communication device 2G or 2H is caused to transmit from the communication satellite 131 First paging signal.
在呼叫处于第一位置注册区域TA1以及第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的情况下，在由重叠区域确定部303确认该通信设备2F实际上处于重叠区域OA内的基础上，基于估计部301的估计结果和/或连接检测部302的检测结果，使得从该通信设备2F正连接的可能性高的类型的基站(地面基站111、121或非地面基站131)发送第一寻呼信号。此外，第一寻呼控制部309也可以仅在呼叫重叠区域OA内的通信设备(2F等)的情况下使用估计部301的估计结果。这是因为，如上所述，对于重叠区域OA外的通信设备(2E、2G、2H等)，只要通过GPS模块等知道该通信设备的位置，那么其正连接于哪个类型的基站的可能性高即使不估计也是明确的。When calling the communication device 2F located in the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2, the overlapping area determination unit 303 confirms that the communication device 2F is actually in the overlapping area OA. On the basis of the estimation result of the estimation unit 301 and/or the detection result of the connection detection unit 302, the third base station is transmitted from a type of base station (terrestrial base station 111, 121 or non-terrestrial base station 131) that is highly likely to be connected to the communication device 2F. A paging signal. In addition, the first paging control unit 309 may use the estimation result of the estimation unit 301 only when calling a communication device (2F, etc.) in the overlap area OA. This is because, as mentioned above, for communication devices (2E, 2G, 2H, etc.) outside the overlap area OA, as long as the location of the communication device is known through a GPS module or the like, there is a high possibility of which type of base station the communication device is connected to. It is clear if not estimated.
在没有来自综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的对第一寻呼信号的响应的情况下，第二寻呼控制部310使得从地面基站111、121和非地面基站131中的另一种类型的基站发送去往该通信设备2E、2F、2G和2H的第二寻呼信号。In the case where there is no response to the first paging signal from the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H in the integrated location registration area TA0, the second paging control section 310 causes Another type of base station in 131 sends a second paging signal destined for the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H.
例如，如图所示，如果在预定时间内没有对第一寻呼控制部309使得从地面基站111、121(第一位置注册区域TA1)发送的第一寻呼信号的响应，则第二寻呼控制部310使得从通信卫星131(第二位置注册区域TA2)发送第二寻呼信号。通过该第二寻呼信号，能够正常地呼叫在第二位置注册区域TA2内连接于通信卫星131的通信设备2F、2G、2H等。For example, as shown in the figure, if there is no response to the first paging signal transmitted from the ground base stations 111 and 121 (first location registration area TA1) by the first paging control unit 309 within a predetermined time, the second paging signal is The paging control unit 310 causes the second paging signal to be transmitted from the communication satellite 131 (second location registration area TA2). This second paging signal can normally call the communication devices 2F, 2G, 2H, etc. connected to the communication satellite 131 in the second location registration area TA2.
另外，如果在预定时间内没有对第一寻呼控制部309使得从通信卫星131(第二位置注册区域TA2)发送的第一寻呼信号的响应，则第二寻呼控制部310使得从地面基站111、121(第一位置注册区域TA1)发送第二寻呼信号。通过该第二寻呼信号，能够正常地呼叫在第一位置注册区域TA1内连接于地面基站111、121的通信设备2E、2F等。In addition, if there is no response to the first paging signal transmitted from the communication satellite 131 (second location registration area TA2) by the first paging control section 309 within a predetermined time, the second paging control section 310 causes the second paging signal to be transmitted from the ground The base stations 111 and 121 (first location registration area TA1) send the second paging signal. Through this second paging signal, communication devices 2E, 2F, etc. connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121 in the first location registration area TA1 can be normally called.
基站类型记录部311在综合位置注册区域TA0内的通信设备2E、2F、2G、2H从通信状态(也称为连接状态)迁移到非通信状态(也称为等待状态)时，从连接检测部302获取并记录在即将进行该迁移之前所连接的基站的类型。第一寻呼控制部309也可以使得从基站类型记录部311所记录的类型的基站发送第一寻呼信号。由于认为基站类型记录部311记录了连接目的地基站的类型的通信设备2即使在迁移到等待状态之后，也至少在预定时间内停留在能够与迁移之前的基站连接的状态，因此能够提高通过第一寻呼信号进行的呼叫成功概率。也可以是，在由基站类型记录部311记录之后，经过预定时间之前的呼叫时，使得从基站类型记录部311所记录的类型的基站发送第一寻呼信号，在由基站类型记录部311记录之后，经过预定时间之后的呼叫时，使得从基于估计部301的估计结果和/或连接检测部302的检测结果的类型的基站发送第一寻呼信号。When the communication devices 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H in the integrated location registration area TA0 transition from the communication state (also called the connection state) to the non-communication state (also called the waiting state), the base station type recording unit 311 302 Obtain and record the type of base station connected immediately before the migration. The first paging control unit 309 may cause the first paging signal to be transmitted from the base station of the type recorded in the base station type recording unit 311 . Since the communication device 2 in which the type of the connection destination base station is recorded in the base station type recording unit 311 remains in a state capable of connecting to the base station before the transition at least for a predetermined time even after transitioning to the waiting state, it is possible to improve communication through the third Probability of call success with one paging signal. Alternatively, after the base station type recording unit 311 records the call but before a predetermined time elapses, the first paging signal may be transmitted from a base station of the type recorded in the base station type recording unit 311, and then the base station type recording unit 311 may record the first paging signal. Then, when a call is made after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first paging signal is transmitted from the base station of the type based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 301 and/or the detection result of the connection detection unit 302 .
图6是第三实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的功能框图。通信控制装置3包括与第一实施方式(图3)和/或第二实施方式(图5)相同的估计部301、连接检测部302、重叠区域确定部303、连接控制部305，且额外包括可否连接判定部312、连接建立信息保持部313。省略对第一实施方式和/或第二实施方式共通的功能块的重复说明。FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device 3 according to the third embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes the same estimation unit 301, connection detection unit 302, overlapping area determination unit 303, and connection control unit 305 as in the first embodiment (Fig. 3) and/or the second embodiment (Fig. 5), and additionally includes Connection availability determination unit 312 and connection establishment information holding unit 313. Repeated description of functional blocks common to the first embodiment and/or the second embodiment is omitted.
在本实施方式中，对包括地面通信小区112、122的第一位置注册区域TA1和包括非地面通信小区132的第二位置注册区域TA2附以不同的TAC“#1”、“#2”或相同的TAC“#1”。即，第一位置注册区域TA1以及第二位置注册区域TA2可以与第一实施方式类似地构成互不相同的位置注册区域，也可以与第二实施方式类似地构成一个大的综合位置注册区域。本实施例与位置注册区域的结构无关地涉及地面通信小区112、122(例如第一位置注册区域TA1)和非地面通信小区132(例如第二位置注册区域TA2)的重叠区域OA中的通信控制。In this embodiment, different TACs “#1”, “#2” or Same TAC "#1". That is, the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 may constitute different location registration areas similar to the first embodiment, or may constitute a large comprehensive location registration area similar to the second embodiment. This embodiment relates to communication control in the overlapping area OA of terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 (for example, the first location registration area TA1) and the non-terrestrial communication cell 132 (for example, the second location registration area TA2) regardless of the structure of the location registration area. .
重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F连接于提供地面通信小区112、122的地面基站111、121和提供卫星通信小区132的通信卫星131中的一者。例如，当重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F连接于地面基站111、121的期间不连接于通信卫星131。在该状态下，当地面基站111、121所属的TN(地面系网络)因灾害或事故等而发生通信故障时，不再能够连接于TN的重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F尝试连接于通信卫星131所属的NTN(非地面系网络)。此种连接目的地网络的切换一般来说伴随着核心网络CN中的通信设备2F的签约信息和通信运营商(营运商)的网络信息(关于TN，也称为PLMN(Public Land Mobile Network：公共陆地移动网络)号码)的确认，因此需要时间。在发生灾害等紧急情况下，有可能不允许此种较长的网络切换时间。本实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3缩短了地面通信小区和非地面通信小区的重叠区域中的网络切换时间。The communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected to one of the ground base stations 111 and 121 that provide the ground communication cells 112 and 122 and the communication satellite 131 that provides the satellite communication cell 132. For example, while the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121, it is not connected to the communication satellite 131. In this state, when the TN (terrestrial network) to which the ground base stations 111 and 121 belong suffers a communication failure due to a disaster or an accident, the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA that is no longer able to connect to the TN attempts to connect to the communication satellite. The NTN (non-terrestrial network) to which 131 belongs. Such switching of the connection destination network is generally accompanied by the contract information of the communication device 2F in the core network CN and the network information of the communication carrier (operator) (for TN, also called PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network: Public Land Mobile Network)). Land mobile network) number) confirmation, so it takes time. In emergency situations such as disasters, such long network switching times may not be allowed. The communication control device 3 according to this embodiment shortens the network switching time in the overlapping area of terrestrial communication cells and non-terrestrial communication cells.
本实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的功能块中的估计部301、连接检测部302和重叠区域确定部303与第一实施方式(图3)和/或第二实施方式(图5)相同，因此省略其说明。The estimation unit 301, the connection detection unit 302, and the overlapping area determination unit 303 among the functional blocks of the communication control device 3 according to this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment (Fig. 3) and/or the second embodiment (Fig. 5). Therefore, its description is omitted.
针对在地面通信小区112、122(第一位置注册区域TA1)和非地面通信小区132(第二位置注册区域TA2)的重叠区域OA内连接于地面基站111、121和非地面基站131中的一种基站的通信设备2F，可否连接判定部312进行其可否连接到地面基站111、121和非地面基站131中的另一种基站的判定。重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F正连接着的该一种基站(的类型)由连接检测部302检测。针对由连接检测部302检测到正连接于地面基站111、121的通信设备2F，可否连接判定部312进行其可否连接到另一种基站、即通信卫星131的判定。相反，针对由连接检测部302检测到正连接于通信卫星131的通信设备2F，可否连接判定部312进行其可否连接到另一种基站、即地面基站111、121的判定。For one of the ground base stations 111, 121 and the non-terrestrial base station 131 connected to the overlapping area OA of the terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 (the first location registration area TA1) and the non-terrestrial communication cell 132 (the second location registration area TA2). For the communication device 2F of one type of base station, the connection availability determination unit 312 determines whether it can be connected to the other one of the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 and the non-terrestrial base station 131 . The connection detection unit 302 detects the type of base station to which the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA is connected. For the communication device 2F that is detected to be connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121 by the connection detection unit 302, the connection possibility determination unit 312 determines whether the communication device 2F can be connected to another base station, that is, the communication satellite 131. On the contrary, for the communication device 2F that is detected to be connected to the communication satellite 131 by the connection detection unit 302, the connection possibility determination unit 312 determines whether it can be connected to another type of base station, that is, the ground base stations 111 and 121.
通过预先进行可否连接到另一种基站的判定，当发生导致该一种基站变得无法连接的意外情况时，能够将通信设备2F的连接目的地迅速地切换到另一种基站。另外，为了防止在另一基站也变得无法连接的情况下通信设备2F尝试无用的连接，优选地，可否连接判定部312以一定或可变的频率进行通信设备2F可否连接到另一种基站的判定，并更新可否连接判定结果。By determining in advance whether connection to another base station is possible, when an unexpected situation occurs that renders connection to that base station unavailable, the connection destination of the communication device 2F can be quickly switched to another base station. In addition, in order to prevent the communication device 2F from trying a useless connection when another base station also becomes unconnectable, it is preferable that the connection possibility determination unit 312 determines whether the communication device 2F can be connected to another base station at a fixed or variable frequency. judgment, and update the connection availability judgment result.
当由可否连接判定部312判定为重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F能够连接到另一种基站时，连接建立信息保持部313保持建立该通信设备2F和该另一种基站之间的连接的连接建立信息。当发生了导致一种基站变得无法连接的意外情况时，重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F能够利用连接建立信息保持部313所保持的连接建立信息来迅速建立与另一种基站的连接。连接建立信息保持部313可以由核心网络CN、作为连接切换源的一种基站或作为连接切换目的地的另一种基站实现，但优选由通信设备2F自身实现，从而使得通信设备2F能够迅速且主动地切换连接目的地。When the connection possibility determination unit 312 determines that the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA can be connected to another base station, the connection establishment information holding unit 313 holds the connection that establishes the connection between the communication device 2F and the other base station. Build information. When an unexpected situation occurs that causes one base station to become unconnectable, the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA can quickly establish a connection with another base station using the connection establishment information held by the connection establishment information holding unit 313 . The connection establishment information holding unit 313 may be implemented by the core network CN, a base station as a connection switching source, or another base station as a connection switching destination, but is preferably implemented by the communication device 2F itself, so that the communication device 2F can quickly and Actively switch connection destinations.
在连接建立信息保持部313设置于通信设备2F外的情况下，核心网络CN和/或作为连接切换源的一种基站对通信设备2F通知连接建立信息保持部313的所在位置以及在该处保持有用于建立与另一种基站的连接的连接建立信息。接收到该通知的通信设备2F能够预先认识到能够将连接目的地切换到另一种基站，能够在发生意外情况时基于所通知的所在位置的连接建立信息迅速建立与另一种基站的连接。When the connection establishment information holding unit 313 is provided outside the communication device 2F, the core network CN and/or a base station serving as a connection switching source notifies the communication device 2F of the location of the connection establishment information holding unit 313 and the location of the connection establishment information holding unit 313 and the location of the connection establishment information holding unit 313. There is connection establishment information for establishing a connection with another base station. The communication device 2F that receives the notification can recognize in advance that the connection destination can be switched to another base station, and can quickly establish a connection with another base station based on the notified connection establishment information of the location when an unexpected situation occurs.
通过至少在核心网络CN外设置连接建立信息保持部313，从而不需要为了连接目的地网络的切换而对核心网络CN进行耗时的查询，因此与以往相比能够缩短网络切换时间。此外，优选地，在可否连接判定部312每次更新可否连接判定结果时，连接建立信息保持部313都更新连接建立信息。也可以是，当可否连接判定部312的可否连接判定结果被更新为“无法连接到另一种基站”时，连接建立信息保持部313可以丢弃所保持的连接建立信息，也可以继续保持所保持的连接建立信息，以应对可否连接判定部312的可否连接判定结果再次被更新为“能够连接到另一种基站”的情况。By providing the connection establishment information holding unit 313 at least outside the core network CN, there is no need to perform a time-consuming query on the core network CN in order to switch the connection destination network. Therefore, the network switching time can be shortened compared with the conventional technology. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection establishment information holding unit 313 updates the connection establishment information every time the connection possibility determination unit 312 updates the connection possibility determination result. Alternatively, when the connection possibility determination result of the connection possibility determination unit 312 is updated to “unable to connect to another base station”, the connection establishment information holding unit 313 may discard the held connection establishment information, or may continue to hold the held connection establishment information. The connection establishment information is provided in order to cope with the situation where the connection possibility determination result of the connection possibility determination unit 312 is updated again to "can connect to another base station".
当重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F变得无法连接到曾连接的一种基站(例如，地面基站111、121)时，连接控制部305基于连接建立信息保持部313所保持的连接建立信息，使该通信设备2F连接到由可否连接判定部312判定为能够连接的另一种基站(例如，通信卫星131)。When the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA becomes unable to connect to one of the base stations (for example, the ground base stations 111 and 121) to which it was connected, the connection control unit 305 uses the connection establishment information held by the connection establishment information holding unit 313 to This communication device 2F is connected to another base station (for example, the communication satellite 131) that is determined to be connectable by the connection possibility determination unit 312.
图7是第四实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3的功能框图。通信控制装置3包括与第一实施方式(图3)、第二实施方式(图5)和/或第三实施方式(图6)类似的重叠区域确定部303和连接控制部305，并额外包括通信设备管理部314。省略对第一实施方式、第二实施方式和/或第三实施方式共通的功能块的重复说明。FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the communication control device 3 according to the fourth embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes an overlapping area determination part 303 and a connection control part 305 similar to the first embodiment (Fig. 3), the second embodiment (Fig. 5) and/or the third embodiment (Fig. 6), and additionally includes Communication device management unit 314. Repeated description of functional blocks common to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and/or the third embodiment is omitted.
在本实施方式中，对包括地面通信小区112、122的第一位置注册区域TA1和包括非地面通信小区132的第二位置注册区域TA2附以不同的TAC“#1”、“#2”或相同的TAC“#1”。即，第一位置注册区域TA1以及第二位置注册区域TA2可以与第一实施方式(图3)类似地构成互不相同的位置注册区域，也可以与第二实施方式(图5)类似地构成一个大的综合位置注册区域。本实施方式涉及与位置注册区域的构造或通信设备2的所在位置无关地能够与地面通信小区112、122(第一位置注册区域TA1等)和非地面通信小区132(第二位置注册区域TA2等)中的至少一种类型的通信小区连接的任意通信设备2(图7中的通信设备2E～2I等)的连接权限的管理和通信控制。In this embodiment, different TACs “#1”, “#2” or Same TAC "#1". That is, the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 may be configured as different location registration areas similar to the first embodiment (FIG. 3), or may be configured similar to the second embodiment (FIG. 5). A large comprehensive location registration area. This embodiment relates to a method that can communicate with terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 (first location registration area TA1, etc.) and non-terrestrial communication cell 132 (second location registration area TA2, etc.) regardless of the structure of the location registration area or the location of the communication device 2. Management and communication control of connection rights of any communication device 2 (communication devices 2E to 2I in FIG. 7 , etc.) connected to at least one type of communication cell in ).
在现有技术中，为了管理通信设备2对无线通信系统1的连接权限，在核心网络CN中设置EIR(Equipment Identity Register：设备身份注册器)。EIR是通信设备2(UE)的数据库，除记录用于确定各通信设备2的IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity：国际移动设备身份码)等通信设备特有信息或通信设备ID之外，还记录各通信设备2对无线通信系统1(特别是5G无线通信系统11等地面系通信系统)的连接权限的有无、或“白”(White)、“黑”(Black)、“灰”(Grey)等分类。例如，允许具有连接权限的“White”的通信设备2对无线通信系统1的连接，禁止没有连接权限的“Black”的通信设备2对无线通信系统1的连接。另外，连接权限的有无尚未确定的“Grey”的通信设备2也被注册在EIR中。In the prior art, in order to manage the connection authority of the communication device 2 to the wireless communication system 1, an EIR (Equipment Identity Register) is set in the core network CN. The EIR is a database of communication equipment 2 (UE), and records each communication device in addition to communication device-specific information such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity: International Mobile Equipment Identity) or communication device ID used to identify each communication device 2. Whether or not the device 2 has connection authority to the wireless communication system 1 (especially a terrestrial communication system such as the 5G wireless communication system 11), or whether it is "White", "Black", "Grey", etc. Classification. For example, the communication device 2 of "White" with the connection authority is allowed to connect to the wireless communication system 1, and the communication device 2 of "Black" without the connection authority is prohibited from connecting to the wireless communication system 1. In addition, the communication device 2 of "Grey" whose connection authority has not yet been determined is also registered in the EIR.
由于现有的EIR是考虑到5G无线通信系统11等地面系通信系统而设计的，因此在将其应用于地面系通信系统和卫星通信系统13等非地面系通信系统并存的无线通信系统1时，会发生故障。例如，在作为地面系通信系统一部分的第一位置注册区域TA1和作为非地面系通信系统一部分的第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F在EIR中被分类为“White”的情况下，不清楚是具有对地面系通信系统和非地面系通信系统二者的连接权限还是具有对其中一者的连接权限。同样，在重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F在EIR中被分类为“Black”的情况下，不清楚是没有对地面系统和非地面系通信系统两者的连接权限，还是没有对其中一者的连接权限。本实施方式涉及的通信控制装置3分别管理对地面系统和非地面系通信系统各自的连接权限。Since the existing EIR is designed with terrestrial communication systems such as the 5G wireless communication system 11 in mind, when it is applied to a wireless communication system 1 in which a terrestrial communication system and a non-terrestrial communication system such as a satellite communication system 13 coexist. , a malfunction will occur. For example, the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 that is part of the terrestrial communication system and the second location registration area TA2 that is part of the non-terrestrial communication system is classified as "White" in the EIR. In this case, it is not clear whether the user has connection authority to both the ground communication system and the non-terrestrial communication system or only one of them. Similarly, when communication equipment 2F in the overlapping area OA is classified as "Black" in the EIR, it is unclear whether it does not have connection authority for both the ground system and the non-terrestrial system communication system, or whether it does not have permission for one of them. Connection permissions. The communication control device 3 according to this embodiment manages respective connection rights to the ground system and the non-terrestrial communication system.
通信设备管理部314将能够与地面系统和非地面系通信系统中的至少一者通信的任意通信设备2(图7中的通信设备2E-2I等)注册在核心网络CN内的EIR或通信设备固有信息保持部中对其进行管理。通信设备管理部314包括：第一连接权限管理部315，注册并管理通信设备2对地面基站111、121(地面系通信系统/第一位置注册区域TA1等)的第一连接权限(TN连接权限)；以及第二连接权限管理部316，注册并管理通信设备2对非地面基站131(非地面系通信系统/第二位置注册区域TA2等)的第二连接权限(NTN连接权限)。The communication device management unit 314 registers any communication device 2 (communication devices 2E to 2I in FIG. 7 , etc.) capable of communicating with at least one of the ground system and the non-terrestrial system as an EIR or communication device within the core network CN. It is managed in the unique information retention department. The communication device management unit 314 includes a first connection authority management unit 315 that registers and manages the first connection authority (TN connection authority) of the communication device 2 to the ground base stations 111 and 121 (terrestrial communication system/first location registration area TA1, etc.) ); and the second connection authority management unit 316 registers and manages the second connection authority (NTN connection authority) of the communication device 2 to the non-terrestrial base station 131 (non-terrestrial communication system/second location registration area TA2, etc.).
图8示意性地示出了通信设备管理部314将通信设备2F注册到EIR中进行管理的处理。此外，虽然在图7中通信设备2F处于第一位置注册区域TA1和第二位置注册区域TA2的重叠区域OA内，但在图8中进行对EIR的注册处理时通信设备2F的场所是任意的，处于在图7中图示或未图示的任意地面通信小区112、122和非地面通信小区132的内部，能够与包括地面基站111、121和非地面基站131的无线接入网络(RAN：Radio Access Network)通信的状态即可。通信设备2F经由连接中的RAN对核心网络CN中的连接/移动管理功能(AMF：Accessand Mobility Management Function)发送注册请求(Registration Request)。FIG. 8 schematically shows a process in which the communication device management unit 314 registers and manages the communication device 2F in the EIR. In addition, although the communication device 2F is located in the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 and the second location registration area TA2 in FIG. 7 , the location of the communication device 2F is arbitrary when the registration process for the EIR is performed in FIG. 8 , located inside any terrestrial communication cells 112, 122 and non-terrestrial communication cells 132 illustrated or not illustrated in Figure 7, capable of communicating with the radio access network (RAN: Radio Access Network) communication status. The communication device 2F sends a registration request (Registration Request) to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the core network CN via the connected RAN.
接收到来自通信设备2F的注册请求的AMF或核心网络CN参考通信设备2F的性能信息、对应频率信息、签约信息、位置信息、活动历史信息、通信设备2F所处于的地区或国家(场所)的法律法规信息中的至少一个，将对地面系通信系统的TN连接权限和对非地面系通信系统的NTN连接权限分别注册在EIR中。在此，作为第一连接权限的TN连接权限由第一连接权限管理部315注册，作为第二连接权限的NTN连接权限由第二连接权限管理部316注册。在图8的例子中，通信设备2F的TN连接权限和NTN连接权限都被注册为“White”，其结果，通信设备2F既能够与地面系统连接，也能够与非地面系统连接。The AMF or core network CN that receives the registration request from the communication device 2F refers to the performance information, corresponding frequency information, contract information, location information, activity history information, and the region or country (location) where the communication device 2F is located. At least one of the legal and regulatory information is registered in the EIR separately for the TN connection authority for the terrestrial communication system and the NTN connection authority for the non-terrestrial communication system. Here, the TN connection authority as the first connection authority is registered by the first connection authority management unit 315, and the NTN connection authority as the second connection authority is registered by the second connection authority management unit 316. In the example of FIG. 8 , both the TN connection authority and the NTN connection authority of the communication device 2F are registered as "White". As a result, the communication device 2F can connect to both the ground system and the non-ground system.
此外，还设想如下情况，即，即使通信设备2的性能信息、对应频率信息、签约信息、活动历史信息等指示该通信设备2具有例如与卫星通信系统13连接或通信的能力，但由于该通信设备2处于的地区或国家的法律限制原因，与卫星通信系统13的连接或通信尚未合法化。在此种情况下，第二连接权限管理部316参考通信装置2处于的地区或国家的法律法规信息，将表示禁止该通信装置2对卫星通信系统13的连接的“Black”和/或表示不推荐的“Grey”这样的NTN连接权限(第二连接权限)注册到EIR中。在图8所示的示例中，通信设备2G、2H、2I等符合此情况。In addition, it is also assumed that even if the performance information, corresponding frequency information, contract information, activity history information, etc. of the communication device 2 indicate that the communication device 2 has the ability to connect or communicate with the satellite communication system 13, for example, due to the communication Due to legal restrictions in the region or country in which the device 2 is located, connection or communication with the satellite communication system 13 has not yet been legalized. In this case, the second connection authority management unit 316 refers to the legal and regulatory information of the region or country where the communication device 2 is located, and changes "Black" indicating that the communication device 2 is prohibited from connecting to the satellite communication system 13 and/or "No". It is recommended that NTN connection rights (secondary connection rights) such as "Grey" be registered in the EIR. In the example shown in Figure 8, the communication devices 2G, 2H, 2I, etc. meet this situation.
连接控制部305限制不具有“White”的第一连接权限(TN连接权限)的“Black”或“Grey”的通信设备2E、2I对地面基站111、121的连接，并且限制不具有“White”的第二连接权限(NTN连接权限)的“Black”或“Grey”的通信设备2G、2H、2I对非地面基站131的连接。例如，虽然图7和图8的示例中的通信设备2E处于第一位置注册区域TA1(地面通信小区112、122)中，但是由于TN连接权限是“Black”，因此对地面基站111、121的连接被禁止。通信设备2G虽然位于第二位置注册区域TA2(卫星通信小区132)内，但由于NTN连接权限是“Grey”，因此对通信卫星131的连接受到限制。通信设备2H虽然处于第二位置注册区域TA2(卫星通信小区132)和第三位置注册区域TA3(地面通信小区112、122)的重叠区域内，但由于NTN连接权限是“Black”，因此对通信卫星131的连接被禁止，并且仅对地面基站111、121的连接被允许。通信设备2I虽然位于第三位置注册区域TA3(地面通信小区112、122)内，但由于TN连接权限是“Grey”，因此对地面基站111、121的连接受到限制。The connection control unit 305 restricts the connection of the communication devices 2E and 2I of "Black" or "Grey" that do not have the first connection authority (TN connection authority) of "White" to the ground base stations 111 and 121, and also restricts the communication devices 2E and 2I that do not have the first connection authority (TN connection authority) of "White" The communication devices 2G, 2H, and 2I of "Black" or "Grey" with the second connection authority (NTN connection authority) connect to the non-terrestrial base station 131. For example, although the communication device 2E in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8 is in the first location registration area TA1 (the ground communication cells 112 and 122), since the TN connection authority is "Black", the access rights to the ground base stations 111 and 121 are Connection forbidden. Although the communication device 2G is located in the second location registration area TA2 (satellite communication cell 132), since the NTN connection authority is "Grey", the connection to the communication satellite 131 is restricted. Although the communication device 2H is located in the overlapping area of the second location registration area TA2 (satellite communication cell 132) and the third location registration area TA3 (terrestrial communication cells 112, 122), since the NTN connection authority is "Black", it is not required for communication. Connection to the satellite 131 is prohibited, and only connections to the ground base stations 111, 121 are allowed. Although the communication device 2I is located in the third location registration area TA3 (ground communication cells 112 and 122), its connection to the ground base stations 111 and 121 is restricted because the TN connection authority is "Grey".
由于第一位置注册区域TA1(地面通信小区112、122)和第二位置注册区域TA2(卫星通信小区132)的重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F的TN连接权限和NTN连接权限都是“White”，因此即能够连接到地面基站111、121，也能够连接到通信卫星131。此种重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F由重叠区域确定部303检测。然后，在重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F具有“White”的TN连接权限(第一连接权限)的情况下，不管是否具有NTN连接权限(第二连接权限)或NTN连接权限如何，连接控制部305都使该通信设备2F连接于地面基站111、121。通过这样使重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F优先连接于地面基站111、121，能够节省通信卫星131的有限通信资源(包括电力)。此外，作为变形例，在通信设备2F的TN连接权限和NTN连接权限均为“White”的情况下，也可以比较TN和NTN的通信质量而使通信设备2F连接到通信质量更好的一方。Since the TN connection authority and NTN connection authority of the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA of the first location registration area TA1 (terrestrial communication cells 112, 122) and the second location registration area TA2 (satellite communication cell 132) are both "White" , so it can be connected to both the ground base stations 111 and 121 and the communication satellite 131 . The communication device 2F in such overlapping area OA is detected by the overlapping area determination unit 303 . Then, when the communication device 2F in the overlapping area OA has the TN connection authority (first connection authority) of "White", regardless of whether it has the NTN connection authority (second connection authority) or the NTN connection authority, the connection control unit 305 allows the communication device 2F to connect to the ground base stations 111 and 121. In this way, the communication equipment 2F in the overlapping area OA is preferentially connected to the ground base stations 111 and 121, so that the limited communication resources (including power) of the communication satellite 131 can be saved. In addition, as a modified example, when both the TN connection authority and the NTN connection authority of the communication device 2F are "White", the communication qualities of TN and NTN may be compared and the communication device 2F may be connected to the one with better communication quality.
如上所述的连接控制部305对各通信设备2的连接控制是通过接收到来自该各通信设备2的连接请求的核心网络CN中的AMF向EIR查询该各通信设备2的TN连接权限和/或NTN连接权限而开始的。从AMF到EIR的这种查询在图8中示为“N5g-eir_MEIdentityCheck”。在图8的例子中，根据来自通信设备2F的连接请求而从AMF向EIR进行查询的结果，可知TN连接权限和NTN连接权限都是“White”。As described above, the connection control unit 305 controls the connection of each communication device 2 by querying the EIR for the TN connection authority and/or of each communication device 2 through the AMF in the core network CN that receives the connection request from each communication device 2. or NTN connection permission. This query from AMF to EIR is shown in Figure 8 as "N5g-eir_MEIdentityCheck". In the example of FIG. 8 , the result of querying the EIR from the AMF based on the connection request from the communication device 2F shows that both the TN connection authority and the NTN connection authority are "White".
如前所述，由于被重叠区域确定部303检测出处于重叠区域OA内的通信设备2F优先连接于TN，所以AMF也可以一开始仅向EIR查询通信设备2F的TN连接权限(第一连接权限)。当该查询的结果是TN连接权限为“White”时，连接控制部305使通信设备2F连接于地面基站111、121，而无需AMF向EIR查询NTN连接权限(第二连接权限)。另一方面，当通信设备2F的TN连接权限是“Grey”或“Black”时，AMF向EIR查询NTN连接权限(第二连接权限)。如果该查询的结果是确认了NTN连接权限比TN连接权限强(更具体而言，当TN连接权限为“Grey”且NTN连接权限为“White”时，或者当TN连接权限为“Black”且NTN连接权限为“Grey”或“White”时)，则连接控制部305使通信设备2F连接于通信卫星131。As mentioned above, since the communication device 2F detected by the overlapped area determination unit 303 in the overlapped area OA is preferentially connected to the TN, the AMF may initially only query the EIR for the TN connection authority (first connection authority) of the communication device 2F. ). When the result of this inquiry is that the TN connection authority is "White", the connection control unit 305 connects the communication device 2F to the ground base stations 111 and 121 without the AMF querying the EIR for the NTN connection authority (second connection authority). On the other hand, when the TN connection authority of the communication device 2F is "Grey" or "Black", the AMF queries the EIR for the NTN connection authority (second connection authority). If the result of this query is to confirm that the NTN connection authority is stronger than the TN connection authority (more specifically, when the TN connection authority is "Grey" and the NTN connection authority is "White", or when the TN connection authority is "Black" and When the NTN connection authority is "Grey" or "White"), the connection control unit 305 connects the communication device 2F to the communication satellite 131 .
另外，如图7的通信设备2E、2G和2I那样，对于处于仅能够与TN和NTN中的一者连接的场所中的通信设备2，AMF可以仅向EIR查询存在与连接可能性的网络相关的连接权限。具体而言，对于地面通信小区112、122内的通信设备2E仅查询TN连接权限，对于卫星通信小区132内的通信设备2G仅查询NTN连接权限，对于地面通信小区112、122内的通信设备2I仅查询TN连接权限。In addition, as with the communication devices 2E, 2G, and 2I of FIG. 7 , for the communication device 2 located in a place that can only be connected to one of TN and NTN, the AMF may query the EIR only for networks related to the possibility of connection. connection permissions. Specifically, only the TN connection permission is queried for the communication equipment 2E in the ground communication cells 112 and 122, the NTN connection permission is only queried for the communication equipment 2G in the satellite communication cell 132, and the communication equipment 2I in the ground communication cells 112 and 122 is queried. Only query TN connection permissions.
以上，基于实施方式说明了本发明。本领域技术人员应理解，实施方式是示例性的，它们的各结构要素、各处理过程的组合可能存在各种变形例，并且此种变形例也在本发明的范围内。The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments are exemplary, and various modifications may exist in the combinations of their structural elements and processing procedures, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.
此外，在实施方式中说明的各装置的功能结构能够通过硬件资源或软件资源，或者通过硬件资源和软件资源的协作来实现。能够利用处理器、ROM、RAM以及其他LSI作为硬件资源。能够利用操作系统、应用程序等程序作为软件资源。In addition, the functional structure of each device described in the embodiment can be realized by hardware resources or software resources, or by the cooperation of hardware resources and software resources. Ability to utilize processors, ROM, RAM and other LSI as hardware resources. Ability to utilize operating systems, applications and other programs as software resources.
产业上的利用可能性Possibility of industrial use
本发明涉及通信系统中的通信控制技术。The present invention relates to communication control technology in communication systems.
附图标记说明Explanation of reference signs
1无线通信系统、2通信设备、3通信控制装置、4数据库、11 5G无线通信系统、12 4G无线通信系统、13卫星通信系统、1115G基站、112 5G小区、121 4G基站、122 4G小区、131通信卫星、132卫星通信小区、133网关、301估计部、302连接检测部、303重叠区域确定部、304连接变更限制部、305连接控制部、306区域变更检测部、307区域变更通知部、308连接历史信息保持部、309第一寻呼控制部、310第二寻呼控制部、311基站类型记录部、312可否连接判定部、313连接建立信息保持部、314通信设备管理部、315第一连接权限管理部、316第二连接权限管理部、TA1第一位置注册区域、TA2第二位置注册区域、TA3第三位置注册区域。1 wireless communication system, 2 communication equipment, 3 communication control device, 4 database, 11 5G wireless communication system, 12 4G wireless communication system, 13 satellite communication system, 1115G base station, 112 5G cell, 121 4G base station, 122 4G cell, 131 Communication satellite, 132 satellite communication cell, 133 gateway, 301 estimation unit, 302 connection detection unit, 303 overlapping area determination unit, 304 connection change restriction unit, 305 connection control unit, 306 area change detection unit, 307 area change notification unit, 308 Connection history information holding unit, 309 first paging control unit, 310 second paging control unit, 311 base station type recording unit, 312 connection availability determination unit, 313 connection establishment information holding unit, 314 communication equipment management unit, 315 first Connection authority management part, 316 second connection authority management part, TA1 first location registration area, TA2 second location registration area, TA3 third location registration area.
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2021-093455 | 2021-06-03 | ||
| JP2021-098488 | 2021-06-14 | ||
| JP2021098488 | 2021-06-14 | ||
| PCT/JP2021/041156WO2022254744A1 (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control apparatus, communication control method, and communication control program |
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN117397301Atrue CN117397301A (en) | 2024-01-12 |
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CN202180098369.9APendingCN117397296A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, communication control program |
| CN202180098360.8APendingCN117322061A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program |
| CN202180098484.6APendingCN117397301A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, communication control program |
| CN202180098482.7APendingCN117461367A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program |
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202180098369.9APendingCN117397296A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, communication control program |
| CN202180098360.8APendingCN117322061A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program |
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202180098482.7APendingCN117461367A (en) | 2021-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program |
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (4) | CN117397296A (en) |
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN117322061A (en) | 2023-12-29 |
| CN117397296A (en) | 2024-01-12 |
| CN117461367A (en) | 2024-01-26 |
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