Description
Title of Invention
COMMUNICATION CONTROL APPARATUS, TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND
5 COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD
Technical Field
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to a communication control apparatus, a
10 terminal apparatus, and a communication control method.
Background Art
[0002]
High speed cellular radio communication schemes such as long term
15 evolution (LTE) and WiMAX have been put into practical use in recent years,
remarkably increasing communication rates of radio communication services for
mobile users. Furthermore, the introduction of the fourth generation cellular radio
communication schemes such as LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) will be expected to
increase communication rates much more.
20 [0003]
Meanwhile, more and more applications that require high data rates are used
with a rapid increase in the number of mobile users. As a result, the development
of cellular radio communication schemes has not yet satisfied all the needs of mobile
users. Accordingly, techniques for effective use of frequency resources are
25 developed in order to maintain or increase communication rates.
[0004]
For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for helping share
communication resources between a plurality of secondary communication services.
30 Citation List
Patent Literature
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[0005]
Patent Literature 1: JP 2012-34326A
Summary of Invention
5 Technical Problem
[0006]
Frequency sharing between different operators may, however, make the
processing by a base station more complicated. For example, when a first operator
leases a frequency band (e.g. a component carrier (CC)) to a second operator, a base
10 station of the first operator uses the leased frequency band to communicate with a
terminal apparatus of the second operator in one technique of leasing a frequency
band.. The terminal apparatus of the second operator may then also use the leased
frequency band as a primary frequency band (e.g. a primary component carrier
(PCC)) for transmitting and receiving an important control signal. In this case, the
15 terminal apparatus of the second operator does not use the primary frequency band
for communicating with a base station of the second operator, so that the base station
of the second operator cannot freely transmit a control signal to the terminal
apparatus of the second operator. As a result, the base station of the second
operator transmits a control signal to the terminal apparatus via the base station of
20 the first operator. Accordingly, base stations of different operators have to
communicate with each other, and a lessor base station needs to transmit a control
signal to a lessee terminal apparatus. This use of a leased frequency band as a
primary frequency band of a terminal apparatus may make the processing by a base
station more complicated.
25 [0007]
It is then desirable to provide a mechanism that can prevent the processing
by a base station from becoming more complicated in the frequency sharing between
different operators.
30 Solution to Problem
[0008]
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According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication
control apparatus including a radio communication unit configured to wirelessly
communicate with a terminal apparatus to which a first operator provides a radio
communication service, the terminal apparatus being capable of radio
5 communication by using one primary frequency band and at least one secondary
frequency band, and a control unit configured to control access of the terminal
apparatus in a manner that a frequency band among one or more frequency bands
owned by a second operator is not used as the one primary frequency band of the
terminal apparatus, the frequency band being temporarily used by the first operator.
10 [0009]
Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a terminal
apparatus including a radio communication unit capable of wirelessly
communicating with a base station by using one primary frequency band and at least
one secondary frequency band, and a control unit configured to, when a
15 synchronization signal is not arranged at a position in a frequency direction which is
searched for by the terminal apparatus in a frequency band among one or more
frequency bands owned by a second operator which is temporarily used by a first
operator that provides a radio communication service to the terminal apparatus, and
when the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is used as the
20 secondary frequency band of the terminal apparatus, perform synchronization in the
frequency band by using the frequency band without using the synchronization signal
at the position in the frequency direction in a manner that the frequency band
temporarily used by the first operator is not used as the one primary frequency band
of the terminal apparatus.
25 [0010]
Still further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a
communication control method including wirelessly communicating with a terminal
apparatus to which a first operator provides a radio communication service, the
terminal apparatus being capable of radio communication by using one primary
30 frequency band and at least one secondary frequency band, and controlling access of
the terminal apparatus in a manner that a frequency band among one or more
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frequency bands owned by a second operator is not used as the one primary
frequency band of the terminal apparatus, the frequency band being temporarily used
by the first operator.
5 Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0011]
According to the present disclosure as described above, it becomes possible
to prevent the processing by a base station from becoming more complicated in the
frequency sharing between different operators.
10
Brief Description of Drawings
[0012]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of areas for
radio communication services of two operators.
15 [FIG 2] FIG 2 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of frequency
bands owned by different operators.
[FIG 3] FIG 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing a first leasing technique in
which an eNodeB of a lessee operator that has leased a leasehold frequency band
operates the frequency band.
20 [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing a second leasing technique
in which an eNodeB of a lessor operator that has leased a leasehold frequency band
operates the frequency band.
[FIG 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of lease in
component carrier units.
25 [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of normally
arranged PDCCHs.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a PDCCH
arranged when cross carrier scheduling is applied.
[FIG 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing an overview of a first
30 embodiment.
[FIG. 9] FIG 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
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lessor eNodeB according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a normal
radio frame including a synchronization signal.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a radio
5 frame including no synchronization signal.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a radio
frame including no synchronization signal.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
lessee eNodeB according to the first embodiment.
10 [FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
lessee UE according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a lessor
eNodeB according to the first embodiment for generating a downlink signal.
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a lessee
15 eNodeB according to the first embodiment for changing a PCC.
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a lessor
eNodeB according to a first modified example for generating and transmitting system
information.
[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication processing
20 by a lessor eNodeB according to a second modified example by use of a leased
frequency band
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a lessee
eNodeB according to a third modified example for issuing a notification of linkage
information.
25 [FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a lessee
eNodeB according to a fourth modified example for issuing a notification of
scheduling information.
[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for describing an overview of a second
embodiment.
30 [FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
lessor eNodeB according to two embodiments.
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[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
lessee eNodeB according to the second embodiment.
[FIG. 24] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a
lessee UE according to the second embodiment.
5
Description of Embodiments
[0013]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
10 specification and the drawings, elements that have substantially the same function
and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is
omitted.
[0014]
The description will be made in the following order.
15 1. Introduction
1.1. Technical Field for Effective Use of Frequency Resource
1.2. Frequency Sharing between Different Operators
1.3. Overview of Carrier Aggregation
1.4. Technical Problem
20 2. First Embodiment
2.1. Overview
2.2. Configuration of Lessor eNodeB
2.3. Configuration of Lessee eNodeB
2.4. Configuration of Lessee UE
25 2.5. Procedure of Processing
2.6. First Modified Example
2.7. Second Modified Example
2.8. Third Modified Example
2.9. Fourth Modified Example
30 3. Second Embodiment
3.1. Overview
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3.2. Configuration of Lessor eNodeB
3.3. Configuration of Lessee eNodeB
3.4. Configuration of Lessee UE
3.5. Procedure of Processing
5 4. Conclusion
[0015]
« 1 . Introduction»
First of all, a technical field for effective use of a frequency resource,
frequency sharing between different operators, the overview of carrier aggregation,
10 and the technical problem will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0016]
<1.1. Technical Field for Effective Use of Frequency Resource>
First of all, the technical field for effective use of a frequency resource will
be described. For example, the following technical fields are representative of the
15 technical field for effective use of a frequency resource.
-frequency sharing within a single operator
-frequency sharing between different operators
-frequency secondary use for effectively using a frequency resource in a temporally
or spatially idle state
20 -real-time auction of a frequency resource in an idle state
[0017]
First, frequency sharing within a single operator is a technique of improving
utilization efficiency of a frequency resource with the frequency resource leased
between communication systems of the same operator in different communication
25 schemes. The different communication schemes are wideband code division
multiple access (W-CDMA) and long term evolution (LTE) as an example. For
example, a rapidly increased traffic volume in a LTE network and a small traffic
volume in a W-CDMA network temporarily allow a part of the frequency resource in
the W-CDMA network to be used in the LTE network. As a result, it becomes
30 possible to increase the communication capacity of the LTE network, which leads to
an increase in the total traffic volumes of both W-CDMA network and LTE network.
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In other words, it becomes possible to increase the number of terminal apparatuses
that can be accommodated in both W-CDMA network and LTE network.
[0018]
Second, frequency sharing between different operators is a technique of
5 improving utilization efficiency of a frequency resource with the frequency resource
leased between communication systems of the different operators. It is assumed in
this frequency sharing that different operators (such as an operator A and an operator
B) are concurrently providing radio communication services in the same area. For
example, the operator A and the operator B each provide a radio communication
10 service of LTE. For example, a rapidly increased traffic volume in a LTE network
of the operator B and a small traffic volume in a LTE network of the operator A
temporarily allow a part of the frequency resource in the LTE network of the operator
A to be used in the LTE network of the operator B. As a result, it becomes possible
to increase the communication capacity of the LTE network of the operator B, which
15 leads to an increase in the traffic volume in the LTE network of the operator B.
[0019]
Third, frequency secondary use for efficiently using a frequency resource in
a temporally or spatially idle state is a technique of improving utilization efficiency
of a frequency resource with the frequency resource leased between a primary
20 system and a secondary system. The primary system is a main system having
priority. For example, the primary system is a radio communication system of LTE.
For example, the secondary system is a dedicated radio communication system of
LTE including a radio LAN system or a Home eNodeB and a user equipment (UE) in
the neighborhood thereof. For example, when the primary system has a frequency
25 resource unused, the secondary system temporarily uses this frequency resource.
[0020]
Fourth, real-time auction of a frequency resource in an idle state is a
technique of leasing a frequency resource in an idle state at auction to an operator
that hopes to use this frequency resource.
30 [0021]
Additionally, the present disclosure focuses on the frequency sharing
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between different operators. The present disclosure describes, for example, a
technique required when this technique is applied to a LTE-A platform.
[0022]
<1.2. Frequency Sharing between Different Operators>
5 Next, the frequency sharing between different operators will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As discussed above, a frequency resource is leased
between communication systems of different operators. It is also assumed that
different operators (such as an operator A and an operator B) are concurrently
providing radio communication services in the same area.
10 [0023]
(Basic Premise)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an area for
radio communication services of two operators. FIG. 1 illustrates cells 10 of an
operator A forming an area for a radio communication service of the operator A, and
15 cells 20 of an operator B forming an area for an operator B radio communication
service. eNodeBs 11 of the operator A are positioned at the centers of the cells 10
of the operator A, while eNodeBs 21 of the operator B are positioned at the centers of
the cells 20 of the operator B. For example, when the eNodeBs 11 of the operator A
are arranged in the neighborhood of the eNodeBs 21 of the operator B in this way,
20 the operator A and the operator B concurrently provide radio communication services
of LTE-A in the same area. Additionally, eNodeBs are arranged by each operator.
[0024]
Since the operator A and the operator B are providing the radio
communication services in the same area, a frequency band owned by the operator A
25 is different from a frequency band owned by the operator B. This point will be
described more specifically below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of frequency
bands each owned by different operators. FIG. 2 illustrates an eNodeB 11 of the
30 operator A, an eNodeB 21 of the operator B, a UE 13 to which the operator A
provides a radio communication service, and a UE 23 to which the operator B
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provides a radio communication service. The operator A owns a frequency band 15,
while the operator B owns a frequency band 25. That is, the operator A is allocated
the frequency band 15, while the operator B is allocated the frequency band 25.
[0026]
5 The frequency band 15 is used for the radio communication of the UE 13 of
the operator A in the example of FIG. 2 because no frequency band is leased between
different operators. The frequency band 15 is operated by the eNodeB 11 of the
operator A. That is, the communication in the frequency band 15 is controlled by
the eNodeB 11 of the operator A. Meanwhile, the frequency band 25 is used for the
10 radio communication of the UE 23 of the operator B. The frequency band 25 is
operated by the eNodeB 21 of the operator B. That is, the communication in the
frequency band 25 is controlled by the eNodeB 21 of the operator B.
[0027]
(Technique of Leasing Frequency Band)
15 As a technique of leasing a frequency band, a first technique (which will be
referred to as "first leasing technique" below) causes an eNodeB of a lessee operator
that has leased a leasehold frequency band to operate the frequency band.
Meanwhile, as a technique of leasing a frequency band, a second technique (which
will be referred to as "second leasing technique" below) causes an eNodeB of a
20 lessor operator that has leased a leasehold frequency band to operate the frequency
band. These leasing techniques will be described more specifically below with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing the first leasing technique in
25 which an eNodeB of a lessee operator that has leased a leasehold frequency band
operates the frequency band. As in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates the eNodeB 11 of the
operator A, the eNodeB 21 of the operator B, the UE 13 of the operator A, and the
UE 23 of the operator B. The operator A owns the frequency band 15, while the
operator B owns the frequency band 25. Here, the frequency band 15 of the
30 operator A is leased to the operator B. The frequency band 15 is thus used for the
radio communication of the UE 23 of the operator B. The leased frequency band 15
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is operated by the eNodeB 21 of the operator B, which has leased the frequency band
15. That is, the radio communication of the UE 23 in the frequency band 15 is
controlled by the eNodeB 21 of the operator B, and the communication data in the
radio communication passes through the eNodeB 21 of the operator B. That is, the
5 first leasing technique leases only a frequency band.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing the second leasing technique
of causing an eNodeB of a lessor operator that has leased a leasehold frequency band
to operate the frequency band. The frequency band 15 of the operator A is also
10 leased to the operator B. The frequency band 15 is thus used for the radio
communication of the UE 23 of the operator B. The leased frequency band 15 is
operated by the eNodeB 11 of the operator B, which has leased the frequency band
15. That is, the radio communication of the UE 23 in the frequency band 15 is
controlled by the eNodeB 11 of the operator B, and communication data in the radio
15 communication passes through the eNodeB 11 of the operator B. That is, the
second leasing technique leases a frequency band, and causes the lessor to operate
the frequency band.
[0030]
(Leasehold Unit of Frequency Resource in Frequency Sharing)
20 Next, a unit of a frequency resource in the frequency sharing will be
described. A component carrier unit, a resource block unit (i.e. unit of twelve
consecutive subcarriers), and a subcarrier unit are conceivable as a leasehold unit of
a frequency resource. Exchange of detailed information between operators is
undesirable, so that lease in CC units seems the easiest.
25 [0031]
The release 10 version of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP)
specifications defines aggregation of up to five component carriers (CC) having a
width of 20 MHz or carrier aggregation. For example, such a scenario is assumed
on the premise of the carrier aggregation that a CC that is less frequently used among
30 a plurality of CCs owned by an operator is leased to another operator. This point
will be described more specifically below with reference to FIG. 5.
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[0032]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of lease in
component carrier units. FIG. 5 illustrates a CC 1, a CC 2, and a CC 3 owned by
the operator A, and a CC 4, a CC 5, and a CC 6 owned by the operator B. For
5 example, the CC 3 of the CCs owned by the operator A is leased to the operator B.
As a result, the operator B (UE 23 of the operator B) uses the four CCs (CC3, CC4,
CC5, and CC6).
[0033]
(Handling of Leased Component Carrier)
10 When an operator leases a CC to another operator and the other operator
(UE of the other operator) uses the CC, it is desirable that a UE of the operator
cannot use the CC. For example, while the CC 3 is leased in the example of FIG. 5,
it is desirable that the UE 13 of the operator A cannot use the CC 3. This is because
when UEs belonging to different operators use one component carrier, various kinds
15 of information need to be exchanged between a radio communication system of the
operator A and a radio communication system of the operator B, which is undesirable.
[0034]
(Frequency Sharing from Viewpoint of UE)
Basically speaking, a serving eNodeB of a UE is supposed to be one
20 eNodeB of one operator. A system that makes a UE conscious of the existence of a
plurality of operators seems undesirable because of complexity. It is thus desirable
that a CC used seem to be owned by one operator from the viewpoint of a UE.
[0035]
<1.3. Overview of Carrier Aggregation>
25 Next, the overview of the carrier aggregation will be described with
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0036]
First of all, component carriers (CCs) include primary component carriers
(PCCs) and secondary component carriers (SCCs). A UE uses one PCC, and also
30 uses one or more SCCs as necessary. The PCC of the UE does not have to be a
particular CC. That is, the PCC of a UE may be a CC different from the PCC of
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another UE.
[0037]
A PCC is a CC used for establishing a connection of a UE. That is, a UE
uses any one of CCs for synchronization in a synchronization channel, identification
5 of a cell, acquisition of basic information on a system in a broadcast channel (BCH),
and control in a random access channel (RACH) to establish a connection. Any one
of the CCs becomes a PCC. A SCC is a CC added to the PCC as necessary.
[0038]
System information and synchronization signals are transmitted in both PCC
10 and SCCs. The synchronization signals include a primary synchronization signal
(PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). This makes it possible to use
CCs and communicate with a UE supporting the versions prior to the release 9
version of the 3GPP specifications. That is, backward compatibility is ensured.
[0039]
15 When a SCC is added as a CC used by a UE in addition to the PCC, it is
possible to issue a notification of system information of the SCC by signaling
dedicated to the PCC.
[0040]
PCCs can be changed. That is, a PCC can be changed from a CC to
20 another CC. When a PCC is changed, an eNodeB decides for each UE which CC is
desirable as the PCC. When PCCs are changed, a procedure for handover between
frequencies is used. When SCCs are added, a UE is notified of system information
of the SCCs to be added by signaling via PCCs. Accordingly, the quality of PCCs
is important.
25 [0041]
Linkage information on a downlink and an uplink is indicated in a system
information block (SIB) 2 of system information. When there are a plurality of
downlink CCs and a plurality of uplink CCs, linkage information indicates the
linkage between the downlink CCs and the uplink CCs. That is, linkage
30 information indicates which downlink CC is paired with which uplink CC.
[0042]
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As an arrangement pattern of physical downlink control channels
(PDCCHs), which are control signals, a first pattern in which PDCCHs are present in
the respective CCs and a second pattern in which some CCs have no PDCCHs are
conceivable. The second pattern has so-called cross-carrier scheduling applied
5 thereto. The first pattern does not have cross-carrier scheduling applied thereto,
which is a normal pattern. This point will be described more specifically below
with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0043]
FIG 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of normally
10 arranged PDCCHs. FIG 6 illustrates the CC 1 and the CC 2 owned by the operator
A as illustrated in FIG 5. Each of the CC 1 and the CC 2 has a PDCCH in this
example. Scheduling information on each CC is transmitted in the PDCCH of the
CC.
[0044]
15 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a PDCCH
arranged when cross earner scheduling is applied. The CC 1 has a PDCCH, and yet
the CC 2 does not have any PDCCH in this example. Scheduling information on
the CC 1 and the CC 2 is transmitted in the PDCCH of the CC 1.
[0045]
20 The cross carrier scheduling as illustrated in FIG 7 is an important
technique for heterogeneous networks (Het-Nets) because CCs having PDCCHs can
be alternate between an eNodeB for a macrocell and an eNodeB for a small cell, for
example. The Het-Nets have a problem with interference of a PDCCH of an
eNodeB for a macrocell with a PDCCH of an eNodeB for a small cell. Even when
25 an eNodeB for a macrocell and an eNodeB for a small cell are both using the CC 1
and the CC 2, the interference between PDCCHs can be avoided by the eNodeB for
the macrocell transmitting the PDCCH only in the CC 1 and by the eNodeB for the
small cell transmitting the PDCCH in the CC 2, for example. This is referred to as
Carrier Aggregation Based ICIC.
30 [0046]
The concept of small cells includes femtocells, nanocells, picocells,
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microcells, and the like. Small cells are complementary cells for increasing the
communication capacity of macrocells, and may be introduced by implementing
eNodeBs smaller than eNodeBs for macrocells.
[0047]
5 Cross carrier scheduling uses a 3-bit carrier indication field (CIF). The
CIF may be quasi-statically set for each UE by radio resource control (RRC)
signaling. Additionally, the RRC signaling means transmitting a control signal with
a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).
[0048]
10 Blind coding of PDCCHs has an upper limit in order to reduce the burdens
on UEs. PCCs have an upper limit of 44 control channel elements (CCEs), while
SCCs have an upper limit of 32 CCEs.
[0049]
If PDCCHs and data do not arrived at UEs for a predetermined time, or if
15 UEs are not allocated communication resources for a predetermined time, the UEs
automatically deactivate SCCs. The predetermined times are set by eNodeBs.
[0050]
This is the overview of the carrier aggregation in the release 10 version of
the 3GPP specifications.
20 [0051]
<1.4. Technical Problem>
A technical problem with implementation of the frequency sharing between
different operators as discussed above will be described. It will be described as an
example that the frequency sharing is implemented on a LTE-A platform to which
25 the technique for the carrier aggregation in the release 10 version is applied.
[0052]
As discussed above, the frequency band used by a UE in the carrier
aggregation is a CC. A UE uses one or more CCs. More specifically, a UE uses
one PCC as the primary frequency band, and also uses one or more SCCs as
30 necessary as the secondary frequency bands. A CC is leased between different
operators for the frequency sharing between the different operators, and the leased
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CC is then used by UEs as the PCC or the SCC. Here, the use of the leased CC as
the PCC may make the processing by an eNodeB more complicated. It will be
described below that the use of the second leasing technique (a frequency band is
operated by an eNodeB of a lessor operator) illustrated in FIG. 4 and the use of the
5 first leasing technique (a frequency band is operated by an eNodeB of a lessee
operator) illustrated in FIG. 3 make the processing by the eNodeB more complicated.
[0053]
(Use of Second Leasing Technique)
First of all, the use of the second leasing technique may make the processing
10 by an eNodeB more complicated for transmitting a control signal from the eNodeB
toaUE.
[0054]
For example, when a CC used for the UE 23 of the operator B to establish a
connection is a CC leased from the operator A, the UE 23 of the operator B uses only
15 the CC leased from the operator A to wirelessly communicate with only the eNodeB
11 of the operator A. That is, the UE 23 of the operator B does not use a CC for
communicating with the eNodeB 21 of the operator B, nor wirelessly communicate
with the eNodeB 21 of the operator B. That is, the eNodeB 21 of the operator B
cannot freely transmit a control signal to the UE 23 of the operator B, so that when
20 the eNodeB 21 of the operator B transmits a control signal, the eNodeB 21 of the
operator B asks the eNodeB 11 of the operator A to do so.
[0055]
For example, when the UE 23 of the operator B uses a CC of the operator B
as the SCC and uses a CC of the operator A as the PCC, the operator B transmits
25 control information (e.g. system information of a SCC) by RRC signaling in the CC
of the operator A. That is, the eNodeB 21 of the operator B asks the eNodeB 11 of
the operator A to transmit a control signal.
[0056]
As described above, when the second leasing technique is used, the use of a
30 leased CC as the PCC causes information to be exchanged between the eNodeB 21
of the operator B and the eNodeB 11 of the operator A. In addition, the eNodeB 11
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of the operator A needs to perform processing of transmitting a control signal to the
UE 23 of the operator B. The use of the leased CC as the PCC thus makes the
processing by an eNodeB more complicated.
[0057]
5 (Use of First Leasing Technique)
The use of the first leasing technique may make the processing by an
eNodeB more complicated after the lease of a frequency band is finished.
[0058]
For example, when a CC of the operator A is leased to the operator B, the
10 UE 23 of the operator B uses the leased CC to communicate with the eNodeB 21 of
the operator B. Some of the UEs 23 use the leased CC as the PCC. After the lease
of the CC from the operator A is finished, the UE 23 using the CC as the PCC needs
frequency handover from the CC to another CC. Accordingly, every time the lease
of a frequency band is finished, the eNodeB 21 performs the frequency handover for
15 the UEs 23.
[0059]
As described above, when the first leasing technique is used, the use of a
leased CC as the PCC makes the processing by the eNodeB more complicated after
the lease of a frequency band is finished.
20 [0060]
An embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent the processing by a
base station from becoming more complicated in the frequency sharing between
different operators. The specific content will be described in « 2 . First
Embodiment» and « 3 . Second Embodiment».
25 [0061]
« 2 . First Embodiment»
First of all, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
The second leasing technique (a frequency band is operated by an eNodeB of a lessor
operator) is used as a technique of leasing a frequency band in the first embodiment
30 of the present disclosure. According to the first embodiment, a leased CC is not
used by a UE as the PCC. As a result, the processing by a base station is prevented
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from becoming more complicated in the frequency sharing between different
operators.
[0062]
<2.1. Overview>
5 First of all, the overview of the first embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 8.
[0063]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing the overview of the first
embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates an eNodeB 100-1, a UE 300 and a frequency band
10 500 of the operator A, and an eNodeB 200-1, a UE 400-1 and a frequency band 600
of the operator B.
[0064]
The frequency band 500 owned by the operator A is leased to the operator B
in the present embodiment. The second leasing technique is used as a technique of
15 leasing a frequency band in the present embodiment. That is, an eNodeB of a lessor
operator that has leased a frequency band operates and uses the frequency band to
communicate with a UE of a lessee operator that has leased the frequency band. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the UE 400-1 of the lessee operator B that has leased the
frequency band thus uses the leased frequency band 500 to communicate with the
20 eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A.
[0065]
The UE 400-1 of the operator B also uses the frequency band 600 owned by
the operator B to communicate with the eNodeB 100-1 of the operator B.
[0066]
25 Additionally, each of the frequency band 500 and the frequency band 600 is,
for example, a component carrier.
[0067]
The eNodeB 200-1 of the operator A and the eNodeB 200-1 of the operator
B communicate with each other via a network 700. The network 700 includes, for
30 example, a core network of the operator A, a core network of the operator B, and a
network that connects the two networks. These core networks are, for example,
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evolved packet cores (EPCs). The eNodeB 200-1 of the operator A and the eNodeB
200-1 of the operator B may directly communicate with each other, or may indirectly
communicate with each other via the processing by a communication node.
[0068]
5 Each of the eNodeB 100-1 of the lessor operator A and the eNodeB 200-1 of
the lessee operator B performs control such that the frequency band 500 (CC) of the
operator A is used by the UE 400-1 of the operator B as the primary frequency band
(PCC) in the present embodiment.
[0069]
10 When the frequency band 500 of the operator A is leased, the eNodeB 100-1
of the lessor operator A does not allow the frequency band 500 of the operator A to
be used for the UE 400-1 of the operator B to establish a connection with the
eNodeB 100-1. As discussed above, since the frequency band (CC) used for
establishing a connection is the primary frequency band or the PCC, it is possible to
15 prevent the frequency band 500 of the operator A from being the PCC for
establishing a connection by preventing the frequency band 500 of the operator A
from being used in this way.
[0070]
The eNodeB 200-1 of the lessee operator B does not select the frequency
20 band 500 of the operator A as the new PCC in the present embodiment when the
primary frequency band or the PCC of the UE 400-1 of the operator B is changed.
The PCC can be changed after a connection is established. Accordingly, the
frequency band 500 of the operator A is not selected in this way when the PCC is
changed, so that the frequency band 500 of the operator A is prevented from being
25 the PCC after a connection is established,
[0071]
A configuration, a procedure of processing, and a modified example of each
apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below in detail.
[0072]
30 <2.2. Configuration of Lessor eNodeB>
An example of a configuration of the eNodeB 100-1 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
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lessor operator A) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference
to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the
configuration of the eNodeB 100-1 according to the first embodiment. FIG 9
shows that the eNodeB 100-1 includes a radio communication unit 110, a network
5 communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 140.
[0073]
(Radio Communication Unit 110)
The radio communication unit 110 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with a UE in the cell. The radio communication unit 110 includes, for
10 example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
[0074]
For example, the radio communication unit 110 wirelessly communicates
with the UE 300, to which the operator A provides a service. More specifically, the
radio communication unit 110 uses the frequency band 500 owned by the operator A
15 in the cell of the eNodeB 100-1 to wirelessly communicate with the UE 300 of the
operator A.
[0075]
The radio communication unit 110 wirelessly communicates with the UE
400-1, to which the operator B provides a service. More specifically, when the
20 frequency band 500 of the operator A is leased to the operator B, the radio
communication unit 110 uses the frequency band 500 owned by the operator A in the
cell of the eNodeB 100-1 to wirelessly communicate with the UE 400-1 of the
operator B.
[0076]
25 Additionally, the UE 300 of the operator A and the UE 400-1 of the operator
B are capable of radio communication by using the one primary frequency band and
the one or more secondary frequency bands. For example, the UE 300 and the UE
400-1 are UEs supporting the carrier aggregation, and are capable of radio
communication by using the one PCC and the one or more SCCs.
30 [0077]
(Network Communication Unit 120)
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The network communication unit 120 communicates with another
communication node. For example, the network communication unit 120
communicates with the eNodeB 200-1 of the operator B directly or via a
communication node.
5 [0078]
(Storage Unit 130)
The storage unit 130 stores a program and data for the operation of the
eNodeB 100-1. The storage unit 130 includes, for example, a storage medium such
as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory.
10 [0079]
(Control Unit 140)
The control unit 140 provides a variety of functions of the eNodeB 100-1.
For example, the control unit 140 corresponds to a processor such as a CPU and a
DSP, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 130 or another storage
15 medium to provide the variety of functions.
[0080]
The control unit 140 controls the access of the UE 400-1 such that a
frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned by the
operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B is not used as the one primary
20 frequency band of the UE 400-1 of the operator B. More specifically, the control
unit 140 does not, for example, arrange a synchronization signal in the frequency
band 500 temporarily used by the operator B in a frequency direction which is
searched for by the UE 400-1 of the operator B.
[0081]
25 As a first example, the control unit 140 does not arrange a synchronization
signal in a frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned
by the operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B. This point will be
described more specifically below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0082]
30 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a normal
radio frame including a synchronization signal. FIG. 10 illustrates a radio frame
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including ten subframes numbered #0 to #9. Each subframe includes two slots each
of which includes seven OFDM symbols. That is, each subframe includes 14
OFDM symbols. Synchronization signals PSS and SSS are arranged in the seventh
and sixth OFDM symbols in the #0 and #5 subframes, respectively, in the time (t)
5 direction. The synchronization signals PSS and SSS are arranged in the center of a
frequency band in the frequency (f) direction. When the frequency band 500 owned
by the operator A is not leased, the control unit 140, for example, arranges
synchronization signals as illustrated in FIG. 10. Additionally, PDCCHs are
arranged in the first to third OFDM symbols in the subframes, and broadcast
10 channels (BCH) are arranged in OFDM symbols after the PSSs and SSSs.
[0083]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a radio
frame including no synchronization signal Different from FIG. 10, FIG. 11 shows
that no synchronization signal is arranged in the radio frame. When the frequency
15 band 500 owned by the operator A is temporaiily used by the operator B, or when the
frequency band 500 is leased to the operator B, the control unit 140 does not, for
example, arrange a synchronization signal as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0084]
No synchronization signal is arranged in a leased radio frame as illustrated
20 in FIG. 11, so that the UE 400-1 of the operator B cannot perform synchronization by
using the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A when a connection is
established. That is, the UE 400-1 in an RRC Idle state cannot perform
synchronization by using the PSS and the SSS in order to come into a radio resource
control (RRC) Connected state when using the frequency band 500 leased from the
25 operator A to do a cell search. Accordingly, the UE 400-1 of the operator B cannot
use the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A to establish a connection. It
is thus possible to prevent the leased frequency band 500 of the operator A from
being the PCC when a connection is established.
[0085]
30 Additionally, the frequency band 500 (CC) leased from the operator A may
be used by the UE 400-1 of the operator B as the SCC. In this case, the UE 400-1
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of the operator B can perform synchronization by using the SCC. This point will be
discussed below in connection with the UE 400-1 of the operator B.
[0086]
As a second example, the control unit 140 may shift the position of a
5 synchronization signal in the frequency direction in a frequency band 500 among the
one or more frequency bands owned by the operator A from the position in the
frequency direction which is searched for by the UE 400-1 of the operator B, the
frequency band 500 being temporarily used by the operator B. This point will be
described more specifically below with reference to FIG. 12.
10 [0087]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a radio
frame including no synchronization signal. Different from FIG 10, FIG 12 shows
that synchronization signals are not arranged in the center of a frequency band in the
radio frame. The positions of the synchronization signals in the frequency band are
15 shifted from the positions (i.e. the center of the frequency band) in the frequency
band which are searched for by a UE. When the frequency band 500 owned by the
operator A is temporarily used by the operator B, or when the frequency band 500 is
leased to the operator B, the control unit 140, for example, shifts the positions of the
synchronization signals in the frequency direction as illustrated in FIG. 12.
20 [0088]
No synchronization signal is arranged in a leased radio frame as illustrated
in FIG 12, so that the UE 400-1 of the operator B cannot perform synchronization in
a frequency band leased from the operator A in establishing a connection (more
specifically, in doing a cell search). Accordingly, the UE 400-1 of the operator B
25 cannot use the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A when a connection is
established. It is thus possible to prevent the leased frequency band 500 of the
operator A from being the PCC when a connection is established. In addition, a UE
can detect a synchronization signal and perform synchronization by searching for the
shifted position.
30 [0089]
Additionally, RRC signaling from an eNodeB, for example, explicitly
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notifies the UE 400-1 of the leased frequency band or a frequency band in which a
synchronization signal is not arranged at a predetermined position in the frequency
direction. Alternatively, when there is a frequency band (CC) in which
synchronization failed to be performed, the UE 400-1 recognizes as a result of the
5 cell search that the frequency band is a frequency band that has been leased.
[0090]
<2.3. Configuration of Lessee eNodeB>
An example of a configuration of the eNodeB 200-1 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
lessee operator B) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference
10 to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the configuration
of the eNodeB 200-1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows that the
eNodeB 200-1 includes a radio communication unit 210, a network communication
unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.
[0091]
15 (Radio Communication Unit 210)
The radio communication unit 210 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with a UE in the cell. The radio communication unit 210 includes,
for example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
[0092]
20 For example, the radio communication unit 210 wirelessly communicates
with the UE 400-1, to which the operator B provides a service. More specifically,
the radio communication unit 210 uses the frequency band 600 owned by the
operator B in the cell of the eNodeB 200-1 to wirelessly communicate with the UE
400-1 of the operator B.
25 [0093]
(Network Communication Unit 220)
The network communication unit 220 communicates with another
communication node. For example, the network communication unit 220
communicates with the eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A directly or via a
30 communication node.
[0094]
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(Storage Unit 230)
The storage unit 230 stores a program and data for the operation of the
eNodeB 200-1. The storage unit 230 includes, for example, a storage medium such
as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory.
5 [0095]
(Control Unit 240)
The control unit 240 provides a variety of functions of the eNodeB 200-1.
For example, the control unit 240 corresponds to a processor such as a CPU and a
DSP, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 230 or another storage
10 medium to provide the variety of functions.
[0096]
The control unit 240 controls the access of the UE 400-1 such that a
frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned by the
operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B is not used as the one primary
15 frequency band of the UE 400-1 of the operator B. More specifically, when the one
primary frequency band used by the UE 400-1 of the operator B is changed, the
control unit 240 does not, for example, select the frequency band 500 temporarily
used by the operator B as the one primary frequency band. That is, when the PCC
of the UE 400-1- is changed, the control unit 240 does not select a CC leased to the
20 operator B as the new PCC. As discussed above, the PCC can be changed. When
the PCC is changed, an eNodeB selects the new PCC on the basis of a measurement
result of each CC of each UE. If the leased CC is not selected as the PCC when the
PCC is changed in this way, it is possible to prevent the leased frequency band 500 of
the operator A from being the PCC after a connection is established.
25 [0097]
<2.4. Configuration of Lessee UE>
An example of a configuration of the UE 400-1 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
lessee operator B) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference
to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the configuration
30 of the UE 400-1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 shows that the UE 400-
1 includes a radio communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430.
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[0098]
(Radio Communication Unit 410)
The radio communication unit 410 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with an eNodeB. The radio communication unit 410 includes, for
5 example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
[0099]
For example, the radio communication unit 410 wirelessly communicates
with the eNodeB 200-1 of the operator B. More specifically, the radio
communication unit 410 uses the frequency band 600 owned by the operator B in the
10 cell of the eNodeB 200-1 to wirelessly communicate with the eNodeB 200-1.
[0100]
The radio communication unit 410 wirelessly communicates with the
eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A. More specifically, when the frequency band 500
of the operator A is leased to the operator B, the radio communication unit 410 uses
15 the frequency band 500 owned by the operator A in the cell of the eNodeB 100-1 to
wirelessly communicate with the eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A.
[0101]
Additionally, the radio communication unit 410 can wirelessly communicate
with a base station by using the one primary frequency band and the one or more
20 secondary frequency bands. For example, the UE 400-1 is a UE supporting the
earner aggregation, and is capable of radio communication by using the one PCC
and the one or more SCCs.
[0102]
(Storage Unit 420)
25 The storage unit 420 stores a program and data for the operation of the UE
400-1. The storage unit 420 includes, for example, a storage medium such as a hard
disk and a semiconductor memory.
[0103]
(Control Unit 430)
30 The control unit 430 provides a variety of functions of the UE 400-1. For
example, the control unit 430 corresponds to a processor such as a CPU and a DSP,
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and executes a program stored in the storage unit 420 or another storage medium to
provide the variety of functions.
[0104]
For example, when no synchronization signal is arranged at a position in the
5 frequency direction which is searched by the UE 400-1 of the operator B in the
frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B, the use of the frequency
band 500 as a secondary frequency band of the UE 400-1 causes the control unit 430
to perform synchronization in the frequency band 500 without using a
synchronization signal at the position in the frequency direction.
10 [0105]
As a first example, no synchronization signal is arranged in a frequency
band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned by the operator A, the
frequency band 500 being temporarily used by the operator B. The frequency band
500 (CC) leased from the operator A may be used by the UE 400-1 of the operator B
15 as the SCC. In this case, the UE 400-1 of the operator B can perform
synchronization in the SCC. Specifically, if the frequency band 600 (CC) used as
the PCC is near the frequency band 500 used as the SCC in the frequency direction,
the UE 400-1 of the operator B can also perform synchronization in the SCC by
taking advantage of the synchronization in the PCC. Even if the frequency band
20 600 used as the PCC is far from the frequency band 500 used as the SCC in the
frequency direction, the UE 400-1 of the operator B can perform synchronization in
the SCC. Specifically, the UE 400-1 of the operator B uses the synchronization in
the PCC to perform synchronization in the SCC with some degree of accuracy, and
then tracks a Cell Specific Reference Signal unique to the cell in the SCC, so that the
25 UE 400-1 of the operator B can update the synchronization.
[0106]
As a second example, the position of a synchronization signal in the
frequency direction in a frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands
500 owned by the operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B is shifted
30 from the position in the frequency direction which is searched for by the UE 400-1 of
the operator B. The frequency band 500 (CC) leased from the operator A may be
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used by the UE 400-1 of the operator B as the SCC. In this case, the UE 400-1 of
the operator B can detect a synchronization signal at the shifted position of the
synchronization signal in the frequency direction, so that the UE 400-1 of the
operator B can perform synchronization.
5 [0107]
<2.5. Procedure of Processing>
Next, an example of processing according to the first embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the processing being for preventing a
leased frequency band from being used as the PCC.
10 [0108]
(Processing for Establishing Connection)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the lessor
eNodeB 100-1 according to the first embodiment for generating a downlink signal.
The processing is for preventing the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A
15 from being used as the PCC when a connection is established for the UE 400-1 of the
operator B.
[0109]
First of all, the control unit 140 determines, in step S301, whether a target
CC is the frequency band (CC) 500 leased from the operator A. If the CC is the
20 leased CC, the processing proceeds to step S303. If not, the processing proceeds to
step S305.
[0110]
In step S303, the control unit 140 causes the radio communication unit 110
to generate and transmit a downlink signal including no PSS or SSS. The
25 processing is then finished.
[0111]
In step S305, the control unit 140 causes the radio communication unit 110
to generate and transmit a downlink signal including a PSS and an SSS. The
processing is then finished.
30 [0112]
(Processing after Connection Is Established)
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FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the lessee
eNodeB 200-1 according to the first embodiment for changing a PCC. The
processing is for preventing the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A from
being used as the PCC after a connection is established for the UE 400-1 of the
5 operator B.
[0113]
First of all, the control unit 240 acquires, in step S401, a result obtained by
measuring each CC for the UE 400-1. The control unit 240 then determines
whether the PCC needs to be changed. If the PCC needs to be changed, the
10 processing proceeds to step S405. If not, the processing is finished.
[0114]
The control unit 240 selects, in step S405, a frequency band (CC) other than
the frequency band (CC) 500 as the new PCC. In step S407, the control unit 240
then notifies the UE 400-1 of the frequency band (CC) selected as the new PCC.
15 The processing is then finished.
[0115]
<2.6. First Modified Example>
Next, a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
The arrangement of a synchronization signal in a leased frequency band is changed
20 in the first modified example, and yet a notification is issued to indicate that
connection establishment (i.e. new access) is barred in system information of the
leased frequency band instead.
[0116]
(Configuration of eNodeB 100-1)
25 The control unit 140 notifies the UE 400-1 that the UE 400-1 is barred from
establishing a new connection by using the frequency band 500 temporarily used by
the operator B as the one primary frequency band. More specifically, information
on conditional access barring is newly defined in system information. The
conditional access barring, for example, indicates that UE 400-1 cannot use a CC in
30 order to establish a new connection with the eNodeB 100-1, but can use the CC for
other purposes. That is, the conditional access barring indicates that the UE 400-1
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cannot use a CC when using the CC as the PCC, but can use the CC when using the
CC as the SCC.
[0117]
The conditional access baiting is, for example, enabled when a frequency
5 band (CC) is leased, while the conditional access barring is disabled when a
frequency band (CC) is not leased.
[0118]
As discussed above, a notification is issued in system information to
indicate that connection establishment using the leased frequency band 500 is barred,
10 so that the UE 400-1 of the operator B does not establish a connection in the
frequency band 500 leased from the operator A. That is, the UE 400-1 in the RRC
Idle state is synchronized by using a synchronization signal, and then confirms the
barring in the system information of the frequency band 500 in order to come into the
radio resource control (RRC) Connected state. As a result, the UE 400-1 stops
15 establishing a connection in the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A. It
is thus possible to prevent the leased frequency band 500 of the operator A from
being the PCC when a connection is established.
[0119]
(Procedure of Processing)
20 Next, an example of processing according to the first modified example will
be described with reference to FIG. 17, the processing being for preventing a leased
frequency band from being used as the PCC when a connection is established. FIG.
17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the lessor eNodeB 100-1
according to the first modified example for generating and transmitting system
25 information.
[0120]
First of all, the control unit 140 determines, in step S501, whether a target
CC is the frequency band (CC) 500 leased from the operator A. If the CC is the
leased CC, the processing proceeds to step S503. If not, the processing proceeds to
30 step S505.
[0121]
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First of all, the control unit 140 generates, in step S503, system information
that includes information indicating that new connection establishment by using the
CC as the PCC is barred (i.e. conditional access barring).
[0122]
5 The control unit 140 generates, in step S505, normal system information.
[0123]
In step S507, the control unit 140 then transmits the generated system
information via the radio communication unit 110.
[0124]
10 <2.7. Second Modified Example>
Next, a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
When the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A is used by the operator B,
the link direction of the frequency band 500 is limited in the second modified
example.
15 [0125]
(Technical Problem)
A notification of linkage information is issued in a SIB2 in system
information of a downlink CC in the carrier aggregation in order to explicitly
indicate the linkage between the downlink CC and an uplink CC that is paired with
20 the downlink CC. AUE can identify the uplink CC that is paired with the downlink
CC by receiving the linkage information on the downlink CC.
[0126]
Concerning the UE 400-1 of the operator B, for example, a downlink CC
may be the frequency band (CC) 500 leased from the operator A, while an uplink CC
25 that is paired with the downlink CC may be the frequency band (CC) 600 owned by
the operator B. In this case, linkage information needs to be included in system
information of the frequency band 500 or the downlink CC of the operator A, the
linkage information indicating the linkage with the frequency band 600 owned by the
operator B. As a result, a procedure for the operator B to send the linkage
30 information is also complicated. Accordingly, it is not desirable to use the leased
frequency band 500 of the operator A as a downlink CC of the UE 400-1
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[0127]
(Overview of Second Modified Example)
Accordingly, the frequency band temporarily used by the operator B is used
on an uplink. Alternatively, the frequency band temporarily used by the operator B
5 is used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band 500 among the one or
more frequency bands 500 owned by the operator A, the other frequency band 500
being temporarily used by the operator B on an uplink.
[0128]
Limiting the link direction in this way prevents the leased frequency band
10 500 from being paired with the frequency band 600 that is an uplink CC. There is
thus no need to transmit linkage information in the leased frequency band 500, the
linkage information indicating the linkage with the frequency band 600 that is an
uplink CC. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the procedure for the operator B to
send linkage information from becoming more complicated.
15 [0129]
(Configuration of eNodeB 100-1)
The radio communication unit 110 uses the frequency band 500 temporarily
used by the operator B for an uplink. Alternatively, the radio communication unit
110 uses the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B in a pair with
20 another frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned by
the operator A, the other frequency band 500 being temporarily used by the operator
B on an uplink.
[0130]
Additionally, the link direction of the frequency band 500 temporarily used
25 by the operator B, or the link direction of the leased frequency band 500 is decided
by a communication node. The link direction may be, for example, decided by the
lessee eNodeB 200-1, or the lessor eNodeB 100-1. Alternatively, a communication
node which has decided that the frequency band 500 is leased may also decide the
link direction.
30 [0131]
(Procedure of Processing)
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Next, an example of communication processing of the lessor eNodeB 100-1
according to the second modified example by use of the leased frequency band 500
will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the
example of the communication processing of the lessor eNodeB 100-1 according to
5 the second modified example by use of the leased frequency band 500.
[0132]
First of all, after it is decided that the frequency band (CC) 500 of the
operator B is leased, the control unit 140 is, in step S601, notified of the link
direction of the leased frequency band 500 via the network communication unit 120.
10 For example, the control unit 140 is notified of the link direction by the lessee
eNodeB 200-1.
[0133]
Next, the radio communication unit 110 uses, in step S603, the leased
frequency band 500 in the link direction of which the control unit 140 has been
15 notified to communicate with the UE 400-1.
[0134]
<2.8. Third Modified Example>
Next, a first modified example of a third embodiment will be described.
Like the second modified example, the link direction of a leased frequency band is
20 limited, and yet linkage information is transmitted using a lessee frequency band in a
third modified example instead.
[0135]
(Overview of Third Modified Example)
For example, the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B is
25 used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band that is not owned by the
operator A, but used by the operator B on an uplink. In this case, the UE 400-1 is
notified in the frequency band 600 owned by the operator B of information indicating
the linkage between the frequency band 500 used on the downlink and the other
frequency band used on the uplink.
30 [0136]
More specifically, the other frequency band is the frequency band 600
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owned by the operator B, and used by the operator B on the uplink. The frequency
band 500 temporarily used by the operator B is used on the downlink in a pair with
the frequency band 600 used by the operator B on the uplink. In this case, the UE
400-1 is notified in the frequency band 600 of the operator B of linkage information
5 indicating the linkage between the frequency band 500 used on the downlink and the
frequency band 600 used on the uplink. As an example, the UE 400-1 is notified of
the linkage information by RRC signaling in the frequency band 600, which is used
as the PCC.
[0137]
10 A notification of linkage information is issued in this way, so that a
notification of linkage information does not need to be issued in system information
of the frequency band 500 even if the leased frequency band 500 is used as a
downlink CC and the frequency band 600 is used as an uplink CC. Accordingly, it
is possible to prevent the procedure for the operator B to send linkage information
15 from becoming more complicated.
[0138]
(Configuration of eNodeB 200-1)
For example, the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B is
used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band that is not owned by the
20 operator A, but used by the operator B on an uplink. In this case, the control unit
240 notifies the UE 400-1 in the frequency band 600 owned by the operator B of
information indicating the linkage between the frequency band 500 used on the
downlink and the other frequency band used on the uplink.
[0139]
25 (Procedure of Processing)
Next, an example of processing of the lessee eNodeB 200-1 according to the
third modified example for issuing a notification of linkage information will be
described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example
of the processing of the lessee eNodeB 200-1 according to the third modified
30 example for issuing a notification of linkage information.
[0140]
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First of all, the control unit 240 extracts, in step S701, from among the
leased frequency bands (CCs) 500 used on a downlink, a frequency band 500 other
than the frequency band 500, which is used in a pair with another leased frequency
band 500 used on an uplink.
5 [0141]
Next, the control unit 240 notifies, in step S703, the UE 400-1 in the
frequency band (CC) 600 owned by the operator B of linkage information on the
extracted frequency band (CC) 500.
[0142]
10 <2.9. Fourth Modified Example>
Next, a fourth modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
When cross earner scheduling is used, the UE 400-1 is notified of scheduling
information on the leased frequency band 500 of the operator A in the frequency
band 600 of the lessee operator B in the fourth modified example.
15 [0143]
(Technical Problem)
When cross carrier scheduling is used, a CIF in a PDCCH in a downlink CC
is used to designate another downlink CC, so that scheduling is performed. For
example, a CIF in the leased frequency band (CC) 500 of the operator A is used to
20 designate the frequency band (CC) 600 owned by the operator B. In this case, the
eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A transmits scheduling information on the frequency
band 600 of the operator B in a PDCCH in the frequency band 500 of the operator A.
Accordingly, this leads to an increase in burdens on the eNodeB 100-1 of the lessor
operator A.
25 [0144]
(Overview of Fourth Modified Example)
Accordingly, when the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator
B is used as a downlink frequency band, a notification of scheduling information on
a frequency band owned by the operator B is not issued in the frequency band 500.
30 That is, even if cross carrier scheduling is used, a notification of scheduling
information on the frequency band 600 of the operator B is not issued in a PDCCH in
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the leased frequency band 500.
[0145]
Notification of scheduling information in this way can reduce burdens on
the eNodeB 100-1 of the lessor operator A even if cross carrier scheduling is used.
5 [0146]
Additionally, a notification of scheduling information on the leased
frequency band 500 may be issued in a PDCCH in the frequency band 600 of the
operator B. In this case, scheduling information on the frequency band 500 is, for
example, transmitted from the eNodeB 100-1 of the operator A to the eNodeB 200-1
10 of the operator B.
[0147]
(Configuration of eNodeB 100-1)
The frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B is used as a
downlink frequency band. In this case, the control unit 140 does not issue a
15 notification of scheduling information on the frequency band 600 owned by the
operator B in the frequency band 500.
[0148]
(Configuration of eNodeB 200-1)
The control unit 240 issues a notification of scheduling information on the
20 frequency band 600 owned by the operator B in the frequency band 600 or another
frequency band 600 owned by the operator B.
[0149]
(Procedure of Processing)
Next, an example of processing of the lessee eNodeB 200-1 according to the
25 fourth modified example for issuing a notification of scheduling information will be
described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the example
of the processing of the lessee eNodeB 200-1 according to the fourth modified
example for issuing a notification of scheduling information.
[0150]
30 The control unit 240 performs, in step S801, scheduling for the frequency
band (CC) 600 of the operator B.
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[0151]
In step S803, the control unit 240 then issues a notification of the scheduling
information on the frequency band 600 of the operator B in the frequency band 600
or another frequency band 600 of the operator B via the radio communication unit
5 210. The processing is then finished.
[0152]
The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described so far.
However, according to the first embodiment, a UE does not use a leased CC as the
PCC. As a result, the processing by a base station is prevented from becoming
10 more complicated in the frequency sharing between different operators.
[0153]
« 3 . Second Embodiment»
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
Although the second leasing technique is used as a teclinique of leasing a frequency
15 band in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the first leasing technique (a
frequency band is operated by an eNodeB of a lessee operator) is used in the second
embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the second embodiment, a UE
does not use a leased CC as the PCC as described in the first embodiment. As a
result, the processing by a base station is prevented from becoming more
20 complicated in the frequency sharing between different operators.
[0154]
<3.1. Overview>
First of all, the overview of the second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 21.
25 [0155]
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for describing the overview of the second
embodiment. FIG. 21 illustrates an eNodeB 100-2, a UE 300 and a frequency band
500 of the operator A, and an eNodeB 200-2, a UE 400-2, and a frequency band 600
of the operator B.
30 [0156]
The frequency band 500 owned by the operator A is leased to the operator B
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in the present embodiment. The first leasing technique is used as a technique of
leasing a frequency band in the present embodiment. That is, an eNodeB of a lessee
operator that has leased a frequency band operates and uses the frequency band to
communicate with a UE of the lessee operator that has leased the frequency band.
5 Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the UE 400-2 of the lessee operator B, which
has leased a frequency band, uses the leased frequency band 500 to communicate the
eNodeB 200-2 of the operator B.
[0157]
The eNodeB 200-2 of the lessee operator B performs control in the present
10 embodiment such that the frequency band 500 (CC) of the operator A is not used by
the UE 400-2 of the operator B as the primary frequency band (PCC). That is, the
eNodeB 100-1 of the lessor operator A and the eNodeB 200-1 of the lessee operator
B perform control in the first embodiment, and yet the eNodeB 200-2 of the lessee
operator B performs the control in the second embodiment.
15 [0158]
A configuration and a procedure of processing of each apparatus according
to the present embodiment will be described below in detail.
[0159]
<3.2. Configuration of Lessor eNodeB>
20 An example of a configuration of the eNodeB 100-2 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
lessor operator A) according to the second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the
configuration of the eNodeB 100-2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22
shows that the eNodeB 100-2 includes a radio communication unit 111, a network
25 communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 141.
[0160]
There is no difference between the first embodiment and the second
embodiment in the network communication unit 120 and the storage unit 130.
Accordingly, the radio communication unit 111 and the control unit 141 will be
30 described here.
[0161]
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(Radio Communication Unit 111)
The radio communication unit 111 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with a UE in the cell. The radio communication unit 111 includes, for
example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
5 [0162]
For example, the radio communication unit 111 wirelessly communicates
with the UE 300, to which the operator A provides a service. More specifically, the
radio communication unit 111 uses the frequency band 500 owned by the operator A
in the cell of the eNodeB 100-2 to wirelessly communicate with the UE 300 of the
10 operator A.
[0163]
(Control Unit 141)
The control unit 141 provides a variety of functions of the eNodeB 100-2.
For example, the control unit 141 corresponds to a processor such as a CPU and a
15 DSP, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 130 or another storage
medium to provide the variety of functions.
[0164]
For example, the control unit 140 does not control such access of the UE
400-2 of the operator B that a frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency
20 bands 500 owned by the operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B is
not used as the one primary frequency band of the UE 400-2.
[0165]
<3.3. Configuration of Lessee eNodeB>
An example of a configuration of the eNodeB 200-2 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
25 lessee operator B) according to the second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the
configuration of the eNodeB 200-2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23
shows that the eNodeB 200-2 includes a radio communication unit 211, a network
communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.
30 [0166]
There is no difference between the first embodiment and the second
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embodiment in the network communication unit 220 and the storage unit 230.
Accordingly, the radio communication unit 211 and the control unit 241 will be
described here.
[0167]
5 (Radio Communication Unit 211)
The radio communication unit 211 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with a UE in the cell. The radio communication unit 211 includes, for
example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
[0168]
10 For example, the radio communication unit 211 wirelessly communicates
with the UE 400-2, to which the operator B provides a service. More specifically,
the radio communication unit 211 uses the frequency band 600 owned by the
operator B in the cell of the eNodeB 200-2 to wirelessly communicate with the UE
400-2 of the operator B. When the frequency band 500 of the operator A is leased
15 to the operator B, the radio communication unit 211 uses the frequency band 500
owned by the operator A in the cell of the eNodeB 200-2 to wirelessly communicate
with the UE 400-2 of the operator B.
[0169]
(Control Unit 241)
20 The control unit 241 provides a variety of functions of the eNodeB 200-2.
For example, the control unit 241 corresponds to a processor such as a CPU and a
DSP, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 230 or another storage
medium to provide the variety of functions.
[0170]
25 The control unit 241 controls the access of the UE 400-2 of the operator B
such that a frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned
by the operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B is not used as the one
primary frequency band of the UE 400-2.
[0171]
30 More specifically, the control unit 241 does not, for example, arrange a
synchronization signal at a position in the frequency direction which is searched for
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by the UE 400-2 of the operator B in the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the
operator B. This processing is the same processing as performed by the eNodeB
100-1 of the operator A in the first embodiment, and attains the same effect as that of
the first embodiment.
5 [0172]
When the one primary frequency band used by the UE 400-2 of the operator
B is changed, the control unit 241 does not, for example, select the frequency band
500 temporarily used by the operator B as the one primary frequency band. This
processing is also the same processing as performed by the eNodeB 200-1 of the
10 operator B in the first embodiment, and attains the same effect as that of the first
embodiment.
[0173]
<3.4. Configuration of Lessee UE>
An example of a configuration of the UE 400-2 (i.e. an eNodeB of the
15 lessee operator B) according to the second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating the example of the
configuration of the UE 400-2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 shows
that the UE 400-2 includes a radio communication unit 411, a storage unit 420, and a
control unit 430.
20 [0174]
There is no difference between the first embodiment and the second
embodiment in the storage unit 420 and the control unit 430. Accordingly, the radio
communication unit 411 wili be described here.
[0175]
25 (Radio Communication Unit 411)
The radio communication unit 411 uses a frequency band to wirelessly
communicate with an eNodeB in the cell. The radio communication unit 411
includes, for example, an antenna and an RF circuit.
[0176]
30 For example, the radio communication unit 411 wirelessly communicates
with the eNodeB 200-2 of the operator B. More specifically, the radio
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SP345109WO00
communication unit 410 uses the frequency band 600 owned by the operator B in the
ceil of the eNodeB 200-2 to wirelessly communicate with the eNodeB 200-2.
When the frequency band 500 of the operator A is leased to the operator B, the radio
communication unit 411 uses the frequency band 500 owned by the operator A in the
5 cell of the eNodeB 200-2 to wirelessly communicate with the eNodeB 200-2 of the
operator B.
[0177]
Additionally, the radio communication unit 411 can wirelessly communicate
with a base station by using the one primary frequency band and the one or more
10 secondary frequency bands. For example, the UE 400-2 is a UE supporting the
carrier aggregation, and is capable of radio communication by using the one PCC
and the one or more SCCs.
[0178]
<3.5. Procedure of Processing>
15 The processing for preventing a leased frequency band from being used as
the PCC has been described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 in the first
embodiment. More specifically, the processing of establishing a connection and the
processing after the connection is established have been described. There is no
difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the
20 processing after a connection is established. Meanwhile, there is no difference
between the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the processing of
establishing a connection, and yet they are different in that the performer is the
eNodeB 100 of the operator A or the eNodeB 200 of the operator B.
[0179]
25 Additionally, the modified example 1 of the first embodiment can also be
used in the second embodiment.
[0180]
The second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described so far.
However, according to the second embodiment, a leased CC is not used by a UE as
30 the PCC. As a result, the processing by a base station is prevented from becoming
more complicated in the frequency sharing between different operators.
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[0181]
« 4 . Conclusion»
The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so far with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 24. According to the present embodiment, the access of the
5 UE 400 is controlled such that a frequency band 500 among the one or more
frequency bands 500 owned by the operator A which is temporarily used by the
operator B is not used as the one primary frequency band of the UE 400 of the
operator B.
[0182]
10 For example, no synchronization signal is arranged at a position in the
frequency direction which is searched for by the UE 400 of the operator B in the
frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B. This disables the UE 400
of the operator B from performing synchronization in the frequency band 500 leased
from the operator A when a connection is established. That is, the UE 400 in the
15 RRC Idle state cannot perform synchronization by using a PSS and an SSS in order
to come into the radio resource control (RRC) Connected state when doing a cell
search in the frequency band 500 leased from the operator A. Accordingly, the UE
400 of the operator B cannot use a frequency band leased from the operator A when a
connection is established. Thus, it is possible to prevent the leased frequency band
20 500 of the operator A from being the PCC when a connection is established.
[0183]
For example, when the one primary frequency band used by the UE 400 of
the operator B is changed, the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator
B is not selected as the one primary frequency band. If the leased CC is not
25 selected as the PCC when the PCC is changed in this way, it is possible to prevent
the leased frequency band 500 of the operator A from being the PCC after a
connection is established.
[0184]
For example, the UE 400 may be notified that the UE 400 is barred from
30 establishing a new connection by using the frequency band 500 temporarily used by
the operator B as the one primary frequency band. This prevents the UE 400 of the
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operator B from establishing a connection in the frequency band 500 leased from the
operator A. That is, the UE 400 in the RRC Idle state is synchronized by using a
synchronization signal, and then confirms the barring in the system information of
the frequency band 500 in order to come into the radio resource control (RRC)
5 Connected state. As a result, the UE 400 stops establishing a connection in the
frequency band 500 leased from the operator A. It is thus possible to prevent the
leased frequency band 500 of the operator A from being the PCC when a connection
is established.
[0185]
10 For example, the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B
may be used on an uplink, or may also be used on a downlink in a pair with another
frequency band 500 among the one or more frequency bands 500 owned by the
operator A which is temporarily used by the operator B on the uplink. Limiting the
link direction in this way prevents the leased frequency band 500 from being paired
15 with the frequency band 600 that is an uplink CC. There is thus no need to transmit
linkage information in the leased frequency band 500, the linkage information
indicating the linkage with the frequency band 600 that is an uplink CC.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the procedure for the operator B to send linkage
information from becoming more complicated.
20 [0186]
For example, the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator B is
used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band that is not owned by the
operator A, but used by the operator B on an uplink. In this case, the UE 400 may
be notified in the frequency band 600 owned by the operator B of information
25 indicating the linkage between the frequency band 500 used on the downlink and the
other frequency band used on the uplink. A notification of linkage information is
issued in this way, so that a notification of linkage information does not need to be
issued in system information of the frequency band 500 even if the leased frequency
band 500 is used as a downlink CC and the frequency band 600 is used as an uplink
30 CC. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the procedure for the operator B to send
linkage information from becoming more complicated.
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[0187]
For example, when the frequency band 500 temporarily used by the operator
B is used as a downlink frequency band, a notification of scheduling information on
a frequency band owned by the operator B does not have to be issued in the
5 frequency band 500. Notification of scheduling information in this way can reduce
burdens on the eNodeB 100 of the lessor operator A even if cross carrier scheduling
is used.
[0188]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described
10 above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present invention is
not limited to the above examples, of course. A person skilled in the art may find
various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it
should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the
present invention.
15 [0189]
It has been described that a radio communication system of an operator is,
for example, a radio communication system of LTE-A. However, the radio
communication system of the operator is not limited thereto. For example, the radio
communication system of the operator may be similar to a radio communication
20 system of LTE-A, or a radio communication system compliant with a standard more
evolved than LTE-A.
[0190]
A communication control apparatus for a cell is an eNodeB of LTEAdvanced
in the embodiment. However, the present technology is not limited to
25 the example. For example, the communication control apparatus may be a base
station compliant with another communication standard or an apparatus partially
composing the base station. The communication control apparatus may be another
apparatus that controls a base station.
[0191]
30 A terminal apparatus that communicates in a cell is a UE of LTE-Advanced
in the embodiment. However, the present technology is not limited to the example.
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For example, the terminal apparatus may be compliant with another communication
standard.
[0192]
It has been described that one operator is a lessor that leases a frequency
5 band, while the other operator is a lessee that leases the frequency band. However,
the present technology is not limited to the example. For example, both of the
operators may be lessors that lease frequency bands, or may be lessees that lease
frequency bands. In this case, an eNodeB may have both functions as a lessor and a
lessee.
10 [0193]
Processing steps in the various communication control processing in the
present description do not necessarily have to be performed in the chronological
order described in the flowcharts. For example, the processing steps in the various
communication control processing may be performed in order different from the
15 order described as the flowcharts, or may be performed in parallel.
[0194]
It is possible to produce a computer program for causing hardware such as a
CPU, ROM, and RAM built in a communication control apparatus or a terminal
apparatus to execute a function corresponding to each configuration of the
20 communication control apparatus or the terminal apparatus. There is also provided
a storage medium having the computer program stored therein.
[0195]
Additionally, the present technology of the present disclosure may also be
configured as below.
25 (1)
A communication control apparatus including:
a radio communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a
terminal apparatus to which a first operator provides a radio communication service,
the terminal apparatus being capable of radio communication by using one primary
30 frequency band and at least one secondary frequency band; and
a control unit configured to control access of the terminal apparatus in a
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manner that a frequency band among one or more frequency bands owned by a
second operator is not used as the one primary frequency band of the terminal
apparatus, the frequency band being temporarily used by the first operator.
(2)
5 The communication control apparatus according to (1),
wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
operator or the second operator, and
wherein the control unit does not arrange a synchronization signal at a
position in a frequency direction, the position being searched for by the terminal
10 apparatus in the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator.
(3)
The communication control apparatus according to (2),
wherein the control unit does not arrange the synchronization signal in the
frequency band temporarily used by the first operator.
15 (4)
The communication control apparatus according to (2),
wherein the control unit shifts the position of the synchronization signal in
the frequency direction in the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator
from the position in the frequency direction, the position being searched for by the
20 terminal apparatus.
(5)
The communication control apparatus according to (1),
wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
operator or the second operator, and
25 wherein the control unit notifies the terminal apparatus that the terminal
apparatus is barred from establishing a new connection by using the frequency band
temporarily used by the first operator as the one primary frequency band.
(6)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5),
30 wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
operator, and
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wherein, when the one primary frequency band used by the terminal
apparatus is changed, the control unit does not select the frequency band temporarily
used by the first operator as the one primary frequency band.
(7)
5 The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),
wherein the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is used on
an uplink, or used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band among the
one or more frequency bands owned by the second operator, the other frequency
band being temporarily used by the first operator on the uplink.
10 (8)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),
wherein, when the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is
used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band that is not owned by the
second operator, but is used by the first operator on an uplink, the terminal apparatus
15 is notified in a frequency owned by the first operator of information indicating
linkage between the frequency band used on the downlink and the other frequency
band used on the uplink.
(9)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),
20 wherein, when the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is
used as a downlink frequency band, the terminal apparatus is not notified in the
frequency band of scheduling information on a frequency band owned by the second
operator.
(10)
25 The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),
wherein the radio communication unit wirelessly communicates with the
terminal apparatus in accordance with a communication scheme related to long term
evolution (LTE),
wherein the frequency band is a component carrier,
30 wherein the one primary frequency band is a primary component carrier,
and
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wherein the secondary frequency band is a secondary component earner.
(ii)
A terminal apparatus including:
a radio communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with a
5 base station by using one primary frequency band and at least one secondary
frequency band; and
a control unit configured to, when a synchronization signal is not arranged
at a position in a frequency direction which is searched for by the terminal apparatus
in a frequency band among one or more frequency bands owned by a second
10 operator which is temporarily used by a first operator that provides a radio
communication service to the terminal apparatus, and when the frequency band
temporarily used by the first operator is used as the secondary frequency band of the
terminal apparatus, perform synchronization in the frequency band by using the
frequency band without using the synchronization signal at the position in the
15 frequency direction in a manner that the frequency band temporarily used by the first
operator is not used as the one primary frequency band of the terminal apparatus.
(12)
A communication control method including:
wirelessly communicating with a terminal apparatus to which a first
20 operator provides a radio communication service, the terminal apparatus being
capable of radio communication by using one primary frequency band and at least
one secondary frequency band; and
controlling access of the terminal apparatus in a manner that a frequency
band among one or more frequency bands owned by a second operator is not used as
25 the one primary frequency band of the terminal apparatus, the frequency band being
temporarily used by the first operator.
Reference Signs List
[0196]
30 10,20 cell
11,21 eNodeB
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13, 23 user equipment (UE)
15, 25 frequency band
100 (lessor) eNodeB
110, 111 radio communication unit
5 120 network communication unit
130 storage unit
140,141 control unit
200 (lessee) eNodeB
210,211 radio communication unit
10 220 network communication unit
230 storage unit
240, 241 control unit
400 (lessee) UE
410, 411 radio communication unit
15 420 storage unit
430 control unit

CLAIMS
Claim 1
A communication control apparatus comprising:
a radio communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a
5 terminal apparatus to which a first operator provides a radio communication service,
the terminal apparatus being capable of radio communication by using one primary
frequency band and at least one secondary frequency band; and
a control unit configured to control access of the terminal apparatus in a
manner that a frequency band among one or more frequency bands owned by a
10 second operator is not used as the one primary frequency band of the terminal
apparatus, the frequency band being temporarily used by the first operator.
Claim 2
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
15 wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
operator or the second operator, and
wherein the control unit does not arrange a synchronization signal at a
position in a frequency direction, the position being searched for by the terminal
apparatus in the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator.
20
Claim 3
The communication control apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the control unit does not arrange the synchronization signal in the
frequency band temporarily used by the first operator.
25
Claim 4
The communication control apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the control unit shifts the position of the synchronization signal in
the frequency direction in the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator
30 from the position in the frequency direction, the position being searched for by the
terminal apparatus.
Claim 5
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
5 operator or the second operator, and
wherein the control unit notifies the terminal apparatus that the terminal
apparatus is barred from establishing a new connection by using the frequency band
temporarily used by the first operator as the one primary frequency band.
10 Claim 6
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the communication control apparatus is a base station of the first
operator, and
wherein, when the one primary frequency band used by the terminal
15 apparatus is changed, the control unit does not select the frequency band temporarily
used by the first operator as the one primary frequency band.
Claim 7
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
20 wherein the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is used on
an uplink, or used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band among the
one or more frequency bands owned by the second operator, the other frequency
band being temporarily used by the first operator on the uplink.
25 Claim 8
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, when the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is
used on a downlink in a pair with another frequency band that is not owned by the
second operator, but is used by the first operator on an uplink, the terminal apparatus
30 is notified in a frequency owned by the first operator of information indicating
linkage between the frequency band used on the downlink and the other frequency
band used on the uplink.
Claim 9
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
5 wherein, when the frequency band temporarily used by the first operator is
used as a downlink frequency band, the terminal apparatus is not notified in the
frequency band of scheduling information on a frequency band owned by the second
operator.
10 Claim 10
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the radio communication unit wirelessly communicates with the
terminal apparatus in accordance with a communication scheme related to long term
evolution (LTE),
15 wherein the frequency band is a component carrier,
wherein the one primary frequency band is a primary component carrier,
and
wherein the secondary frequency band is a secondary component carrier.
20 Claim 11
A terminal apparatus comprising:
a radio communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with a
base station by using one primary frequency band and at least one secondary
frequency band; and
25 a control unit configured to, when a synchronization signal is not arranged
at a position in a frequency direction which is searched for by the terminal apparatus
in a frequency band among one or more frequency bands owned by a second
operator which is temporarily used by a first operator that provides a radio
communication service to the terminal apparatus, and when the frequency band
30 temporarily used by the first operator is used as the secondary frequency band of the
terminal apparatus, perform synchronization in the frequency band by using the
frequency band without using the synchronization signal at the position in the
frequency direction in a manner that the frequency band temporarily used by the first
operator is not used as the one primary frequency band of the terminal apparatus.
5 Claim 12
A communication control method comprising:
wirelessly communicating with a terminal apparatus to which a first
operator provides a radio communication service, the terminal apparatus being
capable of radio communication by using one primary frequency band and at least
10 one secondary frequency band; and
controlling access of the terminal apparatus in a manner that a frequency
band among one or more frequency bands owned by a second operator is not used as
the one primary frequency band of the terminal apparatus, the frequency band being
temporarily used by the first operator.