[0001]The present invention relates to communication devices, controllers, systems and methods.
Background technology
[0002]
　It is known that when a base station communicates with a user device (UE) via a plurality of remote radio devices (RREs), an intermediate node is arranged between the main body of the base station and the plurality of RREs. (Non-Patent Document 1). The intermediate node is, for example, a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) or an RRE in a cascade configuration. The FHM copies the downlink signal for the cell and transmits the downlink signal to two or more RREs forming the cell. Further, the FHM synthesizes the uplink signals received from the two or more RREs, and transmits the combined uplink signals to the main body of the base station.
[0003]
　Further, in the open radio access network (O-RAN) alliance, a management interface between an O-RU (O-RAN Radio Unit) controller and an O-RU is being studied (Non-Patent Document 2).
Prior art literature
Non-patent literature
[0004]
Non-Patent Document 1: NTT DOCOMO Technical Journal Vol. 18 No. 2, p8-13, "Base-station Equipment with the Aim of Introducing 3.5-GHz band TD-LTE"
Non-Patent Document 2: ORAN-WG4. MP. 0-v01.00, Technical Specialization, "O-RAN Alliance Working Group 4 Management Plane Specification"
Outline of the invention
Problems to be solved by the invention
[0005]
　When an O-DU (O-RAN Distributed Unit) communicates with a UE via a plurality of O-RUs, an intermediate node is arranged between the O-DU and the O-RU, and the O-DU and the O-RU are arranged. Control / user plane (C / U-plane) communication may be performed with and via an intermediate node. However, the mechanism for acquiring the management information required by the O-RU controller for such communication has not been concretely specified. Therefore, at present, it is difficult to realize C / U-plane communication between the O-DU and the O-RU via an intermediate node.
[0006]
　An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, controller, system and method that facilitates the realization of control / user plane (C / U-plane) communication via an intermediate node.
Means to solve problems
[0007]
　The communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is controlled / controlled by an intermediate node that transmits a signal between a wireless access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a wireless unit that performs wireless frequency processing and the wireless unit. The address of the intermediate node used to connect to the wireless unit for user plane communication and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit to connect to the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. It includes an information acquisition unit that acquires management information indicating the correspondence between the above and the other, and a communication processing unit that transmits the management information to the controller that controls the configuration of the radio unit.
[0008]
　In the controller according to one aspect of the present invention, the control / user plane communication is controlled by an intermediate node that transmits a signal between a wireless access network node that communicates with a user device via a wireless unit that performs wireless frequency processing and the wireless unit. Correspondence between the address of the intermediate node used to connect to the wireless unit for the purpose of and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit to connect to the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. A communication processing unit that receives management information indicating a relationship and controls the configuration of the radio unit or the intermediate node based on the management information is provided.
[0009]
　In the system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control / user is controlled by an intermediate node that transmits a signal between a wireless access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a wireless unit that performs wireless frequency processing and the wireless unit. The address of the intermediate node used to connect to the wireless unit for plane communication and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit to connect to the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. A communication device that transmits the management information indicating the correspondence between the above to the controller that controls the configuration of the wireless unit, and the wireless unit or the wireless unit that receives the management information and based on the management information. Includes the above controller, which controls the configuration of the intermediate node.
[0010]
　In the method according to one aspect of the present invention, a wireless access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a wireless unit that performs wireless frequency processing and an intermediate node that transmits a signal between the wireless units are controlled / user. The address of the intermediate node used to connect to the wireless unit for plane communication and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit to connect to the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. Includes the acquisition of management information indicating the correspondence between the above and the transmission of the management information to the controller that controls the configuration of the radio unit.
The invention's effect
[0011]
　According to the present invention, it becomes easier to realize control / user plane (C / U-plane) communication via an intermediate node. It should be noted that according to the present invention, other effects may be produced in place of or in combination with the effect.
A brief description of the drawing
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing 5G-gNB considered by the O-RAN Alliance and a function for managing it.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a C / U-plane and a management plane (M-plane) of O-RAN.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which FHM is arranged in O-RAN.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an O-RU cascade configuration.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the system 10 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a connection between an M-plane and a C / U-plane according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of M-plane and C / U-plane connections in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol stack for M-plane and C / U-plane communication between a RAN node and a RU via an intermediate node.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol stack for M-plane and C / U-plane communication between a RAN node and an intermediate node.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of ALIASMAC-INTERFACE.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fourth specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a RAN node according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an intermediate node according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the RU according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a schematic flow of processing of a RAN node according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an engineering task of an intermediate node according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between flows in a first specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a correspondence relationship between flows in a first specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between flows in a third specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a correspondence relationship between flows in a third specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between flows in a second specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a correspondence relationship between flows in a second specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a first modification in a first specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a first modification in a second specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a first modification in a third specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a first modification in a fourth specific example of the system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an engineering task of RU according to a first modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the system 10 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a controller according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a communication device according to a second embodiment.
Embodiment for carrying out the invention
[0013]
　Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals may be given to elements that can be similarly described, so that duplicate description may be omitted.
[0014]
　The explanations are given in the following order.
　1. 1. Related technology
　2. First Embodiment
　　2.1. System configuration
　　2.2. RAN node configuration
　　2.3. Configuration of intermediate nodes
　　2.4. Configuration of RU
　　2.5. Technical features
　　2.6. Modification
　　2.7. Others
　3. Second Embodiment
　　3.1. System configuration
　　3.2. Controller configuration
　　3.3. Configuration of communication device
　　3.4. Technical features
[0015]
　<< 1. Related Techniques >> The techniques
　related to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0016]
　(1) O-RAN
　FIG. 1 shows the 5G-gNB (fifth generation base station) being studied by the O-RAN alliance and the function of managing it. Referring to FIG. 1, the 5G-gNB includes a RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU). Especially in O-RAN, the DU is called O-RAN DU (O-DU) and the RU is called O-RAN RU (O-RU).
[0017]
　For example, Working Group 4 (WG4) of the O-RAN Alliance is considering an open front hall interface between O-DU and O-RU.
[0018]
　FIG. 2 shows the C / U-plane and management plane (M-plane) of O-RAN. Referring to FIG. 2, in O-RAN, O-DU and O-RU in gNB are connected to each other by C / U-plane and M-plane. There is no special node between O-DU and O-RU. The O-RU is also allowed to have an M-plane interface with a network management system (NMS).
[0019]
　(2) In the intermediate node
　O-RAN, an intermediate node is arranged between the O-DU and the O-RU, and the intermediate node can transmit a signal between the O-DU and the O-RU.
[0020]
　FIG. 3 shows an example in which FHM is arranged in O-RAN. Referring to FIG. 3, the FHM is arranged between the O-DU and the O-RU. The FHM can copy the downlink signal (the signal from the O-DU to the O-RU) and transmit the same downlink signal to a plurality of O-RUs. In addition, FHM can combine uplink signals (signals from O-RU to O-DU) from a plurality of O-RUs. In such a case, the plurality of O-RUs transmit and receive a common radio signal to form one logic cell.
[0021]
　FIG. 4 shows an example of an O-RU cascade configuration. Referring to FIG. 4, in the O-RU cascade configuration, the O-DU and the plurality of O-RUs are connected in series. In the cascade configuration, the Cascaded O-RU copies the downlink signal, transmits the downlink signal to the adjacent O-RU, and also wirelessly transmits the downlink signal to the UE. Further, Cascaded O-RU synthesizes an uplink signal from an adjacent O-RU and an uplink signal received wirelessly by itself. In such a cascade configuration, the plurality of O-RUs transmit and receive a common radio signal to form one logic cell.
[0022]
　The above-mentioned logical cell may also be referred to as a shared cell.
[0023]
　Also, the synthesis of uplink signals is not limited to simple synthesis (for example, calculation of sum or average), but selective synthesis (for example, selection of one uplink signal, simple synthesis of a plurality of selected uplink signals). It may be a composition, or a simple composition after weighting a plurality of uplink signals, etc.).
[0024]
　<< 2. First Embodiment >>
　Subsequently, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 30.
[0025]
　<2.1. System Configuration>
　An example of the system configuration according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14.
[0026]
　FIG. 5 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the system 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the system 10 includes a radio access network node (RAN) node 100, an intermediate node 200 and a radio unit (RU) 300.
[0027]
　For example, the system according to the first embodiment conforms to the technical specifications (TS) of 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). Further, for example, the system according to the first embodiment also conforms to the technical specifications (TS) of the O-RAN Alliance. In this case, for example, the RAN node 100 is an O-DU and the RU300 is an O-RU. Of course, the system according to the first embodiment is not limited to these examples.
[0028]
　Although only the intermediate node 200 of 1 and the RU300 of 1 are shown in FIG. 1, as will be described later, the system 10 may include a plurality of intermediate nodes 200 and / or a plurality of RU300s.
[0029]
　(1) Each node -RAN node
　100 The
　RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices (UEs) via the RU 300. For example, the RAN node 100 transmits a downlink signal to the UE via the RU 300 and receives the uplink signal via the RU 300.
[0030]
　When the system 10 includes a plurality of RUs, the RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices via the plurality of RUs.
[0031]
　For example, the RAN node 100 is a first RAN node that processes at least one lower protocol layer in the protocol stack of a radio access network (RAN). For example, the at least one lower protocol layer includes a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and a higher PHY layer.
[0032]
　For example, the RAN node 100 (the first RAN node) is connected to a second RAN node that processes at least one higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. For example, the at least one upper protocol layer includes a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and a service data conformance protocol (SDAP) layer.
[0033]
　Specifically, for example, as in the example of FIG. 1, the RAN node 100 (the first RAN node) is a DU (for example, O-DU), and the second RAN node is a CU (for example, O). -CU). A plurality of first RAN nodes (for example, O-DU) may be connected to the second RAN node (for example, O-CU).
[0034]
　Further, for example, the RAN node 100 also operates as a controller for controlling the configuration of the RU 300. Specifically, for example, the RU 300 is an O-RU, and the RAN node 100 operates as an O-RU controller that controls the configuration of the RU 300.
[0035]
　-RU300
　The RU300 performs radio frequency (RF) processing. For example, the RU300 also further processes the lower PHY layer.
[0036]
　-Intermediate node 200
　The intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the RU 300. The intermediate node 200 may be an FHM or a RU (ie, cascaded RU) in a cascade configuration. Alternatively, the intermediate node 200 may be a combination of FHM and RU in a cascade configuration. The specific operation of the intermediate node 200 will be described in detail later.
[0037]
　(2) M-plane and C / U-plane
　-First example: Case of FHM
　FIG. 6 shows a first example of the connection of M-plane and C / U-plane in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, in the first example, the system 10 includes six RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F) and the intermediate node 200 is an FHM.
[0038]
　The RAN node 100 establishes a connection for M-plane with each RU 300 and a connection for M-plane with the intermediate node 200. For example, these M-plane connections are protocol connections (eg, NETCONF Connection) used to configure the network. The RAN node 100 manages the intermediate node 200 and each RU 300 by using the connection for these M-planes.
[0039]
　Further, the RAN node 100 establishes a connection with the intermediate node 200 for C / U-plane communication in units of logical cells (shared cells). Also, a connection between the intermediate node 200 and each RU300 is established for C / U-plane communication. The intermediate node 200 performs copy processing of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and synthesis processing of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0040]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more UEs via six RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F). The intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the six RU300s.
[0041]
　For example, the RAN node 100 communicates with one or more UEs via the RU300A, 300B, 300C, and the intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the RU300A, 300B, 300C. Specifically, the intermediate node 200 receives the downlink signal transmitted via the RU 300A, 300B, 300C (from the RAN node 100), copies it, and transmits it to the RU 300A, 300B, 300C. The intermediate node 200 synthesizes the uplink signals received via the RUs 300A, 300B, and 300C, and transmits the synthesized uplink signals (to the RAN node 100). Since the RUs 300A, 300B, and 300C transmit a common downlink signal and receive a common uplink signal, they form one shared cell.
[0042]
　For example, the RAN node 100 communicates with one or more UEs via the RU300D, 300E, 300F, and the intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the RU300D, 300E, 300F. Specifically, the intermediate node 200 receives (from the RAN node 100) the downlink signal transmitted via the RU300D, 300E, 300F, copies it, and transmits it to the RU300D, 300E, 300F. The intermediate node 200 synthesizes the uplink signal received via the RU300D, 300E, and 300F, and transmits the synthesized uplink signal (to the RAN node 100). Since the RU300D, 300E, and 300F transmit a common downlink signal and receive a common uplink signal, they form one shared cell.
[0043]
　The synthesis of the uplink signals may be a simple synthesis (eg, sum or average calculation) or a selective synthesis (eg, selection of one uplink signal, a simple combination of multiple selected uplink signals). It may be a composition, or a simple composition after weighting a plurality of uplink signals, etc.). More generally, synthesizing an uplink signal means producing a suitable uplink signal based on a plurality of uplink signals. This also applies to the synthesis process described below.
[0044]
　In the example shown in FIG. 6, the system 10 includes 6 RU300s, but the system 10 may include 2 or more and 5 or less RU200s, or 7 or more RU300s. That is, more generally, the system 10 may include two or more RU300s.
[0045]
　-Second Example: Case of Cascade Configuration
　FIG. 7 shows a second example of the connection of M-plane and C / U-plane in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, in the second example, the system 10 includes two intermediate nodes 200 (intermediate nodes 200A, 200B), each of which also operates as a RU, and a RU 300. That is, in the second example, the system 10 has a cascade configuration, and the two intermediate nodes 200 are cascaded RUs (eg, cascaded O-RUs).
[0046]
　The RAN node 100 establishes a connection for M-plane with each intermediate node 200 and a connection for M-plane with RU300. For example, the connection for these M-planes is NETCONF Connection. The RAN node 100 manages each intermediate node 200 and RU 300 by using the connection for these M-planes.
[0047]
　Further, the RAN node 100 establishes a connection with the intermediate node 200 (specifically, the intermediate node 200A) for C / U-plane communication in units of logical cells (shared cells). Further, for C / U-plane communication, a connection between the intermediate node 200A and the intermediate node 200B and a connection between the intermediate node 200B and the RU300 are also established. Each intermediate node 200 performs copy processing of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and synthesis processing of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0048]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more UEs via three RUs (intermediate nodes 200A, 200B and RU300). The three RUs and the RAN node 100 are connected in series. The intermediate node 200A transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200B, and the intermediate node 200B transmits a signal between the intermediate node 200A and the RU300. Specifically, the intermediate node 200A receives, copies, and transmits a downlink signal transmitted via the three RUs (intermediate nodes 200A, 200B, and RU300) to the intermediate node 200B. The intermediate node 200B also receives the downlink signal, copies it, and transmits it to the RU 300. Further, the intermediate node 200B synthesizes the uplink signal received via the intermediate node 200B (RU) and the RU300, and transmits the synthesized uplink signal (to the intermediate node 200A). The intermediate node 200A is an uplink signal received via the intermediate nodes 200A, 200B (RU) and RU300 (ie, a composite uplink signal received from the intermediate node 200B and an uplink received via the intermediate node 200A. (With the link signal) is synthesized, and the synthesized uplink signal is transmitted (to the RAN node 100).
[0049]
　In the example shown in FIG. 7, the system 10 includes three RUs, but the system 10 may include two RUs (intermediate node 200 and RU300) and four or more RUs (three or more intermediate nodes). 200 and RU300) may be included. That is, more generally, the system 10 may include two or more RUs.
[0050]
　-Protocol Stack
　FIG. 8 shows an example of a protocol stack for M-plane and C / U-plane communication between the RAN node 100 and the RU300 via the intermediate node 200. Ethernet (registered trademark) is used in C / U-plane. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Internet Protocol (IP) may also be used as options. The intermediate node 200 performs a downlink signal (downlink traffic) copy process and an uplink signal (uplink traffic) synthesis process as C / U-plane processing. In M-plane, the network configuration protocol (NETCONF) is used. The intermediate node 200 performs IP routing or operates as an ether switch for the M-plane.
[0051]
　FIG. 9 shows an example of a protocol stack for M-plane and C / U-plane communication between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200. The protocol stack for the C / U-plane is used when the intermediate node 200 also operates as a RU (that is, in a cascade configuration). In M-plane, NETCONF is used.
[0052]
　When using NETCONF, the RAN node 100 is a NETCONF client, and the intermediate nodes 200 and RU300 are NETCONF servers. Here, an example in which NETCONF is used as a protocol used for network configuration has been given, but the first embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, another protocol (for example, RESTCONF, etc.) may be used as the protocol used to configure the network.
[0053]
　-For C / U-plane communication between the flow
　RAN node 100 and the RU 300, for example, a connection between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200 is established and a connection between the intermediate node 200 and the RU 300. Is established. In other words, the flow (upper flow) between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200 is configured (configure), and the flow between the intermediate node 200 and the RU 300 (lower flow) is configured. The flow may be referred to as a transport flow, interface, link or connection, etc. It should be noted that the flow between adjacent nodes is not configured in this way, but the flow between the RAN node 100 and each node (intermediate node 200 or RU300) is configured as described later as a first modification. May be done.
[0054]
　For example, the flow is configured within the M-plane data model at the RU 300 or intermediate node 200. For example, the data model is o-ran-processing-element. yang (especially transport-flow).
[0055]
　--First Example As a first
　example, the above flow is configured as ETH-INTERFACE (or eth-flow). ETH-INTERFACE (or eth-flow) includes two MAC addresses and a VLAN ID. For example, the flow between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200 is configured as the MAC address of the RAN node 100, the MAC address of the intermediate node 200, and the VLAN ID. For example, the flow between the intermediate node 200 and the RU300 is configured as the MAC address of the intermediate node 200, the MAC address of the RU300, and the VLAN ID.
[0056]
　--Second Example As a second
　example, the flow may be ALIASMAC-INTERFACE (or aliasmac-flow), and may include a MAC address, an Alias ​​MAC address, and a VLAN ID. As shown in the example of FIG. 10, the flow 50 is configured as ETH-INTERFACE (or eth-flow) and includes a physical MAC address, while each flow 60 is configured as ALIASMAC-INTERFACE (or aliasmac-flow). And includes the Alias ​​MAC address. Therefore, even if only one physical MAC address exists, a plurality of Alias ​​MAC addresses may exist and a plurality of flows 60 may be configured.
[0057]
　--Third Example As a third
　example, the flow may be UDPP-Interface (or UDP-flow) and may include two sets of IP address and UDP port number. The flow between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200 may be configured as a set of IP addresses and UDP port numbers of the RAN node 100 and a set of IP addresses and UDP port numbers of the intermediate node 200. The flow between the intermediate node 200 and the RU 300 may be configured as a set of IP addresses and UDP port numbers of the intermediate node 200 and a set of IP addresses and UDP port numbers of the RU 300.
[0058]
　In the following, an example in which the above flow is configured as ETH-INTERFACE will be described, but of course, ETH-INTERFACE in these explanations may be replaced with ALIASMAC-INTERFACE or UDIP-INTERFACE.
[0059]
　(3) Specific Examples of
　the System Various specific examples of the system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. Of course, the system 10 is not limited to these examples.
[0060]
　-First Specific Example
　FIG. 11 shows a first specific example of the system 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the system 10 includes a RAN node 100, an intermediate node 200, and three RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C). In the first embodiment, the intermediate node 200 is FHM.
[0061]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices via three RUs 300. The intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the three RUs 300. That is, the intermediate node 200 performs copy processing of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and synthesis processing of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0062]
　In the first specific example, two flows (Flow-1 and Flow-2) are configured between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200. Flow-1 includes Address-1 of the RAN node 100 and Address-1A of the intermediate node 200. Flow-2 includes Address-2 of the RAN node 100 and Address-2A of the intermediate node 200.
[0063]
　Further, in the first specific example, three flows (Flow-3, Flow-4 and Flow-5) are configured between the intermediate node 200 and the three RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C). Flow-3 includes Address-3A of the intermediate node 200 and Adress-3 of the RU300A. Flow-4 includes Address-4A of the intermediate node 200 and Adress-4 of the RU300B. Flow-5 includes Address-5A of the intermediate node 200 and Adress-5 of the RU300C.
[0064]
　-Second Specific Example
　FIG. 12 shows a second specific example of the system 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the system 10 includes a RAN node 100, an intermediate node 200, and a RU300. The second specific example is an example of a cascade configuration, and the intermediate node 200 is a cascaded RU (for example, a cascaded O-RU) that also operates as a RU.
[0065]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices via the intermediate node 200 (cascaded RU) and the RU 300. The intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the RU 300. That is, the intermediate node 200 performs copy processing of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and synthesis processing of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0066]
　In the second specific example, one flow (Flow-2) is configured between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200. Flow-2 includes Address-2 of the RAN node 100 and Address-2A of the intermediate node 200.
[0067]
　Further, in the second specific example, one flow (Flow-5) is configured between the intermediate node 200 and the RU300. Flow-5 includes Address-5A of the intermediate node 200 and Adress-5 of the RU300.
[0068]
　-Third Specific Example
　FIG. 13 shows a third specific example of the system 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the system 10 includes a RAN node 100, an intermediate node 200, and three RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C), as in the first embodiment. Further, as in the second embodiment, the intermediate node 200 also operates as a RU. That is, the third specific example is an example of a combination of the first specific example (FHM) and the second specific example (cascade configuration).
[0069]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices via four RUs (intermediate node 200 and three RUs 300). The intermediate node 200 transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the three RUs 300. That is, the intermediate node 200 performs copy processing of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and synthesis processing of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0070]
　The description of the flow is the same as that of the first specific example. Therefore, duplicate explanations will be omitted.
[0071]
　-Fourth Specific Example
　FIG. 14 shows a fourth specific example of the system 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the system 10 includes a RAN node 100, two intermediate nodes 200 (intermediate nodes 200A, 200B), and three RU300s (RU300A, 300B, 300C). That is, the fourth specific example is obtained by further adding one RU to the cascade configuration of the third specific example.
[0072]
　The RAN node 100 communicates with one or more user devices via five RUs (two intermediate nodes 200 and three RUs 300). The intermediate node 200A transmits a signal between the RAN node 100 and the RU300A, 300B and the intermediate node 200B. The intermediate node 200B transmits a signal between the intermediate node 200A and the RU300C. That is, the two intermediate nodes 200 perform a copy process of the downlink signal (downlink traffic) and a synthesis process of the uplink signal (uplink traffic).
[0073]
　In the fourth specific example, two flows (Flow-1 and Flow-2) are configured between the RAN node 100 and the intermediate node 200A. This point is the same as the first specific example and the third specific example.
[0074]
　Further, in the fourth specific example, two flows (Flow-3, Flow-4) are configured between the intermediate node 200A and the two RU300s (RU300A, 300B), and the intermediate node 200A and the intermediate node 200B are configured. One flow (Flow-5) is configured between them. In particular, Flow-5 includes an addless-5A of the intermediate node 200A and an addless-5 of the intermediate node 200B.
[0075]
　Further, in the fourth specific example, one flow (Flow-6) is configured between the intermediate node 200B and the RU300C. Flow-6 includes Adress-6A of the intermediate node 200B and Adress-6 of the RU300C.
[0076]
　Although a specific example of the system 10 has been described above, each address here is, for example, a MAC address. As described above, each address may be an Alias ​​MAC address, or may be a set of an IP address and a UDP port number.
[0077]
　<2.2. RAN node configuration>
　FIG. 15 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the RAN node 100 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the RAN node 100 includes a network communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130.
[0078]
　(1) Network communication unit 110
　The network communication unit 110 transmits a signal to the intermediate node 200 and receives a signal from the intermediate node 200.
[0079]
　Further, the network communication unit 110 may transmit a signal to the CU and receive a signal from the CU.
[0080] [0080]
　(2) Storage unit 120
　The storage unit 120 temporarily or permanently stores programs (instructions) and parameters for the operation of the RAN node 100, as well as various data. The program includes one or more instructions for the operation of the RAN node 100.
[0081]
　(3) Processing unit 130
　The processing unit 130 provides various functions of the RAN node 100. The processing unit 130 includes a first communication processing unit 131 and a second communication processing unit 133. The processing unit 130 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 130 may perform operations other than the operations of these components.
[0082]
　The first communication processing unit 131 processes the M-plane. The second communication processing unit 133 performs C / U-plane processing.
[0083]
　For example, the processing unit 130 (first communication processing unit 131 and second communication processing unit 133) communicates with another node (for example, intermediate node 200 or RU300) via the network communication unit 110.
[0084]
　(4) Implementation Example
　The network communication unit 110 may be mounted by a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (for example, a network adapter or a network interface card). The storage unit 120 may be mounted by a memory (for example, a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory) and / or a hard disk. The processing unit 130 may be implemented by one or more processors. The first communication processing unit 131 and the second communication processing unit 133 may be mounted by the same processor, or may be separately mounted by different processors. The memory (storage unit 120) may be contained in the one or more processors, or may be outside the one or more processors.
[0085]
　The RAN node 100 may include a memory for storing a program (instruction) and one or more processors capable of executing the program (instruction). The one or more processors may execute the above program to perform the operation of the processing unit 130 (the operation of the first communication processing unit 131 and the second communication processing unit 133). The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 130 (the operation of the first communication processing unit 131 and the second communication processing unit 133).
[0086]
　The RAN node 100 may be virtualized. That is, the RAN node 100 may be implemented as a virtual machine. In this case, the RAN node 100 (virtual machine) may operate as a virtual machine on a physical machine (hardware) including a processor, memory, and the like, and a hypervisor.
[0087]
　<2.3. Configuration of Intermediate Nodes>
　FIG. 16 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the intermediate node 200 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the intermediate node 200 includes a network communication unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a processing unit 240.
[0088]
　(1) Network communication unit 210
　The network communication unit 210 transmits a signal to the RAN node 100, RU300 or another intermediate node 200, and receives a signal from the RAN node 100, RU300 or another intermediate node 200.
[0089]
　(2) Wireless communication unit 220 The
　wireless communication unit 220 performs radio frequency (RF) processing and transmits / receives signals wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit 220 receives a signal from the UE and transmits a signal to the UE.
[0090]
　(3) Storage unit 230
　The storage unit 230 temporarily or permanently stores programs (instructions) and parameters for the operation of the intermediate node 200, as well as various data. The program includes one or more instructions for the operation of the intermediate node 200.
[0091]
　(4) Processing unit 240
　The processing unit 240 provides various functions of the intermediate node 200. The processing unit 240 includes a first communication processing unit 241 and a second communication processing unit 243, a wireless communication processing unit 245, and an information acquisition unit 247. The processing unit 240 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 240 may perform operations other than the operations of these components.
[0092]
　The first communication processing unit 241 processes the M-plane. The second communication processing unit 243 processes the C / U-plane.
[0093]
　The wireless communication processing unit 245 processes, for example, the lower PHY layer.
[0094]
　The information acquisition unit 247 acquires management information as described later.
[0095]
　For example, the processing unit 240 (first communication processing unit 241 and second communication processing unit 243) communicates with another node (for example, RAN node 100, RU300 or another intermediate node 200) via the network communication unit 210. .. The processing unit 240 (wireless communication processing unit 245) communicates with the UE via the wireless communication unit 220.
[0096]
　(5) Implementation Example
　The network communication unit 210 may be mounted by a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (for example, a network adapter or a network interface card). The wireless communication unit 220 may be mounted by an antenna, an RF circuit, or the like, and the antenna may be a directional antenna. The storage unit 230 may be mounted by a memory (for example, a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory) and / or a hard disk. The processing unit 240 may be implemented by one or more processors. The first communication processing unit 241 and the second communication processing unit 243, the wireless communication processing unit 245, and the information acquisition unit 247 may be mounted by the same processor or may be separately mounted by different processors. The memory (storage unit 230) may be contained in the one or more processors, or may be outside the one or more processors.
[0097]
　The intermediate node 200 may include a memory for storing a program (instruction) and one or more processors capable of executing the program (instruction). The one or more processors execute the above program to perform operations of the processing unit 240 (operations of the first communication processing unit 241 and the second communication processing unit 243, the wireless communication processing unit 245, and the information acquisition unit 247). You may. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 240 (the operation of the first communication processing unit 241 and the second communication processing unit 243, the wireless communication processing unit 245 and the information acquisition unit 247). ..
[0098]
　Although the example in which the intermediate node 200 includes the wireless communication unit 220 and the wireless communication processing unit 245 has been described, when the intermediate node 200 does not operate as a RU, the intermediate node 200 has the wireless communication unit 220 and the wireless communication processing unit 245. It is not necessary to prepare.
[0099]
　<2.4. RU Configuration>
　FIG. 17 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the RU 300 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17, the RU 300 includes a network communication unit 310, a wireless communication unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a processing unit 340.
[0100]
　(1) Network communication unit 310
　The network communication unit 310 transmits a signal to the intermediate node 200 and receives a signal from the intermediate node 200.
[0101]
　(2) Wireless communication unit 320 The
　wireless communication unit 320 performs radio frequency (RF) processing and transmits / receives signals wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit 320 receives a signal from the UE and transmits a signal to the UE.
[0102]
　(3) Storage unit 330
　The storage unit 330 temporarily or permanently stores programs (instructions) and parameters for the operation of the RU 300, as well as various data. The program contains one or more instructions for the operation of the RU300.
[0103]
　(4) Processing unit 340
　The processing unit 340 provides various functions of the RU 300. The processing unit 340 includes a first communication processing unit 341, a second communication processing unit 343, a wireless communication processing unit 345, and an information acquisition unit 347. The processing unit 340 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 340 may perform operations other than the operations of these components.
[0104]
　The first communication processing unit 341 processes the M-plane. The second communication processing unit 343 processes the C / U-plane.
[0105]
　The wireless communication processing unit 345 processes, for example, the lower PHY layer.
[0106]
　The information acquisition unit 347 acquires management information as described later.
[0107]
　For example, the processing unit 340 (first communication processing unit 341 and second communication processing unit 343) communicates with another node (for example, RAN node 100 or intermediate node 200) via the network communication unit 310. The processing unit 340 (wireless communication processing unit 345) communicates with the UE via the wireless communication unit 320.
[0108]
　(5) Implementation Example
　The network communication unit 310 may be mounted by a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (for example, a network adapter or a network interface card). The wireless communication unit 320 may be mounted by an antenna, an RF circuit, or the like, and the antenna may be a directional antenna. The storage unit 330 may be mounted by a memory (for example, a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory) and / or a hard disk. The processing unit 340 may be implemented by one or more processors. The first communication processing unit 341, the second communication processing unit 343, the wireless communication processing unit 345, and the information acquisition unit 347 may be implemented by the same processor, or may be separately implemented by different processors. The memory (storage unit 330) may be contained in the one or more processors, or may be outside the one or more processors.
[0109]
　The RU 300 may include a memory for storing a program (instruction) and one or more processors capable of executing the program (instruction). The one or more processors execute the above program to perform the operation of the processing unit 340 (operation of the first communication processing unit 341, the second communication processing unit 343, the wireless communication processing unit 345, and the information acquisition unit 347). You may. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 340 (the operation of the first communication processing unit 341, the second communication processing unit 343, the wireless communication processing unit 345, and the information acquisition unit 347). ..
[0110]
　<2.5. Technical Features> The technical features according
　to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 25.
[0111]
　FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a schematic flow of processing of the RAN node 100 according to the first embodiment. Briefly, first, the RAN node 100 acquires the first management information, the second management information, and the third management information (S510, S520, S530). After that, the RAN node 100 controls the configuration of the RU 300 (S540) and also controls the configuration of the intermediate node 200 (S550, S560).
[0112]
　Hereinafter, the technical features according to the first embodiment will be described along with the processing flow shown in FIG.
[0113]
　(1) Step 510: The first management information acquisition
　RU300 (information acquisition unit 347) indicates the address of the RU300 used by the RU300 to connect to the intermediate node 200 for C / U-plane communication. Get the management information of. Then, the RU 300 (first communication processing unit 341) transmits the first management information to the RAN node 100.
[0114]
　The RAN node 100 (first communication processing unit 131) receives the first management information from the RU 300. In this way, the RAN node 100 acquires the first management information indicating the address of the RU 300.
[0115]
　For example, the above address of RU300 is the MAC address of RU300. Alternatively, the address of the RU300 may be the Alias ​​MAC address of the RU300, or the IP address and UDP port number of the RU300.
[0116]
　Referring to FIG. 11 again, in this embodiment, the RU300A transmits the first management information indicating the RU300A Addlesss-3 to the RAN node 100, and the RU300B is the first management information indicating the RU300B's Adsress-4. Is transmitted to the RAN node 100, and the RU300C transmits the first management information indicating the Addlesss-5 of the RU300C to the RAN node 100. The RAN node 100 receives the first management information from each of the RUs 300A, 300B, and 300C. In this way, the RAN node 100 acquires the first management information indicating Address-3, Address-4, and Adress-5, respectively.
[0117]
　With reference to FIG. 14 again, in this embodiment, the RU300A transmits the first management information indicating the RU300A Addlesss-3 to the RAN node 100, and the RU300B is the first management information indicating the RU300B Addlesss-4. Is transmitted to the RAN node 100, and the RU300C transmits the first management information indicating the Addlesss-6 of the RU300C to the RAN node 100. The RAN node 100 receives the first management information from each of the RUs 300A, 300B, and 300C. In this way, the RAN node 100 acquires the first management information indicating Address-3, Address-4, and Adress-6, respectively.
[0118]
　The protocol used to configure the network for transmitting and receiving the first management information is used by the RAN node 100 (client of the protocol) and the RU300 (server of the protocol). For example, the protocol is NETCONF, the client is a NETCONF client, and the server is a NETCONF server. The protocol may be another protocol (for example, RESTCONF, etc.) instead of NETCONF.
[0119]
　(2) Step 520: In the second management information acquisition
　intermediate node 200 (information acquisition unit 247), the intermediate node 200 is located on the RAN node 100 (or the RAN node 100 side) for C / U-plane communication. The second management information indicating the address of the intermediate node 200 used for the connection with the intermediate node 200) is acquired. Then, the intermediate node 200 (first communication processing unit 241) transmits the second management information to the RAN node 100.
[0120]
　The RAN node 100 (first communication processing unit 131) receives the second management information from the intermediate node 200. In this way, the RAN node 100 acquires the second management information indicating the address of the intermediate node 200.

WE CLAIMS

An intermediate node that transmits a signal between a radio access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a radio unit that performs radio frequency processing and the radio unit communicates with the radio unit for control / user plane communication. Acquires management information indicating the correspondence between the address of the intermediate node used for connection and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit for connection with the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. A communication device including an information acquisition unit and
　a communication processing unit that transmits the management information to a controller that controls the configuration of the wireless unit
.
[Claim 2]
　The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication processing unit transmits the management information to the controller using a protocol used for configuring a network.
[Claim 3]
The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, 　wherein the address of the intermediate node is a media access control (MAC) address of the intermediate node, and the
　address of the wireless unit is the MAC address of the wireless unit .
[Claim 4]
　The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is the radio access network node.
[Claim 5]
　The radio access network node communicates with one or more user devices via two or more radio units including the radio unit, and the
　intermediate node receives a downlink signal transmitted via the two or more radio units. Receiving, copying, and transmitting to the radio unit, the
　intermediate node synthesizes and synthesizes an uplink signal received via at least two of the two or more radio units, and the synthesized uplink.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which transmits a signal .
[Claim 6]
　The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the two or more wireless units form one shared cell.
[Claim 7]
　The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication device is the intermediate node.
[Claim 8]
　An intermediate node that transmits a signal between a wireless access network node that communicates with a user device via a wireless unit that performs wireless frequency processing and the wireless unit connects to the wireless unit for control / user plane communication. Receives management information indicating the correspondence between the address of the intermediate node to be used and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit to connect to the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. A controller including a communication processing unit that controls the configuration of the radio unit or the intermediate node based on management information
.
[Claim 9]
　An intermediate node that transmits a signal between a radio access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a radio unit that performs radio frequency processing and the radio unit communicates with the radio unit for control / user plane communication. Management information indicating the correspondence between the address of the intermediate node used for the connection and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit for connection with the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. A communication device that transmits the management information to a controller that controls the configuration of the wireless unit, and the controller
　that receives the management information and controls the configuration of the wireless unit or the intermediate node based on the management information. And the
system including.
[Claim 10]
　An intermediate node that transmits a signal between a radio access network node that communicates with one or more user devices via a radio unit that performs radio frequency processing and the radio unit communicates with the radio unit for control / user plane communication. Acquires management information indicating the correspondence between the address of the intermediate node used for connection and the address of the wireless unit used by the wireless unit for connection with the intermediate node for control / user plane communication. And
　transmitting the management information to a controller that controls the configuration of the radio unit