Patent ID: 12261738

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

First Example Embodiment

A first example embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG.1illustrates a configuration example of a communication system10according to the present example embodiment. The communication system10includes a cloud-side construction device12and an on-premise-side construction device11.

The cloud-side construction device12is included in a cloud environment62. The cloud environment62includes a cloud device40. The on-premise-side construction device11is included in an on-premise environment61. The on-premise environment61includes an on-premise device50.

The cloud device40and the on-premise device50are communication devices constituting a core network. The cloud-side construction device12and the on-premise-side construction device11are connected to each other via an Internet63.

The on-premise-side construction device11includes a first transmission unit111, a first reception unit112, and a first setting unit113. The first transmission unit111transmits on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63. The on-premise-side setting information is information for the cloud device40to communicate with the on-premise device50. The first reception unit112receives cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side setting information is information for the on-premise device50to communicate with the cloud device40. The first setting unit113sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50.

The cloud-side construction device12includes a second transmission unit121, a second reception unit122, and a second setting unit123. The second transmission unit121transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63. The second reception unit122receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device11. The second setting unit123sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40.

Next,FIGS.2and3illustrate an example of an operation flow of the communication system10according to the present example embodiment.FIG.2is an example of an operation flow of the on-premise-side setting information.FIG.3is an example of an operation flow of the cloud-side setting information.

The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63. The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device11(step S101inFIG.2). The second setting unit123sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40(step S102).

The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63. The first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device12(step S103inFIG.3). The first setting unit113sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50(step S104).

As described above, in the first example embodiment of the present invention, the communication system10includes the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side construction device12is included in the cloud environment62. The cloud environment62includes the cloud device40. The on-premise-side construction device11is included in the on-premise environment61. The on-premise environment61includes the on-premise device50. The cloud device40and the on-premise device50are communication devices constituting a core network. The cloud-side construction device12and the on-premise-side construction device11are connected to each other via the Internet63. The on-premise-side construction device11includes the first transmission unit111, the first reception unit112, and the first setting unit113. The first transmission unit111transmits on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12. The on-premise-side setting information is information for the cloud device40to communicate with the on-premise device50. The first reception unit112receives cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side setting information is information for the on-premise device50to communicate with the cloud device40. The first setting unit113sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50. The cloud-side construction device12includes the second transmission unit121, the second reception unit122, and the second setting unit123. The second transmission unit121transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11. The second reception unit122receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device11. The second setting unit123sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40.

In this way, in the communication system10, the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12are connected to each other via the Internet. Then, the on-premise-side construction device11transmits on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12, and the cloud-side construction device12sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40. Further, the cloud-side construction device12transmits cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11, and the on-premise-side construction device11sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50. The on-premise-side setting information is set in the cloud device40, and thus a cloud environment is constructed. Thus, when a communication device is placed in the cloud environment and an on-premise environment, construction of the cloud environment according to the on-premise environment can be quickly performed.

Second Example Embodiment

Next, a second example embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present example embodiment, a communication system10will be more specifically described.

First, a configuration example of the communication system10according to the present example embodiment will be described by usingFIG.1. The communication system10according to the present example embodiment includes an on-premise-side construction device11and a cloud-side construction device12.

The cloud-side construction device12is included in a cloud environment62. The cloud environment62includes a cloud device40. The on-premise-side construction device11is included in an on-premise environment61. The on-premise environment61includes an on-premise device50.

The cloud device40and the on-premise device50are communication devices constituting a core network. The cloud-side construction device12and the on-premise-side construction device11are connected to each other via an Internet63.

The core network is, for example, a core network of local 5G. The on-premise environment61is operated by, for example, an entrepreneur to use the local 5G. Hereinafter, the entrepreneur to use the local 5G may be simply referred to as an entrepreneur. Further, the cloud environment62is operated by, for example, an operator who operates a C-Plane device of the core network. Hereinafter, the operator who operates the C-Plane device may be simply referred to as an operator.

Note that, in the present example embodiment, a U-Plane is constructed in the on-premise environment61, and a C-Plane is constructed in the cloud environment62. The on-premise device50is a device of the U-Plane, and the cloud device40is a device of the C-Plane.

First,FIG.4illustrates a configuration example of the on-premise environment61according to the present example embodiment.

The on-premise environment61includes a data network (DN)55. The DN55is an existing operation system being operated by an entrepreneur. The core network constructed in the present example embodiment allows user equipment (UE) (not illustrated) to be connected to the DN55. The UE is connected to the DN55via a RAN51and a UPF52.

Further, the on-premise environment61includes the RAN51, the UPF52, and a virtual private network (VPN) router54. The RAN51, the UPF52, and the VPN router54correspond to the on-premise device50illustrated inFIG.1. The RAN51is a RAN in the core network. The UPF52is a UPF in the core network. The VPN router54is a router having a VPN connection function. The VPN router54can communicate with a VPN router47in the cloud environment62by processing performed by the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12. The processing will be described below.

Further, the on-premise environment61includes the on-premise-side construction device11. The on-premise-side construction device11will be described below.

Further, the on-premise-side construction device11, the RAN51, the UPF52, and the VPN router54are connected to an IP segment A2. The IP segment A2is, for example, 192.168.2.0/24. Further, the DN55is connected to an IP segment A1. The IP segment A1is, for example, 192.168.1.0/24. Further, an existing router53is connected to the IP segment A1and the IP segment A2. The on-premise-side construction device11is connected to the IP segment A2and the Internet. A public IP address is assigned to the on-premise-side construction device11.

Next,FIG.5illustrates a configuration example of the cloud environment62according to the present example embodiment.

The cloud environment62includes an AMF41, an SMF42, and the VPN router47. The AMF41is an AMF in the core network. The SMF42is an SMF in the core network. The VPN router47is a router having a VPN connection function. The AMF41, the SMF42, and the VPN router47correspond to the cloud device40inFIG.1. Further, the VPN router47can communicate with the VPN router54in the on-premise environment61by processing performed by the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12. The processing will be described below.

Further, the cloud environment62includes an AMF-gateway (GW)43and an SMF-GW44. The AMF-GW43is a gateway that connects the AMF41and the RAN51. The AMF-GW43connects the AMF41and the RAN51via a virtual router46, the AMF-GW43, the VPN router47, and the VPN router54. The SMF-GW44is a gateway that connects the SMF42and the UPF52. The SMF-GW44connects the SMF42and the UPF52via the virtual router46, the SMF-GW44, the VPN router47, and the VPN router54. The AMF-GW43and the SMF-GW44correspond to the cloud device40inFIG.1.

Note that, in an initial state, the AMF-GW43and the SMF-GW44are not present. The AMF-GW43is generated by processing performed by the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12, and can communicate with the RAN51in the on-premise environment61. Further, the SMF-GW44is generated by processing performed by the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12, and can communicate with the UPF52in the on-premise environment61. The pieces of processing will be described below.

Further, the cloud environment62includes the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side construction device12will be described below.

Further, the cloud-side construction device12is connected to an IP segment G0. The IP segment G0is, for example, 10.1.0.0/24. Further, the AMF41and the SMF42are connected to an IP segment G1. The IP segment G1is, for example, 10.1.1.0/24. Further, the AMF-GW43, the SMF-GW44, and the VPN router47are connected to an IP segment G2. The IP segment G2is, for example, 10.1.2.0/24. An existing router45is connected to the IP segment G0and the IP segment G1. The cloud-side construction device12is connected to the IP segment G0and the Internet. A public IP address is assigned to the cloud-side construction device12. The existing router46is connected to the IP segment G1and the IP segment G2.

Next, the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12will be described.

The on-premise-side construction device11includes the first transmission unit111, the first reception unit112, and the first setting unit113. The first transmission unit111transmits on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63. The on-premise-side setting information is information for the cloud device40to communicate with the on-premise device50. Note that the first transmission unit111recognizes an IP address of the cloud-side construction device12in advance. The first reception unit112receives cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side setting information is information for the on-premise device50to communicate with the cloud device40. The first setting unit113sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50.

The cloud-side construction device12includes the second transmission unit121, the second reception unit122, and the second setting unit123. The second transmission unit121transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63. The second reception unit122receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device11. The second setting unit123sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40.

Next, a case where the cloud-side setting information and the on-premise-side setting information are setting information about VPN connection. In this case, the on-premise device50is the VPN router54. Further, the cloud device40is the VPN router47. In this case, the cloud-side setting information is set in the on-premise device50and the on-premise-side setting information is set in the cloud device40, and thus the VPN connection between the VPN router54and the VPN router47can be established.

In this case, the on-premise-side setting information is information for the VPN router47to be connected to the VPN router54. The on-premise-side setting information is, for example, an IP address of the VPN router54. The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11can acquire the on-premise-side setting information from the VPN router54. Further, the first transmission unit111transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63.

The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information. Further, the second setting unit123transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the VPN router47. Then, the VPN router47registers the on-premise-side setting information (such as the IP address of the VPN router54) as a connection destination for the on-premise environment61.

Further, the cloud-side setting information is information for the VPN router54to be connected to the VPN router47. The cloud-side setting information is, for example, an IP address of the VPN router47. The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63. The second transmission unit121can acquire the cloud-side setting information from the VPN router47.

The first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information. The first setting unit113transfers the cloud-side setting information to the VPN router54. The VPN router54registers the cloud-side setting information as a connection destination for the cloud environment62.

In this way, the VPN router54and the VPN router47can establish a VPN.

Next, a case where the cloud-side setting information and the on-premise-side setting information are setting information about connection between the UPF52and the SMF42. In this case, the on-premise device50is the UPF52. Further, the cloud device40is the SMF42. In this case, the cloud-side setting information is set in the on-premise device50and the on-premise-side setting information is set in the cloud device40, and thus a PFCP association between the UPF52and the SMF42can be established.

Note that, in this case, it is assumed that the VPN connection between the VPN router47and the VPN router54is established.

In this case, the on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of the IP segment A2, and an IP address being set for the UPF52for PFCP connection. The IP segment A2is an IP segment including the UPF52. The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63. The first transmission unit111can acquire the IP address of the UPF52for the PFCP connection from the UPF52. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A2is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11.

The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information. The second setting unit123transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF42. The SMF42generates the SMF-GW44in the IP segment G2. The SMF42generates the SMF-GW44by a virtual technique. The SMF42generates the SMF-GW44by generating, for example, a virtual server, Pod, a container, and the like. Further, the SMF42transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF-GW44. The SMF-GW44registers the address band information of the IP segment A2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the UPF52. Further, the SMF-GW44registers the IP address of the UPF52for the PFCP connection as an IP address to be used for establishing the PFCP association.

Further, the cloud-side setting information is address band information of the IP segment G2. The IP segment G2is an IP segment including the SMF-GW44. The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63.

The first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information. The first setting unit113transfers the cloud-side setting information to the UPF52. The UPF52registers the address band information of the IP segment G2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the SMF42.

In this way, connection between the SMF-GW44and the UPF52can be achieved. Further, establishment of the PFCP association between the SMF42and the UPF52can be achieved.

Next, a case where the cloud-side setting information and the on-premise-side setting information are setting information about connection between the RAN51and the AMF41. In this case, the on-premise device50is the RAN51. Further, the cloud device40is the AMF41. In this case, the cloud-side setting information is set in the on-premise device50and the on-premise-side setting information is set in the cloud device40, and thus an SCTP association between the RAN51and the AMF41can be established.

Note that, in this case, it is assumed that the VPN connection between the VPN router47and the VPN router54is established.

In this case, the on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of the IP segment A2, and an IP address being set for the RAN51for SCTP connection. The IP segment A2is an IP segment including the RAN51. The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63. The first transmission unit111can acquire the IP address for the SCTP connection being set for RAN51from the RAN51. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A2is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11in advance.

The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information. Further, the second setting unit123transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF41. The AMF41generates the AMF-GW43in the IP segment G2. The AMF41generates the AMF-GW43by a virtual technique. The AMF41generates the AMF-GW43by generating, for example, a virtual server, Pod, a container, and the like.

Further, the AMF41transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF-GW43. The AMF-GW43registers the address band information of the IP segment A2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the RAN51. Further, the AMF-GW43registers the IP address of the RAN51for the SCTP connection as an IP address to be used for establishing the SCTP association.

Further, the cloud-side setting information includes address band information of the IP segment G2, and an IP address being set for the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection. The IP segment G2is an IP segment including the AMF-GW43. The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63. The second transmission unit121can acquire the IP address of the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection from the AMF41. The AMF41can acquire the IP address for the SCTP connection from the AMF-GW43. Further, the address band information of the IP segment G2is registered in the cloud-side construction device12in advance.

The first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information. Further, the first setting unit113transfers the cloud-side setting information to the RAN51. The RAN51registers the address band information of the IP segment G2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the AMF41. Further, the RAN51registers the IP address of the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection as an IP address to be used for establishing the SCTP association.

In this way, connection between the AMF-GW43and the RAN51can be achieved. Further, establishment of the SCTP association between the AMF-GW43and the RAN51can be achieved.

Next, a case where the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12are used for assigning an IP address to UE will be described. The IP address to be assigned herein is an IP address used by the UE when the UE is connected to the DN55.

Note that, in this case, it is assumed that the VPN connection between the VPN router47and the VPN router54and the connection between the AMF41and the RAN51are established.

The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits, to the cloud-side construction device12, the address band information of the IP segment A1, and an IP address list of terminals connected to the DN55. The IP segment A1is an IP segment including the DN55. Note that a terminal herein is, for example, a server and the like connected to the DN55, and is different from the UE. The first transmission unit111can acquire the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55from the DN55. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A1is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11.

The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55. The second setting unit123of the cloud-side construction device12transfers, to the SMF42, the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55.

The SMF42holds the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55.

When a procedure for establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session starts by the UE, the SMF42decides the IP address to be assigned to the UE from an address band of the IP segment A1. The SMF42decides, as the IP address to be assigned to the UE, an IP address that does not overlap an IP address present in the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55. The IP address decided by the SMF42is notified to the UE via the AMF41, the AMF-GW43, and the RAN51. Then, the UE establishes the PDU session by using the assigned IP address. In this way, the UE can be connected to the DN55.

Note that there is a possibility that a plurality of pieces of UE are connected to the DN55. Thus, the SMF42may decide, as the IP address to be assigned to the UE, an IP address that is not present in any of the IP address list of the terminals and a UE address list. Note that the UE address list is a list of IP addresses assigned to the UE. In this case, the SMF42holds the UE address list. Further, when the SMF42decides the IP address to be assigned to the UE, the SMF42updates the UE address list.

The case where a C-Plane device associated with one on-premise environment61is constructed has been described so far. However, one cloud environment62can also be assigned to a plurality of on-premise environments61-i(i is an integer from 1 to N).

FIG.6illustrates a connection example of the plurality of on-premise environments61-iand the cloud environment62. As inFIG.6, the cloud environment62can accommodate C-Plane devices associated with the plurality of on-premise environments61-i.

FIG.7illustrates a configuration example of the on-premise environment61-i. The configuration example of the on-premise environment61-iis similar to the configuration example (FIG.4) of the on-premise environment61.

FIG.8illustrates a configuration example of the cloud environment62. The cloud environment62inFIG.8accommodates C-Plane devices associated with the plurality of on-premise environments61-i. In the example inFIG.8, a plurality of AMF-GWs43-iand a plurality of SMF-GWs44-iare generated in the IP segment G2. The AMF-GW43-iand the SMF-GW44-iare associated with the on-premise environment61-i.

Next, an example of an operation flow of the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12will be described by usingFIGS.9to12.FIG.9is an example of an operation flow of the VPN connection.FIG.10is an example of an operation flow of the connection between the UPF52and the SMF42.FIG.11is an example of an operation flow of the connection between the RAN51and the AMF41.FIG.12is an example of an operation flow of assignment of an IP address to UE. The on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12operate in order ofFIGS.9,10,11, and12.

First, the example of the operation flow of the VPN connection between the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12will be described by usingFIG.9.

In this case, the on-premise device50is the VPN router54. Further, the cloud device40is the VPN router47. Further, on-premise-side setting information is information for the VPN router47to be connected to the VPN router54. The on-premise-side setting information is, for example, an IP address of the VPN router54. Further, cloud-side setting information is information for the VPN router54to be connected to the VPN router47. The cloud-side setting information is, for example, an IP address of the VPN router47.

First, the first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11acquires the on-premise-side setting information from the VPN router54(step S201). The first transmission unit111transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12via the Internet63(step S202). Step S201corresponds to step S101inFIG.2. Note that the first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11starts step S201when a start request is input and the like. An input method of the start request is not particularly limited. The start request may be input from an operator terminal (not illustrated), for example. Further, the start request may be input from an operation switch and the like included in the on-premise-side construction device11.

When the second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information, the second setting unit123transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the VPN router47(step S203). Then, the VPN router47registers the on-premise-side setting information (such as the IP address of the VPN router54) as a connection destination for the on-premise environment61(step S204). Step S203and step S204correspond to step S102inFIG.2.

Further, the second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12acquires the cloud-side setting information from the VPN router47(step S205). Further, the second transmission unit121transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11via the Internet63(step S206). Step S206corresponds to step S103inFIG.3.

When the first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information, the first setting unit113of the on-premise-side construction device11transfers the cloud-side setting information to the VPN router54(step S207). The VPN router54registers the cloud-side setting information as a connection destination for the cloud environment62(step S208). Step S207and step S208correspond to step S104inFIG.3.

Then, the VPN router54and the VPN router47establish the VPN (step S209).

Next, the operation flow of the connection between the UPF52and the SMF42will be described by usingFIG.10.

In this case, the on-premise device50is the UPF52. Further, the cloud device40is the SMF42. Further, the on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of the IP segment A2, and an IP address being set for the UPF52for PFCP connection. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A2is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11. Further, the cloud-side setting information is address band information of the IP segment G2.

The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11acquires the IP address of the UPF52for the PFCP from the UPF52(step S301). The first transmission unit111transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12(step S302). Step S302corresponds to step S101inFIG.2.

When the second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information, the second setting unit123transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF42(step S303). The SMF42generates the SMF-GW44in the IP segment G2(step S304). Further, the SMF42transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF-GW44(step S305). The SMF-GW44registers the address band information of the IP segment A2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the UPF52. Further, the SMF-GW44registers the IP address of the UPF52for the PFCP as an IP address to be used for establishing a PFCP association (step S306). Step S303to step S306correspond to step S102inFIG.2.

The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11(step S307). Step S307corresponds to step S103inFIG.3.

Note that the second transmission unit121performs transmission of the cloud-side setting information after step S302. Note that, step S310needs to be performed after both of step S306and step S309are completed. Thus, for example, the second transmission unit121may wait for a predetermined period of time after step S302, and then perform step S307in such a way that completion of step S309is after completion of step S306. Then, the UPF52performs step S310after completion of step S309. Further, for example, the SMF-GW44may transmit a completion notification to the SMF42after completion of step S306. Then, after the SMF42transmits a completion notification to the cloud-side construction device12and the cloud-side construction device12receives the completion notification, the second transmission unit121may perform step S307.

When the first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information, the first setting unit113transfers the cloud-side setting information to the UPF52(step S308). The UPF52registers the address band information of the IP segment G2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the SMF42(step S309). Step S308and step S309correspond to step S104inFIG.3.

Then, the SMF42and the UPF52establish the PFCP association (step S310).

Next, the example of the operation flow of the connection between the RAN51and the AMF41will be described by usingFIG.11.

In this case, the on-premise device50is the RAN51. Further, the cloud device40is the AMF41. Further, the on-premise-side setting information includes an IP address being set for the RAN51for SCTP connection, and address band information of the IP segment A2. Further, the cloud-side setting information includes address band information of the IP segment G2, and an IP address being set for the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A2is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11in advance. Further, the address band information of the IP segment G2is registered in the cloud-side construction device12in advance.

The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11acquires the IP address being set for the RAN51from the RAN51(step S401). The first transmission unit111transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12(step S402). Step S402corresponds to step S101inFIG.2.

When the second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the on-premise-side setting information, the second setting unit123transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF41(step S403). The AMF41generates the AMF-GW43in the IP segment G2(step S404). Further, the AMF41transfers the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF-GW43(step S405). The AMF-GW43registers the address band information of the IP segment A2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the RAN51. Further, the AMF-GW43registers the IP address of the RAN51for the SCTP connection as an IP address to be used for establishing the SCTP association (step S406). Step S403to step S406correspond to step S102inFIG.2.

The AMF-GW43notifies the IP address being set for the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection to the AMF41(step S407). The AMF41transmits the IP address of the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection to the cloud-side construction device12(step S408). The second transmission unit121of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11(step S409). Step S409corresponds to step S103inFIG.3.

When the first reception unit112of the on-premise-side construction device11receives the cloud-side setting information, the first setting unit113transfers the cloud-side setting information to the RAN51(step S410). The RAN51registers the address band information of the IP segment G2as a transmission destination of an IP packet for the AMF41. Further, the RAN51registers the IP address of the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection as an IP address to be used for establishing the SCTP association (step S411). Step S410and step S411correspond to step S104inFIG.3.

Then, the AMF41and the RAN51establish the SCTP association (step S412).

Next, assignment of an IP address to UE will be described by usingFIG.12. The IP address to be assigned herein is an IP address used by the UE when the UE is connected to the DN55.

The first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11acquires an IP address list of terminals connected to the DN55from the DN55(step S501). The first transmission unit111transmits, to the cloud-side construction device12, address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55(step S502). Note that a terminal herein is, for example, a server and the like connected to the DN55, and is different from the UE. Further, the address band information of the IP segment A1is registered in the on-premise-side construction device11.

The second reception unit122of the cloud-side construction device12receives the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55. The second setting unit123of the cloud-side construction device12transfers, to the SMF42, the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55(step S503).

The SMF42holds the address band information of the IP segment A1, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55(step S504).

When a procedure for establishing a PDU session starts by the UE (step S505to step S507), the SMF42decides the IP address to be assigned to the UE from an address band of the IP segment A1(step S508). The SMF42decides, as the IP address to be assigned to the UE, an IP address that does not overlap an IP address present in the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55. The IP address decided by the SMF42is notified to the UE via the AMF41, the AMF-GW43, and the RAN51(step S510to step S512). Then, the UE establishes the PDU session by using the assigned IP address (step S513). In this way, the UE can be connected to the DN55.

As described above, in the second example embodiment of the present invention, the communication system10includes the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side construction device12is included in the cloud environment62. The cloud environment62includes the cloud device40. The on-premise-side construction device11is included in the on-premise environment61. The on-premise environment61includes the on-premise device50. The cloud device40and the on-premise device50are communication devices constituting a core network. The cloud-side construction device12and the on-premise-side construction device11are connected to each other via the Internet63. The on-premise-side construction device11includes the first transmission unit111, the first reception unit112, and the first setting unit113. The first transmission unit111transmits on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12. The on-premise-side setting information is information for the cloud device40to communicate with the on-premise device50. The first reception unit112receives cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device12. The cloud-side setting information is information for the on-premise device50to communicate with the cloud device40. The first setting unit113sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50. The cloud-side construction device12includes the second transmission unit121, the second reception unit122, and the second setting unit123. The second transmission unit121transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11. The second reception unit122receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device11. The second setting unit123sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40.

In this way, in the communication system10, the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12are connected to each other via the Internet. Then, the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the cloud-side construction device12, and the cloud-side construction device12sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device40. Further, the cloud-side construction device12transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device11, and the on-premise-side construction device11sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device50. The on-premise-side setting information is set in the cloud device40, and thus a cloud environment is constructed. Thus, when a communication device is placed in the cloud environment and an on-premise environment, construction of the cloud environment according to the on-premise environment can be quickly performed.

Further, the on-premise device50may be the UPF52, and the cloud device40may be the SMF42. In this case, the second setting unit123of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF42. Further, the SMF42generates the SMF-GW44that connects the SMF42and the UPF52. Further, the first setting unit113of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the cloud-side setting information to the UPF52. Further, the SMF42and the UPF52establish a PFCP association by using the on-premise-side setting information and the cloud-side setting information. In this way, a C-Plane can be constructed according to a configuration of a U-Plane, and establishment of the PFCP association can also be achieved.

Further, in this case, on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the UPF52, and an IP address being set for the UPF52for PFCP connection. Further, cloud-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the SMF-GW44. In this way, the C-Plane can be constructed according to an IP network configuration of the U-Plane.

Further, the on-premise-side construction device11may be the RAN51, and the cloud-side construction device12may be the AMF41. In this case, the second setting unit123of the cloud-side construction device12transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF41. Further, the AMF41generates the AMF-GW43that connects the AMF41and the RAN51. Further, the first setting unit113of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits the cloud-side setting information to the RAN51. Further, the AMF41and the RAN51establish an SCTP association by using the on-premise-side setting information and the cloud-side setting information. In this way, a C-Plane can be constructed according to a configuration of a U-Plane, and establishment of the SCTP association can also be achieved.

Further, in this case, on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the RAN51, and an IP address being set for the RAN51for SCTP connection. Further, cloud-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the AMF-GW43, and an IP address being set for the AMF-GW43for the SCTP connection. In this way, the C-Plane can be constructed according to an IP network configuration of the U-Plane.

Further, the on-premise environment may further include the DN55. In this case, the first transmission unit111of the on-premise-side construction device11transmits, to the cloud-side construction device12, address band information of an IP segment including the DN55, and an IP address list of terminals connected to the DN55. Further, the second setting unit123of the cloud-side construction device12transmits, to the SMF42, the address band information of the IP segment including the DN55, and the IP address list of the terminals connected to the DN55. Further, the SMF42decides, as an IP address to be assigned to UE, an IP address not included in the IP address list from an address band of the IP segment including the DN55. Further, the AMF41transmits the decided IP address to the UE via the RAN51. In this way, the UE can be connected to the DN55.

Further, the on-premise device50may be the VPN router54included in the on-premise environment61. Further, the cloud device40may be the VPN router47included in the cloud environment62. In this case, the VPN router54included in the on-premise environment61and the VPN router47included in the cloud environment62establish VPN connection by using on-premise-side setting information and cloud-side setting information. In this way, a C-Plane can be constructed according to a configuration of a U-Plane, and the VPN connection between the U-Plane and the C-Plane can also be achieved.

Further, in this case, the on-premise-side setting information includes an IP address of the VPN router54included in the on-premise environment61. Further, the cloud-side setting information includes an IP address of the VPN router47included in the cloud environment62. In this way, the C-Plane can be constructed according to an IP network configuration of the U-Plane.

[Hardware Configuration Example]

A configuration example of a hardware source that achieves the communication system (10) according to each of the example embodiments of the present invention described above by using one information processing device (computer) will be described. Note that the communication system may be achieved by physically or functionally using at least two information processing devices. Further, the communication system may be achieved as a dedicated device. Further, only a part of a function of the communication system may be achieved by using the information processing device.

FIG.13is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration example of an information processing device that can achieve the communication system according to each of the example embodiments of the present invention. An information processing device90includes a communication interface91, an input/output interface92, an arithmetic device93, a storage device94, a non-volatile storage device95, and a drive device96.

For example, the on-premise-side construction device11and the cloud-side construction device12inFIG.1can be achieved by the communication interface91and the arithmetic device93.

The communication interface91is a communication means for allowing the communication system according to each of the example embodiments to communicate with an external device in a wired and/or wireless manner. Note that, when the communication system is achieved by using at least two information processing devices, the communication system may be connected in such a way as to perform communication between the information processing devices with each other via the communication interface91.

The input/output interface92is a man-machine interface, such as a keyboard being one example of an input device and a display as an output device.

The arithmetic device93is an arithmetic processing device, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) and a microprocessor, and a plurality of electric circuits. For example, the arithmetic device93can read, in the storage device94, various types of programs stored in the non-volatile storage device95, and execute processing according to the read program.

The storage device94is a memory device, such as a random access memory (RAM), that can be referred from the arithmetic device93, and stores a program, various types of data, and the like. The storage device94may be a volatile memory device.

The non-volatile storage device95is a non-volatile storage device such as a read only memory (ROM) and a flash memory, for example, and can store various types of programs, data, and the like.

For example, the drive device96is a device that processes reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium97described below.

The recording medium97is any recording medium that can record data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor flash memory, for example.

Each of the example embodiments of the present invention may be achieved by, for example, forming the communication system by the information processing device90illustrated inFIG.13, and supplying, to the communication system, a program that can achieve the function described in each of the above-described example embodiments.

In this case, the example embodiment can be achieved by the arithmetic device93executing the program supplied to the communication system. Further, a part of the function instead of the entire communication system can also be formed of the information processing device90.

Furthermore, the communication system may be formed in such a way that the above-described program is recorded in the recording medium97and the above-described program is appropriately stored in the non-volatile storage device95in a shipment stage, an operation stage, or the like of the communication system. Note that, in this case, as a method of supplying the above-described program, a method of installing the above-described program inside the communication system by using an appropriate jig in a manufacturing stage before shipment, an operation stage, or the like may be adopted. Further, as the method of supplying the above-described program, a general procedure of a method of downloading from the outside via a communication line such as the Internet and the like may be adopted.

The whole or part of the example embodiments disclosed above can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

(Supplementary Note 1)

A communication system including:a cloud-side construction device included in a cloud environment including a cloud device; andan on-premise-side construction device included in an on-premise environment including an on-premise device, and connected to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet, whereinthe cloud device and the on-premise device are communication devices constituting a core network,the on-premise-side construction device includesa first transmission unit that transmits on-premise-side setting information for the cloud device to communicate with the on-premise device, to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet,a first reception unit that receives cloud-side setting information for the on-premise device to communicate with the cloud device, from the cloud-side construction device, anda first setting unit that sets the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device, andthe cloud-side construction device includesa second transmission unit that transmits the cloud-side setting information to the on-premise-side construction device via the Internet,a second reception unit that receives the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device, anda second setting unit that sets the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device.
(Supplementary Note 2)The communication system according to supplementary note 1, whereinthe on-premise device is a device of a user plane, andthe cloud device is a device of a control plane.
(Supplementary Note 3)The communication system according to supplementary note 2, whereinthe on-premise device is a user plane function (UPF),the cloud device is a session management function (SMF),the second setting unit transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the SMF,the SMF generates an SMF-gateway (GW) that connects the SMF and the UPF,the first setting unit transmits the cloud-side setting information to the UPF, andthe SMF and the UPF establish a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) association by using the on-premise-side setting information and the cloud-side setting information.
(Supplementary Note 4)The communication system according to supplementary note 3, whereinthe on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of an Internet protocol (IP) segment including the UPF, and an IP address being set to the UPF for PFCP connection, andthe cloud-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the SMF-GW.
(Supplementary Note 5)The communication system according to supplementary note 2, whereinthe on-premise device is a radio access network (RAN),the cloud device is an access and mobility management function (AMF),the second setting unit transmits the on-premise-side setting information to the AMF,the AMF generates an AMF-GW that connects the AMF and the RAN,the first setting unit transmits the cloud-side setting information to the RAN, andthe AMF and the RAN establish a stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) association by using the on-premise-side setting information and the cloud-side setting information.
(Supplementary Note 6)The communication system according to supplementary note 5, whereinthe on-premise-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the RAN, and an IP address being set to the RAN for SCTP connection, andthe cloud-side setting information includes address band information of an IP segment including the AMF-GW, and an IP address being set to the AMF-GW for SCTP connection.
(Supplementary Note 7)The communication system according to supplementary note 5 or 6, whereinthe on-premise environment further includes a data network (DN),the first transmission unit transmits, to the cloud-side construction device, address band information of an IP segment including the DN, and an IP address list of terminals connected to the DN,the second setting unit transmits, to an SMF, address band information of an IP segment including the DN, and an IP address list of terminals connected to the DN,the SMF decides, as an IP address to be assigned to user equipment (UE), an IP address not included in the IP address list, from an address band of an IP segment including the DN, andthe AMF transmits a decided IP address to the UE via the RAN.
(Supplementary Note 8)The communication system according to supplementary note 2, whereinthe on-premise device is a virtual private network (VPN) router included in the on-premise environment,the cloud device is a VPN router included in the cloud environment, anda VPN router included in the on-premise environment and a VPN router included in the cloud environment establish VPN connection by using the on-premise-side setting information and the cloud-side setting information.
(Supplementary Note 9)The communication system according to supplementary note 8, whereinthe on-premise-side setting information includes an IP address of a VPN router included in the on-premise environment, andthe cloud-side setting information includes an IP address of a VPN router included in the cloud environment.
(Supplementary Note 10)A construction method in a communication system includinga cloud-side construction device included in a cloud environment including a cloud device, andan on-premise-side construction device included in an on-premise environment including an on-premise device, and connected to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet,the cloud device and the on-premise device being communication devices constituting a core network,the construction method including:transmitting, by the on-premise-side construction device, on-premise-side setting information for the cloud device to communicate with the on-premise device, to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet;receiving, by the cloud-side construction device, the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device, and setting, by the cloud-side construction device, the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device;transmitting, by the cloud-side construction device, cloud-side setting information for the on-premise device to communicate with the cloud device to the on-premise-side construction device via the Internet; andreceiving, by the on-premise-side construction device, the cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device, and setting, by the on-premise-side construction device, the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device.
(Supplementary Note 11)A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in a communication system includinga cloud-side construction device included in a cloud environment including a cloud device, andan on-premise-side construction device included in an on-premise environment including an on-premise device, and connected to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet,the cloud device and the on-premise device being communication devices constituting a core network,the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording a construction program that causes a computer to achieve:a first transmission function of transmitting, by the on-premise-side construction device, on-premise-side setting information for the cloud device to communicate with the on-premise device, to the cloud-side construction device via the Internet;a second reception function of receiving, by the cloud-side construction device, the on-premise-side setting information from the on-premise-side construction device;a second setting function of setting, by the cloud-side construction device, the on-premise-side setting information in the cloud device;a second transmission function of transmitting, by the cloud-side construction device, cloud-side setting information for the on-premise device to communicate with the cloud device, to the on-premise-side construction device via the Internet;a first reception function of receiving, by the on-premise-side construction device, the cloud-side setting information from the cloud-side construction device; anda first setting function of setting, by the on-premise-side construction device, the cloud-side setting information in the on-premise device.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to example embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.