CN101107869A - Method and system for system discovery and user selection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention includes a method and apparatus for mobility handling across different wireless technologies by efficiently performing alternate network discovery and enabling a mobile station to select the most desirable candidate radio access technology, depending on parameters such as location and network policy settings.

Description

Be used for the method and system that system discovery and user select

Technical field

The present invention relates to radio communication.More specifically, the present invention relates to network in the geographic area that can use more than a honeycomb and/or IEEE802 wireless communication system finds and selects.

Background technology

Wired and wireless communication system all is known in this area.In recent years, the extensive exploitation of networks of different type had caused having on the geographic area network more than a type to use already.Communication equipment has been exploited to integrated two or more network access technique on single communication equipment.For example, exist some communication equipments integrated ability by communicating more than one type wireless standard (as the wireless lan (wlan) standard of compatible IEEE 802.X) and cellular technology (as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio (GPRS)) standard.Communication via every kind of standard is called as communication pattern, and can be called as multimode device by the equipment that communicates more than a kind of communication standard.

Yet supporting does not provide interworking between different access technologies with the existing system that two or more network access techniques is integrated into an equipment.In addition, support the communication equipment of multi-mode function that the available ability in position of determining which access technology slave unit is not provided, perhaps be evaluated at the ability of the demand property of the different access technologies that the position of equipment can use, more can not select best available techniques.

In existing method, multi mode terminal can be opened a plurality of radio modems and scan available networks, frequency and for the sub-district of each radio access technologies.But, make two or more radio and modulator-demodulator carry out scan function and can consume a large amount of power and system resource.Equally, this method is not found service available on each available network, does not select preferred network yet.

Therefore, exist the restriction that is not subjected to prior art and assessment and select the demand of excellent network from a plurality of available networks.

Summary of the invention

The present invention includes a kind of method and apparatus that is used to promote mobility processing between the different radio technology, the present invention is by finding efficiently for the available network of wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU), determine service available on these networks, and according to selecting optimal available radio access technology such as parameters such as demand for services, available service, position and strategy are provided with.

Description of drawings

Can understand the present invention in more detail from following description, these descriptions provide as an example, and are understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the figure that is positioned at by the wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) of the geographic area of WLAN and cellular network common service;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of bimodulus WTRU;

What Fig. 3 showed is the switching of the communication session from 3GPP BS to WLAN BS between bimodulus WTRU and respective nodes (CoN);

Fig. 4 be display network initial/signaling diagram of the system discovery of WTRU control;

Fig. 5 is used between a plurality of available radio access technologies finding integrated and other the flow chart of service method;

Fig. 5 a is the signaling diagram that bimodulus WTRU was found and inserted to display system;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart of the method for the signaling of use when system discovery is failed;

Fig. 7 a and 7b are the flow charts of the method for the signaling of use when system authentication is failed; And

Fig. 8 a and 8b are the signaling diagrams that shows 802.X and 3GPP interworking system access failure.

Embodiment

Hereinafter will reference numbers come that present invention is described, the parts that wherein identical digitized representation is identical.

When hereinafter mentioning, term wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) includes but not limited to subscriber equipment (UE), mobile radio station (MS), fixing or moving user unit, beep-pager or the equipment of any other type that can operate in wireless environment.When hereinafter mentioning, term base station (BS) includes but not limited to base station, Node-B, site controller, access point (AP) or the interface connection device of any other type that can operate in wireless environment.

The present invention includes a kind of equipment and method that mobility is handled between the different radio technology that be used to help, the present invention finds by carrying out network efficiently, determine service available on the network of being found, and from a plurality of available radio access technologies, select preferred radio access technologies according to helping WTRU such as parameters such as demand for services, available service, position and network strategy are provided with.

The invention enables such as the multi-mode WTRU of the bimodulus WTRU of supporting cellular network and wireless lan (wlan) and when the user is connected to cellular network, close WLAN scanning, thereby save the WTRU power of battery.Therefore when WLAN was near a bimodulus WTRU, this cellular network was indicated this bimodulus WTRU, and this bimodulus WTRU begins scanning to WLAN.In a preferred embodiment of this invention, cellular network is noticed the geographical position of the WLAN that is positioned at its coverage.Cellular network is also followed the trail of the position of WTRU.The whole bag of tricks all can be used for determining the position of WTRU, describes or global positioning system (GPS) householder method as triangulation, universal geographical area.Based on the understanding of cellular network to WLAN position and WTRU position, cellular network can determine whether there is WLAN near WTRU.If have, then this cellular network is signaled WTRU and is had WLAN near it.This WTRU begins the WLAN discovery procedure then.In a preferred embodiment, cellular network is the 3GPP network, and WLAN is an IEEE 802.X wireless network.This method can prolong the WTRU energy content of battery, and does not jeopardize the effectiveness that wlan system is found.

Fig. 1 shows is the bimodulus WTRU 150 that can communicate by letter with 3GPP with WLAN.This WTRU150 has just moved to WLAN service area 110.The WLAN communication service is provided in WLAN service area 110 by WLAN BS 120.This WLAN service area 110 is surrounded by 3GPP sub-district 130.The 3GPP communication service is provided in sub-district 130 by 3GPP BS 140.WTRU 150 communicates via wireless connections and 3GPP BS 140 at first.According to the present invention, when WTRU 150 moves to WLAN service area 110, as previously mentioned, WTRU 150 notices that WLAN can use.WTRU 150 finds available service via WLAN BS 120.At this moment WTRU 150 determines whether should its communication be switched to WLAN BS 120 from 3GPPBS 140.If then start this switching.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of bimodulus WTRU 150.WTRU 150 comprises the 3GPP assembly 240 that can use the 3GPP communication standard to communicate by letter with 3GPP BS 140; The wlan component 220 that can use the WLAN communication standard to communicate by letter with WLAN BS 120; And media independent switching-switching (MIHHO) assembly 230 that is associated with media independent switching (MIH) function.Described MIH function has promoted the discovery of available network, determines the preferred network in a plurality of available networks, and promotes the switching from a network to another network.

Fig. 3 is the figure that is presented at the switching of ongoing communication session between bimodulus WTRU 150 and respective nodes (CoN) 300.This communication session is to carry out via 3GPP assembly 240 and 3GPP BS 140 in the WTRU 150 at first.Additional networking component (not shown) is typically between 3GPP BS 140 and CoN 300.Interchangeable communication path potential between WTRU 150 and CoN 300 is represented by dotted lines, and this path comprises WLAN BS 120.Additional networking component (not shown) is equally also typically between WLAN BS 120 and CoN 300.In a preferred embodiment, the 3GPP network is keeping the database of the position of the overlapping WLAN in the coverage of its coverage and 3GPP network self, and follows the tracks of the position of WTRU 150.Wlan component 220 among the WTRU 150 keeps cutting off, up to 3GPP network indication WTRU 150 existence of WLAN in its vicinity.Position by WTRU 150 relatively is in the position of the WLAN that knows recently, and the 3GPP network determines when near WTRU 150 and has WLAN.The information that the 3GPP network sends then about available WLAN arrives WTRU 150.This information can be sent out in specific messages, beacon frame or the like.WTRU 150 read system information also determine whether to switch to WLAN.If then WTRU 150 starts handoff procedure.

The employed information in position of determining WTRU 150 can comprise from method acquisition of informations such as triangulation, universal geographical area description, GPS householder methods.In addition, the 3GPP system can or support the coverage of WLAN service to distribute specific interim moving station mark (TMSI) space for Routing Area, the band of position.Replacedly, WTRU can use radio frequency (RF) signature or fingerprint recognition to determine the availability of wlan system.In this case, WTRU set up the 3GPP radio-frequency channel signature place the channel of certain location in the cellular network and the potential wireless land network (as WLAN) that covered by 3GPP RF channel overlay area between relation.This relation is used to when WTRU detects existing of RF signature the existence to WTRU mark wlan network.This information is stored in the interior database of WTRU, and can dynamically be upgraded in the time should revising described the relation in this information.

With reference now to Fig. 4,, demonstration be ongoing communication session 40 between bimodulus WTRU 150 and respective nodes (CoN) 300.Customer traffic carries out between WTRU 150 and CoN 300 by the 3GPP network 44 that comprises 3GPP radio access network (RAN) and core network (CN).In step 1, WLAN 46 information that this 3GPP network 44 sends about available compatible IEEE 802.X to WTRU 150, this information comprises media access point (MA) and IAD (AG).The system whether content that the 3GPP assembly 240 among the WTRU150 reads this wlan system information and determines this information can be used to wlan system 46 reselects.In step 2,3GPP assembly among the WTRU 150 240 extracts relevant WLAN 46 system informations, and whether the switching that this information can be used for being determined to wlan system 46 goes through, and this information is forwarded to MIHHO assembly 230 among the WTRU 150.These WLAN 46 system informations comprise switching that this WTRU 150 the is determined to WLAN 46 needed information that whether goes through, and WTRU is forwarded to this information the MIHHO assembly 230 of WTRU 150.WTRU 150 scans near its WLAN 46 then.Replacedly, shown in dotted line in the step 2, the wlan component 220 among the WTRU 150 can be continuously or execution cycle property scanning when the system information prompting that received from 3GPP assembly 240.

In step 3, relevant wlan system 46 information of extracting from the information that is sent by 3GPP system 44 are forwarded to MIHHO assembly 230 by the mode with a message, and this message is designated as chain-circuit system information (LINK SYSTEM INFORMATION) message here.Replacedly, shown in dotted line in the step 3, the information that WTRU 150 is obtained during intermittent scanning is forwarded to MIHHO assembly 230 by the mode with a message, and this message is designated as link detecting (LINKDETECTED) message here.If WLAN can insert, WTRU 150 detects WLAN 46 beacon frames.This beacon frame can be used to identification switching-customizing messages, all or part of media independent handover services supported (for example indicating by specific 802.21 marks or the similar approach broadcasted) as whether on beacon frame.Beacon frame can also be used to indicate other available on the WLAN 46 service.This switching-customizing messages can be by manually or dynamically update.As an alternative, WTRU 150 can attempt by probe request/response message to or obtain WLAN 46 system informations by the database that inserts in the candidate system.

In step 4, the MIHHO assembly 230 among the WTRU 150 based on available information (for example clearly indication, RF signature, geographical position, manually or automatic scan, specific T MSI distribute etc.) determine that one or several wlan networks may be fit to reselect.In step 5, this MIHHO assembly 230 selects to calculate potential candidate list for switching.In step 6, this MIHHO assembly 230 is estimated each candidate based on various standards and known wlan system 46 abilities (as service quality (QoS), data transmission bauds or the like) as system operator.The preferred candidate that this MIHHO assembly 230 is identified for switching, and switch a relevant action with request and trigger wlan system and insert by sending a message to medium access control (MAC) layer, this message is designated as MIH and switches (MIH_SWITCH) message here.

Fig. 5 be presented between a plurality of available radio access technologies find integrated service with other flow chart, wherein the MIHHO assembly 230 among the WTRU 150 comes receiving system information via the WLAN beacon.WTRU 150 carries out scanning process to find wlan network, step 510.Scanning can for initiatively or passive, and may cause finding more than a WLAN.When detecting the WLAN beacon frame, WTRU 150 determines whether to support MIH handover information, step 520.If then WTRU 150 reads the content of this MIH handover information, step 530.The MIH customizing messages manually or dynamically is provided with by the MIH function that exists in the WLAN Access Network (AN) and upgrades.Near any MIH information that finds in beacon frame (for example system operator identity, W-APN, map and system capability) is sent to the MIHHO assembly 230 of WTRU by a message, and this message is designated as chain-circuit system informational message, step 540 here.Processed and the WTRU of information 150 determines that wlan systems are the suitable candidate that insert for system, step 550.This WLAN of MIH functional evaluation and other available access network (AN), and determine that this WLAN is preferred AN, step 560.The MIH function is by coming triggering authentication related with preferred AN (i.e. the WLAN of Fa Xianing), step 570 to the MIH_SWITCH message of MAC layer.WLAN specific authentication and association process are performed step 580 on the wlan system of selecting.Authentication can be carried out via the Extensible Authentication Protocol on LAN (EAPOL).Should be noted that the WTRU scanning WLAN, WTRU can scan when being pointed out by the 3GPP network when powering up (power up).

In the WLAN verification process, WTRU 150 provides network insertion ID (NAI) to WLAN.Based on this NAI, IAD (AG) can trigger Extensible Authentication Protocol-authentication and key agreement (EAP-AKA) authentication, and relay authentication messages is to 3GPP authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server.This AG also can be routed to AAA message other servers so that other service to be provided.This AG can use NAI to determine whether WTRU 150 needs other service of a specific order, for example basic or extra-service.This NAI also can be used to route messages to the particular port that special services is provided, and special services is for example organized available network capabilities to this specific user or user.

This AG also can determine the service class that WTRU needs based on the NAI that has triggered authentication procedure or based on authentication procedure itself.Even authentication procedure is to the extra level serv-fail, this AG can determine that WTRU can receive basic service.If this AG can not the route authentication request, it can by indication wherein can the route authentication request available aaa server respond WTRU.If this WTRU determines that neither one AG is suitable, then this WTRU can determine to return sweep phase.

This AG can allow to the access of basic service (for example Internet service) or to the access of the port of further information can be provided to WTRU150.This AG also can select so that default packet data gateway (PDG) address to be provided.If this is the case, WTRU can determine to be connected to this acquiescence PDG.

This process can be automatically or can be based on AG and/or WTRU in configuration parameter.Replacedly, access can be rejected.

According to the present invention, use the chain-circuit system informational message to be sent to MIH function among the WTRU 150 by the MAC layer about the information of system capability.This MIH function can determine that the one or more values about available WLAN are discontented with the necessary condition that pedal system inserts in the system information parameters.For example, system operator is under an embargo, the service of needs is unavailable or service quality (QoS) not enough.If the MIH function determines not satisfied by the parameter that information service provides the needs of internal configurations, then this MIH function uses MIH_SCAN information order MAC layer to turn back to sweep phase.

Fig. 5 a is the signaling diagram that display system is found and inserted by bimodulus WTRU 150.In step 1, powering up or system when reselecting, WTRU 150 carries out scanning processes (initiatively or passive) to find wlan network.When beacon frame was detected, whether this WTRU 150 at first discerns MIH information supported, if then this WTRU 150 reads the content of this information.The MIH customizing messages manually or by access network MIHHO assembly 500 dynamically is provided with and is upgraded.Near any MIH information that finds in beacon frame (for example system operator identity, W-APN, map and system capability) is sent to the MIHHO assembly 230 of WTRU by the chain-circuit system informational message.

In step 2, the processed and WTRU of information 150 determines that wlan systems 46 are the suitable candidate that insert for system.Therefore, MIHHO assembly 230 uses an information order WLAN to the MAC layer to authenticate with related, and this message is designated as MIH here and switches (MIH_SWITCH) message.

In step 3, WLAN specific authentication and association process are performed on selected wlan system.The 230 notice 3GPP sides switchings of MIHHO assembly are about to begin.

In step 4, WLAN IAD (AG) MIHHO assembly 500 uses the EAP-AKA agreement to trigger WLAN 3GPP authentication and authorization.The 3GPP assembly 240 of WTRU uses the network insertion ID (NAI) of its distribution to indicate WLAN AG 46 its related 3GPP aaa servers.Successful route causes carrying the foundation in the IPsec tunnel of EAP-AKA message.

In step 5, based on successful authentication and mandate, WTRU 150 obtains local ip address from local Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that shows the signaling of using when system discovery is failed.As previously mentioned, near the MIH information of finding in beacon frame (for example system operator identity, W-APN, map and system capability) is transmitted to WTRU MIHHO assembly 230 by the chain-circuit system informational message.This MIHHO assembly 230 is provided by the necessary condition that the discontented pedal system of the one or more values that provide in the wlan system information parameter inserts, for example system operator is under an embargo, service quality (QoS) is not enough or in this message, provide potential near concentrated better candidate, the step 610 of identifying.MIH command function MAC layer turns back to sweep phase, step 620.

Fig. 7 a-7b is the flow chart that shows the signaling of using when system authentication is failed.With reference to figure 7a, the MIH function has determined to wish that the WLAN via finding communicates step 710.This WTRUMIH function is come triggering authentication process, step 720 by sending MIH_SWTICH message to the MAC layer.This verification process can comprise use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).Attention is in order to determine whether the user needs further EAP-AKA authentication, wherein should authenticate the access that allows special service (for example 3GPP internet multimedia service (IMS)), and this WTRU can use specific WEP default key.This AG can use default key to determine whether to handle the EAPOL authentication or whether the access of basic the Internet is authorized to.

If authentification failure, then system enters and is rejected step 730.This is what can take place, for example, if the WEP authentification failure, if or the NAI that provides do not resolve any 3GPP server.At this moment WTRU can turn back to sweep phase, step 740.Replacedly, if NAI can not resolve, AG can be directed to this WTRU home server and be used for further processing, and basic service for example is provided.This AG MAC can be provided at the information of using in the WEP process about key to the MIH function.This MIH function can for example determine whether to ratify further verification process, step 750 based on the default key of using then during the WEP authentication.Attention does not think that WEP is a safety certification process in context.And using WEP to discern here needs the further user of authentication.

If further verification process goes through, the MIH function triggers cellular authentication and attempts, and for example uses the EAPOL verification process, step 760.The AAAAG assembly can be used as the authenticating party between WTRU requestor and aaa authentication server, for example uses the IPsec tunnel.If this AG can't this authentication request of route, then the EAPOL cellular authentication is attempted failure, step 770.This AG can by indication can route requests available aaa server respond.If WTRU determines not have proper A G, this WTRU can turn back to sweep phase, step 780.If AG can use the NAI that is provided by WTRU to find suitable certificate server, WTRU can attempt the authentication to this server, step 715.In this case, AG can be between WTRU and certificate server relay authentication messages, step 725.

With reference to figure 7b, WTRU can be in cellular authentication procedure failure, step 735.If like this, then all accesses are rejected, and this WTRU turns back to sweep phase, step 736.Perhaps, have only to be rejected, and can provide access, step 737 for basic service to access such as the special services of 3GPP service.

Yet the honeycomb aaa server can success identity WTRU, step 745.If like this, WTRU can continue to obtain local ip address, for example via Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) or ARP(Address Resolution Protocol), step 755.Use W-APN (W-APN) network ID and carrier ID, WTRU makes up universe name (FQDN).This WTRU asks the IP address resolution to obtain access to packet data gateway (PDG), step 765 then.WTRU attempts obtaining the PDG address based on FQDN (for example W-APN or public land mobile network (PLMN) ID).If name server (DNS) does not resolve to FQDN arbitrary PDG IP address, then WTRU can not insert PDG, step 775 in existing wlan network.WTRU can select to get back to sweep phase then, step 776, or select only to be satisfied with local WLAN service, step 777.

Yet if DNS returns effective PDG IP address, this WTRU sets up the tunnel towards PDG, L2TP Tunnel for example, step 785.This WTRU monitors the proxy announcement message from PDG, step 713 then.If do not receive proxy announcement message, then this WTRU sends agent solicitation, step 723.Yet if receive proxy announcement message from PDG, WTRU can directly obtain Care-of Address (COA:Care of Address) and not need to ask especially by agent solicitation message step 714 from these message.

If do not receive response to agent solicitation, if for example do not support MIP, then this WTRU can use its local ip address to be used for transparent access to the Internet of basic I SP service, maybe can ask the contextual activation of packet data protocol (PDP), step 733.WTRU-PDG tunnel IP operation amount can directly be routed to the Internet from WTRU via the PDG tunnel.This situation does not provide the seamless mobility except the PDG territory.Yet if receive response to agent solicitation, this WTRU can upgrade the COA of oneself, step 724 in the home agent of oneself.Any message that plan is dealt into this WTRU will be directed to new COA again by home agent.

Fig. 8 a and 8b comprise the signaling diagram that shows 802.X and 3GPP interworking system access failure.In step 1, powering up or system when reselecting, WTRU 150 carries out scanning processes (initiatively or passive) to find wlan network.When detecting beacon frame, whether this WTRU 150 at first discerns MIH information supported, and if this WTRU 150 reads the content of MIH information.The MIH customizing messages can (be passed through management system) by manually or dynamically be provided with and upgrade by AG MIHHO assembly 500.

In step 2, near any MIH information of finding in beacon frame (for example system operator identity, W-APN, map and system capability) is sent to the MIHHO assembly 230 of WTRU by the chain-circuit system informational message.This MIHHO assembly 230 is provided by the necessary condition that the discontented pedal system of the one or more values that provide in the system information parameters inserts.For example, the potential neighbours that system operator may be under an embargo, service quality (QoS) not enough or provide in this message concentrate and identify better candidate.This situation is represented first failure scenarios.This represents with " 1 " of band circle in Fig. 8 a.

In step 3, if the parameter that the 230 definite system services of MIHHO assembly are provided does not satisfy the needs of internal configurations, then this MIHHO assembly 230 uses MIH scanning (MIH_SCAN) information order MAC layers to turn back to sweep phase.

In step 4, if MIHHO assembly 230 determines that the demand of internal configurations is satisfied, then this MIHHO assembly 230 utilizes towards the MIH_SWTICH message of MAC layer and triggers the WEP authentication.Attention is in order to determine whether the user needs further EAP-AKA authentication, and this authentication allows the access to special services (for example 3GPP IMS), and this WTRU 150 can use specific WEP default key.This AG can use specific default key to determine further handle the EAPOL authentication and still authorize the access of basic the Internet.

In step 5, this WTRU 150 is certified according to current 802.11 WEP processes.

In step 6, if the WEP authentification failure, then system inserts and is rejected.This WTRU 150 can turn back to sweep phase then.This situation is represented second failure scenarios, represents with " 2 " of band circle in Fig. 8 a.

In step 7, if the WEP authentification failure is different from WTRU 150 and returns sweep phase, the information of the key that AG MAC 800 can use in AG MIHHO assembly 500 provides about the WEP process.This allows the MIH function for example for example to determine whether to ratify further verification process based on the NAI that provides based on the default key of using during the WEP authentication.Notice that WEP is not considered to safety certification process.In this article, use WEP mainly to discern and need the further specific user of authentication.If the NAI that provides is by any 3GPP server parses, this AG 46 may refuse to insert or guiding WTRU 150 is for further processing to home server, for example so that basic service to be provided.This represents with " 3 " of band circle in Fig. 8 B.

In step 8, AG MIHHO assembly 500 uses a message to trigger the EAPOL verification process, and this message is designated as MIH_SYSCAP message here.

In step 9, AG 46 carries out the EAPOL process.AG AAA assembly 800 will be as the authenticator between requestor (WTRU 150) and certificate server 810 (AAA).This AG 46 uses the NAI that provides to determine that aaa server 810 should carry out verification process during initial message exchange.If AG 46 can not the route authentication request, these AG 46 response indications request available aaa server that can be routed wherein then.If this WTRU 150 determines not have proper A G, then this WTRU can determine to turn back to sweep phase.This shows with " 4 " of band circle in Fig. 8 B.

Though feature of the present invention and element are described with specific combination in preferred embodiment, but each feature or element can (under the situation of other features that do not have described preferred implementation and element) use separately, or with or with under the various situations that other features of the present invention and element combine do not use.

Embodiment

1. one kind is used to make multi-mode wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) to notice the method for wireless lan (wlan).

2. as embodiment 1 described method, wherein WTRU is subscriber equipment (UE), mobile radio station (MS), fixing or moving user unit, beep-pager, cellular handset or pocket computer.

3. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WLAN in essence with standard in IEEE 802 family's compatibilities.

4. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WLAN in essence with IEEE 802.X, 802.11,802.11x, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11i, 802.16 or the 802.16a standard at least one compatibility.

5. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU and cellular network communicate.

6. as embodiment 5 described methods, wherein cellular network in essence with code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio (GPRS) or 3GPP technical compatibility.

7. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU set up with WLAN communicate by letter be connected.

8. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein the position with WLAN offers cellular network.

9. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WLAN is in fact near the service area of cellular network.

10. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, the service area of WLAN overlapping cell network wherein.

11. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WLAN is in the service area of cellular network.

12., wherein in the database of cellular network, preserve the position of WLAN as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

13. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, the position of assessing WLAN according to the position and the scope of WLAN base station (BS) transmitter wherein.

14. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, the position of wherein following the trail of WTRU.

15. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein at least one information that obtains from triangulation, universal geographical area description, global positioning system (GPS), interim moving station mark (TMSI) space and radio frequency (RF) signature is used in the position of the WTRU that is followed the trail of.

16., wherein compare the position of WTRU and the position of WLAN as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

17., wherein come the position of comparison WTRU and the position of WLAN by cellular network as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

18. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, detect wherein when WTRU is positioned near the WLAN, thus WTRU can set up with WLAN communicate by letter be connected.

19., wherein notify WTRU to have WLAN in its vicinity as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

20. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein cellular network notice WTRU has WLAN in its vicinity, and sends the information of relevant WLAN in specific messages to WTRU.

21. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein cellular network notice WTRU has WLAN in its vicinity, and sends the information of relevant WLAN in beacon frame to WTRU.

22. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein the information of relevant WLAN comprises the indication of the handoff functionality that WLAN supports.

23. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein the information of relevant WLAN comprises that WLAN goes up the indication of at least one available service.

24., wherein therefrom produce the information of the relevant WLAN of the indication of WTRU manually upgraded as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

25., wherein therefrom produce the information of the relevant WLAN of the indication of WTRU dynamically upgraded as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front.

26. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein determine WTRU whether should set up with WLAN communicate by letter be connected.

27. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, if wherein determine the right words of WTRU, WTRU just set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected.

28. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU by and WLAN between probe request/response message obtain wlan system information.

29. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU obtains wlan system information by the database that inserts in the WLAN.

30. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU determine its whether should set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected.

31. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein cellular network determine WTRU whether should set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected.

32. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment of front, wherein WTRU set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected and comprise the scanning of WTRU WLAN.

33. as embodiment 32 described methods, wherein scanning is initiatively.

34. as embodiment 32 described methods, wherein scanning is passive.

35., wherein scan and periodically carried out as embodiment 32 described methods.

36. the described method of arbitrary embodiment as the front wherein detects a plurality of available WLAN near WTRU, WTRU can set up the connection that can communicate by letter with it.

37. as embodiment 36 described methods, wherein WTRU calculates the tabulation of available WLAN.

38., wherein determine the preferred WLAN that is connected that WTRU can communicate by letter with its foundation as embodiment 37 described methods.

39. as embodiment 38 described methods, wherein WTRU determines preferred WLAN by assessment WLAN information, described WLAN information comprises at least one in system operator, service quality (QoS) and the data transmission bauds.

40. one kind is used to promote the method for this WTRU to the switching of preferred network by wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU), WTRU uses first access technology and first network service, and preferred network uses second access technology.

41., wherein use media independent switching (MIH) function and/or MIH information to promote to switch as embodiment 40 described methods.

42. as embodiment 41 described methods, wherein MIH information is all available in the network of a plurality of identifications each.

43. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-42, at least one in MIH packets of information includes network identifier, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, service quality (QoS) parameter and the radio access style wherein.

44. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-42, wherein MIH information comprises and is used at least one network of network data transmission bauds.

45. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-42, wherein MIH information comprises and is used at least one network of network strategy setting.

46. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-45, wherein MIH information is received by beacon frame.

47. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-45, wherein MIH information is received by dedicated frame

48. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-45, wherein MIH information is received by broadcast channel

49., wherein to small part MIH information is database from network, obtain again as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-48.

50. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 41-49, wherein MIH information is evaluated to determine preferred network.

51. as the described method of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 40-50, wherein WTRU is activated to the switching of preferred network.

A 52. multi-mode wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU).

53., can receive and handle the information of relevant at least one WLAN (wireless local area network) WLAN this WTRU near as embodiment 52 described WTRU.

54., can determine which is preferred connection in a plurality of possible communicating to connect as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-53.

55., can set up preferably and communicate to connect as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-54.

56. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-55, comprise cellular component, be used for communicating with cellular network via the connection that can communicate by letter.

57. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-56, comprise wlan component, be used for communicating with WLAN via the connection that can communicate by letter.

58., comprise media independent switching-switching (MIHHO) assembly as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-57.

59. as embodiment 58 described WTRU, wherein the MIHHO assembly can promote the discovery of available network, determines which is preferred connection in a plurality of may the communicating to connect, and promotes to set up the preferred communication connection.

60. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 56-59, wherein cellular network is one in code division multiple access (CDMA) system, global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio (GPRS) and the compatible 3GPP system.

61. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 53-60, wherein WLAN is the WLAN of compatible IEEE 802.X.

62. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-61, comprise global positioning system (GPS) receiver, it provides relevant WTRU the information of position to cellular network.

63. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-62, be configured between message and the WLAN by the information that comprises relevant WLAN that receives from cellular network probe request/response message to and insert database in the WLAN at least one obtain the information of the WLAN relevant this WTRU near, and be configured to extraction WLAN information from this relevant information of WLAN.

64. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 58-63, wherein the MIHHO assembly be configured to use WLAN information determine WTRU whether should set up with WLAN between can communicate by letter be connected.

65., wherein begin the preferred communication establishment of connection by scanning WLAN as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 53-64.

66. as embodiment 65 described WTRU, wherein scanning is active or passive.

67. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 65-66, wherein scan and carried out periodically, detect WLAN up to WTRU.

68. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 52-67, wherein a plurality of available WLAN are detected near WTRU, WTRU can set up being connected of can communicating by letter with it.

69. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 58-68, wherein the MIHHO assembly is configured to definite preferred WLAN that is connected that can communicate by letter with its foundation.

70. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 58-69, wherein the MIHHO assembly is configured to determine preferred WLAN by assessment WLAN information, and described WLAN information comprises at least one in system operator, service quality (QoS) and the data transmission bauds.

71. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 58-70, wherein the MIHHO assembly is configured to receive MIH information to promote the switching of the WTRU between WLAN and cellular network.

72. as embodiment 71 described WTRU, MIH information comprises for the network identifier of each of the network of a plurality of identifications, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, service quality (QoS) parameter and radio access style.

73. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-72, wherein MIN information comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

74. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-73, wherein MIN information comprises each network of network strategy setting.

75. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-74, wherein MIH information is received by beacon frame.

76. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-74, wherein MIH information is received by dedicated frame.

77. as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-74, wherein MIH information is received by broadcast channel.

78., wherein obtain again and be not sent out the database of part MIH information from network as broadcast message as the described WTRU of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 71-77.

A 79. wireless lan (wlan) access point (AP).

80. as embodiment 79 described AP, comprise that media independent switches (MIH) equipment, be configured to send MIH information with the switching between the cellular network that promotes WLAN and wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU).

81. as embodiment 80 described AP, wherein MIH information comprises for each the network of network identifier in the network of a plurality of identifications, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, service quality (QoS) parameter and radio access style.

82. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-81, wherein MIH information comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

83. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-82, wherein MIH information comprises each network of network strategy setting.

84. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-83, wherein MIH information is sent out by beacon frame.

85. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-83, wherein MIH information is sent out by dedicated frame.

86. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-83, wherein MIH information is sent out by broadcast channel.

87., wherein obtain again the database of part MIH information from network as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-86.

88. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-87, wherein MIH information comprises for each the network of network identifier in the network of a plurality of identifications, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, service quality (QoS) parameter and radio access style.

89. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-88, wherein MIH information comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

90. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-89, wherein MIH information comprises each network of network strategy setting.

91. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-90, wherein MIH information is sent out by beacon frame.

92. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-90, wherein MIH information is sent out by dedicated frame.

93. as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-90, wherein MIH information is sent out by broadcast channel.

94., wherein obtain again the database of part MIH information from network as the described AP of arbitrary embodiment among the embodiment 80-93.

Claims (52)

1. one kind is used for making becoming with the multi-mode wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU of cellular network communication and notices the method that is connected that can communicate by letter between the WLAN (wireless local area network) WLAN that can insert and foundation and the WLAN, and this method comprises:

Be provided between WTRU and the cellular communication system communicate by letter be connected;

The position of WLAN in cellular system is provided at the coverage of this cellular system;

Follow the trail of the position of WTRU;

The position of the position of comparison WTRU and known WLAN;

Detect when WTRU is positioned near the WLAN, thus WTRU can set up with this WLAN communicate by letter be connected;

Notice WTRU has WLAN in its vicinity;

Determine WTRU whether should set up with this WLAN between communicate by letter be connected; And

If it is sure determining the result, then this WTRU set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein cellular network is one in code division multiple access system, global system for mobile communications, general packet radio and the compatible 3GPP system, and WLAN is the WLAN of compatible IEEE 802.X.

3. the method for claim 1, the position of wherein in the database that cellular system provides the step of the position of WLAN to be included in cellular communication system, preserving the overlapping WLAN in the coverage of coverage and cellular communication system.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein tracing step comprises use at least one information that obtains from triangulation, universal geographical area description, global positioning system, interim moving station mark space and radio frequency signatures.

5. the method for claim 1, wherein notifying process comprises that cellular network sends the information of relevant WLAN to WTRU in specific messages or beacon frame.

6. method as claimed in claim 5 wherein comprises at least one indication to the rank of the handoff functionality supported and available service on WLAN about the information of WLAN.

7. method as claimed in claim 6, the information that wherein therefrom produces described indication manually or is dynamically upgraded.

8. the method for claim 1, wherein after notifying process, WTRU by and WLAN between probe request/response message to or obtain wlan system information by the database that inserts in the WLAN.

9. the method for claim 1, wherein determine WTRU whether should set up with WLAN between the step of connecting of communicating by letter carry out by WTRU or cellular network.

10. the method for claim 1, wherein set up with WLAN between the step of connecting of communicating by letter comprise the scanning of WTRU to WLAN.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said scanning are actives or passive.

12. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said scanning is periodically carried out, and detects WLAN up to WTRU.

13. the method for claim 1, wherein near WTRU, detect a plurality of available WLAN, WTRU can set up the connection that can communicate by letter with it, and this WTRU calculates available WLAN tabulation, and determining step comprises definite preferred WLAN that is connected that can communicate by letter with its foundation.

14. method as claimed in claim 13, wherein WTRU determines preferred WLAN by assessment WLAN information, and described WLAN information comprises at least one in system operator, service quality and the data transmission bauds.

15. multi-mode wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU, this WTRU can receive and handle the information of relevant at least one WLAN (wireless local area network) WLAN this WTRU near, determine which is preferred connection in a plurality of possible communicating to connect, and set up and preferably communicate to connect that this WTRU comprises:

Cellular component is used for communicating with cellular network via the connection that can communicate by letter;

Wlan component is used for communicating with WLAN via the connection that can communicate by letter; And

Media independent switching-switching MIHHO assembly is used to promote the discovery of available network, determines which is preferred connection in a plurality of possible communicating to connect, and promotes to set up and preferably communicate to connect.

16. WTRU as claimed in claim 15, wherein cellular network is one in code division multiple access system, global system for mobile communications, general packet radio and the compatible 3GPP system, and WLAN is the WLAN of compatible IEEE 802.X.

17. WTRU as claimed in claim 15 further comprises GPS receiver, being used for provides relevant WTRU the information of position to cellular network.

18. WTRU as claimed in claim 15, this WTRU be configured between message and the WLAN by the information that comprises relevant WLAN that receives from cellular network probe request/response message to and insert database in the WLAN at least one obtain the information of relevant WLAN, and be configured to from this relevant information of WLAN, extract WLAN information.

19. WTRU as claimed in claim 18, wherein the MIHHO assembly be configured to use WLAN information determine WTRU whether should set up with WLAN between communicate by letter be connected.

20. WTRU as claimed in claim 15 wherein begins the preferred communication establishment of connection by scanning WLAN.

21. WTRU as claimed in claim 20, wherein scanning is active or passive.

22. WTRU as claimed in claim 20 wherein scans and is periodically carried out, and detects WLAN up to WTRU.

23. WTRU as claimed in claim 20, wherein a plurality of available WLAN are detected near WTRU, and WTRU can set up the connection that can communicate by letter with it, and the MIHHO assembly is configured to definite preferred WLAN that is connected that can communicate by letter with its foundation.

24. WTRU as claimed in claim 23, wherein the MIHHO assembly is configured to determine preferred WLAN by assessment WLAN information, and described WLAN information comprises at least one in system operator, service quality and the data transmission bauds.

25. a WLAN (wireless local area network) WLAN access point, this WLAN access point comprises:

Media independent switches MIH equipment, be configured to send MIH information with the switching between the cellular network that promotes WLAN and wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU, described MIH information comprises each network of network identifier, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, QoS parameter and the radio access style for the network of a plurality of identifications.

26. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein MIH information also comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

27. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein MIH information also comprises each network of network strategy setting.

28. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein MIH information is sent out by beacon frame.

29. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein MIH information is sent out by dedicated frame.

30. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein MIH information is sent out by broadcast channel.

31. WLAN access point as claimed in claim 25, wherein part MIH information is to obtain again the database from network, and is not sent out as broadcast message.

32. a wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU comprises:

Media independent switches MIH equipment, be configured to receive MIH information to promote the switching of the WTRU between WLAN and the cellular network, described MIH information comprises for each network of network identifier, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, QoS parameter and radio access style in the network of a plurality of identifications.

33. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein MIH information also comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

34. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein MIH information also comprises each network of network strategy setting.

35. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein MIH information is received by beacon frame.

36. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein MIH information is received by dedicated frame.

37. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein MIH information is received by broadcast channel.

38. WTRU as claimed in claim 32, wherein part MIH information is to obtain again the database from network, and is not sent out as broadcast message.

39. a Network Access Point comprises:

Media independent switches MIH equipment, be configured to send MIH information to promote the switching between the cellular network of this network and wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU, described MIH information comprises for each network of network identifier, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, QoS parameter and radio access style in the network of a plurality of identifications.

40. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein MIH information also comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

41. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein MIH information also comprises each network of network strategy setting.

42. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein MIH information is sent out by beacon frame.

43. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein MIH information is sent out by dedicated frame.

44. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein MIH information is sent out by broadcast channel.

45. Network Access Point as claimed in claim 39, wherein part MIH information is to obtain again the database from network, and is not sent out as broadcast message.

46. a method of being used by wireless transmitter/receiver unit WTRU, this method comprises:

Provide between WTRU and first network that uses first access technology communicate by letter be connected;

Receive MIH information to promote the switching of WTRU between the preferred network of first network and use second access technology, described MIH information comprises each network of network identifier, network site, system operator identity symbol, system capability, QoS parameter and the radio access style for the network of a plurality of identifications;

Assessment MIH information is to determine preferred network; And

Start to the switching of the WTRU of preferred network.

47. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein MIH information also comprises the data transmission bauds of each network.

48. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein MIH information also comprises each network of network strategy setting.

49. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein MIH information is received by beacon frame.

50. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein MIH information is received by dedicated frame.

51. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein MIH information is received by broadcast channel.

52. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein part MIH information is to obtain again the database from network, and is not sent out as broadcast message.

Images