WO1999009688A1

WO1999009688A1 - Method and apparatus for establishing a through path for a communication signal

Info

Publication number: WO1999009688A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/010532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Leo Moran
Original assignee: Motorola Inc.
Priority date: 1997-08-20
Filing date: 1998-05-22
Publication date: 1999-02-25
Also published as: BR9811214A; CN1272269A; AU7501598A; CA2301217A1; KR20010023088A; EP1005727A1; IL134359A0; JP2001516172A

Abstract

A method for establishing a path for a communication signal is performed in a wireless communication system which includes a plurality of interconnected wireless network elements (510, 514, 515, 516), and a landline communications network which includes a plurality of interconnected landline network elements (305, 404, 508). The method includes establishing a first signaling link (501, 330) between a communication unit (206) and a landline network element (404), followed by establishing, by the landline network element (404), a second signaling link (522, 524) between the landline network element (404) and a wireless network element (514). The communication unit (206) transmits mobility-related messaging associated with the communication signal to the wireless network element (514) via the first and second signaling links.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTABLISHING A THROUGH PATH FOR

A COMMUNICATION SIGNAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to a method of making a through path for a communication signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communication systems consisting of land mobile radio, cellular radiotelephone, personal communication system (PCS), and various other types are well known. A typical multiple access wireless communication system such as a digital radio frequency (RF) radiotelephone system includes a base station system, (BSS), having one or more base station transmitters and receivers (BTSs), and a base station controller (BSC). The BSS communicates via a radio frequency (RF) channel with a mobile communication unit, commonly referred to as a mobile station (MS), operating within a coverage area served by a BTS. The BSCs are linked to mobile switching centers (MSC) which provide a connection between the multiple access wireless communication system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) as well as interconnection of various cellular radiotelephone communication systems. The MSC provides the switching function as well as call routing, call billing, and subscriber features, among other things. The BSC provides mobility management functions such as mobile station registration, location updating, and handover; call control functions such as call establishment, maintenance, and clearing of network connection as well as support for voice and data features such as short message service (SMS).

One such multiple access wireless communication system is a direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) cellular communication systems, such as set forth in the TIA Interim Standard (IS)-95A, Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standards for Dual-Mode Wideband Spread Spectrum Cellular Systems, Telecommunications Industry Association, Washington, D. C July 1993 [IS-95A] incorporated herein by reference. According to these standards, coded communication signals are transmitted in common 1.25 megahertz (MHz) carriers between the base station system and mobile stations that are communicating in the service coverage areas of the base station system.

Communication system service providers as well as communication system users desire integrated wireline and wireless access to personal communication services in which a service provider furnishes indoor-outdoor service to a subscriber of a mobile station. In a multiple access wireless communication system which includes an MSC, one method of indoor-outdoor has been accomplished through a method to invoke automatic call forwarding. Such a method used to invoke automatic call forwarding permits an incoming call to a subscribers MS, to be automatically forwarded to the subscribers landline phone when the subscriber goes "indoors". For example, a personal base system, such as a personal base station (PB) located in the subscribers home or office, in communication with an HLR via a logic unit, provides the communication network elements necessary to invoke automatic call forwarding. Although, with this method, the subscriber may use the same communication unit for mobile and landline calls, typically two service providers, two phone numbers, two bills and two sets of features are required [to deliver indoor-outdoor service in which automatic call forwarding is implemented].

Multiple access wireless communication system functionality may be accomplished through an alternate architecture which exploits landline communication network elements via integrated services digital network (ISDN). Such an architecture, commonly referred to as Generic C architecture, utilizes an existing landline switch, for example, a class 5 service switching point (SSP), to provide the switching function for a multiple access wireless communication system, thereby mitigating the need for an MSC. The SSP may also provide the connection between the multiple access wireless communication system and the PSTN in a Generic C architecture.

In a Generic C architecture, the BSCs may be linked to a SSP, and a service control point (SCP) indirectly via an radio access system controller /visitor location register (RASC/VLR) tasked to provide wireless communication system access to a landline switch. The SCP is a database, remotely located from the SSP, which communicates with the SSP to provide customer-specific information. The SCP, when queried by the SSP, provides information to the SSP via out-of-band signaling, typically signaling system 7 (SS7). The information is used to route calls and control services, thus injecting "intelligence" into the network to affect the flow/handling of the call. Providing indoor-outdoor service in a Generic C architecture requires mobility management signaling capability, both indoors and outdoors. Indoor service requires mobility management signaling capability from the subscribers residence. Currently, mobility management signaling is only supported between the BSS and the SCP which allows, for example, mobile station registration, location updating etc. to be accomplished via well know methods exclusively through the BSS. Mobility management signaling is not supported between the SSP and the BSS, and therefore not supported between the SSP and "indoors", at the subscribers residence. Currently, implementing indoor-outdoor service in a Generic

C architecture which would allow one communication unit, one service provider, one phone number, and one set of features, is not supported since mobility related signaling capability from a PB to a location register has not been addressed in communication standards. For example, the use of National ISDN version 2 (NI-2) which provides call control signaling such as call switching, call setup, and call features, between the BSS and the SSP, does not include mobility management signaling between the SSP and the location register (e.g. visitor location register, VLR). Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus to provide mobility related signaling capability from a PB to a location register, thus facilitating implementation of indoor-outdoor service in a Generic C architecture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, the foregoing need is addressed by a method for establishing a through path for a communication signal. The method operates in both a wireless and landline communication system. The wireless communication system includes a plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements , and the landline telecommunications network includes a plurality of interconnected landline network elements. The method includes establishing a first signaling link between the communication unit and a landline network element of the plurality of interconnected landline network elements, followed by establishing, by the landline network element, a second signaling link between the landline network element and a wireless-network element of the plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements. The method further includes transmitting, by the communication unit, mobility-related messaging associated with the communication signal to the wireless-network element via the first and second signaling links.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for servicing a communication signal associated with a communication unit in a wireless communication system via a landline telecommunications network is provided. The landline telecommunications network includes a plurality of interconnected landline network elements and the wireless communication system includes a plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements. Such an apparatus includes a first signaling link between the communication unit and a landline network element of the plurality of interconnected landline network elements, the first signaling link supporting a packet-routing protocol. The apparatus further includes a second signaling link between the landline network element and a wireless-network element of the plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements, the second signaling link supporting the packet-routing protocol and responsive to the wireless communication system. In addition, the first and second signaling links transmit mobility-related messaging associated with the communication signal between the communication unit and the wireless-network element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts a typical wireless communication system.

FIG 2. is a wireless communication system capable of automatic call forwarding to a landline communication unit.

FIG. 3 depicts a wireless communication system having a Generic C architecture.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a landline communication system in communication with a wireless network, capable of indoor- outdoor service integration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a Generic C architecture communication network capable of indoor-outdoor service integration, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for establishing a through path for a communication signal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for establishing a through path for a communication signal according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numerals designate like components, FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100, such as a direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) digital radiotelephone system is shown. Base stations 110, 112, and 114 may communicate with mobile station 116, via radio frequency (RF) channels which provide physical paths over which communication signals such as voice, data, and video are transmitted, operating within coverage area 120. Similarly, base stations 110, 112, and 114 may communicate with a mobile station 118 operating within coverage area 124. Base station locations are chosen to provide overlapping coverage areas. Base stations 110, 112, and 114, are coupled to a base station controller (BSC) 150, which includes, among other things, a processor 162 and a memory 164 and which is in turn is coupled to a mobile switching center/ visitor location register (MSC/VLR) 160, also including, among other things, a processor 162 and a memory 164. A BSC 150 and its associated base stations, such as base stations 110, 112, and 114, may be referred to as a base station system (BSS). MSC 160 is coupled to PSTN 170. Calls originating with or terminating at mobile station 116 are processed through MSC 160 to either a wireline customer linked to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 170 or other radiotelephone communication system users serviced by MSC 160 or other MSCs (not shown). The BSC and MSC operate according to well known methods and are commercially available from Motorola, Inc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a communication system used to automatically call forward incoming mobile station calls to provide delivery of indoor-outdoor service integration to a mobile station subscriber. A landline communication system which includes a landline end office (not shown) is represented by public switching telephone network (PSTN) 202 in communication with a wireless communication system.

The wireless communication system includes a MSC/VLR 214 in communication with a BSS 216 and an HLR 215. BSS 216 includes a BSC(s) in communication with a plurality of BTSs (not shown). BSS 216 communicates with a mobile communication unit 206 via RF channels set up between mobile communication unit 206 and one of the plurality of BTSs. Location registers such as HLR 215 and visitor location registers are databases which, among other things, stores the location and service profile information of MS 206. The visitor location register provides a local database to MSC 214 for registering a visiting mobile communication unit. The visitor location register, having obtained the information from HLR 215, a permanent database, retains this information as long as mobile communication unit 206 resides in the geographical area of MSC/VLR 214. MSC 214 is in communication with, and responsive to, PSTN

202. A personal base station such as personal base (PB) 205, responsive to mobile communication unit 206, is also in communication with PSTN 202. Moreover, personal base (PB) 205 is in communication with the landline communication system via PSTN 202. PB 205 may be any personal base station, for example a Motorola PPS, an Oki LibertyLine or a Panasonic BusinessLink, capable of communication with a logic unit 240 via PSTN 202, and able to invoke automatic call forwarding. PB 205, preferably located in the subscribers home or office, performs registration and authentication functions for mobile station 206. PB 205 communicates to logic unit 240 via PSTN 202 utilizing a standard analog POTS telephone line 230 from PB 205 to PSTN 202, and a standard network trunk 233, from PSTN 202 to logic unit 240. Logic unit 240 provides direct control of PB 205 through an authorization process via a wireline. In addition, logic unit 240 provides the necessary information for PB 205 to operate, such as channels authorized for use, authorization duration, and maximum power level for operation, etc. It also collects routing information that can be used by other network elements such as a HLR 215 to complete a call. Although logic unit 240 is shown as a single piece of hardware /software in communication with MSC/VLR 214 and PSTN 202, the functionality of logic unit 240 may be distributed across several pieces of hardware.

When PB 205 calls logic unit 240 with mobile station 206 registration, there is authentication between PB 205 and logic unit 240 to prevent unauthorized operation. Upon authentication and authorization to utilize cellular spectrum by logic unit 240, PB 250 converts an air interface registration message 201 sent from mobile station 206, to a landline signaling format, such as DTMF digits or modem tones, such as set forth in the "TIA/EIA/IS-680 Personal Base Station and Call Routing Equipment Compatibility Standard", May 1996 [TIA IS-680]. The air interface may be IS-91, IS-95A or any other suitable wireless air interface specification.

The landline signaling format may be further converted to an out-of-band signaling format by logic unit 240, the out-of-band signaling format capable of receipt by MSC/VLR 214 via communication link 234, and/or HLR 215 via communication link 226. Signaling links 234, 226 and 222 are preferably out-of-band, bidirectional, signaling links, for common channel signaling system 7 (e.g. signaling system 7 (SS7), the European equivalent of signaling system 7 (C7), or the Japanese equivalent of signaling system 7 (J7)), able to support standard messaging protocol such as Interim Standard 41 (IS-41), published by the US Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) or IS 634, between logic unit 240, MSC 214, HLR 226. Signaling paths 234, and 226 may also be implemented using other appropriate protocols.

Illustratively, Motorola, Inc currently uses an authorization and call routing equipment (ACRE), described in "TIA/EIA/ IS-680 Personal Base Station and Call Routing Equipment Compatibility Standard", May 1996, and commercially available from Motorola, to perform the functions of logic unit 240. ACRE 240 is co-located with HLR 215. ACRE 240 is responsive to a personal base (PB) which functions like a typical cordless telephone base located in a home or office. The PB, upon receipt of registration messages from a mobile station such as MS 206, automatically dials-up ACRE 240 which then sets-up automatic call forwarding in the HLR 215 via MSC /VLR

214. ACRE 240 may provide automatic call forwarding of incoming calls to mobile station 206 by automatically dialing a number to HLR

215. Subsequently, HLR 215 invokes the call forwarding feature which forwards incoming mobile communication calls to the subscribers landline phone.

A subscriber of mobile station 206 wishing to receive incoming mobile station calls on their landline communication unit requires mobility signaling capability while at home or in their office. Mobility signaling capability allows the wireless communication system to recognize that mobile station 206 has entered the subscribers home or office, using well known registaration methods to implement a call forwarding feature. When outside the home or office, mobility management signaling is typically performed by a base station system (BSS) 216 over a signaling link 228, signaling link 228 using TIA Interim Standard 634 (IS-634) protocol as defined in TIA/EIA/IS-634, MSC-BS Interface for Public 800 Mhz, December, 18, 1995.

FIG. 3 depicts a Generic C architecture which enhances existing landline network elements so that they may be used to provide wireless communication services when coupled to a base station system. Typical Generic C architectures were developed to integrate wireless communication services using 800 Mhz and 1800 Mhz bandwidth capabilities from a base station system.

A landline end office 304 including a landline switch such as a class 5 switch, is in communication with PSTN 202. Landline end office 304 is also in communication with a computing platform which includes a service control point (SCP) capable of providing service specific information to the landline end office switch, a mobility manager function, commonly referred to as an radio access system controller (RASC), capable of coupling the wireless communication system elements to the landline end office, and a location register (VLR) capable of providing a local wireless subscriber database. Such a computing platform may be referred to as a SCP/RASC/VLR 314. Unlike a MSC architecture, switching functions associated with wireless communication calls are performed in landline end office 304, although the SCP instructs the landline switch on where to route the wireless communication calls. SCP/RASC/VLR 314 is also in communication with a HLR 215 via link 526 using any suitable protocol, for example, IS-41 protocol.

A mobile communication unit 206 communicates to a base station system (BSS) 216 via well known radio frequency air interface specifications, for example, IS-95 or IS-91. BSS 216 is in communication with SCP/RASC/VLR 314 via and out-of-band signaling link such as SS7. Mobility management signaling from BSS 216 to SCP/RASC/VLR 314 may be accomplished using an appropriate mobility management signaling protocol such as ANSI Tl-659. BSS 216 is also in communication with landline end office 304 via link 330 which may utilize NI-2 to provide call control signaling for call management. SCP/RASC/VLR 314 communicates with landline end office

304 using a signaling protocol such as Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 0.1 , Bellcore, August 1992, (AIN 0.1) over an out-of- band signaling link such as SS7. AIN 0.1 as well as other appropriate protocols used between SCP/RASC/VLR 314 and landline end office 304 do not include mobility management signaling. As a result, mobility relating messaging may only occur between mobile communication unit 206 and SCP/RASC/VLR 314 via BSS 216.

Although a customer premeise equipment 305 (CPE) is shown in FIG. 3, it is not in communication with either landline end office 304 or SCP/RASC/VLR 314 and therefore is not able to support mobility management messaging for MS 206. Mobility management messaging for MS 206 is only supported through BSS 216 via communication signal 301. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a landline communication network and a wireless communication system capable of indoor- outdoor service integration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system includes wireless-system elements mobility manager function 414, HLR 215, BSS 216 and mobile communication unit 206, herein referred to as mobile station (MS) 206. MS 206 may be an analog or digital mobile communication unit capable of sending mobile signal 401. Mobility manager function 414 may be any fault tolerant computing platform capableof responding to and generating mobility related related messaging including but not limited to, paging, call origination, mobile station origination, registration, location, authentication, roaming, handoff, billing-related messages and subscriber features such as short message service. For example, mobility manager function 414 may be an mobile switching center (MSC) which provides services and coordination between MS 206 within the wireless communication system as well as coordination with external landline communication network elements. Such an external landline communication network element may be a landline service switching point (SSP) located in ISDN capable landline end office 404. Mobility manager function 414 may also include a visitor location register (VLR) to provide a local database to mobility manager function 414 for registering a visiting mobile station.

Mobility manager function 414 communicates with PSTN 202 via an out-of-band, bi-directional signaling link 420 such as SS7, able to support call control messaging such as integrated services digital network user part (ISUP). Mobility manager function 414 is also in communication with an HLR 215 via an HLR link 226. Although HLR link 226 is typically an interim standard 41 (IS-41) signaling protocol any other appropriate signaling protocol may be used. Communication between BSS 216 and mobility manager function 414 occurs over an out-of-band, bi-directional signaling link such as SS7 able to support, for example, interim standard 634 (IS-634) protocol for digital and analog transmission, while standard trunking links such as Tl or El are used for audio communication. The landline communication network includes interconnected landline network elements such as an ISDN capable landline end office 404, capable of packet handling functionality (PHF), which may further include a class 5 switching point.

A customer premise equipment (CPE) 305, for example an ISDN personal base station able to provide mobility management functions, is in communication with an intelligent peripheral (IP) 408, via ISDN capable landline end office 404. An ISDN personal base station may be constructed using personal base stations such as the PPS Series 2 model™ (CT-835 and PPS 2350), commercially available from Motorola, retrofitted with ISDN capability. CPE 305, preferably located in the subscribers home or office, performs registration and authentication functions for MS 206. CPE 305, in communication with and responsive to MS 206, is designed to provide mobility management messaging via an X.25 interface standard utilizing ISDN channel architecture. Although an X.25 interface standard would be a likely choice for packetizing mobility management messages from an ISDN personal base station to ISDN capable landline end office 404, other acceptable interface protocols may be used.

Upon receipt of an air interface registration message 401 from MS 206, CPE 305 converts air interface registration message 401 to X.25 packets, carried on either the ISDN basic bearer (B) or D channels, using an appropriate protocol, for example, mobility management application protocol (MMAP) such as set forth in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Tl Standard T1.659, Mobility Management Application Protocol (MMAP) RCF-RACF Operation, New York, New York. MMAP. The format of air interface registration message 401 may be the result of any number of appropriate air interface specifications, such as IS-95 or IS-91.

An ISDN signaling link 432, coupling ISDN capable landline end office 404 to IP 408 may be enabled using a variety of interface standards. For example, ISDN signaling link 432 may carry packetized mobility management messages using an X.25 interface protocol, an X.75 interface protocol or any other suitable protocol.

IP 408, may be a peripheral computer platform in communication with one or more MSCs. IP 408 provides selectable functions, for example, a packet handling function (PHF) capable of routing information packets. Such information packets may contain mobility management messages in the form of X.25 information packets or X.75 information packets to a mobile switching center such as mobility manager function 414, which may, in turn, forward the mobility management messages to other wireless network elements such as an HLR 215. A service node, commercially available from Motorola, Inc., may also be used in place of, or in addition to IP 408. Communication between IP 408 and mobility manager function 414 occurs via signaling link 434 which may be an out-of-band signaling link such as SS7, capable of transmitting a number of suitable messaging protocols such as IS- 634.

Mobility manager function 414 is also in communication with base station system 216 via out-of-band, bi-directional signaling such as SS7 able to support IS-634 protocol for digital and analog mobility management signaling. Audio communication is supported via standard trunking links such as El or Tl, well known in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mobility management signaling, enabling indoor- outdoor service to a subscriber of MS 206 from CPE 305, herein referred to as ISDN personal base station (ISDN-PB) 305, located at the subscribers residence, is provided. In FIG. 6 a flow chart representing a method, generally designated 600 of making a through path for a communication signal using an ISDN bearer channel, is illustrated. Method 600 starts at block 62 where a first signaling link is established between ISDN-PB 305 and ISDN capable landline end office 404 as follows. Upon sending mobile signal 401 containing valid mobile station identity parameters for example, an electronic serial number (ESN), MS 206 acquires a control channel of ISDN-PB 305 via well known methods using registration messaging associated with a standard air interface, for example, IS-91, IS-95 and IS-54. In response to receipt of the valid mobile station identity parameters, ISDN-PB 305 allocates a bearer channel via ISDN circuit switched signaling to ISDN capable landline end office 404 through a setup message in a link access protocol-D (LAPD) information frame. ISDN capable landline end office 404 then acknowledges bearer channel allocation via an appropriate message such as a call proceeding message.

Next at block 64 a first portion, ISDN signaling link 432, of the second signaling link is established between ISDN capable landline end office 404 and IP 408 as follows. ISDN capable landline end office 404 allocates a bearer channel to IP 408 via well known ISDN circuit switched signaling methods or X.75 signaling methods. Allocation of the bearer channel is accomplished using a setup message in a LAPD information frame from ISDN capable landline end office 404 to IP 408. In response, IP 408 requests connection of a dedicated point-to-point bearer channel to ISDN capable landline end office 404 via a connect message which is then acknowledged by ISDN capable landline end office 404. Lastly, ISDN capable landline end office 404 requests connection of a dedicated point-to-point bearer channel to ISDN-PB 305 via a connect message. Thus ISDN capable landline end office 404 has completed the circuit switched connection and a dedicated point-to-point bearer channel from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 408 is established. At block 66, a second portion, signaling link 434, of the second signaling link is established between IP 408 and mobility manager function 414. IP 408 establishes an SS7 signaling connection control point (SS7-SCCP) connection to mobility manager function 414 via a SCCP connection request over signaling link 434, using IS- 634 protocol methods. The SCCP connection request carries the mobility management signaling messege (e.g. the IS-634 Location Update Request message). Upon reciept of the mobility management signaling message, mobility manager function 414 responds with a SS7-SCCP connection confirmed message if an application layer response is required. As a result, a second signaling link is established between ISDN-PB 305 to mobility management function 414, via IP 408.

Following the establishment of a dedicated point-to-point bearer channel from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 408, an end-to-end X.25 interface protocol connection capable of carrying packetized mobility management messaging is established as follows. At block 66, ISDN-PB 305 enables a point-to-point layer 2 datalink to IP 408 via a link access protocol balanced (LAPB) frame protocol message which has its service access point identifier (SAPI) set to indicate an X.25 interface protocol request. Receipt by IP 408 of the point-to-point layer 2 link message from CPE 305 is acknowledged by IP 308 according to well known methods.

Next, at block 68, ISDN-PB 305 enables a end-to-end layer 3 network link from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 408 via an X.25 interface protocol call request message sent from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 408. The call request message is carried in a LAPB information frame. Receipt of the call request message by IP 408 is subsequently acknowledged to ISDN-PB 305 according to well known methods, thus providing end-to-end X.25 interface protocol capability from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 408. After establishment of an ISDN-PB 305 to mobility manager function 414 signaling through path, mobility management messaging capable of providing MS 206 registration, handover, authentication, short message service and location updating to wireless communication system 100 is achieved at block 70 as follows. First, ISDN-PB 305, on behalf of MS 206, forwards a location update message to IP 408 via an appropriate signaling protocol such as mobility management application protocol (MMAP) on a SS7 signaling interface standard packet riding in a LAPB frame. IP 408 then forwards the location update message to mobility manager function 414 via MMAP on an X.25 interface standard packet riding in a LAPB frame. MMAP is described in ANSI Tl.659-1996. As a result, mobility related messaging associated with MS 206 is transmitted from ISDN-PB 305 to mobility manager function 414 thereby notifing wireless communication system 100 as to the location of MS 206. Hence, indoor-outdoor subscriber communication service capability is provided to MS 206 while indoors.

Similarly, the location of MS 206 may be registered using only LAPD signaling, depending on the channel allocation capability of the switch located in ISDN capable landline end office 404. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a Generic C architecture communication network capable of indoor-outdoor service integration, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system includes wireless- system elements mobility manager function 514, HLR 215, BSS 216 and mobile communication unit 206, herein referred to as mobile station (MS) 206. MS 206 may be an analog or digital mobile communication unit capable of sending mobile signal 501. Mobility manager function 514 may be any fault tolerant computing platform capableof responding to and generating mobility related related messaging including but not limited to, paging, call origination, mobile station origination, registration, location, authentication, roaming, handoff, billing-related messages and subscriber features such as short message service. For example, mobility manager function 514 may include an radio access system controller (RASC), capable of interworking the wireless communication ^' network elements to the landline communication network, and a location register (VLR) capable of providing a local wireless subscriber database to mobility manager function 514 for registering a visiting mobile station. Mobility manager 514 provides services and coordination between MS 206 and the wireless communication system as well as the landline communication system. Mobility manager function 514 may be in communication with the landline network system via a service control point (SCP) 510 (discussed below), SCP 510 capable of providing service specific information to a landline end office switch. Such a landline end office switch may be a service switching point (SSP).

Mobility manager function 514 is also in communication with an HLR 215 via an HLR link 526. Although HLR link 526 is typically an interim standard 41 (IS-41) signaling protocol any other appropriate signaling protocol may be used. Communication between BSS 216 and mobility manager function 514 occurs over an out-of-band, bi-directional signaling link such as SS7 able to support, for example, interim standard 634 (IS-634) protocol for digital and analog transmission, while standard trunking links such as Tl or El are used for audio communication. The landline communication network includes interconnected landline network elements, such as an ISDN capable landline end office 404, which may further include a class 5 service switching point, capable of packet handling functionality (PHF). ISDN capable landline end office 404 communicates with PSTN 202 via an out-of-band, bi-directional signaling link 520 such as SS7, able to support call control messaging such as integrated services digital network user part (ISUP). The landline communication network further includes SCP 510. SCP 510 when queried by ISDN capable landline end office 404 provides information to ISDN capable landline end office 404 over an out-of-band, bi-directional signaling link 522, such as SS7, able to support an application protocol such as AIN 0.1 (GR1284 and GR1285), published by Bellcore. Further, SCP 510 communicates with mobility manager function 514 via link 524 which may be an interim standard 41 (IS-41) signaling protocol or a version thereof such as T1.651 MMAP, or any other appropriate signaling protocol.

A customer premise equipment (CPE) 305, for example an ISDN personal base station able to provide mobility management functions, is in communication with an intelligent peripheral (IP) 508, via ISDN capable landline end office 404. An ISDN personal base station may be constructed using a personal base station commercially such as the PPS Series 2 model™ (CT-835 and PPS 2350), available from Motorola, retrofitted with ISDN capability. CPE 305, preferably located in the subscribers home or office, performs registration and authentication functions for MS 206. CPE 305, in communication with and responsive to MS 206, is designed to provide mobility management messaging via an X.25 interface standard utilizing ISDN channel architecture. Although an X.25 interface standard would be a likely choice for packetizing mobility management messages from an ISDN personal base station to ISDN capable landline end office 404, other acceptable interface protocols may be used.

Upon receipt of an air interface registration message 501 from MS 206, CPE 305 converts air interface registration message 501 from the air interface protocol to X.25 packets, carried on either the ISDN basic bearer (B) or D channels, using an appropriate protocol, for example, T1.659 MMAP. The format of air interface registration message 501 may be the result of any number of appropriate air interface specifications, such as IS-95, IS-54, IS-91 and J-STD-007 (EIA SP 338), "PCS 1900 Air Interface Specification", November 22, 1994. An ISDN link 532, coupling ISDN capable landline end office

404 to IP 508 may be enabled using a variety of interface standards. For example, ISDN link 532 may carry packetized mobility management messages using an X.25 interface protocol, an X.75 interface protocol or any other suitable protocol.

IP 508, may be a peripheral computer platform in communication with mobility manager function 514. IP 508 provides selectable functions, for example, a packet handling function (PHF) capable of routing information packets. Such information packets may contain mobility management messages in the form of X.25 information packets or X.75 information packets to mobility manager function 514, which may, in turn, forward the mobility management messages to other wireless network elements, for example, an HLR 215. Communication between IP 508 and mobility manager function 514 occurs via an link 534 which may be an out-of-band signaling link such as SS7, capable of transmitting a number of suitable messaging protocols such as TIA/EIA/IS-634.

Mobility manager function 514 is also in communication with base station system 216 across connection 528, via out-of-band, bi-directional signaling such as SS7 able to support IS-634 protocol for digital and analog mobility management signaling. Audio communication is supported via standard trunking links such as El or Tl, well known in the art.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, mobility management signaling, enabling indoor- outdoor service to a subscriber of MS 206 from CPE 305, herein referred to as ISDN personal base station (ISDN-PB) 305, located at the subscribers residence, is provided. In FIG. 7 a flow chart representing a method, generally designated 700 of making a through path for a communication signal using an ISDN D channel, is illustrated. Method 700 starts at block 72 where MS 206 acquires a control channel of ISDN-PB 305 via well known methods using registration signaling associated with a standard air interface, for example, IS-91, IS-95 and IS-54. Upon sending mobile signal 501 containing valid mobile station identity parameters for example, an electronic serial number (ESN), MS 206 acquires a control channel of ISDN-PB 305 via well known methods using registration messaging associated with a standard air interface such as IS-91, IS-95 or IS-54. In response to receipt of the valid mobile station identity parameters, ISDN-PB 305 acknowledges receipt of the parameters to MS 206. Next at block 74, a first signaling link, ISDN-PB link 330, is established between ISDN-PB 305 and ISDN capable landline end office 404 as follows. First, ISDN-PB 305 enables a point-to-point layer 2 datalink to from ISDN-PB 305 to ISDN capable landline end office 404 via a link access protocol D (LAPD) frame protocol message which has its service access point identifier (SAPI) set to indicate an X.25 interface protocol request. Receipt of the point-to- point layer 2 link message by ISDN capable landline end office 404 from CPE 305 is acknowledged by ISDN capable landline end office 404 according to well known methods. Next, end-to-end X.25 interface protocol capability is established between ISDN-PB 305 and IP 508. First, ISDN-PB 305 enables an end-to-end layer 3 network link from ISDN-PB 305 to ISDN capable landline end office 404 via an X.25 interface protocol call request signal message sent from ISDN-PB 305 to ISDN capable landline end office 404. The call request signal message is carried in a LAPD information frame. At block 76, a first portion, ISDN signaling link 532, of a second signaling link is established between landline end office 404 and IP 508 as follows. ISDN capable landline end office 404 enables an end-to-end layer 3 network link from ISDN capable landline end office 404 to intelligent peripheral (IP) 508 via an X.25 interface protocol incoming call message sent from ISDN capable landline end office 404 to IP 408. The incoming call message is carried in a LAPD information frame. Receipt of the incoming message by IP 408 is subsequently acknowledged to ISDN capable landline end office 404 via an X.25 interface protocol call accept message sent from IP 508 to ISDN capable landline end office 404. Further, receipt of the incoming message by ISDN capable landline end office 404 from ISDN-PB 305 is acknowledged to ISDN- PB 305 via an X.25 interface protocol call connect message sent from ISDN capable landline end office 404 to ISDN-PB 305. Thus an end- to-end X.25 interface protocol capability from ISDN-PB 305 to IP 508 is established and acknowledged.

Next at block 78, a second portion, signaling link 534, of the second signaling link is established between IP 508 and mobility manager function 514. IP 508 establishes an SS7 signaling connection control point (SS7-SCCP) connection to mobility manager function 514 via a SCCP connection request over signaling link 534, using, for example, IS-634 protocol methods. The SCCP connection request carries the mobility management signaling messege (e.g. the IS-634 Location Update Request message). Upon reciept of the mobility management signaling message, mobility manager function 514 responds with a SS7-SCCP connection confirmed message if an application layer response is required. As a result, a second signaling link is established between ISDN-PB 305 and mobility management function 514, via IP 508. After establishment of a ISDN-PB 305 to mobility manager function 514 signaling through path, mobility management messaging capable of providing MS 206 registration and location updating to wireless communication system 100 is achieved at block 80 as follows. ISDN-PB 305, on behalf of MS 206 forwards a location update message to ISDN capable landline end office 404 via an appropriate signaling protocol such as mobility management application protocol (MMAP) in an X.25 interface standard packet riding in a LAPD frame. Next, ISDN capable landline end office 404 forwards the location update message to IP 508 via an appropriate signaling protocol such as mobility management application protocol (MMAP) in an X.25 interface standard packet riding in a LAPD frame. IP 508 then forwards the location update message to mobility manager function 514 via MMAP over SS7 signaling. As a result, mobility related messaging associated with MS 206 is transmitted from ISDN-PB 305 to mobility manager 514, thereby notifying wireless communication system 100 as to the location of MS 206. Hence, indoor-outdoor subscriber communication service capability is provided to MS 206 while indoors.

Similarly, the location of MS 206 may be registered using only LAPB signaling, depending on the channel allocation capability of the switch located in ISDN capable landline end office 404.

It will be apparent that other forms of the invention, and embodiments other than the specific embodiments described above, may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A method for establishing a through path for a communication signal associated with a mobile communication unit in a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system comprising a plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements , the communication signal traversing at least a portion of a landline telecommunications network, the landline telecommunications network comprising a plurality of interconnected landline network elements, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a first signaling link between the communication unit and a landline network element of the plurality of interconnected landline network elements; establishing, by the landline network element, a second signaling link between the landline network element and a wireless-network element of the plurality of interconnected wireless-network elements; and transmitting, by an ISDN personal base station on behalf of the mobile communication unit, mobility-related messaging associated with the communication signal to the wireless-network element via the first and second signaling links.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second signaling links are established via a packet routing protocol.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the landline network element comprises an ISDN capable landline end office.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless- network element comprises:

a computing platform with mobility management capability and visitor location register capability (VLR) in communication with a service control point (SCP), the service control point responsive to the landline network element.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless- network element comprises:

a mobile switching center (MSC) in communication with a public switching telephone network (PSTN), and a base station system (BSS).

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of establishing the second signaling link further comprises the step of:

establishing a first portion of the second signaling link between the landline network element and an intelligent peripheral; and

establishing a second portion of the second signaling link between the intelligent peripheral and the wireless-network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the intelligent peripheral further comprises a packet handling function.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobility- related messaging is selected from the group consisting of: paging-, call origination-, registration-, location-, authentication-, roaming-, handoff- , and billing-related messages.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobility related messaging is short message service.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication system comprises one of a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a time division multiple access (TDMA) system and an analog communication system and is compatible with a generic C architecture.