WO2004002051A2 - Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking - Google Patents

Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004002051A2
WO2004002051A2 PCT/US2003/019675 US0319675W WO2004002051A2 WO 2004002051 A2 WO2004002051 A2 WO 2004002051A2 US 0319675 W US0319675 W US 0319675W WO 2004002051 A2 WO2004002051 A2 WO 2004002051A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wlan
cellular network
recited
routing area
umts
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/019675
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004002051A3 (en
Inventor
Shaily Verma
Charles Chuanming Wang
Original Assignee
Thomson Licensing S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomson Licensing S.A. filed Critical Thomson Licensing S.A.
Priority to AU2003245633A priority Critical patent/AU2003245633A1/en
Priority to JP2004516102A priority patent/JP4684649B2/en
Priority to US10/518,996 priority patent/US7764660B2/en
Priority to CN038145448A priority patent/CN1663166B/en
Priority to MXPA04012665A priority patent/MXPA04012665A/en
Priority to KR1020047020762A priority patent/KR101010806B1/en
Priority to EP03739260A priority patent/EP1523821B1/en
Publication of WO2004002051A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004002051A2/en
Publication of WO2004002051A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004002051A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/40Network security protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/04Protocols specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/14Session management
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/60Scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests, e.g. requests for application data transmissions using the analysis and optimisation of the required network resources
    • H04L67/63Routing a service request depending on the request content or context
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/14Multichannel or multilink protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/18Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/14Reselecting a network or an air interface
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/14Reselecting a network or an air interface
    • H04W36/144Reselecting a network or an air interface over a different radio air interface technology
    • H04W36/1446Reselecting a network or an air interface over a different radio air interface technology wherein at least one of the networks is unlicensed
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W60/00Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
    • H04W60/04Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration using triggered events
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00Connection management
    • H04W76/20Manipulation of established connections
    • H04W76/25Maintenance of established connections
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W40/00Communication routing or communication path finding
    • H04W40/02Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W64/00Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00Connection management
    • H04W76/10Connection setup
    • H04W76/19Connection re-establishment
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00Connection management
    • H04W76/20Manipulation of established connections
    • H04W76/22Manipulation of transport tunnels
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00Network topologies
    • H04W84/02Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/04Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/042Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00Network topologies
    • H04W84/02Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02Terminal devices
    • H04W88/06Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W92/00Interfaces specially adapted for wireless communication networks
    • H04W92/02Inter-networking arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to network communications and, more particularly, to a method and system for interworking a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) with a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network for improved low cost service of data, voice and multimedia content delivery.
  • WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a 'third generation' (3G) mobile communications system developed within a framework known as IMT- 2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000).
  • IMT- 2000 International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000
  • UMTS will play a key role in creating the mass market for high-quality wireless multimedia communications.
  • UMTS will enable many wireless capabilities, delivering high-value broadband information, commerce and entertainment services to mobile users via fixed, wireless and satellite networks.
  • UMTS will speed convergence between telecommunications, information technology, media and content industries to deliver new services and create revenue-generating services.
  • UMTS Compared to its 2G or 2.5G wireless cellular counterparts, UMTS will deliver low-cost, high-capacity mobile communications with data rates on the order of 2 Mbit/sec under stationary conditions with global roaming and other advanced capabilities.
  • WLAN Wireless Local Area Networks
  • the overall cost of a cellular infrastructure is very high compared to the cost of a WLAN infrastructure both in terms of cost of the spectrum, which in the case of WLAN is free, and the overall system cost for the supported bandwidth.
  • the WLAN may be an extension of the cellular network in hotspot areas.
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • WLANs wireless local area networks
  • the present invention provides a system and method, which registers WLAN coverage areas as a UMTS routing area (RA).
  • the user equipment UE or mobile station
  • a system for employing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area includes a cellular network, which is capable of determining a location where a service request is made.
  • the cellular network includes a packet- based support node, which determines if the request can be serviced through a WLAN, which is identified in the cellular network as a routing area.
  • Means for maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN provides smooth handoff between the WLAN and the cellular network.
  • PDP packet data protocol
  • a method for registering a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area includes determining a location of a service request from a user within a cellular network, and determining whether the location is in or near a WLAN access point. If at or near the WLAN access point, the method maintains packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN such that interworking between the WLAN and the cellular network is provided.
  • PDP packet data protocol
  • FIG. 1 is an exemplary system architecture for a system employing WLAN as a routing area in a cellular system in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a setup procedure for setting up data transfer in a
  • WLAN in a cellular environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a routing area update procedure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a block/flow diagram, which illustrates a system/method for WLAN registration as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking in accordance with the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the invention.
  • WLAN Local Area Network
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • RA Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • UE User equipment
  • MS mobile station
  • PDP Packet Data Protocol
  • the UMTS network also benefits due to reduced signaling load.
  • a mobile user connects to the UMTS core network (SGSN/MSC and GGSN) via a radio access network (Node B and RNC).
  • a WLAN station or Mobile terminal (MT) attaches to the Access Point (AP) in the infrastructure mode of a WLAN.
  • AP Access Point
  • the mobile user In order to move from the UMTS network to the WLAN network and vice versa, the mobile user must support the stacks of both the UMTS UE and the WLAN MT (mobile terminal).
  • the re-entry into the UMTS network is kept smooth by keeping the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area.
  • battery energy and UMTS signaling channels have to be used periodically to signal to the UMTS core network (CN) to keep the PDP context active.
  • CN UMTS core network
  • the present invention provides a method to keep the PDP context alive when a user is in the WLAN coverage area resulting in conservation of the UE battery and network resources.
  • the present invention restricts usage of transmitting and receiving UMTS radios for communications while in WLAN coverage area.
  • the UE remains "attached" to the UMTS network and maintains a PDP context so as to have a smooth handoff upon re-entry.
  • the present invention is described in terms of a 3G UMTS system with WLANs; however, the present invention is applicable to any cellular system with WLANs in which data, voice and video multimedia content can be transferred or telecommunications services can be provided.
  • the present invention is applicable to any wireless communication system including fixed wireless network, satellite links, etc. where the user equipment has access to a WLAN or WLAN(s).
  • FIGS may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose devices, which may include a processor, memory and input/output interfaces.
  • FIG. 1 a system architecture 10 within a 3 rd Generation Cellular Cell 100 (3G cell) is illustratively shown for integrating voice, data, video and other services over wireless/radio networks.
  • System architecture 10 is presented as an exemplary WLAN-UMTS environment for employing the inventive method and system in accordance with the present invention. Details of the individual block components making up the system architecture which are known to skilled artisans will only be described in details sufficient for an understanding of the present invention.
  • UMTS mobile network 12 e.g., a third generation (3G) network
  • RAN radio access network
  • RNC Radio Network Controller
  • WLAN (14) is preferably connected to UMTS network (12) through an intra-PLMN (Public Mobile Land
  • the RAN 8 in turn is attached to a Core Network (CN) 13 which comprises packet based services such as a SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) 28, circuit based services, such as a MSC (Mobile Switching Center) 21 and gateways to other PLMNs, such as GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) 24.
  • Core network 13 supports connections/interfaces with public switched telephone networks (PSTN) (not shown) and the Internet 7.
  • PSTN public switched telephone networks
  • a home location register (HLR) 50 may be provided which stores the home locations of mobile stations (MS) 40.
  • network 12 e.g., a PLMN
  • Gn or Gp
  • MS 40 connects at an access point 30, and MS 40 may roam between the radio access networks.
  • the WLAN 14 includes a plurality of access points 30 which are provided to permit wireless user equipment (UE) or mobile stations (MS) 40 to access and use the WLAN.
  • the IWF 25 interacts with the UMTS network 12 and interfaces (through IWF 25) to a WLAN environment.
  • the 3G UMTS mobile 40 communicates with the radio access network (RAN) 8 comprising of Node B 11 and Radio Network Controller (RNC) 9.
  • the RAN 8 in turn is attached to the Core Network (CN) 13 which comprises SGSN 28 (packet based services), MSC 21 (circuit based services) and GGSN 24 (gateway to other PLMNs).
  • CN Core Network
  • SGSN 28 packet based services
  • MSC 21 circuit based services
  • GGSN 24 gateway to other PLMNs.
  • WLANs such as IEEE 802.11 and ETSI Hiperlan2
  • one embodiment employs a dual stack protocol for use with the mobile units.
  • the dual stack protocol includes the stack of the UMTS UE and the WLAN MT (mobile terminal).
  • architecture 10 shows WLAN - UMTS interworking.
  • FIG. 1 is illustrative of one way of coupling functional components. Other ways of coupling these and other components is also contemplated and may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.
  • a number of access points 30 are tied back to the IWF (interworking function) 25, which in turn is connected to the 3 G network 12 either through the Internet 7 or through a dedicated link to a UMTS network node (e.g., RNC or SGSN or GGSN) based on the coupling.
  • the functionality of the IWF 25 depends on the coupling between the WLAN and UMTS networks.
  • FIG. 2 a diagram is shown indicating the steps in establishing data bearers in the UMTS network registration of the WLAN coverage area as a UMTS routing area.
  • the mobile station 40 finds a suitable cell (cell selection), tries to be "attached” to the network using a signaling connection and performs regular routing area updates to remain attached.
  • a request 110 is made from a GPRS mobile management layer (GMM) from UE 40.
  • GMM GPRS mobile management layer
  • An RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection is established (112) between UE 40 and RNC 9 followed by a signaling connection establishment (114) to CN 13.
  • a service request (116) is made from UE 40 to RNC 9.
  • known security functions (118) are carried out between the respective components.
  • UE 40 can be "attached" (120) to the cellular network.
  • the PDP context activation request (122) is sent by UE 40.
  • the CN 13 then starts the RAB (Radio Access Bearer) setup procedure, which includes a radio bearer setup (128), RAB assignment (130), radio bearer setup complete signal (132), and RAB assignment response (134).
  • RAB Radio Access Bearer
  • a PDP Context Accept (136) is sent to UE 40.
  • Timer T3380 controls the duration of activation of the PDP context while Timer T RABa s s i gn m ent controls the duration of the RAB setup as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • Data (138) may now be exchanged.
  • UE 40 can now pass into a WLAN to receive data while maintaining the "attached" state with the UMTS or other cellular system.
  • UMTS different levels of mobility procedures are executed depending upon the UE state. For example, when a UE is in Packet Mobility Management (PMM) Idle mode, the UE location is known at the SGSN 28 (CN 13) with the accuracy of a routing area and the UE performs periodic RA updating procedures. When a UE is in PMM Connected mode, the location of the MS is tracked by the serving RNC.
  • PMM Packet Mobility Management
  • Routing Area Identifier defined by an operator, identifies one or several cells.
  • RAI Routing Area Identifier
  • UMTS UMTS
  • RAI is broadcast to UEs in Idle mode, and is notified to MSs in Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information. Irrespective of the PMM state, the MS performs a routing area update if the RAI changes.
  • a routing area update takes place when a UE detects that it has entered a new RA or when the periodic RA update timer has expired.
  • the SGSN detects that it is an intra-SGSN routing area update by noticing that it also handles the old RA.
  • the SGSN has the necessary information about the MS and there is no need to inform the GGSNs or the HLR about the new MS location.
  • a periodic RA update is always an intra SGSN routing area update.
  • FIG. 3 an intra SGSN routing area update procedure is illustratively depicted.
  • MS 40 sends a routing area update request 201 to SGSN 28.
  • Security functions 202 are carried out to ensure access is granted to appropriate users.
  • a routing area update accept 203 is issued from the SGSN 28.
  • a routing area update complete 204 acknowledges that the routing area has either been updated or does not require updating.
  • a Periodic RA Update timer T3312 monitors the periodic RA update procedure in the MS 40.
  • the length of the periodic RA update timer is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept (203) or Attach Accept message.
  • the periodic RA update timer is unique within an RA (e.g., default may be 54 minutes).
  • the timer T3312 is reset and started with its initial value, when the MS goes from PMM-Connected to PMM-ldle mode. The timer T3312 is stopped when the MS enters PMM-CONNECTED mode.
  • the periodic routing area updating procedure is started, and the timer is set to its initial value for the next start.
  • the network supervises the periodic routing area updating procedure by means of a Mobile Reachable timer.
  • the Mobile Reachable timer may be longer than the periodic RA update timer (by 4 minutes as a default value).
  • WLAN coverage areas can be made into UMTS routing areas (RA).
  • the RAI can be used to indicate to the MS which RA it should use in case of overlapping RAs as in the case of WLAN and UMTS RA overlap.
  • the UE location is known in the 3G-SGSN with an accuracy of a routing area.
  • the UE 40 is expected to send periodic RA update messages in PMM idle mode.
  • the WLAN IWF can broadcast the new RAI (pre-allocated by the SGSN 28).
  • the UE detects that an RA update (intra-SGSN) needs to be performed.
  • the UE sends a Routing Area Update Request to the SGSN.
  • the SGSN can recognize from the new RAI sent by the UE that it is in a WLAN coverage area now. Since the length of the periodic RA update timer that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept (201 in FIG.
  • the length of the periodic RA update timer that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept from the SGSN to the UE, is set to a largest value permissible by the network. This is so that while the UE is in the WLAN, it does not have to keep sending periodic RA updating messages at the same rate as it is in a UMTS cell. This restricts the usage of both radios for WLAN and UMTS and thereby avoids unneeded UMTS signaling. This, in turn, results in conservation of the UE battery and network resources, as periodic RA messages would need the PS (packet switched) signaling connection to be re-established each time. Moreover, since the SGSN 28 is capable of determining from the RAI update message which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area may be approximately 100 m, location based services and high data rate services can advantageously be provided by the 3G operator to the user.
  • the RAI changes, so UE shall perform an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network.
  • the new RAI is notified to MSs in RRC Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information.
  • the UE now establishes a data plane via the WLAN system and releases the radio resources in the UMTS network (which is one of the advantages of Interworking).
  • the UE now falls in the PMM idle state.
  • a preservation function 41 in the MS permits the active PDP contexts associated with the released RABs to be preserved without modification in the CN 13, and the RABs can then be easily reestablished at a later stage. However, all active PDP contexts for a UE are lost when the GMM state changes to PMM-Detached.
  • One way to keep the re-entry into the UMTS network smooth is to keep the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area.
  • the UE in the PMM idle state needs to keep making RA updates to avoid falling into the PMM- Detached state and losing the PDP context.
  • the RAI changes, so UE performs an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network.
  • a block/flow diagram is shown which illustrates a system/method for WLAN registration as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking in accordance with the present invention.
  • a mobile station or user moves through a cellular network, e.g., a UMTS network.
  • the user equipment (UE) may be in Idle mode or Connected mode. If in idle mode, the UE location is determined within the cellular network (preferably by an SGSN) with an accuracy of a routing area, in block 404.
  • the UE 40 sends periodic RA update messages in PMM idle mode.
  • the WLAN IWF can broadcast the new RAI (pre-allocated by the SGSN).
  • the UE by comparing the RAI stored in the UE's GMM context with the RAI received from the IWF, the UE detects that an RA update (intra-SGSN) needs to be performed, and the UE sends a Routing Area Update Request to the SGSN.
  • the SGSN recognizes from the new RAI sent by the UE that the UE is in a WLAN coverage area now. Since the length of the periodic RA update timer that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept message is unique within an RA, the length of the periodic RA update timer, that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept from the SGSN to the UE, is preferably set, in block 411 , to the largest value permissible by the network.
  • the cellular service providers are thereby able to control the loading of cells by shifting users to WLANs by having additional functionality in SGSNs to change RAIs of the users to that of a WLAN coverage area, if the UE is in the WLAN range (based on some location criterion in the SGSN).
  • the usage of both radios for UE and UMTS are restricted to avoid unneeded UMTS signaling. This, in turn, results in conservation of the UE battery and network resources.
  • the SGSN is capable of determining from the RAI update message, which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area may be approximately 100 m, location based services and the cellular operator can advantageously provide high data rate services to the user.
  • the RAI changes, so UE shall perform an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection is established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network in block 430.
  • a new RAI is sent to the UE's in RRC Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information in block 420.
  • the UE now establishes a data plane via the WLAN system and releases the radio resources in the UMTS network in block 422.
  • the UE falls into the PMM idle state; however, a preservation function in the MS permits active PDP contexts associated with the released RABs to be preserved without modification in the CN 13. These RABs can be re-established at a later stage.
  • active PDP contexts for a UE are maintained for re-entry from the WLAN into the UMTS network by keeping the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area. This is preferably performed by the UE in the PMM idle state making RA updates to avoid falling into the PMM-Detached state and losing the PDP context.
  • the RAI changes, so the UE performs an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network in block 430.
  • the present invention advantageously restricts radio usage and avoids unnecessary UMTS signaling for periodic RA updating procedures. This results in the conservation of the UE battery, and reduced signaling load for the UMTS network, as each periodic RA update would need the PS signaling to be reestablished resulting in consumption of wireless and wired resources.
  • the present invention maintains the PDP context, which can keep the handoff delay while re-entering the UMTS network low (if the PDP context does not have to be renegotiated by the network due to less resources). Avoiding periodic RAs without using the present invention would mean that the UE goes from PMM Idle to PMM Detached state. Hence, upon re-entry into the UMTS network, the UE would have to start from the "attach" procedure, activate the PDP context and only then could data bearers be established, resulting in large handover delays.
  • the SGSN is capable of determining location of a UE (by the RAI update message), which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area is approximately 100 m in diameter
  • location based services and high data rate services can be provided by the 3G operator to the user.
  • the present invention enables the mobile user to detect the entry into a WLAN cell (new RAI broadcast by the WLAN IWF) and exit from the WLAN cell (no longer able to hear the RAI broadcast from the WLAN IWF and can listen to the RAI broadcast by the nearest UMTS node B). Therefore, the mobile user is able to move between WLAN and UMTS systems smoothly using a single handheld device.
  • the present invention also enables the 3G service providers to control the loading of UMTS cells by shifting UEs to WLANs in hotspots by having an additional functionality in the SGSN to change the RAI of the UE to that of a WLAN coverage area if the UE is in the WLAN range (based on some location criterion in the SGSN).
  • the present invention may be implemented independently of the coupling between the WLAN and UMTS networks. Even with “loose” coupling, if the WLAN IWF broadcasts its RAI (pre-configured by the SGSN/3G operator) and the UE informs the SGSN about its RAI change (using its UMTS connection that it had while entering the WLAN), the SGSN can keep the PDP context alive as it can identify the RAI as being that of a WLAN and set a large periodic RA update timer value.

Abstract

A system for employing a wireless local (Fig. 4) area network (WLAN) (14) as a cellular network routing area includes a cellular network (12), which is capable of determining a location where a service request is made. The cellular (12) network includes a packet-based support node B, which determines if the request can be serviced through a WLAN (14), which is identified in the cellular network (12) as a routing area. Packet data protocol (PDP) context is maintained while servicing the request using the WLAN (14) to provide smooth interworking between the WLAN (14) and the cellular network (12).

Description

REGISTRATION OF A WLAN AS A UMTS ROUTING AREA FOR WLAN-UMTS INTERWORKING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to network communications and, more particularly, to a method and system for interworking a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) with a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network for improved low cost service of data, voice and multimedia content delivery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a 'third generation' (3G) mobile communications system developed within a framework known as IMT- 2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000). UMTS will play a key role in creating the mass market for high-quality wireless multimedia communications. UMTS will enable many wireless capabilities, delivering high-value broadband information, commerce and entertainment services to mobile users via fixed, wireless and satellite networks. UMTS will speed convergence between telecommunications, information technology, media and content industries to deliver new services and create revenue-generating services. Compared to its 2G or 2.5G wireless cellular counterparts, UMTS will deliver low-cost, high-capacity mobile communications with data rates on the order of 2 Mbit/sec under stationary conditions with global roaming and other advanced capabilities.
One drawback of the UMTS network is the high cost of spectrum and low data rates as compared to WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). The overall cost of a cellular infrastructure is very high compared to the cost of a WLAN infrastructure both in terms of cost of the spectrum, which in the case of WLAN is free, and the overall system cost for the supported bandwidth. On the other hand, it is more difficult for a WLAN to have the wide area coverage offered by a cellular system. In order to have the advantages from both cellular and WLAN technologies, the WLAN may be an extension of the cellular network in hotspot areas.
Since Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks use expensive bandwidth and end up delivering low data rates, it would be advantageous to utilize wireless local area networks (WLANs) in hotspots for high data rates and to utilize UMTS for ubiquitous coverage. To accomplish this, the mobile terminal will need to transition quickly and easily from one network to another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system and method, which registers WLAN coverage areas as a UMTS routing area (RA). In the system according to the present invention the user equipment (UE or mobile station) benefits from battery conservation due to reduced signaling and easy transitions to and from UMTS or GPRS systems. A system for employing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area includes a cellular network, which is capable of determining a location where a service request is made. The cellular network includes a packet- based support node, which determines if the request can be serviced through a WLAN, which is identified in the cellular network as a routing area. Means for maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN provides smooth handoff between the WLAN and the cellular network.
A method for registering a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area, includes determining a location of a service request from a user within a cellular network, and determining whether the location is in or near a WLAN access point. If at or near the WLAN access point, the method maintains packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN such that interworking between the WLAN and the cellular network is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exemplary system architecture for a system employing WLAN as a routing area in a cellular system in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a setup procedure for setting up data transfer in a
WLAN in a cellular environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a routing area update procedure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a block/flow diagram, which illustrates a system/method for WLAN registration as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking in accordance with the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for registering a Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN) coverage area as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) routing area (RA). User equipment (UE) or mobile station (MS) benefits from battery conservation due to reduced signaling and easy transitions to and from the UMTS or other cellular network (e.g., a GPRS system), preferably through maintenance of the PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context. The UMTS network also benefits due to reduced signaling load.
A mobile user connects to the UMTS core network (SGSN/MSC and GGSN) via a radio access network (Node B and RNC). A WLAN station or Mobile terminal (MT) attaches to the Access Point (AP) in the infrastructure mode of a WLAN. In order to move from the UMTS network to the WLAN network and vice versa, the mobile user must support the stacks of both the UMTS UE and the WLAN MT (mobile terminal).
One way to enable smooth handoff between cellular cells (e.g., 3G cells) and WLAN hotspot coverage areas, the re-entry into the UMTS network is kept smooth by keeping the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area. As a result, battery energy and UMTS signaling channels have to be used periodically to signal to the UMTS core network (CN) to keep the PDP context active. Moreover, if periodic RA messages are not exchanged in the idle state, the UE "detaches" and needs to start an "attach" procedure when returning to the UMTS network. This can result in a large handoff delay.
The present invention provides a method to keep the PDP context alive when a user is in the WLAN coverage area resulting in conservation of the UE battery and network resources. The present invention restricts usage of transmitting and receiving UMTS radios for communications while in WLAN coverage area. However, the UE remains "attached" to the UMTS network and maintains a PDP context so as to have a smooth handoff upon re-entry.
It is to be understood that the present invention is described in terms of a 3G UMTS system with WLANs; however, the present invention is applicable to any cellular system with WLANs in which data, voice and video multimedia content can be transferred or telecommunications services can be provided. In addition, the present invention is applicable to any wireless communication system including fixed wireless network, satellite links, etc. where the user equipment has access to a WLAN or WLAN(s).
It should also be understood that the elements shown in the FIGS, may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose devices, which may include a processor, memory and input/output interfaces.
Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1 , a system architecture 10 within a 3rd Generation Cellular Cell 100 (3G cell) is illustratively shown for integrating voice, data, video and other services over wireless/radio networks. System architecture 10 is presented as an exemplary WLAN-UMTS environment for employing the inventive method and system in accordance with the present invention. Details of the individual block components making up the system architecture which are known to skilled artisans will only be described in details sufficient for an understanding of the present invention. The present invention is illustratively described in terms of a UMTS network 12 and a WLAN wireless network 14 (e.g., IEEE 802.11 and HIPERLAN2 standards may be employed by these networks). UMTS mobile network 12 (e.g., a third generation (3G) network) communicates with a radio access network (RAN) 8 which comprises a Node B 11 and Radio Network Controller (RNC) 9. WLAN (14) is preferably connected to UMTS network (12) through an intra-PLMN (Public Mobile Land
Network) interface or backbone (not shown). The RAN 8 in turn is attached to a Core Network (CN) 13 which comprises packet based services such as a SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) 28, circuit based services, such as a MSC (Mobile Switching Center) 21 and gateways to other PLMNs, such as GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) 24. Core network 13 supports connections/interfaces with public switched telephone networks (PSTN) (not shown) and the Internet 7.
Other components may be included in a core network 13. For example, a home location register (HLR) 50 may be provided which stores the home locations of mobile stations (MS) 40. By the present invention, network 12 (e.g., a PLMN) is interfaced to a wireless LAN 14 through a Gn (or Gp) interface by employing an interworking function 25. MS 40 connects at an access point 30, and MS 40 may roam between the radio access networks. The WLAN 14 includes a plurality of access points 30 which are provided to permit wireless user equipment (UE) or mobile stations (MS) 40 to access and use the WLAN. By the present invention, the IWF 25 interacts with the UMTS network 12 and interfaces (through IWF 25) to a WLAN environment.
UMTS - WLAN interworking
The 3G UMTS mobile 40 communicates with the radio access network (RAN) 8 comprising of Node B 11 and Radio Network Controller (RNC) 9. The RAN 8 in turn is attached to the Core Network (CN) 13 which comprises SGSN 28 (packet based services), MSC 21 (circuit based services) and GGSN 24 (gateway to other PLMNs). Diverting as much data as possible from UMTS to WLAN saves costly UMTS spectrum and invaluable data bandwidth. It is advantageous to replace UMTS with unlicensed band, high data rate WLANs, such as IEEE 802.11 and ETSI Hiperlan2, to save UMTS radio resources and increase the efficiency of the UMTS RAN 8. To accomplish this, one embodiment employs a dual stack protocol for use with the mobile units. Preferably, the dual stack protocol includes the stack of the UMTS UE and the WLAN MT (mobile terminal).
In FIG. 1 , architecture 10 shows WLAN - UMTS interworking. FIG. 1 is illustrative of one way of coupling functional components. Other ways of coupling these and other components is also contemplated and may be implemented in accordance with the present invention. A number of access points 30 are tied back to the IWF (interworking function) 25, which in turn is connected to the 3 G network 12 either through the Internet 7 or through a dedicated link to a UMTS network node (e.g., RNC or SGSN or GGSN) based on the coupling. The functionality of the IWF 25 depends on the coupling between the WLAN and UMTS networks.
Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram is shown indicating the steps in establishing data bearers in the UMTS network registration of the WLAN coverage area as a UMTS routing area. Once the mobile station 40 is switched on, the mobile station 40 finds a suitable cell (cell selection), tries to be "attached" to the network using a signaling connection and performs regular routing area updates to remain attached. A request 110 is made from a GPRS mobile management layer (GMM) from UE 40. An RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection is established (112) between UE 40 and RNC 9 followed by a signaling connection establishment (114) to CN 13. Then, a service request (116) is made from UE 40 to RNC 9. Then, known security functions (118) are carried out between the respective components. After, the security checks are complete, UE 40 can be "attached" (120) to the cellular network.
Next, the PDP context activation request (122) is sent by UE 40. The CN 13 then starts the RAB (Radio Access Bearer) setup procedure, which includes a radio bearer setup (128), RAB assignment (130), radio bearer setup complete signal (132), and RAB assignment response (134). Finally, a PDP Context Accept (136) is sent to UE 40. Timer T3380 controls the duration of activation of the PDP context while Timer TRABassignment controls the duration of the RAB setup as illustrated in Figure 2. Now, data transmission can occur over the RAB that has been set up. Data (138) may now be exchanged. UE 40 can now pass into a WLAN to receive data while maintaining the "attached" state with the UMTS or other cellular system.
In UMTS, different levels of mobility procedures are executed depending upon the UE state. For example, when a UE is in Packet Mobility Management (PMM) Idle mode, the UE location is known at the SGSN 28 (CN 13) with the accuracy of a routing area and the UE performs periodic RA updating procedures. When a UE is in PMM Connected mode, the location of the MS is tracked by the serving RNC.
Routing Area Identifier (RAI), defined by an operator, identifies one or several cells. In UMTS, RAI is broadcast to UEs in Idle mode, and is notified to MSs in Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information. Irrespective of the PMM state, the MS performs a routing area update if the RAI changes. Thus, a routing area update takes place when a UE detects that it has entered a new RA or when the periodic RA update timer has expired. The SGSN detects that it is an intra-SGSN routing area update by noticing that it also handles the old RA. In this case, the SGSN has the necessary information about the MS and there is no need to inform the GGSNs or the HLR about the new MS location. A periodic RA update is always an intra SGSN routing area update. Referring to FIG. 3, an intra SGSN routing area update procedure is illustratively depicted. MS 40 sends a routing area update request 201 to SGSN 28. Security functions 202 are carried out to ensure access is granted to appropriate users. Then, a routing area update accept 203 is issued from the SGSN 28. Finally, a routing area update complete 204 acknowledges that the routing area has either been updated or does not require updating.
A Periodic RA Update timer T3312, known to those skilled in the art, monitors the periodic RA update procedure in the MS 40. The length of the periodic RA update timer is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept (203) or Attach Accept message. The periodic RA update timer is unique within an RA (e.g., default may be 54 minutes). The timer T3312 is reset and started with its initial value, when the MS goes from PMM-Connected to PMM-ldle mode. The timer T3312 is stopped when the MS enters PMM-CONNECTED mode.
When timer T3312 expires, the periodic routing area updating procedure is started, and the timer is set to its initial value for the next start. The network supervises the periodic routing area updating procedure by means of a Mobile Reachable timer. The Mobile Reachable timer may be longer than the periodic RA update timer (by 4 minutes as a default value). In accordance with the present invention, WLAN coverage areas can be made into UMTS routing areas (RA). The RAI can be used to indicate to the MS which RA it should use in case of overlapping RAs as in the case of WLAN and UMTS RA overlap.
Referring again to FIG. 1 , if a PDP context has been already established at the time of entering the WLAN, there are two possible cases:
1. If the UE is in PMM Idle Mode The UE location is known in the 3G-SGSN with an accuracy of a routing area. The
UE 40 is expected to send periodic RA update messages in PMM idle mode. The WLAN IWF can broadcast the new RAI (pre-allocated by the SGSN 28). By comparing the RAI stored in the UE's GMM context with the RAI received from the IWF 25, the UE detects that an RA update (intra-SGSN) needs to be performed. The UE sends a Routing Area Update Request to the SGSN. The SGSN can recognize from the new RAI sent by the UE that it is in a WLAN coverage area now. Since the length of the periodic RA update timer that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept (201 in FIG. 3) message is unique within an RA, the length of the periodic RA update timer, that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept from the SGSN to the UE, is set to a largest value permissible by the network. This is so that while the UE is in the WLAN, it does not have to keep sending periodic RA updating messages at the same rate as it is in a UMTS cell. This restricts the usage of both radios for WLAN and UMTS and thereby avoids unneeded UMTS signaling. This, in turn, results in conservation of the UE battery and network resources, as periodic RA messages would need the PS (packet switched) signaling connection to be re-established each time. Moreover, since the SGSN 28 is capable of determining from the RAI update message which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area may be approximately 100 m, location based services and high data rate services can advantageously be provided by the 3G operator to the user.
As soon as the UE moves out of the WLAN coverage area, the RAI changes, so UE shall perform an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network.
2. If the UE is in PMM Connected mode
The new RAI is notified to MSs in RRC Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information. Depending on the coupling for the interworking (25), the UE now establishes a data plane via the WLAN system and releases the radio resources in the UMTS network (which is one of the advantages of Interworking). The UE now falls in the PMM idle state. A preservation function 41 in the MS permits the active PDP contexts associated with the released RABs to be preserved without modification in the CN 13, and the RABs can then be easily reestablished at a later stage. However, all active PDP contexts for a UE are lost when the GMM state changes to PMM-Detached. One way to keep the re-entry into the UMTS network smooth is to keep the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area. Hence, the UE in the PMM idle state needs to keep making RA updates to avoid falling into the PMM- Detached state and losing the PDP context. As soon as the UE moves out of the WLAN coverage area, the RAI changes, so UE performs an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network.
Referring to FIG. 4, a block/flow diagram is shown which illustrates a system/method for WLAN registration as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking in accordance with the present invention. In block 402, a mobile station or user moves through a cellular network, e.g., a UMTS network. The user equipment (UE) may be in Idle mode or Connected mode. If in idle mode, the UE location is determined within the cellular network (preferably by an SGSN) with an accuracy of a routing area, in block 404. In block 406, the UE 40 sends periodic RA update messages in PMM idle mode. The WLAN IWF can broadcast the new RAI (pre-allocated by the SGSN).
In block 408, by comparing the RAI stored in the UE's GMM context with the RAI received from the IWF, the UE detects that an RA update (intra-SGSN) needs to be performed, and the UE sends a Routing Area Update Request to the SGSN. In block 410, the SGSN recognizes from the new RAI sent by the UE that the UE is in a WLAN coverage area now. Since the length of the periodic RA update timer that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept message is unique within an RA, the length of the periodic RA update timer, that is sent in the Routing Area Update Accept from the SGSN to the UE, is preferably set, in block 411 , to the largest value permissible by the network. While the UE is in the WLAN, it does not have to keep sending periodic RA updating messages. The cellular service providers are thereby able to control the loading of cells by shifting users to WLANs by having additional functionality in SGSNs to change RAIs of the users to that of a WLAN coverage area, if the UE is in the WLAN range (based on some location criterion in the SGSN).
In block 412, the usage of both radios for UE and UMTS are restricted to avoid unneeded UMTS signaling. This, in turn, results in conservation of the UE battery and network resources. In block 414, since the SGSN is capable of determining from the RAI update message, which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area may be approximately 100 m, location based services and the cellular operator can advantageously provide high data rate services to the user.
In block 416, as soon as the UE moves out of the WLAN coverage area, the RAI changes, so UE shall perform an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection is established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network in block 430.
If in active mode, a new RAI is sent to the UE's in RRC Connected mode on established RRC connections as GMM system information in block 420. Depending on the system coupling for employing interworking between WLANs and the UMTS, the UE now establishes a data plane via the WLAN system and releases the radio resources in the UMTS network in block 422. In block 424, the UE falls into the PMM idle state; however, a preservation function in the MS permits active PDP contexts associated with the released RABs to be preserved without modification in the CN 13. These RABs can be re-established at a later stage.
In block 426, active PDP contexts for a UE are maintained for re-entry from the WLAN into the UMTS network by keeping the PDP context active while a UE is in the WLAN coverage area. This is preferably performed by the UE in the PMM idle state making RA updates to avoid falling into the PMM-Detached state and losing the PDP context.
In block 428, as soon as the UE moves out of the WLAN coverage area, the RAI changes, so the UE performs an RA update procedure. If data needs to be sent, a PS signaling connection can be established and a service data request can be sent to the SGSN by the UE to set up the data bearers in the UMTS network in block 430. The present invention advantageously restricts radio usage and avoids unnecessary UMTS signaling for periodic RA updating procedures. This results in the conservation of the UE battery, and reduced signaling load for the UMTS network, as each periodic RA update would need the PS signaling to be reestablished resulting in consumption of wireless and wired resources. In addition, the present invention maintains the PDP context, which can keep the handoff delay while re-entering the UMTS network low (if the PDP context does not have to be renegotiated by the network due to less resources). Avoiding periodic RAs without using the present invention would mean that the UE goes from PMM Idle to PMM Detached state. Hence, upon re-entry into the UMTS network, the UE would have to start from the "attach" procedure, activate the PDP context and only then could data bearers be established, resulting in large handover delays.
Since the SGSN is capable of determining location of a UE (by the RAI update message), which WLAN the UE is in, and the WLAN area is approximately 100 m in diameter, location based services and high data rate services can be provided by the 3G operator to the user. In addition, the present invention enables the mobile user to detect the entry into a WLAN cell (new RAI broadcast by the WLAN IWF) and exit from the WLAN cell (no longer able to hear the RAI broadcast from the WLAN IWF and can listen to the RAI broadcast by the nearest UMTS node B). Therefore, the mobile user is able to move between WLAN and UMTS systems smoothly using a single handheld device. The present invention also enables the 3G service providers to control the loading of UMTS cells by shifting UEs to WLANs in hotspots by having an additional functionality in the SGSN to change the RAI of the UE to that of a WLAN coverage area if the UE is in the WLAN range (based on some location criterion in the SGSN).
It is to be understood that the present invention may be implemented independently of the coupling between the WLAN and UMTS networks. Even with "loose" coupling, if the WLAN IWF broadcasts its RAI (pre-configured by the SGSN/3G operator) and the UE informs the SGSN about its RAI change (using its UMTS connection that it had while entering the WLAN), the SGSN can keep the PDP context alive as it can identify the RAI as being that of a WLAN and set a large periodic RA update timer value.
Having described preferred embodiments for WLAN registration as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for registering a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area, comprising the steps of: determining a location of a service request from a user within a cellular network; determining whether the location is in or near a WLAN access point; if at or near the WLAN access point, maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN such that interworking between the WLAN and the cellular network is provided.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN includes restricting radio signaling between a user and the cellular network while using the WLAN.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of receiving a request for service for a routing area in a cellular network.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the WLAN is recognized as a routing area of the cellular network.
5. The method as recited in claim 3, further comprising the step of setting a periodic routing area update timer value while in a WLAN coverage area to reduce signaling while a user is in the WLAN area.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of establishing packet switched signaling connection through the PDP context when existing the WLAN.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of controlling the loading of cellular cells by shifting user traffic service to WLANs.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the interworking between the cellular network and the WLAN is provided by: uniquely identifying the WLAN as a routing area of the cellular network; and once identified, setting a routing area update timer to reduce a number of routing area updates to the cellular network.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of maintaining the PDP context includes maintaining the PDP context to reduce handoff delay while re- entering the UMTS network.
10. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of enabling cellular service providers to control the loading of cells by shifting users to WLANs by changing routing area identifiers of the users to that of a WLAN coverage area.
11. A system for employing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) as a cellular network routing area, comprising: a cellular network, which is capable of determining a location where a service request is made; the cellular network comprising a packet-based support node, which determines if the request can be serviced through a WLAN, which is identified in the cellular network as a routing area; means for maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while servicing the request using the WLAN to provide smooth handoff between the WLAN and the cellular network.
12. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the means of maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context includes a preservation function provided in a mobile station.
13. The system as recited in claim 11 , further comprising a unique routing area identifier, which identifies the WLAN in the cellular network.
14. The system as recited in claim 11 , further comprising a periodic routing area update timer wherein a timer value is employed while in a WLAN coverage area to reduce signaling while a user is in the WLAN area.
15. The system as recited in claim 11 , further comprising an interworking function for establishing and maintaining user services between the WLAN and the cellular network.
16. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the cellular network includes a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).
17. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the means for maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context further comprises a Radio Access Bearer (RAB) setup procedure for establishing interworking between the cellular network and the WLAN.
18. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the cellular network learns if a user is in a WLAN coverage area via a routing area identifier (RAI) update message.
PCT/US2003/019675 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking WO2004002051A2 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003245633A AU2003245633A1 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking
JP2004516102A JP4684649B2 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of WLAN as a UMTS routing area in WLAN-UMTS interworking
US10/518,996 US7764660B2 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a WLAN as a UMTS routing area for WLAN-UMTS interworking
CN038145448A CN1663166B (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking
MXPA04012665A MXPA04012665A (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking.
KR1020047020762A KR101010806B1 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking
EP03739260A EP1523821B1 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39081102P 2002-06-21 2002-06-21
US60/390,811 2002-06-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004002051A2 true WO2004002051A2 (en) 2003-12-31
WO2004002051A3 WO2004002051A3 (en) 2004-02-12

Family

ID=30000627

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/019675 WO2004002051A2 (en) 2002-06-21 2003-06-20 Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7764660B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1523821B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4684649B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101010806B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1663166B (en)
AU (1) AU2003245633A1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA04012665A (en)
WO (1) WO2004002051A2 (en)

Cited By (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005060292A1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Apparatus and method for extending the coverage area of a licensed wireless communication system using an unlicensed wireless communication system
WO2005079006A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2005-08-25 Nokia Corporation Method and system for connecting user equipment to a communications network
WO2005086430A1 (en) * 2004-03-09 2005-09-15 Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson (Publ) Packet radio transmission over an unlicensed-radio access network
WO2005104445A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-11-03 Motorola Inc. Routing area selection for a communication device accessing a umts network through wlan hot spots considered as seprate routing areas of the utms network
WO2005107169A1 (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-11-10 Kineto Wireless, Inc. A method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subschriber with a network controller
WO2005114920A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-12-01 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Apparatus and messages for interworking between unlicensed access network and gprs network for data services
EP1613006A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-04 Alcatel Ad-hoc extensions of a cellular air interface
GB2416274A (en) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-18 Vodafone Plc Location updating during handover between different radio access networks
WO2006051469A1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. A location management system and method
EP1681888A1 (en) * 2005-01-14 2006-07-19 Research In Motion Limited Network selection when multiple networks are available in a coverage area
WO2006092733A1 (en) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-08 Nokia Corporation Accessing a communication system
EP1744580A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-17 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Dual-mode mobile terminal and method for handover of packet service call between different communication networks
KR100677604B1 (en) 2005-07-27 2007-02-02 삼성전자주식회사 Method and mobile device for performing fast hand-over in wireless LAN, and method of switching services using GPS information
EP1753253A1 (en) * 2004-05-21 2007-02-14 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration system, and third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration method
WO2007021951A3 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-04-12 Qualcomm Inc Method and apparatus for simultaneous communication utilizing multiple wireless communication systems
WO2007051745A1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2007-05-10 Nokia Siemens Networks Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for operation of a communication system, network node and communication system
WO2007054497A1 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for remote-controlling the selection of a network access application by a mobile terminal, mobile terminal and mobile radio system
US7305229B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2007-12-04 Vodafone Group Plc Providing services in communications networks
JP2007537634A (en) * 2004-05-14 2007-12-20 テレフオンアクチーボラゲット エル エム エリクソン(パブル) Method and device for identifying duplicate packet during handover
CN100364362C (en) * 2004-01-07 2008-01-23 捷讯研究有限公司 System and method for selecting a cellular network on a wireless local area network (wlan)
JP2008503976A (en) * 2004-06-25 2008-02-07 エルジー エレクトロニクス インコーポレイティド Method for communicating data in a wireless mobile communication system
JP2008508832A (en) * 2004-08-14 2008-03-21 サムスン エレクトロニクス カンパニー リミテッド Method and apparatus for transmitting WLAN information in a mobile communication network for WLAN interworking
WO2008066929A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Management of wlan and wwan communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
WO2008066928A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Managing wireless local area network service to a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
WO2008066926A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Detection of a multi-mode portable communication device at a wlan - wwan network
WO2008066927A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Managing wireless local area, network service based on a location of a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
CN100413287C (en) * 2004-06-30 2008-08-20 阿尔卡特公司 Ad-hoc extensions of a cellular air interface
WO2008086460A3 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-09-04 Qualcomm Inc Radio resource connection (rrc) establishment for wireless systems
US7426384B2 (en) 2004-07-13 2008-09-16 Vodafone Group Plc Network communication system including a database of codes and corresponding telephone numbers
US7756546B1 (en) 2005-03-30 2010-07-13 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Methods and apparatuses to indicate fixed terminal capabilities
US7843900B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2010-11-30 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Mechanisms to extend UMA or GAN to inter-work with UMTS core network
US7877094B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2011-01-25 Vodafone Group Plc Location updating in communications networks
US7890099B2 (en) 2001-02-26 2011-02-15 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method for automatic and seamless call transfers between a licensed wireless system and an unlicensed wireless system
US7904084B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2011-03-08 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Intelligent access point scanning with self-learning capability
CN1998190B (en) * 2004-04-22 2011-03-09 卡耐特无线有限公司 A method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subscriber with a network controller
EP2293640A3 (en) * 2004-05-14 2011-04-20 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Messaging in an unlicensed mobile access telecommunications network
US7957348B1 (en) 2004-04-21 2011-06-07 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method and system for signaling traffic and media types within a communications network switching system
JP2011172241A (en) * 2005-07-14 2011-09-01 Toshiba Corp Framework of media-independent pre-authentication improvement
US8014776B2 (en) 2004-02-18 2011-09-06 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Unlicensed-radio access networks in a mobile communications system
US8041385B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2011-10-18 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Power management mechanism for unlicensed wireless communication systems
US8103285B2 (en) 2007-04-19 2012-01-24 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for determining a geographical location of a portable communication device
US8112082B2 (en) 2004-03-08 2012-02-07 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Unlicensed-radio access networks in mobile cellular communication networks
US8150395B2 (en) 2004-06-25 2012-04-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Method of communicating data in a wireless mobile communication system
US8165577B2 (en) 2009-03-19 2012-04-24 Kyocera Corporation Pilot signal transmission management
US8233433B2 (en) 2008-02-26 2012-07-31 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for initiating WLAN service using beacon signals
US8275376B2 (en) 2004-02-06 2012-09-25 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Handover between a cellular network and an unlicensed-radio access network using a single identifier for all the access points
CN101473679B (en) * 2006-06-16 2012-11-14 诺基亚公司 Apparatus and method for transferring PDP context information for a terminal in the case of intersystem handover
US8755766B2 (en) 2011-03-14 2014-06-17 Htc Corporation Handling reachability of mobile device when serving core network node changes
WO2014182210A1 (en) * 2013-05-06 2014-11-13 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Avoiding idle-state transition for wlan-connected mobile terminal
US8918090B2 (en) 2010-11-04 2014-12-23 Htc Corporation Timer configuration method and related communication device
US9319972B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2016-04-19 Vodafone Group Plc Location based services in communications networks
US9408123B2 (en) 2007-04-12 2016-08-02 Nokia Technologies Oy Method for mobility management in a system architecture supporting mobility between different access systems
US9490857B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2016-11-08 Iii Holdings 1, Llc Systems and methods for parallel signal cancellation
US9648644B2 (en) 2004-08-24 2017-05-09 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Determining a location of a device for calling via an access point
EP3185601A1 (en) * 2012-02-01 2017-06-28 Mobilitie, LLC System and method for device authentication in a dynamic network using wireless communication devices and transfer from mobile to wifi network
US10264140B2 (en) 2009-03-03 2019-04-16 Mobilitie, Llc Billing engine and method of use

Families Citing this family (79)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1215386C (en) * 2002-04-26 2005-08-17 St微电子公司 Method and hardware architecture for controlling a process or for processing data based on quantum soft computing
AU2003237252A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2003-12-22 Thomson Licensing S.A. Broker-based interworking using hierarchical certificates
US7035242B2 (en) * 2002-07-29 2006-04-25 Interdigital Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for delivery of universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) based unidirectional services over a wireless local area network (WLAN)
US7885644B2 (en) 2002-10-18 2011-02-08 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method and system of providing landline equivalent location information over an integrated communication system
EP1580925B1 (en) 2002-12-12 2008-02-06 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Method for establishing or cancelling a service connection between a wireless local area network and a user terminal
US7382750B2 (en) * 2003-07-02 2008-06-03 High Tech Computer Corp. Inter-RAT handover to UTRAN with simultaneous PS and CS domain sevices
US7646710B2 (en) 2003-07-28 2010-01-12 Nortel Networks Limited Mobility in a multi-access communication network
ATE394014T1 (en) * 2003-11-12 2008-05-15 Research In Motion Ltd DATA-ENABLED NETWORK PRIORITIES WITH REDUCED DELAYS IN A DATA SERVICE
EP2346287B1 (en) * 2003-11-12 2016-06-01 BlackBerry Limited Data-capable network prioritization with reject code handling
AU2004319976B2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2009-06-04 Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson (Publ) System for allocating mobile stations to a core network in an unlicensed radio access network
US8238907B2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2012-08-07 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Location dependent handling of mobile subscribers
GB2423887B (en) * 2005-03-01 2007-05-30 Motorola Inc Wireless communication systems and apparatus and methods and protocols for use therein
KR100617795B1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-08-28 삼성전자주식회사 A method and apparatus for cdma and wlan tightly coupled inter-working
US7529925B2 (en) 2005-03-15 2009-05-05 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for distributing keys in a wireless network
US8638762B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2014-01-28 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for network integrity
US7573859B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2009-08-11 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for remote monitoring in a wireless network
WO2007044986A2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for remote monitoring in a wireless network
US7724703B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2010-05-25 Belden, Inc. System and method for wireless network monitoring
US7551619B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2009-06-23 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Identity-based networking
KR100727769B1 (en) * 2005-10-21 2007-06-13 주식회사 이루온 Serving MSC determination Apparatus And Method In The Converged Service System Of Unlicensed Radio Network And CDMA Mobile Communication Network
CN101331713B (en) * 2005-12-15 2010-05-19 英国电讯有限公司 Incoming node network access control method and wireless node with call access control
US9723520B1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2017-08-01 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Location based mode switching for dual mode mobile terminals
US8116769B2 (en) * 2006-02-03 2012-02-14 Cisco Technology, Inc. Anchoring a communication session in a multiple mode system
US8107453B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2012-01-31 Panasonic Corporation Mobile communication control method, mobile terminal, and access router
US8203957B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2012-06-19 Panasonic Corporation Radio communication terminal device, radio communication control station device, and radio communication method
GB2436417B (en) * 2006-03-22 2008-02-20 Nec Technologies Radio access bearer transfer
KR20070099849A (en) * 2006-04-05 2007-10-10 삼성전자주식회사 Method and apparatus for transmitting circuit switched call to an idle user equipment in a common routing area of a mobile communication system
US7558266B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2009-07-07 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for restricting network access using forwarding databases
US8966018B2 (en) 2006-05-19 2015-02-24 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Automated network device configuration and network deployment
US7577453B2 (en) 2006-06-01 2009-08-18 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Wireless load balancing across bands
US7912982B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-03-22 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Wireless routing selection system and method
US8818322B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2014-08-26 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Untethered access point mesh system and method
US9191799B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2015-11-17 Juniper Networks, Inc. Sharing data between wireless switches system and method
US9258702B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2016-02-09 Trapeze Networks, Inc. AP-local dynamic switching
FR2902594A1 (en) * 2006-06-16 2007-12-21 France Telecom UNIT AND METHOD FOR DEFINING A SESSION RULE IN A NETWORK
US7873017B2 (en) * 2006-06-26 2011-01-18 Research In Motion Limited Limited-use data rates in a wireless local area network
US7724704B2 (en) 2006-07-17 2010-05-25 Beiden Inc. Wireless VLAN system and method
CN100563382C (en) * 2006-07-25 2009-11-25 华为技术有限公司 The method of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System and prompting user position thereof
FR2904914B1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2008-09-26 Alcatel Sa INTERWORKING MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING SERVICE SESSIONS FROM A WIRELESS LOCAL NETWORK TO A MOBILE NETWORK, AND CORRESPONDING SGSN NODES
US8340110B2 (en) 2006-09-15 2012-12-25 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Quality of service provisioning for wireless networks
US7920522B2 (en) * 2006-09-29 2011-04-05 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for system interoperability in wireless communications
US8072952B2 (en) 2006-10-16 2011-12-06 Juniper Networks, Inc. Load balancing
US9066348B2 (en) * 2006-10-17 2015-06-23 Intel Coporation Device, system, and method for fast network entry for wireless devices in idle mode
US8649291B2 (en) * 2006-10-30 2014-02-11 Interdigital Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for implementing tracking area update and cell reselection in a long term evolution system
US7974235B2 (en) * 2006-11-13 2011-07-05 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Secure location session manager
US7865713B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2011-01-04 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Application-aware wireless network system and method
US7873061B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2011-01-18 Trapeze Networks, Inc. System and method for aggregation and queuing in a wireless network
US8059582B2 (en) * 2006-12-29 2011-11-15 Nokia Corporation Pico cell system access using cellular communications network
WO2008097140A1 (en) * 2007-02-06 2008-08-14 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Method and arrangement, node and article for optimized ps domain in gan
US8019331B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2011-09-13 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Femtocell integration into the macro network
CN101431797B (en) 2007-05-11 2012-02-01 华为技术有限公司 Registration handling method, system and apparatus
CN101330753B (en) 2007-06-22 2014-07-09 华为技术有限公司 Method for establishing and erasuring resource as well as network appliance
US8902904B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2014-12-02 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Network assignment based on priority
JP4448875B2 (en) * 2007-09-26 2010-04-14 本田技研工業株式会社 Welding equipment
US8238942B2 (en) 2007-11-21 2012-08-07 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Wireless station location detection
KR20090066137A (en) * 2007-12-18 2009-06-23 주식회사 케이티프리텔 A method for offering handover of mobile terminal between heterogeneous networks
US8150357B2 (en) 2008-03-28 2012-04-03 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Smoothing filter for irregular update intervals
JP4335954B1 (en) * 2008-05-02 2009-09-30 株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ Location registration processing method and mobile station
US8474023B2 (en) 2008-05-30 2013-06-25 Juniper Networks, Inc. Proactive credential caching
KR101019852B1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2011-03-04 주식회사 케이티 Apparatus and method for transmitting service data
US8978105B2 (en) 2008-07-25 2015-03-10 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Affirming network relationships and resource access via related networks
US8238298B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2012-08-07 Trapeze Networks, Inc. Picking an optimal channel for an access point in a wireless network
US8744411B2 (en) * 2008-09-08 2014-06-03 Motorola Mobility Llc Informing mobile stations of an important message
US8902805B2 (en) * 2008-10-24 2014-12-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Cell relay packet routing
CN102123375B (en) * 2010-01-11 2014-04-02 华为终端有限公司 Mobility management method, GPRS (general packet radio service) support node or mobility management entity and terminal
US8411657B2 (en) 2010-07-19 2013-04-02 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Radio access network node with IP interface
US8406195B2 (en) 2010-07-19 2013-03-26 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Radio network controller with IP mapping table
EP2487954B1 (en) * 2011-02-14 2019-01-02 HTC Corporation Methods and apparatus for handling timers in a wireless communication system
US8665721B2 (en) * 2011-02-22 2014-03-04 Genband Us Llc Systems, methods, and computer readable media for maintaining packet data protocol (PDP) context while performing data offload
CN103313317B (en) 2012-03-07 2016-09-28 华为技术有限公司 A kind of method of WiFi terminal accessing group data PS business domains and trusted gateway
CN103379626A (en) * 2012-04-16 2013-10-30 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Wireless resource storage method compatible with multiple versions and device thereof
JP5945445B2 (en) * 2012-04-23 2016-07-05 株式会社Nttドコモ Terminal device, communication method, program
GB201211565D0 (en) 2012-06-29 2012-08-15 Microsoft Corp Determining availability of an acess network
GB201211580D0 (en) 2012-06-29 2012-08-15 Microsoft Corp Determining suitablity of an access network
GB201211568D0 (en) 2012-06-29 2012-08-15 Microsoft Corp Determining network availability based on geographical location
WO2014026715A1 (en) * 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Methods and apparatus for determining relationships in heterogeneous networks
US9320064B2 (en) * 2014-03-25 2016-04-19 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) System and method for improving PDP context activation latency
US20150334196A1 (en) * 2014-05-15 2015-11-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for preserving packet switched (ps) signaling connection
EP3205149B1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2018-12-05 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) Methods and apparatus for standalone lte ran using unlicensed frequency band

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020031160A1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-03-14 Lambda Physik Ag Delay compensation for magnetic compressors
US20020168969A1 (en) * 2001-05-08 2002-11-14 Nokia Corporation Method for informing about the properties of a communication network, a system and a mobile terminal
US20030014367A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2003-01-16 Tubinis Mark A. Topping up a subscriber's account for a multimedia service on a communications network while the service is being provided
US20030119481A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2003-06-26 Henry Haverinen Roaming arrangement
US20030157937A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2003-08-21 Nokia Corporation Call control method and arrangement
US20030171112A1 (en) * 2000-09-01 2003-09-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Generic wlan architecture

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI103084B (en) * 1997-01-20 1999-04-15 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Packet radio networks and the procedure for updating the routing area
GB9913102D0 (en) 1999-06-04 1999-08-04 Nokia Telecommunications Oy An element for a communications system
US6466556B1 (en) * 1999-07-23 2002-10-15 Nortel Networks Limited Method of accomplishing handover of packet data flows in a wireless telecommunications system
AU2000245676A1 (en) * 2000-05-22 2001-12-03 Nokia Corporation System and method for providing a connection in a communication network
GB2366705B (en) * 2000-08-29 2004-07-14 Motorola Inc Communications system, communications unit and method of operation
US7039027B2 (en) * 2000-12-28 2006-05-02 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Automatic and seamless vertical roaming between wireless local area network (WLAN) and wireless wide area network (WWAN) while maintaining an active voice or streaming data connection: systems, methods and program products
US20040228347A1 (en) * 2001-08-09 2004-11-18 Tuija Hurtta Enabling active pdp contexts in additional plmns according to home operator information and/or subnetwork information
US20030114158A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-19 Lauri Soderbacka Intersystem handover of a mobile terminal
US7149521B2 (en) * 2002-01-02 2006-12-12 Winphoria Networks, Inc. Method, system and apparatus for providing mobility management of a mobile station in WLAN and WWAN environments
MXPA04012156A (en) * 2002-06-06 2005-04-19 Thomson Licensing Sa Wlan as a logical support node for hybrid coupling in an interworking between wlan and a mobile communications system.
US7039404B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2006-05-02 Intel Corporation Continuous mobility across wireless networks by integrating mobile IP and GPRS mobility agents

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020031160A1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-03-14 Lambda Physik Ag Delay compensation for magnetic compressors
US20030171112A1 (en) * 2000-09-01 2003-09-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Generic wlan architecture
US20020168969A1 (en) * 2001-05-08 2002-11-14 Nokia Corporation Method for informing about the properties of a communication network, a system and a mobile terminal
US20030014367A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2003-01-16 Tubinis Mark A. Topping up a subscriber's account for a multimedia service on a communications network while the service is being provided
US20030119481A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2003-06-26 Henry Haverinen Roaming arrangement
US20030157937A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2003-08-21 Nokia Corporation Call control method and arrangement

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1523821A2 *

Cited By (93)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7890099B2 (en) 2001-02-26 2011-02-15 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method for automatic and seamless call transfers between a licensed wireless system and an unlicensed wireless system
US7996009B2 (en) 2001-02-26 2011-08-09 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method for authenticating access to an unlicensed wireless communications system using a licensed wireless communications system authentication process
US9647708B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2017-05-09 Iii Holdings 1, Llc Advanced signal processors for interference cancellation in baseband receivers
US9544044B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2017-01-10 Iii Holdings 1, Llc Systems and methods for parallel signal cancellation
US9490857B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2016-11-08 Iii Holdings 1, Llc Systems and methods for parallel signal cancellation
US7953423B2 (en) 2002-10-18 2011-05-31 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Messaging in an unlicensed mobile access telecommunications system
WO2005060292A1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Apparatus and method for extending the coverage area of a licensed wireless communication system using an unlicensed wireless communication system
CN100364362C (en) * 2004-01-07 2008-01-23 捷讯研究有限公司 System and method for selecting a cellular network on a wireless local area network (wlan)
US9655030B2 (en) 2004-01-13 2017-05-16 Nokia Technologies Oy Method of connection with a communications network when access point supports inter-working
WO2005079006A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2005-08-25 Nokia Corporation Method and system for connecting user equipment to a communications network
AU2004315680B2 (en) * 2004-01-13 2009-10-01 Nokia Technologies Oy Method and system for connecting user equipment to a communications network
US8275376B2 (en) 2004-02-06 2012-09-25 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Handover between a cellular network and an unlicensed-radio access network using a single identifier for all the access points
US8014776B2 (en) 2004-02-18 2011-09-06 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Unlicensed-radio access networks in a mobile communications system
US8112082B2 (en) 2004-03-08 2012-02-07 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Unlicensed-radio access networks in mobile cellular communication networks
US8320300B2 (en) 2004-03-09 2012-11-27 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Packet radio transmission over an unlicensed-radio access network
WO2005086430A1 (en) * 2004-03-09 2005-09-15 Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson (Publ) Packet radio transmission over an unlicensed-radio access network
WO2005104445A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-11-03 Motorola Inc. Routing area selection for a communication device accessing a umts network through wlan hot spots considered as seprate routing areas of the utms network
US7957348B1 (en) 2004-04-21 2011-06-07 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Method and system for signaling traffic and media types within a communications network switching system
WO2005107169A1 (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-11-10 Kineto Wireless, Inc. A method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subschriber with a network controller
CN1998190B (en) * 2004-04-22 2011-03-09 卡耐特无线有限公司 A method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subscriber with a network controller
EP2205012A3 (en) * 2004-04-22 2010-12-01 Kineto Wireless, Inc. A method and system for registering an unlicensed mobile access subscriber with a network controller
US8538437B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2013-09-17 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Method and devices for duplicated packets identification during handover
JP2007537634A (en) * 2004-05-14 2007-12-20 テレフオンアクチーボラゲット エル エム エリクソン(パブル) Method and device for identifying duplicate packet during handover
EP2293640A3 (en) * 2004-05-14 2011-04-20 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Messaging in an unlicensed mobile access telecommunications network
EP2293645A3 (en) * 2004-05-14 2011-04-20 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Apparatus and messages for interworking between unlicensed access network and gprs network for data services
US8041385B2 (en) 2004-05-14 2011-10-18 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Power management mechanism for unlicensed wireless communication systems
WO2005114920A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-12-01 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Apparatus and messages for interworking between unlicensed access network and gprs network for data services
EP1753253A4 (en) * 2004-05-21 2009-12-02 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration system, and third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration method
EP1753253A1 (en) * 2004-05-21 2007-02-14 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration system, and third-generation mobile communication/radio lan integration method
JP2008503976A (en) * 2004-06-25 2008-02-07 エルジー エレクトロニクス インコーポレイティド Method for communicating data in a wireless mobile communication system
US8150395B2 (en) 2004-06-25 2012-04-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Method of communicating data in a wireless mobile communication system
US8478268B2 (en) 2004-06-25 2013-07-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Method of communicating data in a wireless mobile communication system
CN100413287C (en) * 2004-06-30 2008-08-20 阿尔卡特公司 Ad-hoc extensions of a cellular air interface
EP1613006A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-04 Alcatel Ad-hoc extensions of a cellular air interface
US7426384B2 (en) 2004-07-13 2008-09-16 Vodafone Group Plc Network communication system including a database of codes and corresponding telephone numbers
US7877094B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2011-01-25 Vodafone Group Plc Location updating in communications networks
GB2416274A (en) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-18 Vodafone Plc Location updating during handover between different radio access networks
US8023952B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2011-09-20 Vodafone Group Plc Location updating in communications networks
US7305229B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2007-12-04 Vodafone Group Plc Providing services in communications networks
GB2416274B (en) * 2004-07-14 2009-04-08 Vodafone Plc Location updating in communications networks
US9319972B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2016-04-19 Vodafone Group Plc Location based services in communications networks
JP2008508832A (en) * 2004-08-14 2008-03-21 サムスン エレクトロニクス カンパニー リミテッド Method and apparatus for transmitting WLAN information in a mobile communication network for WLAN interworking
US7706841B2 (en) 2004-08-14 2010-04-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for transmitting wireless LAN information in mobile communication network for wireless LAN interworking
US10070466B2 (en) 2004-08-24 2018-09-04 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Determining a location of a device for calling via an access point
US9648644B2 (en) 2004-08-24 2017-05-09 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Determining a location of a device for calling via an access point
US10517140B2 (en) 2004-08-24 2019-12-24 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Determining a location of a device for calling via an access point
US11252779B2 (en) 2004-08-24 2022-02-15 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Physical location management for voice over packet communication
WO2006051469A1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-05-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. A location management system and method
EP1681888A1 (en) * 2005-01-14 2006-07-19 Research In Motion Limited Network selection when multiple networks are available in a coverage area
WO2006092733A1 (en) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-08 Nokia Corporation Accessing a communication system
US7756546B1 (en) 2005-03-30 2010-07-13 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Methods and apparatuses to indicate fixed terminal capabilities
JP2011172241A (en) * 2005-07-14 2011-09-01 Toshiba Corp Framework of media-independent pre-authentication improvement
EP1744580A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-17 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Dual-mode mobile terminal and method for handover of packet service call between different communication networks
US8107432B2 (en) 2005-07-15 2012-01-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Dual-mode mobile terminal and method for handover of packet service call between different communication networks
KR100677604B1 (en) 2005-07-27 2007-02-02 삼성전자주식회사 Method and mobile device for performing fast hand-over in wireless LAN, and method of switching services using GPS information
US8626172B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2014-01-07 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for simultaneous communication utilizing multiple wireless communication systems
WO2007021951A3 (en) * 2005-08-10 2007-04-12 Qualcomm Inc Method and apparatus for simultaneous communication utilizing multiple wireless communication systems
US7843900B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2010-11-30 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Mechanisms to extend UMA or GAN to inter-work with UMTS core network
US7904084B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2011-03-08 Kineto Wireless, Inc. Intelligent access point scanning with self-learning capability
WO2007051745A1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2007-05-10 Nokia Siemens Networks Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for operation of a communication system, network node and communication system
WO2007054497A1 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for remote-controlling the selection of a network access application by a mobile terminal, mobile terminal and mobile radio system
CN101473679B (en) * 2006-06-16 2012-11-14 诺基亚公司 Apparatus and method for transferring PDP context information for a terminal in the case of intersystem handover
US8565204B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2013-10-22 Kyocera Corporation Management of WLAN and WWAN communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
US7978667B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2011-07-12 Kyocera Corporation Management of WLAN and WWAN communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
WO2008066928A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Managing wireless local area network service to a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
WO2008066926A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Detection of a multi-mode portable communication device at a wlan - wwan network
WO2008066927A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Managing wireless local area, network service based on a location of a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
KR101033056B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2011-05-06 쿄세라 코포레이션 Management of wlan and wwan communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
WO2008066929A2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Kyocera Corporation Management of wlan and wwan communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
JP2010512053A (en) * 2006-11-30 2010-04-15 京セラ株式会社 Multi-mode mobile communication device detection in mesh networks
JP2010512056A (en) * 2006-11-30 2010-04-15 京セラ株式会社 Management of WLAN and WWAN communication services for multi-mode wireless communication devices
WO2008066927A3 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-09-12 Kyocera Corp Managing wireless local area, network service based on a location of a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
US8619706B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2013-12-31 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for managing wireless service to a wireless communication device
US7969930B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2011-06-28 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for managing wireless local area network service based on a location of a multi-mode portable communication device
WO2008066926A3 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-07-24 Kyocera Corp Detection of a multi-mode portable communication device at a wlan - wwan network
WO2008066929A3 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-07-24 Kyocera Corp Management of wlan and wwan communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
WO2008066928A3 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-08-21 Kyocera Corp Managing wireless local area network service to a multi-mode portable communication device in a wlan - wwan network
US8102825B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2012-01-24 Kyocera Corporation Detection of a multi-mode portable communication device at a mesh network
JP2010512054A (en) * 2006-11-30 2010-04-15 京セラ株式会社 Wireless local area network service management device, management system, and management method based on location of multi-mode portable communication device
US9532399B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-12-27 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for managing wireless local area network service to a multi-mode portable communication device
US9060316B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2015-06-16 Qualcomm Incorporated Radio resource connection (RCC) establishment for wireless systems
EP3054724A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2016-08-10 QUALCOMM Incorporated Radio resource connection (rrc) establishment for wireless systems
WO2008086460A3 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-09-04 Qualcomm Inc Radio resource connection (rrc) establishment for wireless systems
US9642054B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2017-05-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Radio resource connection (RRC) establishment for wireless systems
US9408123B2 (en) 2007-04-12 2016-08-02 Nokia Technologies Oy Method for mobility management in a system architecture supporting mobility between different access systems
US8103285B2 (en) 2007-04-19 2012-01-24 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for determining a geographical location of a portable communication device
US8233433B2 (en) 2008-02-26 2012-07-31 Kyocera Corporation Apparatus, system and method for initiating WLAN service using beacon signals
US10264140B2 (en) 2009-03-03 2019-04-16 Mobilitie, Llc Billing engine and method of use
US8165577B2 (en) 2009-03-19 2012-04-24 Kyocera Corporation Pilot signal transmission management
US8918090B2 (en) 2010-11-04 2014-12-23 Htc Corporation Timer configuration method and related communication device
US8755766B2 (en) 2011-03-14 2014-06-17 Htc Corporation Handling reachability of mobile device when serving core network node changes
EP3185601A1 (en) * 2012-02-01 2017-06-28 Mobilitie, LLC System and method for device authentication in a dynamic network using wireless communication devices and transfer from mobile to wifi network
WO2014182210A1 (en) * 2013-05-06 2014-11-13 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Avoiding idle-state transition for wlan-connected mobile terminal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7764660B2 (en) 2010-07-27
CN1663166B (en) 2010-12-01
KR20050012821A (en) 2005-02-02
JP4684649B2 (en) 2011-05-18
CN1663166A (en) 2005-08-31
KR101010806B1 (en) 2011-01-25
WO2004002051A3 (en) 2004-02-12
AU2003245633A1 (en) 2004-01-06
MXPA04012665A (en) 2005-03-23
EP1523821A2 (en) 2005-04-20
EP1523821B1 (en) 2011-08-24
US20050239461A1 (en) 2005-10-27
JP2005531223A (en) 2005-10-13
EP1523821A4 (en) 2010-01-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1523821B1 (en) Registration of a wlan as a umts routing area for wlan-umts interworking
KR100483021B1 (en) system for linking of wireless and cellular network and method thereof, its program storing recording medium
KR100948222B1 (en) Wlan as a logical support nodesgsn for interworking between the wlan and a mobile communications system
KR100970955B1 (en) Wireless local area networkwlan and method for communicating with selected public land mobile networkplmn
CN101040463B (en) Hand-off system and method of dual mode mobile for connecting mobile communication system and wireless lan
US7634269B2 (en) Apparatus and method for extending the coverage area of a licensed wireless communication system using an unlicensed wireless communication system
JP5801320B2 (en) Congestion control for interworking between networks
EP1935205B1 (en) User terminal-initiated hard handoff from a wireless local area network to a cellular network
US8989149B2 (en) Apparatus and method for removing path management
EP1785001B1 (en) Limiting redirections in an unlicensed mobile access network
EP2334136A2 (en) Method and apparatuses for channel activation for a telecommunication device
US6937589B2 (en) Mobile communication system with packet effectively transmitted and control method for the same
US7457321B2 (en) Method for requesting and granting a shorter slot cycle in a wireless network
US20020037712A1 (en) Methods and system for setting up call in CDMA mobile communication system
RU2292645C1 (en) System and method for establishing calls including burst data transmission between mobile stations and directly between base stations in wireless network
WO2005057968A9 (en) Apparatus and method for extending the coverage area of a wireless communication system using another wireless communication system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 3908/DELNP/2004

Country of ref document: IN

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/2004/012665

Country of ref document: MX

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020047020762

Country of ref document: KR

Ref document number: 2004516102

Country of ref document: JP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 20038145448

Country of ref document: CN

Ref document number: 10518996

Country of ref document: US

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2003739260

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1020047020762

Country of ref document: KR

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2003739260

Country of ref document: EP