U.S. patent application number 11/287638 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for network selection involving ganc redirection.
This patent application is currently assigned to Research In Motion Limited. Invention is credited to Adrian Buckley, George Baldwin Bumiller, Paul Carpenter.
Application Number | 20060114871 11/287638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36497708 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060114871 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buckley; Adrian ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Network selection involving GANC redirection
Abstract
In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for effectuating generic
access network (GAN) selection with respect to a user equipment
(UE) device that is operable in wide area cellular network ((WACN)
bands as well as in wireless access network bands (e.g., GAN bands
and/or UMA bands). A network node (e.g., a GAN controller (GANC) or
UMA network controller (UNC)) is equipped with logic for resolving
service requirements as well as network information gathered by the
UE device. Based thereon, an appropriate list of UNCs/GANCs is
provided to the UE device for selection, the UNCs/GANCs being
operable with one more wide area cellular networks identified for
the UE device.
Inventors: |
Buckley; Adrian; (Tracy,
CA) ; Bumiller; George Baldwin; (Ramsey, NJ) ;
Carpenter; Paul; (St. Margarets, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANAMRAJ & YOUST, P.C.
PREMIER PLACE, SUITE 1450
5910 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
DALLAS
TX
75206
US
|
Assignee: |
Research In Motion Limited
|
Family ID: |
36497708 |
Appl. No.: |
11/287638 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60631457 |
Nov 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/16 20130101;
H04W 84/042 20130101; H04W 48/18 20130101; H04W 48/08 20130101;
H04W 92/02 20130101; H04W 92/06 20130101; H04W 72/0493 20130101;
H04W 88/12 20130101; H04L 61/1511 20130101; H04W 76/11 20180201;
H04W 4/14 20130101; H04W 36/0083 20130101; H04W 28/18 20130101;
H04W 24/00 20130101; H04W 36/14 20130101; H04W 88/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/338 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/24 20060101
H04Q007/24 |
Claims
1. A network selection method, comprising: gathering network
information by a user equipment (UE) device via scanning in at
least one band; transmitting by said UE device at least one of said
network information and a set of service requirements to a network
node; and resolving said network information and said set of
service requirements by said network node to determine an
appropriate list of generic access network controllers (GANCs)
operable with a plurality of wide area cellular networks identified
for said UE device, wherein said list of GANCs is transmitted to
said UE device via a response message for selection by said UE
device.
2. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
wide area cellular networks comprise at least one of a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE)
network, a 3.sup.rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant
network, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and a Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
3. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of said GANCs is identified with a corresponding Uniform Resource
Locator (URL).
4. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein each
of said GANCs is identified with a corresponding Internet Protocol
(IP) address.
5. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
network information comprises at least one of Cell Global
Identification (CGI) information of a registered wide area cellular
network, CGI information relating to available wide area cellular
networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,
Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one
available wide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel
(PCCH) information of at least one available wide area cellular
network.
6. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
service requirements comprise at least one of voice-only services,
data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover
services, calling plans associated with said UE device, and
location area information associated with said UE device.
7. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
network node comprises a default GANC associated with said UE
device.
8. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
network node comprises a home network GANC associated with said UE
device.
9. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
network node comprises a provisioning GANC associated with said UE
device.
10. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein at
least one of said network information and said set of service
requirements is transmitted by said UE device via a Generic
Access--Resource Control (GA-RC) REGISTER REQUEST message.
11. The network selection method as recited in claim 10, wherein
said response message comprises a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT
message.
12. A network selection system, comprising: means associated with a
user equipment (UE) device for gathering network information via
scanning in at least one band; means associated with said UE device
for transmitting at least one of said network information and a set
of service requirements to a network node; and means associated
with said network node for resolving said network information and
said set of service requirements to determine an appropriate list
of generic access network controllers (GANCs) operable with a
plurality of wide area cellular networks identified for said UE
device, wherein said list of GANCs is transmitted to said UE device
via a response message for selection by said UE device.
13. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said wide area cellular networks comprise at least one of a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE)
network, a 3.sup.rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant
network, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and a Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
14. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
each of said GANs is identified with a corresponding Uniform
Resource Locator (URL).
15. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
each of said GANs is identified with a corresponding Internet
Protocol (IP) address.
16. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said network information comprises at least one of Cell Global
Identification (CGI) information of a registered wide area cellular
network, CGI information relating to available wide area cellular
networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,
Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one
available wide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel
(PCCH) information of at least one available wide area cellular
network.
17. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said service requirements comprise at least one of voice-only
services, data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN
services, handover services, calling plans associated with said UE
device, and location area information associated with said UE
device.
18. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said network node comprises a default GANC associated with said UE
device.
19. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said network node comprises a home network GANC associated with
said UE device.
20. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein
said network node comprises a provisioning GANC associated with
said UE device.
21. The network selection system as recited in claim 12, wherein at
least one of said network information and said set of service
requirements is transmitted by said UE device via a Generic
Access--Resource Control (GA-RC) REGISTER REQUEST message.
22. The network selection system as recited in claim 21, wherein
said response message comprises a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT
message.
23. A user equipment (UE) device, comprising: a logic module for
facilitating identification of a set of appropriate service
requirements relative to operating said UE device; a communication
subsystem for gathering network information via scanning in at
least one band and for transmitting at least one of said network
information and said service requirements to a network node; and a
logic module for selecting a generic access network controller
(GANC) from a set of GANCs provided by said network node, said list
of GANCs being determined upon resolving said network information
and said service requirements by said network node, wherein said
list of GANCs is transmitted to said UE device via a response
message for selection by said UE device.
24. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said GANCs are
identified with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) corresponding to a
set of GANCs that provide connectivity to wide area cellular
networks (WACNs) identified for said UE device.
25. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said GANCs are
identified with Internet Protocol (IP) addresses corresponding to a
set of GANCs that provide connectivity to wide area cellular
networks (WACNs) identified for said UE device.
26. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said network
information comprises at least one of Cell Global Identification
(CGI) information of a wide area cellular network on which said UE
device is registered, CGI information relating to available wide
area cellular networks, cause values of any prior registration
failures, Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least
one available wide area cellular network, and Packet Control
Channel (PCCH) information of at least one available wide area
cellular network.
27. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said service
requirements comprise at least one of voice-only services,
data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover
services, calling plans associated with said UE device, packet data
services capability, and Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) services
capability, said service requirements being selectable based on
location area information associated with said UE device.
28. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said network node
comprises a default GANC associated with said UE device.
29. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said network node
comprises a home network GANC associated with said UE device.
30. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein said network node
comprises a provisioning GANC associated with said UE device.
31. The UE device as recited in claim 23, wherein at least one of
said network information and said set of service requirements is
transmitted by said communication subsystem via a Generic
Access--Resource Control (GA-RC) REGISTER REQUEST message.
32. The UE device as recited in claim 31, wherein said response
message comprises a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message.
33. A generic access network controller (GANC) operable with a user
equipment (UE) device disposed in a wireless environment,
comprising: means for receiving at least one of network information
and a set of service requirements from said UE device via a
registration request message; means for resolving said network
information and said set of service requirements to determine an
appropriate list of generic access network controllers (GANCs)
operable with one or more wide area cellular networks identified
for said UE device; and means for transmitting said list of GANCs
to said UE device via a response message responsive to said
registration request message.
34. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said wide area
cellular networks comprise at least one of a General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) network, a
3.sup.rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant network,
an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and a Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
35. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said GANCs are
identified with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs).
36. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said GANCs are
identified with Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
37. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said network
information comprises at least one of Cell Global Identification
(CGI) information of a registered wide area cellular network, CGI
information relating to available wide area cellular networks,
cause values of any prior registration failures, Broadcast Control
Channel (BCCH) information of at least one available wide area
cellular network, and Packet Control Channel (PCCH) information of
at least one available wide area cellular network.
38. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said service
requirements comprise at least one of voice-only services,
data-only services, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover
services, calling plans associated with said UE device, packet data
services capability, and Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) services
capability, said service requirements being selectable based on
location area information associated with said UE device.
39. The GANC as recited in claim 33, wherein said network
information is gathered by said UE device via scanning in at least
one band.
Description
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) & 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.78
[0001] This nonprovisional patent application claims priority based
upon the following prior U.S. provisional patent application(s):
(i) "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF NETWORK SELECTION," Application No.:
60/631,457, filed Nov. 29, 2004, in the name(s) of Adrian Buckley,
George Baldwin Bumiller and Paul Carpenter, which is (are) hereby
incorporated by reference.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0002] This application discloses subject matter that is related to
the subject matter of the following U.S. patent application(s): (i)
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING OPERATOR-DIFFERENTIATED MESSAGING
TO A WIRELESS USER EQUIPMENT (UE) DEVICE" (Docket No.
12613-US-PAT1), Application No.: ______, filed even date herewith;
and (ii) "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING GAN SERVICE REQUEST
CAPABILITY IN A WIRELESS USER EQUIPMENT (UE) DEVICE" (Docket No.
12613-US-PAT2), Application No.: ______, filed even date herewith,
which is (are) hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present patent disclosure generally relates to
communication networks. More particularly, and not by way of any
limitation, the present patent application is directed to a scheme
for network discovery and selection by a user equipment (UE) device
operable in a wireless access network (AN) space that may be
interconnected to a wide area cellular network (WACN) space.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Wireless access networks have become a key element of a
variety of telecommunications network environments. As to
enterprise networks, they provide convenient access to network
resources for workers carrying portable computers and mobile
handheld devices, and for guests or temporary workers similarly
equipped. They also provide a cost-effective alternative to
relocating physical Ethernet jacks in environments where facilities
are moved or changed frequently. In addition, wireless access
points operable with diverse communication/computing devices are
becoming ubiquitous in public environments such as, e.g., hotels,
airports, restaurants, and coffee shops. With the increase in
high-speed Internet access, the use of access point(s) in the
users' homes is also envisioned and has started for other
applications.
[0005] Concomitantly, several developments in the user equipment
(UE) arena are also taking place to take advantage of the
capabilities offered by wireless access networks. Of particular
interest is the integration of cellular phones with the capability
to interface with a wireless access network such as a wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN). With such "dual mode" devices becoming
available, it should be appreciated that some interworking
mechanism between the cellular network and WLAN would be required
so as to facilitate efficient handover of services from one type of
network to the other.
[0006] Current GAN specifications provide that a UE device (e.g., a
mobile station or MS) may register on a wide area cellular network
(WACN) such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) if it is
discovered and allowed according to applicable 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. Also, the UE device may be
allowed to register on a GAN under certain circumstances where
there is no WACN connectivity. Additionally, similar network
connectivity behavior may be encountered where Unlicensed Mobile
Access (UMA) technologies are deployed as well. However, several
important issues arise in such a scenario, e.g., number plan
compatibility, service handover, emergency call routing, just to
name a few, especially when connectivity to a PLMN is desired via a
GAN or a UMA-based access network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the
present patent application may be had by reference to the following
Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a generalized network environment wherein an
embodiment of the present patent disclosure may be practiced;
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a network
environment where a user equipment (UE) device is operably disposed
for network discovery, selection and redirection in accordance with
the teachings of the present patent disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of a network
system where a wide area cellular network (WACN) such as a Public
Land Mobile Network (PLMN) is accessible through a generic access
network (GAN) and associated controller (GANC);
[0011] FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a
circuit-switched (CS) protocol stack operable with the network
system shown in FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a packet-switched
(PS) protocol stack operable with the network system shown in FIG.
3;
[0013] FIG. 5A depicts a network arrangement where an access
network (GAN or Wireless LAN) is operable to connect to a plurality
of PLMNs according to one embodiment wherein each PLMN is served by
a corresponding GANC;
[0014] FIG. 5B depicts a network arrangement where an access
network (GAN or Wireless LAN) is operable to connect to a plurality
of PLMNs according to one embodiment wherein a plurality of virtual
GANC partitions on a single GANC are operable to serve the
corresponding PLMNs;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a generalized network discovery and
selection scheme according to one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a method of gathering network
information according to one embodiment for purposes of the present
disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 7B is a flowchart of a GANC discovery and registration
method according to one embodiment;
[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts associated with a generalized
GANC selection and redirection scheme according to one
embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a GANC selection and redirection
scheme according to yet another configuration;
[0020] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary database structure wherein GANC
information is provided by a serving node to a UE device upon
resolving network information and service requirements from the UE
device according to one embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 11 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
GANC/UNC node according to one embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE
device operable to perform the network discovery/selection
procedures set forth according to the teachings of the present
patent disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present patent disclosure is broadly directed to a
scheme for effectuating generic access network (GAN) selection with
respect to a UE device that is operable in wide area cellular
network (WACN) bands as well as in GAN or UMA bands. A network node
(e.g., a GAN controller (GANC) or a UMA network controller (UNC))
is equipped with logic for resolving service requirements and
network information gathered by the UE device that may be
transmitted via a registration request message. Based thereon, an
appropriate list of UNCs/GANCs may be provided to the UE device for
selection, the UNCs/GANCs being operable with one more wide area
cellular networks (i.e., PLMNs) identified for the UE device.
[0024] In one aspect, an embodiment of a network selection method
is disclosed which comprises: gathering network information by a UE
device via scanning in at least one band; transmitting by the UE
device at least one of the gathered network information and a set
of service requirements to a network node; and resolving the
network information and the set of service requirements by the
network node to determine an appropriate list of GANCs operable
with a plurality of wide area cellular networks identified for the
UE device, wherein the list of GANCs is transmitted to the UE
device via a response message for selection by the UE device.
[0025] In another aspect, an embodiment of a network selection
system is disclosed which comprises: means associated with a UE
device for gathering network information via scanning in at least
one band; means associated with the UE device for transmitting at
least one of the gathered network information and a set of service
requirements to a network node; and means associated with the
network node for resolving the network information and the set of
service requirements to determine an appropriate list of GANCs
operable with a plurality of wide area cellular networks identified
for the UE device, wherein the list of GANCs is transmitted to the
UE device via a response message for selection by the UE
device.
[0026] In a still further aspect, an embodiment of a UE device is
disclosed which comprises: a logic module for facilitating
identification of a set of appropriate service requirements
relative to operating the UE device; a communication subsystem for
gathering network information via scanning in at least one band and
for transmitting at least one of the gathered network information
and the service requirements to a network node; and a logic module
for selecting a GANC from a set of GANCs provided by the network
node, the list of GANCs being determined upon resolving the network
information and the service requirements by the network node. The
identified GANCs are operable with at least a portion of the wide
area cellular networks identified for the UE device, wherein the
set of GANCs is transmitted to the UE device via a response message
for selection by the UE device.
[0027] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of a GANC node operable
with a UE device disposed in a wireless environment is disclosed
which comprises: means for receiving at least one of network
information and a set of service requirements from the UE device
via a registration request message; means for resolving the network
information and the set of service requirements to determine an
appropriate list of GANCs operable with one or more wide area
cellular networks identified for the UE device; and means for
transmitting the list of GANCs to the UE device via a response
message responsive to the registration request message.
[0028] A system and method of the present patent disclosure will
now be described with reference to various examples of how the
embodiments can best be made and used. Like reference numerals are
used throughout the description and several views of the drawings
to indicate like or corresponding parts, wherein the various
elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. Referring now to the
drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, depicted therein is an
exemplary generalized network environment 100 wherein an embodiment
of the present patent disclosure may be practiced. A user equipment
(UE) device 102 may comprise any portable computer (e.g., laptops,
palmtops, or handheld computing devices) or a mobile communications
device (e.g., cellular phones or data-enabled handheld devices
capable of receiving and sending messages, web browsing, et
cetera), or any enhanced personal digital assistant (PDA) device or
integrated information appliance capable of email, video mail,
Internet access, corporate data access, messaging, calendaring and
scheduling, information management, and the like, that is
preferably operable in one or more modes of operation. For example,
UE device 102 may operate in the cellular telephony band
frequencies as well as wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) bands, or
possibly in the WLAN bands alone. Further, other bands in which the
UE device could operate wirelessly may comprise Wi-Max bands or one
or more satellite bands. Additionally, the network environment 100
is comprised of three broad categories of communication spaces
capable of providing service to UE device 102. In wide area
cellular network (WACN) space 104, there may exist any number of
Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that are operable to provide
cellular telephony services which may or may not include
packet-switched data services. Depending on the coverage area(s)
and whether the user is roaming, WACN space 104 can include a
number of cellular RANs, associated home networks (i.e., home PLMNs
or HPLMNs) 110 and visited networks (i.e., VPLMNS) 112, each with
appropriate infrastructure such as Home Location Register (HLR)
nodes 115, Mobile Switching Center (MSC) nodes 116, and the like.
Since the WACN space 104 may also include a General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS) network that provides a packet radio access for
mobile devices using the cellular infrastructure of a Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM)-based carrier network, a Serving
GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 114 is exemplified therein. Additionally,
by way of generalization, the PLMNs of the WACN space 104 may
comprise networks selected from the group comprising one or more
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) networks, Integrated
Digital Enhanced Networks (IDENs), Code Division Multiple Access
(CDMA) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
networks, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (UTRANs), or
any 3.sup.rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant
network (e.g., 3GPP or 3GPP2), all operating with well known
frequency bandwidths and protocols.
[0029] Further, UE device 102 is operable to obtain service from an
access network (AN) space 106 that is operably associated with the
WACN space 104. In one implementation, the AN space 106 includes
one or more generic access networks (GANs) 118 as well as any type
of WLAN arrangements 120. GAN 118, described in additional detail
below, is operable to provide access services between UE device 102
and a PLMN core network using a broadband Internet Protocol
(IP)-based network. WLAN arrangements 120 provide short-range
wireless connectivity to UE device 102 via access points (APs) or
"hot spots," and can be implemented using a variety of standards,
e.g., IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, HiperLan and
HiperLan II standards, Wi-Max standard, OpenAir standard, and the
Bluetooth standard. Accordingly, it is envisaged that the AN space
106 may be inclusive of UMA-based access networks that deploy UMA
network controller (UNC) nodes for effectuating seamless
transitions between cellular RAN (part of the WACN space 104) and
unlicensed wireless networks.
[0030] In one embodiment, interfacing between the WACN and AN
spaces may be effectuated in accordance with certain standards. For
instance, GAN 118 may be interfaced with a PLMN core using the
procedures set forth in the 3GPP TR 43.901 and 3GPP TS 43.xxx
documents as well as related documentation. Likewise, WLAN 120 may
interfaced with a PLMN core using the procedures set forth in the
3GPP TS 22.234, 3GPP TS 23.234 and 3GPP TS 24.234 documents as well
as related documentation, and may therefore be referred to as an
Interworking WLAN (I-WLAN) arrangement.
[0031] Additionally, there may exist an access network (AN) space
108 not interfaced to the WACN space 104 that offers short-range
wireless connectivity to UE device 102. For instance, AN space 108
may comprise WLANs 122 offering non-3GPP services, such as
communications over "public" access points (hotels, coffee shops,
bookstores, apartment buildings, educational institutions, etc.,
whether free or for fee), enterprise access points, and visited
(other enterprise) access points where the user may not be a member
of that enterprise but is allowed at least some services.
[0032] Given the mosaic of the wireless network environment 100 in
which UE device 102 may be disposed, it is desirable that a
vertical handover mechanism exists such that the user can engage in
a call as it moves from a PLMN's radio access network (RAN) to a
GAN (i.e., handover in) or from GAN to the PLMN's RAN (i.e.,
handover out). It should be recognized that for purposes of the
present patent disclosure, the terms "GAN" or "WLAN" may be
interchangeable, and may also include any UMA-based access networks
as well. At any rate, in order to facilitate such functionality as
well as to customize and enhance the overall user experience
associated therewith, the present patent disclosure provides a
scheme wherein network information gathered by the UE device as
well as information relating to its service options, plans,
features, and the like (more generally, "service requirements") is
transmitted to a network node disposed in the wireless environment
100 so that suitable network-based logic is operable to respond
with appropriate network selections, lists, etc. that the UE device
may use. Further, as will be seen in detail below, such
network-based logic may invoke procedures that involve one or more
correlation and filtering schemes, database queries, such that
redirection to more optimal networks may be effectuated in the
generalized network environment 100.
[0033] To formalize the teachings of the present disclosure,
reference is now taken to FIG. 2 wherein an exemplary embodiment of
a network environment 200 is shown that is a more concrete subset
of the generalized network environment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.
As depicted, UE device 102 is operably disposed for discovering a
set of PLMNs that allow access via conventional RAN infrastructure
in addition to having connectivity with one or more GANs accessible
to UE device 102. By way of example, GAN-1 202-1 through GAN-N
202-N, which may be generalized for purposes of the present patent
disclosure to also include any type of WLAN and/or I-WLAN
arrangements (known or heretofore unknown), are operable to be
discovered by UE device. A GAN may support connectivity to one or
more PLMNS, or none at all, which can include VPLMNs 204-1 through
204-M as well as HPLMNs (e.g., HPLMN 206) with respect to UE device
102. Where GAN-PLMN connectivity is supported, which PLMNs behind a
particular GAN are visible to UE device 102 may depend on a number
of commercial factors, e.g., contractual arrangements between GAN
operators and PLMN operators. As illustrated, GAN-1 202-1 supports
connectivity to VPLMN-1 204-1 and VPLMN-2204-2. Likewise, GAN-2
202-1 supports connectivity to VPLMN-M 204-M as well as to HPLMN
206. On the other hand, GAN-N 202-N has no connectivity to the wide
area PLMNs.
[0034] As is well known, each of the wide area cellular PLMNs may
be arranged as a number of cells, with each cell having sectors
(e.g., typically three 120-degree sectors per base station (BS) or
cell). Each cell may be provided with a cell identity, which can
vary depending on the underlying WACN technology. For example, in
GSM networks, each individual cell is provided with a Cell Global
Identification (CGI) parameter to identify them. A group of cells
is commonly designated as a Location Area (LA) and may be
identified by an LA Identifier (LAI). Further, at the macro level,
the PLMNs may be identified in accordance with the underlying
technology. For instance, GSM-based PLMNs may be identified by an
identifier comprised of a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile
Network Code (MNC). Analogously, the CDMA/TDMA-based PLMNs may be
identified by a System Identification (SID) parameter. Regardless
of the cellular infrastructure, all cells broadcast the macro level
PLMN identifiers such that a wireless device (e.g., UE device 102)
wishing to obtain service can identify the wireless network.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
network system 300 where a wide area cellular PLMN 306 is
accessible to UE device 102 through a GAN 302 and associated
controller (GANC) 304. Essentially, in the embodiment shown, GAN
302 is operable as a broadband IP-based access network providing
access to the well known A/Gb interfaces of PLMN 306, wherein GANC
300 is a network node coupled to GAN 302 via a Up reference point
interface 303. As provided in applicable 3GPP specification
documents, the Up reference point 303 defines the interface between
GANC 304 and UE device 102. Where the GAN is operable to co-exist
with the GSM/EDGE RAN (GERAN) infrastructure, it interconnects to
the core PLMN via the same A/Gb interfaces used by a standard GERAN
Base Station Subsystem (BSS) network element. Accordingly, the
functionality of GANC 304 includes necessary protocol interworking
so as to emulate the functionality of the GERAN BSS (not shown in
this FIGURE). The A-interface 305 defines the interface for
GSM-based circuit-switched (CS) services and is disposed between
GANC 304 and an MSC 308 of PLMN 306. The Gb-interface 307 defines
the interface for GPRS-based packet-switched (PS) services and is
disposed between GANC 304 and an SGSN 310 of PLMN 306. A Security
Gateway (SGW) 311 may also be included in GANC 304 that is
interfaced via a Wm reference point 309 (as defined by 3GPP TS
23.234) with an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA)
proxy/server node 312 disposed in PLMN 306, wherein an HLR 316 is
operably coupled to AAA node 312. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that similar infrastructure may be deployed in a
UMA-based implementation wherein a UMA network controller or UNC is
operable generally in the same way as GANC 304.
[0036] In operation, GANC 304 appears to the core PLMN 306 as a
GERAN BSS network element by mimicking the role of the Base Station
Controller (BSC) in the GERAN architecture as seen from the
perspective of the A/Gb interfaces. Accordingly, PLMN 306 to which
GANC 304 is connected is unaware of the underlying access mechanism
being supported by GANC, which is different from the radio access
supported by the BSC. As alluded to before, GAN 302 disposed
between generic access (GA)-enabled UE device 102 and GANC 304 may
be effectuated by a suitable broadband IP network. The overall
functionality provided by GANC 304 includes the following: [0037]
User plane CS services that involve interworking CS bearers over Up
interface to CS bearers over A-interface, including appropriate
transcoding of voice to/from UE and PCM voice from/to the MSC.
[0038] User plane PS services that involve interworking data
transport channels over Up interface to packet flows over Gb
interface. [0039] Control plane functionality including: (i) SGW
for the set-up of secure tunnel with UE for mutual authentication,
encryption and data integrity; (ii) registration for GAN service
access and providing system information; (iii) set-up of GAN bearer
paths for CS and PS services (e.g., establishment, management, and
teardown of signaling and user plane bearers between UE the GANC);
and (iv) GAN functional equivalents to GSM Radio Resource (RR)
management and GPRS Radio Link Control (RLC) such as for paging and
handovers.
[0040] FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a protocol stack
400A operable with the CS domain signaling plane associated with
the network system 300 shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, FIG. 4B depicts
an exemplary embodiment of a protocol stack 400B operable with the
PS domain signaling plane associated with network system 300.
Additional details regarding generic access to the A/Gb interfaces
and associated architecture may be found in the applicable 3GPP
specifications identified in the U.S. provisional patent
applications that have been referenced and incorporated
hereinabove. Furthermore, to be consistent with the broad
generalization of the teachings of the present patent disclosure,
an "access network server" may comprehend a network node or element
operable to interface between the core PLMN and the UE as set forth
above, which may include a GANC or a UNC as a specific
implementation.
[0041] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that given
the mosaic of various GANs/WLANs and PLMNs provided within a
generalized network environment such as the network environments
described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, a number of
GAN/GANC configurations are possible from the perspective of
providing access between a UE device and the available WACNs (i.e.,
PLMNs). FIG. 5A depicts a network arrangement 500A where a single
access network (AN) 502 is operable to connect to a plurality of
PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K according to one embodiment, wherein each
PLMN is served by a corresponding GANC. By way of illustration, AN
502 may be generalized as a GAN which can be a WLAN operable with
the GANC protocols described above, wherein a plurality of Up
interfaces 503-1 through 503-K are supported for coupling to the
GANCs. Reference numerals 506-1 through 506-K refer to a plurality
of separate GANC nodes, each for interfacing with a particular PLMN
associated therewith, wherein MSCs 508-1 through 508-K and SGSNs
510-1 through 510-K are illustrative of respective PLMN's
infrastructure. One skilled in the art should recognize that
although each PLMN is provided with a SGSN node, it is not a
requirement for purposes of the present disclosure, and PLMNs 504-1
through 504-K may be implemented in accordance with different wide
area cellular technologies, protocols and standards.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5B, depicted therein is an alternative
network arrangement 500B where AN 502 (GAN or Wireless LAN) is
operable to connect to the plurality of PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K
via a single physical GANC 550 that supports a plurality of virtual
GANC partitions 552-1 through 552-K. Each virtual GANC (VGANC) is
independently operable to provide the requisite A/Gb interfacing
functionality with respect to a corresponding PLMN. Accordingly,
there is one logical GANC per PLMN that it connects to. Such a
deployment may be used where the PLMNs supporting the WLAN
connectivity do not see the need to own and operate their own
GANC.
[0043] Based on the foregoing discussion, it should be appreciated
that the GAN architecture provides a generalized framework for
interworking WLANs with 3GPP-compliant WACNs by utilizing existing
protocols, e.g., GPRS, whereby little or no adaptation or
standardization work is required to be performed in the core. This
allows for services to be handed over from a GAN/WLAN to a
3GPP-compliant WACN and vice versa, keeping the signaling and user
plane traffic intact. However, as CS-switched protocols and GPRS
protocols (Logical Link Control or LLC and Sub-Network Dependent
Convergence Protocol or SNDCP) are used, the GAN/WLAN that is
chosen must be able to reach an MSC/SGSN that is in the same PLMN
as the MSC/SGSN used to terminate the GAN/WLAN traffic. To further
complicate matters, a GAN/WLAN could connect to many PLMNs each
having a separate, independently discoverable GANC node as
described hereinabove. When a user encounters such a GAN/WLAN
environment, there is currently no standardized procedure to define
the selection of a particular GANC. As a consequence, a number of
potential issues arise wherein the overall user experience as well
as call handover behavior may be negatively impacted. For instance,
if a GA-compliant UE device that operates in dual mode (i.e., two
different technologies, each preferably in a separate band, for
example) discovers a macro PLMN or WACN and subsequently chooses a
GANC that belongs to a different WACN, handover between the AN and
WACN spaces would not work. Such issues may also arise in network
arrangements where a single GANC is partitioned to support a number
of independently discoverable VGANC partitions.
[0044] Further, because of various levels of technology penetration
and deployment in different regions and countries, additional
complexities can arise where the AN and WACN spaces are to be
interfaced using the GAN/WLAN approach. For example, a GA-compliant
UE device may find itself in an area where there is no WACN
coverage but there is WLAN coverage. If one or more WLANs are based
on the I-WLAN approach rather than the GAN architecture, it is
preferable that the UE differentiate between GAN and I-WLAN due to
the differences in various control processes, e.g., registration,
de-registration, etc., in addition to whatever service differences
that may exist between them. For purposes of highlighting the scope
of the present patent disclosure, some of the user
experience-related issues are set forth below. [0045] The UE is not
currently registered on a WACN.
[0046] Here the UE cannot check the cellular band signals to
determine the country it is in (i.e., MCC is unknown) to select the
best or optimal provider. Although HPLMN is usually selected first,
VPLMN preference may depend on location (e.g., country). In this
situation, the UE may not know which VPLMN it prefers to connect to
when it is examining the available GAN/WLANs. [0047] The operator's
"Preferred PLMN" list on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or
Removable user Identity Module (RUIM) associated with the user does
not take into account the UE's need for PS data services (e.g.,
GPRS capability) or other services such as Unlicensed Mobile Access
(UMA) services. Such a situation may arise where the PLMN list is
based only on CS voice roaming agreements and, as a result, the
user may not be able to use email and other data services. One
skilled in the art will note that such an issue can arise whether
or not GAN or I-WLAN is used. [0048] Some or all of the
operator-controlled lists for PLMNs may not be up-to-date, or
particular entries for the country the UE is operating in may not
be current. [0049] Because it takes up capacity to update lists
over the cellular band, the HPLMN may wish to update lists during
off-hours or when the UE is connected over I-WLAN or GAN. [0050]
When there are no WACN signals to allow the UE to determine the
MCC, the availability of AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System)
in the UE, or a (manual) user input, as well as recent (i.e.,
time-stamped) information on WACN MCC may be helpful. [0051] The
case of operation close to country border(s) may result in the UE
obtaining signals from more than one MCC, enabling user choice or
"least cost" choice.
[0052] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the list set
forth above is purely illustrative rather than limiting. It is
envisaged that upon reference hereto various related problems may
become apparent with respect to user experience and call behavior
in the context of interfacing between GAN/WLAN and PLMN spaces.
[0053] For purposes of the present disclosure, the GA-capable UE
may operate in either Automatic or Manual mode with certain
differences in network discovery and selection procedures, although
the particular features and capabilities of the two may vary
depending on the applicable specification(s) as well as any
modifications and changes that may be made to them. In general, the
Manual mode allows the user to do more detailed selection/filtering
of the available PLMNs, the bearer(s) to be used, and potentially
even of the method to be used when using WLAN or other unlicensed
radio technology (i.e., I-WLAN, GAN, or just a connection through
the WLAN to the PLMN). Additional details regarding network
discovery and selection may be found in one or more of the
above-referenced U.S. provisional patent application(s) and
nonprovisional patent application(s).
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is a flowchart of a
generalized network discovery and selection scheme according to one
embodiment wherein a UE device is disposed in a network environment
comprising a GAN/WLAN space as well as a WACN space. As
illustrated, the flowchart of FIG. 6 captures a methodology where
the UE device gathers appropriate network information upon power-up
and initial discovery (as per applicable 3GPP-compliant
procedures), which is then transmitted to a network node for
determining a more optimal network arrangement (i.e., appropriate
GANC+PLMN combination), preferably in view of the UE device's
service requirements that may also be advertised to the network
node. Accordingly, by effectuating appropriate resolution of
UE-discovered network information and its service requirements, the
network node is amenable to provide suitable instructions to the UE
device for obtaining better service instantiation, which may
include redirection to more suitable networks, location-based
filtering, and the like.
[0055] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, at block 602, the UE device
gathers network information via scanning relative to one or more
WACN technologies, bands, and frequencies. Additionally or
alternatively, the UE device is also adapted to gather network
information via scanning relative to one or more GAN/WLAN
technologies, bands, and frequencies (block 604). Thereafter, the
UE device transmits the gathered network information as well as
service/feature requirements (e.g., voice-only services, data-only
services, voice-and-data services, GAN services, handover services,
UMA services capability, calling plans associated with said UE
device, and/or location area information associated with the UE
device, et cetera) to a network node (block 606). In one
embodiment, the gathered network information may comprise at least
one of cell identity information of a WACN on which the UE device
is registered (i.e., CGI information of a registered GSM/GERAN),
CGI/cell ID information relating to other available wide area
cellular networks, cause values of any prior registration failures,
Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) information of at least one
available wide area cellular network, and Packet Control Channel
(PCCH) information of at least one available wide area cellular
network. As alluded to hereinabove, in one embodiment, WACNs may be
identified by their {MCC,MNC} combinations. Also, additional
features such as identifying whether a particular WACN is
data-capable (e.g., GPRS-capable) may also be provided. To the
extent the UE device is adapted to operate based on various network
lists, stored or otherwise, additional selection criteria and
filters such as Forbidden GAN/PLMN lists, Priority GAN/PLMN lists
(which may be stored, for example, in a Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) or Removable user Identity Module (RUIM), or in a device
memory) and the like, may also be provided to the network node. In
a further implementation, the UE could also list PLMNs that only
provide WACN and/or WAN coverage.
[0056] It should be realized that scanning operations set forth
above may be performed via active scanning or passive scanning
methods. Also, there may be more than one band operable with GANs
and/or with PLMNs. In one instance, a frequency band may be
selected from the group comprising 450 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800
MHz, 1700 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2700 MHz, or other frequencies
and/or any satellite bands.
[0057] Upon receiving the gathered network information, service
requirement information and/or location information from the UE
device, the service logic associated with the network node is
operable to resolve the service requirements requested by the UE
device in view of the other bodies of the received information so
that a determination may be made as to whether additional or
alternative network arrangements are available for the UE device.
In some implementations, such resolution may involve interfacing
with additional network nodes and databases (e.g., HPLMN and/or
home GANC, service databases, roaming databases, and so on).
Thereafter, appropriate instructions may be provided via a suitable
response message to the UE device, including pertinent information
relative to any additional or alternative network arrangements.
These operations are illustrated in block 608. Based on the
instructions received from the network node, the UE device may then
engage in obtaining appropriate service, which can sometimes
warrant network redirection (block 610).
[0058] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict flowcharts of exemplary scenarios of
the network information collection process set forth above.
Presently, applicable GAN specifications state that a UE device,
e.g., a mobile station (MS), shall first register on a GSM/GERAN
PLMN if found and allowed according to current 3GPP network
selection procedures. Accordingly, the process flow exemplified in
FIG. 7A begins with scanning available bands for GERAN PLMN
networks (block 702). For each GERAN PLMN found, information is
obtained and stored (blocks 704, 706 and 708), e.g., CGI
information, BCCH and/or PCCH information, etc. The UE device then
selects and registers on a GERAN PLMN (block 710) according to 3GPP
specifications, which may be mediated by the UE device's network
lists, preferences, and other filters. If the registration with a
particular PLMN fails, the reason for failure is stored as a cause
value (blocks 712 and 714). Once the reason for failure is stored,
the registration process may repeat with respect to the additional
PLMNs discovered according to 3GPP specifications (block 716). On
the other hand, if the PLMN registration is successful or if
registration with no PLMN has been successful and the UE device is
allowed to operate in GAN-only mode, further process flow may
accordingly follow (block 718). However, if the PLMN registration
is successful but that PLMN does not support GAN connectivity,
various concerns might arise that could negatively impact the
service selection behavior of the UE device.
[0059] With respect to operating in GAN-mode, the UE device is
operable to provide a number of information elements to a GANC node
with which it establishes initial connectivity. Preferably, as
pointed out in the foregoing discussion, such information can
include network information gathered via scanning in other bands or
modes as well as service requirements. Referring to FIG. 7B in
particular, upon successful registration a PLMN or failure to
register on any PLMN (block 750), the UE device is operable to
search for a GAN network (block 752), preferably according to
applicable 3GPP specifications. Once a Uniform Resource Locator
(URL) or IP address of a GANC node has been obtained (block 754),
the UE device authenticates and registers with the GANC using, for
instance, known Generic Access--Resource Control (GA-RC) REGISTER
REQUEST messaging (block 756). In accordance with the discussion
set forth in the foregoing sections, such a registration message to
the GANC may include information elements pertaining to any of the
following in any combination: [0060] registered GERAN CGI
information if available; [0061] if the registration is for voice
and/or data; [0062] services and features requested by the UE
device, e.g., voice-only services, data-only services,
voice-and-data services, GAN services, multimedia services,
value-added services, etc.; [0063] if handover is required; [0064]
if home-country-calls-only calls are required; [0065] prior GERAN
PLMN registration attempts and associated cause values for failure;
[0066] the registration request may also include GERAN PLMN
information for which registration was successful but a GANC
redirect was received. Any VPLMN information identified therein may
be marked as such (described in detail hereinbelow); [0067] CGI
information for other PLMNs available; and [0068] BCCH/PCCH
information for available PLMNs. For instance, in one
implementation, BCCH/PCCH information for all available PLMNs are
included. In other implementations, BCCH/PCCH information for a
portion of available PLMNs may be included. Further, upon
successful authentication and registration with the GANC,
additional network information may be collected by the UE device
(e.g., appropriate network arrangement via a suitable response
message), as illustrated in block 758.
[0069] Those skilled in the art should recognize upon reference
hereto that additional operations and/or information elements may
be involved if the registration processes take place after the
initial network discovery and registration process by the UE device
as set forth above. For instance, with respect to WACN space (e.g.,
GERAN), if the UE device receives a redirect message from a GANC
node (which could be a separate message or part of a general
redirect message, as will be set forth in further detail below),
the UE device may deregister from the current serving GERAN VPLMN
and attempt registration on the VPLMNs in a number of ways. By way
of illustration, the VPLMNs may be provided by the GANC in some
priority order which may be followed by the UE device.
Alternatively, if no order has been provided, a VPLMN may be chosen
from the supplied list at random. With respect to subsequent
registrations in GAN space, if the UE device has been redirected to
another VPLMN and registration with that new VPLMN is successful,
the UE device may be required to re-register with the home GANC
using the same GAN as before. Alternatively, the UE device may
register with the GANC associated with the new VPLMN if that
information has been made available by the redirecting GANC. In a
still further variation, there may be no subsequent GANC
registration pursuant to instructions from the GANC.
[0070] Given the interfacing between the WACN and GAN spaces as
described in the foregoing sections, selecting a proper PLMN and
GANC combination that allows optimal service may be modulated based
on a number of factors, e.g., service requirements, available
network information, service capabilities, location information,
and the like. When a serving network node (e.g., a default GANC or
a provisioning GANC) receives appropriate information from the UE
device, at least part of the service logic involves resolving
whether a home GANC or a GANC associated with a VPLMN should
provide service to the UE device. FIGS. 8A and 8B are two
flowcharts associated with GANC selection and optional redirection
in accordance with an embodiment of the present patent disclosure.
When the serving network node receives information from a UE device
(block 802), the service logic associated with the node determines
(i) if local home network calls are required; and/or (ii) if
handover is not required and no VPLMN GANC can be used (block 804).
If so, the network node provides instructions to the UE device to
select a home network GANC (block 806). On the other hand, based on
the received information from the UE device (block 820), the
network node service logic determines (i) handover of services is
required; and/or (ii) VPLMN dialing plan is required (block 822).
In that case, the network node provides instructions to the UE
device to select a VPLMN-associated GANC (block 824).
[0071] It should be apparent that the service logic is preferably
operable to evaluate and resolve a number of service scenarios
based on the combinations of service and feature requirements as
well as the network information received from the UE device.
Additional details and flowcharts regarding exemplary service
scenarios may be found in one or more of the above-referenced U.S.
provisional patent applications and nonprovisional patent
applications, which are incorporated by reference. Set forth below
is a discussion on a generalized service scenario wherein
redirection may be employed by a GANC node (regardless of whether
it is a home GANC, a default GANC or some other provisioning
GANC).
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein is a flowchart of a
GANC selection and redirection scheme in one embodiment. For
purposes of illustration, an HPLMN GANC node is provided as the
network node that eventually resolves the various service and
feature requirements as well as the network information gathered by
a UE device. Upon receiving the pertinent information from the UE
device (e.g., via a REGISTER REQUEST message, as alluded to
previously), the GANC node may perform one or more database queries
involving local and/or remote databases in order to evaluate
roaming service agreements, service capabilities, address lookup,
etc. (block 902). If the VPLMN that the UE device is registered on
is determined to have GAN connectivity (block 904), then the HPLMN
GANC is operable to send a redirect message to the UE device (e.g.,
a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message) which contains the URL/IP
address of the VPLMN GANC node (block 906). On the other hand,
where the registered VPLMN does not have GAN connectivity, the
service logic is operable to determine whether there exist other
PLMNs that support GANCs. If so, their URL/IP address information
may also be determined by performing appropriate database queries.
Additionally, such determinations may be evaluated responsive to
other information such as the UE's location, existence of
applicable service arrangements, etc. These determinations are
consolidated in block 908. In one embodiment, it may involve
verifying that the cells identified in received broadcast
information still include cells that are available for use. The
VPLMNs that are still available after this initial investigation
may optionally be sent to a roaming database to determine of a
roaming agreement exists between the HPLMN and VPLMN(s). If a
suitable roaming agreement exists, preferred PLMN information may
also be returned to the HPLMN GANC. After these optional
procedures, the service logic of the GANC may transmit the filtered
VPLMN information to another database to determine the URLs/IP
addresses of available GANCs. Where redirection is established to
be appropriate, a suitable redirect message (e.g., a GA-RC REGISTER
REDIRECT message) may be transmitted to the UE device which
includes one or more URLs/IP addresses of GANCs associated with a
plurality of available VPLMNs (block 910). Otherwise, a response
message may be provided to the UE device that indicates a number of
options (block 912). For example, the response message may include
an indication that no GAN services are available to the UE device.
Alternatively or additionally, the response message may include one
or more supplementary fields which indicate additional
capabilities, service requests, etc. where applicable, as explained
in one or more related patent applications cross-referenced
hereinabove.
[0073] With respect to the general syntax of the redirect messages
set forth above, one embodiment may include a list of PLMN
Identities (e.g., {MCC,MNC} combinations) as well as supported
services and/or features that may be mandatory or optional. In
another embodiment, the redirect message may include a list of GANC
addresses (i.e., URLs, IP addresses) as well as supported services
and/or features. In this case, only GANC address information is
mandatory, the other elements may be optional.
[0074] If a redirect message is received, the UE device's behavior
may be modulated accordingly as set forth in the following. For
instance, if the message contains only URL/IP address information,
the UE may register with the GANC having highest priority URL/IP
address. If this registration fails, then registration with
additional GANCs may be attempted based on their priority order
(which may be indicated by means of a flag or other indicium).
Likewise, if the redirect message contains WACN/PLMN information
only, the UE device may attempt successive registrations with the
PLMNs received based on their priority as well. On the other hand,
if the redirect message includes both GANC addresses as well as
PLMN information, an exemplary embodiment may require that the UE
device first register with a network in the PLMN space. Upon
successful registration therewith, the UE device may then register
with the GANC associated with the selected PLMN.
[0075] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary database structure 1000
associated with a serving network node that may be developed upon
resolving network information and service requirements of a UE
device. Additionally, the database structure information 1000 may
be used as the structure of the data sent in a redirect message
such as, e.g., the GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message described above.
A VPLMN Identity column 1002 includes network identities based on
the underlying WACN technology for the available PLMNs. For GERAN,
as an example, the Identities are comprised of {MCC,MNC}
combinations. Other Identities (e.g., Network ID-1 through Network
ID-3) may also be provided in some implementations. Reference
numeral 1004 refers to a column of GANCs that identifies one or
more URL/IP addresses of GANCs that provide GAN connectivity with
respect to the VPLMNs identified in column 1002. It should be noted
that not all PLMNs may have corresponding GANC address information,
however. For instance, the GERAN PLMN identified as {MCCc,MNCc}
does not have any corresponding GANC address information,
indicating that such VPLMN information may not be transmitted as
part of a redirect message to a UE device.
[0076] Although not explicitly provided in the database structure
1000, the VPLMN Identities and corresponding GANC addresses may be
listed in a particular priority. Furthermore, the VPLMN and GANC
information may be filtered based on application of location
information associated with the UE device as well. It should also
be noted that there are multiple types of location and
identification information, and multiple uses of such location and
identification. This information is generally lacking in
non-cellular wireless access technologies; typically only a Service
Set ID (SSID) may be provided, and there is no regulatory
requirement for that SSID to be registered or to provide defined
information to the user, or even to provide unique information to
the user. Exemplary location and identification information may
include:
[0077] A. Cellular/WACN
[0078] 1. MCC [0079] a. Cellular MCC (e.g., GSM) [0080] b. Country
code associated with a microcell (or even a small macrocell) on a
vehicle (e.g., ships, planes, trains, buses, etc.)
[0081] 2. MNC
[0082] 3. LAI
[0083] 4. CGI, etc.
[0084] 5. Network generated information such as current cell (and
sector)
[0085] 6. Geolocation based on network information, of varying
degrees of accuracy
[0086] 7. Geolocation based on handset assisted GPS or other
positioning system
[0087] B. WLAN/GAN [0088] Service Set ID (SSID) [0089] Other
[0090] C. Manual input information and other information
[0091] 1. AP building and floor and room location and similar
descriptive information.
[0092] 2. AP information based on location information derived from
dual mode handsets, where the location of the handset is then
transferred to a database to provide some (perhaps gross or rough)
information on the location of the AP. Could be geographic
information or could indicate the LAI or CGI of cellular
systems.
[0093] 3. AP information, as in (2), but derived from recent
information from the handset, e.g., the cell and network that the
handset was viewing a few minutes ago before the user walked into a
building and lost coverage. The time between loss of cellular or
other information and the connection to the access point is a means
of further identifying the potential lack of accuracy of the
information.
[0094] 4. Indication of the type of AP. [0095] a. small,
potentially easily moved [0096] b. fixed in place (at least
initially) [0097] c. mobile, as on a ship or in a plane or on a
train--there may be specific types of country codes when the
devices in part of a vehicle
[0098] 5. Whether the connectivity of the AP has changed.
[0099] 6. Location (GPS or other, even manual entry) of the ship,
plane or vehicle with an AP or microcell.
[0100] It should be realized by those skilled in the art that the
location information may be developed by one element (i.e., a UE
device) and stored in another element (AP, or microcell or base
station controller or GANC), or even in a "universal" database
within a PLMN or operator. Further, it should be recognized that
location of an AP and its relation to the elements of other (even
competing) networks is useful for many purposes, such as assisting
in handover (or similar) transition of the handset connectivity,
which may include "roving" as defined in 3GPP documentation. By way
of illustration, exemplary uses of location and identification
information include: [0101] Identification of the operator and/or
PLMN or otherwise defined network [0102] Identification of
relationship with an operator or PLMN or otherwise defined network
[0103] Identification of location [0104] a. For E911 and public
safety purposes [0105] b. Including passing of information to the
PSAP (Public Safety Answer Point) [0106] c. For commercial purposes
[0107] Operation of a cellular network or of an unlicensed
network.
[0108] The brief taxonomy set forth above suggests that there could
be additional information and categories of information passed to
the PSAP on emergency calls, to assist the public safety forces.
This information may be derived from the UE device, from the actual
AP such as a microcell (cellular) or a GAN/WLAN AP. There may be
more than one element of location information that is applicable to
a specific UE device and user. That information may have been
developed by another device on the same AP or microcell, or by
database lookup of processed and combined data. It may include
recent data, perhaps minutes or tens of minutes or older, or when
current information is lacking or when the recent data is
imprecise, it may be extrapolated to improve upon the current data.
For example, the AGPS, CGI, or other location information may be
captured by the UE and time-stamped. When a subscriber brings the
UE into a building or vehicle, the UE may no longer be able to
provide location information due to lack of a signal. But the prior
information may be useful, and may be transferred to the WLAN/GAN
AP, microcell, and to the database in the PLMN and associated with
the AP.
[0109] The PLMN or other network provider or manager may utilize
this information in the operation of the network, to identify the
location of the user (i.e., UE), to allow or disallow service, to
redirect the user to another AP, microcell, network or GANC, or
other means of defining acceptable uses, connectivity, and
E911/PSAP operation, for example. Additionally, there is use of
connectivity information for handoff from cell to cell and between
location areas, where connectivity has been narrowly defined. With
the use of alternative (non-cellular) networks for access to
cellular networks and services as well as additional non-cellular
services, some of the defined cellular location information may not
be available, although a large variety of other direct and indirect
information may be available. This variety of information may be
used to significantly enhance the overall network operation and
provision (and restriction) of services within the context of the
present patent disclosure.
[0110] Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein is a functional
block diagram of an exemplary AN server node 1100, e.g., GANC/UNC
node 1100 according to one embodiment. Those skilled in the art
should appreciate that AN server node 1100 may be provided in any
of the configurations depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B described
hereinabove. Regardless, AN server node 1100 includes appropriate
network selection logic 1102 operable to perform one or more of the
procedures set forth above with respect to resolving gathered
network information and service/feature requirement information
that is provided by a UE device. Accordingly, in one embodiment,
suitable storage areas may be provided for storing service/feature
requirements 1104 as well as gathered network information 1106.
Database query logic 1108 is provided to facilitate database query
and interrogation of local and/or remote databases, e.g., DB 1110-1
through DB 1110-N.
[0111] FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE
device operable to perform the network discovery/selection
procedures set forth according to the teachings of the present
patent disclosure. It will be recognized by those skilled in the
art upon reference hereto that although an embodiment of UE 102 may
comprise an arrangement similar to one shown in FIG. 12, there can
be a number of variations and modifications, in hardware, software
or firmware, with respect to the various modules depicted.
Accordingly, the arrangement of FIG. 12 should be taken as
illustrative rather than limiting with respect to the embodiments
of the present patent disclosure. A microprocessor 1202 providing
for the overall control of an embodiment of UE 102 is operably
coupled to a communication subsystem 1204 which includes
transmitter/receiver (transceiver) functionality for effectuating
multi-mode communications over a plurality of bands. By way of
example, a wide area wireless Tx/Rx module 1206, a GAN Tx/Rx module
1208 and an I-WLAN Tx/Rx module 1210 are illustrated. Although not
particularly shown, each Tx/Rx module may include other associated
components such as one or more local oscillator (LO) modules, RF
switches, RF bandpass filters, A/D and D/A converters, processing
modules such as digital signal processors (DSP), local memory, etc.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of
communications, the particular design of the communication
subsystem 1204 may be dependent upon the communications networks
with which the UE device is intended to operate. In one embodiment,
the communication subsystem 1204 is operable with both voice and
data communications.
[0112] Microprocessor 1202 also interfaces with further device
subsystems such as auxiliary input/output (I/O) 1218, serial port
1220, display 1222, keyboard 1224, speaker 1226, microphone 1228,
random access memory (RAM) 1230, a short-range communications
subsystem 1232, and any other device subsystems generally labeled
as reference numeral 1233. To control access, a SIM/RUIM interface
1234 is also provided in communication with the microprocessor
1202. In one implementation, SIM/RUIM interface 1234 is operable
with a SIM/RUIM card having a number of key configurations 1244 and
other information 1246 such as identification and
subscriber-related data as well as one or more SSID/PLMN lists and
filters alluded to hereinabove.
[0113] Operating system software and other control software may be
embodied in a persistent storage module (i.e., non-volatile
storage) such as Flash memory 1235. In one implementation, Flash
memory 1235 may be segregated into different areas, e.g., storage
area for computer programs 1236 as well as data storage regions
such as device state 1237, address book 1239, other personal
information manager (PIM) data 1241, and other data storage areas
generally labeled as reference numeral 1243. Additionally,
appropriate network discovery/selection logic 1240 may be provided
as part of the persistent storage for executing the various
procedures, correlation techniques, service/feature requirement
selection and identification processes as well as GANC selection
mechanisms set forth in the preceding sections. Associated
therewith is a storage module 1238 for storing the SSID/PLMN lists,
selection/scanning filters, capability indicators, et cetera, also
alluded to hereinabove.
[0114] Based on the foregoing, it should be clear that the UE
device logic and hardware includes at least the following: a logic
module for facilitating identification of a set of appropriate
service requirements relative to operating the UE device; a
communication subsystem for gathering network information via
scanning in at least one band and for transmitting at least one of
the network information and the service requirements to a network
node; and a logic module for selecting a GANC from a set of GANCs
provided by the network node, the list of GANCs being determined
upon resolving the network information and the service requirements
by the network node to determine an appropriate list of GANCs
operable with a plurality of wide area cellular networks identified
for the UE device, wherein the list of GANCs is transmitted to the
UE device via a response message for selection by the UE
device.
[0115] It is believed that the operation and construction of the
embodiments of the present patent disclosure will be apparent from
the Detailed Description set forth above. While the exemplary
embodiments shown and described may have been characterized as
being preferred, it should be readily understood that various
changes and modifications could be made therein without departing
from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the
following claims.
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