U.S. patent application number 11/553875 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for call setup procedure in an evolved third generation radio access network.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Rajat P. Mukherjee, Stephen E. Terry, Maged M. Zaki.
Application Number | 20070117563 11/553875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38093619 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070117563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terry; Stephen E. ; et
al. |
May 24, 2007 |
CALL SETUP PROCEDURE IN AN EVOLVED THIRD GENERATION RADIO ACCESS
NETWORK
Abstract
A method and system for call setup in an evolved third
generation (3G) radio access network are disclosed. A wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU) sends its identity to a core network
(CN) for call setup when the WTRU is in an RRC_disconnected state.
The CN verifies the identity and sends an authentication vector to
the WTRU. The WTRU sends a service access request message including
an authentication response to the CN via a Node-B. The Node-B
performs an admission control. The CN attaches the WTRU if the
authentication response is same to an expected response. The Node-B
then allocates radio resources to the WTRU. The Node-Bs may be
directly connected, or may be connected to a control plane server
which performs admission control. When the WTRU is transitioning
from an RRC_idle state to an RRC_connected state, the WTRU may or
may not need to re-authenticate again.
Inventors: |
Terry; Stephen E.;
(Northport, NY) ; Zaki; Maged M.; (Pierrefonds,
QC) ; Mukherjee; Rajat P.; (Montreal, QC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.;DEPT. ICC
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
3411 Silverside Road, Concord Plaza Suite 105, Hagley
Building
Wilmington
DE
19810
|
Family ID: |
38093619 |
Appl. No.: |
11/553875 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60731097 |
Oct 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/434 ;
370/329; 370/331; 455/436; 455/450; 455/509 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/10 20180201;
H04L 63/08 20130101; H04W 72/00 20130101; H04W 12/065 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/434 ;
455/450; 370/329; 455/509; 455/436; 370/331 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. In a wireless communication system including a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a Node-B and a CN, a method for call
setup, the method comprising: the WTRU sending an initial access
request message including an identity of the WTRU to the CN via the
Node-B; the CN verifying the identity of the WTRU and sending an
authentication vector to the Node-B; the Node-B sending an initial
access response message to the WTRU, the initial access response
message including an authentication request; the WTRU sending a
service access request message to the Node-B, the service access
request message including an authentication response; the Node-B
performing an admission control procedure; the Node-B forwarding
the service access request message to the CN; the CN performing an
attachment procedure for the WTRU if the authentication response is
same to an expected response; and the Node-B allocating radio
resources to the WTRU.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the WTRU sends the initial access
request message via a random access channel (RACH).
3. The method of claim 2 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the service access request message
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
8. The method of claim 7 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: if it is decided not
to accept the WTRU, the Node-B selecting an alternate Node-B among
a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for handover; and the Node-B
informing the alternate Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about the
handover.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: the WTRU and the
Node-B agreeing upon a time table for measurements after the call
setup.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) disconnected state when sending the initial access
request.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) idle state when sending the initial access
request.
13. In a wireless communication system including a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a Node-B, a control plane server and
a CN, a method for call setup, the method comprising: the WTRU
sending an initial access request message including an identity of
the WTRU to the CN via the Node-B and the control plane server; the
CN verifying the identity of the WTRU and sending an authentication
vector to the control plane server; the control plane server
sending an authentication request for the WTRU to the Node-B; the
Node-B sending an initial access response message to the WTRU, the
initial access response message including the authentication
request; the WTRU sending a service access request message to the
Node-B, the service access request message including an
authentication response; the Node-B forwarding the service access
request message to the control plane server; the control plane
server performing an admission control procedure; the control plane
server forwarding the service access request message to the CN; the
CN performing an attachment procedure for the WTRU if the
authentication response is same to an expected response; and the
control plane server allocating radio resources to the WTRU.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
15. The method of claim 14 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response via one of a forward access channel (FACH) and a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
20. The method of claim 19 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response is preconfigured.
21. The method of claim 13 further comprising: if it is decided not
to accept the WTRU, the control plane server selecting an alternate
Node-B among a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for a handover; and
the control plane server informing the alternate Node-B, the WTRU
and the CN about the handover.
22. The method of claim 13 further comprising: the WTRU and the
Node-B agreeing upon a time table for measurements after the call
setup.
23. The method of claim 13 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) disconnected state when sending the initial access
request.
24. The method of claim 13 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) idle state when sending the initial access
request.
25. In a wireless communication system including a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a Node-B and a CN, a method for call
setup when the WTRU is in a radio resource control (RRC) idle
state, the method comprising: the WTRU sending a service access
request message to the Node-B; the Node-B performing an admission
control procedure; the Node-B sending the service access request
message to the CN; the CN sending a service access response message
to the Node-B; and the Node-B allocating radio resources to the
WTRU.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the WTRU sends the service
access request message in response to a paging message for the
WTRU.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the paging message includes
configuration for at least one of a random access channel (RACH), a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH) and an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH).
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the paging message indicates
that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
29. The method of claim 25 further comprising: the WTRU sending an
initial access request message to the Node-B, the initial access
request message including an identity of the WTRU; and the Node-B
sending an initial access response message to the WTRU.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein the initial access response
message indicates that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
32. The method of claim 31 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
33. The method of claim 29 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
34. The method of claim 25 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
35. The method of claim 29 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
36. The method of claim 29 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
37. The method of claim 36 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
38. The method of claim 25 further comprising: if it is decided not
to accept the WTRU, the Node-B selecting an alternate Node-B among
a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for handover; and the Node-B
informing the alternate Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about the
handover.
39. The method of claim 25 further comprising: the WTRU and the
Node-B agreeing upon a time table for measurements after the call
setup.
40. In a wireless communication system including a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a Node-B, a control plane server and
a CN, a method for call setup when the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) idle state, the method comprising: the WTRU sending a
service access request message to the Node-B; the Node-B sending
the service access request message to the control plane server; the
control plane server performing an admission control procedure; the
control plane server sending the service access request message to
the CN; the CN sending a service access response message to the
WTRU; and the control plane server allocating radio resources to
the WTRU.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the WTRU sends the service
access request message in response to a paging message for the
WTRU.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the paging message includes
configuration for at least one of a random access channel (RACH), a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH) and an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH).
43. The method of claim 41 wherein the paging message indicates
that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
44. The method of claim 40 further comprising: the WTRU sending an
initial access request message to the Node-B, the initial access
request message including an identity of the WTRU; and the Node-B
sending an initial access response message to the WTRU.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein the initial access response
message indicates that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
46. The method of claim 44 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
47. The method of claim 46 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
48. The method of claim 44 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
49. The method of claim 40 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
50. The method of claim 40 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
51. The method of claim 44 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
52. The method of claim 51 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
53. The method of claim 40 further comprising: if it is decided not
to accept the WTRU, the control plane server selecting an alternate
Node-B among a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for handover; and
the control plane server informing the alternate Node-B, the WTRU
and the CN about the handover.
54. The method of claim 40 further comprising: the WTRU and the
Node-B agreeing upon a time table for measurements after the call
setup.
55. A wireless communication system for call setup, the system
comprising: a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to
send an initial access request message including an identity of the
WTRU to a CN and send a service access request message to a Node-B,
the service access request message including an authentication
response which is computed in response to an authentication request
sent by the CN; the CN configured to verify the identity of the
WTRU, send the authentication vector to the Node-B and perform an
attachment procedure for the WTRU if the authentication response is
same to an expected response; and the Node-B configured to send an
initial access response message to the WTRU, the initial access
response message including the authentication request, perform an
admission control procedure, forward the service access request
message to the CN, and allocate radio resources to the WTRU.
56. The system of claim 55 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
57. The system of claim 56 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
58. The system of claim 55 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
59. The system of claim 55 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
60. The system of claim 55 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
61. The system of claim 55 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
62. The system of claim 61 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
63. The system of claim 55 wherein the Node-B selects an alternate
Node-B among a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for handover if it
is decided not to accept the WTRU, and informs the alternate
Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about the handover.
64. The system of claim 55 wherein the WTRU and the Node-B are
configured to agree upon a time table for measurements after the
call setup.
65. The system of claim 55 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) disconnected state when sending the initial access
request.
66. The system of claim 55 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) idle state when sending the initial access
request.
67. A wireless communication system for call setup, the system
comprising: a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to
send an initial access request message including an identity of the
WTRU to a CN via a Node-B and a control plane server and send a
service access request message to the Node-B, the service access
request message including an authentication response; the CN
configured to verify the identity of the WTRU and send an
authentication vector to the control plane server and perform an
attachment procedure for the WTRU if the authentication response is
same to an expected response; the control plane server configured
to send an authentication request for the WTRU to the Node-B,
perform an admission control procedure, forward the service access
request message to the CN, and allocate radio resources to the
WTRU; and the Node-B configured to send an initial access response
message to the WTRU, the initial access response message including
the authentication request, and forward the service access request
message to the control plane server.
68. The system of claim 67 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
69. The system of claim 68 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
70. The system of claim 67 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
71. The system of claim 67 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
72. The system of claim 67 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
73. The system of claim 67 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response via one of a forward access channel (FACH) and a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
74. The system of claim 73 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response is preconfigured.
75. The system of claim 73 wherein the control plane server selects
an alternate Node-B among a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for a
handover if it is decided not to accept the WTRU and informs the
alternate Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about the handover.
76. The system of claim 67 wherein the WTRU and the Node-B are
configured to agree upon a time table for measurements after the
call setup.
77. The system of claim 67 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) disconnected state when sending the initial access
request.
78. The system of claim 67 wherein the WTRU is in a radio resource
control (RRC) idle state when sending the initial access
request.
79. A wireless communication system for call setup when a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is in an idle state, the system
comprising: a WTRU configured to send a service access request
message to a Node-B; the Node-B configured to perform an admission
control procedure, send the service access request message to a CN,
and allocate radio resources to the WTRU; and the CN configured to
send a service access response message to the Node-B.
80. The system of claim 79 wherein the WTRU sends the service
access request message in response to a paging message for the
WTRU.
81. The system of claim 80 wherein the paging message includes
configuration for at least one of a random access channel (RACH), a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH) and an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH).
82. The system of claim 80 wherein the paging message indicates
that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
83. The system of claim 79 wherein the WTRU is configured to send
an initial access request message to the Node-B, the initial access
request message including an identity of the WTRU and the Node-B is
configured to send an initial access response message to the
WTRU.
84. The system of claim 83 wherein the initial access response
message indicates that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
85. The system of claim 84 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
86. The system of claim 84 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
87. The system of claim 83 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
88. The system of claim 79 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
89. The system of claim 83 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
90. The system of claim 83 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
91. The system of claim 90 wherein configuration for the DL SCH for
transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
92. The system of claim 79 wherein the Node-B selects an alternate
Node-B among a plurality of neighboring Node-Bs for handover if it
is decided not to accept the WTRU, and informs the alternate
Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about the handover.
93. The system of claim 79 wherein the WTRU and the Node-B are
configured to agree upon a time table for measurements after the
call setup.
94. A wireless communication system for call setup when a wireless
transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is in an idle state, the system
comprising: a WTRU configured to send a service access request
message to a Node-B; the Node-B configured to send the service
access request message to a control plane server; a CN configured
to send a service access response message; and the control plane
server configured to perform an admission control procedure, send
the service access request message to the CN, send the service
access response message to the WTRU, and allocate radio resources
to the WTRU.
95. The system of claim 94 wherein the WTRU sends the service
access request message in response to a paging message for the
WTRU.
96. The system of claim 95 wherein the paging message includes
configuration for at least one of a random access channel (RACH), a
downlink shared channel (DL SCH) and an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH).
97. The system of claim 95 wherein the paging message indicates
that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
98. The system of claim 94 wherein the WTRU is configured to send
an initial access request message to the Node-B, the initial access
request message including an identity of the WTRU, and the Node-B
is configured to send an initial access response message to the
WTRU.
99. The system of claim 98 wherein the initial access response
message indicates that the WTRU should be re-authenticated.
100. The system of claim 98 wherein the WTRU sends the initial
access request message via a random access channel (RACH).
101. The system of claim 100 wherein configuration for the RACH is
included in system information broadcast by the Node-B.
102. The system of claim 98 wherein the initial access response
message includes configuration for an uplink shared channel (UL
SCH), whereby the WTRU sends the service access request message via
the UL SCH.
103. The system of claim 98 wherein the service access request
message includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired
quality of service (QoS) and measurement information.
104. The system of claim 98 wherein the initial access request
includes at least one of a reason for connection, a desired quality
of service (QoS) and measurement information.
105. The system of claim 98 wherein the Node-B sends the initial
access response message via one of a forward access channel (FACH)
and a downlink shared channel (DL SCH).
106. The system of claim 105 wherein configuration for the DL SCH
for transmission of the initial access response message is
preconfigured.
107. The system of claim 98 wherein the control plane server is
configured to select an alternate Node-B among a plurality of
neighboring Node-Bs for handover if it is decided not to accept the
WTRU, and inform the alternate Node-B, the WTRU and the CN about
the handover.
108. The system of claim 98 wherein the WTRU and the Node-B are
configured to agree upon a time table for measurements after the
call setup.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/731,097 filed Oct. 28, 2005, which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to wireless communication
systems. More particularly, the present invention is related to a
method and system for call setup in an evolved third generation
(3G) radio access network (RAN).
BACKGROUND
[0003] The 3G standards group is currently considering various
proposals for the long term evolution (LTE) of the 3G RAN. The LTE
has been driven by the needs for reducing cost, improving spectral
efficiency, facilitating support for revenue increasing services,
improving operation and maintenance (O&M) and service
provisioning, increasing throughput, reducing end-to-end delay
during call setup, having seamless mobility, or the like.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates conventional 3G network 100. The
conventional 3G network 100 includes an RAN 110, (comprising a
plurality of Node-Bs 112 and a radio network controller (RNC) 114),
and a core network (CN) 120. The CN 120 includes a packet switched
domain 122 and a circuit switched domain 132. The packet switched
domain 122 includes a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) 124 and a
gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 126. The circuit switched domain
132 includes a mobile switching center (MSC) 134 and a gateway MSC
(GMSC) 136. The CN 120 also includes an IP multimedia subsystem
(IMS) 128.
[0005] The 3G standards currently specify that layer 2 (i.e.,
medium access control (MAC) layer) functionalities be split between
the Node-B 112 and the RNC 114. The Node-B 112 performs radio
resource management (RRM) for implementing high speed downlink
packet access (HSDPA) and high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA).
Layer 3 functionality (i.e., radio resource control (RRC)) resides
in the RNC 114. It has been proposed that to reduce end-user
latency, user and control plane separation in the RAN 110 should be
implemented so that optimized routing of user-plane and
control-plane data may be achieved. Furthermore, many RRC
functionalities currently implemented by the RNC 114 may be moved
to the Node-B 112 for enabling faster communication. This would
remove multiple signaling and should help in reducing latency. It
has also been proposed that latency in the RAN 110 is not affected
by moving the RRC functionalities into the Node-B 112 (or
alternatively removing the RNC 114 completely).
[0006] FIG. 2 is a signaling diagram of a conventional call setup
procedure 200. The RAN 110 broadcasts system information via a
broadcast channel (BCH) (step 202). A wireless transmit/receive
unit (WTRU) 101 receives the system information while the WTRU 101
is in an idle state. The call setup is performed by the steps of
establishing an RRC connection, establishing an RRC signaling
connection and establishing a radio bearer. The RRC layer of the
WTRU 101 leaves an idle state and sends an RRC connection request
to the RAN to establish the RRC connection (step 204). Upon
reception of the RRC connection request, the RRC layer of the RAN
110 selects radio resource parameters and sends an RRC connection
setup message including the radio resource parameters to the WTRU
101 (step 206). Upon reception of the RRC connection setup message,
the RRC layer of the WTRU 101 configures physical and MAC layers
based on the radio resource parameters to establish the RRC
connection. Upon establishment of a local radio link control (RLC)
signaling link, the WTRU 101 sends an RRC connection complete
message to the RAN 110 (step 208).
[0007] In order to establish an RRC signaling connection, a
non-access stratum (NAS) of the WTRU 101 sends an initial direct
transfer message to the RRC layer of the RAN 110 (step 210). The
initial direct transfer may be a connection management (CM) service
request (step 212), which is acknowledged by a CM service accept
message (step 214).
[0008] In order to establish a radio bearer, the RRC layer of the
RAN 110 sends a radio bearer setup message to the RRC layer of the
WTRU 101 (step 216). The radio bearer setup message includes
physical layer, MAC layer and RLC layer parameters. After receiving
the radio bearer setup message, the WTRU 101 configures physical
layer and MAC layers, and sends a radio bearer setup complete
message to the RRC layer of the RAN 110 (step 218).
[0009] One of the problems of the conventional call setup procedure
is a multi-layer call setup procedure that occurs in the RAN 110.
This is primarily due to legacy complications as well as the
separation imposed between the MAC and the RRC layers, with the MAC
layer in the Node-B 112 and the RRC layer in the RNC 114.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a simplified call setup
procedure in the RAN 110.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention is related to a method and system for
call setup in a wireless communication system, for example an
evolved 3G RAN. A WTRU sends its identity to a CN for call setup
when the WTRU is in an RRC_disconnected state. The CN verifies the
identity and sends an authentication vector to the WTRU. The WTRU
sends a service access request message including an authentication
response to the CN via a Node-B. The Node-B performs an admission
control. The CN attaches the WTRU if the authentication response is
same to an expected response. The Node-B then allocates radio
resources to the WTRU. The Node-Bs may be directly connected, or
may be connected to a control plane server which performs admission
control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows the conventional 3G network.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a signaling diagram of a conventional call setup
procedure.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows LTE RRC states and transitions between RRC
states.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process when
a WTRU is in a disconnected state in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process when
a WTRU is in a disconnected state in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process when
a WTRU is in an idle state in accordance with a third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process when
a WTRU is in an idle state in accordance with a fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Hereafter, the terminology "WTRU" includes but is not
limited to a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (STA), a fixed
or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, or any other type of device
capable of operating in a wireless environment. When referred to
hereafter, the terminology "Node-B" includes but is not limited to
a base station, a site controller, an access point (AP) or any
other type of interfacing device in a wireless environment.
[0019] The features of the present invention may be incorporated
into an integrated circuit (IC) or be configured in a circuit
comprising a multitude of interconnecting components.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows LTE RRC states and transitions between RRC
states. Three RRC states, an RRC_connected state, an RRC_idle state
and an RRC_disconnected state, are defined. The RRC state may
transit between any of the three states.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process 400
when a WTRU is in an RRC_disconnected state, (i.e., the RRC state
is transitioning from an RRC_disconnected state to an RRC_connected
state), in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention. The system 401 includes a WTRU 302, a Node-B 304 and a
CN 306. The Node-B 304 broadcasts random access channel (RACH)
configurations (step 402). The RACH configurations may be included
in broadcast system information (SI). The Node-B 304 may also
broadcast configurations related to uplink shared channel (UL SCH)
and downlink shared channel (DL SCH) operation.
[0022] The WTRU 302 is currently in an RRC_disconnected state and
is transitioning to an RRC_connected state. The WTRU 302 sends an
initial access message via the RACH (step 403). The initial access
message includes an identity of the WTRU 302. The Node-B 304
responds with an UL SCH allocation (step 404). The WTRU 302 then
transmits an initial access request message to the Node-B 304 on
the UL SCH (step 405). The Node-B 304 sends an initial NAS access
request message, generated from the WTRU initial access request
message, to the CN 306 with an authentication request (step
406).
[0023] The CN 306 checks the WTRU identity and allocates, and
sends, an authentication vector (AV) for the WTRU 302 to the Node-B
304 (step 408). The AV may comprise a random number (RAND), an
authentication token (AUTN), a cipher key (CK) and an integrity key
(IK) for the WTRU 302. The CN 306 may choose not to send the CK and
IK at this step and may send them later in a service access
response message after WTRU verification.
[0024] On receiving the authentication vector from the CN 306, the
Node-B 304 sends an initial access response message including the
RAND and the AUTN for the WTRU 302 (step 410). The initial access
response message may include configurations for the UL SCH so that
the WTRU 302 may subsequently send a service access request via the
UL SCH, and configurations for the DL SCH if the service access
response is transmitted via the DL SCH. The allocations of the DL
SCH and the UL SCH may take into account the service and associated
radio bearer requirements.
[0025] The initial access response message may be transmitted via
an L1/L2 control channel, DL SCH or L1/L2 control+DL SCH. The
channel configurations for the L1/L2 control channel(s) and/or the
DL SCH may be pre-configured or signaled via SI. The DL SCH
configuration may be pre-configured such that there is a known
association between a physical random access channel (PRACH) and
the DL SCH. The association may be either known by RRC signaling
(e.g., SI) or known by explicit definition in the standard.
[0026] On receiving the RAND and AUTN, the WTRU 302 calculates a
response (RES) value using a secret key of the WTRU 302 (step 412).
The WTRU 302 then sends a service access request message with the
RES value to the Node-B 304 (step 414). The service access request
message may be transmitted via the UL SCH (that may be allocated by
the initial access response message or, alternatively, by SI). The
service access request message may include other information, such
as the reason for its connection, the desired quality of service
(QoS), measurement information, scheduling information, or the
like.
[0027] Upon reception of the service access request, the Node-B 304
performs an admission control procedure (step 416). The Node-B 304
determines if the Node-B 304 has enough radio resources (based on
the parameters of the service access request such as the desired
QoS) to service that request. If the Node-B 304 determines that
there are sufficient radio resources to service the request, the
Node-B 304 sends a service access request message including the
identity of the WTRU 302, QoS information and RES value computed by
the WTRU 302 to the CN 306 (step 418).
[0028] If the Node-B 304 determines that there are not enough radio
resources to service the request, the Node-B 304 initiates a
handover (step 420). The Node-B 304 looks to nearby cells that can
take over the responsibility of providing service to the WTRU 302.
Neighboring Node-Bs are preferably directly connected to each other
to exchange necessary information to determine which cell and
Node-B would be best suited for serving the WTRU 302. After making
the decision, the Node-B 304 sends information for the handover to
the WTRU 302, the new Node-B and the CN 306, respectively. The
Node-B 304 provides the WTRU 302 with channel configurations of the
new Node-B, (such as DL SCH, UL SCH, FACH, RACH, or the like), and
other information, (for example a new cell specific identity), that
the WTRU 302 needs to communicate with the new Node-B. The Node-B
304 also communicates with the new Node-B to inform the new Node-B
about the WTRU 302, (or alternatively request the new Node-B to
take a responsibility for serving the WTRU 302). The Node-B 304 may
also inform the CN 306 about the new Node-B so that the response
from the CN 306 is directed to the new Node-B. Alternatively, the
new Node-B may be in charge of querying the CN 306 after the new
Node-B has assumed responsibility for the WTRU 302 with the RES
value, QoS, or the like.
[0029] On receiving the service access request along with the RES
value, the CN 306 verifies the RES value by comparing the received
RES value with an expected RES value and performs an attachment
procedure for the WTRU 302 if the received RES value is same to the
expected RES value (step 422). The CN 306 then sends a service
access response message with an IP address for the WTRU 302 (step
424).
[0030] Upon receipt of the service access response message, the
Node-B 304 allocates radio resources and sends a service access
response message with radio resources allocation information (steps
426, 428). Information regarding header compression and packet data
convergence protocol (PDCP) is also added to the service access
response message to the WTRU 302 so that the WTRU 302 knows whether
to perform header compression or not. The WTRU 302 may optionally
send a service access response confirm message to the CN 306 for
acknowledgement (not shown). A call/data session then begins (step
430).
[0031] A timetable for measurements made by the WTRU 302 may be
agreed upon between the WTRU 302 and the Node-B 304. Alternatively,
the measurement schedule may be set dynamically.
[0032] The authentication procedure may be performed in parallel to
the attachment procedure. For example, the CN 306 may assign the
WTRU 302 its IP address prior to receiving the RES value from the
WTRU 302. Some of the information sent in the service access
request, (e.g., the reason for connection), may be sent in the
initial access request to enable the CN 306 identify the WTRU 302
better. The entire signaling, (authentication, attachment and IP
processing), may be performed in one message. Certain IEs may be
sent as separate messages. For example, the RAND and AUTN may be
sent to the WTRU 302 separately such that the CN 306 may demand the
WTRU 302 to re-authenticate if the CN 306 so chooses without having
to go through the entire call setup procedure again.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process 500
when a WTRU is in an RRC_disconnected state, and is transitioning
to an RRC_connected state, in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present invention. The system 501 includes a WTRU 302, a
Node-B 304, a CN 306 and a control plane server 308. The Node-B 304
broadcasts RACH configurations (step 502). The RACH configurations
may be included in SI. The Node-B 304 may also broadcast
configurations needed for UL SCH and DL SCH operation.
[0034] The WTRU 302 is currently in an RRC_disconnected state and
is transitioning to an RRC_connected state. The WTRU 302 sends an
initial access message via the RACH (step 503). The initial access
message includes an identity of the WTRU 302. The Node-B 304
responds with an UL SCH allocation (step 504). The WTRU 302 then
transmits an initial access request message to the Node-B 304 on
the UL SCH (step 505). The Node-B 304 sends an initial NAS access
request message generated from the WTRU initial access request
message, with an authentication request to the control plane server
308, which forwards it to the CN 306 (steps 506, 508).
[0035] The CN 306 checks the WTRU identity and allocates, and
sends, an AV to the Node-B 304 (step 510). The AV may comprise a
RAND, an AUTN, a CK and an IK for the WTRU 302. The CN 306 may
choose not to send the CK and IK at this step and may send them
later in a service access response message after WTRU
verification.
[0036] On receiving the authentication vector from the CN 306, the
control plane server 308 sends the RAND and the AUTN for the WTRU
302 to the Node-B 304 (step 512). The Node-B 304 then sends an
initial access response message along with the RAND and the AUTN to
the WTRU (step 514). The initial access response message may
include configurations for the UL SCH so that the WTRU 302 may
subsequently send a service access request via the UL SCH, and
configurations for the DL SCH if the service access response is
transmitted via the DL SCH.
[0037] The initial access request message and the initial access
response message may include scheduling information so that
resources allocation is optimized. The initial access response
message may be transmitted via the DL SCH. The channel
configurations for the DL SCH may be signaled by L1/L2 control
signaling, pre-configured or may be sent via the SIB. The DL SCH
configuration may be pre-configured such that there is a known
association between the PRACH and the DL SCH. The association may
be either known by RRC signaling (e.g., SI) or known by explicit
definition in the standard.
[0038] On receiving the RAND and AUTN, the WTRU 302 calculates an
RES value using a secret key of the WTRU 302 (step 516). The WTRU
302 then sends a service access request message with the RES value
to the Node-B 304 (step 518). The service access request message
may be transmitted via the UL SCH (that may be allocated with the
initial access response message or, alternatively, by SI). The
service access request message may include other information, such
as the reason for its connection, the desired quality of service
(QoS), measurement information, scheduling information, or the
like.
[0039] The Node-B 304 forwards the service access request to the
control plane server 308 (step 520). Upon reception of the service
access request, the control plane server 308 performs an admission
control procedure (step 522). The control plane server 308
determines if the Node-B 304 has enough radio resources (based on
the parameters of the service access request such as the desired
QoS) to service that request. If the control plane server 308
determines that the Node-B 304 has enough radio resources to
service the request, the control plane server 308 sends a service
access request message including the identity of the WTRU 302, QoS
information and RES value computed by the WTRU 302 to the CN 306
(step 524).
[0040] If the control plane server 308 determines that the Node-B
304 does not have enough radio resources to service the request,
the control plane server 308 initiates a handover (steps 526, 528).
The control plane server 308 looks to nearby cells that can take
over the responsibility of providing service to the WTRU 302.
Node-Bs are connected to the control plane server 308 so that the
control plane server 308 collects necessary information to
determine which cell and Node-B would be best suited for serving
the WTRU 302. After making the decision, the control plane server
308 sends information for the handover to the WTRU 302, the new
Node-B and the CN 306, respectively. The control plane server 308
provides the WTRU 302 with channel configurations of the new
Node-B, (such as DL SCH, UL SCH, FACH, RACH, or the like), and
other information that the WTRU 302 needs to communicate with the
new Node-B. The control plane server 308 also communicates with the
new Node-B to inform the new Node-B about the WTRU 302, (or
alternatively request the new Node-B to take a responsibility for
serving the WTRU 302). The control plane server 308 may also inform
the CN 306 about the new Node-B so that the response from the CN
306 is directed to the new Node-B. Alternatively, the new Node-B
may be in charge of querying the CN 306 after the new Node-B has
assumed responsibility for the WTRU 302 with the RES value, QoS, or
the like.
[0041] On receiving the service access request along with the RES
value, the CN 306 verifies the RES value by comparing the received
RES value with an expected RES value and performs an attachment
procedure for the WTRU 302 if the received RES value is same to the
expected RES value (step 530). The CN 306 then sends a service
access response message with an IP address to the control plane
server 308 (step 532).
[0042] Upon receipt of the service access response message, the
control plane server 308 allocates radio resources (step 534). The
control plane server 308 sends a service access response message
with radio resources allocation information to the Node-B 304 (step
536). The Node-B 304 then sends the service access response message
along with information regarding header compression and PDCP,
measurement scheduling, an RRC state indicator, or the like (step
538). The WTRU 302 may optionally send a service access response
confirm message to the CN 306 for acknowledgement (not shown). A
call/data session then begins (step 540). A timetable for
measurements made by the WTRU 302 may be agreed upon between the
WTRU 302 and the Node-B 304, or alternatively, may be set
dynamically.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process 600
when a WTRU is in an RRC_idle state in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention. The system 601 includes a WTRU
302, a Node-B 304 and a CN 306. The WTRU 302 is currently in an
RRC_idle state and is transitioning to an RRC_connected state. The
CN 306 sends a paging message for the WTRU 302 to the Node-B 304,
which forwards it to the WTRU 302 (steps 602, 604). Upon receipt of
the paging message, the WTRU 302 wakes up from the RRC_idle state.
The WTRU may also wake up because of an NAS request within the
WTRU.
[0044] The Node-B 304 broadcasts RACH configurations (step 606).
The RACH configurations may be included in SI. The Node-B 304 may
also broadcast configurations for UL SCH and DL SCH operation.
Alternatively, the paging request may include channel allocations
for the RACH, DL SCH and UL SCH.
[0045] When the WTRU 302 wakes up from the RRC_idle state, the WTRU
302 may find itself in a different cell and different universal
mobile telecommunication services (UMTS) registration area (URA)
that the WTRU 302 was in earlier. The WTRU 302 then may perform a
brand new call setup procedure.
[0046] The WTRU 302 sends an initial access message with an
identity of the WTRU 302 via an RACH (step 608). The Node-B 304
responds with an initial access response message (step 610). The
initial access response message may include configurations for the
UL SCH so that the WTRU 302 may subsequently send a service access
request via the UL SCH, and configurations for the DL SCH if the
service access response is transmitted via the DL SCH. The initial
access message and the initial access response message may include
scheduling information so that resources allocation is optimized.
The initial access response message may be transmitted via L1/L2
control channel, the DL SCH, or L1/L2 control+DL SCH. The channel
configurations for DL SCH and UL SCH operation may be
pre-configured or may be sent via SI. The DL SCH configuration may
be pre-configured such that there is a known association between
the PRACH and the DL SCH. The association may be either known by
RRC signaling (e.g., SI) or known by explicit definition in the
standard.
[0047] The WTRU 302 then sends a service access request message to
the Node-B 304 (step 612). The service access request message may
be transmitted via the UL SCH (that may be allocated by the initial
access response message or, alternatively, by SI). The service
access request message may include other information, such as the
reason for its connection, the desired quality of service (QoS),
measurement information, scheduling information, or the like.
[0048] Upon reception of the service access request, the Node-B 304
performs an admission control procedure (step 614). The Node-B 304
determines if the Node-B 304 has enough radio resources (based on
the parameters of the service access request such as the desired
QoS) to service that request. If the Node-B 304 determines that
there are sufficient radio resources to service the request, the
Node-B 304 sends a service access request message including the
identity of the WTRU 302 and QoS information to the CN 306 (step
616).
[0049] If the Node-B 304 determines that there are not enough radio
resources to service the request, the Node-B 304 may initiate a
handover (step 618). The Node-B 304 looks to nearby cells that can
take over the responsibility of providing service to the WTRU 302.
Neighboring Node-Bs are preferably directly connected to each other
to exchange necessary information to determine which cell and
Node-B would be best suited for serving the WTRU 302. After making
the decision, the Node-B 304 sends information for the handover to
the WTRU 302, the new Node-B and the CN 306, respectively. The
Node-B 304 provides the WTRU 302 with channel configurations of the
new Node-B, (such as DL SCH, UL SCH, RACH, or the like), and other
information that the WTRU 302 needs to communicate with the new
Node-B. The Node-B 304 also communicates with the new Node-B to
inform the new Node-B about the WTRU 302, (or alternatively request
the new Node-B to take a responsibility for serving the WTRU 302).
The Node-B 304 may also inform the CN 306 about the new Node-B so
that the response from the CN 306 is directed to the new Node-B.
Alternatively, the new Node-B may be in charge of querying the CN
306 after the new Node-B has assumed responsibility for the WTRU
302 with the RES value, QoS, or the like.
[0050] On receiving the service access request, the CN 306 sends a
service access response message with an IP address for the WTRU 302
(step 620). Upon receipt of the service access response message,
the Node-B 304 allocates radio resources (step 622) and sends a
service access response message with radio resources allocation
information (step 624). Information regarding header compression
and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) is also added to the
service access response message to the WTRU 302 so that the WTRU
302 knows whether to perform header compression or not. The WTRU
302 may optionally send a service access response confirm message
to the CN 306 for acknowledgement (not shown). A call/data session
then begins (step 626).
[0051] Alternatively, the network may have a policy for
re-authenticating the WTRU 302 when the WTRU 302 transitions from
an RRC_idle state to an RRC_connected state. In such case, the call
setup procedure 600 would be same to the call setup procedure
400.
[0052] Alternatively, the CN 306 may indicate to the WTRU 302 to
use the call setup procedure 400. This indication may be provided
in the paging message. Alternatively, the initial access response
message may indicate to the WTRU 302 to re-authenticate with an
RAND and an AUTN provided in the initial access response message,
or the service access response message may include the RAND and the
AUTN and may indicate to the WTRU 302 that the WTRU 302 needs to
re-authenticate.
[0053] When the WTRU wakes up from the RRC_idle state, the WTRU 302
may find itself in the same cell and same URA that the WTRU 302 was
in earlier. In such case, the WTRU 302 may skip step 606 and may
proceed directly to step 610. This assumes that certain portions of
the shared channels are permanently assigned for this purpose to
all WTRUs in the cell. For optimization, this permanent allocation
may be performed intelligently so that if no one is using the
portion of shared channel for service request, active WTRUs may use
it instead. In the event that there is no permanent allocation, the
WTRU 302 has to perform the call-setup procedure 600 starting from
step 606. The WTRU 302 may or may not need to re-authenticate as
stated above.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a signaling diagram for a call setup process 700
when a WTRU is in an RRC_idle state in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present invention. The system 701 includes a WTRU
302, a Node-B 304, a CN 306 and a control plane server 308. The
WTRU 302 is currently in an RRC_idle state and is transitioning to
an RRC_connected state. The CN 306 sends a paging message for the
WTRU 302 to the control plane server 308, which forwards it to the
Node-B 304, which in turn forwards it to the WTRU 302 (steps 702,
704, 706). Upon receipt of the paging message, the WTRU 302 wakes
up from the RRC_idle state. The WTRU may wake up because of an NAS
request within the WTRU.
[0055] The Node-B 304 broadcasts RACH configurations (step 708).
The RACH configurations may be included in an SIB. The Node-B 304
may also broadcast configurations for UL SCH and DL SCH operation.
Alternatively, the paging request may include channel allocations
for the RACH, DL SCH and UL SCH.
[0056] When the WTRU wakes up from the RRC_idle state, the WTRU 302
may find itself in a different cell and different URA that the WTRU
302 was in earlier. The WTRU 302 then may perform a brand new call
setup procedure.
[0057] The WTRU 302 sends an initial access message with an
identity of the WTRU 3020 via the RACH (step 710). The Node-B 304
then sends an initial access response message to the WTRU (step
712). The initial access response message may include
configurations for the UL SCH so that the WTRU 302 may subsequently
send a service access request via the UL SCH, and configurations
for the DSCH if the service access response is transmitted via the
DSCH.
[0058] The initial access message and the initial access response
message may include scheduling information so that resources
allocation is optimized. The initial access response message may be
transmitted via L1/L2 control, the DL SCH, or L1/L2 control+DL SCH.
The channel configurations for the DL SCH may be pre-configured or
may be sent via SI. The DL SCH configuration may be pre-configured
such that there is a known association between the physical random
access channel (PRACH) and the DL SCH. The association may be
either known by RRC signaling (e.g., SI) or known by explicate
definition in the standard.
[0059] The WTRU 302 then sends a service access request message to
the Node-B 304 (step 714). The service access request message may
be transmitted via the UL SCH (that may be allocated by the initial
access response message or, alternatively, by the SIB). The service
access request message may include other information, such as the
reason for its connection, the desired quality of service (QoS),
measurement information, scheduling information, or the like.
[0060] The Node-B 304 forwards the service access request to the
control plane server 308 (step 716). Upon reception of the service
access request, the control plane server 308 performs an admission
control procedure (step 718). The control plane server 308
determines if there are enough radio resources (based on the
parameters of the service access request such as the desired QoS)
to service that request. If the control plane server 308 determines
that there are enough radio resources to service the request, the
control plane server 308 sends a service access request message
including the identity of the WTRU 302 and QoS information to the
CN 306 (step 720).
[0061] If the control plane server 308 determines that there are
not enough radio resources to service the request, the control
plane server 308 initiates a handover (steps 722, 724). The control
plane server 308 looks to nearby cells that can take over the
responsibility of providing service to the WTRU 302. Node-Bs are
connected to the control plane server 308 so that the control plane
server 308 collects necessary information to determine which cell
and Node-B would be best suited for serving the WTRU 302. After
making the decision, the control plane server 308 sends information
for the handover to the WTRU 302, the new Node-B and the CN 306,
respectively. The control plane server 308 provides the WTRU 302
with channel configurations of the new Node-B, (such as DL SCH, UL
SCH, RACH, or the like), and other information that the WTRU 302
needs to communicate with the new Node-B. The control plane server
308 also communicates with the new Node-B to inform the new Node-B
about the WTRU 302, (or alternatively request the new Node-B to
take a responsibility for serving the WTRU 302). The control plane
server 308 may also inform the CN 306 about the new Node-B so that
the response from the CN 306 is directed to the new Node-B.
Alternatively, the new Node-B may be in charge of querying the CN
306 after the new Node-B has assumed responsibility for the WTRU
302 with the RES value, QoS, or the like.
[0062] On receiving the service access request, the CN 306 sends a
service access response message with an IP address to the control
plane server 308 (step 726). Upon receipt of the service access
response message, the control plane server 308 allocates radio
resources (step 728). The control plane server 308 sends a service
access response message with radio resources allocation information
to the Node-B 304 (step 730). The Node-B 304 then sends the service
access response message to the WTRU 302 along with information
regarding header compression and PDCP, measurement scheduling, an
RRC state indicator, or the like (step 732). The WTRU 302 may
optionally send a service access response confirm message to the CN
306 for acknowledgement (not shown). A call/data session then
begins (step 734).
[0063] Alternatively, the network may have a policy for
re-authenticating the WTRU 302 when the WTRU 302 transitions from
an RRC_idle state to an RRC_active state. In such case, the call
setup procedure 700 would be same as the call setup procedure
500.
[0064] Alternatively, the CN 306 may indicate to the WTRU 302 to
use the call setup procedure 500. This indication may be provided
in the paging message. Alternatively, the initial access response
message may indicate to the WTRU 302 to re-authenticate with an
RAND and an AUTN provided in the initial access response message,
or the service access response message may include the RAND and the
AUTN and may indicate to the WTRU 302 that the WTRU 302 needs to
re-authenticate.
[0065] When the WTRU wakes up from the RRC_idle state, the WTRU 302
may find itself in the same cell and same URA that the WTRU 302 was
in earlier. In such case, the WTRU 302 may skip the step 710 and
may proceed directly to step 714. This assumes that certain
portions of the shared channels are permanently assigned for this
purpose to all WTRUs in the cell. For optimization, this permanent
allocation may be performed intelligently so that if no one is
using the portion of shared channel for service request, active
WTRUs may use it instead. In the event that there is no permanent
allocation, the WTRU 302 has to perform the call-setup procedure
700 starting from step 710. The WTRU 302 may or may not need to
re-authenticate as stated above.
[0066] The messages between the Node-B 304 and the control plane
server 308 may be RRC messages if RRC is terminated in the control
plane server 308 or Iub messages if RRC is terminated in the Node-B
304.
[0067] Although the features and elements of the present invention
are described in the preferred embodiments in particular
combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the
other features and elements of the preferred embodiments or in
various combinations with or without other features and elements of
the present invention.
* * * * *