U.S. patent application number 13/057924 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-25 for mobile communication method, mobile station and mobile switching center.
This patent application is currently assigned to NTT DOCOMO, INC.. Invention is credited to Masashi Kanauchi, Keisuke Suzuki, Itsuma Tanaka.
Application Number | 20110205970 13/057924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41663760 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110205970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki; Keisuke ; et
al. |
August 25, 2011 |
MOBILE COMMUNICATION METHOD, MOBILE STATION AND MOBILE SWITCHING
CENTER
Abstract
A mobile communication method according to the present invention
includes the steps of: transmitting, to a mobile switching center
MME/SGSN, a NAS connection establishment request for the specific
communication, while an AS connection, is established between the
mobile station UE and a radio access network apparatus eNB/RNC;
determining, at the mobile switching center MME/SGSN, to restrict
establishment of the NAS connection for the specific communication,
when the NAS connection establishment request signal is received
and when a predetermined condition is satisfied; and restricting,
at the mobile station UE, transmission of a first connection
establishment request signal and transmission of the NAS connection
establishment request signal, after reception of a rejection signal
including a restriction time period for restricting establishment
of the NAS connection for the specific communication until expiry
of the restriction time period.
Inventors: |
Suzuki; Keisuke; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Tanaka; Itsuma; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Kanauchi; Masashi; ( Kanagawa, JP) |
Assignee: |
NTT DOCOMO, INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41663760 |
Appl. No.: |
13/057924 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
August 6, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/063948 |
371 Date: |
May 13, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/328 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/18 20180201;
H04W 76/12 20180201; H04W 72/0406 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/328 |
International
Class: |
H04W 40/00 20090101
H04W040/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 7, 2008 |
JP |
2008-204885 |
Claims
1. A mobile communication method for performing specific
communication between a mobile station and a specific destination,
comprising the steps of: (A) transmitting, to a mobile switching
center, a second connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of a second connection for the specific communication
between the mobile station and the mobile switching center, while a
first connection is established between the mobile station and a
radio access network apparatus; (B) determining, at the mobile
switching center, to restrict establishment of the second
connection for the specific communication, when the second
connection establishment request signal is received and when a
predetermined condition is satisfied; (C) transmitting, from the
mobile switching center to the mobile station, a rejection signal
including a restriction time period for restricting establishment
of the second connection for the specific communication; and (D)
restricting, at the mobile station, transmission of a first
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
the first connection for the specific communication and
transmission of the second connection establishment request signal,
after reception of the rejection signal until expiry of the
restriction time period.
2. The mobile communication method according to claim 1, wherein in
the step (A), the mobile station performs processing to establish
the first connection for the specific communication, and transmits
the second connection establishment request signal included in a
first connection establishment response signal transmitted to the
radio access network apparatus in the processing to establish the
first connection for the specific communication.
3. The mobile communication method according to claim 1, wherein in
the step (A), the processing to establish the first connection for
the specific communication is performed, while a third connection
for the specific communication is established in a core
network.
4. The mobile communication method according to claim 3, wherein in
the step (A), the mobile station performs the processing to
establish the first connection for the specific communication by
transmitting a location registration request signal including the
first connection establishment request signal, while the third
connection for the specific communication is established in the
core network; and in the step (D), the mobile station restricts
transmission of the location registration request signal after the
reception of the rejection signal until expiry of the restriction
time period.
5. The mobile communication method according to claim 2, further
comprising a step of disconnecting the first connection for the
specific communication.
6. The mobile communication method according to claim 1, wherein in
the step (D), the mobile station is allowed to transmit a first
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
a first connection for emergency call, or to transmit a second
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
a second connection for emergency call.
7. A mobile station configured to perform specific communication
with a specific destination, comprising: a second connection
control unit configured to transmit, to a mobile switching center,
a second connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of a second connection for the specific communication
with the mobile switching center, while a first connection is
established with a radio access network apparatus; and a
restriction processing unit configured to restrict transmission of
a first connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of the first connection for the specific
communication and transmission of the second connection
establishment request signal, after reception of a rejection signal
responding to the second connection establishment request signal
until expiry of the restriction time period included in the
rejection signal.
8. The mobile station according to claim 7, further comprising: a
first connection control unit configured to perform processing to
establish the first connection for the specific communication,
wherein the second connection control unit is configured to
transmit the second connection establishment request signal
included in a first connection establishment response signal
transmitted to the radio access network apparatus in the processing
to establish the first connection for the specific
communication.
9. The mobile station according to claim 9, wherein the first
connection control unit is configured to perform the processing to
establish the first connection for the specific communication,
while a third connection for the specific communication is
established in a core network.
10. The mobile station according to claim 9, wherein the first
connection control unit is configured to perform the processing to
establish the first connection for the specific communication by
transmitting a location registration request signal including the
first connection establishment request signal, while the third
connection for the specific communication is established in the
core network; and the restriction processing unit is configured to
restrict transmission of the location registration request signal
after the reception of the rejection signal until expiry of the
restriction time period.
11. The mobile station according to claim 7, wherein even after the
reception of the rejection signal responding to the second
connection establishment request signal until expiry of the
restriction time period, the first connection control unit is
allowed to transmit a first connection establishment request signal
requesting establishment of a first connection for emergency call,
and the second connection control unit is allowed to transmit a
second connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of a second connection for emergency call.
12. A mobile switching center used in a mobile communication method
for performing specific communication between a mobile station and
a specific destination, comprising: a second connection
establishment request signal reception unit configured to receive a
second connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of a second connection for the specific communication
with the mobile station, while a first connection is established
between the mobile station and a radio access network apparatus; a
restriction determination unit configured to determine to restrict
establishment of the second connection for the specific
communication, when the second connection establishment request
signal is received and when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
and a restriction information transmission unit configured to
transmit, to the mobile station, a rejection signal including a
restriction time period for restricting establishment of the second
connection for the specific communication.
13. The mobile communication method according to claim 2, wherein
in the step (A), the processing to establish the first connection
for the specific communication is performed, while a third
connection for the specific communication is established in a core
network.
14. The mobile communication method according to claim 13, wherein
in the step (A), the mobile station performs the processing to
establish the first connection for the specific communication by
transmitting a location registration request signal including the
first connection establishment request signal, while the third
connection for the specific communication is established in the
core network; and in the step (D), the mobile station restricts
transmission of the location registration request signal after the
reception of the rejection signal until expiry of the restriction
time period.
15. The mobile communication method according to claim 3, further
comprising a step of disconnecting the first connection for the
specific communication.
16. The mobile communication method according to claim 4, further
comprising a step of disconnecting the first connection for the
specific communication.
17. The mobile communication method according to claim 13, further
comprising a step of disconnecting the first connection for the
specific communication.
18. The mobile communication method according to claim 14, further
comprising a step of disconnecting the first connection for the
specific communication.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile communication
method, a mobile station and a mobile switching center.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Nowadays, congestion in mobile communication networks is
expected to occur more frequently due to introduction of flat-rate
services. To address such a case, a mobile communication system may
be configured to reject calls from a mobile station of a subscriber
of a flat-rate service or a heavy user for the purpose of
preservation of radio resource, but there is concern that the
mobile station will repeatedly make calls after the rejection.
[0003] As a countermeasure for such concern, a mobile communication
system of the 3GPP defines a scheme for temporarily stopping calls
from a mobile station having failed in establishing a
connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, this scheme has a problem that it is only capable
of restricting establishment of all connections by a specific
mobile station.
[0005] In this regard, the present invention has been made in view
of the above problem and has an objective to provide a mobile
communication method, a mobile station and a mobile switching
center which enable flexible call restriction.
Solution to Problem
[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile communication method for performing specific communication
between a mobile station and a specific destination, including the
steps of: (A) transmitting, to a mobile switching center, a second
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
a second connection for the specific communication between the
mobile station and the mobile switching center, while a first
connection is established between the mobile station and a radio
access network apparatus; (B) determining, at the mobile switching
center, to restrict establishment of the second connection for the
specific communication, when the second connection establishment
request signal is received and when a predetermined condition is
satisfied; (C) transmitting, from the mobile switching center to
the mobile station, a rejection signal including a restriction time
period for restricting establishment of the second connection for
the specific communication; and (D) restricting, at the mobile
station, transmission of a first connection establishment request
signal requesting establishment of the first connection for the
specific communication and transmission of the second connection
establishment request signal, after reception of the rejection
signal until expiry of the restriction time period.
[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station configured to perform specific communication with a
specific destination, including: a second connection control unit
configured to transmit a second connection establishment request
signal to a mobile switching center, while a first connection is
established with a radio access network apparatus, the second
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
a second connection for the specific communication with the mobile
switching center; and a restriction processing unit configured to
restrict transmission of a first connection establishment request
signal requesting establishment of the first connection for the
specific communication and transmission of the second connection
establishment request signal, after reception of a rejection signal
responding to the second connection establishment request signal
until expiry of the restriction time period included in the
rejection signal.
[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile switching center used in a mobile communication method for
performing specific communication between a mobile station and a
specific destination, including: a reception unit configured to
receive, while a first connection is established between the mobile
station and a radio access network apparatus, a second connection
establishment request signal requesting establishment of a second
connection for the specific communication with the mobile station;
a restriction determination unit configured to determine to
restrict establishment of the second connection for the specific
communication, when the second connection establishment request
signal is received and when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
and a restriction information transmission unit configured to
transmit a rejection signal to the mobile station, the rejection
signal including a restriction time period for restricting
establishment of the second connection for the specific
communication.
Effects of the Invention
[0009] As has been described so far, the present invention is able
to provide a mobile communication method, a mobile station and a
mobile switching center which enable flexible call restriction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an entire configuration diagram of a mobile
communication system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a mobile station
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a mobile switching
center according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an entire configuration diagram of a mobile
communication system according to a first modified example of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first modified example
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first modified example
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the
mobile communication system according to the first modified example
of the present invention.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] (Configuration of Mobile Communication System according to
First Embodiment of Present Invention)
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a description will be given
of a configuration of a mobile communication system according to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile communication system
according to this embodiment is a mobile communication system of
the LTE (Long Term Evolution) and includes a first gateway
apparatus P-GW (PDN-Gateway), a second gateway apparatus S-GW
(Serving-Gateway), a mobile switching center MME and a radio base
station eNB.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, a mobile station UE according to this
embodiment includes an AS (Access Stratum) connection (first
connection) control unit 11 as an AS processing unit 100, as well
as a restriction processing unit 21 and a NAS (Non Access Stratum)
connection (second connection) control unit 22 as a NAS processing
unit 200.
[0024] The AS connection control unit 11 is configured to perform
processing to establish an AS connection for specific communication
between the mobile station UE and a specific destination APN. Here,
an AS connection is a connection established between the mobile
station UE and a radio base station eNB (radio access network
apparatus).
[0025] The AS connection control unit 11 may also be configured to
perform processing to establish an AS connection for the specific
communication while a third connection for the specific
communication is established (Preservation state) in a core
network. Here, the third connection is established between the
first gateway apparatus P-GW and the mobile switching center MME,
for example.
[0026] The NAS connection control unit 22 is configured to transmit
a NAS connection establishment request signal (PDN Connectivity
Request/Service Request) for requesting the mobile switching center
MME to establish a NAS connection for the specific communication
between the mobile station UE and the mobile switching center MME,
while an AS connection for the specific communication is
established between the mobile station UE and the radio base
station eNB.
[0027] The NAS connection control unit 22 may also be configured to
transmit the NAS connection establishment request signal included
in an AS connection establishment response signal (RRC Connection
Setup Complete) transmitted to the radio base station eNB, in the
processing to establish an AS connection for the specific
communication.
[0028] The restriction processing unit 23 is configured to restrict
transmission of an AS connection establishment request signal (RRC
Connection Request) requesting establishment of an AS connection
for the specific communication and of the NAS connection
establishment request signal, after reception of a rejection signal
(PDN Connectivity Reject/Service Reject) for the NAS connection
establishment request signal until expiry of a restriction time
period included in the rejection signal.
[0029] Note, however, that even before expiry of the restriction
time period after reception of the rejection signal for the NAS
connection establishment request signal, the AS connection control
unit 11 can transmit the AS connection establishment request signal
requesting establishment of an AS connection for emergency call,
and the NAS connection control unit 22 can transmit the NAS
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
a NAS connection for emergency call.
[0030] Moreover, even before expiry of the restriction time period
after reception of the rejection signal for the NAS connection
establishment request signal, the AS connection control unit 11 can
transmit the AS connection establishment request signal or the NAS
connection establishment request signal to a destination other than
the specific destination.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile switching center MME includes
a NAS connection establishment request signal reception unit 31, a
restriction determination unit 32 and a restriction information
transmission unit 33.
[0032] The NAS connection establishment request signal reception
unit 31 is configured to receive a NAS connection establishment
request signal requesting establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication with the mobile station UE, while an AS
connection for the specific communication is established between
the mobile station UE and the radio base station eNB.
[0033] The restriction determination unit 32 is configured to
determine to restrict establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication, when the NAS connection establishment
request signal is received and a predetermined condition is
satisfied.
[0034] For example, the restriction determination unit 32 may be
configured to determine that a predetermined condition is satisfied
in such a case as where a traffic amount or the number of calls of
a specific mobile station during a predetermined time period
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[0035] The restriction determination unit 32 may also be configured
to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied
depending on contents of a contract, use conditions and the like of
a user.
[0036] Note that the restriction determination unit 32 may be
configured to restrict transmission of the AS connection
establishment request signal and the NAS connection establishment
request signal in the aforementioned manner, only in a case where
the rejection signal for the NAS connection establishment request
signal includes a specific "cause value".
[0037] The restriction information transmission unit 33 is
configured to transmit a rejection signal including a restriction
time period to the mobile station UE, the rejection time period
being set to restrict establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication.
(Operation of Mobile Communication System according to First
Embodiment of Present Invention)
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a description will be given
of an operation of the mobile communication system according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 4, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls in a case where an AS
connection is not established.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S1001, the mobile station UE
transmits an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection establishment
request signal)" to the radio base station eNB, the "RRC Connection
Request" being made to establish an AS connection for specific
communication with a specific destination APN.
[0041] In step S1002, the radio base station eNB transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup (AS connection establishment signal)" to the
mobile station UE.
[0042] In step S1003, the mobile station UE transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment response
signal)" to the radio base station eNB. At this point, an AS
connection is established between the mobile station UE and the
radio base station eNB.
[0043] Here, the mobile station UE transmits a "PDN Connectivity
Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)" included in
the "RRC Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment
response signal)", the "PDN Connectivity Request" being made to
establish a NAS connection for the specific communication with the
specific destination APN.
[0044] In step S1004, the radio base station eNB transmits an
"Initial UE Message" including the "PDN Connectivity Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" to the mobile switching
center MME.
[0045] In step S1005, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center MME determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0046] In step S1006, the mobile switching center MME transmits a
"Downlink NAS Transport" including a "PDN Connectivity Reject
(rejection signal)" to the radio base station eNB. Here, the "PDN
Connectivity Reject (rejection signal)" includes a restriction time
period for restricting establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication.
[0047] In step S1007, the radio base station eNB transmits a "DL
Information Transfer" including the "PDN Connectivity Reject
(rejection signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0048] In step S1008, the mobile switching center MME transmits a
"UE Context Release Command" to the radio base station eNB.
[0049] The radio base station eNB transmits an "RRC Connection
Release (AS connection release request signal)" to the mobile
station UE in step S1009, and transmits a "UE Context Release
Complete" to the mobile switching center MME in step S1010. At this
point, the AS connection between the mobile station UE and the
radio base station eNB is disconnected.
[0050] In step S1011, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the "PDN
Connectivity Reject (rejection signal)" until expiration of the
aforementioned restriction time period.
[0051] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts transmission of an "RRC connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" and transmission of a "PDN
Connectivity Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)"
(in a case where an AS connection for communication is established
between the mobile station UE and a destination other than the
specific destination APN).
[0052] Secondly, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls in a case where an AS
connection is established.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S2001, the mobile station UE
transmits a "UL Information Transfer" including a "PDN Connectivity
Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)" to the radio
base station eNB, the "PDN Connectivity Request" being made to
establish a NAS connection for the specific communication with the
specific destination APN.
[0054] In step S2002, the radio base station eNB transmits an
"Uplink NAS Transport" including the "PDN Connectivity Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" to the mobile switching
center MME.
[0055] In step S2003, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center MME determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0056] In step S2004, the mobile switching center MME transmits a
"Downlink WAS Transport" including a "PDN Connectivity Reject
(rejection signal)" to the radio base station eNB. Here, the "PDN
Connectivity Reject (rejection signal)" includes a restriction time
period for restricting establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication.
[0057] In step S2005, the radio base station eNB transmits a "DL
Information Transfer" including a "PDN Connectivity Reject
(rejection signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0058] In step S2006, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the "PDN
Connectivity Reject (rejection signal)" until expiry of the
aforementioned restriction time period.
[0059] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts transmission of an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" (in a case where the AS connection
is disconnected for any reason) and transmission of a "PDN
Connectivity Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)"
(in a case where the AS connection is established).
[0060] Thirdly, with reference to FIG. 6, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls when recovering from the
Preservation state.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S3001, the mobile station UE
transmits an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection establishment
request signal)" to the radio base station eNB, the "RRC Connection
Request" being made to establish an AS connection for specific
communication with a specific destination APN.
[0062] In step S3002, the radio base station eNB transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup (AS connection establishment signal)" to the
mobile station UE.
[0063] In step S3003, the mobile station UE transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment response
signal)" to the radio base station eNB. At this point, an AS
connection is established between the mobile station UE and the
radio base station eNB.
[0064] Here, the mobile station UE transmits a "Service Request
(NAS connection establishment request signal)" included in the "RRC
Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment response
signal)", the "Service Request" being made to establish a NAS
connection for the specific communication with the specific
destination APN.
[0065] In step S3004, the radio base station eNB transmits an
"Initial UE Message" including the "Service Request (NAS connection
establishment request signal)" to the mobile switching center
MME.
[0066] In step S3005, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center MME determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0067] In step S3006, the mobile switching center MME transmits a
"Downlink NAS Transport" including a "Service Reject (rejection
signal)" to the radio base station eNB. Here, the "Service Reject
(rejection signal)" includes a restriction time period for
restricting establishment of a NAB connection for the specific
communication.
[0068] In step S3007, the radio base station eNB transmits a "DL
Information Transfer" including the "Service Reject (rejection
signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0069] In step S3008, the mobile switching center MME transmits a
"UE Context Release Command" to the radio base station eNB.
[0070] The radio base station eNB transmits an "RRC Connection
Release (AS connection release request signal)" to the mobile
station UE in step S3009, and transmits a "UE Context Release
Complete" to the mobile switching center MME in step S3010. At this
point, the AS connection between the mobile station UE and the
radio base station eNB is disconnected.
[0071] In step S3011, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the "Service
Reject (rejection signal)" until expiry of the aforementioned
restriction time period.
[0072] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts the recovery from the Preservation state, in other words,
transmission of an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" (in a case where an AS connection is
not established) and transmission of a "Service Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" (in a case where an AS
connection for communication is established between the mobile
station UE and a destination other than the specific destination
APN).
[0073] Instead of steps S3001 to S3004, the mobile station UE may
transmit a "Tracking Area Update Request with an Active Flag" which
is a location registration request signal including an AS
connection establishment request signal, to the mobile switching
center MME.
[0074] In this case, the "Service Request" in steps S3006 and S3007
is a "Tracking Area Update", and in step S3011 the mobile station
UE may restrict transmission of the "Tracking Area Update" during
the aforementioned restriction time period.
(Advantageous Effects of Mobile Communication System according to
First Embodiment of Present Invention)
[0075] According to the mobile communication system of the first
embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to restrict
calls from the mobile station UE concerning only specific
communication addressed to a specific destination APN.
First Modified Example
[0076] A description will be given of a first modified example of
the present invention with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. Hereinafter,
the first modified example of the present invention will be
described by focusing on differences from the aforementioned first
embodiment.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile communication system
according to the first modified example of the present invention is
a mobile communication system of the WCDMA, and includes a first
gateway apparatus P-GW, a second gateway apparatus S-GW, the mobile
switching center SGSN, a radio control apparatus RNC and a radio
base station NodeB.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, a description will be given
of an operation of the mobile communication system according to the
first modified example of the present invention.
[0079] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 8, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls in a case where an AS
connection is not established.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S4001, the mobile station UE
transmits an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection establishment
request signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC (radio access
network apparatus), the "RRC Connection Request" being made to
establish an AS connection for specific communication with a
specific destination APN.
[0081] In step S4002, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Radio Link Setup Request" to the radio base station NodeB. In step
S4003, the radio base station NodeB transmits a "Radio Link Setup
Response" to the radio control apparatus RNC.
[0082] In step S4004, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits an
"RRC Connection Setup (AS connection establishment signal)" to the
mobile station UE.
[0083] In step S4005, the mobile station UE transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment response
signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC. At this point, an AS
connection is established between the mobile station UE and the
radio control apparatus RNC.
[0084] In step S4006, the mobile station UE transmits an "Initial
Direct Transfer" including a "Service Request" to the radio control
apparatus RNC. In step S4007, the radio control apparatus RNC
transmits an "Initial UE message" including the "Service Request"
to the mobile switching center SGSN. In step S4008, an
authentication and secrecy procedure is carried out between the
mobile station UE and the mobile switching center SGSN.
[0085] In step S4009, the mobile station UE transmits an "Uplink
Direct Transfer" including a "Activate PDP Context Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" to the radio control
apparatus RNC, the "Activate PDP Context Request" being made to
establish a NAS connection for the specific communication with the
specific destination APN.
[0086] In step 4010, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits the
"Direct Transfer" including the "Activate PDP Context Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" to the mobile switching
center SGSN.
[0087] In step S4011, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center SGSN determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0088] In step S4012, the mobile switching center SGSN transmits a
"Direct Transfer" including an "Activate PDP Context Reject
(rejection signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC. Here, the
"Activate PDP Context Reject (rejection signal)" includes a
restriction time period for restricting establishment of a NAS
connection for the specific communication.
[0089] In step S4013, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Downlink Direct Transfer" including the "Activate PDP Context
Reject (rejection signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0090] In step S4014, the mobile switching center SGSN transmits an
"Iu Release Command" to the radio control apparatus RNC.
[0091] The radio control apparatus RNC transmits an "RRC Connection
Release (AS connection release request signal)" to the mobile
station UE in step S4015, and receives an "RRC Connection Release
Complete" from the mobile station UE in step S4016.
[0092] Furthermore, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Radio Link Deletion Request" to the radio base station NodeB in
step S4017, and receives a "Radio Link Deletion Response" from the
mobile station UE in step S4018.
[0093] The radio control apparatus RNS transmits an "Iu Release
Complete" to the mobile switching center SGSN in step S4019. At
this point, the AS connection between the mobile station UE and the
radio control apparatus RNC is disconnected.
[0094] In step S4020, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the
"Activate PDP Context Reject (rejection signal)" until expiry of
the aforementioned restriction time period.
[0095] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts transmission of a "RRC Connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" (in a case where an AB connection is
not established) and transmission of an "Activate PDP Context
Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)" (in a case
where an AS connection for communication is established between the
mobile station UE and a destination other than the specific
destination APN).
[0096] Secondly, with reference to FIG. 9, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls in a case where an AS
connection is established.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S5001, the mobile station UE
transmits an "Uplink Direct Transfer" including an "Activate PDP
Context Request (NAS connection establishment request signal)" to
the radio control apparatus RNC, the "Activate PDP Context Request"
being made to establish a NAS connection for specific communication
with the specific destination APN.
[0098] In step S5002, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Direct Transfer" including the "Activate PDP Context Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" to the mobile switching
center SGSN.
[0099] In step S5003, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center SGSN determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0100] In step S5004, the mobile switching center SGSN transmits a
"Direct Transfer" including an "Activate PDP Context Reject
(rejection signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC. Here, the
"Activate PDP Context Reject (rejection signal)" includes a
restriction time period for restricting establishment of a NAS
connection for the specific communication.
[0101] In step S5005, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Downlink Direct Transfer" including the "Activate PDP Context
Reject (rejection signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0102] In step S5006, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the
"Activate PDP Context Reject (rejection signal)" until expiry of
the aforementioned restriction time period.
[0103] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts transmission of an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" (in a case where the AS connection
is disconnected for any reason) and transmission of the "Activate
PDP Context request (NAS connection establishment request signal)"
(in a case where the AS connection is established).
[0104] Thirdly, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be
given of an operation of restricting calls when recovering from the
Preservation state.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 10, in step S6001, the mobile station UE
transmits an "RRC Connection Request (AS connection establishment
request signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC, the "RRC
Connection Request" being made to establish an AS connection for
specific communication with a specific destination APN.
[0106] In step S6002, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Radio Link Setup Request" to the radio base station NodeB. In step
S6003, the radio base station NodeB transmits a "Radio Link Setup
Response" to the radio control apparatus RNC.
[0107] In step S6004, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits an
"RRC Connection Setup (AS connection establishment signal)" to the
mobile station UE.
[0108] In step S6005, the mobile station UE transmits an "RRC
Connection Setup Complete (AS connection establishment response
signal)" to the radio control apparatus RNC. At this point, an AS
connection is established between the mobile station UE and the
radio control apparatus RNC.
[0109] In step S6006, the mobile station UE transmits an "Initial
Direct Transfer" including a "Service Request" to the radio control
apparatus RNC. In step S6007, the radio control apparatus RNC
transmits an "Initial UE message" including the "Service Request"
to the mobile switching center SGSN.
[0110] In step S6008, the NAS function of the mobile switching
center SGSN determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and determines to restrict calls from the mobile station UE.
[0111] In step S6009, the mobile switching center SGSN transmits a
"Direct Transfer" including a "Service Reject (rejection signal)"
to the radio control apparatus RNC. Here, the "Service Reject
(rejection signal)" includes a restriction time period for
restricting establishment of a NAB connection for the specific
communication.
[0112] In step S6010, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Downlink Direct Transfer" including the "Service Reject (rejection
signal)" to the mobile station UE.
[0113] In step S6011, the mobile switching center SGSN transmits an
"Iu Release Command" to the radio control apparatus RNC.
[0114] The radio control apparatus RNC transmits an "RRC Connection
Release (AS connection release request signal)" to the mobile
station UE in step S6012, and receives an "RRC Connection Release
Complete" from the mobile station UE in step S6013.
[0115] In addition, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits a
"Radio Link Deletion Request" to the radio base station NodeB in
step S6014, and receives a "Radio Link Deletion Response" from the
mobile station UE in step S6015.
[0116] In step S6016, the radio control apparatus RNC transmits an
"Iu Release Complete" to the mobile switching center SGSN. At this
point, the AS connection between the mobile station EE and the
radio control apparatus RNC is disconnected.
[0117] In step S6017, the mobile station UE restricts calls to the
aforementioned specific destination after reception of the "Service
Reject (rejection signal)" until expiry of the aforementioned
restriction time period.
[0118] Specifically, during this time period, the mobile station UE
restricts the recovery from the Preservation state, in other words,
transmission of a "RRC Connection Request (AS connection
establishment request signal)" (in a case where an AS connection is
not established) and transmission of the "Service Request (NAS
connection establishment request signal)" (in a case where an AS
connection for communication is established between the mobile
station UE and a destination other than the specific destination
APN).
[0119] The features of the embodiment described above may be
described as follows.
[0120] A first aspect of the embodiment is summarized as a mobile
communication method for performing specific communication between
a mobile station UE and a specific destination APN, including the
steps of: (A) transmitting, to a mobile switching center MME/SGSN,
a NAS connection establishment request signal (Activate PDP Context
Request/PDN Conductivity Request/Service Request) requesting
establishment of a NAS connection (second connection) for the
specific communication between the mobile station UE and the mobile
switching center MME/SGSN, while an AS connection (first
connection) is established between the mobile station UE and a
radio access network apparatus (the radio base station eNB and
radio control apparatus RNC); (B) determining, at the mobile
switching center MME/SGSN, to restrict establishment of the NAS
connection for the specific communication, when the NAS connection
establishment request signal is received and when a predetermined
condition is satisfied; (C) transmitting, from the mobile switching
center MME/SGSN to the mobile station UE, a rejection signal
(Activate PDP Context Reject/PDN Connectivity Reject/Service
Reject) including a restriction time period for restricting
establishment of the NAB connection for the specific communication;
and (D) restricting, at the mobile station UE, transmission of an
AS connection establishment request signal (RRC Connection Setup
Request) requesting establishment of the AS connection for the
specific communication and transmission of the NAS connection
establishment request signal, after reception of the rejection
signal until expiry of the restriction time period.
[0121] In the first aspect of the embodiment, in the step (A), the
mobile station UE may perform processing to establish the AS
connection for the specific communication, and transmit the NAS
connection establishment request signal (PDN Connectivity
Request/Service Request) included in an AS connection establishment
response signal (RRC Connection Setup Request) transmitted to the
radio access network apparatus in the processing to establish the
AS connection for the specific communication.
[0122] In the first aspect of the embodiment, in the step (A), the
processing to establish the AS connection for the specific
communication may be performed, while a third connection for the
specific communication is established in a core network (in the
Preservation state).
[0123] In the first aspect of the embodiment, in the step (A), the
mobile station UE may perform the processing to establish the AS
connection for the specific communication by transmitting a
location registration request signal (Tracking Area Update Reject)
including the AS connection establishment request signal, in a
state (Preservation state) where the third connection for the
specific communication is established in the core network; and in
the step (D), the mobile station may restrict transmission of the
location registration request signal after the reception of the
rejection signal (Tracking Area Update Reject) until expiry of the
restriction time period.
[0124] In the first aspect of the embodiment, a step of
disconnecting the AS connection for the specific communication may
be further included.
[0125] In the first aspect of the embodiment, in the step (D), the
mobile station may be allowed to transmit an AS connection
establishment request signal requesting establishment of an AS
connection for emergency call, or to transmit a NAS connection
establishment request signal requesting establishment of a NAS
connection for emergency call.
[0126] A second aspect of the embodiment is summarized as a mobile
station UE configured to perform specific communication with a
specific destination APN, including: a NAS connection control unit
22 configured to transmit a NAS connection establishment request
signal to a mobile switching center MME/SGSN, while an AS
connection is established with a radio access network apparatus,
the NAS connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of a NAS connection for the specific communication
with the mobile switching center MME/SGSN; and a restriction
processing unit 21 configured to restrict transmission of an AS
connection establishment request signal requesting establishment of
the AS connection for the specific communication and transmission
of the NAS connection establishment request signal, after reception
of a rejection signal responding to the NAS connection
establishment request signal until expiry of the restriction time
period included in the rejection signal.
[0127] In the second aspect of the embodiment, an AS connection
control unit 11 configured to perform processing to establish the
AS connection for the specific communication may be included; and
the NAS connection control unit 22 may be configured to transmit
the NAS connection establishment request signal included in an AS
connection establishment response signal transmitted to the radio
access network apparatus in the processing to establish the AS
connection for the specific communication.
[0128] In the second aspect of the embodiment, the AS connection
control unit 11 may be configured to perform the processing to
establish the AS connection for the specific communication, while a
third connection for the specific communication is established in a
core network.
[0129] In the second aspect of the embodiment, the AS connection
control unit 11 may be configured to perform the processing to
establish the AS connection for the specific communication by
transmitting a location registration request signal including the
AS connection establishment request signal, while the third
connection for the specific communication is established in the
core network; and the restriction processing unit 21 may be
configured to restrict transmission of the location registration
request signal after the reception of the rejection signal until
expiry of the restriction time period.
[0130] In the second aspect of the embodiment, even after the
reception of the rejection signal responding to the NAS connection
establishment request signal until expiry of the restriction time
period, the AS connection control unit 11 may be allowed to
transmit an AS connection establishment request signal requesting
establishment of an AS connection for emergency call, and the NAS
connection control unit 22 is allowed to transmit a NAS connection
establishment request signal requesting establishment of a NAS
connection for emergency call.
[0131] A third aspect of the embodiment is summarized as a mobile
switching center MME/SGSN used in a mobile communication method for
performing specific communication between a mobile station UE and a
specific destination APN, including: a NAS connection establishment
request signal reception unit 31 configured to receive, while an AS
connection is established between the mobile station UE and a radio
access network apparatus, a NAB connection establishment request
signal requesting establishment of a NAS connection for the
specific communication with the mobile station UE; a restriction
determination unit 32 configured to determine to restrict
establishment of the NAS connection for the specific communication,
when the NAS connection establishment request signal is received
and when a predetermined condition is satisfied; and a restriction
information transmission unit 33 configured to transmit a rejection
signal to the mobile station UE, the rejection signal including a
restriction time period for restricting establishment of the NAS
connection for the specific communication.
[0132] Note that operation of the above described mobile station UE
and the mobile switching center MME/SGSN may be implemented by
means of hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a
combination of both.
[0133] The software module may be provided in any type of storage
medium such as an RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a ROM
(Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM
(Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM), a register, a hard
disk, a removable disk, or a CD-ROM.
[0134] The storage medium is connected to the processor so that the
processor can read and write information from and to the storage
medium. Also, the storage medium may be integrated into the
processor. Also, the storage medium and the processor may be
provided in an ASIC. The ASIC may be provided in the mobile station
UE and the mobile switching center MME/SGSN. Also, the storage
medium and the processor may be provided in the mobile station UE
and the mobile switching center MME/SGSN as a discrete
component.
[0135] Hereinabove, the present invention has been described in
detail using the above embodiment; however, it is apparent to those
skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the
embodiment described herein. Modifications and variations of the
present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention defined by the description of the
scope of claims. Thus, what is described herein is for illustrative
purpose, and has no intention whatsoever to limit the present
invention.
* * * * *