U.S. patent application number 13/073545 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-22 for communication network system and mobile terminal.
Invention is credited to Masahiro Kuroda, Akira OKUBO.
Application Number | 20110230189 13/073545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36991347 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110230189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKUBO; Akira ; et
al. |
September 22, 2011 |
Communication Network System and Mobile Terminal
Abstract
An identification-information extracting unit extracts first
identification information of a location registration area of a
wireless communication system. A storage unit stores correspondence
information concerning a relationship between the first
identification information and second identification information of
a location registration area managed by a communication network
system. A location-registration requesting unit transmits
location-registration request information for requesting a location
registering device to perform a new location registration when the
second identification information is updated by a movement of a
mobile terminal.
Inventors: |
OKUBO; Akira; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kuroda; Masahiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
Family ID: |
36991347 |
Appl. No.: |
13/073545 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11886250 |
Sep 13, 2007 |
7937084 |
|
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PCT/JP2005/004457 |
Mar 14, 2005 |
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13073545 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/435.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 8/04 20130101; H04W
28/08 20130101; H04W 36/32 20130101; H04W 88/14 20130101; H04W
88/06 20130101; H04W 88/18 20130101; H04W 8/08 20130101; H04W 92/02
20130101; H04W 60/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/435.1 |
International
Class: |
H04W 60/00 20090101
H04W060/00 |
Claims
1. A location registration method employed in a mobile terminal
communicating with a base station, the location registration method
comprising: a first reception step of receiving a location
registration identifier specific to an area corresponding to the
base station from the base station; a determination step of
determining whether the received location registration identifier
is present in a first identification information list, which stores
therein the location registration identifiers in advance; a first
transmission step of transmitting a location-registration request
message to a controller by way of the base station, when
determining that the received location registration identifier is
not present in the first identification information list at the
determination step; a second reception step of receiving a second
identification information list from the controller as a
location-registration response message; and an update step of
storing the received second identification information list.
2. The location registration method according to claim 1, wherein
the second identification information list is updated by the
controller based on the location-registration request message.
3. The location registration method according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the second identification information list is added to the
location-registration response message and transmitted to the
mobile terminal.
4. The location registration method according to any one of claims
1 to 3, wherein the first identification information list is
deleted when the second identification information list is
stored.
5. The location registration method according to any one of claims
1 to 4, wherein the controller is a paging agent.
Description
[0001] This application is a Divisional of copending application
Ser. No. 11/886,250 filed on Sep. 13, 2007, which is a National
Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2005/004457 filed
on Mar. 14, 2005. The entire contents of all of the above
applications is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a communication network
system that integrates heterogeneous wireless access systems, and a
mobile terminal.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In mobile communications, not only voice communications but
also access to the Internet, electronic mails, and image
distribution and communications can be carried out relatively
easily. Because of the convenience, many people are nowadays using
the mobile communications, and a further development toward
higher-speed and larger-capacity mobile communications is expected
in recent years.
[0004] Wireless access systems such as the second-generation (2G)
and the third-generation (3G) cellular systems and wireless LANs,
the Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the UWB (Ultra Wide Band)
are widely distributed. Among others, there is a system of
integrating heterogeneous wireless access systems as the Beyond3G
(4G) wireless network, and controlling the access system as one
mobile communication network.
[0005] The integrated mobile communication system described in
Patent Document 1 includes a database that stores data by relating
a terminal ID (Identification) of a terminal to a location ID. A
mobile communication present on an arbitrary platform,
address-converts this message based on a corresponding database,
and accesses a mobile communication database of other platform
based on the converted address, thereby carrying out communications
between the different platforms. A mobile management gateway
monitors a message from a calling terminal, and allocates a
suitable location ID indicating a moving destination, to this
message.
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.
2001-285372.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] According to the conventional technique, a routing is
carried out by executing an address conversion to connect between
different platforms. However, because the different platforms are
connected to each other at the gateway level, a location
registration area itself depends on the platforms. Therefore,
locations need to be registered at individual platforms.
Consequently, the location registration area cannot be structured
between the platforms.
[0008] The present invention has been achieved in view of the above
problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a
communication network system and a mobile terminal that can
structure location registration areas between plural wireless
systems, without depending on individual wireless systems and
without giving alterations to the individual wireless systems.
Means for Solving Problem
[0009] To solve the above problems and to achieve the object, a
communication network system according to the present invention
includes a plurality of heterogeneous wireless communication
systems and a location registering device that registers a location
of a mobile terminal that communicates with the wireless
communication systems. The mobile terminal includes a first
identification-information extracting unit that extracts first
identification information specific to a location registration area
of each of the wireless communication systems from information
received from each of the wireless communication systems, a first
storage unit that stores therein correspondence information
concerning a correspondence relationship between the first
identification information and second identification information of
a location registration area managed by the communication network
system, and a location-registration requesting unit that extracts
the second identification information corresponding to the first
identification information based on the first identification
information extracted by the identification-information extracting
unit and the correspondence information stored in the first storage
unit, and that transmits location-registration request information
which requests the location registering device to carry out a new
location registration when the second identification information is
updated based on a move.
Effect of the Invention
[0010] The wireless communication network system according to the
present invention extracts the second identification information of
the location registration area managed by the communication network
system, from the first identification information specific to the
location registration area of each wireless communication system,
based on the relationship between the first identification
information and the second identification information. The wireless
communication network system registers a new location in the
location registering device when the second identification
information is changed due to the move. Therefore, it becomes
possible to identify location registration areas between overlaid
wireless communication systems. The communication network system
can structure flexible location registration areas between
heterogeneous wireless communication systems. Consequently, the
wireless communication network system can register locations of
mobile terminals in the flexible location-registration areas
between heterogeneous wireless communication systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a configuration
of a communication network system according to a first
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between
an LA and a VLA of the communication network system according to
the first embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a configuration of a mobile
terminal according to the first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the first embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a configuration of a mobile
terminal according to a second embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configuration of a paging
agent according to the second embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the second embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a configuration of a mobile
terminal according to a third embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the third embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a configuration of a paging
agent according to a fourth embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 11 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the fourth embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a configuration of a paging
agent according to a fifth embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 13 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between
an LA and a VLA of a communication network system according to a
sixth embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 15 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the sixth embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a VLA of a
communication network system according to a seventh embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to
the seventh embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 18 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the seventh embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to
an eighth embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 20 depicts an operation procedure of a communication
network system according to the eighth embodiment.
EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS
[0031] 1 Gateway router [0032] 2 Communication terminal [0033] 3
Gateway switch [0034] 4 Paging agent [0035] 5 Buffering server
[0036] 6 External network [0037] 11, 41 Communication I/F unit
[0038] 12, 42 Storage unit [0039] 13 Identification-information
extracting unit [0040] 14 Identification-information comparing unit
[0041] 15 Information obtaining unit [0042] 16 Change-information
recognizing unit [0043] 17 Speed measuring unit [0044] 18
Wireless-system selecting unit [0045] 19, 49 Controller [0046] 43
Information providing unit [0047] 44 Capacity manager [0048] 45
Load status manager [0049] 61 to 64 Branch switch [0050] 71 to 74
Edge switch [0051] 81 to 84 Wireless base station [0052] 91 to 94
Access point [0053] 101, 102 Mobile terminal [0054] 111, 112, 122,
121, 122, 150, 161 to 164 Location registration area [0055] 130,
131 Identification information list
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0056] Exemplary embodiments of a communication network system and
a mobile terminal according to the present invention are explained
below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note
that the present invention is not limited to the following
embodiments.
First Embodiment
[0057] A first embodiment of the present invention is explained
below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. In the first embodiment,
a mobile terminal includes a list (correspondence information) for
converting location registration identifiers (first identification
information) specific to individual wireless systems into location
registration identifiers (second identification information)
managed by a communication network system (heterogeneous-wireless
integrated network) that integrates heterogeneous wireless
systems.
[0058] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a configuration
of the communication network system according to the first
embodiment. The communication network system includes a gateway
router 1, a communication terminal 2, a gateway switch 3, a paging
agent (location registering device) 4, a buffering server 5, an
external network 6, branch switches 61 to 64, edge switches 71 to
74, wireless base stations 81 to 84, access points 91 to 94, and
mobile terminals 101 and 102.
[0059] The external network 6 is a communication network such as
the Internet and the Intranet. The external network 6 is connected
with the communication terminal 2 and the gateway router 1. The
gateway router 1 connects (routes) the gateway to the external
network 6 in the IP (Internet Protocol) layer.
[0060] The communication terminal 2 is a terminal such as a
personal computer or a portable telephone that carries out
communications by being connected to the external network 6. The
communication terminal 2 communicates with the mobile terminals 101
and 102 using IP packets via the external network 6 and the gateway
switch 3.
[0061] The paging agent 4 manages (pages) the receiving state of
the mobile terminals 101 and 102. When the mobile terminals 101 and
102 shift to the waiting state, the paging agent 4 requests the
gateway switch 3 to temporarily accumulate (store) a layer 2 frame
destined to the mobile terminals 101 and 102.
[0062] The gateway switch 3 is connected to the gateway router 1,
the buffering server 5, the paging agent 4, and the branch switches
61 and 62, and manages location information concerning locations of
the total mobile terminals (the mobile terminals 101 and 102) in
the communication network system. When the layer 2 frame is
transmitted addressed to the mobile terminal 101 or 102 that shifts
to the waiting state, the gateway switch 3 transfers the layer 2
frame to the buffering server 5.
[0063] The buffering server 5 temporarily accumulates the layer 2
frame addressed to the mobile terminal 101 or 102 transferred from
the gateway switch 3, and notifies the paging agent 4 that the
layer 2 frame has been transmitted. Upon receiving a transfer
instruction of the layer 2 frame from the paging agent 4, the
buffering server 5 transfers the temporarily-accumulated layer 2
frame to the gateway switch 3.
[0064] The branch switches 61 to 64 and the edge switches 71 to 74
are connected to each other in mesh. The branch switches 61 to 64
are positioned between the edge switches 71 to 74 and the gateway
switch 3, and relay (transfer) the layer 2 frames transmitted and
received between the edge switches 71 to 74 and the gateway switch
3. In the present example, the connection of the branch switches 61
and 62 to the gateway switch 3 is shown. The branch switch 63 is
connected to the branch switch 61, and the branch switch 64 is
connected to the branch switch 62. The branch switch 61 is
connected to the branch switch 62, and the branch switch 63 is
connected to the branch switch 64.
[0065] The edge switches 71 to 74 are connected to the branch
switches 63 and 64. In the present example, the edge switches 71
and 72 are connected to the branch switch 63, and the edge switches
71 and 72 are connected to the branch switch 63. The edge switch 71
is connected to the edge switch 72, and the edge switch 73 is
connected to the edge switch 74. The edge switches 71 to 74
accommodate the wireless base stations 81 to 84 and the access
points 91 to 94 corresponding to various kinds of wireless systems.
The edge switches 71 to 74 relay information transmitted and
received between the wireless base stations 81 to 84, the access
points 91 to 94, and the branch switches 61 to 64. The wireless
base stations 81 to 84 and the access points 91 to 94 are connected
to the mobile terminals 101 and 102 at predetermined wireless
interfaces.
[0066] The mobile terminals 101 and 102 are movable communication
terminals such as a portable telephone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone
System), and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and move in
service areas (LA and VLA described later) managed by the wireless
base stations 81 to 84 and the access points 91 to 94. The mobile
terminals 101 and 102 are connected to a hierarchical layer 2
network or the like at predetermined wireless interfaces provided
by the wireless base stations 81 to 84 and the access points 91 to
94.
[0067] In the communication network system, the mobile terminals
101 and 102 move in location registration areas (hereinafter, also
LA (Location Area)) of the individual wireless systems, and
location registration areas (hereinafter, also VLA (Virtual
Location Area)) managed by the communication network system.
[0068] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between
the LA and the VLA of the communication network system according to
the first embodiment. FIG. 2 depicts the communication network
system omitting the branch switches 61 to 64.
[0069] The wireless base station 81 connected to the edge switch 71
can communicate with the mobile terminals 101 and 102 within a
location registration area 111 of a third-generation (3G) mobile
communication system. The plural access points 91 connected to the
edge switch 71 can communicate with the mobile terminals 101 and
102 within a location registration area 121 of a fourth-generation
(4G) mobile communication system.
[0070] In the present example, as location registration identifiers
(LAI (Location Area Identification)) specific to each wireless
system, the LAI of the location registration area 111 is an
identifier "LAI:3G-LA2", and the LAI of the location registration
area 121 is an identifier "LAI:4G-LAb". As location registration
identifiers (VLAI (Virtual Location Area Identification)) managed
by the communication network system, the VLAI of the location
registration area 111 is "LA2", and the VLAI of the location
registration area 121 is "LA3".
[0071] Further, the wireless base station 82 connected to the edge
switch 72 can communicate with the mobile terminals 101 and 102
within a location registration area 112 of the third-generation
mobile communication system. The plural access points 92 connected
to the edge switch 72 can communicate with the mobile terminals 101
and 102 within a location registration area 122 of the
fourth-generation mobile communication system.
[0072] In the present example, the LAI of the location registration
area 112 is an identifier "LAI:3G-LA1", and the LAI of the location
registration area 122 is an identifier "LAI:4G-LAa". The VLAI of
the location registration area 112 and 122 is "LA2".
[0073] That is, the "LAI:3G-LA1" of the location registration area
112 corresponds to the VLAI (LA1), the "LAI:4G-LAa" of the location
registration area 122 corresponds to the VLAI (LA1), the
"LAI:3G-LA2" of the location registration area 111 corresponds to
the VLAI (LA2), and the "LAI:4G-LAb" of the location registration
area 121 corresponds to the VLAI (LA3). Each mobile terminal 101
(102) stores a table of correspondence (hereinafter, identification
information list 130) between the LAI and the VLAI.
[0074] Configurations of the mobile terminals 101 and 102 are
explained next. Because the mobile terminals 101 and 102 have
similar configurations, the mobile terminal 101 is explained as an
example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of the
mobile terminal according to the first embodiment.
[0075] The mobile terminal 101 includes a communication I/F unit
11, a storage unit (first storage unit) 12, an
identification-information extracting unit 13, an
identification-information comparing unit (location-registration
requesting unit) 14, and a controller 19. The communication I/F
unit 11 is the communication interface that transmits and receives
information the wireless base stations 81 to 84 and the access
points 91 to 94. The storage unit 12 stores the identification
information list 130.
[0076] The identification-information extracting unit 13 extracts
the LAI of each wireless system from notification information
(System Information) received from the wireless base stations 81 to
84 and the access points 91 to 94 (the wireless systems).
[0077] The identification-information comparing unit 14 extracts
the VLAI corresponding to the LAI extracted by the
identification-information extracting unit 13, based on the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13 and
the identification information list 130 stored by the storage unit
12. The identification-information comparing unit 14 stores in
advance the VLAI extracted by the identification-information
extracting unit 13, and determines whether there has been a change
in the VLAI extracted this time by the identification-information
extracting unit 13. The controller 19 controls the communication
I/F unit 11, the storage unit 12, the identification-information
extracting unit 13, and the identification-information comparing
unit 14.
[0078] An operation procedure of the communication network system
according to the first embodiment is explained next. FIG. 4 depicts
the operation procedure of the communication network system
according to the first embodiment. As one example of a move of the
mobile terminal 101, there is explained below the move of the
mobile terminal 101 in the waiting state in the order of the
location registration area 122 (LAI:4G-LAa) of the 4G, the location
registration area 112 (LAI:3G-LA1) of the 3G, the location
registration area 121 (LAI:4G-LAb) of the 4G, and the location
registration area 111 (LAI:3G-LA2) of the 3G.
[0079] Because the mobile terminal 101 is first located in the
location registration area 122, the paging agent 4 stores the VLA
(LA1) of the mobile terminal 101. The paging agent stores in
advance the identification information list 130 into the storage
unit 12 of the mobile terminal 101.
[0080] The mobile terminal 101 first receives the notification
information (the System Information) from the access point 92 via
the communication I/F unit 11 in the location registration area 122
of the 4G (step S100). The notification information contains the
location registration identifier (LAI) specific to each wireless
system.
[0081] The identification-information extracting unit 13 of the
mobile terminal 101 extracts the "LAI:4G-LAa" as the location
registration identifier of the 4G from the received notification
information. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 obtains the VLAI corresponding to the
extracted LAI (converts the LAI into the VLAI), based on the
identification information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12
(step S110). In this case, because the "LAI:4G-LAa" of the location
registration area 122 corresponds to the VLAI (LA1), the
identification-information comparing unit 14 extracts the VLAI
(LA1).
[0082] The identification-information comparing unit 14 of the
mobile terminal 101 compares the VLAI extracted this time with the
VLAI held by the identification-information comparing unit 14 (step
S120). Because the VLAI extracted this time has the same value
(LA1) as that of the VLAI held by the identification-information
comparing unit 14, the identification-information comparing unit 14
determines that there is no change in the VLA, and the mobile
terminal 101 maintains the receiving state. The
identification-information comparing unit 14 keeps holding the held
VLAI.
[0083] Next, the mobile terminal 101 moves to the location
registration area 112 of the 3G. The mobile terminal 101 receives
the notification information from the wireless base station 82 via
the communication I/F unit 11 in the location registration area 112
of the 3G (step S130).
[0084] The identification-information extracting unit 13 of the
mobile terminal 101 extracts the "LAI:3G-LA1" as the location
registration identifier of the 4G from the received notification
information. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 obtains the VLAI corresponding to the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13,
based on the identification information list 130 stored in the
storage unit 12 (step S140). In this case, because the "LAI:3G-LA1"
of the location registration area 112 corresponds to the VLAI (LA1)
in the identification information list 130, the
identification-information comparing unit 14 extracts the VLAI
(LA1).
[0085] The identification-information comparing unit 14 of the
mobile terminal 101 compares the VLAI extracted this time with the
VLAI held by the identification-information comparing unit 14 (step
S150). Because the VLAI extracted this time has the same value
(LA1) as that of the VLAI held by the identification-information
comparing unit 14, the identification-information comparing unit 14
determines that there is no change in the VLA, and the mobile
terminal 101 maintains the receiving state. The
identification-information comparing unit 14 keeps holding the held
VLAI.
[0086] Next, the mobile terminal 101 moves to the location
registration area 121 of the 4G. The mobile terminal 101 receives
the notification information from the access point 91 via the
communication I/F unit 11 in the location registration area 121 of
the 3G (step S160).
[0087] The identification-information extracting unit 13 of the
mobile terminal 101 extracts the "LAI:3G-LAb" as the location
registration identifier of the 4G from the received notification
information. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 obtains the VLAI corresponding to the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13,
based on the identification information list 130 stored in the
storage unit 12 (step S170). In this case, because the "LAI:4G-LAb"
of the location registration area 121 corresponds to the VLAI (LA3)
in the identification information list 130, the
identification-information comparing unit 14 extracts the VLAI
(LA3).
[0088] The identification-information comparing unit 14 of the
mobile terminal 101 compares the VLAI extracted this time with the
VLAI held by the identification-information comparing unit 14 (step
S180). Because the VLAI (LA3) extracted this time has a different
value from that of the VLAI (LA1) held by the
identification-information comparing unit 14, the
identification-information comparing unit 14 determines that the
VLA has changed, and transmits a location-registration request
(Location Area Update) message (request information) to the paging
agent 4 (step S190). The location-registration request message is
the information which requests the paging agent 4 to register the
information (VLA) concerning the own location.
[0089] The location-registration request message from the mobile
terminal 101 is transmitted to the paging agent 4 via the access
point 91, the edge switch 71, the branch switches 63 and 61, and
the gateway switch 3, for example.
[0090] The paging agent 4 updates the managed VLA (location
information) of the mobile terminal 101, based on the
location-registration request message transmitted from the mobile
terminal 101 (step S200). The paging agent 4 updates the VLA of the
mobile terminal 101 from the LA1 to the LA3, and stores the updated
value.
[0091] The paging agent 4 transmits a location-registration
response (Location Area Update Accept) message (response
information) indicating the acceptance of the location-registration
request message, to the mobile terminal 101 (step S210). The
location-registration response message from the paging agent 4 is
transmitted to the mobile terminal 101 via the gateway switch 3,
the branch switches 61 and 63, the edge switch 71, and the access
point 91, for example.
[0092] Upon receiving the location-registration response message
from the paging agent 4 via the communication I/F unit 11, the
mobile terminal 101 recognizes that the location registration has
been completed. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 updates the held VLAI (LA1) to the VLAI
(LA3), and stores the updated value (step S220).
[0093] Next, the mobile terminal 101 moves to the location
registration area 111. The mobile terminal 101 receives the
notification information from the wireless base station 81 via the
communication I/F unit 11 in the location registration area 111 of
the 3G (step S230).
[0094] The identification-information extracting unit 13 of the
mobile terminal 101 extracts the "LAI:3G-LA2" as the location
registration identifier of the 3G from the received notification
information. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 obtains the VLAI corresponding to the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13,
based on the identification information list 130 stored in the
storage unit 12 (step S240). In this case, because the "LAI:3G-LA2"
of the location registration area 111 corresponds to the VLAI
(LA2), the identification-information comparing unit 14 extracts
the VLAI (LA2).
[0095] The identification-information comparing unit 14 of the
mobile terminal 101 compares the VLAI extracted this time with the
VLAI held by the identification-information comparing unit 14 (step
S250). Because the VLAI (LA2) extracted this time has a different
value from that of the VLAI (LA3) held by the
identification-information comparing unit 14, the
identification-information comparing unit 14 determines that the
VLA has changed, and transmits a location-registration request
message to the paging agent 4 (step S260).
[0096] The paging agent 4 updates the managed VLA of the mobile
terminal 101, based on the location-registration request message
transmitted from the mobile terminal 101 (step S270). The paging
agent 4 updates the VLA of the mobile terminal 101 from the LA3 to
the LA2, and stores the updated value.
[0097] The paging agent 4 transmits a location-registration
response message to the mobile terminal 101 (step S280). Upon
receiving the location-registration response message from the
paging agent 4, the mobile terminal 101 recognizes that the
location registration has been completed. The
identification-information comparing unit 14 of the mobile terminal
101 updates the held VLAI (LA3) to the VLAI (LA2), and stores the
updated value (step S290).
[0098] When the mobile terminal 101 has shifted to the waiting
state, the paging agent 4 requests the gateway switch 3 to
temporarily accumulate the layer 2 frame destined to the mobile
terminal 101. The gateway switch 3 receives the request for
temporarily accumulating the layer 2 frame, and when the layer 2
frame is transmitted to the mobile terminal 101 that has shifted to
the waiting state, the gateway switch 3 transfers the layer 2 frame
to the buffering server 5. The buffering server 5 temporarily
accumulates the layer 2 frame destined to the mobile terminal 101
until when the transfer request is instructed from the paging agent
4, and notifies the paging agent 4 that the layer 2 frame has been
transmitted. The paging agent 4 pages the mobile terminal 101 based
on this notification.
[0099] As explained above, the mobile terminal 101 includes the
list (the identification information list 130) for converting the
location registration identifier (LAI) specific to the individual
wireless system into the location registration identifier (VLAI)
managed by the heterogeneous-wireless integrated network.
Accordingly, the mobile terminal 101 can identify location
registration areas (LA) between the overlaid wireless systems.
[0100] According to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal 101
includes the identification information list 130 to enable the
mobile terminal 101 to identify the location registration areas
between the overlaid wireless systems. Therefore, the communication
network system can structure flexible location registration areas
(VLA) between heterogeneous wireless systems.
Second Embodiment
[0101] A second embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. According to the second
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
the mobile terminal 101 dynamically receives the identification
information list 130 from within the communication network system,
thereby obtaining (downloading) the identification information list
130.
[0102] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a configuration of the mobile
terminal according to the second embodiment. Among the constituent
elements shown in FIG. 5, elements that achieve the same functions
as those of the mobile terminal 101 according to the first
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by like reference numerals,
and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. The mobile
terminal 101 includes the communication I/F unit 11, the storage
unit 12, the identification-information extracting unit 13, the
identification-information comparing unit 14, an information
obtaining unit (correspondence-information obtaining unit) 15, and
the controller 19.
[0103] The information obtaining unit 15 transmits a message
(identification-information-list request message described later)
which requests a new identification information list 130 and an
updated identification information list 130, to the paging agent 4,
and obtains the identification information list 130 from the paging
agent 4. The controller 19 controls the communication I/F unit 11,
the storage unit 12, the identification-information extracting unit
13, the identification-information comparing unit 14, and the
information obtaining unit 15.
[0104] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configuration of the paging
agent according to the second embodiment. The paging agent 4
includes a communication I/F unit 41, a storage unit (second
storage unit) 42, an information providing unit 43, and a
controller 49. The communication I/F unit 41 is the communication
interface that transmits and receives various kinds of information
to and from the gateway switch 3. The storage unit 42 stores the
identification information list 130.
[0105] When there are requests for a change of a network
configuration in the communication network system and requests for
the identification information list 130 from the mobile terminals
101 and 102, the information providing unit 43 transmits the
identification information list 130 stored in the storage unit 42
to the mobile terminals 101 and 102. The controller 49 controls the
communication I/F unit 41, the storage unit 42, and the information
providing unit 43.
[0106] FIG. 7 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the second embodiment. The information
obtaining unit 15 of the mobile terminal 101 transmits a message
(identification-information-list request message) which requests
the identification information list 130 at an arbitrary timing
after registering the first location when the power supply is ON,
to the paging agent 4 via the communication I/F unit 11 (step
S300).
[0107] The paging agent 4 receives the
identification-information-list request message via the
communication I/F unit 41. The information providing unit 43 of the
paging agent 4 transmits a message (identification-information-list
response message) containing the identification information list
130 to the mobile terminal 101 via the communication I/F unit 41,
following the request from the mobile terminal 101 (step S310).
[0108] Upon receiving the identification-information-list response
message via the communication I/F unit 11, the information
obtaining unit 15 of the mobile terminal 101 extracts the
identification information list 130 contained in this message, and
stores this list into the storage unit 12 (step S320).
[0109] When there is a change of a network configuration in the
communication network system, the information providing unit 43 of
the paging agent 4 transmits a message
(identification-information-list change-notification message)
indicating a change of the identification information list 130, to
the mobile terminal 101 via the communication I/F unit 41 (step
S330). With this arrangement, the paging agent 4 urges the mobile
terminal 101 to request the paging agent 4 for the identification
information list 130.
[0110] Upon receiving the identification-information-list
change-notification message from the paging agent 4 via the
communication I/F unit 11, the information obtaining unit 15 of the
mobile terminal 101 transmits a message
(identification-information-list request message) which requests
the changed identification information list 130, to the paging
agent 4 (step S340).
[0111] The paging agent 4 receives the
identification-information-list request message via the
communication I/F unit 41. The information providing unit 43 of the
paging agent 4 transmits a message (identification-information-list
response message) containing the identification information list
130 to the mobile terminal 101 via the communication I/F unit 41,
following the request from the mobile terminal 101 (step S350).
[0112] Upon receiving the identification-information-list response
message, the information obtaining unit 15 of the mobile terminal
101 extracts the identification information list 130 contained in
this message, and stores this list into the storage unit 12 (step
S360). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 101 moves while identifying
the location registration areas between the overlaid wireless
systems, in the procedure explained with reference to FIG. 3 in the
first embodiment.
[0113] While the storage unit 12 of the paging agent 4 stores the
identification information list 130 in the second embodiment, other
device within the communication network can also store the
identification information list 130. In this case, upon receiving
the information request message from the mobile terminal 101, the
information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4 makes the
identification information list 130 to be transmitted from the
device storing the identification information list 130 to the
mobile terminal 101.
[0114] Because the mobile terminal 101 includes the information
obtaining unit 15 as described above, the mobile terminal 101 can
dynamically, not statically, download from the communication
network, the identification information list 130 as the
correspondence list of the location registration identifiers of the
individual wireless systems and the identifiers of the location
registration areas managed by the heterogeneous-wireless integrated
communication network system.
[0115] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the
mobile terminal 101 can dynamically, and not statically, download
the identification information list 130 from the communication
network side, and can easily change the identification information
list 130.
Third Embodiment
[0116] A third embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. According to the third
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
when the mobile terminal 101 receives a location registration
identifier (LAI) specific to the individual wireless systems not
contained in the identification information list 130, the mobile
terminal 101 recognizes a change of the location registration area
managed by the communication network system. After recognizing the
change of the location registration area managed by the
communication network system, the mobile terminal 101 dynamically
receives a new identification information list 130 from the
communication network system, thereby obtaining the identification
information list 130.
[0117] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a configuration of the mobile
terminal according to the third embodiment. Among the constituent
elements shown in FIG. 8, elements that achieve the same functions
as those of the mobile terminals 101 according to the first and
second embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are denoted by like
reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be
omitted. The mobile terminal 101 includes the communication I/F
unit 11, the storage unit 12, the identification-information
extracting unit 13, the identification-information comparing unit
14, the information obtaining unit 15, a change-information
recognizing unit 16, and the controller 19.
[0118] The change-information recognizing unit 16 extracts the
identifier (LAI) of the location registration area from the
notification information, and determines whether the extracted LAI
is present in the identification information list 130 stored in the
storage unit 12. The change-information recognizing unit 16
determines a change of the VLA based on whether the extracted LAI
is present in the identification information list 130 stored in the
storage unit 12. The controller 19 includes the communication I/F
unit 11, the storage unit 12, the identification-information
extracting unit 13, the identification-information comparing unit
14, the information obtaining unit 15, and the change-information
recognizing unit 16.
[0119] FIG. 9 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the third embodiment. The mobile
terminal 101 in the waiting state receives notification information
from the wireless system acquired by the mobile terminal 101 (any
one of the wireless base stations 81 to 84 and the access points 91
to 94 corresponding to the communication area of the mobile
terminal 101), via the communication I/F unit 11 (step S400).
[0120] The change-information recognizing unit 16 of the mobile
terminal 101 extracts the identifier (LAI) of the location
registration area from the notification information, and determines
whether the extracted LAI is present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12 (step S410).
When the extracted LAI is not present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12, the
change-information recognizing unit 16 determines that the VLA has
changed.
[0121] Upon determining that the VLA has changed, the
change-information recognizing unit 16 transmits a
location-registration request message containing the extracted LAI
to the paging agent 4 via the communication I/F unit 11 (step
S420). The paging agent 4 receives the location-registration
request message via the communication I/F unit 41.
[0122] The information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4
specifies the VLAI from the VAI contained in the
location-registration request message transmitted based on the
identification information list 130 (step S430), and updates the
VLA of the mobile terminal 102 stored (location-managed) in the
storage unit 42 (step S440).
[0123] The information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4 adds
the identification information list 130 containing the specified
VLA, to a location-registration response message, and transmits
this message to the mobile terminal 101 via the communication I/F
unit 41 (step S450).
[0124] Upon receiving the location-registration response message
from the paging agent 4 via the communication I/F unit 11, the
mobile terminal 101 recognizes that the location registration has
been completed. The identification-information extracting unit 13
of the mobile terminal 101 extracts the identification information
list 130 from the location-registration response message, and
stores the identification information list 130 into the storage
unit 12 (step S460). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 101 moves
while identifying the location registration areas between the
overlaid wireless systems, following the procedure explained with
reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.
[0125] As explained above, because the mobile terminal 101 has the
change-information recognizing unit 16, the change-information
recognizing unit 16 can extract the identifier (LAI) of the
location registration area from the notification information, and
can determine whether the extracted LAI is present in the
identification information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12.
Based on the operation, the change-information recognizing unit 16
can easily recognize a change of the location registration area
(VLA) managed by the communication network system.
[0126] As explained above, according to the third embodiment, the
mobile terminal 101 can easily recognize the change of the location
registration area (VLA). Therefore, the mobile terminal 101 can
request the paging agent 4 to provide the identification
information list 130, and can easily obtain the minimum necessary
identification information list 130.
Fourth Embodiment
[0127] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. According to the fourth
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
the communication network system (the paging agent 4) transmits the
identification information list 130 to each mobile terminal,
corresponding to the interface of the wireless system held by each
mobile terminal.
[0128] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a configuration of a paging
agent according to the fourth embodiment. Among the constituent
elements shown in FIG. 10, elements that achieve the same functions
as those of the paging agent 4 according to the second embodiment
shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by like reference numerals, and
redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. The paging agent 4
includes the communication I/F unit 41, the storage unit 42, the
information providing unit 43, a capacity manager (terminal
manager) 44, and the controller 49.
[0129] The capacity manager 44 checks the capacity (communication
setting) of the mobile terminal 101. The capacity manager 44
changes the identification information list 130 based on a result
of checking the capacity of the mobile terminal 101. The controller
49 controls the communication I/F unit 41, the storage unit 42, the
information providing unit 43, and the capacity manager 44.
[0130] FIG. 11 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the fourth embodiment. The mobile
terminal 101 in the waiting state receives notification information
from the wireless system acquired by the mobile terminal 101 (step
S500).
[0131] The change-information recognizing unit 16 of the mobile
terminal 101 extracts the identifier (LAI) of the location
registration area from the notification information, and determines
whether the extracted LAI is present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12 (step S510).
[0132] When the extracted LAI is not present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12, the
change-information recognizing unit 16 determines that the VLA has
changed, and transmits a location-registration request message
containing the extracted LAI to the paging agent 4 (step S520).
[0133] The information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4
specifies the VLAI from the LAI contained in the transmitted
location-registration request message (step S530), and updates the
VLA of the mobile terminal 102 stored in the storage unit 42 (step
S540).
[0134] The capacity manager 44 of the paging agent 4 checks the
capacity of the mobile terminal 101 (step S550). The capacity
manager 44 checks the number of wireless interfaces held by the
mobile terminal 101 and the types of the wireless interfaces,
thereby checking the capacity of the mobile terminal 101.
[0135] When plural heterogeneous wireless systems are provided
within the communication network system, each mobile terminal does
not necessarily hold interfaces of all the heterogeneous wireless
systems. That is, the number and types of wireless interfaces that
receive services are different for each mobile terminal. For
example, the mobile terminal 101 includes the 3G and the 4G, and
the mobile terminal 102 includes wireless interfaces of the 2G, 3G,
and 4G. Information (the number and types of wireless interfaces)
concerning the capacity of the mobile terminal 101 is added to the
location-registration request message, and this message is
transmitted from the mobile terminal 101 to the paging agent 4.
[0136] The capacity manager 44 of the paging agent 4 deletes the
LAI of the wireless system which is not present in the capacity
(setting) of the mobile terminal 101 from the identification
information list 130 containing the VLA specified by the
information providing unit 43 (step S560).
[0137] The information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4 adds
the identification information list 130 containing the specified
VLA to the location-registration response message, and transmits
this message to the mobile terminal 101 (step S570).
[0138] Upon receiving the location-registration response message
from the paging agent 4, the mobile terminal 101 recognizes that
the location registration has been completed. The
identification-information extracting unit 13 of the mobile
terminal 101 extracts the identification information list 130 from
the location-registration response message, and stores the
identification information list 130 into the storage unit 12 (step
S580). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 101 moves while identifying
the location registration areas between the overlaid wireless
systems, following the procedure explained with reference to FIG. 3
in the first embodiment.
[0139] According to the fourth embodiment, the paging agent 4
transmits the identification information list 130 corresponding to
the mobile terminal 101 to the mobile terminal 101. However, when
plural mobile terminals are present, the identification information
list 130 corresponding to each mobile terminal is transmitted to
each mobile terminal.
[0140] As explained above, because the paging agent 4 includes the
capacity manager 44, the identification information list 130
corresponding to the interface of the wireless system held by the
mobile terminal 101 can be obtained (managed) within the
communication network.
[0141] As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment, the
communication network transmits to the mobile terminal 101 the
identification information list 130 corresponding to the interface
(communication setting) of the wireless system held by the mobile
terminal 101. Therefore, the mobile terminal 101 can easily obtain
the identification information list 130 corresponding to the
interface of the wireless system held by the mobile terminal 101.
As a result, a location registration area corresponding to the
interface of the wireless system held by the mobile terminal 101
can be structured.
Fifth Embodiment
[0142] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. According to the fifth
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
the mobile terminal determines a wireless terminal acquired
corresponding to the status of load of each wireless system.
[0143] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a configuration of a paging
agent according to the fifth embodiment. Among the constituent
elements shown in FIG. 12, elements that achieve the same functions
as those of the paging agent 4 according to the second embodiment
shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by like reference numerals, and
redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. The paging agent 4
includes the communication I/F unit 41, the storage unit 42, the
information providing unit 43, a load status manager (load manager)
45, and the controller 49.
[0144] The load status manager 45 checks the load status of each
wireless system, and marks as load information the LAI of the
wireless system having large load in the identification information
list 130, to avoid the mobile terminal from being in the waiting
state in the wireless system having the large load. The load status
manager 45 adds the identification information list 130 containing
the load information to the location-registration response message,
and transmits this message to the mobile terminal 101 via the
communication I/F unit 41. The controller 49 controls the
communication I/F unit 41, the storage unit 42, the information
providing unit 43, and the load status manager 45.
[0145] FIG. 13 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the fifth embodiment. The mobile
terminal 101 in the waiting state receives notification information
from the wireless system acquired by the mobile terminal 101 (step
S600).
[0146] The change-information recognizing unit 16 of the mobile
terminal 101 extracts the identifier (LAI) of the location
registration area from the notification information, and determines
whether the extracted LAI is present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12 (step S610).
[0147] When the extracted LAI is not present in the identification
information list 130 stored in the storage unit 12, the
change-information recognizing unit 16 determines that the VLA has
changed, and transmits a location-registration request message
containing the extracted LAI to the paging agent 4 (step S620).
[0148] The information providing unit 43 of the paging agent 4
specifies the VLAI from the LAI contained in the transmitted
location-registration request message (step S630), and updates the
VLA of the mobile terminal 102 stored in the storage unit 42 (step
S640).
[0149] The load status manager 45 of the paging agent 4 checks the
load status of each wireless system (the wireless base stations 81
to 84, and the access points 91 to 94) (step S650). For example,
the load status of each wireless system is notified from the
wireless base stations 81 to 84 of the wireless systems and from
the access points 91 to 94 to the paging agent 4, periodically or
each time when the load status of the wireless system exceeds a
predetermined threshold value.
[0150] Each of the edge switches 71 to 74 can also collect the load
status of each wireless system (the wireless base stations 81 to
84, and the access points 91 to 94), and can notify the paging
agent 4 about the load status each time when the paging agent 4
enquires the edge switches 71 to 74 about the load status.
[0151] Upon checking the load status of each wireless system, the
load status manager 45 marks as load information the LAI of the
wireless system having large load in the identification information
list 130, to avoid the mobile terminal 101 from being in the
waiting state in the wireless system having the large load (step
S660). The load status manager 45 adds the identification
information list 130 containing the marked LAI (load information)
to the location-registration response message, and transmits this
message to the mobile terminal 101 via the communication I/F unit
41 (step S670).
[0152] Upon receiving the location-registration response message
from the paging agent 4, the mobile terminal 101 recognizes that
the location registration has been completed. The
identification-information extracting unit 13 of the mobile
terminal 101 extracts the identification information list 130 from
the location-registration response message, and stores the
identification information list 130 into the storage unit 12 (step
S680). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 101 moves while identifying
the location registration areas between the overlaid wireless
systems, following the procedure explained with reference to FIG. 3
in the first embodiment.
[0153] As explained above, because the paging agent 4 includes the
load status manager 45, the identification information list 130
corresponding to the load status of the wireless system can be
obtained within the communication network.
[0154] As explained above, according to the fifth embodiment, the
communication network transmits to the mobile terminal 101 the
identification information list 130 corresponding to the load
status of the wireless system stored in the mobile terminal 101.
Therefore, the mobile terminal 101 can easily obtain information
concerning the load status of the wireless system. Because the
mobile terminal 101 acquires only a predetermined wireless system
based on the load status of the wireless system, the load of the
wireless systems can be dispersed to avoid concentration of the
location registration in a specific wireless system.
Sixth Embodiment
[0155] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. According to the sixth
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
when the service area of the wireless system includes a service
area of other wireless system, this wireless system is managed in
the same location registration area, in an identification
information list 131. The mobile terminal 101 according to the
first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 stores the identification
information list 131.
[0156] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between
the LA and the VLA of the communication network system according to
the sixth embodiment. Among the constituent elements shown in FIG.
14, elements that achieve the same functions as those of the
communication network system according to the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by like reference numerals, and
redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. FIG. 14 depicts the
communication network system omitting the branch switches 61 to
64.
[0157] As location registration identifiers (LAI) specific to each
wireless system, the LAI of the location registration area 111 of
the wireless base station 81 is the identifier "LAI:3G-LA2", and
the LAI of the location registration area 121 of the access point
91 is the identifier "LAI:4G-LAb".
[0158] The location registration area 121 of the access point 91 is
included in the location registration area 111 of the wireless base
station 81. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the VLAI of the
location registration area 121 has the identifier "LA2", which is
the same as the identifier of the VLAI of the location registration
area 111.
[0159] Further, the LAI of the location registration area 112 of
the wireless base station 82 is the identifier "LAI:3G-LA1", and
the LAI of the location registration area 122 of the access point
92 is the identifier "LAI:4G-LAa".
[0160] The location registration area 122 of the access point 92 is
included in the location registration area 112 of the wireless base
station 82. Therefore, the VLAI of the location registration area
122 has the identifier "LA1" which is the same as the identifier of
the VLAI of the location registration area 112.
[0161] That is, the "LAI:3G-LA2" of the location registration area
111 of the wireless base station 81 and the "LAI:4G-LAb" of the
location registration area 121 of the access point 91 correspond to
the VLAI (LA1).
[0162] Further, the "LAI:3G-LA1" of the location registration area
112 of the wireless base station 82 and the "LAI:4G-LAa" of the
location registration area 122 of the access point 92 correspond to
the VLAI (LA2). Each mobile terminal 101 (102) stores a
correspondence table between the LAI and the VLAI as the
identification information list 131.
[0163] An operation procedure of the communication network system
according to the sixth embodiment is explained next. FIG. 15
depicts the operation procedure of the communication network system
according to the sixth embodiment. As one example of a move of the
mobile terminal 101, there is explained below the move of the
mobile terminal 101 in the waiting state in the order of the
location registration 122 area (LAI:4G-LAa) of the 4G, the location
registration 112 area (LAI:3G-LA1) of the 3G, the location
registration 121 area (LAI:4G-LAb) of the 4G, and the location
registration 111 area (LAI:3G-LA2) of the 3G.
[0164] The mobile terminal 101 moves from the location registration
area 122 to the location registration area 121 of 4G via the
location registration area 112 of the 3G, in the process similar to
that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and therefore
explanations thereof will be omitted. Steps S700 to S820 shown in
FIG. 15 correspond to steps S100 to S220 in FIG. 4.
[0165] After the mobile terminal 101 carries out the process at
step S220, the mobile terminal 101 moves to the location
registration area 111 of the 3G. The mobile terminal 101 receives
notification information from the wireless base station 81 in the
location registration area 111 of the 3G via the communication I/F
unit 11 (step S830).
[0166] The identification-information extracting unit 13 of the
mobile terminal 101 extracts the "LAI:3G-LA2" as the location
registration identifier of the 3G from the received notification
information. The identification-information comparing unit 14 of
the mobile terminal 101 obtains the VLAI corresponding to the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13,
based on the identification information list 131 stored in the
storage unit 12 (step S840). In this case, because the "LAI:3G-LA1"
of the location registration area 111 corresponds to the VLAI (LA2)
of the same location registration area 121 in the identification
information list 131, the identification-information comparing unit
14 extracts the VLAI (LA2).
[0167] The identification-information comparing unit 14 of the
mobile terminal 101 compares the VLAI extracted this time with the
VLAI held by the identification-information comparing unit 14 (step
S850). Because the VLAI (LA2) extracted this time has the same
value as the VLAI (LA2) held by the identification-information
comparing unit 14, the identification-information comparing unit 14
determines that there is no change in the VLA, and the mobile
terminal 101 maintains the receiving state. The
identification-information comparing unit 14 keeps holding the held
VLAI (LA2). Thereafter, the paging agent 4 carries out the process
similar to that explained in the first embodiment, thereby paging
the mobile terminal 101.
[0168] As explained above, according to the sixth embodiment, when
the service area of the wireless system includes a service area of
other wireless system, this included service area is managed as the
same location registration area as that of the wireless system that
includes the wireless system. Therefore, the number of location
registration signals transmitted and received between the mobile
terminal 101 and the paging agent 4 can be decreased. Consequently,
location registrations transmitted and received between the mobile
terminal 101 and the paging agent 4 can be carried out
efficiently.
Seventh Embodiment
[0169] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. According to the seventh
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
when the service area of the wireless system includes a service
area of other wireless system, this included service area is
managed as the same location registration area as that of the
wireless system which includes this wireless system. At the same
time, a wireless system acquired by the mobile terminal is selected
corresponding to the moving speed of the mobile terminal 101.
[0170] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the VLA of the
communication network system according to the seventh embodiment.
Among the constituent elements shown in FIG. 16, elements that
achieve the same functions as those of the communication network
system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are
denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant explanations
thereof will be is omitted.
[0171] A wireless base station 83 communicates with the mobile
terminal 101 based on the third-generation (3G) mobile
communication system within a location registration area 150. The
location registration area 150 includes location registration areas
161 to 164 of access points 93.
[0172] The plural access points 93 within the location registration
area 150 communicate with the mobile terminal 101 using the
fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication system within the
location registration areas 161 to 164, respectively.
[0173] According to the seventh embodiment, the location
registration area (VLA) managed by the heterogeneous-wireless
communication-integrated communication network system configures
one VLA in the location registration area 150 and the location
registration areas 161 to 164.
[0174] The LAI of the location registration area 150 is the
identifier "LAI:3G-LAI", the LAIs of the location registration
areas 161 to 164 are the identifiers "LAI:4G-LAa", "LAI:4G-LAb",
"LAI:4G-LAc", and "LAI:4G-LAd", respectively.
[0175] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal according
to the seventh embodiment. Among the constituent elements shown in
FIG. 17, elements that achieve the same functions as those of the
mobile terminal 101 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
3 are denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant
explanations thereof will be omitted. The mobile terminal 101
includes the communication I/F unit 11, the
identification-information extracting unit 13, a speed measuring
unit 17, a wireless-system selecting unit (first selecting unit and
second selecting unit) 18, and the controller 19.
[0176] The speed measuring unit 17 detects a speed at which the
mobile terminal 101 moves, thereby measuring the moving speed. The
wireless-system selecting unit 18 selects the wireless system to be
acquired, based on the moving speed of the mobile terminal 101 and
the size of the cell radius of each wireless system. The controller
19 controls the communication I/F unit 11, the
identification-information extracting unit 13, the speed measuring
unit 17, and the wireless-system selecting unit 18.
[0177] FIG. 18 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the seventh embodiment. The
communication I/F unit 11 of the mobile terminal 101 in the waiting
state receives notification information (3G-LAI) from the wireless
base station 83 within the location registration area 150. When the
communication I/F unit 11 of the mobile terminal 101 is located in
the location registration area 161, the communication I/F unit 11
receives notification information (4G-LAa) from the access point 93
within the location registration area 161. When the communication
I/F unit 11 of the mobile terminal 101 is located in the location
registration area 162, the communication I/F unit 11 receives
notification information (4G-LAb) from the access point 93 within
the location registration area 162. When the communication I/F unit
11 of the mobile terminal 101 is located in the location
registration area 163, the communication I/F unit 11 receives
notification information (4G-LAc) from the access point 93 within
the location registration area 163. When the communication I/F unit
11 of the mobile terminal 101 is located in the location
registration area 164, the communication I/F unit 11 receives
notification information (4G-LAc) from the access point 93 within
the location registration area 164.
[0178] The identification-information extracting unit 13 extracts
the LAI of each wireless system from the notification information
received from the wireless base station 83 or the access point 93.
The wireless-system selecting unit 18 of the mobile terminal 101
determines a size of the cell structure of the location
registration area of each wireless system, based on the LAI
extracted by the identification-information extracting unit 13.
[0179] For example, when the mobile terminal 101 is present in the
location registration area 161, the mobile terminal 101 receives
the notification information (4G-LAa) from the access point 93
within the location registration area 161 and the notification
information (3G-LA1) from the radio base station 83 within the
location registration area 150. In this case, the wireless-system
selecting unit 18 compares the size of the cell structure of the
location registration area 150 with the cell structure of the
location registration area 161. The wireless-system selecting unit
18 determines that the cell structure (3G) of the location
registration area 150 is larger than the cell structure (4G) of the
location registration area 161 (step S900).
[0180] The speed measuring unit 17 of the mobile terminal 101
measures the moving speed. The wireless-system selecting unit 18
determines whether the moving speed measured by the speed measuring
unit 17 is faster than a predetermined speed set in advance (step
S910).
[0181] When it is determined that the moving speed is faster than
the predetermined speed set in advance, the wireless-system
selecting unit 18 selects the wireless system of the 3G (the
wireless base station 83, the location registration area 150)
having a large cell radius. The mobile terminal 101 acquires the
wireless system of the 3G having the large cell radius selected by
the wireless-system selecting unit 18, and becomes in the waiting
state (step S920).
[0182] On the other hand, when it is determined that the moving
speed is slower than the predetermined speed set in advance, the
wireless-system selecting unit 18 selects the wireless system of
the 4G (the access point 93, the location registration area 161)
having a small cell radius. The mobile terminal 101 acquires the
wireless system of the 4G having the small cell radius selected by
the wireless-system selecting unit 18, and becomes in the waiting
state (step S930). The mobile terminal 101 moves while identifying
the location registration areas between the process-overlaid
wireless systems, in the process explained with reference to FIG. 3
in the first embodiment.
[0183] As explained above, because the mobile terminal 101 includes
the wireless-system selecting unit 18, the wireless-system
selecting unit 18 can carry out the location registration
corresponding to the moving speed, and can select the wireless
system that becomes in the waiting state.
[0184] While the wireless systems explained are the 3G wireless
system and the 4G wireless system in the seventh embodiment, the
wireless systems are not limited to the 3G and the 4G, and can be
the wireless LAN, the Bluetooth (the registered trademark), and the
UWB (Ultra Wide Band). In this case, the wireless-system selecting
unit 18 also selects the wireless system to be acquired
corresponding to the cell radius of each wireless system.
[0185] As explained above, according to the seventh embodiment, the
location registration is carried out corresponding to the moving
speed, thereby selecting the wireless system that becomes in the
waiting state. Therefore, location registration signals between the
mobile terminal 101 and the wireless system can be decreased, and
load can be dispersed to avoid concentration of the location
registration in a specific wireless system.
Eighth Embodiment
[0186] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is explained
next with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. According to the eighth
embodiment, in the communication network system shown in FIG. 1,
when the service area of the wireless system includes a service
area of other wireless system, this included service area is
managed as the same location registration area as that of the
wireless system which includes this wireless system. At the same
time, a wireless system acquired by the mobile terminal 101 is
selected depending on presence of a band that the application used
by the mobile terminal 101 requires. The mobile terminal 101
selects the wireless system to be acquired within the communication
network system according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG.
16.
[0187] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal according
to the eighth embodiment. Among the constituent elements shown in
FIG. 19, elements that achieve the same functions as those of the
mobile terminal 101 according to the first and seventh embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3 and 17 are denoted by like reference numerals, and
redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. The mobile terminal
101 includes the communication I/F unit 11, the
identification-information extracting unit 13, the wireless-system
selecting unit 18, and the controller 19.
[0188] The wireless-system selecting unit 18 selects the wireless
system to be acquired based on the band required by the application
used by the mobile terminal 101 and the band provided by each cell
of the location registration area of each wireless system. The
controller 19 controls the communication I/F unit 11, the
identification-information extracting unit 13, and the
wireless-system selecting unit 18.
[0189] FIG. 20 depicts an operation procedure of the communication
network system according to the eighth embodiment. In the same
operation procedure as that of the communication network system
according to the seventh embodiment explained with reference to
FIG. 18, the communication I/F unit 11 of the mobile terminal 101
in the waiting state receives the notification information (3G-LAI)
from the wireless base station 83 within the location registration
area 150. The mobile terminal 101 receives the notification
information (4G-LAa), (4G-LAb), (4G-LAc), and (4G-LAd) from the
access points 93 within the location registration areas 161 to 164,
respectively.
[0190] For example, when the mobile terminal 101 is located in the
location registration area 161, the mobile terminal 101 receives
the notification information (4G-LAa) from the access point 93
within the location registration area 161, and the notification
information (3G-LA1) from the radio base station 83 within the
location registration area 150. The identification-information
extracting unit 13 extracts the LAI of each wireless system from
the notification information received from the wireless base
station 83 or the access point 93.
[0191] The wireless-system selecting unit 18 of the mobile terminal
101 determines a value of the band provided by the cell of the
location registration area of the wireless system corresponding to
the LAI extracted by the identification-information extracting unit
13 (step S1000). The wireless-system selecting unit 18 of the
mobile terminal 101 determines presence of the band required by the
application which the mobile terminal 101 is waiting for (step
S1010).
[0192] The wireless-system selecting unit 18 of the mobile terminal
101 selects the wireless system (the wireless base station 83, the
location registration area 150) of a narrowband (small band), when
the mobile terminal 101 is waiting for the arrival of a signal in
the application which does not require a band. The mobile terminal
101 acquires the 3G of the narrowband selected by the
wireless-system selecting unit 18 (step S1020).
[0193] On the other hand, the wireless-system selecting unit 18 of
the mobile terminal 101 selects the wireless system (the access
point 93, the location registration area 161, etc.) of a broadband
(large band), when the mobile terminal 101 is waiting for the
arrival of a signal in the application which requires a band. The
mobile terminal 101 acquires the 4G of the narrowband selected by
the wireless-system selecting unit 18 (step S1030). The mobile
terminal 101 moves while identifying the location registration
areas between the process-overlaid wireless systems, in the process
explained with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.
[0194] As explained above, because the mobile terminal 101 includes
the wireless-system selecting unit 18, the wireless-system
selecting unit 18 can carry out the location registration
corresponding to the band required by the application, and can
select the wireless system that becomes in the waiting state.
[0195] As explained above, according to the eighth embodiment, the
location registration is carried out corresponding to the band
required by the application, thereby selecting the wireless system
that becomes in the waiting state. Therefore, location registration
signals between the mobile terminal 101 and the wireless system can
be decreased, and communications can be carried out in the wireless
system corresponding to the band required by the application at the
signal arrival time.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0196] The communication network system and the mobile terminal
according to the present invention are suitable for a location
registration of a mobile terminal in heterogeneous wireless access
systems.
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