U.S. patent application number 15/357343 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-11 for home nodeb (hnb) mobility in a cell forward access channel (cell_fach) state.
This patent application is currently assigned to InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pascal M. Adjakple, Virgil Comsa, Paul Marinier, Ulises Olvera-Hernandez, Diana Pani, J. Patrick Tooher, Mahmoud Watfa.
Application Number | 20170135002 15/357343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44627721 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170135002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pani; Diana ; et
al. |
May 11, 2017 |
Home Nodeb (HNB) Mobility In A Cell Forward Access Channel
(Cell_Fach) State
Abstract
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for managing home nodeB
(HNB) mobility in forward access channel (Cell_FACH) states.
According to an aspect, a method may be implemented at a Wireless
Transmit/Receive Unit (WTRU). The method may include determining
whether to communicate an indication to a network node for extended
measurement occasion. Further, the method may include communicating
the indication to the network node in response to determining to
communicate the indication.
Inventors: |
Pani; Diana; (Montreal,
CA) ; Watfa; Mahmoud; (Saint Leonard, CA) ;
Marinier; Paul; (Brossard, CA) ; Adjakple; Pascal
M.; (Great Neck, NY) ; Comsa; Virgil;
(Montreal, CA) ; Olvera-Hernandez; Ulises;
(Montreal, CA) ; Tooher; J. Patrick; (Montreal,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
InterDigital Patent Holdings,
Inc.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
44627721 |
Appl. No.: |
15/357343 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13162690 |
Jun 17, 2011 |
9532282 |
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15357343 |
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61470726 |
Apr 1, 2011 |
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61388989 |
Oct 1, 2010 |
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61374180 |
Aug 16, 2010 |
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61356481 |
Jun 18, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 36/0088 20130101;
H04W 88/08 20130101; H04W 84/045 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/00 20060101
H04W036/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method for enabling mobility of a wireless transmit/receive
unit (WTRU) from a network node during a cell forward access
channel (CELL_FACH) state, the method comprising: sending high
speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) traffic from a source cell
configured for a first frequency; sending, from the network node, a
forward access channel (FACH) measurement occasion or a
discontinuous reception (DRX) length for performing measurements on
target cells; sending, from the network node, an extended FACH
measurement occasion or an extended DRX length for enabling the
WTRU to perform inter-frequency measurements on closed subscriber
group (CSG) target cells or hybrid target cells, wherein the
extended FACH measurement occasion or the extended DRX length for
performing the inter-frequency measurements on the CSG target cells
or the hybrid target cells is greater than the FACH measurement
occasion or the DRX length for performing the measurements on the
target cells; when the WTRU is within a proximity to a target cell,
stopping the sending of the HS-DSCH traffic from the source cell
for a period of the FACH measurement occasion or the DRX length to
enable the WTRU to perform the measurements on the target cell; and
when the WTRU is within a proximity to the CSG target cell or the
hybrid target cell configured for a second frequency while in the
CELL_FACH state, stopping the sending of the HS-DSCH traffic from
the source cell for a period of the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length to enable the WTRU to perform
the inter-frequency measurements on the CSG target cell or the
hybrid target cell.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: receiving a request
from the WTRU for the extended FACH measurement occasion or the
extended DRX length; and sending the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length in response to the request.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length is sent to the WTRU when the
proximity of the WTRU to the CSG target cell or the hybrid target
cell is within a predetermined threshold.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the request is received via
radio resource control (RRC) messaging.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the request is received via a
cell update message.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length are sent in an acknowledgment
message from the network node for acknowledging receipt of the
request for the extended FACH measurement occasion or the extended
DRX length.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length is configured to enable the
WTRU to read a system information block (SIB) associated with the
CSG target cell or the hybrid target cell.
28. The method of claim 21, further comprising sending an
indication to the WTRU that the network node will prevent
transmission of the HS-DSCH traffic to the WTRU during the extended
FACH measurement occasion or the extended DRX length.
29. The method of claim 21, wherein the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length comprises a multiple of the
FACH measurement occasion or the DRX length.
30. A network node comprising: a transceiver; and a processor
configured to: send, via the transceiver, high speed downlink
shared channel (HS-DSCH) traffic on a first frequency; send, to a
wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) via the transceiver, a
forward access channel (FACH) measurement occasion or a
discontinuous reception (DRX) length for performing measurement on
target cells; and send, to the WTRU via the transceiver, an
extended FACH measurement occasion or an extended DRX length for
performing inter-frequency measurements on closed subscriber group
(CSG) target cells or hybrid target cells, wherein the extended
FACH measurement occasion or the extended DRX length for performing
the inter-frequency measurements on the CSG target cells or the
hybrid target cells is greater than the FACH measurement occasion
or the DRX length for being performed on the target cells; when the
WTRU is within a proximity to a target cell, stop the HS-DSCH
traffic from being sent to the WTRU for a period of the FACH
measurement occasion or the DRX length to enable the WTRU to
perform the measurements on the target cell; and when the WTRU is
within a proximity to the CSG target cell or the hybrid target cell
while in the CELL_FACH state, stop the HS-DSCH traffic from being
sent to the WTRU for a period of the extended FACH measurement
occasion or the extended DRX length to enable the WTRU to perform
the inter-frequency measurements on the CSG target cell or the
hybrid target cell.
31. The network node of claim 30, wherein the extended FACH
measurement occasion or the extended DRX length is configured to
enable the WTRU to read a system information block (SIB) associated
with the CSG target cell or the hybrid target cell.
32. The network node of claim 30, wherein the processor is further
configured to send an indication to the WTRU that the network node
will prevent transmission of the HS-DSCH traffic to the WTRU during
the extended FACH measurement occasion or the extended DRX
length.
33. The network node of claim 30, wherein the extended FACH
measurement occasion or the extended DRX length comprises a
multiple of the FACH measurement occasion or the DRX length.
34. The network node of claim 30, wherein the processor is
configured to: receive, via the transceiver, a request from the
WTRU for the extended FACH measurement occasion or the extended DRX
length; and send the extended FACH measurement occasion or the
extended DRX length in response to the request.
35. The network node of claim 34, wherein the processor is
configured to receive the request from the WTRU when the proximity
of the WTRU to the CSG target cell or hybrid target cell is within
a predetermined threshold.
36. The network node of claim 34, wherein the processor is
configured to receive the request via radio resource control (RRC)
messaging.
37. The network node of claim 34, wherein the processor is
configured to receive the request via a cell update message.
38. The network node of claim 34, wherein the processor is
configured to send, via the transceiver, the extended FACH
measurement occasion or the extended DRX length in an
acknowledgment message to the WTRU for acknowledging receipt of the
request for the extended FACH measurement occasion or the extended
DRX length.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/162,690, filed Jun. 17, 2011, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/356,481,
filed Jun. 18, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/374,180, filed Aug. 16, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/388,989, filed Oct. 1, 2010, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/470,726, filed Apr. 1, 2011;
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Home nodeB (HNB) mobility in UTRAN R9 may apply in cases
when a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) (also referred to
herein as user equipment (UE)) is in either an idle or connected
mode. In the former mode, the WTRU may move into (or out of) an HNB
by performing cell reselection that may need to fulfill several
criteria, which may include signal strength and membership status.
The WTRU may know whether or not it is a member of a closed
subscriber group (CSG) cell or hybrid cell to which a HNB belongs
by comparing a CSG identity (CSG ID) that it has in its whitelist
with the CSG ID that is broadcast by a CSG cell. It is noted that a
cell is known to be a CSG or hybrid cell by checking the value of
the CSG indicator bit in the MIB. Moreover, the CSG ID may be
retrieved by reading SIB3. Idle mode reselection into a HNB may be
executed by the WTRU without interaction with the source base
station (e.g., NB or HNB).
[0003] In Cell DCH connected mode, the WTRU may be handed over to
an HNB based on possible proximity indications and measurement
reporting. In order to send a proximity indication (which may
indicate that the WTRU is entering or leaving a location where a
CSG cell or hybrid cell may exist), the WTRU may first be
configured to do so via radio resource control (RRC) messaging. If
the WTRU sends a proximity indication, the NB may send a request to
the WTRU to perform measurements on certain cells and may read and
report the CSG ID from the cell and whether the WTRU is a member or
not.
[0004] Although HNB mobility in a cell forward access channel (Cell
FACH) state is typically considered to be a connected mode of
operation, with the exception of traffic volume reporting, a WTRU
transmitting in Cell FACH typically does not perform measurement
reporting to a base station (e.g., NB or HNB). However, the WTRU
may still measure other cells (e.g., inter-frequency or inter-RAT)
for example for the purpose of performing cell reselection. The
WTRU, if it reselects to another cell, may then perform a cell
update procedure for example to let a UTRAN know about its new
location at the cell level as the WTRU can receive user plane and
control plane data in Cell FACH. Even if the WTRU does not reselect
to a new cell in Cell FACH, the WTRU can perform a cell update
procedure (e.g., upon expiration of a periodic cell update timer).
In order to perform measurements in Cell FACH, the WTRU typically
makes use of occasions during which no data will be sent to the
WTRU--known as FACH measurement occasions. FACH measurement
occasions typically have a fixed length that is a multiple of 10
milliseconds and are repeated according to some parameters that are
known to the WTRU.
[0005] In order to perform inbound mobility to an HNB while in Cell
FACH, a WTRU may need to read the MIB and SIB3 of a HNB for the
purpose of identifying the CSG ID and thereafter verify if it is a
member or not (based on comparison with the IDs in the WTRU's
whitelist). Two problems that may arise are: (1) the FACH
measurement occasions may not be long enough for the WTRU to read
the MIB and/or SIB3 of the target cell in the other frequency or
RAT; and (2) the FACH measurement occasion may not coincide with
the time that the MIB and/or SIB3 of the (potential) target HNB are
broadcasted. Even though the WTRU may autonomously choose to
prolong its measurement occasions in order to acquire the MIB/SIB3
of the HNB cell, it may lose data while doing so since the HNB in
the source cell may be unaware of the WTRU's absence.
[0006] Another difficulty associated with Cell FACH mobility
involves the procedure of fetching a WTRU's context by a target HNB
(i.e., from the source HNB, both of which are connected to the same
HNB gateway (HNB-GW)). This difficulty may arise due to the
assignment of the same U-RNTI to two or more WTRUs by different
HNBs that are connected to the same HNB GW. The contents of the
U-RNTI may include a radio network controller identifier (RNC ID)
and the serving RNTI (S-RNTI). The RNC ID is the HNB GW's identity.
The S-RNTI is allocated by the HNB. If, e.g., two HNBs
coincidentally allocate the same S-RNTI to different WTRUs that are
served by the HNBs, then the WTRUs may have the same URNTI as the
RNC ID is common since both HNBs are connected to the same HNB GW.
In such a scenario, if a WTRU performs cell update to a potential
target HNB (as part of Cell FACH mobility), the WTRU may provide
its U-RNTI for identification. This may allow the target HNB to
contact the source HNB for the purpose of fetching the WTRU's
context. It is noted that a WTRU context may be identified by a
context ID and may contain information about the WTRU's
configuration (e.g. RAB information). The target HNB may initially
contact the HNB GW and may then provide the U-RNTI of the WTRU in
question. The HNB GW may then try to map a context ID based on the
provided U-RNTI. However, if two or more WTRUs have the same
U-RNTI, then the HNB GW may get two context IDs, one for each of
the WTRUs that is allocated to the same U-RNTI. At this point, the
HNB GW/target HNB may not fetch the appropriate context of the WTRU
due to the non-uniqueness of the U-RNTI.
[0007] Other problems related to Cell FACH mobility involve the
handling of neighbor cell lists (NCLs) being configured with mixed
CSG cells and non-CSG cells. For example, one issue relates to
CSG-capable WTRU behavior when it detects a CSG cell in the NCL
that it is not a member of.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need to provide systems and methods
to address the aforementioned difficulties.
SUMMARY
[0009] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for managing HNB
mobility in Cell FACH states. According to an aspect, a method may
be implemented at WTRU. The method may include determining whether
to communicate an indication to a network node for extended
measurement occasion. Further, the method may include communicating
the indication to the network node in response to determining to
communicate the indication.
[0010] According to another aspect, a method may be implemented at
a network node servicing a WTRU. The method may include receiving
an indication from the WTRU for extended measurement occasion.
Further, the method may include preventing traffic from being sent
to the WTRU in response to receiving the indication.
[0011] According to yet another aspect, a method implemented at a
WTRU may include determining that the WTRU is not a member of a
cell in an NCL. The method may also include restricting activity
with the cell in response to determining that the WTRU is not a
member of the cell.
[0012] The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts
in a simplified form that are further described below in the
Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key
features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject
matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to
any limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any
part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an example communications
system in which one or more disclosed embodiments disclosed herein
may be implemented;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a system diagram of an example WTRU, e.g., a UE,
that may be used within the communications system illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 system diagram of an example radio access network and
an example core network that may be used within the communications
system illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example method of sending an
indication to a network for one or more extended measurement
occasions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of handling a
neighbor cell list in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In accordance with embodiments, systems and methods
disclosed herein may inform an NB or other network node that a WTRU
will be absent for some time that is longer than the FACH
measurement occasion so that the WTRU does not lose data from its
source cell and also to provide the WTRU with enough time to fetch
the MIB/SIB3 of a HNB cell. In addition, systems and methods
disclosed herein may be used to force a WTRU in a state where the
WTRU can perform inter-frequency or inter-RAT measurements without
risk of losing traffic or information addressed to the WTRU by a
serving cell. Further, when a WTRU in Cell FACH mode reselects to
another cell, the WTRU may use a cell update procedure. The new
cell may be a CSG cell. In such a scenario, the HNB may require
query of the core network (CN) to perform access control. In
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and
methods are provided for querying the CN to perform access control
outside of a typical HO procedure. Furthermore, it may be needed to
perform cell reselection that is transparent to the CN. Disclosed
herein are systems and methods for ensuring that the WTRU has
membership to the CSG of the target HNB in a manner that does not
require CN involvement.
[0019] In order to ensure that a WTRU will not lose data from its
source cell, and also to provide the WTRU with enough time to
retrieve the MIB/SIB3 of a targeted HNB cell, the WTRU may provide
an indication to the network (source node, i.e., HNB or RNC), for
example to inform the network that the WTRU will be absent for some
time that is longer than the default FACH measurement occasion. For
example, the WTRU may send an indication to the network source
node, such as an HNB or an RNC, indicating that the WTRU requires
one or more extended measurement occasions for the purpose of
reading the MIB and/or SIB3 of a potential target CSG or hybrid
cell. This indication may serve as a request by the WTRU for
permission to utilize an extended measurement occasion. In response
to the indication from the WTRU, the source node may provide
extended time during which no data is sent to the WTRU.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example communications system 100
in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The
communications system 100 may be a multiple access system that
provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast,
etc., to multiple wireless users. The communications system 100 may
enable multiple wireless users to access such content through the
sharing of system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For
example, the communications systems 100 may employ one or more
channel access methods, such as code division multiple access
(CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division
multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier
FDMA (SC-FDMA), and the like.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the communications system 100 may
include WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a radio access network (RAN)
104, a core network 106, a public switched telephone network (PSTN)
108, the Internet 110, and other networks 112, though it will be
appreciated that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number
of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and/or network elements. Each of
the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device
configured to operate and/or communicate in a wireless environment.
By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be
configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals and may
include user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile
subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal
computer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, and the
like.
[0022] The communications system 100 may also include a base
station 114a and a base station 114b. Each of the base stations
114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly
interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to
facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as
the core network 106, the Internet 110, and/or the networks 112. By
way of example, the base stations 1 14a, 114b may be a base
transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNOde B, a Home Node B, a
Home eN0de B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless
router, and the like. While the base stations 114a, 114b are each
depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that the base
stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base
stations and/or network elements.
[0023] The base station 114a may be part of the RAN 104, which may
also include other base stations and/or network elements (not
shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network
controller (RNC), relay nodes, etc. The base station 114a and/or
the base station 114b may be configured to transmit and/or receive
wireless signals within a particular geographic region, which may
be referred to as a cell (not shown). The cell may further be
divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with
the base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in
one embodiment, the base station 114a may include three
transceivers, i.e., one for each sector of the cell. In another
embodiment, the base station 114a may employ multiple-input
multiple output (MIMO) technology and, therefore, may utilize
multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell.
[0024] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or
more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 116,
which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio
frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible
light, etc.). The air interface 116 may be established using any
suitable radio access technology (RAT).
[0025] More specifically, as noted above, the communications system
100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more
channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA,
and the like. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 104 and
the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio
Access (UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 using
wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA may include communication protocols
such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and/or Evolved HSPA
(HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)
and/or High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).
[0026] In another embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs
102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved
UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air
interface 116 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and/or LTE Advanced
(LTE-A).
[0027] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs
102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE
802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 IX, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard
2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856
(IS-856), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced
Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), and the
like.
[0028] The base station 114b in FIG. 1 may be a wireless router,
Home Node B, Home eNode B, or access point, for example, and may
utilize any suitable RAT for facilitating wireless connectivity in
a localized area, such as a place of business, a home, a vehicle, a
campus, and the like. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and
the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology such as IEEE
802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In
another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d
may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a
wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment,
the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a
cellular based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.)
to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in FIG. 1, the base
station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110.
Thus, the base station 114b may not be required to access the
Internet 110 via the core network 106.
[0029] The RAN 104 may be in communication with the core network
106, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice,
data, applications, and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP)
services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. For
example, the core network 106 may provide call control, billing
services, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling,
Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and/or perform
high-level security functions, such as user authentication.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the RAN
104 and/or the core network 106 may be in direct or indirect
communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as the RAN
104 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected
to the RAN 104, which may be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology,
the core network 106 may also be in communication with another RAN
(not shown) employing a GSM radio technology.
[0030] The core network 106 may also serve as a gateway for the
WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet
110, and/or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include
circuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old
telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global
system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use
common communication protocols, such as the transmission control
protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP) and the internet
protocol (IP) in the TCP/IP internet protocol suite. The networks
112 may include wired or wireless communications networks owned
and/or operated by other service providers. For example, the
networks 112 may include another core network connected to one or
more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 or a
different RAT.
[0031] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the
communications system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities,
i.e., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple
transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks
over different wireless links. For example, the WTRU 102c shown in
FIG. 1 may be configured to communicate with the base station 114a,
which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with the
base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio
technology.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a system diagram of an example WTRU 102. As shown
in FIG. 2, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver
120, a transmit/receive element 122, a speaker/microphone 124, a
keypad 126, a display/touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130,
removable memory 132, a power source 134, a global positioning
system (GPS) chipset 136, and other peripherals 138. It will be
appreciated that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of
the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an
embodiment.
[0033] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a
special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital
signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a
microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),
Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of
integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. The
processor 118 may perform signal coding, data processing, power
control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality
that enables the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The
processor 1 18 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be
coupled to the transmit/receive element 122. While FIG. 2 depicts
the processor 1 18 and the transceiver 120 as separate components,
it will be appreciated that the processor 118 and the transceiver
120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or
chip.
[0034] The transmit/receive element 122 may be configured to
transmit signals to, or receive signals from, a base station (e.g.,
the base station 114a) over the air interface 116. For example, in
one embodiment, the transmit/receive element 122 may be an antenna
configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals. In another
embodiment, the transmit/receive element 122 may be an
emitter/detector configured to transmit and/or receive IR, UV, or
visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the
transmit/receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and
receive both RF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the
transmit/receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and/or
receive any combination of wireless signals.
[0035] In addition, although the transmit/receive element 122 is
depicted in FIG. 2 as a single element, the WTRU 102 may include
any number of transmit/receive elements 122. More specifically, the
WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the
WTRU 102 may include two or more transmit/receive elements 122
(e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless
signals over the air interface 116.
[0036] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate the
signals that are to be transmitted by the transmit/receive element
122 and to demodulate the signals that are received by the
transmit/receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 may have
multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 120 may include
multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via
multiple RATs, such as UTRA and IEEE 802.11, for example.
[0037] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to, and may
receive user input data from, the speaker/microphone 124, the
keypad 126, and/or the display/touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal
display (LCD) display unit or organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
display unit). The processor 118 may also output user data to the
speaker/microphone 124, the keypad 126, and/or the display/touchpad
128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from,
and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the
non-removable memory 130 and/or the removable memory 132. The
non-removable memory 130 may include random access memory (RAM),
read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory
storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber
identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD)
memory card, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118
may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not
physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or a home
computer (not shown).
[0038] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source
134, and may be configured to distribute and/or control the power
to the other components in the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may
be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the
power source 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g.,
nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride
(NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and
the like.
[0039] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset
136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g.,
longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU
102. In addition to, or in lieu of, the information from the GPS
chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information over the
air interface 116 from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a,
114b) and/or determine its location based on the timing of the
signals being received from two or more nearby base stations. It
will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may acquire location
information by way of any suitable location-determination method
while remaining consistent with an embodiment.
[0040] The processor 118 may further be coupled to other
peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and/or
hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality
and/or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals
138 may include an accelerometer, an e-compass, a satellite
transceiver, a digital camera (for photographs or video), a
universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television
transceiver, a hands free headset, a BLUETOOTH.RTM. module, a
frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a
media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, and
the like.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a system diagram of the RAN 104 and the core
network 106 according to an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104
may employ a UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs
102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also
be in communication with the core network 106. As shown in FIG. 3,
the RAN 104 may include Node-Bs 140a, 140b, 140c, which may each
include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs
102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The Node-Bs 140a,
140b, 140c may each be associated with a particular cell (not
shown) within the RAN 104. The RAN 104 may also include RNCs 142a,
142b. It will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any
number of Node-Bs and RNCs while remaining consistent with an
embodiment.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the Node-Bs 140a, 140b may be in
communication with the RNC 142a. Additionally, the Node-B 140c may
be in communication with the RNC 142b. The Node-Bs 140a, 140b, 140c
may communicate with the respective RNCs 142a, 142b via an Iub
interface. The RNCs 142a, 142b may be in communication with one
another via an Iur interface. Each of the RNCs 142a, 142b may be
configured to control the respective Node-Bs 140a, 140b, 140c to
which it is connected. In addition, each of the RNCs 142a, 142b may
be configured to carry out or support other functionality, such as
outer loop power control, load control, admission control, packet
scheduling, handover control, macrodiversity, security functions,
data encryption, and the like.
[0043] The core network 106 shown in FIG. 3 may include a media
gateway (MGW) 144, a mobile switching center (MSC) 146, a serving
GPRS support node (SGSN) 148, and/or a gateway GPRS support node
(GGSN) 150. While each of the foregoing elements are depicted as
part of the core network 106, it will be appreciated that any one
of these elements may be owned and/or operated by an entity other
than the core network operator.
[0044] The RNC 142a in the RAN 104 may be connected to the MSC 146
in the core network 106 via an IuCS interface. The MSC 146 may be
connected to the MGW 144. The MSC 146 and the MGW 144 may provide
the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit switched
networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications
between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line
communications devices.
[0045] The RNC 142a in the RAN 104 may also be connected to the
SGSN 148 in the core network 106 via an IuPS interface. The SGSN
148 may be connected to the GGSN 150. The SGSN 148 and the GGSN 150
may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to
packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate
communications between and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and
IP-enabled devices.
[0046] As noted above, the core network 106 may also be connected
to the networks 112, which may include other wired or wireless
networks that are owned and/or operated by other service
providers.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of
sending an indication to a network for one or more extended
measurement occasions in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method of FIG. 4 may be implemented by suitable
WTRU such as the WTRU shown in FIG. 2.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the method may include determining
whether to communicate an indication to a network node for extended
measurement occasion (step 400). For example, the processor 118 may
implement instructions for determining whether to communicate an
indication to a network node for one or more extended measurement
occasions. One or more events configurations, and the like
disclosed herein may act as triggers for the WTRU to determine to
communicate the indication to the network node.
[0049] The method of FIG. 4 may also include communicating the
indication to the network node in response to determining to
communicate the indication (step 402). Continuing the example
described with respect to step 400, the processor 118 may implement
instructions to control the transmit/receive element 122 to
communicate a message to the base station that contains the
indication for an extended measurement occasion. The message may be
communicated to any network node servicing the WTRU.
[0050] The method of FIG. 4 may include receiving an indication
from the WTRU for extended measurement occasion (step 404). For
example, referring to FIG. 1, the base station 114a may receive a
message from the WTRU 102a that contains an indication for one or
more extended measurement occasions for the WTRU 102a. The message
may include an identifier of the WTRU 102a.
[0051] Further, the method of FIG. 4 may include preventing traffic
from being sent to the WTRU in response to receiving the indication
(step 406). For example, the base station 114a shown in FIG. 1 may
include one or more processors for determining that a received
message includes an indication for one or more measurement
occasions for a WTRU. In response to receipt of the message, the
base station 114a may prevent communications from being sent to the
WTRU.
[0052] Example events, configurations, and the like that may act as
triggers to thereby cause a WTRU to send an indication to the
network node for one or more extended measurement occasions are
described in this section. In an example, a WTRU may be configured
to send such indications while in a Cell FACH state. Such
configuration can be implemented via dedicated (RRC) signaling
(note that the actual type of indication may be, e.g., a proximity
indication, a cell update, etc., as described in more detail
herein. It is noted that the indications described herein may be
applied to any type of actual indications sent). For example, the
indications may be part of handover (HO) messages, e.g., during
both intra-UTRAN and inter-RAT HO from a GSM EDGE radio access
network (GERAN)/E-UTRAN.
[0053] In another embodiment, a network node may broadcast whether
or not a request for an extended measurement occasion may be sent.
For example, the base station 114a may send a message to the WTRU
102a to indicate that a request for extended measurement occasion
should not be sent. In this example, the WTRU 102a may receive the
message, and may prevent such indications from being sent to the
network node. The base station 114a may subsequently send a message
the WTRU 102a for allowing such indications from the WTRU 102a.
Example network nodes for broadcasts include, but are not limited
to, an HNB/RNC (or UTRAN).
[0054] In an embodiment, a WTRU can be configured to always send an
indication of extended measurement occasion if a triggering
condition is met (e.g., determining that the WTRU is in close
proximity to a CSG) and if the WTRU is configured to send proximity
indication in Cell DCH mode. The WTRU may send the indication if it
is within sufficiently close proximity to the network node. For
example, the WTRU may determine whether its proximity to a CSG is
within a predetermined threshold. In response to determining that
it is within the predetermined threshold, the indication may be
communicated to a network node.
[0055] In another embodiment, triggering can occur in response to
the updating of the WTRU's list of allowed CSG IDs.
[0056] In another embodiment, triggering can occur in response to
detection that the WTRU is in close proximity to a CSG cell or
hybrid cell. For example, this may be based on a WTRU's fingerprint
information. The WTRU may determine whether its proximity to a CSG
cell is within a predetermined threshold. The WTRU may communicate
the indication in response to determining that the proximity of the
WTRU to the CSG cell is within the predetermined threshold. In
another embodiment, triggering can occur in response to detection
that the WTRU is no longer is close proximity to a CSG cell or
hybrid cell. The indication may contain this information.
[0057] In another embodiment, triggering can occur in response to a
request to perform a manual CSG scan and selection while in the
Cell FACH mode.
[0058] In another embodiment, triggering can occur when a WTRU
changes an RNC, mobile switching center (MSC)/serving general
packet radio service support node (SGSN), or location/routing
area.
[0059] In another embodiment, triggering can occur in response to a
determination that the WTRU is in close proximity of a CSG cell or
hybrid cell that is in the WTRU's whitelist and upon detection of a
suitable cell on the corresponding other frequency. The WTRU may
use the FACH measurement occasions or any other type of measurement
occasions, such as discontinuous reception (DRX) to measure the
channel quality of the primary scrambling code (PSC) on the other
frequency or RAT. If a suitable cell is found on that frequency and
the WTRU determines that it is in proximity, the WTRU may send the
indication to the network.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, a WTRU may trigger the indication
based on the PSC. For example, the indication may be sent if the
WTRU, in combination with the triggers above, also determines that
the suitable PSC or the strongest PSC in that frequency corresponds
to the HNB which is in its whitelist.
[0061] In another embodiment, a WTRU may perform cell reselection
to another cell and determine that the triggering criteria as above
are still met after reselection. For example, the WTRU may
determine whether to communicate an indication in response to
determining cell reselection. It is also noted that any of the
above triggering criteria may be combined before triggering the
sending of an indication for extended measurement occasion.
[0062] When a WTRU receives an indication for an extended
measurement occasion, the network can take any combination of
various actions described herein. In an example, a WTRU may
determine a type of indication to send, for example, based upon the
type of triggering event and/or configuration. An example type of
indication that can be sent by the WTRU to the network node or
network includes a proximity indication such as an RRC message. The
message may include additional information to differentiate the
proximity indication in the Cell FACH state from a similar
proximity indication in the Cell DCH state.
[0063] In an embodiment, a WTRU may send a cell update message to a
source network node as an indication. This message may be sent even
if the periodic cell update timer has not expired, but one or more
of the above-mentioned triggers have been met. The message may
include a new update cause, e.g. a proximity indication in Cell
FACH on another frequency or RAT.
[0064] In another embodiment, an RRC message may be sent to a
network node for providing indication in Cell FACH.
[0065] Various actions, in any combination, can be taken by a WTRU
after sending an indication to a network node or network for an
extended measurement occasion. For example, after sending an
indication, a WTRU may proceed with utilizing an extended
measurement occasion. The WTRU may also reselect to a targeted
HNB/CSG/hybrid cell or return to/remain with the source network
node. Further, the WTRU may wait for a confirmation that the
indication has been sent to and/or received by the network node
(e.g., NB or HNB) before utilizing the extended measurement
occasion and determining whether to reselect to the targeted
HNB/CSG/hybrid cell.
[0066] An example confirmation that may be received by a WTRU
includes, but is not limited to, an acknowledgement from lower
layers in the WTRU that the message has been transmitted (e.g., an
acknowledgement from the RLC layer). Another example confirmation
includes an explicit acknowledgement from the source (H)NB/RNC.
Another example confirmation includes an implicit acknowledgement
(e.g., due to lack of a reject message from the source HNB within a
default or preconfigured time after sending the indication). Yet
another example confirmation includes an RRC acknowledgment message
(e.g., in response to an RRC message that was sent by the WTRU as
an indication, as described herein above). Further, for example,
any of these example confirmations may be combined in any suitable
way.
[0067] When a network node (e.g., HNB, RNC, and the like) receives
one or more of the aforementioned indications for an extended
measurement occasion, or an equivalent type of indication, an
example action taken by the source node/network can include, but is
not limited to, the network node allowing the WTRU to perform
extended measurements. Further, for example, the network node may
schedule traffic intended for the WTRU based on the extended
measurement occasion. In the case of a macro cell configured as a
CSG cell or hybrid cell, the RNC may communicate the extended
measurement occasions to the NB. The NB may then take this
information into account while scheduling traffic, such as high
speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) traffic, for the WTRU such
that the WTRU does not miss data addressed to it. Alternatively,
the RNC may notify the NB of the start and/or stop points of the
extended measurement occasions. The NB may then avoid transmitting
data to the WTRU during the extended measurement time interval.
[0068] In an embodiment, a source node/network (e.g., HNB, RNC, and
the like) may respond to an indication from an WTRU with an
acknowledgement as disclosed herein. The response can either be
positive (i.e., the WTRU is allowed to perform extended
measurements) or negative (i.e., the WTRU should keep using the
current measurement occasions). The response may be based on, for
example, the network node having downlink data for the WTRU.
[0069] In the instance of a positive response from the network, the
network node may include the extended time that the WTRU can use
for measurement in Cell FACH. This time can be interpreted as the
total time allotted or the extended time that is allotted in
addition to the current measurement occasion length. Such details
of how the time is interpreted by the WTRU may be preconfigured in
the WTRU. Moreover, if the time is included, it can be in the form
of an integer which can be interpreted by the WTRU as a multiple of
a preconfigured time interval or a multiple of the WTRU's current
measurement duration.
[0070] In an embodiment of a WTRU receiving a positive response,
the WTRU can apply an extended measurement occasion based on an
FACH measurement occasion cycle length coefficient that is
broadcast by the cell. Even though it is broadcast, the WTRU may
not apply the coefficient until the WTRU receives a positive
response, or the WTRU may apply the coefficient if it has
successfully sent an indication to the source HNB/RNC, for example,
as per a lower layer acknowledgement. The coefficient can be
transmitted, for example, as part of SIB 11 or SIB 12 and it can,
for example, be used such that it is first added to the current
measurement coefficient and the result can then be used to
calculate the extended period. In another example, the product of
the coefficient and the current FACH measurement occasion length
may be used as the extended occasion.
[0071] In another embodiment, the network may indicate an extended
measurement occasion as suggested from the WTRU. For example, in
the indication that is sent by the WTRU, a suggested extended
measurement occasion can be included by the WTRU based, for
example, on one or more prior attempts to read the MIB/SIB3 of a
potential target HNB/CSG/hybrid cell. In addition, the FACH
measurement occasion cycle length coefficient or the actual length
of the extended period can also be communicated to the WTRU in a
response sent to the WTRU, for example, as part of a cell update
confirm message or any other response message that acknowledges the
WTRU's extended measurement occasion request.
[0072] In an embodiment of a WTRU receiving a negative response,
the response may be interpreted as an instruction that extended
measurement occasions are not allowed and the WTRU should keep
using the current measurement occasion periods. In another
embodiment, a source HNB/RNC can indicate that the WTRU should wait
for the next Mth occasion before it applies an extended
occasion--the duration of which can be included or can be
preconfigured in the WTRU. The value of M can also be included in
the response or preconfigured in the WTRU. It is noted that receipt
of a negative response at the WTRU does not mean that the WTRU is
prohibited from sending further indications. In an embodiment, the
negative response may also include an indication that prohibits the
sending of such indications from the WTRU in Cell FACH until the
WTRU receives a dedicated configuration to allow the sending of
such indications.
[0073] It is noted that the above-described actions and/or
responses from the network to indications from a WTRU can take the
form of any RRC message such as a cell update confirm, a cell
update reject, a new RRC message, a measurement configuration
message, and the like, which may be used as a positive or negative
response accordingly.
[0074] It should be appreciated that the above techniques may be
applicable if DRX is configured in the Cell FACH state and the WTRU
does not need to use FACH measurement occasions to measure, for
example, if the network broadcasts the normal DRX parameters for
Cell FACH operation. If the cycle of DRX parameter broadcasts is
sufficient for the WTRU, the WTRU may not need to trigger any
proximity indications to the network. If it is not, the WTRU may
send one or more of the above-discussed indications and may in turn
extend the DRX cycle using any of the techniques described above.
Thus, all of the above-discussed techniques may apply in this case,
for example, a DRX extension parameter may be broadcast or provided
to the WTRU via dedicated signaling, and the WTRU may use this
information to calculate the extended DRX cycle length.
[0075] A WTRU may take one or more various actions once it has
transmitted an indication to the network pertaining to one or more
extended measurement occasions. In an example action, a WTRU may
autonomously apply the extended measurement occasion at the start
of the FACH measurement occasion or extended DRX, for example, if
no response is expected from the network. Alternatively, for
example, the WTRU may not apply the extended measurement occasion
until it has received confirmation, for example, in the form of an
acknowledgment, that the network has received its message. Such an
acknowledgment may be in the form of a lower layer acknowledgement,
an explicit acknowledgement from the network, and the like. In case
the WTRU has sent an indication that it is no longer close to a
hybrid or CSG cell, the WTRU may autonomously stop utilizing the
extended measurement occasion (i.e. immediately start monitoring
the serving cell as per the normal measurement occasion).
Alternatively, the WTRU may stop utilizing the extended measurement
occasion once it has received confirmation from the network.
[0076] In another example action, a WTRU may wait for an explicit
response from the network and may act in accordance with the
above-discussed responses. If no response is received from the
network, the WTRU may retransmit the indication until a response is
received from the network.
[0077] In another example action, a WTRU may apply a backoff timer.
When the backoff timer expires, the WTRU may either retransmit the
indication or perform the extended measurement occasion on one or
more subsequent occurrences of a FACH measurement occasion. Even if
the WTRU receives a positive response from the network to perform
extended measurements, the WTRU may not perform the extended
measurements if one or more triggers to stop the extended
measurement occasion occur as described in more detail herein.
[0078] In accordance with the embodiments of the present
disclosure, various triggering events may be used, in any
combination, to stop the occurrence of extended measurement
occasions and/or indications thereof. For example, a WTRU may
receive dedicated signaling, for example, from the network for
stopping the sending of indications. In another example, a source
node/cell and/or network may broadcast that WTRUs shall not send
such indications in Cell FACH. In another example, a WTRU may be
configured to not send proximity indication in Cell DCH, and may
subsequently apply the same configuration for Cell FACH. In an
alternative of this example, a WTRU may receive such a
configuration explicitly for Cell FACH, for example, from the
network. In another example, a WTRU's list of CSG cells may be
modified such that the operator CSG list (OCL) is empty, so the
allowed CSG list (ACL) is empty, or both. In another example, a
WTRU may be informed that the use of the ACL and/or the OCL is
prohibited. In another example, a WTRU may receive a request, for
example, from upper layers to go to a connected mode for uplink
user data. In another example, a WTRU may have a data volume report
to send, for example, if the traffic load on the current cell is
above a threshold. In another example, a WTRU may perform a
handover to a different cell/RNC, and is informed via HO, or
broadcast messages in the target area, that sending such
indications is prohibited. In another example, the sending of the
indication may be limited by a periodic timer; for example, the
WTRU may be prevented from sending more than one indication during
any 5 second period. In another example, a WTRU may stop sending
the indications, for example, due to a directive from the network
based on a failure of N, possibly consecutive, access check
failures. In other words, in this example, the WTRU may determine
that it is not a member of a HNB as part of the SIB3 reading during
an extended measurement occasion, where N is an integer that has
either a default value or can be preconfigured with signaling. In
yet another example, a WTRU may stop performing extended FACH
measurement occasions after a predefined period of time expires and
the WTRU has not been able to find a cell which is in the WTRU's
whitelist. In this example, the timer may be predefined or
configured by the network. In yet another example, a WTRU may
determine that it is leaving the proximity of the home NodeB cell.
In another example, a WTRU may receive an earthquake and tsunami
warning system (ETWS) PRIMARY NOTIFICATION WITH SECURITY over a
FACH or an enhanced FACH (HS-DSCH) channel as a trigger. In another
example, a WTRU may receive a system information change indication
message (with ETWS information and the change of SIBS). In another
example, a WTRU may be triggered on determining that it is leaving
proximity of the home NodeB cell.
[0079] In an embodiment, a WTRU may report that it will not send
indications for extended FACH measurements if it was expected,
required, requested, or configured to do so, for example, as
described in suitable example provided herein. In an alternative
example, the WTRU can send such notification if it is no longer
within HNB coverage, for example, as per its fingerprint
information, or if, for example, the WTRU needs to build a new
fingerprint data base and the like.
[0080] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
WTRU may take one or more actions in response to the WTRU being
handed over, for example, in Cell DCH, or performs cell reselection
in Cell FACH or any other state. In an example, a WTRU may indicate
to the target HNB/RNC the status of sending the proposed indication
in the source HNB/RNC. In an alternative example, if the change of
cell was done as part of HO, the WTRU may include a status such as
a part of the handover complete message that is sent to the target
HNB/RNC. It is noted that the handover complete refers to any
message that is sent after a handover, for example, an active set
update complete.
[0081] In an embodiment, a WTRU may continue with the
configuration, for example, the normal or extended measurement
occasion that it had in the source HNB/RNC if, for example, it has
not received a new configuration or indication about whether or not
it is allowed to send such indications. Moreover, if the sending of
the indication is guarded by a timer, as described above, the WTRU
may optionally reset the timer upon handover or reselection.
[0082] In another embodiment, the network (e.g., the HNB/RNC) may
provide a configuration of a WTRU to a target HNB/RNC. When the
WTRU reads the MIB/SIB3 of a potential target HNB, the WTRU may
reselect and send a cell update message to that cell if the WTRU is
not a member of that CSG cell. The WTRU may actually be a member of
that cell but does not have the CSG ID in its whitelist due to an
unsynchronized membership list between the WTRU and the network.
The WTRU can, in addition to sending a cell update, send a NAS
message, such as a routing or location area update message, in
order to know whether it is a member of a particular CSG or not,
for example, based on the response it gets from the core network.
Alternatively, a new cell update cause may be introduced for this
purpose and the HNB can then either perform an access check itself
or request the membership status from the core network, for
example, an SGSN, and then reject or accept the request based on
this membership information. Furthermore, a new reject cause may be
introduced for the cell update reject to inform the WTRU that the
reason of rejection is due to membership status. If the cell update
is accepted, the WTRU may then add the CSG ID to its whitelist. The
WTRU may send an indication to the network (at the RRC or NAS
layer, or both) to indicate that extended FACH measurement
occasions are supported by the WTRU. This can be done at initial
access to the system, for example, at first attach, or at handover,
or at every connection establishment and/or certain connection
establishment, and the like.
[0083] In an embodiment, when a WTRU in CELL FACH performs a cell
update, e.g., for causes stated in 3GPP TS 25.331-V9.2.0, for the
scenarios where the cell is a CSG cell, the cell may proceed to
query the CN for an access control. Similarly, if the cell is a
hybrid cell, the cell may proceed to query the CN for membership
status verification.
[0084] In another embodiment, in order to reduce the signaling, the
CSG cell or the hybrid cell may query the CN for an access control
or membership verification respectively for a subset of the causes
leading a WTRU in CELL FACH mode to perform a cell update. For
example, the CSG cell may query the CN for access control if the
cause of the cell update is cell reselection or re-entering service
area. In the case of cell reselection, access control may be needed
since the WTRU may not be a member of the new CSG cell. In
re-entering service area case, access control may be required since
the WTRU's membership to the CSG cell may have expired while the
WTRU was out of service. Similarly, a hybrid cell may query the CN
for membership verification if the cause of the cell update is cell
reselection or re-entering service area. In this case, the WTRU may
be granted differentiated service quality based on whether or not
the WTRU is accessing the hybrid cell as a CSG member or non-CSG
member.
[0085] A cell update message may be modified to include information
necessary for access control or membership verification such as
message type, membership check cause, or access control cause, WTRU
identity and WTRU capabilities, target cell CSG ID and WTRU initial
access control/membership verification result (e.g., member,
non-member check).
[0086] In an embodiment, when a CSG cell or a hybrid cell receives
a cell update from a WTRU it may elect to have the CN perform
access control in the case of CSG cell or membership verification
in the case of hybrid cell. For example, a cell may initiate a new
HNBAP procedure (e.g., access control procedure or membership
verification procedure). The parameters for this may be similar to
the WTRU register request message of 3GPP TS 25.469-V9.2.0 (message
type, membership check cause or access control cause, WTRU
identity, WTRU capabilities, WTRU initial access control/membership
verification result, e.g., member, non-member check). Once the CN
has performed access control and indicated its response to the
HNB-GW, the HNB-GW may initiate a suitable HNBAP procedure to state
the validity of the membership (e.g., CSG membership validity). The
parameters of this procedure may include the message type, the WTRU
identity and the membership status (member or not). In an
embodiment, a cell may initiate a RANAP procedure (e.g., access
control procedure or membership verification procedure). The
parameters for this may include message type, membership check
cause, or access control cause WTRU identity and WTRU Capabilities,
possibly WTRU initial access control/membership verification
result, e.g., member, non-member check. Once the CN has performed
access control, it may indicate the membership validity by use of a
RANAP procedure (e.g., CSG membership validity, access control
confirm or membership verification confirm). The parameters may
include a message Type, the WTRU identity and the membership status
(i.e., member or not-member).
[0087] In an embodiment, for cell updates when a WTRU is in Cell
FACH, the access control may be performed at the HNB-GW.
[0088] In another embodiment, when a WTRU is in Cell FACH, a cell
update may be accepted and may not lead to an access control
procedure. In such a case, the WTRU's cell update procedure may be
accepted and transparent to either the HNB-GW (the node playing the
GW role to the target cell) or the CN or both. Once the WTRU is
moved to Cell DCH, the cell may handover to the WTRU to a CSG cell
where the WTRU is a member, or to a hybrid cell or to an open cell.
In this scenario, successful reselection of a WTRU into a CSG cell
may not lead to updating its whitelist. Or alternatively, the cell
update confirm message to the WTRU may include an IE indicating
that the WTRU may not add the CSG ID to its whitelist.
[0089] In another embodiment, when a WTRU is in Cell FACH, a cell
update may be accepted on the basis of a temporary membership
granted by the target cell, the node playing the HNB GW role for
the target cell or the CN. Optionally, the WTRU may be informed to
add to its whitelist the CSG to which the target cell (of the cell
update procedure) belongs to.
[0090] Upon performing access control (CSG cell) or membership
verification (hybrid cell), a cell update procedure initiated by a
WTRU in Cell FACH mode may not be successful due to access control
result or membership verification result stating that the WTRU does
not have valid membership. In order to notify the WTRU, the HNB
may, for example, use the RRC connection release procedure. In such
a case a new cause may be used (e.g., invalid membership). In
another example, the HNB may use an RRC procedure (e.g., cell
update reject). This procedure may inform the WTRU that the cell
update procedure has been rejected due to invalid membership and
thus implicitly instructs the WTRU to reselect to another cell
while remaining in Cell FACH mode. In another example, the HNB may
instruct the WTRU to enter Cell DCH mode. At which point, the
CSG/hybrid cell may begin HO to either a non-CSG cell or to a CSG
cell where the WTRU has membership. It is noted that in this case
the CSG/hybrid cell should inform the WTRU that even though it has
been granted temporary membership to the cell it may not add the
CSG ID to its whitelist.
[0091] In an embodiment, for a successful access control check, a
cell update confirm message may include an IE indicating to the
WTRU that access control was done and that it should add the CSG ID
to its whitelist.
[0092] CSG/hybrid cell to CSG/hybrid cell (example HNB to HNB)
mobility may be transparent to the CN and anchored at the target
cell or at the node playing the HNB-GW role to the target cell. In
such a scenario, signaling to the CN may be avoided. In an
embodiment, a method is disclosed herein for allowing a modified
access control to occur without CN intervention. For example, upon
reselecting into a CSG cell, a WTRU may inform the target
CSG/hybrid cell (e.g., as a new information element, IE, in the
cell update procedure) that its previous cell had the same CSG ID
and that it had been accepted as a valid member. In the cell update
procedure, the WTRU may provide its previous cell's PCI. Using an
HNBAP procedure (i.e. HNB-HNB CSG membership check), the target
cell may query the source cell to see what the source cell's CSG ID
is and whether the WTRU was recently deemed a member of that CSG
ID. The source CSG/hybrid cell may respond with the HNBAP procedure
(CSG/hybrid cell access control or membership verification response
or confirm message) which can confirm the CSG ID of the source HNB
and whether the WTRU was deemed a valid member. It may also include
an IE stating when the last access control occurred. In another
embodiment, proximity indication can be used to inform the HNB that
the previous cell with the same CSG ID was a valid cell.
[0093] Various techniques are disclosed herein for allowing the
target HNB or the HNB GW to fetch the correct WTRU context even if
there are two or more WTRUs sharing the same U-RNTI. For example, a
WTRU may provide an identification of the source HNB when it
performs a cell update with the target HNB. This identification may
be, for example, the primary synchronization code (PSC) of the
source HNB. The target HNB then may use the identity of the source
HNB together with the U-RNTI to uniquely identify the source HNB
that allocated the U-RNTI in question. This information may be
forwarded by the target HNB to the HNB GW which may use both
identities (source HNB ID and the U-RNTI) to fetch the WTRU context
which is unique as the assignee can also be identified (source HNB
identity). Hence, the context ID may be unique and the correct WTRU
context may be fetched. Other identities that may be provided by
the WTRU include the cell ID, or the nodeB ID.
[0094] The WTRU may provide the target HNB an additional
identification with the URNTI. For example, this may be the WTRU's
IMSI, or P-TMSI, or TMSI. The target HNB (or alternatively the HNB
GW) may use this additional identification in conjunction with the
U-RNTI to uniquely fetch a WTRU's context (and/or context ID). The
target HNB or the HNB GW may propose to have such WTRU identities
saved locally.
[0095] The WTRU may be provided its context ID that is used by its
serving HNB (or macro NB). This, for example, may occur every time
the WTRU transitions from idle to connected mode, and/or at other
instances. Thus, during Cell FACH mobility, the WTRU may include
its context ID, together with the U-RNTI, in the cell update
message that is sent to the target HNB. The latter may use both
identities to fetch the correct WTRU context (this may also be done
by the HNB GW after the target forwards the required message
towards the HNB GW).
[0096] The WTRU may not perform Cell FACH mobility to HNBs during
an ongoing emergency call (e.g., IMS emergency call). This would
avoid the issue caused by non-unique URNTI and hence the dropping
of the RRC connection with a target HNB as a consequence. Thus, if
the radio conditions are such that handover is required, the WTRU
may first be transitioned to other RRC state, e.g,. Cell DCH, in
which regular handover can occur, for example, inbound handover to
CSG.
[0097] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
when a CSG capable WTRU or non-CSG capable WTRU detects a cell in a
neighbor cell list that it is not a member of, it may restrict
activity with the cell. For example, the WTRU may consider the cell
as being barred for a time period, remove the cell from the NCL, or
combinations thereof. A value of the time period may be either
signaled by the network, be based on an autonomous WTRU
determination, or combinations thereof.
[0098] Membership verification can be implemented by the WTRU or
the network. Membership verification time or performance may be
improved by adding the CSG ID for each CSG cell or hybrid cell in
the NCL. The WTRU may then immediately perform membership
verification and ignore cells that the WTRU is not a member without
needing to perform cell detection or making usage of the FACH
measurement opportunities for that purpose.
[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of
handling a neighbor cell list in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure. The method of FIG. 5 may be implemented by
suitable WTRU such as the WTRU shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG.
5, the method may include determining that the WTRU is not a member
of a cell in an NCL (step 500). For example, the WTRU 102 shown in
FIG. 2 may determine that it is not a member of a cell in an NCL.
In response to determining that it is not a member of the cell in
the NCL, the WTRU may restrict activity with the cell (step
502).
[0100] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of determining
that a UE is not a member of a cell in a neighbor cell list and
restricting activity within the cell.
[0101] Although features and elements are described above in
particular combinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that each feature or element can be used alone or in any
combination with the other features and elements. In addition, the
methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program,
software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium
for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of
computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted
over wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage
media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are
not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory
(RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices,
magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks,
magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and
digital versatile disks (DVDs). A processor in association with
software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for
use in a WTRU, WTRU, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host
computer.
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