CN100551165C

CN100551165C - Select PLMN to be used for the method and system that network is shared

Info

Publication number: CN100551165C
Application number: CNB2005800091688A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·乔汉内森; C·赫雷罗维龙
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2005-03-23
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-23
Also published as: CN1934891A

Abstract

A kind of method that is used for selecting from a plurality of available public land mobile networks (PLMN) PLMN, especially, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise forwarding step, promptly by the information of mobile network's transmission about a plurality of available PLMN.This method also is included in the step of mobile radio station reception about a plurality of available PLMN information, and respond this receiving step, send Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to the mobile network, this NAS signaling message comprises the identification data that is used for selecting from a plurality of available PLMN a PLMN.

Description

Select PLMN to be used for the method and system that network is shared

Background of invention

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to digital wireless communication, especially relate to, but be not limited to, from a plurality of public land mobile networks (PLMN), select the methods, devices and systems of a PLMN by mobile radio station.

Background technology

One of digital wireless communication standard of extensive use is global system for mobile communications (GSM) standard, and it is proposed by ETSI.GSM standard is utilized time-division multiple access (TDMA) (TDMA) technology.The wireless communication system of compatible GSM comprises base station sub-system (BSS).BSS comprises that typically a plurality of being used for send and the base station transmitting-receiving station (BTS) of received RF (RF) signal from user's mobile radio station (MS), and at least one is used for managing radio resources and signal is routed to BTS and from the base station controller (BSC) of BTS route signal.

Universal mobile telephone service (UMTS) standard is used Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) (W-CDMA) technology of exploitation recently.The system of compatible UMTS typically comprises core network (CN) and comprises UMTS Radio Access Network (URAN) based on above ground portion.Radio Access Network (RAN) be commonly referred to UMTS Terrestrial radio access network network (UTRAN) based on above ground portion, and comprise radio network controller (RNC) and base station (BS), they have the function similar with BTS to the BSC of GSM network respectively.

Public land mobile network (PLMN) zone is certain specific operator provides a geographic area from the mobile communication service to the user.From any position in this PLMN zone, the user can set up calling with other user of identical mobile network, and perhaps the user with other mobile network sets up calling.Existing standard-required mobile radio station (MS) is located a best PLMN by the signal strength signal intensity of measuring the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) that is sent by the mobile network and is served this mobile radio station.In most of existing systems, mobile network's radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC) all are to be connected to an independent PLMN.Therefore, in such system, the BCCH signal comprises the information about described single PLMN.Yet in other systems, RNC/BSC can be connected to a plurality of PLMN.Thereby the BCCH channel can comprise the information about described a plurality of PLMN.

Summary of the invention

A kind of method that is used for selecting from a plurality of available public land mobile networks (PLMN) PLMN, especially, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise by the step of mobile network's transmission about a plurality of available PLMN information.This method further is included in the step of mobile radio station reception about a plurality of available PLMN information, and respond this reception, send the step of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to the mobile network, this NAS signaling message comprises the identification data that is used for selecting from a plurality of available PLMN a PLMN.

On the other hand, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise a kind of wireless device, be used for selecting a PLMN from a plurality of available public land mobile networks (PLMN), this wireless device comprises: wireless receiver is used for from the information of wireless network reception about a plurality of available PLMN; Transmitter is used to send Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to the mobile network, and this NAS signaling message comprises the identification data that is used for selecting from a plurality of available PLMN a PLMN.

The accompanying drawing summary

The more complete understanding of the present invention can be in conjunction with the drawings obtained with reference to the detailed description of the specific embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of describing the GSM network that joins with the UMTS network;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of describing mobile radio station (MS);

Fig. 3 has described the architecture that network according to an embodiment of the invention is shared;

Fig. 4 is corresponding to the signal flow graph of Fig. 3 between mobile radio station and mobile network.

Fig. 5 has described the architecture that network is according to another embodiment of the invention shared;

Fig. 6 is corresponding to the signal flow graph of Fig. 5 between mobile radio station and mobile network.

Embodiment

Embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.Yet the present invention can implement in a lot of obstructed modes, is not limited to following examples.The present invention should only regard as by existing claim and equivalent thereof and limits.

Fig. 1 has described a radio telecommunications system 100.This system 100 comprises the GSM network 12 with Radio Access Network part 17 and core network part 21.This Radio Access Network partly comprises a plurality of being used for from the base station transmitting-receiving station (BTS) 14 of mobile radio station (MS) 16 transmissions and received RF voice and data call, and base station controller (BSC) 18.BSC18 comes managing radio resources by the communication service of foundation, maintenance and release MS16 and core network part.Each BSC18 is connected at least one BTS14 among a plurality of BTS14.

Core network part (for example, based on the Wireline part on land) comprises mobile switching centre (MSC) 20 (for example second generation or 2-G MSC), is used for the audio call between the wireless and Wireline part of Control Network.The core network part can comprise another core network node, for example Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) or MSC/SGSN22 (core network node of for example compatible SGSN and MSC).This core network also comprises and is used to handle for example circuit commutative field of audio call, and is used for for example supporting the burst of e-mail message and web page browsing, the packet-switched domain of high speed data transfer.

Packet switched portion, just usually said GPRS (GPRS), comprise Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), be similar to the MSC of system voice part, be used for service and follow the trail of MS, and GGSN (GGSN), be used to set up the connection between packet switching network and the mobile radio station.This SGSN also can comprise setting up and diverting call is connected with the user data of usefulness.

MSC20 is connected among the VLR (not being shown specifically) of interim store M S 16 positions of energy.The details of MS 16 will be described with reference to figure 3.MSC 20 and SGSN or MSC/SGSN 22 are connected to Home Location Register (HLR) 24, and this register comprises the database that comprises especially at user data, for example user's available service and user's position (address of MSC/VLR just).This SGSN or MSC/SGSN22 also are connected to Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 26, are used to insert other packet network.

Fig. 2 has described the block diagram of MS 16.MS 16, for example, can be such as cell phone or individual communicator handheld wireless phone.This MS 16 typically comprises data processor, for example has the input that output is connected to display 204, and input is connected to the micro controller unit (MCU) 202 of keyboard or keypad 206.This MCU202 is connected to certain type memory 208, and this memory comprises the read-only memory (ROM) that is used for the storage operation program, and the random access storage device (RAM) that is used for the essential data of interim storage.Independent dismountable SIM or USIM (not shown) also can be used to store user-dependent information by outfit.

The general storage of the ROM of MS16 can provide the program of suitable user interface (UI) by display 204 and keypad 206.Although do not illustrate, microphone and loud speaker generally can be equipped with, and make the user to transmit audio call in a kind of mode easily.MS16 also comprises the radio parts that comprises digital signal processor (DSP) 210 and comprises transmitter 212 and the transceiver of receiver 214 that transmitter and receiver all are connected on the antenna 216.At least one oscillator 218, for example frequency synthesizer is provided for tuning transceiver.

The ROM program storage of MS16 makes MS16 receive and handles MS16 transfer to another sub-district of GSM network from the sub-district (cell) of GSM network.This ROM also program storage comes the interior modification information of treatment system, and it can make MS16 from moving to another such as the GSM network of network such as the UMTS network.

Along with the introducing of GSM network, huge variation has taken place in the notion of Wireline telephone service.Substitute and distribute a telephone number for different geographical position, the GSM network is advocated to specific user and is distributed a telephone number.Therefore, each user is associated with a subscriber identity module (SIM) card.Use this SIM card, the mobile subscriber can store necessary information of mobile user in separable memory cell, and after this can freely related this module arrive available mobile radio station (MS) 16 arbitrarily.Arrive MS16 by the SIM card of inserting the mobile subscriber, institute's stored user information just can be used for mobile subscriber's new terminal in the SIM card of inserting.

The PLMN band of position is meant that certain specific PLMN operator can provide the geographic area of mobile communication business for the user.Identify the band of position of this PLMN service by code word of control channel broadcasting at each radio transmitter in PLMN zone.When MS16 did not participate in calling out, this MS16 automatic scan Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) was also selected and the related channel of that specific PLMN that sends peak signal.

In order to carry out the calling of portable terminal, although MS16 in motion, must know the position of this MS16 such as the mobile network of GSM network.For this purpose, MS16 uses for example location update request message, and attach request message or routing region updating request message report that periodically the mobile network is given in its position.Especially, when MS16 is in idle condition or through after the regular intervals of time, for example exchange finishes and when wanting to be activated, location update request message will be performed.

Third generation collaborative project (3GPP) standard has stipulated that at present network is shared.Network is shared and is allowed operator to share the mobile network.Each operator is identified by PLMN, and mobile network can have the PLMN more than so.Therefore, the last broadcast message that sends of the BCCH from mobile network to MS16 comprises the information about a plurality of PLMN.Especially, this information can comprise that portion can for example, directly send to MS16 by broadcast message or by signaling by MS16 by the PLMN tabulation that multitude of different ways receives.MS16 is required to choose a PLMN a plurality of available PLMN in PLMN tabulation.This process of choosing a PLMN from a plurality of available PLMN is called as PLMN and selects.In order to carry out this selection, MS16 sends Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message and gives the mobile network, and it is included in MS16 among a plurality of available PLMN and wants (PLMN of selection just) those PLMN corresponding identification data of connecting.This identification data can be, for example, and a numerical value.

In GSM, the identification data that the expansion of NAS signaling message is used for carrying corresponding to selected PLMN is impossible in location update request message.At present, location update request message has the maximum length of 18 eight bit bytes.When the PLMN identification data had the length of 3 eight bit bytes, the NAS signaling message had the maximum length of 20 eight bit bytes.So, when the PLMN identification data has the length of 3 eight bit bytes, 2 eight bit byte residues are only arranged.In order to overcome length restriction, for example, in GSM, the skip indicator in the NAS signaling message is used to encode and expects the numerical value of the PLMN of connection corresponding to MS16.At present, skip indicator does not provide any function in the NAS signaling message.This skip indicator has 1/2 eight bit byte () length just, 4 bits, and being included in most NAS signaling messages.Therefore, by utilizing the skip indicator of 4 bits, the PLMN identification data can be encoded.This PLMN identification data is used for indicating the position (just, a numerical value sign) of mobile network from the PLMN of PLMN tabulation selection corresponding to the number in 0 to 15 scope.Especially, this skip indicator is carried the information from MS16 to mobile network, and this information is about the sign of the PLMN that selects MS16 to want from a plurality of PLMN to connect.The function of skip indicator discussed above is an example in the skip indicator multiple mode that can be utilized, can be from MS16 to mobile network or from mobile network to MS16.

Fig. 3 has described and has been used for the architecture 30 that network is shared, and wherein only has radio access network (RAN) part 31 to be shared.Radio access network part 31 comprises a plurality of base station transmitting-receiving station (BTS) (not shown) and controllers 32 that are used for sending and receiving from mobile radio station (MS) 16 voice and data call, for example, and radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC).A plurality of

operators

34,36 and 38, for example the A of operator 34, and B of operator 36 and the C of operator 38 are connected to the controller 32 in the RAN31.

Operator

34,36 and 38 provides the user of mobile communication business to the geographic area of serving by PLMN.Therefore, the merchant A 34 of battalion is corresponding to PLMN A, and the B of operator 36 is corresponding to PLMN B, and the C of operator 38 is then corresponding to PLMN C.

The RAN part of sharing 31 sends broadcast message to mobile radio station arbitrarily in RAN part 31 scopes on BCCH, comprise for example MS16.Broadcast message can comprise the information about a plurality of

PLMN

34,36 and 38.Especially, broadcast message can comprise a PLMN tabulation, and it can be received by different ways by MS16, for example, directly sends to MS16 by broadcast message or by signaling.

In another example, broadcast message can comprise the Digital ID information corresponding to the operator that serves a plurality of PLMN34, a specific PLMN of 36 and 38.For example, the A34 of operator can be corresponding to numerical value " 0 ", and the B36 of operator can be corresponding to numerical value " 5 ", and the C38 of operator can be corresponding to numerical value " 7 ".MS16 carries out selection by providing corresponding to the numerical value of the operator that serves relevant PLMN.This MS16 sends Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to controller 32, and this message comprises the identification data (for example numerical value) of wanting the operator that connects from a plurality of available carriers corresponding to the MS16 that elects.MS16 can indicate selected operator by the sequence location of relevant PLMN or the special value related with selected operator.

Fig. 4 has described the MS16 of Fig. 3 discussion and the signal flow graph between the mobile network 401.Mobile network 401 sends broadcast message (402) to MS16, and it comprises the information about a plurality of PLMN.Especially, broadcast message 402 can comprise a PLMN tabulation.Require MS16 from this PLMN tabulation, to select a PLMN.In another scheme, need not send the PLMN tabulation, but mobile network 401 sends corresponding to the Digital ID information of the operator that serves a specific PLMN among a plurality of PLMN34,36 and 38 and the PLMN coding of specific PLMN.MS16 carries out selection by providing corresponding to the numerical value of the operator that serves relevant PLMN.From a plurality of available PLMN, select the process of a PLMN to be called PLMN selection (406).This MS16 sends Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to mobile network 401 (RNC/BSC 401), and this message comprises the identification data of wanting the operator that connects from a plurality of available carriers corresponding to the MS16 that elects.In step 410, this identification data is forwarded to selected operator.In step 412, operator can accept or refuse this request.Whether in step 418, acknowledge message sends to MS16 from mobile network 401 (RNC/BSC), be accepted or rejected with the selection of indicating this MS16.

Fig. 5 has described and has been used for the architecture 50 that network is shared in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Radio Access Network part 62 comprises a plurality of base station transmitting-receiving stations (BTS) (not being shown specifically), be used for sending and receive voice and data call from mobile radio station (MS) 16, and a plurality of

controllers

64,66 and 68, for example radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC).Architecture 50 also comprises the core network part, comprises a plurality of

nodes

70,72 and 74, for example MSC/SGSN node (core network node of for example compatible SGSN and MSC).MSC/

SGSN node

70,72 and 74 is connected respectively to a plurality of

controllers

64,66 and 68.In addition, each in the

node

70,72 and 74 can be connected to a plurality of

operators

76,78 and 80, for example A76 of operator, the B78 of operator and the C80 of operator.

RAN part 62 sends any mobile radio station of broadcast message in the RAN62 scope on BCCH, comprises, for example, MS16.Broadcast message can comprise about a plurality of

operators

76,78 that serve a plurality of PLMN and 80 information.MS16 decodes the concurrent information of selecting of sending to be elected of this shared network information to MSC/

SGSN node

70,72 and 74 that it connected.Based on this selection information, MSC/SGSN node (70,72 and 74) is connected to that MS16 in a plurality of

operators

76,78 and 80 wants to be connected.

Fig. 6 has described the MS16 of Fig. 5 discussion and the signal flow graph between the mobile network 601.Mobile network 601 sends broadcast message (602) to MS16, and it comprises the information about a plurality of PLMN.More specifically, broadcast message 602 can comprise a PLMN tabulation.Require MS16 from this PLMN tabulation, to select a PLMN.In another scheme, need not send PLMN tabulation, but mobile network 601 sends the Digital ID information corresponding to the operator that serves a plurality of PLMN76, a specific PLMN of 78 and 80.MS16 is in step 604 decoding shared network information.MS16 carries out selection by providing corresponding to the numerical value of the operator that serves relevant PLMN.From a plurality of available PLMN, select the process of a PLMN to be called PLMN selection (605).This MS16 sends Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling message to mobile network 601, and this message comprises the identification data corresponding to selected PLMN.This identification data is forwarded at least one in (step 606) a plurality of MSC/

SGSN nodes

70,72 and 74, and this request (step 608) can be accepted or refuse to these nodes.In step 610, whether acknowledge message at least one node from a plurality of MSC/

SGSN nodes

70,72 and 74 sends to MS16, be accepted or rejected with the selection of indicating this MS16.

Various embodiment of the present invention be used to the to provide support network sharing feature of selected PLMN.These embodiment also provide the universal solution of current all systems (for example GSM, UMTS, GPRS), rather than adopt different solutions in different system.According to embodiments of the invention, do not need to define again new message or information element.

It is emphasized that the term that uses in this specification " comprises " existence of the feature, integral body, step or the element that are used for limiting statement, rather than get rid of the existence of other one or more features, integral body, step, element or combination.

Embodiments of the invention had before been described in detail.And scope of the present invention should not be limited to these descriptions.But limit by following claim and equivalent.

Claims

1, a kind of method that is used for selecting a PLMN from a plurality of public land mobile network PLMN (34,36,38), this method feature is to comprise:

Mobile radio station (16) utilizes share radio access network (31) to comprise the tabulation of a plurality of PLMN with access, and wherein, described a plurality of PLMN can use mobile radio station by this share radio access network;

Mobile radio station is selected among a plurality of PLMN that can use by share radio access network; And

Mobile radio station sends Non-Access Stratum NAS signaling message (410) to described share radio access network,

Wherein said NAS signaling message is the sign that in location update request message, attach request message and the routing region updating request message and described NAS signaling message comprise selected PLMN.

2, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the sign of described selected PLMN is encoded into a numerical value in the skip indicator of described NAS signaling message.

3, according to the method for claim 2, wherein, described skip indicator comprises the length of 4 bits.

4, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the sign of selected PLMN is the sign that is used for the operator related with selected PLMN.

5, according to the process of claim 1 wherein, the PLMN tabulation sends to described mobile radio station by Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH).

6, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that described information directly sends to described mobile radio station by signaling.

7, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that described mobile network comprises the GSM network.

8, according to the process of claim 1 wherein that described mobile network comprises the UMTS network.

9, according to the process of claim 1 wherein, transmission NAS signaling message comprises to the step of share radio access network:

Send the NAS signaling message to radio network controller;

Transmit being identified to of the selected PLMN operator related by radio network controller with selected PLMN; And

The operator that is associated determines whether to allow mobile radio station to insert selected PLMN.

10, according to the process of claim 1 wherein, transmission NAS signaling message comprises to the step of share radio access network:

Send the NAS signaling message to radio network controller;

Transmit the core network node that inserts a plurality of PLMN that is identified to of selected PLMN by radio network controller; And

Core network node determines whether to allow mobile radio station to insert selected PLMN.

11, a kind of wireless device is used for selecting a PLMN from a plurality of public land mobile network PLMN (34,36,38), and described wireless device comprises:

Wireless receiver (214) is used for receiving the tabulation that comprises a plurality of PLMN from share radio access network, and wherein said a plurality of PLMN can use mobile radio station by this share radio access network;

Be used for selecting the device (202) of a PLMN from a plurality of PLMN that can use by share radio access network; And

Transmitter (212) is used to send Non-Access Stratum NAS signaling message (410) to described share radio access network,

12, according to the wireless device of claim 11, wherein, the sign of described selected PLMN is encoded into a numerical value in the jump identifier in described NAS signaling message.

13, according to the wireless device of claim 12, wherein, described jump identifier comprises 4 bit lengths.

14, according to the wireless device of claim 11, wherein, the sign of described selected PLMN is the sign that is used for the operator related with selected PLMN.

15, according to the wireless device of claim 11, wherein, described wireless device is a mobile radio station.