KR20100029869A - Apparatus and method for supporting media independent seamless service in heterogeneous wireless network - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for supporting a continuous service in heterogeneous wireless network is provided to supply a seamless service between heterogeneous wireless networks without an addition development or a change of an existing wireless network. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus for supporting a continuous service in heterogeneous wireless network comprises the following: a media selection unit(713) controlling an access priority information by a wireless connection method; a session managing unit(711) controlling information regarding a QoS(quality of service); and a mobile service quality control unit(712) providing a radio resource by a communication with an interface unit of the selected wireless network.

Description

Device and method for supporting seamless service between heterogeneous networks {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING MEDIA INDEPENDENT SEAMLESS SERVICE IN HETEROGENEOUS WIRELESS NETWORK}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for supporting seamless service between heterogeneous networks, and more particularly, to disconnect between heterogeneous networks (eg, 802.11, 802.16, WCDMA network, etc.) without using a wireless handover control message in a wireless data communication system. To provide a seamless service.

Recently, with the rapid opening and convergence of the telecommunications market such as the merger of wired and wireless telecommunications companies and the opening of subscriber networks, the need for seamless mobility, which can be connected to the Internet anytime and anywhere, regardless of wired or wireless network or terminal, is rapidly increasing. In fact, in the near future, for example, if a customer who owns a wireless Internet terminal is watching World Cup broadcasts on a wireless IPTV or real-time media service, he or she will want to see the best image quality among the currently connected wireless networks. On the move, you will want to keep the penalty kick, goal, and so on even if the image quality is slightly degraded.

In general, manganese mobility means that a user using a wireless terminal continues to use an IP-based service while moving between networks. In addition to providing mobility of L2-based (i.e., Media Independent Handover (MIH)) for inter-working interworking, there are several layers of approaches such as L3 support (IP mobility) and application layer support. Their interaction is also possible. In particular, L2 based IEEE 802.21 MIH proposes a handover optimization support protocol by exchanging information, events, and control between heterogeneous networks (eg, 802.3, 802.11, 802.16, 3GPP / 3GPP2, etc.), and utilizes this to reduce terminal power. A platform can be built to provide mobility between heterogeneous networks such as policy, terminal-based or network-based handover policy realization.

However, in order to implement MIH, MIH PoS (Point of Service) device (MIH service providing device on the network side providing direct MIH service to mobile terminal) must be additionally implemented in a wireless communication system that is not only a terminal but also an existing commercial service. In addition, a dedicated MIH server (MIIS (Media Independent Information Service) server, that is, a service server that retrieves and acquires network information necessary for handover) for MIH service must be established. Perform the handover procedure. However, it is difficult to derive consensus on the sharing of information inside the network between different providers, and there are also technical problems such as ensuring information consistency and security threats among various server information. In addition, there are many difficulties in consensus with other standardization bodies, so there are many difficulties in applying the network currently in operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for providing seamless service between heterogeneous networks without using a wireless handover control message in a wireless data communication system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks in a multi-mode terminal is disclosed. According to the present invention, a media selection unit for managing access priority information for each wireless access method supported by a terminal and selecting a wireless network according to the access priority using the corresponding information when a switching event between heterogeneous networks occurs, and for each service A session management unit that manages wireless quality of service (QoS) information, and when a switching event between heterogeneous networks occurs, uses a wireless quality of service information for each service to communicate with an access device of a wireless network selected by the media selection unit to allocate radio resources. It includes a wireless quality of service control unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks in a multi-mode terminal is disclosed. According to the present invention, the terminal manages connection priority information for each radio access method supported by the terminal, and collects radio access environment information when the switching event between heterogeneous networks occurs, updates available radio access method information, and connects by available radio access methods. Check the priority information. On the basis of this access priority information, it attempts to connect to the wireless network with the highest access priority among the available wireless access methods and performs network switching.

According to the present invention, there is an advantage that a seamless service can be provided between heterogeneous networks only by operation of a terminal without additional development or change of an existing wireless communication network (without interchange of handover control messages between heterogeneous networks). In addition, by applying to a multi-mode terminal (multi mode terminal), it is easy to apply and commercialize the wireless communication service in operation easily, there is an advantage that can provide a more improved service in consideration of the radio access cost and quality of service.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the following description, when there is a risk of unnecessarily obscuring the gist of the present invention, a detailed description of well-known functions and configurations will be omitted.

In order to provide seamless services between heterogeneous networks, IEEE is conducting standardization of heterogeneous network handover control technology, and the coupling relationship between the components of the corresponding IEEE 802.21 MIH is shown in FIG. 1.

1 is a diagram illustrating an interworking structure between heterogeneous networks based on IEEE 802.21 MIH.

The MIH MN (Mobile Node) 10 is a multi-mode mobile terminal supporting multiple access, and is equipped with a MIH function to provide seamless handover between heterogeneous networks. Its internal structure is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the MIH function provides MIH services (event service, command service, information service) to MIH users (handover policy / management, mobility management, application, etc.). MIH Event Services (MIES) is a service that notifies local or remote MIH entities of events such as wireless network signal strength, link connection / disconnection, and MIH Command Services (MICS: MIH Command Services). MIH entity is a service that establishes a link or obtains status information to coordinate operation. MIH Information Services (MIIS) provides information such as service provider information, access network type, PoA information (channel, sector, location), billing, etc. of the network adjacent to the current terminal location for handover or terminal power saving. It is a service to deliver.

The MIH function enables MIH users to perform IPover mobility management or application handover more effectively, rather than providing inter-network interworking. MIH function is implemented in a terminal and a network (PoA or Core network) element.

The MIH PoS devices 21, 31, and 41 are MIH service providing devices on the network (WiBro, WCDMA, WLAN, etc.) side 20, 30, and 40 that provide MIH services directly to the MIH MN 10. It may be mounted in a Point of Access (PoA) such as an AP of an WLAN that is an L2 connection access device or a BS of a WiBro, or may be located in an upper L3 network access device or a separate remote network server. MIH network entity [802.16 MIH network (eg WiBro) 20 entity (Radio Access System (RAS), Access Control Router (ACR), etc.), 3GPP / 2 MIH network (eg WCDMA) 30 entity (Node- B, Radio Network Controller (RNC), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), etc., 802.11 MIH Network (e.g. WLAN) 40 Entities (Access Points), Access Routers (AR) ), Etc.) follow known techniques.

The MIIS servers 51 and 61 store information on heterogeneous networks for the MIH information service, and provide the corresponding information when requested by the MIH MN 10 or the network access device (MIH PoS devices 21, 31 and 4). Dedicated server of the SSPN (Subscription Service Provider Network).

MIH handover control procedures include Layer 2 handover execution procedures defined by wireless access technologies such as IEEE 802.16, 3GPP / 2, and IEEE 802.11, and handover procedures between IP subnets such as Mobile IP (MIP) and Proxy Mobile IP (PMIP). Must be distinguished from Layer 2 radio access and handover processing of the MIH MN 10 is performed according to the standard of each radio access technology, and handover between IP subnets is operated in accordance with the standard defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It is done.

The 802.21 MIH function installed in the MIH MN 10 provides a MIH service by interworking with network components through a command transfer interface for wireless related information, event collection, and wireless control from a wireless access device. Except for the above-described layer 2 handover execution procedure and IP subnet handover execution procedure, the "MIH handover control procedure" is as follows.

The MIH MN 10 detects a change in the state of a wireless link in use and determines neighbor network information to the MISS server 51 or 61 when it is determined to be a condition for performing a handover between heterogeneous networks.

The MIIS server 51 or 61 retrieves network information of neighboring heterogeneous networks and transmits the information to the MIH MN 10.

Upon receiving the network information, the MIH MN 10 performs wireless scanning based on the corresponding network information, and requests available resource information of the neighboring network from the serving MIH PoS device 21 or 31 or 41 using the scanning result.

The serving MIH PoS device 21 or 31 or 41 requests available resource information from the neighboring MIH PoS device (31, 41) or (21, 41) or (21, 31) (MIH Proxy). The target (adjacent) MIH PoS device (31,41) or (21,41) or (21,31) reports the available resource information to the serving MIH PoS device 21 or 31 or 41.

The serving MIH PoS device 21 or 31 or 41 reports the received available resource information to the MIH MN 10.

The MIH MN 10 performs a radio access procedure according to a target radio access network having available resources and a corresponding radio standard.

Authentication and IP allocation processing are performed between the MIH MN 10 and the corresponding radio access network to complete normal access.

After completion of normal access, the MIH MN 10 performs a handover procedure between IP server nets by interworking with a network device such as a home agent (HA) using an IETF standard such as Mobile IP.

When the handover control procedure between the normal IP server net is completed, the MIH MN 10 performs the release procedure according to the corresponding wireless standard in association with the existing wireless access network.

After that, the IP service performs end-to-end communication through a newly connected wireless link.

For the above-mentioned IEEE 802.21 MIH handover control procedure, MIH PoN devices 21, 31, and 41 must be additionally implemented not only in the MIH MN 10 but also in the existing commercially available wireless communication system. It is assumed that dedicated MIH servers 51 and 61 for service are constructed.

On the other hand, in the present invention, without the "MIH handover control procedure" (no MIH PoS devices (21, 31, 41) and dedicated MIH server (51, 61) is required), only the efficient radio resource management technique of the terminal without heterogeneous network disconnection To provide a service. That is, only the development of the Media Independent Seamless Service (MISS) MN 70 as shown in FIG. 4 provides seamless services to heterogeneous networks (802.11, 802.16, 3GPP / 2 wireless communication networks, etc.).

MISS MN 70 is a multi-mode mobile terminal that supports multiple access, and provides a continuous service between heterogeneous networks by mounting a MISS function. The internal structure is as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the MISS device 71 proposed in the present invention includes a session management unit 711, a radio quality of service control unit 712, and a media selection unit. 713. The session manager 711 manages main service related information such as connection information, subscriber information and network configuration information which is being serviced through the currently connected wireless communication network, and provides a switchover function for providing seamless services between heterogeneous networks. Performs information management function that provides key information of the city. The wireless quality of service control unit 712 may perform a switchover between heterogeneous networks when a wireless environment having a high access priority is changed to an accessible state or due to deterioration of an existing wireless access environment. By using the wireless quality of service (QoS) information for each service managed by), it communicates with the actual wireless access device and allocates the necessary radio resources to provide the same quality of service while maintaining the existing service without interruption. . The media selector 713 manages priority information for each radio access method supported by the terminal 70 and selects an optimal radio access method for each event by using the corresponding information.

The initial control procedure after power-on of the terminal (MISS MN) 70 on which the MISS device 71 is mounted is shown in FIG. 5.

An initial control procedure is initiated upon powering up the MISS MN 70 (501).

Access priority information for each wireless access method (wireless network) designated in the terminal 70 (for example, wireless network A → wireless network B → wireless network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...) is checked (502). ). At this time, the access priority for each wireless access method (wireless network access priority) provides a method that can be set in the corresponding terminal 70, and the method is set by the operator at the time of launch of the terminal 70 in consideration of the network characteristics of the operator And a method that can be arbitrarily set by the user.

As a result of checking the priority information, a wireless access method (eg, wireless network A) having a high access priority is selected (503), and a wireless network connection is attempted using the selected wireless network protocol (504). The media selector 713 requests a connection to the corresponding wireless access device, and the wireless access device uses the corresponding wireless network protocol such as ranging, network access information exchange, authentication, and IP allocation using the corresponding protocol. Provide the function.

If the connection of the wireless network (wireless network A) attempted in step 504 fails (505), the process is repeated from step 503. In this case, the connection priority among the wireless connection methods (eg, wireless network B → wireless network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...) that attempted to connect to wireless network A but failed because no connection was attempted. The highest ranking wireless access method (eg, wireless network B) is selected (503), and the wireless network (wireless network B) connection is attempted again using the selected wireless network protocol (504).

If the wireless network (wireless network A or wireless network B) is successfully connected (505), the terminal 70 is provided with a normal IP service (506). Subsequently, a substantial MISS function for efficient and seamless service provision between heterogeneous networks is driven (507).

As described above, after the initial wireless access service start (501 ~ 506), performs the MISS function for providing an efficient service considering the real-time change of the wireless environment (507), the procedure is as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates the MISS function execution procedure 507 of FIG. 5 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 6, after initial driving of a terminal (MISS MN) 70 and normal wireless service start, a MISS function is driven (601).

The MISS MN 70 checks (604) whether a radio environment monitoring cycle has arrived (602) or if a report has been received (603) that it is difficult to continue service due to a weakened wireless sensitivity of the currently serving network. At this time, the radio sensitivity weakening report of the service network is performed by the L2 trigger information to the MISS function in the corresponding radio access device.

The MISS MN 70 collects all the radio access environment information provided (605). At this time, the radio environment information collection is collected by each device in accordance with each radio access standard and reported to the MISS device 71.

The MISS MN 70 updates available radio access method information based on all radio access environment information collected in step 605 (step 606).

The media selection unit 713 of the MISS device 71 checks the priority information for each available wireless access method based on the information updated in step 606 (607), and the wireless environment of the current service network. It is determined whether the operation is progressed due to weakening (603) or whether the operation is due to the arrival of the radio environment monitoring cycle (602) (608).

If the determination result 608, the operation 602 proceeded by the arrival of the radio environment monitoring cycle, the priority information of the currently connected radio access method (wireless network) is checked (609), and the radio environment is weakened by the current radio network. In operation 603, it is checked whether there is an available wireless access method (wireless network) in addition to the wireless network currently being serviced (614).

As a result of the check 614, if there is no available wireless access method (wireless network), the process is repeated from step "604".

As a result of the check 614, if there is an available wireless access method (wireless network), the available wireless access methods (wireless network, e.g., wireless network A-> wireless network B-> wireless network C-> wireless network D-> wireless network E ... At step 615, a connection to the wireless network (wireless network A) having the highest access priority is attempted. In this case, the determination of the access priority may be performed by comparing a channel state value (eg, Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio (CINR), etc.) of the user considering service quality, or priority for each media. Rank information, or may be determined by the subscriber's choice, each type is as follows.

When selecting an access network (priority determination) by subscriber selection, the subscriber station displays media information accessible in the corresponding area on the terminal and attempts to access the media network selected by the subscriber. When selecting the access network based on the priority information for each media (priority determination), the media that can be accessed with the priority of "WiFi> WiMAX> WCDMA> CDMA" among the accessible media in consideration of service fee and performance for each media is considered. Attempt access (media priorities are dependent on the operator's operational policy, which should be determined by the operator). When selecting an access network (priority determination) by comparing RSSI and CINR values, an attempt is made to connect to a media network having the best RSSI and CINR values among accessible media.

If the access to the wireless network (wireless network A) attempted in step 615 is successful (616), a switchover function between heterogeneous networks is performed (618).

If the connection to the wireless network (wireless network A) attempted in step 615 fails (616), the wireless connection method (wireless network A) that failed to connect is updated with information available in the wireless connection method (617), and Repeated from step "614". In this case, if there is no wireless access method (wireless network) available (614), the process is repeated from step "604". However, if there is an available wireless access method (wireless network) (614), the connection among the available wireless access methods (wireless network, e.g., wireless network B-> wireless network C-> wireless network D-> wireless network E ... A connection to the next higher priority wireless network (wireless network B) is attempted (615), and if the connection is successful (616) performs a switchover function between heterogeneous networks (618). That is, an attempt is made according to the access priority among the available wireless access methods (wireless networks) (for example, wireless network A → wireless network B → wireless network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...).

On the other hand, it is determined that the operation 602 proceeded by the arrival of the radio environment monitoring cycle (608), and as a result of checking the priority information of the radio access method (wireless network) currently in service (609), the radio access method currently in service ( It is checked whether there is an available wireless access method having a higher priority than the wireless network (610).

If there is no available radio access method having a higher priority than the radio access method (wireless network) currently being serviced, the procedure is repeated from step 604. However, if there is an available wireless access method with a higher priority than the currently available wireless access method (wireless network) (610), the available wireless access methods (wireless network, e.g. wireless network A-> wireless network B-> wireless) At step 611, an attempt is made to connect to the wireless network (wireless network A) having the highest connection priority among the network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...). In this case, the determination of the access priority may be determined by comparing the channel state values (eg, RSSI, CINR, etc.) of the user in consideration of the quality of service, priority information for each media, or the selection of the subscriber. Same as one.

If the access to the wireless network (wireless network A) attempted in step 611 is successful (612), a switchover function between heterogeneous networks is performed (618).

If the connection to the wireless network (wireless network A) attempted in step 611 fails (612), the wireless connection method (wireless network A) failed to connect is updated with information available in the wireless connection method (613), Repeated from the step "610". In this case, if there is no wireless access method (wireless network) available (610), the process is repeated from step "604". However, if there is an available wireless connection method (wireless network) (610), the connection among the available wireless connection methods (wireless network, for example, wireless network B → wireless network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...) A connection to the next higher priority wireless network (wireless network B) is attempted (611), and if the connection is successful (612) performs a switchover function between heterogeneous networks (618). That is, an attempt is made according to the access priority among the available wireless access methods (wireless networks) (for example, wireless network A → wireless network B → wireless network C → wireless network D → wireless network E ...).

A procedure for performing a switchover while maintaining a seamless service is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates the wireless network switching execution procedure 618 of FIG. 6 in detail.

Due to a change in the radio access environment, a heterogeneous switchover function is driven in the MISS device 71 to provide better quality of service. This function is driven for efficient network use considering wireless access priority as well as deteriorating wireless environment of currently serving network (701).

First, the service-specific wireless QoS information provided from the currently serving wireless network is checked (702).

In the new wireless network, the new wireless access device to be switched to continuously receive the same service performs a dynamic radio resource allocation procedure using the corresponding wireless standard (703). At this time, the new wireless network connection to be switched network is a state in which media determination and normal wireless network connection are made in step "611" or "615", and this state is additionally used to maintain QoS service in the additionally connected wireless network. / Negotiate procedures to secure wireless resources.

When the radio resource allocation procedure is completed, handover process between IP subnets is performed using IETF Mobility Management Protocol such as Mobile IP (704).

Now, the terminal (MISS MN) 70 may be provided with the same previous service through the new wireless network (705). By performing the disconnection procedure of the previously used wireless network (706), the normal heterogeneous network switching procedure is completed, and the terminal 70 is connected to only the new wireless network to receive the service.

Although the methods have been described through specific embodiments, the methods may also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all kinds of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, which are also implemented in the form of carrier waves (for example, transmission over the Internet). Include. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. In addition, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the above embodiments can be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present invention belongs.

In addition, while the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as will be understood by those skilled in the art. You will need to know Also, such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1 is a diagram illustrating an interworking structure between heterogeneous networks based on IEEE 802.21 MIH.

2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the IEEE 802.21 MIH MN.

3 is a diagram illustrating a interworking structure between heterogeneous networks based on MISS to which the present invention is applied.

4 is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the MISS MN according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an initial control process for supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a MISS MN for supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a network switching process for supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

10: MIH MN 70: MISS MN

Claims (14)

A device supporting seamless services between heterogeneous networks in a terminal, A media selection unit managing access priority information for each radio access method supported by the terminal and selecting a wireless network according to access priority by using the corresponding information when a switching event between heterogeneous networks occurs; A session manager for managing wireless quality of service (QoS) information for each service; And When the heterogeneous network switching event occurs, the heterogeneous network seamless service including a wireless quality of service control unit for allocating radio resources by communicating with the access device of the wireless network selected by the media selection unit by using the wireless quality of service information for each service Devices that support it. The method of claim 1, The terminal is a multi-mode terminal, the apparatus for supporting seamless services between heterogeneous networks. The method of claim 1, The heterogeneous network switching event occurs in response to a radio environment monitoring cycle or a report that the radio sensitivity of the currently serving wireless network is weakened, so that it is difficult to continue the service. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The terminal collects radio access environment information, updates available radio access method information based on the radio access environment information, checks access priority information for each radio access method, and then accesses the radio network having the highest access priority among available radio access methods. Device that supports seamless service between heterogeneous networks that attempts to perform network switching. The method of claim 4, wherein The terminal supports a seamless service between heterogeneous networks, when the wireless network connection fails, updating the wireless network to the unavailable wireless access method information. The method of claim 4, wherein The access priority information is determined by any one of the RSSI, CINR comparison, media priority information, the subscriber's choice in consideration of the quality of service, the apparatus for supporting seamless services between heterogeneous networks. As a method of supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks in a terminal, Managing access priority information for each wireless access method supported by the terminal; Collecting the radio access environment information, updating the available radio access method information, and confirming access priority information for each available radio access method when a switching event between heterogeneous networks occurs; And And a network switching step of performing network switching by attempting to connect to a wireless network having the highest access priority among the available wireless access schemes based on the access priority information. The method of claim 7, wherein The heterogeneous network switching event occurs in response to a radio environment monitoring cycle or a report that the radio sensitivity of the currently serving wireless network is weakened and thus it is difficult to continue the service. The method of claim 8, In the network switching step, when the radio environment monitoring cycle arrives, if there is an available radio access method having a higher access priority than the radio access method currently in service, an attempt is made to connect to the radio network having the highest access priority among the available radio access methods. How to support heterogeneous seamless service. The method of claim 8, In the network switching step, when there is a weakening of the wireless environment of the currently serving wireless network, if there is an available wireless access method in addition to the currently serving wireless network, attempts to connect to the wireless network having the highest access priority among the available wireless access methods. How to support manganese seamless service. The method of claim 9 or 10, In the network switching step, when the wireless network access failure, updating the wireless network to the unavailable wireless access method information, supporting a seamless service between heterogeneous networks. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The terminal is a multi-mode terminal, the apparatus for supporting seamless services between heterogeneous networks. The method of claim 12, The access priority information is determined by any one of RSSI, CINR, media priority information, and subscriber's choice in consideration of service quality. A computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 7 to 10.

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