BR112017028594B1 - METHOD FOR REDIRECTING A USER EQUIPMENT (UE) FROM A FIRST NETWORK TO A SECOND NETWORK, WHERE THE FIRST NETWORK IS A NEUTRAL-HOST NETWORK (NH) RUN BY A WIRELESS ACCESS POINT OF THE FIRST NETWORK, ACCESS POINT WIRELESS, AND, COMPUTER READABLE MEMORY - Google Patents

Abstract

REDIRECT ON A NEUTRAL HOST NETWORK. A method of redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network is described. The method includes determining, at a wireless access point of the first network, information for the UE about one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The method also including selecting the second network for redirection among one or more MNO networks based on the determined information. The method further includes sending to the UE a redirection message that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to the field of communications, and, more specifically, to the redirection of user equipment from a first network to a second network.

[002] Wireless communication systems are widely developed to provide various types of communication content such as, for example, voice, data and so on. Typical wireless communication systems may be multiple access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division (OFDMA), and the like. Additionally, systems can conform to specifications, such as 3rd Party Partnership Design. Generation (3GPP), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Optimized Evolution Data (EV-DO), etc.

[003] Generally, wireless multiple access communication systems can simultaneously support communication for multiple devices. Each device can communicate with one or more base stations via forward or reverse link transmissions. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from base stations to devices, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from devices to base stations. Additionally, communications between devices and base stations can be established through single-input, single-output (SISO) systems, multiple-input, multiple-output (MISO) systems, multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) systems, and so on. onwards. Additionally, devices can communicate with other devices (and/or base stations with other base stations) in peer-to-peer wireless network configurations.

[004] In some cases, a device associated with a mobile network operator (MNO) may connect to a neutral-host (NH) network. Since the NH network may be separated from a network operated by the MNO, handover from the NH network to the MNO network may not be supported. Therefore, redirecting the device from the NH network to the MNO network can be beneficial.

SUMMARY

[005] A method of redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network is described. The method includes determining, at a wireless access point of the first network, information for the UE about one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The method additionally includes selecting the second network for redirection, among one or more MNO networks, based on the determined information. The method further includes sending to the UE a redirection message that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network.

[006] Determining information for the UE about one or more MNO networks may include receiving a message from the UE that includes a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of the second network and maintaining a mapping between the UE and the PLMN ID of the second network. The message may comprise a UE capability information message. The UE capability information message may include bandwidth information of the second network. Selecting the second network for redirection from among one or more MNO networks may comprise selecting the second network based on the received PLMN ID.

[007] Determining information for the UE about one or more MNO networks may include receiving, from the UE, handover information regarding a previously visited network of the UE, extracting information about an MNO network from the handover, and maintaining a mapping between the UE and the extracted information.

[008] Determining information for the UE about one or more MNO networks may include receiving a handover request from the second network, when the UE moves from the second network to the first network, extracting information about a network MNO from the handover request, and maintaining a mapping between the UE and the extracted information.

[009] Determining information for the UE about one or more MNO networks may include listening to messages broadcast by one or more neighboring wireless access points and identifying one or more of the one or more neighboring access points as points of macro access, based on whether a neighboring access point broadcasts a message that includes a physical cell identifier (PCI) that is within a PCI range associated with the macro access points.

[0010] Determining information for the UE about one or more MNO networks may include receiving a measurement report from the UE and determining information about one or more neighboring cells based on the measurement report.

[0011] Determining information to the UE about one or more MNO networks may include providing the wireless access point with an operations and management (OAM) configuration file and determining bandwidth information regarding one or more MNO networks based on the OAM configuration file.

[0012] Determining information to the UE about the one or more MNO networks may include receiving, at the wireless access point, information from the UE regarding one or more MNO networks, determining, at the wireless access point, wire, additional information about one or more MNO networks, and the combination of the UE information with the additional information determined at the wireless access point. The UE information may include a PLMN ID for the second network. The additional information may comprise bandwidth information for the second network.

[0013] Selecting the second network from one or more MNO networks may comprise determining that the UE is associated with the second network based on the determined information.

[0014] The first network may include a neutral-host (NH) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

[0015] A wireless access point is also described. The wireless access point includes an information determination element configured to determine information for a user equipment (UE) over one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The wireless access point also includes a network selector configured to select a second network for redirection from among one or more MNO networks, based on the determined information. The wireless access point further includes a transceiver configured to send, to the UE, a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to the second network.

[0016] Another wireless access point is described. The wireless access point includes means for determining information for a user equipment (UE) over one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The wireless access point also includes means for selecting a second network to redirect from among one or more MNO networks based on the determined information. The wireless access point further includes means for sending to the UE a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to the second network.

[0017] A computer-readable medium is also described. The computer-readable medium includes codes for causing a computer to determine information for a user equipment (UE) over one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The computer-readable medium further including codes for causing the computer to select a second network for redirection from among one or more MNO networks based on the determined information. The computer-readable medium also includes codes for causing the computer to send, to the UE, a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to the second network.

[0018] A method of redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network is also described. The method includes sending a message to a wireless access point of the first network, wherein the message includes a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of the second network, and wherein the second network is one or more operator networks. network networks (MNO) available in a region. The method also includes receiving a redirect message from the wireless access point of the first network that redirects the UE of the first network to the second network, where the redirect message is based on the PLMN ID included in the message. The message may include a UE capability information message. The UE capability information message may include bandwidth information.

[0019] The method may additionally include sending, to the wireless access point, handover information regarding a previously visited network of the UE. The redirection message may additionally be based on handover information.

[0020] The method may also include sending to the wireless access point a measurement report. The redirection message can additionally be based on the measurement report.

[0021] A user equipment (UE) is also described. The UE may include a transceiver configured to send a message to a wireless access point of a first network. The message may include a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of a second network. The second network may be one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks available in a region. The transceiver may be further configured to receive a redirect message from the wireless access point of the first network that redirects the UE of the first network to the second network. The redirect message can be based on the PLMN ID included in the message.

[0022] Other user equipment (UE) is described. The UE may include means for sending a message to a wireless access point of a first network. The message may include a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of a second network. The second network may be one of one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks available in a region. The UE may further include means for receiving a redirect message from the wire access point of the first network that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network. The redirect message can be based on the PLMN ID included in the message.

[0023] A computer readable medium is also described. The computer-readable medium may include codes for causing a computer to send a message to a wireless access point of a first network. The message may include a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of a second network. The second network can be one or more mobile network operation (MNO) networks available in a region. The computer-readable medium may additionally include codes for causing the computer to receive a redirection message from the wireless access point of the first network that redirects a user equipment (UE) of the first network to the second network. The redirect message can be based on the PLMN ID included in the message.

[0024] A method of redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network is also described. The method may include receiving, at the UE, a redirection message that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network. The method may further include determining, at the UE, bandwidth information for the second network. The method may also include redirection to the second network based on the determined bandwidth information. The redirection message may include bandwidth information for each of a plurality of mobile network operator (MNO) partners of the first network. Determination of bandwidth information for the second network may be based on one or more of a configuration of a UE, a band support table, bands based on a location of the UE, and signal strength measurements.

[0025] A user equipment (UE) is also described. The UE may include a transceiver configured to receive, at the UE, a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to a second network. The UE may additionally include a bandwidth determination element configured to determine, at the UE, bandwidth information for the second network. The transceiver may be further configured to redirect the UE to the second network based on the determined bandwidth information.

[0026] Other user equipment (UE) is described. The UE may include means for receiving, at the UE, a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to a second network. The UE may additionally include means for determining, at the UE, bandwidth information for the second network. The UE may additionally include means for redirecting the UE to the second network based on the determined bandwidth information.

[0027] A computer readable medium is also described. The computer-readable medium may include codes for causing a computer to receive, at a user equipment (UE), a redirection message that redirects the UE from a first network to a second network. The computer-readable medium may additionally include codes to cause the computer to determine, at the UE, bandwidth information for the second network. The computer-readable medium may additionally include codes to cause the computer to redirect the UE to the second network based on the determined bandwidth information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates another example of a wireless communication system;

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a wireless access point;

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a user equipment;

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for redirecting a user equipment from a first network to a second network;

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0035] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0036] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0037] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0039] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks;

[0040] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for redirecting a user equipment from a first network to a second network;

[0041] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating another additional example of a method for redirecting a user equipment from a first network to a second network;

[0042] Figure 15 illustrates certain components that can be included in a wireless access point; It is

[0043] Figure 16 illustrates certain components that can be included in a user equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are presented in order to provide an in-depth understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident that one or more aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0045] In various aspects, systems and methods of redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network are described. The description may refer to a UE. A UE may also be called a system, mobile device, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, mobile terminal, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal, communication device, agent user, or user device. A UE may be a cellular phone, a satellite phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local circuit station (WLL), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable device having a wireless connection capability, a tablet, a computing device, an appliance, an automobile, an entertainment device, or other processing devices connected via a wireless modem to one or more wireless access points that provide cellular or wireless network access to the UE.

[0046] A wireless access point (AP) can be used to communicate with one or more UEs and can also be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point, a femto node, a pico node, a micro node, a Node B, an Evolved Node B (eNB), a Domestic Node B (HNB), or Domestic Evolved Node B (HeNB), collectively referred to as H(e)NB, or some other terminology. These wireless APs can be considered low power base stations. For example, a low power base station may transmit relatively low power compared to a macro base station associated with a wireless wide area network (WWAN). As such, the coverage area of the low power base station may be substantially smaller than the coverage area of a macro base station.

[0047] The techniques described here can be used for various wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, Wi-Fi carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Broadband CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variations of CDMA. Additionally, cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA system can implement a radio technology such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), UMB, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM®, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution 3GPP (LTE) is a version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which employs OFDMA in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE and GSM are described in 3GPP documents. Additionally, cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Partnership Project. Generation 2 (3GPP2). Additionally, such wireless communication systems may additionally include peer-to-peer ad hoc network systems (e.g., mobile-to-mobile) utilizing, often unpaired, unlicensed spectrum, 802.xx wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and any other communications technique. short or long range wireless.

[0048] Various aspects or characteristics will be presented in terms of systems that may include various devices, components, modules and the like. It should be understood and appreciated that multiple systems may include devices, components, modules, etc. additional and/or may not include all devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in relation to the figures. A combination of these approaches can also be used.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 may comprise user equipment (UEs) 102a-102b, neutral-host (NH) access point (AP) 110 , macro APs 120a-120b, mobile network operator (MNO) networks 121a-121b, and NH network 111. The wireless communication system 100 may also comprise other devices that are not illustrated. In this example, the UE 102a may communicate with the macro AP 120a and the AP NH 110 via one or more wireless links. Additionally, the UE 102b can communicate with macro AP 120b and AP NH 110 via one or more wireless links. Additionally, macro APs 1120a and 120b may communicate with MNO networks 121a and 121b, respectively, via one or more wired or wireless links. The AP NH 110 can communicate with the NH 111 network via one or more wired or wireless links.

[0050] In one aspect, communications in the wireless communication system 100 may be achieved through transmissions over one or more wireless links. Such wireless links can be established through a single-input, single-output (SISO), multiple-input, single-output (MISO), or multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) system. A MIMO system includes transmitters and receivers equipped, respectively, with multiple transmitting antennas (NT) and multiple receiving antennas (NR) for data transmission. In some configurations, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize MIMO. A MIMO system can support time duplexing (TDD) and/or frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems.

[0051] In some configurations, the wireless communication system 100 may operate in accordance with one or more standards. Examples of these standards include Bluetooth (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.1), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.

[0052] In some configurations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a multiple access system capable of supporting communication with multiple devices by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmission power). Examples of such multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, optimized evolution data (EV-DO), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems , General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) access network systems, 3rd Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems. Generation (3GPP) and space division multiple access (SDMA) systems.

[0053] An AP macro (e.g., an AP macro 120a or AP macro 120b) may be associated with a mobile network operator (MNO) and may be part of an MNO network (e.g., the MNO network 121a or MNO network 121b). An MNO may provide wireless communication services over an MNO network (e.g., MNO network 121a or MNO network 121b). The MNO network may include a spectrum allocation, a network infrastructure, and backhaul infrastructure. A UE (e.g., the UE 102a or 102b) may also be associated with (e.g., have a subscription to) the MNO and may receive wireless communication services over the MNO network via the macro AP (e.g., macro AP 120a or macro AP 120b).

[0054] In an example, the UE 102a, the macro AP 120a, and the MNO network 121a may be associated with a first MNO, and UE 102b, macro AP 120b, and MNO network 121b may be associated with a second MNO. In this example, the UE 102a may receive wireless communication services from the first MNO through the macro AP 120a and other macro APs (not shown) in the MNO 121a network that are associated with the first MNO. Additionally, the UE 102b may receive wireless communication services from the second MNO through the macro AP 120b and other macro APs (not shown) in the MNO 121b network that are associated with the second MNO.

[0055] An NH AP (e.g., AP NH 110) may be associated with a secondary access network (e.g., NH 111 network) that is not part of an MNO network. An NH network can be considered a secondary access network as it may not be the primary network through which a device can receive wireless communication services. An AP NH may be capable of serving UEs (e.g., the UE 102a and 102b) associated with different MNOs. For example, the AP NH 110 may be capable of serving both the UE 102a that is associated with the first MNO and the UE 102b that is associated with the second MNO. Furthermore, an AP NH may be able to serve UEs that are not associated with any MNO.

[0056] In one configuration, an NH network may provide an Internet Protocol (IP) connection to connected devices such as UE 102a and UE 102b. In another configuration, an NH network may be an LTE-based wireless access network that operates in a licensed band, an unlicensed band, or a combination of the two. The NH network can use authentication based on Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA). The NH network may include an evolved packet access circuit (ePDG) to provide voice over IP connections.

[0057] An NH network (e.g., the NH 111 network) may comprise one or more NH APs that are managed by or have a roaming relationship with an NH network service provider. An NH network can be owned and operated locally, for example by a cable operator or company, as a hotspot, or in a home. In one configuration, an NH network may comprise a femto cell network that allows access to UEs (e.g., UE 102a and UE 102b) of other MNOs. The femto cell network can be installed in a specific location (for example, a shopping center, a stage, a neighborhood, a business or a vehicle) and can provide improved coverage or capacity.

[0058] In one example, an NH network (e.g., NH 111 network) can be used as a download service for an MNO network. The MNO may enter into a wholesale negotiation with the network operator NH to provide wireless communication services to the UEs (e.g., the UE 102a or 102b) associated with the MNO (e.g., a UE with a network subscription MNO). In this situation, a UE associated with the MNO can be authenticated with the NH network by the MNO through the NH network.

[0059] In another example, an NH network (e.g., NH 111 network) may provide direct retail service. For example, a stadium or other venue may provide wireless communication services to visitors over an NH network. In this situation, a UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b) may choose to receive wireless communication services over the NH network via a high-level operating system (HLOS). The UE can identify itself to the NH network (e.g., without a subscriber identity module (SIM)) and enter into a service agreement with the NH network provider. The UE can then receive wireless communication services over the NH network in accordance with the terms of the service agreement.

[0060] In another example, an NH network (e.g., NH 111 network) may provide residential services. For example, an AP NH installed in a home may provide wireless communication services to the UEs (e.g., the UE 102a or UE 102b) in the home. A UE may choose to receive wireless communication services through an HLOS. The owner can allow the UE to access the NH network (e.g. via a password).

[0061] As previously discussed, an NH network (e.g., NH network 111) can provide wireless communication services to multiple devices associated with one or more MNOs. Since NH networks and MNO networks may be separate networks that do not interact directly, handover from the NH network to the MNO network may not be supported. Accordingly, the NH network may need to redirect a connected UE (e.g., UE 102a or UE 102b) to the MNO network associated with the UE. The redirection may comprise releasing the UE from the NH network and providing sufficient information to the UE for the UE to reconnect to the MNO network. Therefore, the NH network may need to acquire information about the MNO network associated with the UE. Various techniques for acquiring information are described below.

[0062] In one aspect, redirection information may be provided at a UE and sent from the UE to the NH network. For example, the UE 102a and the macro AP 120a may be associated with a first MNO. The UE 102a may be connected to the AP NH 110 and receive wireless communication services over a network NH 111. The UE 102a may send a message to the AP NH 110. The message may include MNO network information about the first MNO network. The MNO network information may comprise a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) of the first MNO network. In some configurations the MNO network information may also comprise bandwidth information. Bandwidth information may comprise a band support table (BST) or location-based bands (Geographic Bands). In one configuration, MNO network information may be included in one or more new information elements (IE) in a UE capability information message as part of an Attach procedure.

[0063] After receiving the message with the MNO network information from the UE 102a, the AP NH 110 can maintain a mapping between the UE 102a and the MNO network information.

[0064] In another aspect, the NH network can extract MNO network information from the handover information that the NH network receives from the UE. For example, the UE 102a may send handover information AP NH 110 regarding a network that the UE 102a previously visited. The AP NH 110 can extract MNO network information from the handover information. The AP NH 110 may additionally maintain a mapping between the extracted information and the UE 102a.

[0065] In another additional aspect, the NH network may perform network listening to determine MNO network information. For example, AP NH 110 may listen to messages broadcast by one or more neighboring APs (e.g., macro AP 120a and macro AP 120b). The AP NH 110 may identify one or more of one or more neighboring APs as a macro AP based on whether a neighboring AP broadcasts a message that includes a physical cell identifier (PCI) that is in a range of PCIs that the AP NH 110 knows that they are associated with macro APs. The AP NH 110 can then identify one or more bands used by macro APs.

[0066] In another additional aspect, the NH network can learn about neighboring networks from UE measurement reports. For example, the AP NH 110 may receive a measurement report from the UE 102a. The AP NH 110 can determine information about one or more neighboring cells based on the measurement report. The determined information may include information about neighboring APs and bandwidth information associated with neighboring APs.

[0067] In another aspect, the NH network may determine MNO network information from an operations and management configuration (OAM) file. For example, the first MNO may negotiate a discharge service agreement with the NH network operator. The first MNO can then provide information about the MNO network, such as bandwidth information, to the network operator NH. In this way, the AP NH 110 can be provided with an OAM configuration file that includes the MNO network information for the first MNO network. The AP NH 110, for example, can then determine bandwidth information regarding one or more MNO networks from the OAM configuration file.

[0068] In another additional aspect, the NH network can combine information from multiple sources to determine the MNO network information. For example, the AP NH 110 may receive information from the UE 102a regarding one or more MNO networks. In some cases, this information may be received in the form of a UE capability information message, a measurement report and/or some other message. Additionally, the AP NH 110 may determine additional information about one or more MNO networks. In some cases, the AP NH 110 may perform network listening to determine whether neighboring APs are macro APs, and to determine the bands in which the neighboring APs are operating (e.g., the bands in which the MNO network operates in that region ). In other cases, the AP NH 110 may determine additional information from an OAM configuration file. The AP NH 110 may combine information from one or more of these sources to determine the information necessary to redirect the UE 102a to the first MNO network.

[0069] In another configuration, redirection can be performed based on the configuration of a UE. For example, the AP NH 110 may not have sufficient information to redirect the UE 102a to the first MNO network. In one aspect, the AP NH 110 may send a redirect command to the UE 102a without any bandwidth information. The UE 102a may then determine a redirection band by itself. In another aspect, the UE 102a may send support reports without receiving a measurement configuration from the AP NH 110. Based on these measurement reports, the AP NH 110 may command the UE 102a to redirect a particular MNO network based on the support information. signal quality in measurement reports without providing bandwidth information. In another additional aspect, the AP NH 110 may send a redirection command to the UE 102a that includes multiple potential bands from an OAM configuration file. The UE 102a may then determine a band based on one or more UE configurations, a BST, Geographic Bands, and/or signal strength information.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 1, an AP NH 110 can support redirection to multiple MNO networks. For example, the AP NH 110 may redirect the UE 102a to the macro AP 120a that is part of a first MNO and may redirect the UE 102b to a macro AP 120b that is part of a second MNO. Different NH APs, such as AP NH 110, can support redirection to different sets of MNOs. For example, the AP NH 110 may support redirection to a first MNO and a second MNO. In another example, the AP NH 110 may support redirection to a third MNO and a fourth MNO.

[0071] Figure 2 illustrates another example of a wireless communication system 200. The wireless communication system 200 may include APs NH 210a and 210b connected to the NH network 211. The AP NH 210a may be capable of communicating with the AP NH 210b via the NH 211 network, for example, by sending a return access channel message. AP NH 210a may be in communication with UEs 202a1 and 202b1. AP NH 210b may be in communication with UEs 202a2 and 202b2.

[0072] In one configuration, the NH 211 network can support situations when the same channel is used for different MNOs in different regions. For example, the NH 211 network may support discharge to a first MNO and a second MNO. UEs 202a1 and 202b1 may be associated with the first MNO. UEs 202a2 and 202b2 may be associated with the second MNO. In a first region 204a, the NH network 211 may include AP NH 210a. In the first region 204a, the first MNO may operate on a first channel and the second MNO may operate on a second channel. In a second region 204b, the NH network 211 may include the AP NH 210b. In the second region, the first MNO can operate on a second channel and the second MNO can operate on the first channel. In the first region, the AP NH 210a may redirect the UE 202a1 to the first MNO on the first channel. AP NH 201a can also redirect the UE 202b1 to the second MNO on the second channel. In the second region, AP NH 210b can redirect the UE 202a2 to the first MNO on the second channel. The AP NH 210b can also redirect the UE 202b2 to the second MNO on the first channel.

[0073] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a wireless access point 310. Wireless AP 310 may correspond, for example, to NH APs 110, 210a, and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include a transceiver 330, an information determination element 336, and a network selector 338. The wireless AP 310 may also include MNO network information 342 for one or more MNO networks, terminal mappings of access 343 for one or more UEs, a range of physical cell identifiers (PCIs) 348 and an operations and management configuration file (OAM) 350.

[0074] The transceiver 330 may include a transmitter 332 and a receiver 334. The transmitter 332 may allow the wireless AP 310 to transmit messages in a wireless communication system, such as wireless communication systems 100 and 200. The receiver 334 may allow the wireless AP 310 to receive messages on the wireless communication systems 100 and 200.

[0075] The information determination element 336 may allow the wireless AP 310 to determine the MNO network information 342 for a UE over one or more MNO networks. The information determination element 336 may allow the wireless AP 310 to determine the MNO 342 network information for the UE, for example, by performing the functions described in any of figures 6 to 12.

[0076] In one example, the information determining element 336 may cooperate with the transceiver 330 to receive a message from the UE. The information determining element 336 may determine a PLMN ID 344 and, optionally, bandwidth information 346 for an MNO network based on a PLMN ID 344 and, optionally, bandwidth information 346 that is included in the message. The information determination element 336 may also generate and/or maintain one or more access terminal mappings 343 that map the MNO network information 342 to the UE that transmitted the message.

[0077] In another example, the information determination element 336 may cooperate with the transceiver 330 to receive handover information regarding a network that the UE has previously visited. The information determination element 336 may extract the MNO network information 342 from the handover information and generate and/or maintain an access terminal mapping 343 between the UE and the extracted MNO network information 342.

[0078] In another additional example, the information determining element 336 may cooperate with the transceiver 330 to listen to messages broadcast by one or more neighboring APs. The information determining element may identify one or more macro APs among one or more neighboring APs based on whether a neighboring AP broadcasts a message that includes a PCI that is within PCI range 348.

[0079] In another example, the information determining element 336 may cooperate with the transceiver 330 to receive a measurement report from the UE. The information determining element 336 may determine information about one or more neighboring cells based on the measurement report. The information determining element may use that information to derive MNO network information 342 such as bandwidth information 346.

[0080] In another example, the information determining element 336 may use the OAM configuration file 350 to determine bandwidth information 346 relating to one or more MNO networks. The wireless AP 310 may be provided with the OAM configuration file 350. The OAM configuration file 350 may include information regarding an offload agreement between the NH network operator and an MNO. For example, the OAM configuration file 350 may include band information 346 for all bands in which the MNO network operates.

[0081] Network selector 338 may allow the wireless AP 310 to select an MNO network for redirection based on the MNO network information 342 and the access terminal mappings 343 generated and/or maintained by the information determination element 336 The wireless AP 310 may transmit, via the transceiver 330, a redirection message to the UE that instructs the UE to redirect to the MNO network selected by the network selector 338.

[0082] As previously mentioned, the MNO network information 342 may comprise a PLMN ID 344 and, optionally, band information 346. The band information 346 may be region specific. For example, a first wireless AP 210a may maintain bandwidth information 346 for an MNO network in the first region 204a that is different from the bandwidth information 346 maintained by a second wireless AP 210b in a second region 204b. This may allow the wireless AP 310 to redirect the UEs in the first region to an associated MNO network on a first channel and the UEs in the second region to the associated MNO network on a second channel.

[0083] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a user equipment (UE) 402. The UE 402 may correspond to, for example, UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202a2, 202b1 and 202b2. The UE 402 may include a transceiver 452 , a band determination element 458 , MNO network information 460 , handover information 466 , and measurement data 468 .

[0084] Transceiver 452 may include a transmitter 454 and a receiver 456. Transmitter 454 may allow UE 402 to transmit messages on wireless communication systems 100 and 200. Receiver 456 may allow UE 402 to receive messages on wireless communication systems 100 and 200. of wireless communication 100 and 200.

[0085] In one configuration, the UE 402 may utilize the transceiver 452 to transmit network information MNO 460 to a wireless AP 310. In one example, the UE 402 may be provided with the public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID ) 462 of a mobile network operator (MNO) network with which the UE 402 is associated. The UE 402 may transmit the MNO 460 network information to a wireless AP 310 in a message. The message may comprise a UE capability information message that is sent as part of an Attachment procedure.

[0086] In another configuration, the UE 402 may use the transceiver 452 to transmit handover information 466 to a wireless AP 310. The handover information 466 may include information regarding one or more networks that the UE 402 has previously visited. The wireless AP 310 may use this information about the previously visited network to determine the MNO 342 network information about the MNO network with which the UE 402 is associated.

[0087] In another additional configuration, the UE 402 may utilize the transceiver 452 to transmit measurement data 468 in the form of one or more measurement reports to a wireless AP 310. The measurement data 468 may comprise signal strength information referring to one or more neighboring cells from which the UE 402 can receive signals. The wireless AP 310 may use the measurement data 468 to determine information about one or more neighboring cells.

[0088] In one configuration, the UE 402 may receive a redirect message from a wireless AP 310 via transceiver 452. The redirect message may direct the UE 402 to redirect to an MNO network and includes MNO network information 460 to assist the UE 402 in connecting to the MNO network. For example, the redirection message may include a PLMN ID 462 and/or bandwidth information 464.

[0089] In another configuration, the UE 402 may receive, via transceiver 452, a redirection message from a wireless AP 310 that does not include bandwidth information 464. The bandwidth determination element 458 may allow the UE 402 to determine the bandwidth information 464 for the MNO network with which the UE 402 is associated. In one example, the band determination element 458 may determine base information 464 based on one or more configurations of UEs, a band support table (BST), the location of the UE (i.e., Geographic Bands) and detected signal strength information.

[0090] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The UE may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[0091] The wireless AP 310 may determine, at 501, information for the UE 402 about one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. The wireless AP 310 may determine information for the UE 402 using a determination element 336. The wireless AP 310 may determine information for the UE 402 according to one or more of the methods, alone or in combination, described in the figures. from 6 to 12 below.

[0092] The wireless AP 310 may select, at 503, a second network for redirection from among one or more MNO networks based on the determined information. The wireless AP 310 may select the second network for redirection using a network selector 338. In one configuration, selecting the second network may comprise selecting the second network based on a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) 344 , for the second network determined by the wireless AP 310. In another configuration, selecting the second network may comprise determining that the UE 402 is associated with the second network based on the determined information. In other words, the wireless AP 310 may select the second network based on a determination that the UE 402 is associated with an MNO that operates the second network.

[0093] The wireless AP 310 may send, at 505, to the UE 402, a redirection message that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network. The wireless AP 310 may send the redirection message to the UE 402 using a transceiver 330. In one aspect, the wireless AP 310 may support redirection to more than one of one or more MNO networks. In this situation, the wireless AP 310 may be able to redirect each UE 402 served by the wireless access point to a different MNO network. In other words, the wireless AP 310 may be able to redirect each UE 402 to the MNO network with which the UE 402 is associated.

[0094] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 6 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 120b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[0095] The wireless AP 310 may receive, at 601, a message from a UE 402 that includes a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) 462 of a second network. The message may also include bandwidth information 464 for the second network. The wireless AP 310 may maintain, at 603, a mapping 343 between the UE 402 and the PLMN ID 344, and, optionally, bandwidth information 346.

[0096] In one configuration, the message may be a UE capability information message that is sent as part of an Attach procedure. This may occur, for example, when the UE 402 registers with the wireless AP 310. In this situation, the PLMN ID 462 and the band information 464 may be included in one or more new information elements (IEs). The one or more new IEs may be defined in a similar way to existing IEs in a UE capability information message.

[0097] The information in the message may be stored by both the wireless AP 310 in addition to another entity on the neutral-host network 111, such as a mobility management entity (MME). In some cases, such as when the UE 402 switches from connected mode to idle mode, the wireless AP 310 may release information while the MME retains the information. If this occurs, MME may send the information to the wireless AP 310 as part of the context configuration process if the UE 402 attempts to reconnect with the wireless AP 310.

[0098] In another configuration, the message may be a UE capability information message that is sent from the UE 402 in response to a UE capability inquiry message sent from the wireless AP 310. This may occur , for example, when the UE 402 attempts to reconnect with the wireless AP 310 The PLMN ID 462 and bandwidth information 464 may be included in one or more new IEs. The one or more new IEs may be defined in a similar way to existing IEs in a UE capability information message.

[0099] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 7 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[00100] The wireless AP 310 may receive, at 701, from a UE 402, handover information 466. The handover information 466 may include information about a network that the UE 402 has previously visited. In one example, handover information 466 may be included in a Handover Acknowledgment message sent from the UE 402 to the wireless AP 310. The wireless AP 310 may extract, at 703, information about a carrier network. mobile network (MNO) from handover information 466. The extracted information may comprise MNO network information 342. The wireless AP 310 may maintain, at 705, a mapping 343 between the UE 402 and the extracted information.

[00101] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 8 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The second wireless AP may be an NH AP, such as the APs NH 110, 210a and 210b. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[00102] The wireless AP 310 may receive, at 801, a handover request from the second network when the UE moves from the second network to the first network. The wireless AP 310 may extract, at 803, information about a mobile network operator (MNO) network from the handover request. The wireless AP 310 may maintain, at 805, a mapping 343 between a UE 402 and the extracted information.

[00103] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 9 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[00104] The wireless AP 310 may listen, at 901, to messages broadcast by one or more neighboring APs. The wireless AP 310 may identify, at 903, one or more of the one or more neighboring APs as a macro AP (e.g., macro AP 120a, 120b) based on whether a neighboring AP broadcasts a message that includes an identifier physical cell module (PCI) that is within the range of 348 PCBs associated with the macro APs. For example, the one or more neighboring APs may broadcast a PCI in a System Information Block (SIB) 1. In another example, the PCI range 348 may follow a similar approach to the csg_PhysCellIdRange field in a SIB4.

[00105] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 10 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[00106] The wireless AP 310 may receive, at 1001, a measurement report from a UE 402. The UE 402 may generate the measurement report based on the measurement data 468. In one configuration, the measurement report may be a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[00107] The wireless AP 310 may determine, at 1003, information about one or more neighboring cells based on the measurement report. For example, wireless AP 310 may determine bandwidth information 346 from the measurement report.

[00108] In another configuration, the UE 402 may send the measurement report to the wireless AP 310 periodically. For example, the measurement report may be sent as part of a Minimization of Testing (MDT) procedure.

[00109] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 11 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2, 202b2.

[00110] The wireless AP 310 may be provided, at 1101, with an operations and management (OAM) configuration file 350. The wireless AP 310 may determine, at 1103, band information 346 regarding one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks based on the OAM configuration file 350. For example, the wireless AP 310 may determine bandwidth information 346 regarding a partner MNO network from the OAM configuration file 350. In another For example, a Technical Report interface (TR-069) can be used for an OAM eNB interface.

[00111] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the method for determining information about one or more mobile network operator networks. The method can be performed by a wireless access point (AP) 310, such as neutral-host (NH) APs 110, 210a and 210b. The wireless AP 310 may include an information determining element 336 that performs the functions described in Figure 12 in cooperation with one or more other components, such as a transceiver 330. The user equipment (UE) may be a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2.

[00112] The wireless AP 310 may receive, at 1201, information from a UE 402 regarding one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks. For example, the wireless AP 310 may receive from the UE 402, MNO network information 460, handover information 466, measurement data 468, or combinations thereof.

[00113] The wireless AP 310 may determine, at 1203, additional information about one or more MNO networks. For example, the wireless AP 310 may extract information from the handover information 466, identify macro APs among one or more neighboring APs, and/or determine information about one or more neighboring APs based on the measurement report.

[00114] The wireless AP 310 may combine, at 1205, the information from the UE 402 with additional information. The wireless AP 310 may use this combined information to generate a redirection message for the UE 402. In one example, the redirection message may be an RRC connection release message.

[00115] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network. The method can be carried out by a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2. The wireless access point (AP) may be a wireless AP 310, such as neutral host (NH) APs 110, 210a, and 210b.

[00116] The UE 402 may send, at 1301, a message to a wireless AP 310 of a first network. The UE 402 may send the message using a transceiver 452. The message may include a flat land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) 462 of a second network. The second network can be one of one or more mobile network operator (MNO) networks that are available in a region.

[00117] The message may also include bandwidth information 464 of the second network. In one configuration, the message may comprise a UE capability information message that is sent as a part of an Attach procedure. The PLMN ID 462 and/or the band information 464 may be included in one or more new or existing information elements (IEs) in the UE capability information message. The first network can be a neutral-host (NH) network.

[00118] In some configurations, the UE 402 may additionally send handover information 466 to the wireless AP 310. The UE 402 may send the handover information using the transceiver 452. The handover information 466 may comprise information regarding a previously visited network of UE 402.

[00119] In other configurations, the UE 402 may additionally send a measurement report to the wireless AP 310. The UE 402 may send the measurement report using the transceiver 452. The UE 402 may generate the measurement report based on the measurement data 468 that the UE 402 collects.

[00120] The UE 402 may receive, at 1303, a redirection message from the wireless AP 310 of the first network that redirects the UE 402 of the first network to the second network. The UE 402 may receive the redirection message using the transceiver 452. The redirection message may be based on the PLMN ID 462 included in the message sent by the UE 402. The redirection message may also, or may alternatively, be based on bandwidth information 464 included in the message sent by UE 402.

[00121] In configurations in which the UE 402 has sent handover information 466 and/or a measurement report to the wireless AP 310, the redirect message may be additionally based on the handover information 466 and/or measurement report.

[00122] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for redirecting a user equipment (UE) from a first network to a second network. The method can be carried out by a UE 402, such as UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2 and 202b2. The wireless access point (AP) may be a wireless AP 310, such as neutral host (NH) APs 110, 210a, and 210b.

[00123] The UE 402 may receive, at 1401, a redirection message that redirects the UE 402 from a first network to a second network. The UE 402 may receive the redirection message using a transceiver 452. In one configuration, the redirection message includes bandwidth information 464 for each of the plurality of mobile network operator (MNO) partners of the first network.

[00124] In another configuration, the redirect message does not include bandwidth information 464. The UE 402 may determine, at 1403, the bandwidth information 464 of the second network. The UE 402 may determine band information 464 using a band determination element 458. The UE 402 may determine band information 464 based on one or more of a configuration of the UE 402, a band support table, bands related to the location of the UE 402, signal strength measurements and/or information included in the redirection message regarding bandwidth information 464 for each of the plurality of MNO partners of the first network.

[00125] The UE 402 may redirect, at 1405, to the second network based on the determined bandwidth information 464. The UE 402 may redirect to the second network using the transceiver 452.

[00126] Figure 15 illustrates certain components that may be included in a wireless access point 1502. The wireless access point 1502 described with respect to Figure 15 may be an example of and/or may be implemented in accordance with a or more of the devices 110, 210a, 210b and 310 described with respect to one or more of figures 1 to 13.

[00127] The wireless access point 1502 includes a processor 1503. The processor 1503 may be a general-purpose, single-chip, or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an Advanced Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) Machine (ARM). )), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, a programmable gate assembly, etc. The processor 1503 may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). .

[00128] Wireless access point 1502 may also include memory 1505 in electronic communication with processor 1503 (that is, processor 1503 may read information from and/or write information to memory 1505). Memory 1505 can be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The memory 1505 can be configured as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, RAM flash memory devices, embedded memory included with the processor 1503, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers and so on, including combinations thereof. Memory 1505 may be entirely embedded in processor 1503, entirely separate from processor 1503, or one or more portions of memory 1505 may be embedded in processor 1503 while the remaining portions of memory 1505 may be separate from processor 1503.

[00129] Data 1507a and instructions 1509a may be stored in memory 1505. Instructions 1509a may include one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, code, etc. The 1509a instructions may include a singular machine-readable statement or many machine-readable statements. Instructions 1509a may be executable by processor 1503 to implement the methods described herein, for example, in Figures 5 to 12. Additionally, instructions 1509a may be executable by processor 1503 to implement functions performed, for example, by the determination element information 336 and/or network selector 338. Execution of instructions 1509a may involve the use of data 1507a that is stored in memory 1505. Data 1507a may include, for example, MNO network information 342 (including PLMN ID 344 and /or bandwidth information 346), access terminal mappings 343, a range of physical cell identifiers 348, and/or an operations and management configuration file 350. When the processor 1503 executes instructions 1509, various parts of the instructions 1509b may be loaded into processor 1503, and various pieces of data 1507b may be loaded into processor 1503.

[00130] The wireless access point 1502 may also include a transmitter 1532 and a receiver 1534 to enable the transmission and reception of signals to and from the wireless access point 1502 via an antenna 1517. The transmitter 1532 and the receiver 1534 may be collectively referred to as a transceiver 1530. The transceiver 1530 may perform the functions associated with, for example, the transceiver 330. The wireless access point 1502 may also include (not illustrated) multiple transmitters, multiple antennas, multiple receivers, and/or or multiple transceivers.

[00131] The wireless access point 1502 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 1521. The wireless access point 1502 may also include a communications interface 1523. The communications interface 1523 may allow a user to interact with the 1502 wireless access point.

[00132] The various components of the wireless access point 1502 may be coupled together by one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For clarity, the various buses are illustrated in Figure 15 as a 1519 bus system.

[00133] Figure 16 illustrates certain components that may be included in a user equipment (UE) 1602. The UE 1602 described with respect to Figure 16 may be an example of and/or may be implemented in accordance with one or more of UEs 102a, 102b, 202a1, 202b1, 202a2, 202b2 and 402 described with respect to one or more of figures 1 to 13.

[00134] The UE 1602 includes a processor 1603. The processor 1603 may be a single-chip or multi-chip general-purpose microprocessor (e.g., an Advanced Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) Machine (ARM)), a microprocessor special-purpose (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate assembly, etc. The processor 1603 may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although only a single processor 1603 is illustrated in UE 1602 of Figure 16, in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors 1603 (e.g., an ARM and DSP) may be used.

[00135] UE 1602 also includes memory 1605 in electronic communication with processor 1603 (that is, processor 1603 can read information from and/or write information to memory 1605). Memory 1605 may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. Memory 1605 may be configured as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, RAM flash memory devices, embedded memory included with the processor 1603, memory EPROM, EEPROM memory, registers and so on, including combinations thereof. Memory 1605 may be entirely embedded in processor 1603, entirely separate from processor 1603, or one or more pairs of memory 1605 may be embedded in processor 1603 while the remaining portions of memory 1605 may be separate from processor 1603.

[00136] Data 1607a and instructions 1609a may be stored in memory 1605. Instructions 1609a may include one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, code, etc. Instructions 1609a may include a singular machine-readable statement or many machine-readable statements. Instructions 1609a may be executable by processor 1603 to implement the methods described herein, for example, in Figures 13 and 14. Additionally, instructions 1609a may be executable by processor 1603 to implement functions performed, for example, by the determination element. band 458. Execution of instructions 1609a may involve the use of data 1607a that is stored in memory 1605. Data 1607a may include, for example, MNO network information 460 (including PLMN ID 462 and/or band information 464), handover information 466 and/or measurement data 468. When the processor 1603 executes the instructions 1609, various parts of the instructions 1609b may be loaded into the processor 1603, and various parts of the data 1607b may be loaded into the processor 1603.

[00137] The UE 1602 may also include a transmitter 1654 and a receiver 1656 to enable the transmission and reception of signals to and from the UE 1602 via an antenna 1617. The transmitter 1654 and the receiver 1656 may be collectively referred to as a transceiver 1630 Transceiver 1630 may perform functions associated with, for example, transceiver 452. UE 1602 may also include (not illustrated) multiple transmitters, multiple antennas, multiple receivers and/or multiple transceivers.

[00138] The UE 1602 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 1621. The UE 1602 may also include a communications interface 1623. The communications interface 1623 may allow a user to interact with the UE 1602.

[00139] The various components of the UE 1602 may be coupled together by one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For clarity, multiple buses are illustrated in Figure 16 as a 1619 bus system.

[00140] In the above description, reference numbers may sometimes have been used in relation to multiple items. Where a term is used in relation to a reference number, this may mean reference to a specific element which is illustrated in one or more of the figures. Where a term is used without a reference number, this may mean generally the term without limitation to any particular figure.

[00141] The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, querying (e.g., querying a table, database, or other data structure). data), determining and similar. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[00142] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[00143] The term "processor" should be interpreted broadly to encompass a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and so on. Under some circumstances, a "processor" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate assembly (FPGA), etc. The term "processor" may refer to a combination of processing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a processor core digital signal (DSP) or any other similar configuration.

[00144] The term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term memory can refer to several types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM) , programmable and erasable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. Memory is considered to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and/or write information to memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[00145] The terms "instructions" and "code" should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement. For example, the terms "instructions" and "code" may refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, etc. "Instructions" and "code" may comprise a singular machine-readable statement, or many machine-readable statements.

[00146] It should be noted that one or more of the features, functions, procedures, components, elements, structures, etc., described with respect to any of the configurations described herein may be combined with one or more of the functions, procedures , components, elements, structures, etc., described with respect to any of the other configurations described herein, where compatible. In other words, any compatible combination of the functions, procedures, components, elements, etc., described herein can be implemented in accordance with the systems and methods described herein.

[00147] The functions described here may be stored as one or more instructions in a processor-readable or computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or processor. By way of example, and not limitation, such means may comprise Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable and Erasable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, Read Only Memory. Compact Disk (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Floppy disk and disc, as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc, where floppy disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data data optically with lasers. It should be noted that a computer-readable medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The term "computer program product" refers to a computing device or processor in combination with code or instructions (e.g., "a program") that can be executed, processed, or computed by the computing device or processor. As used herein, the term "code" may refer to software, instructions, code or data that is executable by a computing device or processor.

[00148] Software and instructions can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a network site, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared , radio and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of transmission medium.

[00149] The methods described here comprise one or more steps or actions to achieve the method described. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is necessary for the proper operation of the method being described, the order and/or use of the specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. .

[00150] Additionally, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other means suitable for carrying out the methods and techniques described herein, as illustrated by figures 5 to 13, can be downloaded and/or otherwise obtained by a device. For example, a device may be coupled to a server to facilitate handover of means for carrying out the methods described here. Alternatively, various methods described herein may be provided via a storage device (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a physical storage medium such as a compact disk (CD), or floppy disk, etc.), so that a device can obtain the various methods after docking or providing storage media to the device. Furthermore, any other technique suitable for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device may be used.

[00151] It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the systems, methods and apparatus described herein without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Method for redirecting a user equipment, UE, (402) from a first network to a second network, wherein the first network is a neutral-host network, NH, run by a wireless access point (310 ) of the first network, characterized by the fact that it comprises: determining (501) information for the UE (402) about one or more networks of the mobile network operator, MNO, wherein the first network is separate from and does not interact directly with the one or more MNO networks; selecting (503) the second network for redirection from among the one or more MNO networks based on the determined information, wherein the second network is an MNO network in which the UE is associated; and sending (505), to the UE (402), a redirect message that redirects the UE from the first network to the second network, when handover is not supported between the first network and the second network because the first network and the second network are separate networks that do not interact, where the redirection message provides information for the UE to reconnect to the second network. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about one or more MNO networks comprises: receiving (601) a message from the UE (402) that includes a mobile network identifier public terrestrial, ID PLMN, from the second network; and maintaining (603) a mapping between the UE (402) and the PLMN ID of the second network. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the message comprises a UE capability information message, and wherein the UE capability information message (402) includes bandwidth information (464) of the second network. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein selecting the second network for redirection from among the one or more MNO networks comprises selecting the second network based on the PLMN ID. 5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about the one or more MNO networks, comprises: receiving (701), from the UE (402), information from handover referring to a previously visited network of the UE (402); extracting (703) information about an MNO network from the handover information; and maintaining (705) a mapping between the UE (402) and the extracted information. 6. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about the one or more MNO networks comprises: receiving (801) a handover request from the second network when the UE (402 ) moves from the second network to the first network; extract (803) information about an MNO network from the handover request; and maintaining (805) a mapping between the UE (402) and the extracted information. 7. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about one or more MNO networks comprises: listening to (901) messages broadcast by one or more neighboring wireless access points; and identifying (903) one or more of the one or more neighboring access points as macro access points based on whether a neighboring access point broadcasts a message that includes a physical cell identifier, PCI, that is within a range of PCBs associated with macro access points. 8. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the determination information for the UE (402) about one or more MNO networks comprises: receiving (1001) a measurement report from the UE (402); and determining (1003) information about one or more neighboring cells based on the measurement report. 9. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about the one or more MNO networks comprises: providing (1101) to the wireless access point an operations configuration file and management, OAM; and determining (1103) bandwidth information regarding the one or more MNO networks based on the OAM configuration file. 10. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that determining information for the UE (402) about the one or more MNO networks comprises: receiving (1201), at the wireless access point, information from the UE (402) relating to one or more MNO networks; determining (1203), at the wireless access point, additional information about the one or more MNO networks; and combining (1205) the information from the UE (402) with additional information determined at the wireless access point. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the information from the UE (402) comprises a PLMN ID for the second network, and wherein the additional information comprises bandwidth information for the second network. 12. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that selecting the second network among the one or more MNO networks comprises determining that the UE (402) is associated with the second network based on the determined information. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a second redirection message to a second UE, wherein the second redirection message redirects the second UE (402) to a third network among one or more more MNO networks. 14. Wireless access point (1502), characterized in that it comprises means for carrying out the method steps as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13. 15. Computer-readable memory characterized by the fact that it comprises instructions stored therein that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13.