CA2356839A1 - Configurable communication system having ip-based capabilities - Google Patents
Configurable communication system having ip-based capabilities Download PDFInfo
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- CA2356839A1 CA2356839A1 CA002356839A CA2356839A CA2356839A1 CA 2356839 A1 CA2356839 A1 CA 2356839A1 CA 002356839 A CA002356839 A CA 002356839A CA 2356839 A CA2356839 A CA 2356839A CA 2356839 A1 CA2356839 A1 CA 2356839A1
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- cell
- cells
- terminal
- mobile station
- capabilities
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
- H04W48/20—Selecting an access point
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
- H04L9/40—Network security protocols
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
- Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method for a subscriber of a mobile communication system to selectively identify a preference for cells having a capability to access an Internet Protocol (IP) application is disclosed. The identified cell capability preference is utilized by the system in assigning a cell to the subscriber. The system broadcasts IP based capabilities of its cells to the subscriber to facilitate the identification of the cell capability preference.
The terminal of the subscriber transmits the terminal's IP based capabilities to the system to facilitate the cell assignment process.
The terminal of the subscriber transmits the terminal's IP based capabilities to the system to facilitate the cell assignment process.
Description
WO 00/40053 PC'd'/US99I30569 CONFIGURABLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
HAVING IP-BASED CAIPABILITIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
S Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and, more particularly, to a system and method for configuring the method of communication in a wireless communication system having Internet Protocol (IP) based capabilities.
Background and Objects of the Invention Mobile wireless communication is becoming; increasingly important for providing safety, convenience, improved productivity, and simple conversational pleasure. One prominent mobile wireless communication option is cellular communication.
Cellular phones, for instance, can be found in cars, briefcases, purses and even pockets.
In a mobile cellular telecommunications system, a mobile station normally communicates with the base station correspondin~; to the cell area in which the mobile station is located. There are circumstances, however, under which communication with the mobile station changes from one cell within the telecommunications network to another. A
first situation is a handover operation in which the a mobile station roams into another cell while in a telephone call or other transaction. In order to choose a best cell fox use by the roaming mobile station, signal strength measurements of cell signal transmissions are performed by the roaming mobile station. During the handover operation, various nodes in the network negotiate a cell change with the mobile station depending upon the nature of the handover.
A second situation in which communication with a mobile station or terminal changes from one cell to another is a part ofthe Idle Mode procedures ofthe terminal/mobile station.
This process, by which a terminal chooses which cell to utilize, is referred to as "camping on" a cell. The process includes location updating so that the serving mobile switching
HAVING IP-BASED CAIPABILITIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
S Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and, more particularly, to a system and method for configuring the method of communication in a wireless communication system having Internet Protocol (IP) based capabilities.
Background and Objects of the Invention Mobile wireless communication is becoming; increasingly important for providing safety, convenience, improved productivity, and simple conversational pleasure. One prominent mobile wireless communication option is cellular communication.
Cellular phones, for instance, can be found in cars, briefcases, purses and even pockets.
In a mobile cellular telecommunications system, a mobile station normally communicates with the base station correspondin~; to the cell area in which the mobile station is located. There are circumstances, however, under which communication with the mobile station changes from one cell within the telecommunications network to another. A
first situation is a handover operation in which the a mobile station roams into another cell while in a telephone call or other transaction. In order to choose a best cell fox use by the roaming mobile station, signal strength measurements of cell signal transmissions are performed by the roaming mobile station. During the handover operation, various nodes in the network negotiate a cell change with the mobile station depending upon the nature of the handover.
A second situation in which communication with a mobile station or terminal changes from one cell to another is a part ofthe Idle Mode procedures ofthe terminal/mobile station.
This process, by which a terminal chooses which cell to utilize, is referred to as "camping on" a cell. The process includes location updating so that the serving mobile switching
-2-center (MSC) and corresponding visitor location register (VLR) maintain the approximate location ofthe terminal. The "camping on" process may, for example, occurwhen aterminal is powered up. The camping process may also occur when a terminal is not engaged in a telephone call but is moving around and monitoring the transmission quality ofthe different cells. In the event the terminal changes location are~us while monitoring the quality ofthe cell transmissions, the terminal will perform a location update.
For celluiax phone system providers to oiFfer cellular phone users new services, cellular wireless networks must be upgraded. To this end, there exist and/or are planned wireless telecommunication networks which are capable ofproviding both standard GSM
services and IP based services andlor applications. One advantage provided by such networks is that they are backwards compatible. In other words, the network provides both GSM services and IP applications, such as V'oIP, to terminals which are capable of accessing IP based applications while at the same; time maintaining conventional GSM
wireless communication services for terminals which cannot utilize IP
applications, such as due to limitations of the terminal itself.
One IP based application which is accessilble by cellulax telephone users is voice over IP (VoIP). The VoIP application provides quality voice communications over the packetized Internet. VoIP, overthe current Internet, for example, canprovide acceptable voice communications at a greatly reduced cost to i;he user, when compared to traditional mobile telephone tolls.
Although capable of providing telecommunication services to many subscribers, the above-described wireless network is not without its shortcomings. For instance, if a caller wishes to make a call in a wireless network having a VoIP application, a circuit switched call is transmitted from the corresponding Base Station System to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), which is then sent along a trunk from the MSC to a gateway connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The gateway converts the call from a circuit switched voice call to a packet switched call for transmission on the Internet.
Although this method ofutilizing the Internet realizes reduced call tariffs, the'VoiP call nonetheless utilizes circuit switchtransmission resources in handling the call. Accordingly, there is aneed forplacing ~4'~ i'~]~~~ CA 02356839 2001-06-22
For celluiax phone system providers to oiFfer cellular phone users new services, cellular wireless networks must be upgraded. To this end, there exist and/or are planned wireless telecommunication networks which are capable ofproviding both standard GSM
services and IP based services andlor applications. One advantage provided by such networks is that they are backwards compatible. In other words, the network provides both GSM services and IP applications, such as V'oIP, to terminals which are capable of accessing IP based applications while at the same; time maintaining conventional GSM
wireless communication services for terminals which cannot utilize IP
applications, such as due to limitations of the terminal itself.
One IP based application which is accessilble by cellulax telephone users is voice over IP (VoIP). The VoIP application provides quality voice communications over the packetized Internet. VoIP, overthe current Internet, for example, canprovide acceptable voice communications at a greatly reduced cost to i;he user, when compared to traditional mobile telephone tolls.
Although capable of providing telecommunication services to many subscribers, the above-described wireless network is not without its shortcomings. For instance, if a caller wishes to make a call in a wireless network having a VoIP application, a circuit switched call is transmitted from the corresponding Base Station System to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), which is then sent along a trunk from the MSC to a gateway connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The gateway converts the call from a circuit switched voice call to a packet switched call for transmission on the Internet.
Although this method ofutilizing the Internet realizes reduced call tariffs, the'VoiP call nonetheless utilizes circuit switchtransmission resources in handling the call. Accordingly, there is aneed forplacing ~4'~ i'~]~~~ CA 02356839 2001-06-22
-3-the point at which access is made to the Internet closer to the terminal and/or mobile station within the mobile communications network.
One approach is to place an interface for accessing the Internet within the Base Station Controllers (BSC) so that the switching circuitry of the network is substantially bypassed when an IP based application is provided to a mobile station user. In a communications network utilizing this approach, some of the cells in the network may be capable of providing iP based applications and/or communications, such as VoIP, in addition to conventional GSM based communication. A. call placed by a terminal and/or mobile station served by these cells, for example, is capable of I 0 being transported over/through the Internet so as 1:o incur a relatively inexpensive toll.
Because not every BSC in the mobile network will typically possess the capability to provide IP based services andlor applications to mobile stations served thereby, there exists a need for ensuring that terminals requesting an IP based service are satisfactorily and cost effectively served.
One existing approach is described in PC'r Publication WO 96/28947, which shows a mobile communications system combining several mobile communication networks. The parameters on the basis of which a mobile terminal decides on a handover operation include connection quality and at least one of price, capacity, transmission speed and availability.
2fl Another existing approach is described i:n PCT Publication WO 97/ 1 S 1 S7, which shows a method and device for supporting a plurality of mobile station operation modes in a wireless system by user control. Protocols from various technologies are combined to form end user equipment which operates in multiple user-invoked modes of operation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communications system in which the cell assignment to a terminal is dependent upon user preference.
It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide such a communication system having enhanced communication of both network and terminal information between the network and a terminal therein.
AMENDED SHEET
CA 02356839 2001-06-22 U~ ~~~Q3C5E9 -3a-SUlHIMA.RY OF TIC INVENTION
The present invention overcomes shortcomings in existing communication systems and satisfies a significant need for a comrnunication system having improved methods for accessing the system's IP based capabilities.
According to the present invention, there is provided a mobile communications network, such as, for example, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), divided into a number of cells which communicate with at Ie~ast one MSC via a number of base stations. At least one base station is capable of accessing an IP based application, such as VoIP by including a transcoder to convert a voice call transmitted by a terminal into a packet switched call for transport over the Internet. The cells associated with each base station AMENDED SHEET
WO 00/40053 PC'~'/US99/30569 -4_ transmit their service capabilities, including its IP-based capabilities, so that a terminal receiving the transmission is aware of the service capabilities of its present cell and neighboring cells. Conversely, each terminal in the mobile communications network transmits its own capabilities, such as being IP capable, to the network. In this way, both the network and each terminal can be apprised of each other's capabilities so that decisions pertaining to providing service-related activities, such as transporting a telephone call, are effectively carried out.
The present invention further includes each terminal possessing an interface and necessary circuitry to facilitate the user in selecting a cell preference from among cells which I O only support GSM-related services and cells which support both GSM-related services and IP based applications: For example, the interface may allow the user to prefer cells which support VoIP for transporting telephone calls placed by the user's mobile station overthe Internet. The system selects a cell for providing a service to the terminal, such as transporting a telephone call placed thereby, based in part upon the service-related 15 capabilities of cells in the immediate area of the terminal and upon the selected cell preference. As a result, the present communications system suitably matches its available services to the user's service preferences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN('sS
20 A more complete understanding ofthe present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system according to the present invention;
25 Figure 2 is a block diagram of a terminal according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a handover operation in association with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a cell reassignment operation in association with the present invention; and -S_ Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a location update operation in association with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment ofthe invention is shown.
This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Refernng to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a communications system I
including mobile communications network 2 and Internet and/or IP network 3. Mobile communications network 2 may preferably include a plurality ofinterconnected MSCs 4, each ofwhich communicates with one or more base station controllers (BSC) 5.
Each B SC
5 communicates with at least one base transceiver station (BTS) 6. A single BTS 6 serves one or more cells in mobile communications network 2. The operation of mobile communications network 2 and in particular the interrelationship between MSCs
One approach is to place an interface for accessing the Internet within the Base Station Controllers (BSC) so that the switching circuitry of the network is substantially bypassed when an IP based application is provided to a mobile station user. In a communications network utilizing this approach, some of the cells in the network may be capable of providing iP based applications and/or communications, such as VoIP, in addition to conventional GSM based communication. A. call placed by a terminal and/or mobile station served by these cells, for example, is capable of I 0 being transported over/through the Internet so as 1:o incur a relatively inexpensive toll.
Because not every BSC in the mobile network will typically possess the capability to provide IP based services andlor applications to mobile stations served thereby, there exists a need for ensuring that terminals requesting an IP based service are satisfactorily and cost effectively served.
One existing approach is described in PC'r Publication WO 96/28947, which shows a mobile communications system combining several mobile communication networks. The parameters on the basis of which a mobile terminal decides on a handover operation include connection quality and at least one of price, capacity, transmission speed and availability.
2fl Another existing approach is described i:n PCT Publication WO 97/ 1 S 1 S7, which shows a method and device for supporting a plurality of mobile station operation modes in a wireless system by user control. Protocols from various technologies are combined to form end user equipment which operates in multiple user-invoked modes of operation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communications system in which the cell assignment to a terminal is dependent upon user preference.
It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide such a communication system having enhanced communication of both network and terminal information between the network and a terminal therein.
AMENDED SHEET
CA 02356839 2001-06-22 U~ ~~~Q3C5E9 -3a-SUlHIMA.RY OF TIC INVENTION
The present invention overcomes shortcomings in existing communication systems and satisfies a significant need for a comrnunication system having improved methods for accessing the system's IP based capabilities.
According to the present invention, there is provided a mobile communications network, such as, for example, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), divided into a number of cells which communicate with at Ie~ast one MSC via a number of base stations. At least one base station is capable of accessing an IP based application, such as VoIP by including a transcoder to convert a voice call transmitted by a terminal into a packet switched call for transport over the Internet. The cells associated with each base station AMENDED SHEET
WO 00/40053 PC'~'/US99/30569 -4_ transmit their service capabilities, including its IP-based capabilities, so that a terminal receiving the transmission is aware of the service capabilities of its present cell and neighboring cells. Conversely, each terminal in the mobile communications network transmits its own capabilities, such as being IP capable, to the network. In this way, both the network and each terminal can be apprised of each other's capabilities so that decisions pertaining to providing service-related activities, such as transporting a telephone call, are effectively carried out.
The present invention further includes each terminal possessing an interface and necessary circuitry to facilitate the user in selecting a cell preference from among cells which I O only support GSM-related services and cells which support both GSM-related services and IP based applications: For example, the interface may allow the user to prefer cells which support VoIP for transporting telephone calls placed by the user's mobile station overthe Internet. The system selects a cell for providing a service to the terminal, such as transporting a telephone call placed thereby, based in part upon the service-related 15 capabilities of cells in the immediate area of the terminal and upon the selected cell preference. As a result, the present communications system suitably matches its available services to the user's service preferences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN('sS
20 A more complete understanding ofthe present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system according to the present invention;
25 Figure 2 is a block diagram of a terminal according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a handover operation in association with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a cell reassignment operation in association with the present invention; and -S_ Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a location update operation in association with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment ofthe invention is shown.
This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Refernng to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a communications system I
including mobile communications network 2 and Internet and/or IP network 3. Mobile communications network 2 may preferably include a plurality ofinterconnected MSCs 4, each ofwhich communicates with one or more base station controllers (BSC) 5.
Each B SC
5 communicates with at least one base transceiver station (BTS) 6. A single BTS 6 serves one or more cells in mobile communications network 2. The operation of mobile communications network 2 and in particular the interrelationship between MSCs
4, BSCs
5 and BTSs 6 in providing mobile cellular services are known in the art and will not be described herein for reasons of simplicity.
One or more BSCs 5 of mobile communi~;,ations network 2 may be capable of accessing IP network 3 in order to provide one or more 1P applications to subscribers of the mobile communications network 2. ABSC 5 may, for example, have access to IP
network 3 using one or more Internet Service Providers (ISP) 7.
One IP application which a BSC 5 preferably accesses and is capable ofproviding to subscribers ofmobile communications network 2 is VoIP, which provides acceptable voice communications at a greatly reduced subscriber cost, as explained above.
Accordingly, the BSCs 5 which are capable of providing VoIP to subscribers ofthe mobile communications network 2 include a transcoder unit 8 or other device which converts a WO 00/40053 PC'r/US99/30569
One or more BSCs 5 of mobile communi~;,ations network 2 may be capable of accessing IP network 3 in order to provide one or more 1P applications to subscribers of the mobile communications network 2. ABSC 5 may, for example, have access to IP
network 3 using one or more Internet Service Providers (ISP) 7.
One IP application which a BSC 5 preferably accesses and is capable ofproviding to subscribers ofmobile communications network 2 is VoIP, which provides acceptable voice communications at a greatly reduced subscriber cost, as explained above.
Accordingly, the BSCs 5 which are capable of providing VoIP to subscribers ofthe mobile communications network 2 include a transcoder unit 8 or other device which converts a WO 00/40053 PC'r/US99/30569
-6-circuit switched (GS1V1) voice call to a packet switched call fortransport over the Internet.
By including transcoder unit 8 within a B S C 5, a V'oIP telephone call placed by a terminal 9, such as a mobile station, bypasses the switching circuitry (MSCs 4) of mobile communications network 2.
It is understood that a cell may be capable of accessing a number of IP based applications in addition to VoIP through its corresponding B SC 5 . For instance, a cell in mobile communications network 2 may be capable ofaccessing anH.323 based multimedia application.
The present invention allows subscribers ofmobile communications network 2 to mare effectively access communication services provided by mobile communications network 2 and IP network 3. It is understood th;~t not every BSC 5 may be capable of accessing IP network 3. It is also understood that a BSC 5 which may be capable of accessing IP network 3 may typically be capable of accessing a limited number of IP
applications. Fox instance, an IP capable BSC 5 may utilize a specific ISP 7 in accessing IP network 3 . Due to the fact that B SCs of mobile communications network 2 and thus the cells corresponding thereto provide different IP applications and/or possess different IP
based capabilities, the present invention allows a subscriber of mobile communications network 2 to select prefezxed capabilities for a cell to possess in order to communicate therewith.
Specifically; the present invention allows a subscriber to identify a preference for a cell/B SC which supports particular IP based applications withwhichthe subscriber may communicate. The mobile communications network 2 utilizes the identified cell preference in selecting a cell to communicate with the subscriber's terminal 9, such as when mobile communications network 2 performs cell handover procedures or while camping-on a cell.
To facilitate the process of selecting a cell preference and assigning a cell to communicate with a terminal 9, information regarding network 2 is preferably transmitted to terminal 9. The information transmitted by mobile communications network 2 to a terminal 9 preferably informs terminals 9 ofthe capabilities ofeach cell. In otherwords, for each cell, mobile communications network 2 provides a list of services and/or applications, WO 00/40053 ' PCT/US99/30569 including IP based applications, which are accessible thereby. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCI~ is modified to include this cell capability information. In this way; a terminal 9, upon receiving the cell capability broadcast, is capable ofdetermining the cell capabilities ofthe cell presently serving terminal 9 and its neighboring cells.
As stated above, the present invention allows for the selection of a cell preference for use in assigning a terminal 9 to a cell within mobile communications network 2. Referring to Figure 2, terminal 9 preferably includes an interface 20 which is coupled to transceiver 21 to receive the BCCH information pertaining to cell capabilities and to generate the necessary signals for presenting the cell capabilities to the subscriber on display 22. Display 22 preferablyfurther~iisplaysthepresently assigned cell;-its capabilities, andlorthe service being provided to the subscriber.
Further, terminal 9 allows forthe selection or identification of a cell preference for use in assigningtenninal 9 to a cell, such as during a handover procedure orwhile camping-on a cell. The cell preference may be entered into terminal 9 by the subscriber using keypad 23 . Alternatively, the cell preference may be stored, either permanently or otherwise, on a SIM card 24 which is operatively connectible to terminal 9. By possessing a number of SllVI cards having stored thereon different cell capability preferences, terminal 9 may be configured with different cell capability preferences simply by inserting different SIM cards 24 therein.
The present invention allows mobile communications network 2 (Figure 1) to determine the capabilities of terminals 9 located therein. In particular, a terminal 9 preferably communicates to mobile communications network 2 its IP based capabilities.
For example, the information may indicate whether terminal 9 complies with a certain suite of specifications, such as H.323 or SIP. Terminal capability information may be utilized by mobile communications network 2 in reaching cell assignment decisions, such as during cell handover or camping on a cell, by giving greater preference to assigning an IP
capable cell to a terminal 9 which prefers communication with an IP capable cell and which itselfis IP
capable. Specific channel types or target cells could be selected for assignment to a wU 00/40053 PCTlUS99/30569 _g_ terminal 9 based upon the terminal capability information. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the IP based capabilities of a terminal 9 are added to the GSM classmark corresponding to terminal 9 for communication to mobile communications network 2:
In addition, the subscriber profile, stored :in a Home Location Register (HI,R) 10, may preferably indicate whether IP support for a terminal 9 is preferred ar forbidden. This profile information may be downloaded and used together with the terminal capability information in the classmark in assigning a cell ito serve terminal 9.
The operation ofthe present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3-5. In performing acell handover operation in which cell selection is based in part upon the user's communication preferences, termin~~l 9 monitors the signal strength of cells in the area thereof at step 3 0. In the event one or more cells whose-trailsinissions terminal 9 measured is a preferred cell or otherwise possesses preferred communication capabilities, terminal 9 sends preferred cell capability informationto mobile communications network 2 at step 31. For example, terminal 9 may send. a cell preference listing to mobile communications network 2. Next, if mobile communications network 2 determines that, based upon the preferred cell information sent by terminal 9, the new cell for communicating with terminal 9 is associated with a different l3SC 5, then the channel preference corresponding to the cell capability preferences is sent to the BSC 5 corresponding to the new cell at step 32. In this way, BSC 5 is aware of the preferred channel type and equipment which is needed to support it.
It is noted that the serving MSC 4 may not know the preferred channel type corresponding to the preferred cell capability preference ofterminal 9.
Consequently, MSC
verifies that the preferred cell capability for the best cell is possible at step 33. If the preferred cell capability preference is not possible and/or compatible, then the handover operation to the selected cell is rejected at step 34. Alternatively, ifit is determined that the preferred cell capability preference is possible for the best cell, then terminal 9 is handed over thereto at step 35.
Figure 4 illustrates the process for selecting a cell for terminal 9 while "camping on"
a cell. Initially, each basetransceiver station (BTS) ti broadcasts the IP
capabilities, ifany, ~~i-'G I'217~J 1 ~ 02356839 2001-06-22 for the cells corresponding thereto for reception by terminal 9 at step 41.
Next, interface 20 interprets the cell IP capability information and displays the information on display 21 at step 42. At this point, a cell capability preference may be identified at step 43. This identification may be undertaken'by the subscriber manually entering the cell capability preference using terminal keypad 23 or by terminal 9 reading the cell preference from SIM card 24 connected thereto.
In the event terminal 9 has indicated to molbile communications network 2 that terminal 9 is to be camped onto a cell selected ox' preferred thereby, then terminal 9 is camped onto the selected cell at step 44. If the cell camped onto during step 44 is in a new location area, then a location update is performed at step 45.
The steps for perfarming a location uI>date in the serving MSC 4 and corresponding VLR is illustrated in Figure s.Upon a reception location update request from terminal 9 at step s 1, MSC 4 receives and stores the classmark therefor at step 52. The classmark may include cell capability preference information for terminal 9. If it is determined that terminal 9 is n.ot registered with MSC 4, notifies the I3LR 10 corresponding to terminal !a. HLR 10 thereupon sends data pertaining to terminal 9 and including its cell capability preferences to MSC
4 at step s3: Thereafter, the subscriber profile for terminal '9 is stored within 1VISC
4 and/or its corresponding VLR at step s4.
Although the prefezred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions.
2s AMENDED SHEET
By including transcoder unit 8 within a B S C 5, a V'oIP telephone call placed by a terminal 9, such as a mobile station, bypasses the switching circuitry (MSCs 4) of mobile communications network 2.
It is understood that a cell may be capable of accessing a number of IP based applications in addition to VoIP through its corresponding B SC 5 . For instance, a cell in mobile communications network 2 may be capable ofaccessing anH.323 based multimedia application.
The present invention allows subscribers ofmobile communications network 2 to mare effectively access communication services provided by mobile communications network 2 and IP network 3. It is understood th;~t not every BSC 5 may be capable of accessing IP network 3. It is also understood that a BSC 5 which may be capable of accessing IP network 3 may typically be capable of accessing a limited number of IP
applications. Fox instance, an IP capable BSC 5 may utilize a specific ISP 7 in accessing IP network 3 . Due to the fact that B SCs of mobile communications network 2 and thus the cells corresponding thereto provide different IP applications and/or possess different IP
based capabilities, the present invention allows a subscriber of mobile communications network 2 to select prefezxed capabilities for a cell to possess in order to communicate therewith.
Specifically; the present invention allows a subscriber to identify a preference for a cell/B SC which supports particular IP based applications withwhichthe subscriber may communicate. The mobile communications network 2 utilizes the identified cell preference in selecting a cell to communicate with the subscriber's terminal 9, such as when mobile communications network 2 performs cell handover procedures or while camping-on a cell.
To facilitate the process of selecting a cell preference and assigning a cell to communicate with a terminal 9, information regarding network 2 is preferably transmitted to terminal 9. The information transmitted by mobile communications network 2 to a terminal 9 preferably informs terminals 9 ofthe capabilities ofeach cell. In otherwords, for each cell, mobile communications network 2 provides a list of services and/or applications, WO 00/40053 ' PCT/US99/30569 including IP based applications, which are accessible thereby. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCI~ is modified to include this cell capability information. In this way; a terminal 9, upon receiving the cell capability broadcast, is capable ofdetermining the cell capabilities ofthe cell presently serving terminal 9 and its neighboring cells.
As stated above, the present invention allows for the selection of a cell preference for use in assigning a terminal 9 to a cell within mobile communications network 2. Referring to Figure 2, terminal 9 preferably includes an interface 20 which is coupled to transceiver 21 to receive the BCCH information pertaining to cell capabilities and to generate the necessary signals for presenting the cell capabilities to the subscriber on display 22. Display 22 preferablyfurther~iisplaysthepresently assigned cell;-its capabilities, andlorthe service being provided to the subscriber.
Further, terminal 9 allows forthe selection or identification of a cell preference for use in assigningtenninal 9 to a cell, such as during a handover procedure orwhile camping-on a cell. The cell preference may be entered into terminal 9 by the subscriber using keypad 23 . Alternatively, the cell preference may be stored, either permanently or otherwise, on a SIM card 24 which is operatively connectible to terminal 9. By possessing a number of SllVI cards having stored thereon different cell capability preferences, terminal 9 may be configured with different cell capability preferences simply by inserting different SIM cards 24 therein.
The present invention allows mobile communications network 2 (Figure 1) to determine the capabilities of terminals 9 located therein. In particular, a terminal 9 preferably communicates to mobile communications network 2 its IP based capabilities.
For example, the information may indicate whether terminal 9 complies with a certain suite of specifications, such as H.323 or SIP. Terminal capability information may be utilized by mobile communications network 2 in reaching cell assignment decisions, such as during cell handover or camping on a cell, by giving greater preference to assigning an IP
capable cell to a terminal 9 which prefers communication with an IP capable cell and which itselfis IP
capable. Specific channel types or target cells could be selected for assignment to a wU 00/40053 PCTlUS99/30569 _g_ terminal 9 based upon the terminal capability information. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the IP based capabilities of a terminal 9 are added to the GSM classmark corresponding to terminal 9 for communication to mobile communications network 2:
In addition, the subscriber profile, stored :in a Home Location Register (HI,R) 10, may preferably indicate whether IP support for a terminal 9 is preferred ar forbidden. This profile information may be downloaded and used together with the terminal capability information in the classmark in assigning a cell ito serve terminal 9.
The operation ofthe present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3-5. In performing acell handover operation in which cell selection is based in part upon the user's communication preferences, termin~~l 9 monitors the signal strength of cells in the area thereof at step 3 0. In the event one or more cells whose-trailsinissions terminal 9 measured is a preferred cell or otherwise possesses preferred communication capabilities, terminal 9 sends preferred cell capability informationto mobile communications network 2 at step 31. For example, terminal 9 may send. a cell preference listing to mobile communications network 2. Next, if mobile communications network 2 determines that, based upon the preferred cell information sent by terminal 9, the new cell for communicating with terminal 9 is associated with a different l3SC 5, then the channel preference corresponding to the cell capability preferences is sent to the BSC 5 corresponding to the new cell at step 32. In this way, BSC 5 is aware of the preferred channel type and equipment which is needed to support it.
It is noted that the serving MSC 4 may not know the preferred channel type corresponding to the preferred cell capability preference ofterminal 9.
Consequently, MSC
verifies that the preferred cell capability for the best cell is possible at step 33. If the preferred cell capability preference is not possible and/or compatible, then the handover operation to the selected cell is rejected at step 34. Alternatively, ifit is determined that the preferred cell capability preference is possible for the best cell, then terminal 9 is handed over thereto at step 35.
Figure 4 illustrates the process for selecting a cell for terminal 9 while "camping on"
a cell. Initially, each basetransceiver station (BTS) ti broadcasts the IP
capabilities, ifany, ~~i-'G I'217~J 1 ~ 02356839 2001-06-22 for the cells corresponding thereto for reception by terminal 9 at step 41.
Next, interface 20 interprets the cell IP capability information and displays the information on display 21 at step 42. At this point, a cell capability preference may be identified at step 43. This identification may be undertaken'by the subscriber manually entering the cell capability preference using terminal keypad 23 or by terminal 9 reading the cell preference from SIM card 24 connected thereto.
In the event terminal 9 has indicated to molbile communications network 2 that terminal 9 is to be camped onto a cell selected ox' preferred thereby, then terminal 9 is camped onto the selected cell at step 44. If the cell camped onto during step 44 is in a new location area, then a location update is performed at step 45.
The steps for perfarming a location uI>date in the serving MSC 4 and corresponding VLR is illustrated in Figure s.Upon a reception location update request from terminal 9 at step s 1, MSC 4 receives and stores the classmark therefor at step 52. The classmark may include cell capability preference information for terminal 9. If it is determined that terminal 9 is n.ot registered with MSC 4, notifies the I3LR 10 corresponding to terminal !a. HLR 10 thereupon sends data pertaining to terminal 9 and including its cell capability preferences to MSC
4 at step s3: Thereafter, the subscriber profile for terminal '9 is stored within 1VISC
4 and/or its corresponding VLR at step s4.
Although the prefezred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions.
2s AMENDED SHEET
Claims (20)
1. A communications system (1), characterized by including:
a mobile communications network (2) including at least one base station (5) serving a plurality of cells within the mobile communications network (2), at least one of said cells accessing a packet-switched network (3), the base station (5) being adapted for communication with at least one mobile station (9) so as to receive therefrom preferred service-related capabilities of a given plurality of said cells for serving said at least one mobile station (9), said preferred service-related cell capabilities including cell accessibility to the packet-switched network (3), said at least one mobile communications network (2) being adapted to receive an indication of whether said at least one mobile station (9) is capable of executing an application from the packet-switched network (3), and to assign said at least one mobile station (9) to one of said given plurality of said cells in the mobile communication network (2) based upon said respective preferred cell service-related capabilities and said indication.
a mobile communications network (2) including at least one base station (5) serving a plurality of cells within the mobile communications network (2), at least one of said cells accessing a packet-switched network (3), the base station (5) being adapted for communication with at least one mobile station (9) so as to receive therefrom preferred service-related capabilities of a given plurality of said cells for serving said at least one mobile station (9), said preferred service-related cell capabilities including cell accessibility to the packet-switched network (3), said at least one mobile communications network (2) being adapted to receive an indication of whether said at least one mobile station (9) is capable of executing an application from the packet-switched network (3), and to assign said at least one mobile station (9) to one of said given plurality of said cells in the mobile communication network (2) based upon said respective preferred cell service-related capabilities and said indication.
2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein:
said base station (5) indicates to said at least one mobile station (9) service-related capabilities of at least one of said plurality of cells in the mobile communication network (2).
said base station (5) indicates to said at least one mobile station (9) service-related capabilities of at least one of said plurality of cells in the mobile communication network (2).
3. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein:
said service-related capabilities include an indication whether said at least one of said plurality of cells is capable of accessing the packet-switched network (3).
said service-related capabilities include an indication whether said at least one of said plurality of cells is capable of accessing the packet-switched network (3).
4. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein:
said base station (5) transmits said service-related capabilities of said at least one of said cells in the system (1) to said mobile station (9) as a BCCH
signal.
said base station (5) transmits said service-related capabilities of said at least one of said cells in the system (1) to said mobile station (9) as a BCCH
signal.
5. The system (1) of claim 2, wherein:
said at least one mobile station (9) operates to display said service-related capabilities of said at least one of said cells in the mobile communication network (2).
said at least one mobile station (9) operates to display said service-related capabilities of said at least one of said cells in the mobile communication network (2).
6. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein:
said mobile communications network (2) receives from said at least one mobile station (9) said indication as classmark information in a signal.
said mobile communications network (2) receives from said at least one mobile station (9) said indication as classmark information in a signal.
7. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein:
said indication of said at least one mobile station (9) is maintained in the mobile communication network (2) as part of a subscriber profile.
said indication of said at least one mobile station (9) is maintained in the mobile communication network (2) as part of a subscriber profile.
8. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein:
said preferred service-related cell capabilities include a cell capability to access an Internet Protocol application associated with the packet-switched network (3).
said preferred service-related cell capabilities include a cell capability to access an Internet Protocol application associated with the packet-switched network (3).
9. A method for providing one or more telephone-related services to a terminal (9) in a mobile communications network (2) having a plurality of cells therein, at least one of said cells being capable of accessing an Internet Protocol (IP) application, the method characterized by including:
identifying preferred service-related capabilities for the cells in the mobile communications network (2) for serving a terminal (9) therein, the preferred service-related cell capabilities including cell accessibility to the IP application preferred for communications involving the terminal;
receiving an indication whether the terminal (9) is capable of utilizing the IP
application; and selecting one of said cells of the mobile communications network (2) to serve the terminal (9) based upon the identified preferred service-related cell capabilities and the indication.
identifying preferred service-related capabilities for the cells in the mobile communications network (2) for serving a terminal (9) therein, the preferred service-related cell capabilities including cell accessibility to the IP application preferred for communications involving the terminal;
receiving an indication whether the terminal (9) is capable of utilizing the IP
application; and selecting one of said cells of the mobile communications network (2) to serve the terminal (9) based upon the identified preferred service-related cell capabilities and the indication.
10. The method of claim 9, further including:
indicating to the terminal (9) service-related capabilities of the cells in the mobile communications network (2), the service-related cell capabilities including an indication whether one or more of the cells is capable of accessing the IP
application.
indicating to the terminal (9) service-related capabilities of the cells in the mobile communications network (2), the service-related cell capabilities including an indication whether one or more of the cells is capable of accessing the IP
application.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
said identifying includes receiving the preferred service-related capabilities in response to the step of indicating to the terminal (9).
said identifying includes receiving the preferred service-related capabilities in response to the step of indicating to the terminal (9).
12. The method of claim 10, further including the step of:
displaying the service-related cell capabilities indicated in said indicating step on the terminal (9).
displaying the service-related cell capabilities indicated in said indicating step on the terminal (9).
13. The method of claim 19, wherein:
said receiving step comprises the receiving classmark information in a signal which indicates whether the terminal (9) is capable of utilizing the IP
application.
said receiving step comprises the receiving classmark information in a signal which indicates whether the terminal (9) is capable of utilizing the IP
application.
14. The method of 13, further including the step of:
maintaining the capability of the terminal (9) to utilize the IP application as a subscriber profile stored in memory.
maintaining the capability of the terminal (9) to utilize the IP application as a subscriber profile stored in memory.
15. A mobile station (9) for use in a mobile communications system (1) having a plurality of cells, the mobile station (9) being characterized by:
receiving cell capability information for the cells including an identification of cells which support an Internet Protocol (IP) based application; and transmitting an indication whether the mobile station (9) is capable of executing an IP based application, and a cell preference for serving the mobile station (9) based upon the cell capability information anal the indication.
receiving cell capability information for the cells including an identification of cells which support an Internet Protocol (IP) based application; and transmitting an indication whether the mobile station (9) is capable of executing an IP based application, and a cell preference for serving the mobile station (9) based upon the cell capability information anal the indication.
16. The mobile station (9) of claim 15, wherein:
said cell capability information is received as a broadcast transmitted signal.
said cell capability information is received as a broadcast transmitted signal.
17. The mobile station (9) of claim 15, wherein:
said mobile station (9) includes a display for presenting said cell capability information.
said mobile station (9) includes a display for presenting said cell capability information.
18. The mobile station (9) of claim 15, wherein:
said cell preference is user-selected.
said cell preference is user-selected.
19. The mobile station (9) of claim 15, further comprising:
includes a SIM card having stored thereon said cell preference.
includes a SIM card having stored thereon said cell preference.
20. The mobile station (9) of claim 15, wherein:
the IP based application comprises an Internet Service Provider (ISP) accessible from within a mobile communications system (1).
the IP based application comprises an Internet Service Provider (ISP) accessible from within a mobile communications system (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US22130398A | 1998-12-23 | 1998-12-23 | |
| US09/221,303 | 1998-12-23 | ||
| PCT/US1999/030569 WO2000040053A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-12-21 | Configurable communication system having ip-based capabilities |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2356839A1 true CA2356839A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
Family
ID=22827245
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002356839A Abandoned CA2356839A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 1999-12-21 | Configurable communication system having ip-based capabilities |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1142422A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002534874A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2376800A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2356839A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000040053A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4404371B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2010-01-27 | 財団法人流通システム開発センタ− | Communication system using IP network |
| JP3936172B2 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2007-06-27 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Exchange system |
| US8467792B2 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2013-06-18 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for maintaining call continuity in wireless communication |
| WO2011000672A1 (en) | 2009-06-30 | 2011-01-06 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Handling of access capability information in a mobile network |
| WO2018029939A1 (en) * | 2016-08-12 | 2018-02-15 | パナソニック インテレクチュアル プロパティ コーポレーション オブ アメリカ | Terminal, base station, and communication method |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5353332A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1994-10-04 | Ericsson Ge Mobile Communications Inc. | Method and apparatus for communication control in a radiotelephone system |
| FI106671B (en) * | 1995-03-13 | 2001-03-15 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Mobile telephony, mobile terminal and a method of establishing a connection from a mobile terminal |
| US5802469A (en) * | 1995-03-29 | 1998-09-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Radio communication system selectable low speed bi-directional communication and high-speed down link communication |
| US5845215A (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1998-12-01 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Operating mobile stations of wireless communication systems in multiple modes by external control |
| SE9702266L (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1998-12-14 | Telia Ab | DECT terminal |
-
1999
- 1999-12-21 CA CA002356839A patent/CA2356839A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-12-21 JP JP2000591831A patent/JP2002534874A/en active Pending
- 1999-12-21 EP EP99967499A patent/EP1142422A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-12-21 AU AU23768/00A patent/AU2376800A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-12-21 WO PCT/US1999/030569 patent/WO2000040053A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2002534874A (en) | 2002-10-15 |
| WO2000040053A1 (en) | 2000-07-06 |
| EP1142422A1 (en) | 2001-10-10 |
| AU2376800A (en) | 2000-07-31 |
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