CN1170288A

CN1170288A - Radio telecommunication system and method for layered wide area roaming management

Info

Publication number: CN1170288A
Application number: CN97100302.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 基思·安德鲁·奥尔兹; 肯尼思·梅纳德·彼得森; 雷蒙德·约瑟夫·利奥波德; 彼得A·斯旺
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 1996-01-03
Filing date: 1997-01-03
Publication date: 1998-01-14
Also published as: FR2743251A1; CA2189612A1; JPH09200864A; GB9625522D0; MX9606324A; TW308769B; ITRM960824A1; DE19700037A1; ITRM960824A0; GB2308951A; IT1289227B1; BR9606052A

Abstract

A telecommunication system 10 includes a wide area communication network 12 and any number of local communication networks 14. The wide area communication network 12 includes any number of central switching offices 18, and each local communication network 14 includes at least one mobile switching centre 28. Multimode subscriber units 20 are assigned to their own, home, central switching office and can operate on either type of network 12,14. Roaming management services are provided to roamed-upon mobile switching centres 28, with respect to roaming subscriber units 20, by the wide area communication network. For any single local communication network, roaming management services are provided through a single central switching office 18, linked with the local switching centre 28 regardless of the central switching office within the wide area communication network 12 that is a home node for a roaming subscriber unit 20.

Description

The radio telecommunications system of layered wide area roaming management and method

The present invention relates generally in radio telecommunications system, provide the roaming management business.

The subscriber unit that uses in radio telecommunications system is often registered in a local system, if but the ISP of system makes dispositions in advance, also can in some other system, use.This arrangement must be to reach between the ISP in the All Ranges that the user will travel, and is just valuable to the user.Because the user may pass away the boundary Anywhere, therefore may need many so prior arrangements to satisfy user's requirement.

When the user worked in these have done of other system of arranging in advance, it is called as roamed.In order to allow roaming, provide certain roaming management service.The roaming management service comprises: the positional information of the subscriber unit of remaining valid, the system that makes subscriber unit roam just therein can discern.Responding this information can be appropriate system is sent in the calling of the user in the roaming.The roaming management service also comprises and keeping as the user profile of authorizing and credit proves.Therefore, when the subscriber unit in the roaming planned to register or to call out by its system of not have to register, this system can obtain the assurance that it can receive desired service fee.

For the roaming management service is provided mutually, existing radio letter switching node is treated mutually on a 50-50 basis.That is to say that each switching node has equal status for providing of roaming management service.For example, global system for mobile communications (GSM) is given local mobile switching centre (MSC) with subscriber units for assignment.In the local MSC of subscriber unit, for each subscriber unit is set up a local position registration (HLR).This HLR has write down whole interrelated datas of user and subscriber unit.HLR has stored the position data of any MSC that the subscriber unit of identification HLR may roam extraly.

When the MSC that roams at a quilt when the subscriber unit (that is, a ramber) of a roaming registered for the first time, MSC that is roamed and local MSC got in touch with, and notify ramber's roaming state and current geographic position to local MSC.Local MSC can authorize and/or authenticate the ramber, proves that with the MSC that roams to quilt ramber's credit is worth.If allow roaming, the MSC that is roamed sets up an access location registration (VLR) for the ramber.Response ramber's telephone number, MIN, or other ID, the calling terminal calling of subscriber unit (that is, to) at first is sent to ramber's local MSC.Then these callings are delivered to the MSC that is roamed from local MSC, make the MSC that is roamed to set up calling the ramber.

Though prior art is effectively in the roaming management service is provided, when the quantity of aerogram switching node increased, it existed serious defective.And because the expansion of wireless telecommunication services, the quantity of this switching node increases just constantly.To new regional extended wireless telecommunications service with all will cause the increase of switching node in the new wireless telecommunication services of ground area overlapping that covered by existing system.

If " N " representative hope provides the number of the system of roaming management service mutually, the quantity of the contact point that so potential requirement permission is roamed in this N system is (N-1) ²In addition, between these ISPs, must sign (N-1) ²Part legal contract, and each ISP also must abide by the law, the tax rate, right (comprising carrier frequency distribution) is with the relevant regulation of communicating by letter with other all N-1 ISP.In addition, these ISPs use various dissimilar equipment.Prior art require N system each can both with all types of hardware compatibilities.Therefore, when existing roaming management service provides the roaming management service when wireless telecommunication services supplier's quantity growth and in more radio telecommunications system, cause the high and technical sophistication of price, and make inefficiency.

Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide and a kind ofly can overcome above-mentioned deficiency of the prior art, the global roaming management system that not too complexity and price are lower.

By the claim of following detailed description and proposition, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, can have more comprehensively the present invention and understand, identical project has identical reference number in whole accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 has shown the environment layout figure of the higher level that a radio telecommunications system can be worked therein;

Fig. 2 has shown the environment layout figure of a lower level;

Fig. 3 has shown the block diagram that is included in the hardware in the multimode subscriber unit;

Fig. 4 has shown the flow chart of an activation;

Fig. 5 has shown the flow chart of a multimode subscriber unit process;

Fig. 6 has shown the flow chart of a local exchange node process;

Fig. 7 has shown the flow chart of a wide area switching node process;

Fig. 8 has shown a flow chart that is included in the terminating call request process in the wide area switching node process;

The present invention proposes a kind ofly for the aerogram unit provides the wide area roaming management service method, the method comprising the steps of: a) set up a WAN communication network with a local switching node and a far-end switching node; B) the local switching node of a subscriber units for assignment to WAN communication network; C) receive a roaming contact at the local communication network switching node from subscriber unit; D) the far-end switching node of local communication network switching node and WAN communication network is got in touch with, with assessment roaming contact; And e) the far-end switching node of WAN communication network and the local switching node of WAN communication network are got in touch with, with assessment roaming contact.

Subscriber unit can be the multimode unit, and this method may further include step: follow one first communication protocol to set up a communication session between subscriber unit and WAN communication network; And follow a second communication agreement between subscriber unit and local communication network, to set up a communication session.

The step of following first communication protocol can comprise the step in the geographical position of determining subscriber unit.

The far-end switching node that this method can be additionally included in WAN communication network determine whether to utilize first or the second communication agreement begin step with the subscriber unit communication session.

This determining step can comprise step: one of record description formerly with communication session subscriber unit be with first or with the data of second communication agreement; When formerly and communication session subscriber unit are during with first communication protocol, utilize first communication protocol to begin a communication session with subscriber unit; When formerly and communication session subscriber unit are during with the second communication agreement, utilize the second communication agreement to begin a communication session with subscriber unit.

This method can also comprise the step of position of the far-end switching node of the WAN communication network of determining the most close local communication network switching node.

This method can also be included in the step of local communication network switching node reception from the data of subscriber unit, and these data point out that this subscriber unit has been assigned to a node that is included in this WAN communication network.

This method can also comprise appropriate arrangement WAN communication network and local area network, and the zone that makes local area network cover is included in the step in the zone that WAN communication network covers.

The invention allows for a kind ofly for the aerogram unit provides the wide area roaming management service method, the method comprising the steps of: a) set up a WAN communication network that has first numerous switching nodes and in fact comprised the network radio overlay area of whole earth surface; B) in first numerous WAN communication network switching nodes to the local quota of the second numerous multimode subscriber units for assignment; C) position of a selected node near first numerous switching nodes the local exchange node of the most close definite local area network; D) in the roaming contact of this local exchange node reception from the part in second numerous subscriber units; E) get in touch with the selected node of this WAN wide area network from this local exchange node, with assessment roaming contact; And f) each node of getting in touch with first numerous switching nodes from this selected node is with assessment roaming contact, and the local quota that response distributes in step b) identifies each node of switching node.

Fig. 1 has shown the layout of the higher level of an environment, and Fig. 2 has shown the layout of the lower level of this environment, and radio telecommunications system 10 can be worked in this environment.With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, system 10 comprises a WAN communication network (WACN) 12 and any amount of local communication network (LCN) 14.In this preferred embodiment, WACN12 is a satellite communication network.Utilization is loaded in the satellite carrier (SV) that is positioned at the outer space, or the switching node groups of stars in the satellite 16, and WACN12 provides a WAN communication network area of radio coverage that in fact covers whole earth surface.For the sake of clarity, Fig. 1 and 2 has only shown several satellites 16.

In WACN12, satellite 16 is communicated by letter with ground installation with millions of multimode subscriber units 20 (Fig. 1 and 2 has only shown a few) by hundreds of central exchange office nodes (CSO) 18 (only having shown a few among Fig. 1 and 2).CSO18 and subscriber unit 20 can be positioned on the earth surface or near any position.But the position of CSO18 preferably comprises geostrategic consideration.For example, each CSO18 can control the WACN communication of the country at CSO18 place.But big country has a plurality of CSO18, and little country may with the shared CSO of neighbouring country.

Ground Communication System, other branch system of for example existing LCN14 and global public switched telecommunication network (PSTN) 26 can be visited WACN12 by CSO18.Preferably can dispose the group of stars of satellite 16 rightly, make all have a satellite 16 at least within the visual field of each point on the surface of the free earth.Therefore, WACN12 can be via satellite a group of stars of 16 between any two subscriber units 20, between Any user unit 20 and the CSO18, and set up a telecommunication circuit between any two CSO18.Other phone and communicator can be coupled in this circuit to-PSTN interface by CSO-.As shown in figs. 1 and 2, satellite 16 is through commissure circuit 33 and contiguous satellite communication.

WACN12 can be regarded as a kind of communication network of higher level.On the contrary, LCN14 can be considered as the communication network of lower level.Existing ground based cellular communication system represents a kind of form of LCN14.Those of ordinary skill in the art know various by GSM, CDMA, JDC, USDC, this system that AMPS and similar initial are represented.Each LCN14 has one by the local wireless electricity area of radio coverage imbrication or that the comprise overlay area of WACN12.Can provide to the whole world and reach thousands of LCN14, and not need LCN14 all be same kind.Each LCN14 is by a local mobile switching centre (MSC) 28 controls.Any amount of base station 30 is coupled in a local MCS28, and radio transmitter and receiver (not shown) are provided, and communicates by them and the multimode subscriber unit 20 that is positioned at the LCN area of radio coverage.In these systems some provide roaming between the LCN that uses the such netsurfing standard of GSM for example or IS-41.These standards only for use same standard and have direct MSC-and between the LCN of-MSC communication, provide roaming.

In a kind of typical situation, owing to comprise that the communication service of roaming communication service is relatively more cheap probably, a user can wish by any available LCN14 communication, rather than use WACN12.But when not having LCN14 to use, the WACN12 that in fact spreads all over earth surface can use for multimode subscriber unit 20.Certainly, the present invention also do not require and preferentially selects LCN14 for use, even and there being LCN14 that the when and where of communication service can be provided, do not hinder multimode subscriber unit 20 to communicate by letter by WACN12 yet.

Through RF communication link 32, comprise that the WACN of subscriber unit 20 and satellite 16 communicate.Through RF communication link 34, comprise that the LCN of subscriber unit 20 and base station 30 communicate.

RF communication link

32 and 34 preferably uses the communication protocol of enough big difference, so that make the interference in the common area of radio coverage be reduced to minimum.A communication protocol is represented the time, frequency, and/or coding rule, program, form, and two kinds of devices followed so that pact that can mutual communication.Therefore, be called as the communication protocol of agreement A below 32 uses of RF communication link are a kind of, be called as the communication protocol of agreement B below RF communication link 34 uses.The special nature of agreement A and B is unimportant for purpose of the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the roaming management service is to be provided to any amount of LCN14 relevant with any multimode subscriber unit 20 in a kind of simple and efficient mode by WACN12.CSO18 and MSC28 are general aerogram commutating devices commonly used.These commutating devices are carried out under the control of software program below with the process of discussing.In the ordinary course of things, a multimode subscriber unit 20 is assigned to a CSO18, thereafter this CSO18 in WACN12 as " this locality " node of this subscriber unit 20.In numerous CSO18 and subscriber unit 20, local allocation of quota is given all CSO18 of WACN12.Any CSO18 that is not local node can use by " far-end " node as a subscriber unit 20 in WACN12.Giving an example as an illustration is designated as CSO18 ' with local node in Fig. 1 and 2, distant-end node is designated as CSO18 ".

Meanwhile, can distribute to a local MSC28 in this locality to a subscriber unit 20, the agreement during the local position that the local MSC28 in this this locality has the record of will charging to be stored in CSO18 is registered.Attempting by any one when a subscriber unit 20 is not the local MSC28 of local local MSC28 when communicating, produces roaming state.Giving an example as an illustration is designated as MSC28 ' to local local MSC28 among Fig. 1 and 2, and in Fig. 1 and 2 the MSC28 that is roamed is designated as MSC28 ".The CSO18 of " during roaming, the roaming management service is preferably just by contiguous this MSC28 " provides when at MSC28.Therefore, no matter this CSO18 is a local CSO18 ' or a far-end CSO18 ", the local MSC28 that this is roamed " follows identical process to obtain the roaming management service.Fig. 1 and 2 has shown that the local MSC28 that only has a unique quilt to roam " is incorporated into an independent CSO18.But, the local MSC28 that independent CSO18 can roam in conjunction with the quilt of any amount ".

The communication link 36 that this process comprises the far-end CSO18 that contact is the most contiguous ", or set up and the most contiguous far-end CSO18 ".The local MSC28 that is roamed " does not need to get in touch with the local node of roamer unit 20.Therefore, provide the global roaming management service only to need to make arrangements with the supplier of WACN12, rather than with a large amount of potential " " ISP makes arrangements in this locality.Equally, by the local MSC28 that roamed " only need observe the interface requirement of an independent CSO18, rather than a large amount of interface requirements of forcing of any amount of various switching center.In addition, by suitable standard intercommunication collection of functions is provided, any CSO18 can connect many MSC28, and each among these many MSC28 can be used different roaming supporting interface standards.In addition, in most of the cases the LCN14 that is roamed itself needn't be concerned about the jurisdiction communicating requirement of observing between the geopolitics that comprises rule and regulation and reimbursement rate, to obtain roaming service.

Fig. 3 has shown the block diagram of multimode subscriber unit 20.Subscriber unit 20 comprises a controller and Signal Processing Element 38.Parts 38 are coupled in memory 44 and I/O parts 46 to A and B transceiver 40 and 42 respectively.Parts 38 comprise microprocessor or other controller assemblies, with the assembly of relevant ancillary equipment and processing call service.The controller of parts 38 partly makes subscriber unit 20 carry out by the process that is stored in the computer software definition in the memory 44.In addition, memory 44 record forms, database, variable and other are used for the means of storage of the work of subscriber unit 20.I/O part 46 comprises the user or the electrical interface of any kind of between the subscriber unit 20 and subscriber unit 20 external world.These interfaces can comprise keyboard, display, microphone, loud speaker etc.

The software that is recorded in the memory 44 comprises 48, one agreement B of agreement A program program 50 and a general program 52.Agreement A program 48 comprises makes multimode subscriber unit 20 utilize agreement A to go up the software of operation at WACN12 (seeing Fig. 1-2) by RF communication link 32 (see figure 2)s.Transceiver 40 is applicable to the communication that utilizes agreement A on the link 32.Agreement B program 50 comprises makes multimode subscriber unit 20 utilize agreement B to go up the software of operation at LCN14 (seeing Fig. 1-2) by RF communication link 34 (see figure 2)s.Transceiver 42 is applicable to the communication that utilizes agreement B on the link 34.Transmitting-receiving 40 does not need identical frequency each other with 42, modulation format, and coding techniques, or the like.General program 52 comprises with agreement A or B co-operate, or is independent of the software of agreement A or B operation.This software control I/O part 46 and the A program 48 of determining the to carry on an agreement B program 50 that still carries on an agreement.

Fig. 4 has shown the flow chart of an activation 54.Implementation 54 makes the new subscriber unit 20 that obtains to use in system 10 with tag system 10 and a new multimode subscriber unit 20 that obtains.Though Fig. 4 shows a kind of specific task order, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each task needn't follow named order.

In task 56, collect new subscriber unit 20 and its user's data of obtaining of statement.These data comprise the subscriber unit identification information, user totem information, charge information, the feature program package that activate, and the out of Memory of collecting in the activation of existing radio words usually.In addition, execute the task 58 so that in WACN12, distribute a local CSO node 18 ' and execute the task 60 so that a WACN subscriber unit ID is distributed to subscriber unit 20 for subscriber unit 20.The subscriber unit ID that in task 60, distributes preferably with the local CSO node 18 of distribution in task 58 ' consistent.Other node among the WACN12 by the ID of assesses user unit can discern uniquely the local CSO node 18 of a subscriber unit '.

Task 62 is stored in (see figure 2) among local position registration (HLR) 64 at local CSO node 18 ' a subscriber data.Subscriber data is the more complete record about the information of user and subscriber unit 20.Task 65 is stored in WACN subscriber unit ID in the subscriber unit 20.To discuss in more detail as following, when operating in a LCN14 or WACN12, subscriber unit 20 utilizes its WACN subscriber unit ID indicating self.Task 66 is selective.Task 66 repeats this locality of a LCN14 who selectes especially and the distribution of ID.Therefore, by task 66 subscriber units 20 a local LCN14 and an ID who this subscriber unit 20 is identified in local LCN14 can be arranged.Because becoming the LCN14 of the local LCN14 of a multimode subscriber unit 20, any one hope can adopt the activation of WACN activation, so task 66 is selective tasks as it.In this case, a multimode subscriber unit 20 is used for LCN14 and WACN12 operation to its WACNID.

Fig. 5 has shown the flow process of a multimode subscriber unit process 68.Preferably all multimode subscriber units 20 are all carried out and the identical process shown in Fig. 5.Process 68 is to define by the software program that is stored in memory 44 (see figure 3)s.

Process 68 comprises that an identification can be used for providing the task 70 of the network of communication service.Or rather, task 70 determines at the when and where that task 70 is carried out whether WACN12 is arranged, LCN14 can with or the two is all available.The agreement A of task 70 monitoring presets and agreement B communication channel are to discern available network.Whether query task 72 decisions are used for follow-up communication service to a LCN14 then.In general situation, because the communication service expense is lower, so any LCN14 has precedence over WACN12.But this is not necessary.The accurate choice criteria that is used for task 72 is unimportant for purpose of the present invention.

When a LCN14 was used in task 72 decisions, task 74 was selected agreement B.The selection of agreement B makes follow-up communication session use transceiver 42, and is controlled by agreement B program 50 (see figure 3)s.Then, suppose that subscriber unit 20 also is not registered in this LCN14 and goes up operation, and subscriber unit 20 roaming in fact, task 76 is carried out the roaming contact with this LCN14.The roaming contact is undertaken by sending a register request message to a local MSC28 (see figure 2).Register request message utilizes RF communication link 34 and agreement B to send through a base station 30 (seeing Fig. 1-2).Register request message comprises the WACNID of this subscriber unit.Although do not illustrate among Fig. 5,, can cancel task 76 so on LCN14 if subscriber unit 20 has been registered.If in roaming, any contact or the message that send to a MSC28 so can not be considered to the contact that resets to subscriber unit 20, rather than a roaming contact.The contact register request message that resets can comprise, but and not require the WACNID that must comprise subscriber unit.

After the task 76, query task 78 determines whether to allow this network of access.Make in task 78 before its decision, process 68 can rest on task 78 and receive message up to the network from contact.But, can comprise additional task (not shown), can not get return messages so that prevent program control from resting on task 78.Return messages should be understood that it is to have ratified registration request (that is, allowing access), have still refused the registration request.If do not allow visit, task 80 is carried out a suitable mistake processing procedure so.For example, task 80 can be notified the user with problem, repeats to send register request message several times, or other similar process.After task 80, task 70 is returned in program control, continues the available network of identification.

When task 78 was determined to allow to visit on the network of contact, a query task 82 determined whether to have produced a call origination incident.For example, send when calling out, can produce the call origination incident when a user dials the number.If produced the call origination incident, task 84 is carried out a calling party process.Task 84 comprises common foundation calling, the operation that supervising connections for calling and cut-out are called out.After the task 84, task 70 is returned in program control, continues the available network of identification.

When task 82 determined not have the call origination incident to take place, a query task 86 determined to determine whether to have taken place a called end incident.For example, when one the 3rd user attempts to insert a calling to subscriber unit 20, the called end incident may take place.In this case, the network of subscriber unit 20 current registrations will send a beep-page message to subscriber unit 20.This beep-page message will comprise the recognition data of the address that indicates subscriber unit 20.Therefore, task 86 determines whether this beep-page message that sends to subscriber unit 20 is received.If the called end incident has taken place, task 88 is carried out a called end process.Task 88 comprises common foundation calling, the operation that supervising connections for calling and cut-out are called out.After task 88, program control turns back to task 70, continues the identification available network.Similarly, when task 86 was determined the called end incident does not take place, task 70 was also returned in program control.

Return with reference to task 72, when task 72 was determined not use LCN14, task 90 was selected agreement A.The selection of agreement A makes follow-up communication session use transceiver 40, and by the control of agreement A program 48 (see figure 3)s.A query task 92 determines whether to have taken place a registering events then.In this preferred embodiment, when subscriber unit 20 after it is registered in WACN12 at last, moved one predetermined apart from the time, if or after subscriber unit 20 is registered in WACN12 at last over and done with one section predetermined time duration, will produce a registering events.When also registering events not taking place, program control is extended to task 82 and with test whether calling party incident or called end incident has taken place.

Determine to have taken place registering events when task 92, task 94 sends a register request message to WACN12.Register request message utilizes RF communication link 32 and agreement A to send through satellite 16 (seeing Fig. 1-2).This register request message comprises the WACNID of subscriber unit.After task 94, or together with task 94, task 96 is carried out a position deterministic process, so that determine the current location of subscriber unit 20.In this preferred embodiment, the positional information that task 96 monitoring is broadcast from overhead satellite 16 is with assessment and the Doppler during WACN12 communicates by letter and the propagation delay of signal, with definite position.The result of task 96 is positions that WACN12 has determined subscriber unit.After the task 96, program control is extended to task 78 to determine whether to allow access on WACN12.

Therefore, subscriber unit 20 is worked in various modes, so that communicate by letter with multiple communication network.When roaming contact with a LCN14, its WACNID of subscriber unit 20 usefulness identifies himself.According to WACNID, this LCN14 can judge this subscriber unit 20 local node in WACN12.

Fig. 6 has shown the flow chart of a local exchange node process 98.Process 98 is to be carried out together with its base station 30 (see figure 2)s by a local MSC28 or a local MSC28.Preferably all local MSC28 and base station 30 be execution graph 6 described same processes all.All of being undertaken by MSC28 and subscriber unit 20 are communicated by letter all and agreement B compatibility.

Process 98 comprises many subprocess.In these subprocess, comprise roaming 100, one terminating call request process 102 of contact process and an originating call request process 104.Purpose for the sake of simplicity, other process that many MSC28 carry out, for example the contact process that resets is not illustrated.When receiving a roaming contact from a subscriber unit 20, carry out roaming contact process 100.When subscriber unit 20 is attempted to register the request communication service on LCN14, produce the roaming contact.Process 100 is used for whole those and has the subscriber unit 20 of WACNID, and no matter CSO18 (seeing Fig. 1-2) is the local CSO18 of subscriber unit.

Process 100 comprises the task 106 of an assessment WACN subscriber unit ID.Response task 106, query task 108 determines whether this subscriber unit has a local node that is included among the WACN12.If this subscriber unit ID does not point out a local node among the WACN12, task 110 is carried out a suitable error procedure so.If executing the task 110, the subscriber unit of roaming contact may have a local node on certain network that is not WACN12.As long as LCN14 and this other network are prearranged, task 110 can be carried out the program commonly used that is used to obtain the roaming management service.If do not do prior arrangement, task 110 can be ignored this roaming contact simply, or preferably returns an access denial message.After task 110, process 100 is withdrawed from program control.

When task 108 was determined the roaming contact from the subscriber unit 20 with the local node in WACN12, task 112 was set up a communication session with the MSC28 that distributes to implementation 100 " the far-end CSO node 18 of (see figure 2) ".Can utilize land line link 36 (see figure 2)s that form by PSTN26 to set up communication session.As mentioned above, the position of the CSO node 18 of distribution " preferably be positioned at respect to the WACN12 scope near MSC28 ".The MSC28 that distributes " preferably remain unchanged, and the local CSO18 of the household unit that don't work.Therefore, for all subscriber units 20, each MSC28 follows a single process obtaining the roaming management service, and all CSO18 to semble be an independent node that leads to each local MSC28.

" afterwards, task 114 is delivered to the distant-end node of WACN12 to the registration request of subscriber unit to far-end CSO18 in task 112 contact distribution, to assess this roaming contact.This registration request comprises the ID of subscriber unit.By receiving relevant roaming management service valuation roaming contact of sending requesting users unit 20.Then, query task 116 determines whether to allow subscriber unit 20 accesses roamed.Make in task 116 before its decision, process 100 can rest on task 116, up to " receiving a message from the far-end CSO18 that is got in touch with.But, can comprise extra task (not shown), can not get return messages so that prevent program control from resting on task 116.If do not allow access, task 118 is carried out a suitable error procedure so.For example, task 118 can be returned an access denial message to sending requesting users unit 20 by RF communication link 34 (see figure 2)s.After the task 118, process 100 is withdrawed from program control.

Determine to have allowed access when task 116, task 120 is set up visitor's location registers (VLR) 122 (see figure 2)s for the subscriber unit 20 in the roaming.Except other information, VLR122 comprises a subclass (see figure 2) from the information of ramber's HLR64.This information is sent back to the MSC28 that is roamed from WACN12 ".In addition, task distributes an interim ID can for the subscriber unit 20 in the roaming, and " time uses so that roamer unit 20 roves MSC28.

After task 120, the subscriber unit 20 of task 124 in roaming sends an access authorization message.Access authorization message sends according to agreement B.In this, subscriber unit 20 is worked in LCN14 as a ramber.After the task 124, process 100 is withdrawed from program control.

To carry out terminating call request process 102 and to be sent to a subscriber unit in order handling, for example the subscriber unit 20 in this roaming sets up call request.The request of a calling that terminates in this subscriber unit can be from the distant-end node 18 of WACN12 ", receive at MSC28, but it also can be from PSTN26.With method implementation 102 commonly used, with the subscriber unit 20 that agreement B communication identifies, determine whether to have replied this calling with paging in request, monitor any answering call, and after finishing, cut off and call out.

Carry out originating call process 104 and be in order to handle subscriber unit that originates from a registration, for example the subscriber unit 20 in roaming sets up call request.This originating call request receives at MSC28 via agreement B communication from subscriber unit 20.Utilizing process commonly used to set up through PSTN26 calls out.But in an alternate embodiment, calling is set up by WACN12.Process 104 is implemented call setup, monitors this calling, and cuts off after finishing and call out.

Fig. 7 has shown the flow process of a wide area switching node process 126.Process 126 is that CSO18 by WACN12 carries out.Preferably all CSO18 carry out and identical process shown in Figure 7.

Process 126 comprises many subprocess.Comprise that in these subprocess one receives 128, one terminating call request process 130 of register request procedure and an originating call request process 132.For the purpose of simplifying, many other processes that CSO18 carries out have been omitted.When receiving a registration request from a subscriber unit 20, carry out receiving register request procedure 128.The registration request can be passed through agreement B, and RF communication link 32 (see figure 2)s and satellite 16 arrive CSO18.As selection, the registration request can be through the LCN14 of a use agreement B, and the MSC28 of RF communication link 34 (see figure 2)s and implementation 100 (see figure 6)s arrives CSO18.The CSO18 that receives this registration request can be local CSO18 ' or far-end CSO18 who carries out requesting users unit 20 ".

Process 128 comprises that one is determined whether the registration request that receives from subscriber unit 20 is the query task 134 that arrives through a LCN14.If should the registration request not have through a LCN14, it directly receives from subscriber unit 20 according to agreement A so.When request is when receiving according to agreement A, task 136 is removed the local area network marks, so that the data of the agreement that record declaration subscriber unit 20 is using for current and follow-up communication session.The communication protocol that subscriber unit 20 is used for the subsequent communications dialogue generally is default, because its data have been recorded in the communication session of front.Next, task 138 is carried out a position deterministic process.Task 138 additional missions 96 (see figure 5)s.In 138 processes of executing the task, produce agreement A communication to determine the position of subscriber unit 20.Determine the registration request when task 134 and arrive that task 140 is provided with the local area network mark by a LCN14, with record declaration subscriber unit 20 for current and subsequent communications dialogue just in the data of use agreement.In addition, when a plurality of LCN14 were assigned to the CSO18 of this implementation 128, task 140 can write down the recognition data that receives that LCN14 of registration request by it, and the feasible calling that terminates in the future of subscriber unit 20 can be connected through this LCN14.

After

task

138 or 140, query task 142 determines whether be the local CSO18 of subscriber unit 20 at the CSO18 of implementation 128 just.Task 142 can be made determining of it by the WACN subscriber unit ID that assessment is included in the registration request.If the CSO18 that is inquired about is not a local node, it is a distant-end node of subscriber unit 20 so.When being a distant-end node by the CSO18 that inquired about, task 144 sends to the local node of this subscriber unit to the register request message of subscriber unit 20 and current location message, gets in touch with the assessment roaming.For local node, the identifying information of the CSO18 that is inquired about can be used as positional information and uses.This identifying information will be informed local node contact user unit 20 how later on.

After the task 144, query task 146 determines whether to ratify subscriber unit 20 accesses.Before making decision, process 128 can be retained in task 146, up to receiving a message from the local CSO18 that is got in touch with.But, can comprise that extra task (not shown) rests on task 146 to prevent program control, and can not get return messages.If do not allow access, task 148 is carried out a suitable error procedure so.For example, task 148 can be returned an access denial message to sending the requesting users unit.The agreement that return messages are followed is consistent with the used agreement of the registration request that receives.Agreement A communication is returned through satellite 16, and agreement B communication is returned through a LCN14.

When task 148 was determined to have allowed access, task 150 was set up visitor's location registers (VLR) 152 (see figure 2)s for the subscriber unit 20 in the roaming.VLR152 comprises the diversity of the information in the HLR64 (see figure 2) that is included in the ramber.This information is included in the message of an answer register request message from local CSO18." will keep the subscriber unit of own VLR122 (see figure 2) in roaming with support, thereby when just when use agreement B communicates by letter, task 150 not necessarily because by the MSC28 that roamed.Can improve execution efficient but set up VLR150, although it may be unnecessary.When just when use agreement A communicates by letter, this task is necessary.

Return with reference to task 142, when the CSO node 18 that receives the WACN of a register request message from a subscriber unit was local node, task 145 was carried out a licensing process.For example, task 154 can be carried out a suitable identification algorithm in response to the key that sends to local CSO18 in the registration request.In addition, task 154 can be investigated billing record, is worth with the credit of determining subscriber unit 20.If from a far-end CSO18 local CSO18 is delivered in the registration request, task 154 preferably returns to this far-end CSO18 to the result of licensing process, and---this moment, this far-end CSO just waited in task 146---withdraws from (not shown) then.Suppose to authorize beginning, the HLR64 (see figure 2) of subscriber unit is upgraded in the current indication of task 156 usefulness location of subscriber unit.

After in task 148,150 and 156 each, process 128 is carried out a task 158.Task 158 sends back to subscriber unit 20 with an access approval message or an access denial message.Access is to go through or refuse according to the licensing process that local CSO18 in task 154 carries out.If the registration request arrives through a LCN14, task 158 is sent access approval or refuse information back to local MSC28 through link 36 (see figure 2)s so.This message will utilize agreement B to return to subscriber unit 20 in task 118 or 124 (see figure 6)s.If this registration request is to arrive through satellite 16, task 158 utilizes agreement A through satellite 16 access approval or refuse information to be returned to subscriber unit 20 so.After task 158, withdraw from process 128.

Fig. 8 has shown the flow chart of a terminating call request process 130, and it is to be carried out by a far-end among the WACN12 and/or local CSO18.Process 130 is generally attempted to finish once the calling to subscriber unit 20.Process 130 comprises a query task 160, and query task 160 determines that whether the CSO18 of implementations 130 is the local node among the WACN12 of called subscriber unit.If the CSO18 of implementation 130 is local nodes, task 162 obtains the current location of subscriber unit 20 from the HLR64 (see figure 2).Subscriber unit 20 is set up new registration procedure each time, and this position all will be updated.But the precision of the position that this position data is determined only need be able to provide the identifying information of the CSO18 that can get in touch with this subscriber unit 20 just enough.After task 162, task 164 sends to the CSO18 relevant with the current location of subscriber unit 20 to the terminating call request.If the current location of subscriber unit 20 is local CSO18, task 164 just sends to the terminating call request it oneself so.Otherwise task 164 sends to a far-end CSO18 to the terminating call request.

After task 164, and when task 160 determines that the CSO18 of implementation 130 is not local CSO18, query task 166 has determined whether a location registers (LR)---for example, HLR64 or VLR152 (see figure 2)---to called subscriber unit 20 is effective.If it is effectively that a location registers is arranged, will attempt called subscriber unit 20 is carried out paging by this CSO18 so.But if location registers is invalid, task 168 is sent to the terminating call request the local CSO18 of called subscriber unit so.Certainly, if when 168 the CSO18 of executing the task is exactly the local CSO18 of called subscriber unit, can replaces so and carry out a suitable error procedure.After the task 168, process 130 is withdrawed from program control.

When task 166 when to define a HLR or VLR be effective to called subscriber unit 20, query task 170 determines whether to be provided with a local area network mark for called subscriber unit 20.This local area network mark is that (see figure 7) is provided with in the previous enrollment process in

task

140 or 136, or be eliminated.If be provided with the local area network mark, task 172 is delivered to suitable MSC28 to the terminating call request so.This MSC28 will utilize agreement B communication by the called subscriber unit of process 102 (see figure 6) pagings.If the local area network mark has been eliminated, task 174 utilizes agreement A communication through the called subscriber unit 20 of satellite 16 pagings so.After task 172 or task 174, program control is called out with setting up at the common of other subsequently, supervising connections for calling and cut off the relevant terminating call request of call activity and withdraw from process 130 afterwards.

Return with reference to figure 7, carry out originating call request process 132 originates from the subscriber unit 20 of a registration with processing setup requests.This originating call request arrives CSO18 through agreement A or B communication from a subscriber unit.Utilizing process commonly used to set up through PSTN calls out.Process 132 is carried out call setup, monitors this calling, and cuts off after finishing and call out.

In a word, the invention provides the method for a kind of improved radio telecommunications system and layered wide area roaming management.Rely on single contact, the roaming management service of global range is provided from a local communication network board.In addition, rely on single contact, for polytype multimode subscriber unit provides the roaming management service from a local area network board.In addition, a WAN communication network provides the roaming management service for any amount of local communication network that may be arranged in this wide area.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to above-mentioned preferred embodiment.But those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and can make various changes and modifications and do not depart from the scope of the present invention these preferred embodiments.For example, this WAN communication network needs not to be global range.Equally, can be for providing the roaming management service more than two-layer communication network.In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will be understood that, can sort out and organize above-mentioned process and task with being different from mode described herein, and reach same effect.The changes and improvements of these and other obviously are included in the scope of the present invention concerning those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. one kind for the aerogram unit provides the wide area roaming management service method, and described method is characterised in that following steps:

A) set up a WAN communication network with a local switching node and a far-end switching node;

B) the described local switching node of a subscriber units for assignment to described WAN communication network;

C) receive a contact at a local communication network switching node from described subscriber unit;

D) get in touch with the described far-end switching node of described WAN communication network to assess described roaming contact from described local communication network switching node; With

E) get in touch with the local switching node of described WAN communication network to assess described roaming contact from the described far-end switching node of described WAN communication network.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein said subscriber unit is a kind of multimode unit, and described method is characterised in that following steps:

Follow one first communication protocol between described subscriber unit and described WAN communication network, to set up communication session; With

Follow a second communication agreement between described subscriber unit and described local communication network, to set up communication session.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein:

Described step a) is set up described WAN communication network to have one first numerous switching nodes that comprise described this locality and far-end switching node;

Described step b) is given second numerous subscriber units in described first numerous WAN communication network switching nodes local allocation of quota;

Described step c) receives from the roaming of the part in described second numerous subscriber units at described local communication network switching node and gets in touch with;

Described step d) is got in touch with the described far-end switching node of described WAN communication network to assess each described contact from described local communication network switching node; With

Described step e) is got in touch with each described first numerous switching nodes to assess described roaming contact, described each switching node of described local quota identification that response distributes in described step b).

4. the radio telecommunications system of the wide area roaming management service with layering, described radio telecommunications system is characterised in that:

One has a local switching node and a far-end switching node, and the WAN communication network that is configured to have wide radio coverage area; With

One has a local exchange node, and be configured to have a local area network that is included in the local wireless electricity overlay area in the described wide radio coverage area, disposing described local exchange node communicates by letter with described far-end switching node, so that the roaming contact that assessment receives from a multimode subscriber unit, described multimode subscriber unit has a local quota at described local switching node.

5. radio telecommunications system as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

The described node that disposes described WAN communication network makes it follow one first communication protocol, with the communication session of foundation with described subscriber unit; With

The described local exchange node that disposes described local area network makes it follow a second communication agreement, with the communication session of foundation with described subscriber unit.

6. radio telecommunications system as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

Described WAN communication network has first numerous WAN communication network switching nodes that comprise described this locality and far-end switching node;

Between described first numerous switching nodes, give one second numerous subscriber units local allocation of quota;

Part in described second numerous subscriber units is roamed contact at described local area network switching node; With

Described local exchange node is communicated by letter with the described far-end switching node of described WAN communication network, to assess each described contact.

7. one kind for the aerogram unit provides the wide area roaming management service method, and described method is characterised in that following steps:

A) set up one and have one first numerous switching nodes and a WAN communication network that has in fact comprised the network radio overlay area of whole earth surface;

B) between described first numerous WAN communication network switching nodes, give one second numerous multimode subscriber unit local allocation of quota;

C) position of a selected switching node in described first numerous switching nodes of the local exchange node of a definite contiguous local area network;

D) in the roaming contact of described local exchange node reception from the part in described second numerous subscriber units;

E) get in touch with the described selected node of described WAN communication network from described local exchange node, to assess described roaming contact; With

F) get in touch with each nodes of described first numerous switching nodes from described selected node, to assess described roaming contact, the described local quota that response distributes in described step b) is discerned described each node of described switching node.

8. subscriber unit, its user that can make described subscriber unit is at a WAN communication network (WACN) or a local communication network (LCN), or roams among described WACN and the described LCN, and described subscriber unit is characterised in that:

One is used for the wireless set of communicating by letter with described LCN with described WACN; With

One be used for storing make described subscriber unit can be respectively at the memory of first and second agreements of described WACN and described LCN operation.

9. local exchange node (LSN) that is suitable for operation in a WAN communication network (WACN) and a local communication network (LCN), described LSN also be applicable to one in described WACN, among the described LCN, or described WACN communicates by letter with the aerogram subscriber unit of operation among the described LCN, and described LSN is characterised in that:

Response is from the controller of the described aerogram subscriber unit of request call operation, and described controller determines that whether described aerogram subscriber unit is in described LSN registration;

If register, finish described calling operation; With

If not registration sends one to described WACN and comprises a register request message that is used for the subscriber unit identification number of described aerogram subscriber unit.

10. central exchange office (CSO) node that is suitable for comprising operation in the local communication network (LCN) of a local exchange node (LSN) one of a WAN communication network (WACN) neutralization, described CSO node also be applicable to one in described WACN, in described LCN, or communicate by letter with the aerogram subscriber unit of operation among the described LCN at described WACN, and communicate by letter with a LSN of operation in described LCN, described CSO node is characterised in that:

The response of controller is transmitted to its radio communication from the described subscriber unit of request call operation through described LSN, and described controller determines that whether described aerogram subscriber unit is in described CSO node registration;

If register, finish described calling operation; With

If not registration then sends a register request message that comprises the subscriber unit identification number of described aerogram subscriber unit by described WACN to registered different CSO node of described aerogram subscriber unit.