DE102015207438B4 - Calculation information for the WLAN network selection in 3GPP WLAN data relief - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for relieving communication traffic from a cellular communication network to a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: from a terminal (UE) in communication with the cellular communication network: receiving (706) information from the cellular communication network relating to one or more WLANs in the vicinity of the UE, the information including calculation data relating to a first WLAN of the one or more WLANs; receiving (708) one or more rules from the cellular communication network regarding whether the communication traffic from the cellular communication network to a specific WLAN offloading is performed on the basis of the calculation data relating to the particular WLAN; determining (710) the first WLAN; anddetermining (712) whether to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN based at least in part on the one or more rules; delivering a request to the user to authorize communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the offload first WLAN, wherein the delivery of the request is in response to a billing rate indicated by the billing data; andreceiving, via an input device from the UE, an authorization to relieve the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network onto the first WLAN, wherein the authorization responds to the request for authorization by the user.

Description

Priority information

The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional patent application with the serial number 61/984, 969 with the title “Charging Information for WLAN Network Selection in 3GPP-WLAN Data Offloading” filed on April 28, 2014.

area

The present application relates to wireless devices and, more particularly, to a system and method for selectively offloading mobile data traffic on a wireless LAN based at least in part on billing information.

Description of the related art

Wireless communication systems are rapidly increasing in use. In addition, there are many different wireless communication technologies and standards. Some examples of the wireless communication standards include mobile communication technology such as GSM, UMTS (WCDMA), 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g. 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), LTE, and LTE Advanced (LTE-A). Another wireless communication technology involves a wireless local area network (WLAN) such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wi-Fi or wireless ethernet). Other examples of wireless communication technologies include IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), Bluetooth, and others.

Cellular networks defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) can in many cases overlap with WLANs. In other words, a user can have a terminal (UE) that is operated in a cell of a mobile network and that is also within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot of a WLAN.

In some cases the communication traffic from a cellular communication network to a WLAN can be relieved, e.g. in order to ease the load on the cellular radio communication network and / or to reduce data transmission costs incurred by the user. For example, 3GPP TS 23.402 v 12.8.o, incorporated herein by reference, sets forth a service specification for providing an Internet Protocol (IP) connection using non-3GPP accesses, such as IEEE 802.11 networks, to the developed 3GPP packet switched (PS ) Domain. Such relief can be managed in accordance with the rules set by the mobile radio operator, as well as through user settings that are assigned to a specific terminal (UE). However, in the current systems no consideration is given to the relative cost differences between cellular radio communication and WLAN communication. Additionally, in some cases, the user can negotiate a cost by transferring data over the WLAN. However, in the existing art, the information regarding the cost is not provided to the user at the time the decisions to relieve the burden are made. Therefore, improvements in the process of determining whether to relieve the data from a cellular network to a WLAN are desired.

WO 2014 038 193 A1 discloses a terminal for wireless communication in which a selection list is displayed for various radio technologies via which the terminal can communicate and which the user selects.

Summary

The present invention therefore has the task of improving the use of a terminal for communication networks.

This object is achieved by the invention defined in the independent claims; Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The embodiments are presented herein by methods for providing billing data for use in offloading provisions, and for determining whether data is selectively offloading from one mobile communications network, such as a 3GPP cellular network, to another wireless access network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) should be based at least in part on this calculation data. The calculation information can also be presented to the user to enable the user to understand and possibly more intelligently select his communication method.

One embodiment provides a method for relieving the communication traffic from a cellular radio communication network onto a WLAN. For example, the method can be carried out by a terminal (UE) in communication with the cellular radio communication network. The UE can request information from the mobile radio communication network regarding WLANs in the vicinity of the UE. The UE can then receive the information from the cellular radio communication network, the information relating to the billing information of a first WLAN. The UE can furthermore have one or more rules from the cellular radio communication network regarding whether the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network should be relieved of load on a specific WLAN, based on the calculation data relating to a specific WLAN. The UE may further recognize the first WLAN and determine whether to relieve the communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN based at least in part on the one or more rules and the billing data relating to the first WLAN.

In one embodiment, the determination of whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network should be relieved of the load on the first WLAN can further be based on one or more user settings relating to the calculation data relating to the first WLAN. For example, the one or more user settings can be stored in a memory of the UE.

In either of the above embodiments, the method may further include displaying an image on a display of the UE, the image indicating the billing data relating to the first WLAN. For example, the method may include displaying the image following offloading communication traffic from the first WLAN to notify the user of the current billing information.

Alternatively, the method may include displaying the image prior to relieving communication traffic on the first WLAN. For example, the method may include displaying the image in response to the determination to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network onto the first WLAN, e.g. with a request for the user to authorize the discharge.

The method may further include receiving, via an input device of the UE, an instruction to relieve the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN, wherein the instruction may be required to authorize the UE to direct the communication traffic to the first WLAN relieve.

Another embodiment provides a UE that is configured to perform one of the above methods.

Another embodiment provides a method for offloading communication traffic from a cellular communication network to a wireless local area network (WLAN). For example, the method can perform an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) of a cellular core network. The method may include receiving a request from the UE for information regarding one or more WLANs in the vicinity of the UE; Detecting a position of the UE; Providing the information to the UE, the information including calculation data relating to the one or more WLANs; and providing one or more rules and relating to the UE whether the communication traffic from a cellular radio communication network is to be relieved of a load on a WLAN, the one or more rules defining behavior based on the calculation data.

Yet another embodiment provides an ANDSF that is configured to perform the above method.

Yet another embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program instructions executable by a processor to cause the wireless communication device to perform any of the above methods.

In one of the preceding embodiments, the one or more WLANs can be a HotSpot 2.0 compatible network. In addition, the information provided to the UE can include at least one of the following: a list of preferred roaming partners; and a list of preferred radio access network identifiers. For example, the information can include a list of preferred roaming partners that includes the WLANs that are HotSpot 2.0 compatible networks. The information can additionally or alternatively have a list of preferred radio connection network identification symbols which contain WLANs that are not HotSpot 2.0 compatible networks.

In one of the preceding methods, the calculation data can include data that determine whether the calculation of the traffic that is relieved from the cellular communication network on the first WLAN of the one or more WLANs: free, carried out according to a wireless data plan that relates to the use of a home network, or performed according to a wireless data plan relating to the use of a roaming network.

The techniques described herein can be implemented in and / or with a number of different types of devices can be implemented, including, but not limited to, Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) units and / or other cellular core network units, cell phones, tablet computers, portable computing devices, portable media players, and any of various other computing devices.

The purpose of this summary is to provide a brief overview of some of the subjects described in this document. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the features described above are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, figures, and claims.

Figure list

• 1 ein beispielhaftes (und vereinfachtes) drahtloses Kommunikationssystem darstellt;
• 2 eine Basisstation (BS) und einen drahtlosen lokalen Netzwerk-Zugangspunkt (WLAN-AP) in Kommunikation mit einer Endgerät-Vorrichtung (UE) zeigt;
• 3 eine beispielhafte (und vereinfachte) Mobilfunknetzwerk-Architektur darstellt;
• 4 ein beispielhaftes Blockdiagramm von einem UE darstellt;
• 5 ein beispielhaftes Blockdiagramm von einem Kommunikationsknoten, wie eine BS oder ein WLAN-AP darstellt;
• 6 ist ein Flussdiagramm, das ein beispielhaftes Verfahren zum Bereitstellen von Berechnungsdaten für die Verwendung in Entlastungsbestimmungen darstellt;
• 7 ist ein Flussdiagramm, das ein beispielhaftes Verfahren zum Vornehmen von Entlastungsbestimmungen darstellt, die Berechnungsdaten verwenden;
• 8 stellt eine beispielhafte Anzeige von einem UE dar, das ein Bild beinhaltet, das Berechnungsdaten für ein WLAN angibt;
• 9 stellt ein beispielhaftes Blockdiagramm von einer Zugangsnetzwerkfeststellung- und Auswahlfunktion (ANDSF) dar;
• 10 ist eine graphische Darstellung von einer Teil des PerProviderSubscription-Managementobjekts; und
• 11 ist eine graphische Darstellung von einem Teil des ANDSF-Managementobjekts, das sich auf eine WLAN-Auswahlregel (WLANSP) bezieht.

A better understanding of the subject matter can be obtained when the following detailed description of the embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

• 1 Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication system;
• 2 shows a base station (BS) and a wireless local area network access point (WLAN-AP) in communication with a terminal device (UE);
• 3 Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary (and simplified) cellular network architecture;
• 4th Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a UE;
• 5 Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a communication node such as a BS or a WLAN AP;
• 6th Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing billing data for use in relief determinations;
• 7th Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for making relief determinations that use billing data;
• 8th Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary display from a UE including an image indicating billing data for a WLAN;
• 9 FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary block diagram of an Access Network Discovery and Selection (ANDSF) function;
• 10 Figure 3 is a graphic representation of a portion of the PerProviderSubscription Management Object; and
• 11 Figure 13 is a diagram of part of the ANDSF management object related to a WLAN selection rule (WLANSP).

Although the features described herein are changeable for various modifications and alternative forms, certain embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be noted, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that come within the scope and spirit of Subject matter as defined in the appended claims.

Detailed description

Shorthand

3GPP:

Third Generation Partnership Project

3GPP2:

Third Generation Partnership Project 2

ANDSF:

Zugangsnetzwerkfeststellung- und Auswahlfunktion

EPC:

Evolved Packet Core

EPS:

Evolved Packet Service

E-UTRAN:

Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network or Evolved Universal Radio Access Network

GERAN:

GSM EDGE Funkanschlussnetzwerk

GSM:

Global System for Mobile Communications

HSS:

Home Subscriber Sever

LTE:

Long Term Evolution

MME:

Mobility Management Entity

OMA:

Open Mobile Alliance

SGW:

Serving Gateway

UE:

Endgerät („User Equipent“)

UMTS:

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

UTRAN:

UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network or Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

The following abbreviations are used in the present disclosure.

3GPP:

Third Generation Partnership Project

3GPP2:

Third Generation Partnership Project 2

ANDSF:

Access network discovery and selection function

EPC:

Evolved Packet Core

EPS:

Evolved Packet Service

E-UTRAN:

Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network or Evolved Universal Radio Access Network

GERAN:

GSM EDGE radio connection network

GSM:

Global System for Mobile Communications

HSS:

Home Subscriber Sever

LTE:

Long Term Evolution

MME:

Mobility Management Entity

GRANNY:

Open Mobile Alliance

SGW:

Serving gateway

UE:

End device ("User Equipent")

UMTS:

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

UTRAN:

UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network or Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Terms

• Speichermedium - Irgendeines von verschiedenen Typen von nicht-flüchtigen computer-zugänglichen Speichervorrichtungen oder Speichervorrichtungen. Der Begriff („Speichermedium“) ist dazu gedacht ein Installationsmedium, z.B. eine CD-ROM, floppy disks, oder Bandgerät („Tape Device“); einen Computersystemspeicher oder wahlfreier Zugriffspeicher wie DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM etc.; einen nicht-flüchtigen Speicher wie ein Flash, magnetische Medien, z.B. eine Festplatte, oder einen optischen Speicher; Register oder andere ähnliche Typen von Speicherelementen etc. einzubeziehen. Das Speichermedium kann andere Typen von nicht-flüchtigen Speichern als auch andere Kombinationen davon beinhalten. Zusätzlich kann das Speichermedium in einem ersten Computersystem eingerichtet sein, in welchem die Programme ausgeführt werden, oder kann in einem zweiten unterschiedlichen Computersystem eingerichtet sein, das das erste Computersystem über ein Netzwerk verbindet, wie Internet. Im letzteren Fall kann das zweite Computersystem Programmanweisungen an den ersten Computer zur Ausführung bereitstellen. Der Begriff „Speichermedium“ kann zwei oder mehrere Speichermedien beinhalten, die an unterschiedlichen Orten liegen, z.B. in unterschiedlichen Computersystemen, die über ein Netzwerk verbunden sind. Das Speichermedium kann Programmanweisungen speichern (z.B. als Computerprogramme ausgeführt), die von einem oder mehreren Prozessoren ausgeführt werden können.
• Trägermedium - ein Speichermedium, wie oben beschrieben, als auch ein physikalisches Übertragungsmedium, wie ein Bus, Netzwerk und/oder anderes physikalisches Übertragungsmedium, das Signale übertragen kann, wie elektrische, elektromagnetische oder digitale Signale.
• Computersystem - irgendeines von verschiedenen Typen von Rechner- oder Verarbeitungssystemen, die ein Personal Computer System (PC), ein Mainframe-Computersystem, einen Arbeitsplatz, eine Netzwerk-Anwendung, eine Internet-Anwendung, eine Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), ein Fernsehsystem, ein Grid Computing System oder andere Vorrichtungen oder Kombinationen von Vorrichtungen beinhalten. Im Allgemeinen kann der Begriff „Computersystem“ breit definiert werden, um irgendeine Vorrichtung (oder Kombination von Vorrichtungen) zu umfassen, die mindestens einen Prozessor haben, der Anweisungen von einem Speichermedium ausführt.
• Endgerät (UE) (oder UE Vorrichtung) - irgendeine von verschiedenen Typen von Computersystemen, die mobil oder tragbar sind und die drahtlose Kommunikationen durchführen. Beispiele von UE Vorrichtungen beinhalten Mobiltelefone und Smartphones (z.B. iPhone™, Android™-basierte Telefone), tragbare Spielvorrichtungen (z.B. Nintendo DS™, Play Station Portable™, Gameboy Advance™, iPhone™), Laptops, tragbare Vorrichtungen (z.B. Smartwatch, Smartglasses), PDAs, tragbare Internetvorrichtungen, Musik-Player, Datenspeichervorrichtungen oder andere handheld-Vorrichtungen, etc. Im Allgemeinen kann der Begriff „UE“ oder „UE Vorrichtung“ breit definiert werden, um irgendeine elektronische, Rechen, und/oder Telekommunikationsvorrichtung (oder Kombination von Vorrichtungen) zu umfassen, die leicht von einem Anwender transportiert werden können und für die drahtlose Kommunikation geeignet sind.
• Basisstation - Der Begriff „Basisstation“ hat den ganzen Umfang seiner ursprünglichen Bedeutung und beinhaltet zumindest eine drahtlose Kommunikationsstation, die an einem festen Standort installiert ist und dazu verwendet wird, um als Teil eines drahtlosen Telefonsystems oder eines Funksystems zu kommunizieren.
• Verarbeitungselement - bezieht sich auf verschiedene Elemente oder Kombinationen von Elementen. Die Verarbeitungselemente beinhalten beispielsweise Schaltkreise, wie anwendungsspezifische integrierte Schaltkreise ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), Teile oder Schaltkreise von einzelnen Prozessorkernen, komplette Prozessorkerne, individuelle Prozessoren, programmierbare Hardware-Vorrichtungen, wie ein Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) und/oder größere Teile von Systemen, die mehrere Prozessoren beinhalten.
• Kanal - ein Medium, das verwendet wird, um Information von einem Sender (Transmitter) an einen Empfänger zu übertragen. Es sollte darauf hingewiesen werden, da sich Eigenschaften von dem Begriff „Kanal“ gemäß von unterschiedlichen drahtlosen Protokollen unterscheiden können, der Begriff „Kanal“ wie hierin verwendet betrachtet werden kann als ob er in einer Weise verwendet wird, die konsistent mit dem Standard des Typs der Vorrichtung verwendet wird, mit Bezug auf die der Begriff verwendet wird. In einigen Standards können Kanalbreiten unterschiedlich sein (z.B. abhängig von der Vorrichtungsfunktionalität, Bandbedingungen etc.). Zum Beispiel kann LTE anpassbare Bandbreiten von 1.4MHz bis 20MHz unterstützen. Im Gegenteil können WLAN-Kanäle 22MHz breit sein während Bluetooth-Kanäle 1Mhz breit sein können. Andere Protokolle und Standards können unterschiedliche Definitionen von Kanälen beinhalten. Ferner können einige Standards mehrere Typen von Kanälen definieren und verwenden, z.B. unterschiedliche Kanäle für Uplink oder Downlink und/oder unterschiedliche Kanäle für unterschiedliche Verwendungen, wie Daten, Steuerungsinformation etc.
• Band - Der Begriff „Band“ hat den vollen Umfang seiner ursprünglichen Bedeutung und beinhaltet zumindest ein Teil des Spektrums (z.B. Funkfrequenzspektrum) in der Kanäle verwendet oder vorgesehen werden für den gleichen Zweck.
• Automatisch - bezieht sich auf eine Aktion oder einen Vorgang, der von einem Computersystem (z.B. Software, ausgeführt von einem Computersystem) oder einer Vorrichtung (z.B. Schaltung, programmierbare Hardware-Elemente, ASICs, etc.) durchgeführt werden, ohne Anwendereingaben, die die Aktion oder den Vorgang direkt festlegen oder durchführen. Daher steht der Begriff „Automatisch“ einem Vorgang gegenüber, der von dem Anwender manuell durchgeführt oder von Ihm festgelegt wird, wenn der Anwender die Eingaben bereitstellt, um den Vorgang direkt durchzuführen. Ein automatisches Verfahren kann durch Eingaben initiiert werden, die von dem Anwender bereitgestellt werden, aber die nachfolgenden Aktionen, die „automatisch“ durchgeführt werden, werden nicht von dem Anwender festgelegt, d.h. werden nicht „manuell“ ausgeführt, wenn der Anwender jede Aktion festgelegt, um diese durchzuführen. Zum Beispiel füllt ein Anwender, der ein elektronisches Formular manuell ausfüllt indem er jedes Feld auswählt und Eingaben bereitstellt, die Informationen festlegen (z.B. durch Eingeben von Information, Auswählen von Check-Boxen, Auswahloptionen etc.), das Formular manuell aus, selbst wenn das Computersystem das Formular in Antwort auf die Anwenderaktionen aktualisieren muss. Das Formular kann automatisch von dem Computersystem ausgefüllt werden, wenn das Computersystem (z.B. Software, die das Computersystem ausführt) die Felder des Formulars analysiert und das Formular ausfüllt ohne irgendeine Anwendereingabe, die die Antworten für die Felder festlegt. Wie oben angedeutet, kann der Anwender das automatische Ausfüllen des Formulars unterbrechen, aber ist an dem aktuellen Ausfüllen des Formulars nicht beteiligt (z.B. der Anwender legt nicht manuell Antworten für die Felder fest, sondern diese werden eher automatisch vervollständigt). Die vorliegende Beschreibung stellt verschiedene Beispiele von Vorgängen bereit, die automatisch in Antwort auf Aktionen durchgeführt werden, die der Anwender vorgenommen hat.

The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure:

• Storage Medium - Any of various types of non-volatile computer-accessible storage devices or storage devices. The term (“storage medium”) is intended to mean an installation medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disks, or tape device; a computer system memory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM etc .; non-volatile memory such as flash, magnetic media such as a hard drive, or optical memory; Include registers or other similar types of storage elements etc. The storage medium can include other types of non-volatile memories as well as other combinations thereof. In addition, the storage medium can be set up in a first computer system in which the programs are executed, or can be set up in a second different computer system that connects the first computer system via a network, such as the Internet. In the latter case, the second computer system can provide program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term “storage medium” can include two or more storage media that are located in different locations, for example in different computer systems that are connected via a network. The storage medium can store program instructions (eg executed as computer programs) that can be executed by one or more processors.
• Carrier Medium - a storage medium as described above as well as a physical transmission medium, such as a bus, network and / or other physical transmission medium that can transmit signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic or digital signals.
• Computer system - any of several different types of computing or processing systems that include a personal computer system (PC), a mainframe computer system, a workstation, a network application, an Internet application, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a television system, include a grid computing system or other devices or combinations of devices. In general, the term “computer system” can be broadly defined to include any device (or combination of devices) that has at least one processor that executes instructions from a storage medium.
• Terminal (UE) (or UE device) - any of various types of computer systems, mobile or portable, that perform wireless communications. Examples of UE devices include cell phones and smartphones (e.g., iPhone ™, Android ™ -based phones), portable game devices (e.g., Nintendo DS ™, Play Station Portable ™, Gameboy Advance ™, iPhone ™), laptops, portable devices (eg, smartwatch, smart glasses ), PDAs, portable internet devices, music players, data storage devices or other handheld devices, etc. In general, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined to include any electronic, computing, and / or telecommunications device (or combination of devices) that can be easily transported by a user and are suitable for wireless communication.
• Base Station - The term "base station" has the full scope of its original meaning and includes at least one wireless communication station installed in a fixed location that is used to communicate as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system.
• Processing element - refers to different elements or combinations of elements. The processing elements include, for example, circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), parts or circuits of individual processor cores, complete processor cores, individual processors, programmable hardware devices such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and / or larger parts of systems that contain multiple processors.
• Channel - a medium used to carry information from a sender (transmitter) to a receiver. It should be noted that since properties of the term "channel" may differ according to different wireless protocols, the term "channel" as used herein may be viewed as being used in a manner consistent with the standard of the type of the device with reference to which the term is used. In some standards you can Channel widths can be different (e.g. depending on the device functionality, band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE can support customizable bandwidths from 1.4MHz to 20MHz. On the contrary, WiFi channels can be 22MHz wide while Bluetooth channels can be 1Mhz wide. Other protocols and standards may have different definitions of channels. Furthermore, some standards can define and use several types of channels, e.g. different channels for uplink or downlink and / or different channels for different uses, such as data, control information, etc.
• Band - The term “band” has the full scope of its original meaning and includes at least part of the spectrum (e.g. radio frequency spectrum) in which channels are used or intended for the same purpose.
• Automatic - refers to an action or a process that is performed by a computer system (e.g. software, executed by a computer system) or a device (e.g. circuitry, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.) without user input that the action or specify or carry out the process directly. Therefore, the term “automatic” contrasts with a process that is carried out manually by the user or is determined by him when the user provides the inputs to carry out the process directly. An automatic procedure can be initiated by inputs that are provided by the user, but the subsequent actions that are carried out "automatically" are not specified by the user, i.e. are not carried out "manually" when the user specifies each action, to do this. For example, a user who manually fills out an electronic form by selecting each field and providing inputs defining information (e.g. by entering information, selecting check boxes, selection options, etc.), fills out the form manually, even if that Computer system needs to update the form in response to user actions. The form can be filled in automatically by the computer system when the computer system (e.g. software running the computer system) analyzes the fields of the form and fills in the form without any user input specifying the responses for the fields. As indicated above, the user can interrupt the automatic filling in of the form, but is not involved in the current filling out of the form (e.g. the user does not manually specify answers for the fields, but rather these are completed automatically). The present description provides various examples of operations that are automatically performed in response to actions taken by the user.

Figures 1-3 - communication system

1 FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication scenario that includes multiple communication systems. It should be noted that 1 is only one example of possible systems and embodiments described herein can be implemented in any of various systems, as desired.

As shown, the exemplary wireless communication scenario includes a cellular communication system operated by a base station 102A and a wireless local area network (WLAN) connected by an access point (AP) 104A is pictured.

The cellular radio communication system includes a base station 102A over a transmission medium with one or more user devices 106A , 106B , etc. communicated. Any of the user devices 106 may be referred to herein as a “terminal” (UE). Therefore, the user devices 106 referred to as UEs or UE devices. Two UE devices only 106A and 106B are in 1 shown for ease of illustration.

The base station 102A can be a base transceiver station (BTS) or a radio cell and can contain hardware that enables wireless communication with the UEs 106A and 106B enables. The base station 102A can also be set up to work with a network 100 to communicate (e.g., a core network from a mobile service provider, a telecommunications network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a WLAN, and / or the Internet, in various ways). Therefore, the base station can 102A communication between the user devices and the network 100 enable.

The communication area (or coverage area) from the base station can be referred to as a "cell". The base station 102A and the UEs 106 can be set up to communicate over the transmission medium using any of various radio access technologies (RATs), also known as wireless communication technologies, or telecommunication standards such as GSM, UMTS (WCDNA, TD-SCDMA), LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g. 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), WiMAX, etc.

The base station 102A and other similar base stations (such as the base stations 102B ... 102N ) operating according to the same or a different mobile radio communication standard can therefore be deployed as a network of cells providing continuously or almost continuously overlapping services to the UEs 106A-B and provide similar devices over a wide geographic area via one or more cellular communication standards.

Therefore, the base station can 102A as an "active cell" (serving cell) for the UEs 106AB work as in 1 where each UE is also capable of receiving signals from (and possibly within communication range of) one or more other cells (those from the base stations 102B-N and / or any other base stations) that may be referred to as "neighboring cells". Such cells may be capable of communication between user devices and / or between user devices and the network 100 to enable.

In addition to communicating with the base station 102A , one or more of the UEs 106 also be able to do so with a WLAN AP 104A to communicate, also known as a "hotspot". Therefore, the WLAN AP 104A communication between the devices and the network 100 enable. The WLAN AP 104A and the UEs 106 may be configured to communicate over the transmission medium using any of various RATs such as Wi-Fi, etc.

The UEs 106 can be able to dynamically between communicating with the base station 102A via the cellular network and the WLAN AP 104A pass over the WLAN. For example, the UE 106A while it is in communication with the base station 102A stands, seamless and / or non-seamless relief for some IP flows to the WLAN AP 104A carry out. Therefore, for example, if the user conducts a browser session, the data packets, which were originally transmitted over the cellular network, can be transmitted over the LTE. However, the UE 106A at one point in time some or all of the data packets decide on the WLAN via the WLAN AP 104A to relieve. This discharge decision may be based at least in part on the billing information, as discussed further below.

2 provides a terminal (UE) 106 (e.g. one of the devices 106A or 106B ) in communication with a base station 102 (e.g. one of the base stations 102A to 102N ) for communication on a cellular network and a WLAN AP 104 (e.g. one of the WLAN APs 104A to 104B ) for communication on a WLAN. The UE 106 may be a device with cellular communication functionality and WLAN communication functionality, such as a cell phone, hand-held device, computer or tablet, or almost any type of wireless device as defined above.

The UE 106 may include a processor configured to execute program instructions that are stored in memory. The UE 106 may perform any of the method embodiments described herein by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively or additionally, the UE 106 a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which is configured to carry out one of the method embodiments described herein or a part of the method embodiments described herein.

As noted above, the UE 106 be adapted to communicate using multiple cellular RATs. For example, the UE 106 be adapted to communicate using one or more of GSM, CDMA2000, LTE or LTE-A. The UE 106 can also be able to communicate via a WLAN. Other combinations of wireless communication technologies are also possible.

3 illustrates an exemplary, simplified part of a wireless communication scenario that includes multiple communication systems, such as a 3GPP-compliant cellular network and a WLAN.

As shown, a UE 106 be in communication with a base station, as in this exemplary embodiment as an eNodeB 102 shown. Indeed, the eNode B can be coupled to a core network, as in this exemplary embodiment as an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 100 shown. As shown, the EPC 100 a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 322 , a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 324 , Serving Gateway (SGW) 326 , an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) 328 , an Evolved Package Data Gateway (EPDG) 330 and PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway (PGW) 332 include. The EPC 100 may include various other devices and / or units also known to those skilled in the art.

As shown, the UE 106 also or alternatively in communication with a WLAN AP 104 his. The WLAN AP 104 may in fact go to the EPC 100 be coupled, e.g. using the ePDG 330 . The UE makes this possible 106 to communicate either via the cellular network or the WLAN network in order to transmit and receive data packets with other UEs.

Figure 4 - Exemplary block diagram of a UE

4th Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a UE 106 As shown, the UE 106 a system-on-chip (SOC) 400 containing parts for different purposes. For example, as shown, the SOC 400 Processor (s) 402 , the program instructions for the UE 106 can perform and a display circuit 404 that can perform graphics editing and display signals to the display 400 can provide include. The processor (s) 402 can also be assigned to a Mobility Management Unit (MMU) 440 coupled, which can be configured to receive addresses from the processor (s) 402 to receive and to translate such addresses into storage locations (e.g. memory 406 , read-only memory (ROM) 450 , NAND flash memory 410 ) and / or other circuits or devices such as the display circuit 404 who have favourited wireless communication circuit 430 , Connection I / F 420 and / or display 460 . The MMU 440 can be designed to perform memory protection and page table translation or set-up. In some embodiments, the MMU 440 as part of the processor (s) 402 be included.

As also shown, the SOC 400 to various other circuits from the UE 106 be coupled. For example, the UE 106 different memory types (e.g. containing NAND Flash 410 ), a connection interface 420 (e.g. for coupling to a computer system, dock, charging station, etc.), the display 460 , a wireless communication circuit 430 (e.g. for LTE, CDMA2000, Bluetooth, WiFi etc.) and user I / O 480 (e.g. user input devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, etc .; and user output devices such as speakers, haptic feedback generators, etc.).

As noted above, the UE 106 be arranged to communicate wirelessly using a variety of wireless communication technologies. As further noted above, in such cases, the wireless communication circuit 430 Include radio components that are shared between multiple wireless communication technologies and / or radio components that are set up exclusively for use in accordance with a single wireless communication technology. As shown, the UE device can 106 at least one antenna (and possibly several antennas, eg for MIMO and / or for implementing different wireless communication technologies among various possibilities) for performing wireless communication with cellular base stations and / or other devices. For example, the UE device 106 antenna 435 use to perform wireless communication.

As further described hereinafter, the UE 106 Includes hardware and software components for implementing some or all of the methods described herein. The processor 402 from the UE device 106 can be arranged to implement some or all of the features described herein, for example by executing program instructions stored on a storage medium (eg, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively (or additionally) the processor 402 be set up as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or additionally) the processor 402 from the UE device 106 in conjunction with one or more of the other components 400 , 404 , 406 , 410 , 420 , 430 , 435 , 440 , 450 , 460 be arranged to implement some or all of the features described herein.

Figure 5 - communication node

5 Figure 10 is a block diagram of a communication node 500 In various embodiments, the communication node 500 either a base station 102 or a WLAN AP 104 represent. It should be noted that the base station is supported by the 5 just one example of a possible communication node 500 is. As shown, the communication node 500 Processor (s) contain which instructions for the communication node 500 can perform. The processor (s) 504 can also be sent to the Mobility Management Unit (MMU) 540 which is set up to receive addresses from the processor (s) 504 to receive and such addresses in memory locations (e.g. memory 560 and read-only memory (ROM) 550 ) or other circuits or devices.

The communication node 500 can have at least one network port 570 include. The network port 570 can be configured to interface with a telephone network and to accommodate a variety of devices such as UE Devices 106 To provide access to the telephone network as described above.

The network port 570 (or an additional network port) can also or alternatively be set up to connect to a cellular network, for example a core network from a cellular service provider. The core network can provide mobility-related services and / or other services to a plurality of devices, such as the UE devices 106 . In some cases the network port 570 to a telephone network via the core network and / or the core network can provide a telephone network (eg, among other things, UE devices that are supplied by the mobile service provider).

The network port 570 (or an additional network port) can also or alternatively be set up to be coupled to a local network, such as a home network or a company network. For example, Port 570 be an ethernet port. The local network can provide a connection to additional networks such as the Internet.

The communication node 500 can have at least one antenna 534 include. The at least one antenna 534 can be set up to work as a wireless transceiver and can also be set up to work with the UE devices 106 via a wireless communication circuit 530 to communicate. The antenna 534 communicates with the wireless communication circuit 530 via a communication chain 532 . The communication chain 532 can be a receive chain, a transmit chain, or both. The wireless communication circuit 530 can be set up to communicate over various wireless communication technologies including, but not limited to, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, WCDMA, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

The processor (s) 504 from the communication node 500 can be configured to implement some or all of the methods described herein, eg by executing program instructions that are stored in a storage medium (eg, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively, the processor 504 be set up as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof.

Figure 6 - Provision of calculation data for use in relief provisions

6th Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing billing data for the use of relief provisions. This in 6th The methods shown may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above figures, among other devices. In some embodiments, the method may be from the 6th from the EPC 100 be performed by a mobile communication network.

More precisely, the method can be used by the 6th in some embodiments from an ANDSF 328 of the 3 be performed. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed simultaneously, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. It should also be noted that additional procedural elements can be performed as desired. The procedure can also be carried out as follows.

As shown in 602, a request from a UE, such as the UE 106 of the 1 - 4th for information pertaining to the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE. For example, the request from the ANDSF 328 can be received via a base station, such as the eNode 102 of the 3 . The term “wireless access network” can include both cellular networks and WLANs. Here the UE 106 Data is transmitted over a cellular network, e.g. using LTE and can make a query to see if the UE 106 is within range of one of the additional wireless access networks, to possibly offload these packets from the cellular network to another wireless access network.

In 604 can be a location from the UE 106 be recognized. For example, the UE 106 in some embodiments its location to the ANDSF 328 or provide other units within the mobile communication network. In other embodiments, the mobile communication network may be capable of the location of the UE 106 to be determined, for example using other techniques known in the art.

In 606 can the information regarding the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 to the UE 106 to be provided. In some embodiments, the information can be sent to the UE 106 in response to the request made by the UE 106 was received in 602. Alternatively or additionally, the information can be sent to the UE 106 provided without a Request from the UE 106 . For example, the ANDSF 328 the information based on network triggers or as a result of previous communication with the UE 106 provide. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which a wireless access network is a HotSpot 2.o (HS2.0) compatible WLAN, the information provided may include a PreferredRoamingPatnerList listing the preferred roaming partner list of a user of the mobile communication network, e.g. Hotspot 2.0 (Release 2) technical specification defined. In other embodiments where a wireless access network is a WLAN that is not HS 2.0 compliant, the information provided may include a PreferredSSIDList listing preferred radio access network identifiers (e.g., SSID of a WLAN) from the user of the mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the information provided may further include additional information regarding the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 have how the access technology type, e.g. WLAN, WiMAX; other technology-specific information, such as one or more carrier frequencies; and / or validity conditions, ie conditions which indicate when the broadband access network determination information is valid (such conditions can include, for example, a location).

The information provided can also include calculation data relating to wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 exhibit. More precisely, the information can be calculation data relating to one of the WLANs in the vicinity of the UE 106 exhibit. In some embodiments, the user of the mobile communication network may not be able to provide the exact information about the applied calculation rules. For example, a 3GPP EPC can enable application servers to dynamically control the billing rules of the services they serve. In addition, the billing for different IP flows can also depend on the traffic control rules provided by the ANDSF, such as Inter-System Routing Policy (ISRP). For example, if the ISRP includes Non-Seamless WLAN Offloading (NSWO) rules, the user may not be charged for traffic dependent on the NSWO, but for EPC routed traffic that travels through the core network of the provider.

However, in some embodiments, the billing data provided may provide high-level guidelines regarding the billing principles for data offloading from the cellular communications network to one or more (eg, each) of the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 exhibit. For example, in one possible embodiment, the high level policies may include data specifying whether the billing of traffic offloaded from the cellular communications network onto the first WLAN falls into one of three categories: free, home, or roaming. In this example, the “free” category can indicate that the user does not incur any data transmission costs for the data that has been relieved of the load from the cellular radio communication network to the specified WLAN. The “home” category can indicate that the data that has been relieved from the cellular communications network onto the specified WLAN incurs costs according to a wireless data plan relating to the use of a home network. For example, the data transmission can be charged according to the same fee structure that would be used to transmit data over the home cellular network from the user. The “roaming” category can indicate that the data sent from the cellular communications network to the specified WLAN incurs costs according to a wireless data plan related to the use of a visited network. For example, the data transfer can be charged according to the same fee structure that would be used to transfer the data over a cellular network in which the user roaming. In some embodiments, the billing data may include a ChargingInformation string node, or a different node, for each entry in a PreferredRoamingPartnerList node or a PreferredSSIDList node. For example, the Charging Information Node can be set up to define “Free / Home / Roaming”. 10 Figure 13 is a graphic representation of part of a PerProviderSubscription Management Object as defined in the HS2.o Rel-2 specification and updated to include a ChargingInformation node as a "leaf" from the PreferredRoamingPartnerList node.

In 608 the rules regarding whether the communication traffic on a WLAN should be relieved to the UE 106 to be provided. In some embodiments, the rules can be sent to the UE 106 in response to a request made by the UE 106 Will be received. Alternatively or additionally, the information can be sent to the UE 106 provided without a request from the UE 106 . For example, the ANDSF 328 the information based on network triggers or as a result of previous communication with the UE 106 provide. The rules can be included in the information provided in 606 or can be provided separately. In some embodiments, the rules provided may include the WLAN Selection Rule (WLANSP), as in connection with the ANDSF defined by the 3GPP TS 23.402 v 12.8.0, which is incorporated herein by reference. More precisely, the WLANSP is a set of user-defined rules that determine how the UE is 106 selects a WLAN access network and selects it again. The UE 106 WLANSP rules can be provided by several networks. 11 Figure 12 is a graphic representation of a portion of an ANDSF management object relating to a WLANSP as defined by 3GPP TS 24.312 v 12.8.0 and updated to include a ChargingInformation node as a leaf from the PreferredSSIDList node. In some embodiments, other rules can also be provided, such as an Inter-System Mobility Policy (ISMP), Inter-System Routing Policy (ISRP), Inter-APN Routing Policy (IARP), etc.

• Gruppe von den Auswahlkriterien mit der Priorität 1:
  • PreferredRoamingPartnerList = Partneri.com, partner2.com
  • MaximumBSSLoad = 60
  • Gruppe von den Auswahlkriterien mit der Priorität 2:
  • PreferredSSIDList = myoperator
  • MinimumBackhaulThreshold = 2Mbps in dem Downlink
  • Charging Information = frei

In some embodiments, the rules provided may include validity conditions, ie, conditions indicating when the rule provided is valid, such as time of day, geolocation, network location, etc. The rules provided may also include a list of SSIDs that not be preferred for selection, like the SPExclusionList defined in the HS2.o Rel-2 specification. The rules provided can also include WLAN selection criteria in a priority order. In some embodiments, the selection criteria may be based on one or more of the following characteristics of a wireless access network: PreferredRoamingPartnerList, MinimumBackhaulThreshold, MaximumBSSLoad, RequiredProtoPortTuple, PreferredSSIDList, and Charginginformation. As an example, a WLANSP rule can include the following groups of selection criteria:

• Group of selection criteria with priority 1:
  • PreferredRoamingPartnerList = Partneri.com, partner2.com
  • MaximumBSSLoad = 60
  • Group of selection criteria with priority 2:
  • PreferredSSIDList = myoperator
  • MinimumBackhaulThreshold = 2Mbps on the downlink
  • Charging information = free

A WLAN can meet a group of the selection criteria if it simultaneously fulfills all of the criteria in the group.

In some embodiments, the rules provided may incorporate in some or all of the information regarding the wireless access networks, such as the billing data for one or more networks. For example, the rules provided can have an ordered list of networks in an order of preference. The ordered list can e.g. generated by the ANDSF by applying information to various selection criteria. The ordered list can therefore inform the UE of the most preferred networks based on the information.

Figure 7 - Making discharge determinations using calculation data

7th FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for making the relief determinations using the calculation data, such as the calculation from the data prepared as described above in FIG 6th be received. This in 7th The methods shown may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above figures, among other devices. In some embodiments, the method may be from the 7th from the UE 106 of the 1 - 4th be performed. In various embodiments, the method elements shown may be performed simultaneously, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. It should also be noted that the additional procedural elements can be performed as desired. The procedure can also be carried out as follows.

As shown in 702 can the UE 106 information from a mobile communication network regarding the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 Requests. For example, in some embodiments, the UE may 106 request information from an ANDSF, like the ANDSF 328 of the 3 .

In 704 can the UE 106 provide its location. The UE 106 can provide its location based on GPS coordinates from its integrated GPS system or use other techniques. In response to the UE 106 , the information from available wireless access networks 702 inquires and its location in 704 provides, the method can be used by the 6th work as described above.

In 706 can the UE 106 receive the requested information from the mobile communication network. For example, the UE 106 in some embodiments the information from the ANDSF 328 receive. The information received may be information according to any of the embodiments described above with reference to FIG 6th exhibit. For example, the information may include billing data relating to the wireless access networks in the environment of the UE 106 exhibit. More precisely, the information may be calculation data relating to the at least one first WLAN in the vicinity of the UE 106 exhibit.

In 708 can the UE 106 Rules from the mobile communication network regarding whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network should be relieved of a certain WLAN, received. For example, the UE 106 the rules of the ANDSF 328 received in some embodiments. The received rules can be rules according to one of the embodiments described above with reference to the 6th exhibit.

In 710 can the UE 106 detect the first WLAN. In other words, the UE 106 detect the presence of the WLAN hotspot that acts as the interface to the first WLAN.

In 712 can the UE 106 determine whether the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN should be relieved based at least in part on the received rules. For example, in some embodiments, the received rules may comprise an ordered list of networks in an order of preference, the list generated by applying at least the computation data to various selection criteria. In this example, the UE can determine whether the communication traffic from the cellular communication network should be relieved of the load on the first WLAN by determining that the first WLAN is preferably listed before the cellular communication network and that the first WLAN is currently available for relieving the communication traffic.

The determination can also be based on the calculation data relating to the first WLAN. For example, in some embodiments, the UE may 106 apply the calculation data relating to the first WLAN to the received rules in order to determine whether the WLAN is to be preferred to the cellular radio communication network on the basis of the calculation data.

The determination can also be based on user settings. Such user settings can be stored in memory on the UE 106 get saved. In some embodiments, the user settings can take precedence over the rules received.

For example, the UE 106 determine what rules are currently in place for each of the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 based on the received information regarding the wireless access networks in the vicinity of the UE 106 are fulfilled. The UE 106 can determine a priority based on the rules met. The UE 106 can then select a most preferred available wireless access network based on the determined priorities and / or user preferences. For example, in one possible scenario, the user settings can specify that a WLAN with the calculation data CharingInformation = free has priority over the mobile radio communication network (e.g. a connection to the EPC via an eNodeB). In another possible scenario, the user settings can stipulate that the mobile radio communication network should be primarily over a WLAN with the charging data ChargingInformation = roaming. If the first WLAN is determined to be primarily over the cellular communication network, then the UE can 106 Relieve the communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN.

In 714 can the UE 106 an image on a display from the UE 106 indicating billing information regarding the traffic offloaded from the UE to the first WLAN.

8th Figure 12 shows an exemplary screen shot of the display from the UE 106 taking a picture 104 indicating the calculation information on the display. Other embodiments have different or additional symbols, graphics, or other images are also contemplated. Non-graphic labels, such as audio or haptic labels, are also provided.

In the example shown, the screen is from the UE 106 an image (or an icon) 802 indicating a signal strength of a communication signal sent from the UE 106 is received, as is known in the art. For example, the number of bars shown, filled, etc. in the image 802 indicate the strength of the received signal, with a larger number of bars presented to indicate a stronger signal.

The screen from the UE 106 can also be an ad on a picture (or icon) 804 indicating the cost of communications traffic carried over the first wireless access network. The image may have a number of dollar signs listed based on the computational cost currently incurred. For example the picture can 804 reflect at least a subset of the received calculation data relating to a first WLAN. For example, in one embodiment, the display of just a single leftmost dollar sign may indicate that the received Calculation data for the first WLAN are “free”; ie the user will not incur any data transmission costs for data relief from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN. Likewise, the display of the two left dollar signs (the smaller dollar sign and the middle dollar sign) can indicate that the received calculation data for the first WLAN is "home", which means that the calculation costs for the use of the first WLAN are approximately the same as those of the Home cellular network. The display of all three dollar signs (display of the smaller, middle and large dollar signs) can indicate that the received billing data from the first WLAN is "roaming" and therefore the cost is according to the same fee structure that would be used to generate the data to be transmitted over a cellular network in which the user roaming.

Hence the three in picture 804 The dollar sign symbols shown in the screenshot work to transmit the current calculation information to the user, as do the conventional power bars in the image 802 that list the information of the current signal strength.

Any of various types of images or symbols can be used to represent the current billing information. In other embodiments, each of the dollar sign symbols is the same size and the number of the dollar signs that are “lighted” or “filled in” indicate the calculation amount.

Providing the information indicating the cost of the communication traffic transmitted over the first wireless access network can be advantageous to the cellular network provider, e.g. to enable traffic management and / or improve the user experience. For example, in locations where the demand for network services is high, the cellular network provider can benefit from relieving the communication traffic from various UEs on WLANs in order to reduce the demand on the cellular network. Likewise, in locations where the cellular network signal is weak, the user experience can be enhanced by relieving communication traffic on WLANs with stronger signal. For this purpose, the mobile network user can generate a WLAN in such locations or can join forces with existing WLAN providers, such as providers who are required to register. Therefore, the provision of the billing information regarding as many available WLANs as possible as well as rules for selecting the WLANs based on the billing data can enable the relief that is advantageous for the cellular network provider.

However, if the user observes that the UE 106 has connected to a WLAN, he does not recognize this and especially with a WLAN that is subject to registration, the user can manually overwrite the network selection as described above in order to reconnect to the cellular network in order to avoid undesired WLAN user costs. This user behavior can therefore hinder the traffic management effort by the mobile radio network user. However, this behavior can be avoided by providing the user with the information indicating the cost of the communication traffic transmitted over the WLAN. For example, the user may have no incentive to override the network selection as described above if he is informed that there are no additional costs for using the selected WLANs.

In one embodiment, the image can 804 can be used to present the billing information from a WLAN even if the UE 106 currently this WLAN is not used. Hence the picture 804 can be used to display “potential” billing information from a nearby WLAN, thus enabling the user to make intelligent decisions regarding how (on which network) his data will be transmitted / received. The presentation of this billing information to the user can be very useful in enabling the user to intelligently reduce the cost of their data sessions on the UE 106 manage.

In some embodiments, the UE may 106 the user 106 allow the user settings to be changed in response to the image indicating the calculation information. For example, the user can provide input to the UE 106 providing a request or an instruction to offload the communication from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN during the UE 106 displays the image indicating the billing information regarding the first WLAN. In response to the input, the UE can relieve the communication traffic on the first WLAN. Alternatively, in response to the input, the UE may use the rules set by the ANDSF 328 , e.g. in step 712 of the 7th , are received, evaluate.

In other embodiments, the UE 106 cause the user to authorize the offloading of communication traffic in response to the input on the first WLAN prior to the Connect to the first WLAN, e.g. during or after the step 712 of the 7th wherein the image indicating the calculation information is displayed in connection with the causing. For example, the UE 106 induce the user to authorize the discharge to a WLAN for which the calculation data is not “free” or for which the calculation data indicates a higher calculation rate than the existing cellular or WLAN connection. In response to the initiation, the user can relieve the communication traffic on the first WLAN via user input from the UE 106 entitle.

Figure 9 - Access Network Discovery and Selection Function

9 FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an ANDSF unit 328 It should be noted that the ANDSF 328 of the 9 just one example of a possible ANDSF 328 is. As shown, the ANDSF 328 Processor (s) 904 contain the program instructions for the ANDSF 328 To run. The processor (s) 904 can also be assigned to a Mobility Management Unit (MMU) 940 which can be set up to receive addresses from the processor (s) 904 to receive and to translate such addresses into storage locations (e.g. memory 960 and read-only memory (ROM) 950 ) or into other circuits or devices.

The ANDSF 328 can have at least one network port 970 include. The network port 970 can be set up to couple to one or more base stations and / or other cellular core network units and / or devices.

The ANDSF 328 can network discovery and selection support data by policy of providers to a plurality of devices such as the UE devices 106 provide. For example, the ANDSF 328 be responsible for providing access network discovery information, the billing data, regarding the wireless access networks to the UE devices 106 include. The ANDSF 328 can also be responsible for providing rules to the UE devices 106 concerning whether the communication traffic on a wireless access network should be relieved. For example, the rules can include WLANSP, ISMP, ISRP, IARP, etc.

The ANDSF 328 can communicate with base stations (e.g. eNBs) like the base station 102 of the 1 - 3 and / or other core network units / devices using one of various communication protocols and / or interfaces. As an example, in a 3GPP context, the MME 322 use one of the PC2, PC ₃ , PC4, PC6, PC ₇ and / or one of various other communication protocols or interfaces to communicate with other cellular network components.

The processor (s) 904 from the ANDSF 328 can be set up to implement some or all of the methods described herein, eg by executing the program instructions stored in a storage medium (eg non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively, the processor 904 be set up as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a combination thereof.

Additional embodiments

In the following sections, further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are presented.

A first exemplary embodiment provides a method for offloading communication traffic from a cellular communication network to a wireless local area network (WLAN). For example, the method can be performed by an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) from a cellular core network. The method can include the recognition of a location of a terminal (UE); Providing information to the UE relating to one or more WLANs in the vicinity of the UE, the information including billing information relating to the one or more WLANs; and providing one or more rules to the UE relating to whether the communication traffic from a cellular radio communication network is to be relieved of load on a WLAN, the one or more rules specifying the behavior based on the calculation data.

In this exemplary embodiment, the method may further include receiving a request from the UE for the information, the information being provided to the UE in response to receiving the request.

In this exemplary embodiment, the one or more WLANs can be HotSpot 2.0 compatible networks. Additionally, the information provided to the UE can include at least one of: a list of preferred roaming partners and a list of preferred cellular access network identifiers. For example, the information can include a list of preferred roaming partners that include WLANs that are HotSpot 2.0 compatible networks. The information can additionally or alternatively comprise a list of preferred radio access network identification symbols which contain WLANs that are not HotSpot 2.0 compatible networks.

In this exemplary embodiment, the billing data can include data that determine whether the billing of the traffic that is relieved from the cellular communication traffic to the at least one first WLAN from the one or more WLANs is free, carried out according to a wireless data plan that differs relates to the use of a home network or is carried out according to a wireless data plan relating to the use of a roaming network.

The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in any of various forms. For example, some embodiments can be implemented as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable storage medium, or a computer system. Other embodiments can be implemented using one or more application specific hardware devices, such as ASICs. Still other embodiments can be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements, such as FPGAs.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store program instructions and / or data, the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, causing the computer system to perform a method, e.g. one of the method embodiments described herein or a combination of the method embodiments described herein or a subset of the method embodiments described herein or a combination of such subsets.

In some embodiments, a device (e.g., base station 102 , UE 106 , ANDSF 328 ) be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a storage medium, the storage medium storing the program instructions, the processor being configured to read and execute the program instructions from the storage medium, the program instructions being executable to cause the apparatus to implement one of the various method embodiments described herein (or a combination of the method embodiments described herein or a subset of one of the method embodiments described herein or a combination of such subsets). The device can be implemented in one of several forms.

Claims (13)

Method for relieving communication traffic from a cellular radio communication network to a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising: from a terminal (UE) in communication with the mobile radio communication network: Receiving (706) information from the mobile radio communication network relating to one or more WLANs in the vicinity of the UE, the information including calculation data relating to a first WLAN of the one or more WLANs; Receiving (708) one or more rules from the cellular radio communication network relating to whether the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network is relieved to a specific WLAN on the basis of the calculation data relating to the specific WLAN; Determining (710) the first WLAN; and Determining (712) whether to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN based at least in part on the one or more rules; Providing a request to the user to authorize to offload communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network onto the first WLAN, wherein the request is provided in response to a billing rate indicated by the billing data; and Receiving, via an input device from the UE, an authorization to relieve the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN, in which the authorization responds to the request for authorization by the user. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the information and the rules are received by an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) from a cellular radio communication network. Method according to one of the Claims 1 - 2 wherein the determination of whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network to the first WLAN is to be relieved continues to be based on the calculation data relating to the first WLAN. Method according to one of the Claims 1 - 3 , the calculation data relating to the first WLAN having data which determine whether the calculation of the traffic that is relieved from the cellular communication network on the first WLAN will be: free, carried out according to a wireless data plan relating to the use of a home network, or carried out according to a wireless data plan relating to the use of a roaming network relates. Method according to one of the Claims 1 - 4th wherein the information comprises at least one of the following: a list of preferred roaming parameters; and a list of preferred radio access network identifiers. Method according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , wherein the determination of whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network to the first WLAN is to be relieved is further based on one or more user settings relating to the calculation data relating to the first WLAN, the one or more user settings in a memory of the UE. Method according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , further comprising: displaying an image on a display of the UE, the image indicating at least a subset of the billing data relating to the first WLAN. Procedure according to Claim 7 wherein displaying the image in response to determining to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN, the instruction being required to authorize the UE to allow communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN relieve. Wireless terminal device (UE), comprising: an input device (480); one or more radio units (430) which are coupled to one or more antennas (436) that are set up for wireless communication via at least one cellular radio communication network and at least one wireless local area network (WLAN); and a processing element (420) feasibly coupled to the one or more radio units and the input device, the processing element configured to cause the UE to: Receiving (706), via the one or more radio units, information from the cellular radio communication network relating to one or more WLANs in the vicinity of the UE, the information including calculation data relating to one or more WLANs; Receiving (708) one or more rules from the mobile radio communication network relating to whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network to a specific WLAN should be relieved on the basis of the calculation data relating to a specific WLAN; Determining (710) the first WLAN of the one or more WLANs; Determining (712) whether to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN based at least in part on the one or more rules; Providing a request to the user to authorize to offload communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network onto the first WLAN, wherein the request is provided in response to a billing rate indicated by the billing data; and Receiving, via an input device from the UE, an authorization to relieve the communication traffic from the cellular radio communication network to the first WLAN, in which the authorization responds to the request for authorization by the user. UE after Claim 9 , wherein the calculation data relating to the one or more WLANs comprise data which determine whether the calculation of the traffic that is relieved from the mobile radio communication network on the first WLAN will be: free, carried out according to a wireless data plan based on the Use of a home network relates to, or performed according to a wireless data plan that relates to the use of a roaming network. UE according to one of the Claims 9 - 10 , wherein the billing data related to the one or more WLANs comprises billing data related to refer to the first WLAN, wherein the determination of whether the communication traffic from the mobile radio communication network is to be relieved of the first WLAN, is further based on one or more user settings relating to the calculation data relating to the first WLAN, the one or more User settings are stored in a memory of the UE. UE after Claim 9 , further comprising: a display; wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to display an image on a display, the billing data relating to the one or more WLANs including billing data relating to the first WLAN, the image at least a subset of the calculation data relating to the first WLAN. UE after Claim 12 wherein displaying the image in response to determining to offload communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN, the instruction being required to authorize the UE to allow communication traffic from the cellular communication network to the first WLAN relieve.

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