Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W8/00—Network data management
  • H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
  • H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
  • H04W8/12—Mobility data transfer between location registers or mobility servers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W92/00—Interfaces specially adapted for wireless communication networks
  • H04W92/02—Inter-networking arrangements

Definitions

• the invention relates to a method for routing connections via a packet-oriented communication network, the packet-oriented communication network having one or more zones, each with at least one network device for managing communication terminals in the zone and for communication with a mobile radio network, and at least the mobile radio network has a subscriber database for the management of mobile stations of mobile subscribers and uses a signaling protocol for communication between network devices of the mobile radio network.
• a mobile radio network for example in accordance with the GSM standard (Global System for Mobile Communication) - has one or more subscriber databases for the management of mobile stations of mobile subscribers, of which at least one central database continuously stores the subscriber data and service data during the registration in the The network contains, while distributed databases distributed over radio areas of the mobile radio network temporarily store the subscriber data and service data only for the duration of the stay in the respective radio area.
• a signaling protocol is used for mutual communication between the network devices of the mobile radio network, which consists, for example, of a signaling method according to central signaling system No. 7 (CCS7, Common Channel Signaling System No. 7).
• Zones are defined in this standard, in each of which network devices (gateways, gatekeepers) for the management of the communication terminals (terminals) in the respective zone and for the communication with other telecommunication networks - such as a mobile radio network - are arranged.
• the object of the present invention is to provide a method for routing connections by means of which the best possible interworking between a packet-oriented network and a mobile radio network is achieved and the knowledge of the mobile radio network remains minimal from the point of view of the packet-oriented network.
• the signaling protocol for interworking with the subscriber database of the mobile radio network is supported by the network device of the packet-oriented communication network and a request to the packet-oriented communication network from the network device Subscriber database of the cellular network using the signaling protocol directed whether the connection is routed in the packet-oriented communication network or in the cellular network.
• the subject matter of the invention makes it possible to query the subscriber database in the mobile radio network directly from the packet-oriented communication network without the need for complex adjustments. Knowledge about the mobile network and its functions and facilities specific to mobile communications remains minimal, which avoids dependency.
• the request is answered by the subscriber database by sending back at least one piece of information to the packet-oriented communication network, on the basis of which the network device decides that the connection is routed in the packet-oriented communication network.
• This method has the advantage that one piece of information is sufficient to make the decision about the type of routing - namely in the packet-oriented communication network.
• This information preferably consists of a residence call issued for the mobile station of the mobile subscriber. number.
• This routing number is then sent back from a zone into the mobile radio network after the connection has been routed in the packet-oriented communication network and is used to establish a connection to the mobile station.
• the use of the residence number which is usually only used in the mobile radio network, on the one hand enables simple evaluation and recognition of the type of routing and, on the other hand, the immediate provision of routing information for the final connection establishment in the mobile radio network, depending on the current location of the mobile subscriber or his mobile station .
• the request is answered by the subscriber database by sending back at least one piece of information to the packet-oriented communication network, on the basis of which the network device decides that the connection is routed in the mobile radio network.
• This method also has the advantage that one piece of information is sufficient to make the decision about the type of routing - namely in the mobile radio network.
• This information preferably consists of information specific to the mobile radio network or error information which has the advantage of simple evaluation and detection of the routing.
• the subscriber database makes a decision based on the request as to whether the routing of the connection is carried out in the packet-oriented communication network or in the mobile radio network, and answers the request by sending back at least one piece of information to the packet-oriented communication network that signals the decision to the network device .
• the decision is thus made in the mobile radio network and only the result of the decision needs to be communicated to the packet-oriented communication network.
• Another embodiment of the solution according to the invention provides for checking in the mobile radio network whether the routing of the connection within the packet-oriented communication network between a home zone and a visitor zone is permitted.
• This additional check offers the advantage of a general query as to whether routing in the packet-oriented communication network is permitted for the moving mobile subscriber, which leads to a final routing of the connection into a radio area - for example, differently from his home mobile radio network.
• the routing into this radio area via the packet-oriented communication network can be more unfavorable than the routing between the home cellular network and said radio area, in particular with regard to charging the connection.
• the subscriber database transmits operator information about the operator of a home zone to a further subscriber database which belongs to a radio area of the mobile radio network which is currently serving the mobile station.
• This further subscriber database evaluates operator information about operators of visitor zones, each of which enables access from the packet-oriented communication network to the radio area of the mobile radio network, and the operator information received from the home zone for further control of the routing of the connection.
• the further subscriber database stores the operator information about operators of visitor zones and makes it available to the subscriber database that receives the request from the packet-oriented communication network. This operator information is then evaluated in order to further control the routing of the connection in the mobile radio network or in the packet-oriented communication network.
• FIG 2 shows the message flow between the network devices according to FIG 1 for routing the connection in the packet-oriented communication network
• FIG. 3 shows the message flow between the network devices according to FIG. 1 for routing the connection in the mobile radio network.
• FIG. 1 shows network devices of a mobile radio network PLMN, using the example of the GSM standard, and network devices of a packet-oriented communication network IPN, using the example of the H.323 standard, between which interworking can be carried out to route connections according to the invention.
• the invention is not restricted to the networks and their facilities given by way of example, nor to the standards mentioned.
• a connection configuration is assumed such that a connection is to be initiated by a stationary subscriber in the communication network IPN via a communication terminal T and routed to a mobile station MS of a mobile subscriber in the mobile radio network PLMN.
• a mobile station MS of the mobile radio network PLMN to a communication terminal T of the communication network IPN or between two mobile stations MS with the via the communication network IPN as a transit network - for which the interworking according to the invention is carried out in an analogous manner Application.
• the mobile station MS is wirelessly connected as a communication terminal of the mobile subscriber via an air interface to a base station system with fixed base stations and base station controls.
• the base station system is connected to a switching system, the essential network devices for the routing of connections are shown in FIG.
• the switching system thus has at least one subscriber database HLR (Home Location Register), which is arranged as a central device for managing all mobile subscribers registered in the network and permanently stores their subscriber data and service data for the duration of their registration.
• HLR Home Location Register
• VLR Visitor Location Register
• each of which is arranged as a decentralized device for managing the mobile subscribers currently located and registered in a radio area and temporarily storing their subscriber data and service data for the duration of their stay.
• the current location of the mobile station MS whose mobile subscriber is usually located in his home mobile radio network PLMN, is in a visitor mobile radio network VPLMN (Visited Public Land Mobile Network).
• VPLMN Visitd Public Land Mobile Network
• the subscriber is managed by a subscriber database VLR responsible for him and is looked after by an associated mobile switching center.
• This mobile switching center takes on switching functions, including routing and connection establishment, for the subscribers or mobile stations located in its coverage area.
• the visitor mobile switching center VMSC Visitisited Mobile Switching Center looks after the mobile station MS involved in establishing the connection.
• the subscriber database HLR is connected to an access mobile switching center GMSC (Gateway Mobile Switching Center), which forms the interface of the cellular network PLMN to other telecommunication networks and routes incoming connections.
• GMSC Global Mobile Switching Center
• the subscriber database HLR is coupled to the other subscriber databases VLR for the exchange of data, messages and signaling information.
• Communication between the network devices of the mobile radio network enables a signaling protocol CCS7 (Common Channel Signaling System No. 7), which comprises a mobile radio-specific user part MAP (Mobile Application Part).
• CCS7 Common Channel Signaling System No. 7
• MAP Mobile Application Part
• the ITU standard H.323 has established itself as the basis for the communication connections in the IPN communication network. Therefore, the network devices exchange data, messages and signaling information via a corresponding communication protocol IP (Internet Protocol).
• IP Internet Protocol
• H.323 defines zones (domains) for the communication network IPN, of which, by way of example, a home zone HD (home domain) and a visitor zone (visited domain) are shown, which are arranged locally separated from one another. Home zone HD and visitor zone VD can also coincide in a single zone.
• a network device GAW (gateway) and a network device GAK (gatekeeper) are arranged in each zone HD, VD and are connected to one another.
• the network device GAK takes over the administration and monitoring of the communication terminals T (terminals) registered in the respective zone HD, VD - comparable to the function of the subscriber database HLR in the mobile radio network.
• the network device GAW takes over the administration and monitoring of the communication terminals T (terminals) registered in the respective zone HD, VD
• the two network devices GAW, GAK are designed as separate devices, however, they can also be integrated in a single device with both functionalities.
• the signaling protocol CCS7 for interworking with the subscriber database HLR of the mobile radio network PLMN is supported by the network device GAK - in connection with the network device GAW - of the communication network IPN and a request (interrogation) to the subscriber database HLR from the communication network IPN Cellular network PLMN directed using the signaling protocol CCS7.
• This request is to bring about a decision as to whether the routing of the connection is carried out in the communication network IP or in the mobile radio network PLMN.
• This makes it possible to query the subscriber database HLR in the mobile radio network PLMN directly from the packet-oriented communication network IPN without the need for complex adjustments.
• Knowledge about the mobile network and its functions and facilities specific to mobile communications remains minimal, which avoids dependency.
• the combination of interworking of different networks with a decision about the type of routing - either in one network IP or in the other network PLMN - leads to more flexibility for both the mobile subscribers of the PLMN mobile network and for the stationary subscribers of the IPN communication network Establishing a connection and when charging the established connections.
• the connection between the home zone HD and the visitor zone VD is first established according to the signaling protocol IP and then from the visitor zone VD according to the signaling protocol CCS7 into the radio area the mobile station MS, in the present example to the mobile switching center VMSC of the visitor mobile radio network VPLMN.
• the subscriber database HLR transmits a residence number (MSRN, see FIG. 2) used for the final connection establishment in the mobile radio network.
• the CCS7 signaling protocol includes a user part ISUP (ISDN User Part) or a signaling system DSS.l (Digital Subscriber Signaling No.l).
• the invention makes it possible to directly query the subscriber database HLR of the home mobile radio network PLMN from the IP network and to establish the connection to the visitor mobile radio network VPLMN with the received call number without having to implement further mobile radio-specific functions in the IP network .
• FIG. 2 shows the message flow between the network devices of FIG. 1 in the event that the routing of the connection via the communication network IP is permitted.
• the permission to route depends on a decision made either in the mobile network PLMN, preferably from the subscriber database HLR, or in the communication network IPN, preferably from the
• Network device GAK is taken.
• the message flow comprises several steps (1) to (8), which are explained below.
• the network device GAK recognizes from the dialed number that a connection via the communication terminal T managed in the home zone HD was initiated by a stationary subscriber - the A subscriber - and to a mobile station MS of a mobile subscriber - the B Participant - is to be built. In the present example, the network device GAK therefore causes the network device GAW to start the direct request (interrogation) to the mobile radio network PLMN.
• the direct interrogation can also be carried out by the network facility GAK.
• the network device GAW (or the network device GAK) then sends the message SRI (Send Routing Info) in accordance with the signaling protocol CCS7 supported by the IP network to the subscriber database HLR in the mobile radio network PLMN.
• SRI Send Routing Info
• the subscriber database HLR checks in which rather subscriber database VLR he is currently registered, ie in which radio area he is located.
• the subscriber database HLR sends a message PRN (Provide Roaming Number) to the subscriber database VLR and in response receives a message PRN-R (Provide Roaming Number Response), which is a residence number MSRN (Mobile Station Roaming Number) for contains the establishment of the connection to the B subscriber or to its mobile station MS.
• PRN Public Roaming Number
• PRN-R Public Roaming Number Response
• the subscriber database sends HLR in accordance with that supported by the IP network Signaling protocol CCS7 returns this residence number MSRN in a message SRI-R (Send Routing Info Response) to the requesting network device GAW (or network device GAK) of the communication network IPN.
• SRI-R Send Routing Info Response
• the information received by the network device GAW is passed on to the network device GAK. From the evaluation of the information, it recognizes that it is a residence number MSRN and decides to route the connection in the communication network IPN.
• the subscriber database HLR can make the decision based on the request by means of the message SRI whether the routing of the connection initially remains in the communication network IPN or is carried out in the mobile radio network PLMN. In this case, it answers the request by sending back at least one piece of information to the communication network IPN, which signals the decision to the network device GAK.
• An additional parameter is preferably used as information
• routing allowed e.g. routing allowed / not allowed
• the residence number MSRN signals the network device GAK of the home zone HD to which radio area of the mobile radio network the final routing is to be carried out.
• the network device GAK uses zone information to identify the individual zones to correlate the residence number MSRN with the visitor zone VD in the vicinity of the radio area and establishes the connection to the network device GAK of the visitor zone VD in accordance with the H.323 standard.
• the residence number MSRN is communicated to this network facility GAK. Communication between the two network devices GAK, designated GGC (Gatekeeper Gatekeeper Communication) in FIG. 2, is possible in accordance with the H.323 standard.
• the network device GAK of the visitor zone VD recognizes from the incoming residence number MSRN that the connection is to be routed into the mobile radio network and initiates the network device GAW a connection establishment message according to the signaling protocol CCS7 with a destination address CdPA (Called Party Address) B subscriber, which consists of the residence number MSRN, to the mobile switching center VMSC in the visitor's mobile network VPLMN.
• CdPA Called Party Address
• Either the ISUP user part or the DSS .1 signaling system is used as the CCS7 signaling protocol.
• the mobile switching center VMSC finally establishes the connection to the mobile station MS of the mobile B subscriber via the base station system according to the known GSM method for incoming connections (mobile terminated call).
• the subscriber database HLR determines whether routing via the IPN communication network - between the home zone HD and visitor zone VD - in the current radio area of the mobile station MS, ie in the present example in the visitor mobile radio network VPLMN, is generally permitted from the point of view of the home mobile radio network PLMN.
• a parameter is used that can be stored in the subscriber database HLR or externally in a routing table (IP Roaming Table).
• An example of a criterion in which routing in the IPN communication network is not permitted is when there is no relationship between the operator of the home zone HD and its network devices GAK, GAW and possible visitor zones VD and their network devices GAK, GAW exists, ie the connection would be made via a network device GAW, over which a control would not be possible.
• Another example of avoiding IP routing is given if the charging via the IPN network to the VPLMN network would be less favorable than via the PLMN network.
• operator information about the operators of the zones - for example about the operator of the home zone HD - can also be transmitted in the message of the direct request by the network device GAK to the subscriber database HLR.
• the subscriber database HLR transmits this operator information to the subscriber database VLR.
• the subscriber database VLR can use this information and operator information about operators of visitor zones, each of which allows access from the communication network IPN to the radio area of the mobile radio network VPLM, to influence the further control of the routing of the connection. For this purpose, it stores and evaluates a list of the zone operators to which the VPLMN mobile network allows access.
• the result of the check can be, for example: •
• the cost of routing the connection via the IPN network with a transition between two zone operators is more expensive than routing directly via the PLMN or VPLMN mobile radio network.
• the subscriber database VLR can send back a parameter (IP routing allowed / not allowed) or an error message with which the further connection establishment is controlled. This may require the extension of the existing MAP protocol.
• the subscriber database VLR can send back a list of the operators to whom the mobile radio network VPLMN allows access. This information can also be processed in the subscriber database HLR.
• the subscriber database HLR can send the operator information to the interrogating zone operator, who can then use the list to carry out the routing in the network IPN via appropriately selected zone operators, provided that further routes in the network IPN are permitted by the mobile radio network PLMN, see basic method according to the invention.
• the functionalities shown in the example have been described on the GSM network.
• the CCS7 or MAP signaling protocol has been described as an example for the interrogation of the subscriber database HLR.
• the method according to the invention can also be used for other protocols in which database accesses take place - such as IS-41, CAP (CAMEL Application PART) etc. - and / or for analog functions in other mobile radio networks such as the future UMTS network (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems) can be used.
• 3 shows the message flow between the network devices of FIG. 1 in the event that the routing of the connection is only permitted via the mobile radio network PLMN, but not via the communication network IPN.
• the permission to route depends on a decision that is made either in the mobile radio network PLMN, preferably by the subscriber database HLR, or in the communication network IPN, preferably by the network device GAK.
• the message flow comprises several steps (1) to (8), which are explained below.
• the network device GAK recognizes from the dialed number that a connection via the communication terminal T managed in the home zone HD was initiated by a stationary subscriber - the A subscriber - and to a mobile station MS of a mobile subscriber - of the B participant - is to be built up.
• the network device GAK therefore causes the network device GAW to start the direct request (interrogation) to the mobile radio network PLMN.
• the direct interrogation can also be carried out by the network facility GAK.
• the network device GAW (or the network device GAK) then sends the message SRI (Send Routing Info) in accordance with the signaling protocol CCS7 supported by the IP network to the subscriber database HLR in the mobile radio network PLMN.
• SRI Send Routing Info
• the subscriber database HLR checks in which subscriber database VLR he is currently registered, ie in which radio area he is located. If, for example, the dialed number is not assigned to a mobile subscriber, the subscriber database HLR supplies error information ERR (Error) - see step (5) below.
• connection must be established in the PLMN mobile network, since it can be a different type of phone number, such as a PBX number, mailbox number, special number, service number, etc. Aborting the connection does not make sense, but routing takes place via the mobile switching center GMSC - see step (7) below.
• the subscriber database HLR sends a message PRN (Provide Roaming Number) to the subscriber database VLR. In response, it receives a message PRN-R (Provide Roaming Number Response), which can contain but does not have to contain a residence number MSRN. If, in addition to the residence number MSRN or instead of the residence number MSRN, there is one or more information that would not allow routing in the IP network, the connection is established differently from that in FIG. 2.
• This information is, for example, FTN (Forwarded To Number), CSI (CAMEL Service Indication), SCM (Service Class Mark) etc., which are stored in the subscriber database HLR with regard to the establishment of a connection to the B subscriber or to his mobile station MS.
• FTN Forward To Number
• CSI CAMEL Service Indication
• SCM Service Class Mark
• the FTN information refers to one for the mobile
• Subscriber set call forwarding and identifies the destination number of the redirection. If, for example, it is a conditional call redirection set for the B subscriber, the information FTN is stored and transmitted by the subscriber database VLR. Since the type of the destination number FTN - e.g. Mailbox, landline number, mobile number, etc. - is not known in the IPN communication network and interactions between performance features of different networks can occur, routing takes place via the mobile switching center GMSC - see step (7) below - of the addressed mobile network PLMN.
• the destination number FTN e.g. Mailbox, landline number, mobile number, etc.
• the information CSI relates to interworking of the mobile subscriber with a CAMEL / IN service (Customized Application Mobile Enhanced Logic / Intelligent Network), in which the connection is controlled via appropriate CAP / INAP protocols.
• CAMEL / IN service Customerized Application Mobile Enhanced Logic / Intelligent Network
• This knowledge does not exist in communication nication network IPN so that the routing takes place via the mobile switching center GMSC - see step (7) below - of the addressed mobile radio network PLMN.
• the SCM information relates to the use of an IN-based supplementary service that is not simulated in the IPN communication network. For this reason, the routing is also carried out via the mobile switching center GMSC - see step (7) below - of the addressed mobile radio network PLMN.
• the subscriber database HLR sends this information FTN, CSI according to the signaling protocol CCS7 supported by the IP network , SCM back in a message SRI-R (Send Routing Info Response) to the requesting network device GAW of the communication network IPN.
• the error information ERR can also be contained in the response message SRI-R.
• the information received by the network device GAW is passed on to the network device GAK. From the evaluation of the information, it recognizes that it is not the residence number, but at least one piece of information different from it, and decides not to route the connection in the IPN communication network.
• the subscriber database HLR can make the decision based on the request by means of the message SRI whether the routing of the connection initially remains in the communication network IPN or is carried out in the mobile radio network PLMN. In this case, it answers the request by sending back at least one piece of information to the communication network IPN, which signals the decision to the network device GAK.
• An additional parameter is preferably used as information (e.g. routing allowed / not allowed) to identify the type of routing included in the signaling protocol CCS7. It is also possible to transmit error information to identify routing in the PLMN mobile radio network instead of a parameter with negative information (for example routing not allowed).
• the network device GAK On the basis of the receipt of one of the exemplary information FTN, CSI, SCM from the subscriber database HLR, the network device GAK routes the connection directly or via the network device GAW or via another network device GAW to the mobile switching center GMSC of the addressed mobile radio network PLMN .
• the network device GAK or GAW uses an initialization message IAM (Initial Address Message) according to the user part ISUP or an initialization message SETUP according to the signaling system DSS.l.
• the destination address (called party address) of the B subscriber is also sent.
• the interrogation of the subscriber database HLR and the query of the subscriber database VLR for the residence number MSRN are carried out again - in accordance with the usual connection setup for an incoming connection (mobile terminated call).
• the mobile switching center GMSC of the addressed mobile radio network PLMN After receiving the residence number MSRN, the mobile switching center GMSC of the addressed mobile radio network PLMN routes the connection to the mobile switching center VMSC responsible for the mobile subscriber or its mobile station MS in the visitor mobile radio network VPLMN.
• the mobile switching center VMSC finally establishes the connection to the mobile station MS of the mobile B subscriber via the base station system according to the known GSM method for incoming connections.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
• Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

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• 1998
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