EP1173953A1 - A procedure for controlling a data connection in a digital cellular network, where a connection is set up and its characteristics changed depending on the detected need - Google Patents

A procedure for controlling a data connection in a digital cellular network, where a connection is set up and its characteristics changed depending on the detected need

Info

Publication number
EP1173953A1
EP1173953A1 EP00928041A EP00928041A EP1173953A1 EP 1173953 A1 EP1173953 A1 EP 1173953A1 EP 00928041 A EP00928041 A EP 00928041A EP 00928041 A EP00928041 A EP 00928041A EP 1173953 A1 EP1173953 A1 EP 1173953A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
data connection
network
user terminal
need
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00928041A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Hallkvist
Tommy ROSTÖ
Thomas Rodestrand
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telia Co AB
Original Assignee
Telia AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telia AB filed Critical Telia AB
Publication of EP1173953A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173953A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/16—Central resource management; Negotiation of resources or communication parameters, e.g. negotiating bandwidth or QoS [Quality of Service]
    • H04W28/18—Negotiating wireless communication parameters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices
    • H04W88/06—Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a procedure and a device for control of data connections in a digital, cellular communication network between a user terminal and a longdistance network.
  • HSCSD High Speed Circuit Switched Data
  • GPRS General Packet Radio Service
  • a HSCSD-service in a TDMA-network such as a GSM-network
  • the terminals can manage data 5 transmissions via the technology that is utilised, such as HSCSD or GPRS, via an interface towards the digital, cellular communication network.
  • Different terminal manufacturers have arranged for terminal specific software for managing of data transmission in a digital, cellular communication network. Because the data transmission is made via a network operator's digital, cellular communication network, these communication networks must be able to manage data transmission between several different types of terminals, which results in adaptation problems when new terminal specific solutions are introduced. Moreover, a user can be obliged to use different interfaces for one and the same service for terminals from different manufacturers.
  • the aim of the present invention is to remove above mentioned problem that communication networks have to manage transmission of data between several different types of terminals, and that a user can be forced to use different interfaces for one and the same service for terminals from different manufacturers, and to reduce the problem that users experience the technologies for transmission of data as expensive and difficult to use.
  • aims are, according to the invention, achieved by a procedure for control of data connections in a digital, cellular, communication network in which need of data transmission between the user terminal and the longdistance network is detected.
  • a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is established and its characteristics are changed depending on the detected need.
  • a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is only set up when an access to the long-distance network is needed.
  • the user consequently does not need to be connected before the need exists, which results in lower utilisation of resources and consequently also lower cost.
  • the set up of the connection is made without the user needing to enter any commands at the terminal, which reduces the management for the user.
  • the data transmission need is detected as a need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network.
  • the characteristics of the data connection is then changed by increasing the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is greater than the current transmission speed of the data connection, and that the transmission speed of the data connection is reduced when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is smaller than the current transmission speed of the data connection.
  • the data connection is disconnected when a lack of a need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network is detected during one in advance determined period of time.
  • a procedure according to the invention is detected if a break occurs. If a break is detected, a data connection is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network depending on the need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network.
  • the data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network via a second digital, cellular communication network
  • is collected dependending on a request controlled by the user, information about accessible digital, cellular communication networks, such as accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for utilisation of resources in the different communication networks.
  • accessible digital, cellular communication networks such as accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for utilisation of resources in the different communication networks.
  • one network out of the accessible, digital, cellular communication networks is utilised. For instance can that network be utilised that gives the lowest cost.
  • An advantage of this procedure is that it gives possibility for the user always to use the network that gives the lowest cost when the user is outside the area where the first network, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently has to utilise a second network to access the first network, so called roaming.
  • an application that has an intermittent need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long- distance network is detected.
  • the data transmissions of this application between the user terminal and the longdistance network is then filtered.
  • the procedure according to the invention is collected, depending on input by a user, information related to the data connection, such as debiting terms/conditions, error management tables and costs for data connections since the latest billing.
  • a number of parameters for the data connection such as transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time and the time the data connection has the same transmission speed, are measured.
  • the characteristic data for the data connections are calculated, such as transmission speed, cost so far for the current data connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time, and its characteristic data are shown to the user on a status screen to be used as basic data for decision- making by the user.
  • An advantage of this embodiment is that the user will have a better base for making decisions, such as to decide whether the data connection shall be disconnected when the cost exceeds a certain level.
  • the aims are achieved according to the invention also by means of a device for control of data connections in a first, digital, cellular communication network, which includes a device for detection of need of data transmission between the user terminal and the longdistance network, one to the device for detection of data transmission need connected device for change of the characteristics of the data connection based on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network, and one to the device for change of the characteristic of the data connection connected connection/disconnection device for connection/disconnection of a data connection between the user terminal and a long-distance network.
  • the connection/disconnection device (9) establishes a data connection between the user terminal and a long-distance network when a need of data transmission is detected, and disconnects the data connection when a lack of need of data transmission is detected during one in advance determined period of time.
  • the device also includes one to the device for change of characteristics of the data connection and to the connection/disconnection device (9) connected device for management of the interface towards the digital, cellular communication network.
  • connection/ disconnection of the connection is made without the need of the user entering any commands at the terminal, which simplifies the management for the user.
  • device for management of the interface to the digital, cellular network is arranged before the connection/disconnection device (9) and therefore is transparent for the user with regard to said connection/disconnection device. This simplifies the management for the user, for instance if different connection/disconnection devices are used.
  • One embodiment of the device according to the invention also includes a need detection device for detection of the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network, and a control device for increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is greater, respective smaller, than the current transmission speed of the data connection.
  • Another embodiment of the device according to the invention also includes a break detection device for detection of breaks.
  • the connection/disconnection device (9) establishes, depending on the detected need of data transmission, a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network when a break is detected.
  • An advantage of this embodiment is that the user need not initiate a set up of a connection manually if a break occurs. This results in easier management for the user.
  • One more embodiment of a device according to the invention for use at set up of a data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network between the user and the long-distance network via a second digital, cellular communication network also includes a device for collection of information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks, such as accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for resource utilisation in the different communication networks, as resources to an input by a user via a control unit for input by a user.
  • the device also includes a device for selection of a network among the accessible, digital, cellular communication networks based on the information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks together with in advance determined criteria. For instance can that network be utilised that gives the lowest cost.
  • An advantage of this embodiment is that it gives a possibility to the user to always use that network that gives the lowest cost when the user is outside that area where the first network, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently must utilise a second network to access the first network, so called roaming.
  • One more embodiment of a device also includes a device for detection of an application that has an intermittent need of transmission of data between the user and the long-distance network, and a device for filtering of the transmissions of these applications between the user terminal and the long-distance network.
  • One more embodiment of a device also includes a device for collection of information related to the data connection, such as debiting terms/ conditions, error management tables, and accumulated data connection costs since the latest billing, as response to an input by a user via a control unit for input by user.
  • the device also includes a device for measurement of parameters for the data connection, such as the transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time and the time the data connection has the same transmission speed, a device for calculation of characteristic data for the data connection, such as transmission speed, cost so far for the current connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time, based on the connection related information and a device for presentation of these characteristic data to the user for use as basic data for decision for the user.
  • An advantage with this embodiment is that the user will have better basic data to make decisions, such as to decide whether the data connection shall be disconnected when the cost exceeds a certain level.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an environment in which the invention can be used.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of another environment in which the invention can be used.
  • Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a flow chart over a procedure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 an environment in which one embodiment of the invention can be used.
  • a user terminal 1 which includes a computer 2, connected to a mobile terminal 3.
  • the mobile terminal 3 is in its turn connected to a first GSM-network 4.
  • Different types of long-distance networks are connected to the GSM-network.
  • Internet 5 and a LAN 6. Connections can be set up via the GSM-network 4 from the user terminal 1 to these long-distance networks.
  • FIG 2 shows another environment in which the invention can be used.
  • the user terminal 1 is connected to a second GSM-network 7, which in its turn is connected to the first GSM-network 4.
  • This environment can be met with for instance when a user is located outside the area where the first GSM-network 4, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently must utilise a second GSM-network 7 to access the first network 4, so called roaming.
  • Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device 8 according to the invention.
  • the device 8 controls data connections in a GSM- network 4, between a user terminal 1 and a long-distance network, in this case Internet 5 or a LAN 6.
  • the device includes a connection/disconnection device 9 located m the mobile terminal (3 in Figure 1 and 2) .
  • the device 8 also includes a need detection device 10, a control device 11, a break detection device 12, and an interface management device 13, which are located in the computer 2 (2 in Figure 1 and 2) .
  • the computer 2 also includes applications 14, some of which need data connections to any of the longdistance networks.
  • the need detection device 10 When the user starts the user terminal, the need detection device 10 starts detecting the need of data transmission speed for the applications 14 in the user terminal. If the need detection device 10 detects that any of the applications 14 m the user terminal 1 has a data transmission need between the user terminal 1 and a long- distance network, it will inform about this to the control device 11, which controls the connection/disconnection device 9 via the interface device 13 to set up a data connection. When a data connection is established, the need detection device 10 detects the need of transmission speed of the application 14 and informs about this to the control device 11, which increases, respective reduces, the transmission speed of the data connection if the need of transmission speed is greater, respective smaller, than the current speed of the data connection.
  • the control device 11 utilises hysteresis levels and delay at the increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection, which means that the need of transmission speed of the applications 14 must exceed, respective fall below, the transmission speed of the data connection during one m advance determined period of time, to have the increase respective reduction executed. If the need detection device 10 detects a lack of data transmission need during one m advance determined period of time, it will inform about this to the control device 11, which controls the connection/disconnection device 9 to disconnect the data connection.
  • the break detection device 12 detects whether a break has occurred and, if this is the case, informs about this to the control device 11, which, provided that the need detection device 10 has informed that need of data transmission exists, controls the connection/disconnection device 9 to set up a new data connection from the user terminal 1 to a long-distance network via the GSM-network 3.
  • Figure 4 a procedure according to invention for control of data connections m a GSM-network 4 between a user terminal 1 and a long-distance network (see Figure 1) .
  • a detection step 15 detects the need of data transmission between the user terminal and a long- distance network and informs about this need to a route selection step 16, which directs the procedure back to the detection step 15 if a lack of need of data transmission is detected, and forwards the procedure to a set up step 17 if a need of data transmission has been detected.
  • the need of data transmission is detected as the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network, for the applications in the user terminal.
  • the set up step 17 a data connection is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network via the GSM- network.
  • a need detection step 18 the need of transmission speed, between the user terminal and the long-distance network, of the applications m the user terminal is detected and this need is informed about to a route selection step 19.
  • the route selection step 19 informs about whether the need of transmission speed is higher than the current transmission speed of the data connection to a need increase step 20, which will increase the transmission speed of the data connection. If the need of transmission speed is not higher than the transmission speed of the data connection, the route selection step 19 forwards the procedure to another route selection step 21.
  • the route selection step 21 informs about whether the need of transmission speed is lower than the current transmission speed of the data connection to a need reduction step 22, which reduces the transmission speed of the data connection.
  • the route selection steps 21 will forward the procedure to a break step 23.
  • the increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection in the need increase step 20, respective the need reduction step 22, is made by signalling to the GSM-network about allocating more, respective fewer, time slots to the data connection. Hysteresis levels and delay are utilised at the increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection in the need increase step 20, respective the need reduction step 22. This means that the need of transmission speed of the applications must exceed, respective fall below, the transmission speed of the data connection during one in advance determined period of time, to have the increase respective reduction executed.
  • break step 23 breaks in the data connection are detected. If a break is detected, the procedure is forwarded to the detection step 15, where the need of data transmission is detected. If a need of data transmission is detected, a new data connection is established between the user terminal and the long-distance network. Finally is, in the route selection step 24, detected whether need of data transmission has been lacking during one in advance determined period of time that can be adjusted by the user. In case of such a lack, the data connection is disconnected in a disconnection step 25. If a need is still detected, the connection is held and the procedure is directed to the need detection step 18, at which the procedure continues until a lack of need of data transmission during one in advance determined period of time is detected and the data connection is disconnected.
  • the embodiments are also described for GSM-technology .
  • the invention can of course also be implemented for any other time multiplexed, cellular technology, such as the American technologies D-AMPS (Digital-Advanced Mobile Phone System) and PCS (Personal Communication Services), or the Japanese PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) .
  • Internet and a LAN as long-distance networks. These shall only be regarded as examples and not as a limitation of the invention .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Communication Control (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A procedure and a device for control of data connections is shown. The procedure and the device are utilised in a digital, cellular communication network in which need of data transmission between a user terminal and a long-distance network is detected. A data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is set up and its characteristics are changed depending on the detected need.

Description

A PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING A DATA CONNECΗON IN A DIGITAL CELLULAR NETWORK, WHERE A CONNECΗON IS SET UP AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS CHANGED DEPENDING ON THE DETECTED NEED
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a procedure and a device for control of data connections in a digital, cellular communication network between a user terminal and a longdistance network.
PRIOR ART Today there are several technologies for data transmission via a digital, cellular communication network, such as a GSM-network, defined. Examples of such technologies are High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) . The different technologies realise data transmissions in different ways. HSCSD is a circuit switched technology where the data transmission is made via a data connection with one or more guaranteed allocated time slots. GPRS is a packet switched technology where the data transmission is made by packets with one or more dynamically allocated time slots. The number of mobile terminals from different terminal manufacturers that support data is also increasing.
To make data transmissions possible in the digital, cellular communication network, is required that these can be managed in the network. It can for instance be necessary to allocate resources in the network, supervise utilised resources etc. For a HSCSD-service in a TDMA-network, such as a GSM-network, is for instance resource allocation made 0 in form of allocation of a number of time slots to a data connection over which the data transmission shall be made.
It is also required that the terminals, between which the data transmission shall be made, can manage data 5 transmissions via the technology that is utilised, such as HSCSD or GPRS, via an interface towards the digital, cellular communication network.
Finally is also required that there is an interface between the user and the user terminal.
Different terminal manufacturers have arranged for terminal specific software for managing of data transmission in a digital, cellular communication network. Because the data transmission is made via a network operator's digital, cellular communication network, these communication networks must be able to manage data transmission between several different types of terminals, which results in adaptation problems when new terminal specific solutions are introduced. Moreover, a user can be obliged to use different interfaces for one and the same service for terminals from different manufacturers.
A general and overall problem with the technologies for transmission of data further is that users experience them as expensive and difficult to use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to remove above mentioned problem that communication networks have to manage transmission of data between several different types of terminals, and that a user can be forced to use different interfaces for one and the same service for terminals from different manufacturers, and to reduce the problem that users experience the technologies for transmission of data as expensive and difficult to use.
These aims are, according to the invention, achieved by a procedure for control of data connections in a digital, cellular, communication network in which need of data transmission between the user terminal and the longdistance network is detected. A data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is established and its characteristics are changed depending on the detected need.
Advantages of this procedure are that a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is only set up when an access to the long-distance network is needed. The user consequently does not need to be connected before the need exists, which results in lower utilisation of resources and consequently also lower cost. The set up of the connection is made without the user needing to enter any commands at the terminal, which reduces the management for the user.
In one embodiment of the procedure according to the invention, the data transmission need is detected as a need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network. The characteristics of the data connection is then changed by increasing the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is greater than the current transmission speed of the data connection, and that the transmission speed of the data connection is reduced when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is smaller than the current transmission speed of the data connection. An advantage with this procedure, where the transmission speed of the data connection that is established between the user terminal and the long-distance network is adapted dynamically according to the transmission speed that is needed at the moment, is that the transmission speed of the data connection never exceeds the need of transmission speed. Consumption of resources consequently can be reduced, and by that also costs, in comparison with a data connection with fixed transmission speed. Another advantage is that the user need not change the transmission speed manually, which results in easier handling for the user.
In another embodiment of the procedure according to the invention the data connection is disconnected when a lack of a need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network is detected during one in advance determined period of time. An advantage of this is that the procedure results in that the data connection is only set up if there is a need of data transmission. The utilisation of resources consequently is further reduced and by that also the costs. Yet another advantage with this embodiment is that the user need not look after when there is a need of data transmission, which results in an easier management for the user.
In one more embodiment of a procedure according to the invention is detected if a break occurs. If a break is detected, a data connection is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network depending on the need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network. An advantage of this is that the user need not initiate the set up of a connection manually if a break occurs. This results in easier management for the user.
In one more embodiment of a procedure according to the invention, where the data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network via a second digital, cellular communication network, is collected, dependending on a request controlled by the user, information about accessible digital, cellular communication networks, such as accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for utilisation of resources in the different communication networks. Depending on the information about accessible digital, cellular communication networks, together with in advance determined criteria, one network out of the accessible, digital, cellular communication networks is utilised. For instance can that network be utilised that gives the lowest cost. An advantage of this procedure is that it gives possibility for the user always to use the network that gives the lowest cost when the user is outside the area where the first network, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently has to utilise a second network to access the first network, so called roaming.
In one more embodiment of the procedure according to the invention, an application that has an intermittent need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long- distance network is detected. The data transmissions of this application between the user terminal and the longdistance network is then filtered. An advantage of this is that applications that make regular attempts to access a long-distance network, which attempts are not necessary for the user, can be controlled so that unnecessary set ups of connections are avoided. This will reduce the costs for the user .
In one more embodiment of the procedure according to the invention is collected, depending on input by a user, information related to the data connection, such as debiting terms/conditions, error management tables and costs for data connections since the latest billing. A number of parameters for the data connection, such as transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time and the time the data connection has the same transmission speed, are measured. Depending on the data connection related information, the characteristic data for the data connections are calculated, such as transmission speed, cost so far for the current data connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time, and its characteristic data are shown to the user on a status screen to be used as basic data for decision- making by the user. An advantage of this embodiment is that the user will have a better base for making decisions, such as to decide whether the data connection shall be disconnected when the cost exceeds a certain level.
The aims are achieved according to the invention also by means of a device for control of data connections in a first, digital, cellular communication network, which includes a device for detection of need of data transmission between the user terminal and the longdistance network, one to the device for detection of data transmission need connected device for change of the characteristics of the data connection based on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal and the long-distance network, and one to the device for change of the characteristic of the data connection connected connection/disconnection device for connection/disconnection of a data connection between the user terminal and a long-distance network. The connection/disconnection device (9) establishes a data connection between the user terminal and a long-distance network when a need of data transmission is detected, and disconnects the data connection when a lack of need of data transmission is detected during one in advance determined period of time. The device also includes one to the device for change of characteristics of the data connection and to the connection/disconnection device (9) connected device for management of the interface towards the digital, cellular communication network. An advantage of this device is that it makes that a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network is only connected when there is a need of data connection, which results in lower utilisation of resources and consequently also lower cost. One more advantage is that the connection/ disconnection of the connection is made without the need of the user entering any commands at the terminal, which simplifies the management for the user. Another advantage with this device is that the device for management of the interface to the digital, cellular network is arranged before the connection/disconnection device (9) and therefore is transparent for the user with regard to said connection/disconnection device. This simplifies the management for the user, for instance if different connection/disconnection devices are used.
One embodiment of the device according to the invention also includes a need detection device for detection of the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network, and a control device for increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network is greater, respective smaller, than the current transmission speed of the data connection. An advantage is that this embodiment further reduces the consumption of resources, since the transmission speed of the data connection is controlled so that it only covers the need of transmission speed and consequently no unnecessary transmission capacity is established. In that way also the costs for the data connection will be reduced in relation to a data connection with fixed transmission speed.
Another embodiment of the device according to the invention also includes a break detection device for detection of breaks. The connection/disconnection device (9) establishes, depending on the detected need of data transmission, a data connection between the user terminal and the long-distance network when a break is detected. An advantage of this embodiment is that the user need not initiate a set up of a connection manually if a break occurs. This results in easier management for the user.
One more embodiment of a device according to the invention for use at set up of a data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network between the user and the long-distance network via a second digital, cellular communication network, also includes a device for collection of information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks, such as accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for resource utilisation in the different communication networks, as resources to an input by a user via a control unit for input by a user. The device also includes a device for selection of a network among the accessible, digital, cellular communication networks based on the information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks together with in advance determined criteria. For instance can that network be utilised that gives the lowest cost. An advantage of this embodiment is that it gives a possibility to the user to always use that network that gives the lowest cost when the user is outside that area where the first network, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently must utilise a second network to access the first network, so called roaming.
One more embodiment of a device according to the invention also includes a device for detection of an application that has an intermittent need of transmission of data between the user and the long-distance network, and a device for filtering of the transmissions of these applications between the user terminal and the long-distance network. An advantage of this embodiment is that applications that are making regular attempts to access a long-distance network and which are not necessary to the user, can be controlled so that unnecessary set ups of connections are avoided. This will reduce the costs for the user.
One more embodiment of a device according to the invention also includes a device for collection of information related to the data connection, such as debiting terms/ conditions, error management tables, and accumulated data connection costs since the latest billing, as response to an input by a user via a control unit for input by user. The device also includes a device for measurement of parameters for the data connection, such as the transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time and the time the data connection has the same transmission speed, a device for calculation of characteristic data for the data connection, such as transmission speed, cost so far for the current connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time, based on the connection related information and a device for presentation of these characteristic data to the user for use as basic data for decision for the user. An advantage with this embodiment is that the user will have better basic data to make decisions, such as to decide whether the data connection shall be disconnected when the cost exceeds a certain level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in detail in the following, with reference to the enclosed schematic figures, which for the purpose of exemplification show preferred embodiments of the invention. Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an environment in which the invention can be used.
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of another environment in which the invention can be used.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention.
Figure 4 shows a flow chart over a procedure according to the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure 1 is shown an environment in which one embodiment of the invention can be used. A user terminal 1, which includes a computer 2, connected to a mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminal 3 is in its turn connected to a first GSM-network 4. Different types of long-distance networks are connected to the GSM-network. In the figure are shown two examples, Internet 5 and a LAN 6. Connections can be set up via the GSM-network 4 from the user terminal 1 to these long-distance networks.
Figure 2 shows another environment in which the invention can be used. In this figure the user terminal 1 is connected to a second GSM-network 7, which in its turn is connected to the first GSM-network 4. This environment can be met with for instance when a user is located outside the area where the first GSM-network 4, in which he/she is subscriber, is accessible and the user consequently must utilise a second GSM-network 7 to access the first network 4, so called roaming. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device 8 according to the invention. The device 8 controls data connections in a GSM- network 4, between a user terminal 1 and a long-distance network, in this case Internet 5 or a LAN 6. The device includes a connection/disconnection device 9 located m the mobile terminal (3 in Figure 1 and 2) . The device 8 also includes a need detection device 10, a control device 11, a break detection device 12, and an interface management device 13, which are located in the computer 2 (2 in Figure 1 and 2) . The computer 2 also includes applications 14, some of which need data connections to any of the longdistance networks.
When the user starts the user terminal, the need detection device 10 starts detecting the need of data transmission speed for the applications 14 in the user terminal. If the need detection device 10 detects that any of the applications 14 m the user terminal 1 has a data transmission need between the user terminal 1 and a long- distance network, it will inform about this to the control device 11, which controls the connection/disconnection device 9 via the interface device 13 to set up a data connection. When a data connection is established, the need detection device 10 detects the need of transmission speed of the application 14 and informs about this to the control device 11, which increases, respective reduces, the transmission speed of the data connection if the need of transmission speed is greater, respective smaller, than the current speed of the data connection. The control device 11 utilises hysteresis levels and delay at the increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection, which means that the need of transmission speed of the applications 14 must exceed, respective fall below, the transmission speed of the data connection during one m advance determined period of time, to have the increase respective reduction executed. If the need detection device 10 detects a lack of data transmission need during one m advance determined period of time, it will inform about this to the control device 11, which controls the connection/disconnection device 9 to disconnect the data connection. The break detection device 12 detects whether a break has occurred and, if this is the case, informs about this to the control device 11, which, provided that the need detection device 10 has informed that need of data transmission exists, controls the connection/disconnection device 9 to set up a new data connection from the user terminal 1 to a long-distance network via the GSM-network 3.
In Figure 4 is described a procedure according to invention for control of data connections m a GSM-network 4 between a user terminal 1 and a long-distance network (see Figure 1) . When a user switches on the user terminal, the procedure starts and a detection step 15 detects the need of data transmission between the user terminal and a long- distance network and informs about this need to a route selection step 16, which directs the procedure back to the detection step 15 if a lack of need of data transmission is detected, and forwards the procedure to a set up step 17 if a need of data transmission has been detected. The need of data transmission is detected as the need of transmission speed between the user terminal and the long-distance network, for the applications in the user terminal. In the set up step 17, a data connection is set up between the user terminal and the long-distance network via the GSM- network.
In a need detection step 18, then the need of transmission speed, between the user terminal and the long-distance network, of the applications m the user terminal is detected and this need is informed about to a route selection step 19. The route selection step 19 informs about whether the need of transmission speed is higher than the current transmission speed of the data connection to a need increase step 20, which will increase the transmission speed of the data connection. If the need of transmission speed is not higher than the transmission speed of the data connection, the route selection step 19 forwards the procedure to another route selection step 21. The route selection step 21 informs about whether the need of transmission speed is lower than the current transmission speed of the data connection to a need reduction step 22, which reduces the transmission speed of the data connection. If the need of transmission speed is not lower than the transmission speed of the data connection, the route selection steps 21 will forward the procedure to a break step 23. The increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection in the need increase step 20, respective the need reduction step 22, is made by signalling to the GSM-network about allocating more, respective fewer, time slots to the data connection. Hysteresis levels and delay are utilised at the increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connection in the need increase step 20, respective the need reduction step 22. This means that the need of transmission speed of the applications must exceed, respective fall below, the transmission speed of the data connection during one in advance determined period of time, to have the increase respective reduction executed.
In the break step 23, breaks in the data connection are detected. If a break is detected, the procedure is forwarded to the detection step 15, where the need of data transmission is detected. If a need of data transmission is detected, a new data connection is established between the user terminal and the long-distance network. Finally is, in the route selection step 24, detected whether need of data transmission has been lacking during one in advance determined period of time that can be adjusted by the user. In case of such a lack, the data connection is disconnected in a disconnection step 25. If a need is still detected, the connection is held and the procedure is directed to the need detection step 18, at which the procedure continues until a lack of need of data transmission during one in advance determined period of time is detected and the data connection is disconnected.
Even if a number of specific embodiments have been described above, the expert within the field will realise that a lot of modifications of the above described embodiments of the invention are possible within the frame of the invention, as defined by the subsequent patent claims. For instance has a device been described where the different devices have been implemented m a computer and a mobile terminal. These devices can of course be implemented in a computer only, m a mobile terminal only, or in a combination of these.
The embodiments are also described for GSM-technology . The invention can of course also be implemented for any other time multiplexed, cellular technology, such as the American technologies D-AMPS (Digital-Advanced Mobile Phone System) and PCS (Personal Communication Services), or the Japanese PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) .
Finally the embodiments also have been described with
Internet and a LAN as long-distance networks. These shall only be regarded as examples and not as a limitation of the invention .

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. Procedure for control of data connections in a first digital, cellular communication network (4) between a user terminal (1) and a long-distance network (5,6), which includes the steps :
to detect (15) need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and a long-distance network (5,6),
to set up (17) a data connection between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) depending on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) and
to change (20,22) the characteristics of the data connection depending on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the longdistance network (5,6)
2. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the step to detect the need of transmission includes the step:
to detect the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6),
at which the step to change the characteristics of the data connection includes the steps:
to increase (20) the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is greater than the current transmission speed of the data connection; and to reduce (22) the transmission speed of the data connection when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is smaller than the current transmission speed of the data connection.
3. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 2, at which the steps (20,22) to increase, respective reduce, the transmission speed of the data connection are made by means of hysterisis levels and by a delay for limitation of the number of changes in transmission speed.
4. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the step to change the characteristics of the data connection includes the step:
to disconnect the data connection when a lack of need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is detected during one in advance determined period of t'ime .
5. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, which also include the steps :
to detect a break in the data connection,
to, when a break has been detected, set up a data connection between the user terminal (1) and the longdistance network (5,6), depending on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6).
6. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is detected as in the user terminal (1) located need of data transmission of at least one application (14) between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6).
7. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 2, at which the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is detected as in the user terminal (1) located need of transmission speed of at least one application (14) between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6).
δ. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is set up via a second, digital, cellular communication network (7), which procedure also includes the steps:
to, depending on an input by a user, collect information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks,
to, depending on the information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks, together with in advance determined criteria, utilise a network among the accessible digital, cellular communication networks.
9. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 8, at which the information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks include accessible, digital, cellular communication networks and debiting terms/conditions for utilisation of resources in the different communication networks.
10. Procedure as claimed in any of the patent claims 8 or 9, at which the network that gives the lowest cost is utilised.
11. Procedure as claimed n patent claim 1, which also includes the steps:
to detect an application that has an intermittent need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6),
to filter the transmissions of this application between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6).
12. Procedure as claimed m patent claim 1, which also includes the steps:
to, depending on an input by a user, collect data connection related information,
to measure parameters for the data connection,
to, depending on the data connection related information, calculate characteristic data for the data connection, and
to show this characteristic data to the user on a status screen for use as basic data for decision for the user.
13. Procedure as claimed n patent claim 12, at which the measured parameters of the data connection include the transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time and the time that the data connection has the same data transmission speed.
14. Procedure as claimed m patent claim 12, at which the data connection related information includes at least any of debiting conditions and error management tables.
15. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 12, at which the characteristic data of the data connection include at least any of transmission speed, cost so far for the current data connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time.
16. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 12, which also includes the steps
to collect current debiting data from the first communication network (4) and
to show this debiting data for the user for use as basic data for decision by the user.
17. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 16, at which current debiting data include accumulated data connection costs since the latest billing.
18. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the data connection is set up in a digital, cellular communication network with time division multiplex access.
19. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 2, at which the data connection is set up in a digital, cellular communication network with time division multiplex access, and at which the steps (20,22) to increase, respective reduce, the transmission speed of the data connection, is made by increasing, respective reducing, the number of time slots that are allocated to the data connection.
20. Procedure as claimed in the patent claims 18 or 19, at which the digital, cellular, communication network is any of a GSM-network, a D-AMPS-network, a PCS-network, or a PDC-network.
21. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the data connection is set up via a separate terminal for digital, cellular communication.
22. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 21, where the separate terminal is any of a GSM-terminal, a D-AMPS- terminal, a PCS-terminal, or a PDC-terminal .
23. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which the data connection is set up over a HSCSD-service .
24. Procedure as claimed in patent claim 1, at which use without need of any manual changes of adjustments in the user terminal (1) exists.
25. Device for control of data connections in a first digital, cellular communication network (4), which includes :
a device (10) for detection of data transmission need between a user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6),
one to the device (10) for detection of data transmission need connected device (11) for change of the characteristics of the data connection, depending on the detected need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6),
one to the device (11) for change of the characteristics o; the data connection connected connection/disconnection device (9) for connection/disconnection of a data connection between the user terminal (1) and a longdistance network (5,6), at which the connection/disconnection device (9) sets up a data connection between the user terminal (1) and a long- distance network (5,6), when a need of data transmission is detected, and disconnects the data connection when a lack of need of data transmission is detected during one in advance determined period of time, and
one to the device (11) for change of the characteristics of the data connection and to the connection/disconnection device (9) connected interface management device (13) for management of the interface towards the digital, cellular communication network (4).
26. Device as claimed n the patent claim 25, in which the device (10) for detection of need of transmission is a need detection device for detection of the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) ,
and m which the device (11) for change of the characteristics of the data connection is a control device for increase, respective reduction, of the transmission speed of the data connections when the need of transmission speed between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) is greater respective smaller than the current transmission speed of the data connection.
27. Device as claimed m the patent claim 26, m which the control device (11) utilises hysteresis levels and a delay to limit the number of changes m transmission speed.
28. Device as claimed m tne patent claim 25, which also includes :
a break detection device (12) for detection of break in the data connection, at which the connection/disconnection device (9), depending on the detected need of data transmission, sets up a data connection between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) when a break is detected.
29. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, at which the device (10) for detection of the need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) detects the need of transmission speed, of in the user terminal (1) located applications (14), between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6).
30. Device as claimed in the patent claim 26, at which the need detection device (10) detects the need of transmission speed, of in the user terminal (1) located applications (14), between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) .
31. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, for use at set up of a data connection in the first digital, cellular communication network (4) between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6) via a second digital, cellular communication network, which device also includes:
a device for collection of information about accessible digital, cellular communication networks as response to an input by the user via a control unit for input by user,
a device for selection of a network among the accessible digital, cellular communication networks on basis of the information about accessible, digital, cellular communication networks together with in advance determined criteria .
32. Device as claimed in the patent claim 31, at which the information about accessible digital, cellular communication networks includes accessible digital, cellular communication networks and debiting conditions for utilisation of resources m the different communication networks .
33. Device as claimed in the patent claim 31, in which the device for selection of a network and that selects the network that gives the lowest cost, is utilised.
34. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, which also includes :
a device for detection of an application that has an intermittent need of data transmission between the user terminal (1) and the long-distance network (5,6),
a device for filtering of the transmissions of th s application between the user terminal (1) and the longdistance network (5,6).
35. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, which also includes:
a device for collection of data connection related information as response to an input by a user via a control unit for input by user,
a device for measuring of parameters for the data connection,
a device for calculation of characteristic data for the data connection on basis of the connection related information, and
a device for presentation of these characteristic data to the user for use as basic data for decision by the user.
36. Device as claimed in the patent claim 35, at which the measured parameters of the data connection include the transmission speed of the data connection at each point of time, and the time the data connection has the same transmission speed.
37. Device as claimed in the patent claim 35, at which the data connection related information includes at least any of debiting conditions and error management tables.
38. Device as claimed in the patent claim 35, at which the characteristic data of the data connection include at least any of transmission speed, cost so far for the current connection, and cost so far during one in advance determined period of time.
39. Device as claimed in the patent claim 35, at which the data connection related information also includes current debiting data from the first communication network.
40. Device as claimed in the patent claim 39, at which current debiting data include accumulated data connection costs since the latest billing.
41. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, at which the digital, cellular communication network (4) has time division multiplex access.
42. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, at which the digital, cellular communication network has time division multiplex access, and where the control device for increase respective reduction of the transmission speed of the data connection utilises increase, respective reduction, of the number of time slots that are allocated to the data connection.
43. Device as claimed m the patent claims 25 or 26, at which the digital, cellular communication network is any of a GSM-network, a D-AMPS-network, a PSC-network, or a PDC- network.
44. Device as claimed m the patent claim 25, in which the user terminal (1) includes a separate terminal (3) for digital, cellular communication.
45. Device as claimed m the patent claim 44, m which the separate terminal (3) is any of a GSM-termmal, a D-AMPS- termmal, a PCS-termmal, or a PDC-termmal .
46. Device as claimed in the patent claim 25, at which the user terminal (1) is a computer.
47. Device as claimed m the patent claim 25, at which the user terminal (1) is a mobile terminal.
48. Device as claimed in any of the patent claims 25-47, at which at least one of the devices is arranged in a computer, and at least one of the devices is arranged in a mobile terminal.
49. Use of a device as claimed in any of the patent claims 25-48 for data connections over a HSCSD-service .
50. Procedure for upgrading of a device for control of data connections in a first digital, cellular communication network (4) between a user terminal (1) and a long-distance network (5,6), which includes the steps:
to store modules for the device centrally, to, after a request controlled by the user, set up a connection from a user terminal (1) to the place where the modules are stored centrally,
to collect one or more modules in the device, and
to replace in the user terminal (1) existing modules with respective collected module.
EP00928041A 1999-04-19 2000-04-19 A procedure for controlling a data connection in a digital cellular network, where a connection is set up and its characteristics changed depending on the detected need Withdrawn EP1173953A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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SE9901382A SE521806C2 (en) 1999-04-19 1999-04-19 Method and apparatus for controlling data connections in a digital cellular communication network between a user terminal and a remote network
SE9901382 1999-04-19
PCT/SE2000/000746 WO2000064103A1 (en) 1999-04-19 2000-04-19 A procedure for controlling a data connection in a digital cellular network, where a connection is set up and its characteristics changed depending on the detected need

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JP3930387B2 (en) 2002-06-24 2007-06-13 株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ Transmission rate switching control method, mobile communication system, and mobile communication control apparatus in mobile communication system

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US5208831A (en) * 1989-10-26 1993-05-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Network interface system
FI96558C (en) * 1994-09-27 1996-07-10 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Method for data transmission in a TDMA mobile radio system and a mobile radio system for carrying out the method
FI103454B1 (en) * 1996-04-01 1999-06-30 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Control of the operation of a mobile station in a packet radio system
US5708656A (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-01-13 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Method and apparatus for packet data transmission
FI103165B1 (en) * 1997-02-12 1999-04-30 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Method and arrangement for setting communication parameters in a communication system

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NO329924B1 (en) 2011-01-24
SE9901382L (en) 2000-10-20
SE9901382D0 (en) 1999-04-19
NO20014664D0 (en) 2001-09-26
WO2000064103A1 (en) 2000-10-26
NO20014664L (en) 2001-12-19
EE200100550A (en) 2002-12-16
SE521806C2 (en) 2003-12-09

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