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
  • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
  • H04W12/06—Authentication

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to mobile communication of roaming subscribers, More specifically, the invention relates to facilitating the subscriber's mobile communication at local rates even when they are roaming in a visited network.
• VAS value added services
• PPN Prepaid Local Number
• MCA Missed Call Alert
• GPRS GPRS roaming services
• a visited network (VPMN) operator needs possess a roaming agreement with a home network (HPMN) operator in order to be able to offer the PLWLN services to its inbound roaming subscribers from the HPMN operator.
• This service allows the VPMN operator to offer its inbound roaming subscribers a Prepaid Local Number (i.e. PLN) without changing their home network's SIM card.
• PLN Prepaid Local Number
• the system does not provide the inbound roaming subscribers with the PLN in the non-partner visited networks, which do not have a roaming agreement with the home network operator. This prohibits the subscribers roaming in the non-partner networks from receiving or making calls on their HPMN MSISDN.
• the inbound roaming subscribers, using their respective PLNs are charged for their mobile communication activities at rates that are less than international roaming rates. However, these charges are still close to national roaming rates, and hence the facility is not entirely at local dialing rates.
• the present invention provides a method for facilitating mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network.
• the method includes receiving at a service node, a registration message by the subscriber to register with the visited network.
• the method further includes facilitating by the service node, completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network.
• the method includes facilitating by the sendee node, mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.
• Another aspect of the invention presents a system that uses a service to node to facilitate mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network roaming in a visited network.
• the service node receives a registration message by the subscriber to register with the visited network.
• the service node further facilitates the completion of the subscriber's registration in the visited network. Further, the service node facilitates mobile communication of the subscriber in the visited network using a local number.
• FIG. 1 represents a system for providing Prepaid Local Number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to a subscriber of Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) roaming in a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• PWLN Prepaid Local Number Without Local Number
• HPMN Home Public Mobile Network
• VPMN Visited Public Mobile Network
• FIG, 2 represents a flowchart for providing the PLWLN service to the subscriber in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• FIG. 3 is a flow diagram representing a registration process of the subscriber attempting to register with the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing a registration process of the subscriber attempting to register with the VPMN where the subscriber profile has Roaming Not Allowed (RNA), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention:
• FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram for activation / top-up of the PL WLN service for the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) call from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• FIG. 7 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• the present invention provides a system and method to facilitate mobile communication of a subscriber associated with a home network and roaming in a visited network.
• the system enables a VPMN operator to provide a Prepaid Local Number Without Local Number (PLWLN) service to its inbound roaming subscriber to be able perform MO activities at a local rate while keeping their home number service intact and without changing their SIM or handset.
• the system in another aspect of the present invention, provides an authentication mechanism to authenticate the subscriber with his home network in case the HPMN has a NRA with the VPMN.
• the visited network may use a sponsoring network of a visited network that has a roaming agreement with the home network to authenticate the subscriber.
• the visited network may utilize the SS7 or non-SS7 (e.g., SS7 SMS based or non-SS7 SMS based) inter- working relationship with the home network to verify the subscriber's identity.
• the system further allows the subscriber to receive and make calls from his S IS DM of the home network, in addition to making calls from this home MSISDN at local rates without using a local number or switching his home number, while roaming in the visited network.
• the system further facilitates the subscriber with an MT SMS services on his home network MSISDN, while he is roaming in the visited network.
• configuration settings at various components in the visited network are used to enable redirection of the subscriber's call control to a service node being deployed in the visited network. The service node upon receiving the call control, allows the subscriber to perform various call and non-call related activities in the visited network.
• the present system caters to both postpaid and prepaid subscribers of the home network, while they are roaming in the visited network.
• the PLWLN service offered by the visited network operator complies with BA 30 and BA 47 guidelines, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
• This guideline ensures that the subscriber of the home network operator registers with the visited network only when the following criteria are met; the subscriber manually selects the visited network, the subscriber consents to the PLWLN service in the visited network, or there is no other network operator's coverage other than the visited networks' coverage.
• the system further provides a charging mechanism that charges the subscriber's mobile activities in the visited network, such as calls and SMS at local rates.
• the system further provides the subscriber with an option whether he wants to avail the PLWLN facility on a temporary basis, or for a longer duration,
• FIG, 1 represents a system 100 for providing the PLWLN service to the subscriber of a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) in a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN),
• the system includes an HPMN 102 (i.e. home network) and a VPMN 104 (i.e. visited network).
• HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 are located in the same country.
• HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 are located in different countries.
• a subscriber 106 who is originally associated with HPMN 102, attempts to register with VPMN 104, The VPMN 104 operator provides the PLWLN service to subscriber 106.
• HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 exchange signaling via a Signaling System 7 (SS7) inter-working relationship.
• HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 exchange signaling using a non-SS7 inter- working via an indirect relationship.
• the indirect relationship can be an intermediate operator between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104.
• SS7 based SMS inter- working or non-SS7 based SMS inter-working between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104 they may also exchange SMSs (like MAP RegisterSS), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• HPMN 102 includes a Home Location Register (HLR) 108, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center/Signal Transfer Point (GMSC/STP) 1 10, and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1 12, Since HLR 108, GMSC/STP 110, and SMSC 1 12 reside in HPMN 102, they are hereinafter referred to as HLR-i ! 108, GMSC-H 1 10, and SMSC-H 1 12, respectively.
• HLR-H 108, GMSC-H 1 10, and SMSC-H 1 12 are interconnected, and communicate with each other over an SS7 link.
• HLR-H 108 is interchangeably, referred to as home location information database, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.
• System 100 further includes in VPMN 104 a sendee node 1 14,
• the service node 114 intercepts all incoming and outgoing signaling messages from VPMN 104.
• the service node 114 uses a monitoring node to probe the international signaling links between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104.
• VPMN 104 uses service node 114 to provide the PLWL service to subscriber 106,
• service node 1 14 acts as an HLR to the pool of pre-defined local numbers (i.e. PLNs) provisioned by VPMN 104.
• PLNs pre-defined local numbers
• VPMN 104 further includes a Gateway Mobile Switching Center/Signal Transfer Point (GMSC/STP) 1 16, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 118, and a Visited Mobile Switching Center/ Visited Location Register (VMSC/VLR) 120, Since GMSC/STP 1 16, SMSC 1 18, and VMSC/VLR 120 reside in VPMN 104, they are hereinafter referred to as GMSC-V 1 16, SMSC-V 1 18, and VMSC-V VLR-V 120, respectively.
• GMSC-V 1 16, SMSC-V 118, and VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 are interconnected and communicate with each other over an SS7 link.
• GMSC-V 1 16 is interchangeably, referred to as a gateway switching center, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 is interchangeably referred to as a switching unit, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• System 100 further includes in VPMN 104, a Prepaid System (PPS-V) 122 for handling billing of the subscribers.
• PPS-V Prepaid System
• VPMN 104 uses service node 114 to authenticate subscriber 106, with HPMN 102 using the SS7 or the non-SS7 based SME inter- working relationship between HPMN 102 and VPMN 104.
• service node 1.14 may use a sponsoring network of VPMN 104 to exchange signaling with HPMN 102, and thereby authenticating subscriber 106 with HPMN 102.
• Sponsoring network has a roaming agreement with both HPMN 102 and VPMN 104.
• VPMN 104 allocates service node 1 14, the pool of predefined local numbers of VPMN 104 with their corresponding IMSIs.
• Subscriber 106 can either send a request (i.e. via an. SMS or an USSD request or a Web request) to VPMN 104, or can manually select VPMN 104 in his registration attempt, in order to avail the PLWLN service in VPMN 104.
• service node 1 14 retrieves a PLN from the pool of pre-defined local numbers, and sends it to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120.
• subscriber 106 attempts to register with VPMN 104 when there is no network coverage, from any roaming partner network operator of HPMN 102, in proximity to VPMN 1.04. This is essentially done to ensure that VPMN 104 conforms to BA 30 and B47 guideline, before it allows subscriber 106 to register at VPMN 104.
• the BA 30 guideline states that: QUOTE:
• VPMN 104 shall not. provide any services like PLWLN service to these subscribers.
• BA 30 guideline does not restrict VPMN 104 to provide the PLWLN service to these subscribers, if there is no other network operator's coverage in proximity to VPMN 104.
• the guideline does not restrict VPMN 104 to offer the PLWLN service to these subscribers when they have consented to such a service.
• VPMN 104 sends a confirmation request message to subscriber 106, requesting him to opt for the PLWLN sendee. Only when subscriber 106 has confirmed for this service is he allowed to register with VPMN 104,
• VPMN 104 assigns E.164 Global Title (GT) and Signal Point Code (SPC) to service node 1 14.
• Service node 114 uses these GT and SPC to replace a Calling Party Address (CgPA) in all signaling messages intended for HPM 102 with its own GT and SPC.
• CgPA Calling Party Address
• service node 1 14 sends an update message, such as InsertSubscriberData (i.e. ISD) to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120 in order to update trigger profile information at VMSC-V/VLR-V 120. This enables redirection of call control associated with subscriber 106 to service node 114.
• ISD InsertSubscriberData
• G SC-V 1 16 is configured to redirect all MAP signaling messages associated with subscriber 106's MSISDN that are destined for HPMN 102, to service node 114. This means that all signaling messages, such as Signaling Connection and Control Part (SCCP) messages, with E.214 Called Party Address (CdPA) as HPMN 102, are to be redirected to service node 1 14.
• SCCP Signaling Connection and Control Part
• CdPA Called Party Address
• service node 114 facilitates completion of registration and authentication process for subscriber 106 at. VPMN 104.
• the operator of VPMN 104 does a configuration at GMSC-V 116 to redirect all MAP signaling messages with E.164 SCCP CdPA as SMSC-H 1 12 to PLN service node 1 14.
• SMS MO Short Message Service
• service node 1 14 sends a message to the subscriber I06's handset requesting him to verify his identity as a valid/legitimate subscriber of HPMN 102.
• an authentication procedure or mechanism is set forth in context of the present invention.
• service node 1 14 can be used to authenticate subscriber 106 with his HPMN 102, using one or more parameters of the subscriber's profile information. These one or more parameters correspond to an IMSI of the subscriber's HPMN and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) (i.e.
• PIN Personal Identification Number
• service node 114 can retrieve one or more authenticating parameters, for authenticating subscriber 106 with HPMN 102, These one or more authenticating parameters correspond to triplets and quintuplets. These parameters may also consist of the IMS! of the subscriber's HPMN, depending upon the requirement of VPMN 104 operator. Additionally, the authenticating parameters can be stored in a database, associated with service node 1 14, for subsequent verification of subscriber 106. in addition, the operator of VPMN 104 does a configuration at service node 114, to redirect selected signaling messages, such as SendAuthenticationlnformation (SAI) with CdPA as HPMN 102. to a node in sponsor network.
• SAI SendAuthenticationlnformation
• service node 114 stores a mapping record of the IMSI of the subscriber's home network, an MSISDN of the subscriber's home network, MSISDN and IMSI corresponding to the PLN selected for the subscriber in the visited network, in its database. Since the IMSI of the subscriber's home network and the MSISDN of the subscriber's home network are associated with HPMN 102, they are hereinafter referred to as IMSI-H and MSISDN-H, respectively. Further, the subscriber's IMSI and MSISDN of the PLN in the visited network is hereinafter referred to as MSiSDN- V and IMSI-V. Also, subscriber 106 is interchangeably referred to as subscriber A, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
• service node 114 updates the PPS -V 122, residing in VPMN 104 with the MSI SDN- V and IMSI-V, to maintain billing records for the subscriber's mobile activities (i.e. using the PLN), in VPMN 104.
• the Prepaid service control node PPS-V 122 can be either a prepaid SCP or a prepaid service node.
• service node 1 14 can forward the call to the PPS-V 122, which acts as a prepaid interface handling all billing records.
• the operator of VPMN 104 does not charge the subscriber 106 for any MT calls / SMS when he is subscribed to the PLWLN service,
• VPMN 104 provides the PLWLN service to subscriber 106, he can initiate and receive calls, and perform non-call related activities on his HPMN MSISDN. Also, subscriber 106 can originate calls / SMS using his MSISDN-H, wherein the service node 1 14 replaces the CgPA address from MSISDN-H to MSISDN-V, corresponding to the PLN for the subscriber 106.
• service node 114 may send a welcome message / initiation message to the subscriber MSISN-H, once he successfully registers and gets verified by VPMN 104, offering him the PLWLN service.
• VPMN 104 needs to verify these subscribers and allow them to register at their network,
• FIG. 2 represents a flowchart for providing PL WLN service to the subscriber 106 in the VPMN 104, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• service node 114 (coupled to the visited network VPMN 104) receives a registration message from subscriber 104 (associated with a home network HPMN 102) to register with VPMN 104, Thereafter, at step 204, the service node 1 14 facilitates completion of the registration of subscriber 106 in VPMN 104.
• service node 1 14 sends a registration response message, such as LUP-ACK, to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120, in order to complete the ongoing registration process with VPMN 104, Finally, at step 206, the sendee node facilitates mobile communication of the subscriber 106 in the visited network 104. using a local number.
• the local number is the PLN selected by the VPMN 104.
• service node 1 14 sends an update message to a switching unit, associated with the visited network, to update trigger profile information at the switching unit, in response to the registration attempt. This is done so as to enable redirection of call control associated with the subscriber to the service node.
• service node 114 sends the trigger profile information in an update message, such as ISD with trigger profile, upon receiving a receipt of the LUP message at service node 114.
• FIG, 3 is a How diagram representing a registration process when the subscriber l()6's handset attempts to register with the VPMN 104, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• Subscriber 106 attempts to register at VPMN 104, thus a registration message (i.e. a location update message) is received at VMSC-V/VLR-V 120.
• VMSC-V VLR-V 120 sends the LUP message on the IMSI-H to service node 114 to register with VPMN 104.
• the service node 1 14 facilitates completion of registration in the VPMN 104.
• VPMN Registration response message
• LUP-AC registration response message
• VPMN(s) perform the verification of their inbound roaming subscribers, in order to reduce SIM cloning fraud.
• VPMN 104 is required to authenticate subscriber 106, in order to facilitate the subscriber's mobile communication in VPMN 104.
• FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing a registration process for the subscriber attempting to register with VPMN 106 where the subscriber 104 has R A, in accordance with first aspect of the present invention.
• the complete call flow is very similar to call flow described in Fig. 3.
• service node 1 14 adds the dummy MSISDN in the ISD response, to enable successful registration at VPMN 104.
• PLN service node 114 sends a first SMS to VMSC-V/VLR-V 120, using MT FwdSMS on the IMSI-H.
• This first SMS inquires the subscriber's MSISDN of HPMN 102 (i.e. MSiSDN-H). VMSC-V/VLR- V 120 can thereafter redirect, the first SMS to the subscriber's handset to fetch the required MSISDN-H.
• the first SME may contain the message content that says, "Welcome to XXX Network, To subscribe to our Local Number Service, dial ##000* followed by a PIN available with our dealers".
• FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram for activation / top-up of the PLWLN service for the subscriber roaming in the VPMN 106, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• the sendee node 1 14 sends a welcome message to subscriber 104.
• the message may state: "Welcome to XXX Network. All outbound calls are local rate and you. have a balance of $5".
• VMSC/VLR-V 120 sends a message with PIN details to service node 114.
• the PIN have the Home IMS! and MSISDN details.
• service node 1 14 replaces the PIN with Local IMSI and MSISDN corresponding to the local number, for the subscriber 106, Th change in IMSI and MSISDN allows the PPS-V 122 to 5 appropriately handle the billing.
• FIG. 6 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) call from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention
• MO Mobile Originated
• FIG, 7 represents a flow diagram of a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS from the subscriber roaming in the VPMN, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
• the subscriber 106 wants to send SMS to subscriber B.
• the IDP for SMS reaches service node 1 4.
• the service node 114 then replaces the Cg Num as MSISDN and IMSI of the PLN number, and sends to PPS-V, Thereafter, the service 0 node 1 1.4 sends Furnish Charging Information (FO) message with specific charging information to the MSG.
• the billing / mediation process generally filters out such CDRs to ensure that subscriber 106 is not charged for using the PLWLN service.
• the service node 1 14 sends a NAC to avoid charging at switch level, 5 followed by a flash SMS success ACK directly to subscriber 106.
• the present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware aspect, an entirely software aspect, or an aspect containing both hardware and software elements.
• software including 30 but not limited to, fimrware, resident software, and microcode, implements the invention.
• the invention can take die form of a computer program product, accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by, or in connection with, a computer or any instruction execution system.
• a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,, apparatus, or device,
• the medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium.
• Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a. random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk.
• Current examples of optical disks include compact disk - ⁇ read only memory (CDROM), compact disk - read/write (CD-R/W) and Digital Versatile Disk (DVD),
• a visited network operator uses one or more variations of the present invention to allow a VPMN operator to offer its inbound roaming subscriber the PLWLN sendee to initiate MO activities at a local rate, using their home number, without changing their SIM or handset.
• the present system allows subscribers to perform various call and non-call related activities in the VPMN networks, all at local rates as charged by these VPMNs. It also allows the subscribers to receive calls and SMS on their home network MSISD s. Further, the present system facilitates the subscribers to subscribe to various other services such as Value Added Services (VAS), even when they are in VPMN networks.
• VAS Value Added Services
• the VPMN network operators offers these PLWLN service to the inbound roaming subscribers that belong to a network operator that may have NRA / RNA with the VPMN network operator. Furthennore, once these subscribers are registered at the VPMN network a welcome message offering PLWLN service node can be sent to these subscribers' handsets. Once these subscribers accept the offered PLWLN service, they can make calls and SMS at a local rate.
• the components of present system described above include any combination of computing components and devices operating together.
• the components of the present system can also be components or subsystems within a larger computer system, or network.
• the present system components can also be coupled with any number of other components (not shown), such as other buses, controllers, memory devices, and data input/output devices, in any number of combinations.
• any number or combination of other processor-based components may be carrying out the functions of the present, system.
• Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof.
• the present invention may also be effectively implemented on GPRS, 3G, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMax etc., or any other network of common carrier telecommunications in which end users are nonnall configured to operate within a "home" network to which they nonnally subscribe, but have the capability of also operating on other neighboring networks, which may even be across international borders.
• GSM Global System for Mobile communications
• 3 GSM 3G
• CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
• WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
• GPRS Global System for Mobile Communications
• an entertainment console platform such as Sony Playstation, PSP or other apparatus that are capable of sending and receiving telecommunications over home or non-home networks, or even
• this specification follows the path of a telecommunications call, from a calling party to a called party.
• a call can be a normal voice call, in which the subscriber telecommunications equipment is also capable of visual, audiovisual or motion-picture display.
• those devices or calls can be for text, video, pictures or other communicated data.
• Teefenieal refers nces, the entirety of esefe of whkh Is incorporated by refer enee herein:
• ITU-T Recommendation Q.764 (1999), Signaling system No. 7 - ISDN user part signaling procedures; ITU-T Recommendation Q.766 (1993), Performance objectives in the integrated services digital network application; ITU-T Recommendation Q.765 (1998), Signaling system No. 7 - Application transport mechanism;

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• 2012
  • 2012-06-28 WO PCT/US2012/044678 patent/WO2013003610A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2012-06-28 EP EP12805166.1A patent/EP2727327A4/de not_active Ceased

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