JP4354408B2 - Packet service system and packet transfer control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly to a packet service system and a packet transfer control method.

  Those skilled in the field of cellular communication often use terms such as 1G, 2G, 3G. This term refers to the generation of cellular communications used. 1G refers to the first generation, 2G refers to the second generation, and 3G refers to the third generation. 1G is used to refer to an analog telephone system known by AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service). 2G is used to refer to digital cellular systems that are widely spread throughout the world and includes CDMAOne, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). The 2G system has more user support in the overcrowded area than the 1G system. Usually 3G is used to refer to digital cellular systems currently under development. Recently, third generation (3G) CDMA communication systems have been proposed including cdma2000 and W-CDMA. Although these 3G communication systems have some important differences, they are conceptually similar to each other.

  W-CDMA systems use third-generation (3G) services with enhanced CDMA technology to facilitate data capacity, such as Internet and intranet access, multimedia applications, high-speed business transactions, and telemetry. ) Wideband, asynchronous, spread spectrum wireless interface system. As one of the other third generation systems, the focus of W-CDMA is on network economy and wireless transmission design to overcome the limited amount of radio spectrum availability.

  Currently, each of the base stations operates asynchronously under the standard of the proposed W-CDMA system. In other words, there is no general time reference between individual base stations. In a W-CDMA system, each base station transfers a “synchronous” channel that includes two subchannels.

  Of the two subchannels, the first channel, i.e., the first synchronization channel, uses a first synchronization code common to all base stations, and the second channel, i.e., the second synchronization channel, uses a periodic set of second synchronization codes. Use. The second synchronization code is not shared with other base stations that are not in the same code group. In the W-CDMA system, the mobile station searches for the first synchronization code of the first synchronization channel and then processes one or more of the second synchronization channels using timing information derived from the first synchronization channel. The synchronization channel of the base station can be acquired.

  ITU (International Telecommunications Union) is a leading runner of the 3G (third generation) standard for mobile communication systems originally associated with the IMT2000 (International Mobile Telephony 2000) project. IMT2000 provides a single global standard version for wireless networks known as global 3G systems. In 3G systems, the next generation of mobile communication systems will offer enhanced services such as multimedia and video. Major 3G technologies include UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) and CDMA2000.

  UMTS offers an enhanced range of multimedia services. UMTS accelerates water costs between telecommunications, information technology, media and content industries to deliver new services and generate new income generation opportunities. UMTS delivers high-speed, low-cost, high-capacity mobile communications offered data rates, such as 2 Mbps, under fixed conditions with global roaming and other advanced capacity. The specification that defines UMTS is specified by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project).

  UMTS is a next generation mobile communication system developed from the GSM European standard. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general UMTS architecture. Referring to FIG. 1, the UMTS includes a UE (user equipment) 100 (also referred to as a mobile station), a UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network) 200, and a core network 300. The UTRAN 200 includes a plurality of radio network subsystems 10a-10n.

  For example, one radio network subsystem 10a includes one radio network controller (RNC) 12 and a plurality of node Bs (11a and 11b). Node Bs (11a and 11b) are managed by the RNC 12. Each of the radio network subsystems 10a to 10n has the same configuration as the radio network subsystem 10a described above. The Node B (11a / 11b, 13a / 13b) receives the uplink data transferred from the user equipment 100 or transfers the downlink data to the user equipment 100.

  The RNCs 12 and 14 allocate and manage radio resources. The RNCs 12 and 14 serve as access points for connecting the Node Bs (11a / 11b, 13a / 13b) to the core network 200. Node Bs (11a / 11b, 13a / 13b) serve as access points for connecting the user equipment 100 to the UTRAN 200.

  From the configuration described above, if the user equipment 100 is connected to the network, the RNC that manages the user equipment 100 is an SRNC (serving RNC). In this case, the SRNC serves to connect the user equipment 100 to the core network 300. The SRNC also allocates appropriate radio resources to provide user equipment for specific services.

  From the configuration described above, the service provided to the user equipment 100 can be divided into a circuit-switched service and a packet-switched service. For example, a general voice call service belongs to a circuit-switched service, and a web browsing service through Internet access belongs to a packet-switched service.

  When the system of FIG. 1 supports a circuit-switched service, the RNCs 12 and 14 are connected to an MSC (mobile switching center) 20 of the core network 300. The MSC 20 is connected to a GMSC (gateway mobile switching center) 30. The GMSC 30 manages access to an external network or a voice call requested thereto.

  When the system of FIG. 1 supports a packet-switched service, the RNCs 12 and 14 serve as a GPRS (general packet radio service) support node (hereinafter referred to as SGSN) 40 and a gateware GPRS support node (hereinafter referred to as GGSN) of the core network 300. 50.

  In this case, the GGSN 50 serves as a gateway that interacts with the Internet or an external network. Further, the SGSN 40 is connected to the GGSN 50 and manages the mobility of the user equipment 100 to perform a packet switch function. The intercommunication interface is defined between various elements constituting the system of FIG. The Iu interface is defined between the RNCs 12 and 14 and the core network 300. An Iu interface connected to one element in a packet-switched area is defined as Iu-PS. An Iu interface connected to one element in a circuit switched area is defined as Iu-CS. The UMTS shown in FIG. 1 is constructed to provide various multimedia services that guarantee the quality according to a predetermined level.

  The quality of the overall service that determines the user satisfaction with a specific service is defined as QoS (quality of service). The QoS experienced by the user depends on various complex factors applied to each service.

  A high-speed transfer rate or speed by wireless or wired does not satisfy the user-requested QoS. That is, the transfer capability (or speed) in all end-to-end transfer paths including both wireless and wired should be guaranteed not only at a predetermined level but also over the transfer rate over the air.

  In UMTS, the concept of various bearer services is defined to ensure QoS over a predetermined level for end-to-end specific services. In particular, the end-to-end specific communication service is divided into various lines (for example, wired and wireless) through various network elements to be provided. That is, the data transfer service is defined independently from within each line, and each QoS for the defined service is guaranteed.

  In particular, a bearer in charge of reliable transfer of user data in a line between the user equipment and the core network 300 is called a RAB (Radion Access Hairer). The RAB is implemented through a radio bearer service and an Iu bearer service.

  The radio bearer service performs data transfer using the Iu interface between the user equipment 100 and the RNCs 12 and 14, and the Iu bearer service performs data transfer between the RNCs 12 and 14 and the core network 300.

  The RAB should first be configured to provide a specific service. When configuring the RAB, various parameters are set to satisfy a specific QoS. The MSC 20 initializes to configure the RAB with the circuit switched service. On the other hand, the SGSN 40 initializes the RAB with the packet-switched service.

  3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) generated for the next generation standard of UMTS specifies the radio interface protocol architecture between user equipment and UTRAN. FIG. 2 shows the radio interface protocol architecture between user equipment and UTRAN based on 3GPP radio access network specification.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the radio interface protocol sets up, reconfigures and releases the radio bearer service. The radio interface protocol has functions corresponding to layers 1-3 (L1-L3), that is, a physical layer and a network layer.

  L1, that is, the physical layer provides an information transfer service to the MAC sublayer and higher layers. L1 provides a dedicated transport channel to the MAC sublayer. The transfer channel is characterized by a system in which data is transferred over the wireless interface. L2 is composed of a MAC (medium access control) sublayer, an RLC (radio link control) sublayer, a packet data cost protocol sublayer, and a broadcast / multicast sublayer.

  The MAC sublayer provides individual logical channels to the RLC, and one logical channel is characterized by the transferred information type. The MAC sublayer provides data transfer services via logical channels. Such channels are grouped into two types of channels, such as a control channel for transferring control plane information and a traffic channel for transferring user plane information.

  The radio resource and MAC parameter reassignment service provides services to higher layers by the MAC sublayer. The reallocation service is performed in response to an RRC execution request for changing MAC parameters and reallocating radio resources. The MAC sublayer handles resource allocation to itself.

  The MAC sub-layer is composed of various entities such as MAC-b, MAC-d, and MAC-s / sh. The RLC sublayer supports reliable data transfer services. The RLC sublayer divides upper layer PDUs (protocol data units) into RLC SDUs (serviced data units), or further assembles the RLC SDUs into upper layer PDUs.

The BMC (broadcast / multicast control) sublayer provides a broadcast / multicast transfer service on the user side. The basic functions of the BMC sublayer are cell broadcast message (CB) storage, traffic volume monitoring and radio resources for cell broadcast services, BMC message scheduling, and transmission of BMS messages to user equipment. The PDCP sublayer also provides network PDU transfer / reception.
L3 includes sublayers on the control surface. As the lowest layer in the sublayer of L3, RRC (radioresource control) has the following functions.

  The RRC layer is responsible for establishing, reconfiguring, maintaining and releasing the RRC connection between the UE and UTRAN. The RRC layer is responsible for setting, reconfiguring, and releasing an RB (radio bearer) on the user side. Furthermore, the RRC layer is responsible for radio resource allocation, reconfiguration and release for RRC connections.

  3GPP using the above-described radio interface protocol architecture intends to develop a standard specification for MBMS (broadcast / multicast service). MBMS intends to overcome the limitations of the previous CBS (cell broadcast service) such as failure of support of multicast function and limitation of media data that can be supported.

  Here, MBMS transmits multimedia data such as audio and video to a number of UEs using a unidirectional point-to-multipoint bearer service. MBMS is divided into a broadcast mode and a multicast mode.

  In the MBMS broadcast mode, multimedia data is transferred to all UEs in the broadcast domain that can use the broadcast service.

  In the MBMS multicast mode, multimedia data is transferred to a specific UE group from a multicast domain that can use the multicast service. In order to provide MBMS in multicast mode, the UE should join a multicast subscription group. The UE enables reception of specific multicast data after completing the subscription.

  The setting requirement information for MBMS is implemented by the RAB configuration. That is, in MBMS, the MBMS RAB for ensuring QoS exceeding a specific level should be set between the UE and the core network.

  MBMS uses RTP (real time transport protocol) when transferring real-time data. Real-time data has a packet type that is transferred in real-time, and is hereinafter described as a real-time packet.

  RTP is a protocol suitable for transferring multimedia data having real-time transfer attributes such as audio data and video data through a multicast or unicast network. RTP itself cannot guarantee QoS for real-time services such as voice service and video service. That is, MBMS further uses RTCP (RTP control protocol).

  However, if a wired communication line is implemented, it is difficult for RTP and RTCP to provide services via both wired and wireless via the system shown in FIG. That is, RTP and RTCP and wireless direct applications have the following problems.

  First, the RTCP packet for transferring the status information of the RTP packet to the data source cannot distinguish the packet loss that occurs in a wired or wireless manner. RTCP packets simply check the amount of packet loss due to wire collisions in order to monitor the data flow in the network. The data source cannot determine whether packet loss occurs wirelessly or wired.

  In a UMTS network, generally, the amount of packet loss in a radio is larger than the amount of loss on a wire. As a result, when a continuous RTP packet is transferred based on the RTCP packet, an error is likely to occur in the data source.

  For example, the data source monitors the current state of the network from the status information included in the RTCP packet, changes the transferred RTCP packet and the encoding scheme according to the monitoring result, and thereafter Reduce the loss of consecutive packets being forwarded.

  The cause of packet loss on wire is different from that on wireless. As a result, the size and encoding scheme of the transferred RTP packet should be changed appropriately depending on the wired and wireless causes. In the prior art, there was no way for a data source to distinguish the cause of packet loss over the wire from wireless. Conventional systems have been unable to efficiently perform transfer operations and controls in wired and / or wireless networks in order to reduce the occurrence of errors during RTP packet transfer.

  Furthermore, if there are multiple UE reception services such as MBMS, RTCP packets are transferred from each UE to the data source, which causes problems when determining each bandwidth required for transferring RTP and RTCP packets. .

  In particular, since RTP and RTCP are protocols suitable only for wired communication, there is one UE (or host) at the wired terminal end. As a result, if point-to-multipoint communication such as MBMS uses conventional RTP and RTCP without modification, problems occur when allocating bandwidth required for packet transfer, and resource utilization efficiency is increased. Decrease.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for transferring real-time data from a data source to a mobile device communicating with a communication network including a wired communication line and a wireless communication line. The method includes receiving real-time data from a data source via a wired communication line, determining packet loss for the wired communication line to generate control information, and transferring control information to the data source. Transferring real-time data to the mobile device via wired and wireless communication lines based on the control information.

  In one embodiment, the method determines the quality of service data for at least one of the wired or wireless communication lines based on the control information and adjusts the transfer requirements for the real-time data based on the quality of the service data. And adjusting the transfer size of the real-time data packet including the real-time data, and adjusting the encoding mode of the real-time data. Adjustments are made when real-time data is transferred from the data source.

  The quality of service for the wireless communication line is determined based on a first quality of service associated with a communication network segment that controls communication of real-time data from the data source to the mobile device and a second quality of service associated with the wired communication line. Is done. In one embodiment, the quality of service for the wireless communication line is determined based on the quality of the first and second service information.

  A first quality of service information is received from a mobile device. The quality of the second service information is determined based on reception of lost packet information for real-time data communicated via wireless communication. The quality of the first service information is determined based on the number of packets lost during real-time data communication from the data source to the mobile device via the wired and wireless communication lines. Real-time data is received and transferred via RTP (real time transport protocol).

  Real-time data is received and transferred via a mobile communication network when communicating with a data source. UTRAN determines the quality of service for the wireless communication line based on the first packet loss information received from the mobile device and the second packet loss information related to data reception via the wired communication line.

  In one embodiment, the UTRAN includes a relay function module that depacketizes real-time data received over the wired communication line to determine second packet loss information. The relay function module packetizes the non-packetized real-time data before transfer to the mobile device. The mobile device sends feedback including the first packet loss information to the UTRAN after receiving real-time data.

  Real-time data is encapsulated with RTP packets transferred via UDP (user datagram protocol). Real-time data is transferred via RTCP.

  In one embodiment, the real-time communication system includes a wired communication line system coupled to a data source and an interface system that wirelessly couples the wired communication line system to a mobile device, the interface system via the wired communication line system. Based on the first packet loss information associated with the transferred real-time data, the transfer requirements for the real-time data are adjusted.

  The quality of the first service is determined based on the transfer of real-time data from the data source to the interface system. The quality of the second service is determined based on the transfer of real-time data from the interface system to the mobile device. The interface system includes a relay module for processing data transferred from the data source to the mobile device. If the transferred data is not real-time data, the relay module does not process the data. If the data is not transferred via the real-time control protocol, the relay module will not process the data.

  In one embodiment, the quality of the first service is determined by the relay module by depacketizing real-time data transferred via the real-time control protocol to determine packet loss in the wired communication line system. . The quality of the second service is determined by the relay module based on feedback provided by the mobile device for packet loss detected after reception of real-time data by the mobile device.

  Real-time data is encapsulated in RTP packets transferred via UDP. Real-time data is transferred via, for example, RTCP.

  In another embodiment, a data communication method includes building a communication bearer between a data source and a mobile device via a communication network including wired and wireless communication line segments, and including real-time data, wherein the data to be communicated is real-time. Adjusting the transfer of real-time data based on quality of service via wired and wireless segments when transferred via a data protocol.

  The relay module receives the feedback from the mobile device via a real-time control protocol and compares the feedback with the quality of service information for the wired communication line segment to determine the quality of service via the wireless communication line segment. The relay module is integrated in a communication network that connects the data source and the mobile device. A radio access bearer (RAB) is built between a communication network and a mobile device to provide quality of service information to a relay module.

  In another embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting real-time data from a data source to a mobile device coupled to a wired communication line by a wireless communication line, wherein UTRAN acts as a communication interface between the wired and wireless communication lines. . The method includes receiving real-time data from a data source via a wired communication line, transferring control information related to the transfer quality of the real-time data to the data source via the wired communication line, and based on the control information. Transferring real-time data to the mobile device via a wireless communication line.

  The present invention is readily implemented by those skilled in the art using, for example, a suitably programmed digital signal processor (DSP) or other data processing device, alone or in combination with external support logic. Obviously you can.

  The present invention may also be embodied as a method, apparatus, or product that uses standard programming and / or engineering techniques to generate software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The term “product” refers to hardware logic (eg, integrated circuit chip, field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) or computer readable medium (eg, magnetic recording medium (eg, hard disk). Driver, floppy disk driver, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD-ROM, optical disc, etc.), inactive and non-volatile memory devices (eg, EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, firmware) , Programmable logic, etc.)). On a computer readable medium, the code is accessed and executed by a processor.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the drawings, the same or similar components are used with the same reference numerals.

  To help explain the present invention, any exemplary parameter names, values, lengths and other attributes are used to describe the channels, messages and fixtures or variable identifiers communicated between the mobile station and the base station. Is done. It should be noted that such parameter names are merely exemplary and other names can be used to describe the same or similar functions.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the packet service system according to the present invention includes a data source, a core network, a UTRAN, and a UE. The data source is a wired start point and the user equipment is a wireless end point.

  UTRAN is a wired end point and a wireless start point. The user equipment is a terminal via radio, and UTRAN is a radio access network that provides user equipment with radio access to UTRAN using packet services provided by a data source.

  Data sources and user equipment comprise a protocol layer for real-time packet services. For example, the downloaded data source includes an RTP layer and an RTCP layer, and further includes a UDP / IP (user data protocol / internet protocol) layer below the RTP / RTCP layer. Of course, the user equipment includes the protocol layer of the data source described above. In addition, the data source and user equipment include a protocol layer for non-real-time packet services.

  In one embodiment, the present invention is characterized in that the UTRAN includes RTP and RTCP layers over the UDP / IP layer to support real-time packet services. Of course, UTRAN further supports non-real-time packet services. UTRAN is specifically responsible for forwarding non-real-time packets.

  The UTRAN RTP layer relays the real-time data transferred from the data source to the UE, and the RTCP layer controls the transfer of the real-time data. UTRAN further includes UDP / IP below the RTP / RTCP layer. The real-time data transferred / received between the data source and UTRAN or between the UE and UTRAN are RTP / UDP / IP packets. The corresponding RTP / UDP / IP layer extracts the received RTP / UDP / IP packet and converts it into an RTP or RTCP packet.

  From the foregoing description, UTRAN includes an RTP / RTCP layer on the UDP / IP layer that operates to minimize UTRAN structural changes. In particular, the UTRAN of the present invention includes functional entities that perform operations by the RTP layer and operations by the RTCP layer. The functional entity relay function module is installed in the RNC as an element of UTRAN, for example, according to one embodiment. The relay function module distinguishes wired and wireless from each other. An example using the relay function module according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, and the protocol architecture required to implement the relay function module is shown in FIG.

  The relay function module of FIG. 3 is described as follows. First, a plurality of relay function modules 80a-80n provide independent RTP / RTCP operations for both wired and wireless real-time packets such as RTP packets. In this case, a radio is placed between the UTRAN 200 and the UE 100, and a wired line is placed between the UTRAN 200 and the data source 70.

  Second, the relay function modules 80a-80n are used in a system for transferring RTP and RTCP packets such as MBMS. In such a system, the relay function modules 80a to 80n generate RTCP packets that transfer wired reception state information, and perform RTP packets in the wireless unit to operate the RTCP packets that transfer wireless state information from the UE 100. Transfer to UE100.

  Third, the relay function modules 80a to 80n are installed in the UTRAN 200 that controls wireless packet transfer. The relay function modules 80a-80n are connected to the RNCs 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200. When implementing the system, the relay function modules 80a-80n can be installed in the RNC 12a-12n, or can be installed in the UTRAN 200 separated from the RNC 12a-12n. When the relay function modules 80a-80n connect to the RNCs 12a-12n to operate, the connection is achieved by “tunneling”. That is, the relay function modules 80a to 80n are connected to each of the RNCs 12a to 12n by a tunnel ring for performing packet flow and operation control in a wired / wireless manner.

  Therefore, if the relay function modules 80a-80n are used as one element of the UTRAN 200, the protocol layers executed by the relay function modules 80a-80n are as follows to provide efficient operation of RTCP on each line shown in FIG. , Defined as shown in FIG.

  RTP / RTCP corresponding to the functions of the relay function modules 80a to 80n, the UDP layer and the IP layer are further provided for the radio and network access protocol of the UTRAN 200.

  The operation of the relay function modules 80a-80n is described as follows by processing the installation of the relay function modules 80a-80n in each of the RANCs 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200 as an example.

  The relay function modules 80a-80n generate a control packet for transferring reception status information for a wire when a data packet having a real time attribute such as an RTP packet transferred from the data source 70 is received. The relay function modules 80a-80n provide the control packet generated thereafter to the data source 70.

  In one embodiment, the data source 70 considers control packets transferred from the relay function modules 80a-80n to be transferred from respective wired and / or wireless end points, and data packets (eg, RTP packets) and The bandwidth required for each transfer of control packets (eg, RTCP packets) is determined.

  Relay function modules 80a-80n broadcast and multicast real time attribute data packets to a plurality of UEs on a downlink radio channel, and then receive control packets generated from UEs with received data packets, Get the current wireless reception status information.

  The relay function module 80a-80n or the RNC 12a-12n controls packet transfer on the data packet using the wireless reception state information acquired from the control packet. When the RNC 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200 provides control information of the data packet transferred from the data source, the relay function module 80a-80n provides wired reception status information to the data source.

  As a result, one (data source) that controls packet transfer from wired reception status information is independent of the other (RNC) that controls packet transfer from wireless reception status information.

  As another example, each of the relay function modules 80a to 80n of the present invention adds radio reception state information acquired from the control packet of the UE 100 to a corresponding control packet that is transmitted and transferred to the data source 70.

  In one embodiment, the packets transferred from the data source 70 to the UE 100 are non-real time attribute data packets and real time attribute data packets. Also, the relay function modules 80a-80n support and control packet transfer of data packets having real-time attributes such as RTP packets.

  As a result, the core network 300 determines the attribute of the data packet transferred from the data source 70, and if the determined attribute of the data packet is real time using the specific indicator, the relay function modules 80a-80n. To work.

  Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for supporting both real-time packet transfer and non-real-time packet transfer, wherein the use of relay function modules 80a-80n that support control of real-time packet transfer is used to transfer non-real-time packet transfer. An indicator is used so as not to interrupt. In another embodiment, the present invention uses an indicator so that the use of relay function modules 80a-80n does not interrupt the transfer of real-time packets when control packets and especially RTCP packets are not needed.

  The core network 300 determines whether the attribute of the current data packet transferred from the data source 70 is real time or non-real time. When setting the radio access bearer for packet transfer to the UE, the core network 300 notifies the UTRAN 200 that there is a wired termination with the determined attribute of the data packet.

  The packet service system according to the present invention is implemented through the protocol architecture of FIG. 4 and can be applied to a service for transferring real-time data such as MBMS. The packet service system according to the present invention is applicable to a service that supports real-time and non-real-time data simultaneously.

  Referring to FIG. 4, RTP is a protocol suitable for providing users with multimedia data (video and / or audio) with real-time attributes using a multicast or unicast network. The packet format defined by RTP includes an RTP media type field for representing the RTP media type, and further includes a payload including substantially served user information. The RTP media type field is for reporting the type to the payload.

  RTCP is a protocol for monitoring data transfer in a multicast network and performing minimum control and identification functions. The main function of RTCP is, for example, to generate status information for distributing data to network elements belonging to a multicast network and feed back the status information to a data source.

  Some functions of RTCP are related to flow control and water price control of other protocols. For example, status information feedback through RTCP may include RTP packet transfer process information from a destination that transmits RTP packets to a destination that receives RTP packets (eg, RTP packet loss amount, delay that occurs during packet transfer) Information such as time). The RTCP packet can transfer reception status information.

  When the RTCP packet for the received RTP packet is fed back from the destination to the destination, the destination uses the status information included in the RTCP packet to transmit the data size, data amount, and / or Determine the data encoding method.

  For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, UTRAN forwards RTCP packets that transfer state information for received RTP packets to a data source, and user equipment (UE) forwards RTCP packets to UTRAN. The RTCP packet is a control packet including state information that allows the RTCP packet receiver to control the transfer of the data packet (RTP packet).

  The UTRAN determines the data size, data amount, and / or data encoding method of the RTP packet transferred to the UE using the state information included in the RTCP packet received from the UE. The data source uses the state information included in the RTCP packet received from the UTRAN to determine the data size, data amount, and / or data encoding method of the RTP packet transferred to the UTRAN.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the indicator is used to indicate whether or not to use the relay function module in UTRAN. The indicator is generated from the core network that monitors the attributes of packets generated from the data source. The core network generates an indicator when setting up a radio access bearer for a packet service originating from a data source. The indicator indicates the attribute of the packet generated from the data source and is transmitted to the UTRAN.

  In one embodiment, UTRAN includes RTP and RTCP layers over the UDP / IP layer for the transfer of real-time packets. The relay function module is preferably operated by an indicator received from the core network. That is, the core network performs the control operation of the relay function module using the indicator. In other words, the indicator generated from the core network is a command for turning on / off the operation of the relay function module.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the data source 70 transmits a packet having a real-time or non-real-time attribute. At this time, the data source 70 is a server or a terminal that provides specific data as a packet format. The core network 300 determines the attribute of the packet transferred from the data source 70, and notifies the UTRAN 200 of the determined attribute of the transferred packet as a wired end point.

  When setting up a radio access bearer for packet transfer between the core network 300 and the UE 100, each of the SGSNs 40a-40n of the core network 300 informs the UTRAN 200 whether a packet transferred from the data source 70 has non-real time or real time attributes. Notice. The SGSNs 40a-40n of the core network 300 use one indicator to notify the attribute of the packet transferred from the data source 70.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the indicator is not limited to notify the attributes of the current packet. The SGSNs 40a-40n of the core network 300 utilize not only the relay function modules 80a-80n included in the RTP / RTCP and / or UTRAN 200 but also an indicator for notifying whether to use the attribute of the transferred packet. When the indicator notifies the attribute of the packet to be transferred, the UTRAN 200 determines whether to use the relay function modules 80a to 80n according to the attribute of the packet displayed by the received indicator.

  Further, when the indicator notifies the UTRAN of the availability of the relay function modules 80a-80n, the UTRAN 200 determines whether the currently received packet has a real-time or non-real-time attribute from the information displayed by the received indicator. Can be checked.

  In one embodiment of the invention, UTRAN 200 includes a wired device that receives data from data source 70. In wired communication, packet transfer control is supported according to wired reception status information. The wireless device transfers the packet to the UE 100 in order to control packet transfer wirelessly according to the wireless reception state information.

  Preferably, the UTRAN 200 of the present invention includes relay function modules 80a-80n. In one embodiment, relay function modules 80a-80n are installed in each of the RNCs 12a-12n shown in FIG. Accordingly, the UTRAN 200 performs the turn-on / turn-off operation of the relay function module 80a-80n according to the indicator command received from one corresponding to the SGSN 40a-40n of the core network 300 when the radio access bearer is set up. Do.

  When one packet is transferred from the data source 70, each of the SGSNs 50a-50n acts as a gateway for interacting with the network to which the data source belongs and forwards the corresponding packet to the SGSN 40a-40n. Each of the SGSNs 40a-40n determines an attribute of a packet to be transferred to the UE, and transmits an indicator for notifying the attribute of the corresponding packet to the UTRAN 200. If the determined attribute of the packet in real time is good only for the attribute of the RTP packet, the RTCP notifies the reception status information of the real time packet via the core network 300 by a method in which the data source 70 is included in the indicator.

  In one embodiment, the UTRAN 200 determines whether to use the relay function modules 80a to 80n and / or determines data attributes from the indicator transmitted from the core network 300. The availability of the relay function modules 80a to 80n may be further included in the transmitting indicator. That is, when providing a non-real-time packet service, the relay function modules 80a-80n do not operate, and the packet is clearly transferred from the data source to the UE. Each of the SGSNs 40a-40n communicates real-time or non-altime packets to the RNCs 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200. The relay function modules 80a-80n of the UTRAN 200 operate when a packet transmitted to the UE 100 is real time and when RTCP is used. Does not work in non-real time. Even if the transmitted packet is in real time, the relay function modules 80a-80n do not operate unless RTCP is used. The operation of the relay function modules 80a-80n is controlled by an indicator received from a corresponding one of the SGSNs 40a-40n.

  For example, when an RTP packet is transferred from the data source 70 to the UE 100 as a final destination, the data source 70 monitors the network state as a loss amount of the RTP packet during packet transfer through the UTRAN 200 between the wired and wireless. Should be able to ring. In one embodiment, the relay function modules 80 a-80 n feed back RTP packets including wired reception status information to the data source 70.

  Each of the RNCs 12a-12n with relay function modules 80a-80n forwards packets received from one corresponding to the SGSNs 40a-40n to the UE over the air. At this time, if the service is multicast, the RNCs 12a to 12n transfer the packet to a plurality of UEs located in these service domains. If the packet received from the corresponding one of the SGSNs 40a-40n is a real time packet, the relay function module 80a-80n transfers the real time packet to the UE.

  The relay function modules 80a-80n feed back a control packet (for example, an RTCP packet) including reception status information of a real-time packet to the data source 70, and send a control packet (for example, an RTCP packet) including radio reception status information to the UE. Receive from each.

  In one embodiment, each status information of the control packet received from the UE is included in a corresponding one of the control packets fed back to the data source 70. Each of the relay function modules 80a-80n installed in the RNCs 12a-12n provides the data source 70 with UE reception status information from the control packet received from the UE.

  In another embodiment, since each control packet fed back to the data source does not include radio reception status information, a control packet (RTCP packet received from the UE) including radio reception status information is included in each RNC 12a-12n. It is preferable to operate by. The RNCs 12a-12n determine the size, amount, and / or encoding scheme of packets transferred to the radio based on the control packets received from the UE.

  From the above description, relay function modules 80a-80n used to distinguish between wired and wireless states in the real-time / non-real-time packet flow are installed in each of the RNCs 12a-12n. Also, the relay function modules 80a-80n can be installed independently from the RNC 12a-12n to the UTRAN 200. Further, the RNCs 12a-12n may be implemented to perform functions including the functions of the relay function modules 80a-80n. In the exemplary embodiment, relay function modules 80a-80n are installed in each of RNCs 12a-12n. An example of transferring an indicator to the UTRAN 200 in the present invention will be described as follows.

  When the relay function modules 80a-80n are turned on / off according to the command of the indicator and when the attribute packet is transferred from the data source 70, the core network 300 transmits an indicator indicating the attribute of the transferred packet to the UTRAN 200. To do. Such an indicator indicates whether the packet has real time or non real time attributes or whether a control packet such as an RTCP packet is used.

  As a result, when the real-time packet is received after the indicator notifies the packet transfer of the real-time attribute, and the use of the RTCP packet is received from the core network, the relay function module 80a-80n transmits the status information for the real-time packet by wire. Notify source 70. In addition, when an indicator for notifying a packet transfer with a non-real time attribute is received from the core network 300, the relay function modules 80a to 80n are not related to the non-real time packet transfer at all.

  Relay function modules 80a-80n are turned off by an indicator command when non-real-time packet attributes are communicated from data source 70. The core network 300 transmits an indicator to the UTRAN 200 when the attribute of the packet to be transferred is non-real time, or when the status information in the wired state is not required even if the packet to be transferred is a non-real time packet. That is, RTCP is not used for real-time packet transfer. As a result, one indicator for notifying packet transfer with a non-real-time attribute or another indicator for notifying that status information in a wired manner is not requested from the core network 300 is received. Relay function modules 80a-80n are turned off immediately, regardless of non-real time or real time packet forwarding.

  MBMS is supported, and the relay function modules 80a-80n determine whether to use the RTCP packet according to an indicator command from the core network 300 when the RTP packet is transferred from the data source 70. The core network 300 transmits an indicator to the UTRAN 200 when the RTCP packet is used.

  As a result, when the indicator is received from the core network, the relay function modules 80a-80n provide the RTCP packet including the wired state information to the data source 70, and the other transfer of the packet of the real time attribute without using the RTCP. Not relevant. Therefore, the indicator includes information for notifying whether or not RTCP can be used.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the data source 70 attempts to transmit a real-time packet that requests state information for real-time packet transfer and a non-real-time packet that fails to request state information for real-time packet transfer. .

  When a specific packet transfer is requested from the data source 70, the core network 300 sets up a radio access bearer having at least one terminal 100 (S10). In the following description, it is assumed that the MBMS radio access bearer is configured to forward MBMS to the corresponding terminal.

  When the MBMS radio access bearer is set, the core network 300 determines the attribute of the packet data transferred from the data source 70, and notifies the UTRAN 200 of the determined attribute. The SGSNs 40a-40n of the core network 200 notify the UTRAN 200 whether or not a packet transferred from the data source 70 has a real-time or non-real-time attribute. The SGSN 40 informs the UTRAN 200 whether this uses RTCP for the transfer of real-time packets using the indicator.

  In one embodiment, one indicator indicates whether the forwarded packet has non-real time or real time attributes. Such an indicator is a packet attribute indicator. Another indicator for notifying whether or not RTCP can be used for transferring a real-time packet is named, for example, an RTCP use / non-use indicator.

  As a result, the UTRAN 200 determines whether or not the relay function modules 80a to 80n can be used based on the received indicator (S11). Subsequently, the packet of the data source 70 is transmitted to the RNCs 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200 (S12). The RNC 12a-12n of the UTRAN 200 has already determined whether or not the relay function modules 80a-80n can be used by the indicator received from the core network 300 in the process of setting up the radio access bearer. Therefore, the relay function modules 80a to 80n operate in the following two ways for received packets.

  First, when the received packet is an RTP packet using RTCP, each of the relay function modules 80a to 80n adds wired state information (for example, the loss amount of the RTP packet) to the RTCP packet. This is fed back to the data source 70 (S13). At this time, the RNCs 12a-12n provide RTP packets received by node-to-node communication with the tunnel ring or relay function modules 80a-80n.

  The RNC 12a-12n or the relay function module 80a-80n transfers the received RTP packet to the plurality of terminals 100 by radio (S14). At this time, the RTP packet transferred to the terminal 100 is broadcast or multicast on the downlink radio channel. On the other hand, the data source 70 having the received RTCP packet determines the data size of the RTP packet to be transferred, an appropriate encoding method and / or others based on the status information included in the RTCP packet (S15). ).

  In one embodiment, the data source 70 changes the routing information included in the RTP packet to be transferred later based on the state information included in the RTCP packet, and the core network 300 and / or the RTP packet frequently causes collision. Alternatively, the flow in the elements of the UTRAN 200 is obstructed (S15).

  Further, the data source 70 considers that RTCP packets transmitted from the relay function modules 80a to 80n are transferred one by one for each wired / wireless endpoint, and is required to transfer RTP packets and RTCP packets. Each bandwidth is appropriately determined (S15).

  On the other hand, the terminal 100 has already recognized the attribute of the packet received in the process of setting up the radio access bearer having the core network 300. As a result, the corresponding terminal 100 with the received RTP packet generates an RTCP packet including state information such as the number of lost RTP packets during the wireless transfer, the transfer delay time, etc., and converts it into the RNCs 12a-12n. Alternatively, feedback is provided to the relay function modules 80a-80n (S16).

  The RNC 12a-12n or the relay function module 80a-80n performs a transfer operation on the RTP packet transferred to each terminal 100 wirelessly based on the reception state information acquired from the RTCP packet transferred from each terminal 100 wirelessly. (S17).

  In one embodiment, the RNC 12a-12n or the relay function module 80a-80n further feeds back the RTCP packet received from each terminal 100 to the data source 70. The data source feeds back from each terminal 100 when determining the data size of an RTP packet to be transferred later, an appropriate encoding method and / or the like.

  When the received packet is an RTP or non-real-time packet that is used without RTCP, that is, when the relay function module 80 is not required for use, the RNC 12a-12n transmits the packet received via the core network 300 to a plurality of wireless (S18). Where RTCP itself is not used, the terminal 100 with the received RTP packet takes no action action to generate the RTCP packet.

  Accordingly, from the description of the present invention, the UTRAN indicating the relay function module transfers the RTCP packet from the end of the wire to the data source in order to suitably perform the RTP and RTCP operations. In particular, RTCP packets transferred from each user equipment are manipulated by UTRAN and not transferred to the data source. As a result, consumption of radio resources is prevented, and the number of packet losses at the time of collision on the Internet can be accurately grasped. Thus, the number of lost packets can be counted and appropriately controlled to provide packet services.

  In the present invention, since the RTCP packet for controlling the RTP packet is generated from the UTRAN as a wired entry point and from the user equipment as a wireless entry point, the wired and wireless states can be easily distinguished. Therefore, the present invention is configured to change the packet size and the encoding method of the RTP packet to be transferred due to wired and wireless causes.

  For example, the data source can appropriately adjust the data transmission amount by appropriately changing the size and encoding method of the RTP packet to be transferred in order to reduce the loss of the RTP packet to be transferred. In addition, the wired status is accurately grasped in order to control the wired efficiently.

  In the present invention, since UTRAN manages and controls the radio, the radio itself can adjust the amount of data transmission and the encoding method suitable for the current radio status. In the present invention, the wired and wireless states are distinguished from each other, so that it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the loss of the real-time data packet occurs in the wired or wireless manner. Can judge accurately.

  In the present invention, the bandwidth for RTP and RTCP can be accurately determined, and the entire network can be controlled efficiently by understanding the wired state. The system according to the invention is modified to be suitable for MBMS. MBMS uses RTP and RTCP for transferring real-time data. As a result, the present invention is more efficient than broadcasting / multicasting real-time packets because the system uses user equipment wirelessly for MBMS.

  That is, in the present invention, when the UTRAN uses the relay function module, the indicator for controlling the operation of the relay function module is further used to improve the operation efficiency of the relay function module. Therefore, the present invention is more suitable for a packet service that satisfies a specific QoS.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a mobile station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the mobile station 500 includes a processor (or digital signal processor) 510, an RF module 535, a power management module 505, an antenna 540, a battery 555, a display 515, a keypad 520, a memory 530, a SIM card 525 ( Selection), including speaker 545 and microphone 550.

  For example, the user writes instruction information such as a telephone number by pressing a button on the keypad 520 or activating voice using the microphone 550. Microprocessor 510 receives and processes the instruction information to perform an appropriate function such as a telephone number dial ring. The operation data is retrieved from a SIM (subscriber identity module) card 525 or the memory module 530 to perform a function. Further, the processor 510 displays instructions and operation information on the display 515 for user preference and convenience.

  In order to start communication, the processor 51 issues, for example, instruction information for transferring a radio signal including voice communication data to the RF unit 535. The RF unit 535 includes a receiver and a transfer device for transferring and receiving wireless signals. The antenna 540 facilitates transmission and reception of wireless signals. Upon receipt of the wireless signal, the RF module 535 transmits and converts the signal to a baseband frequency for processing by the processor 51. The processed signal is transformed into audible or readable information output via a speaker 545, for example.

  The code embodying the preferred embodiment is more accessible from a file server via a transfer medium or network. In this case, the product in which the code is implemented includes a transfer medium such as a network transfer line, a wireless transfer line, a signal propagated through space, a radio wave, an infrared signal, and the like. Of course, those skilled in the art can recognize that the product can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention, and the product includes any known information-containing medium.

  Those skilled in the art can appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention covers modifications and variations provided within the scope of the appended claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide an additional understanding of the invention and are incorporated as part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and illustrate the principles of the invention.
1 is a block diagram of a general UMTS architecture. FIG. Fig. 4 shows the radio interface protocol architecture between user equipment and UTRAN based on 3GPP radio access network specification. FIG. 4 is a UMTS diagram illustrating the flow of real-time / non-real-time packets according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a protocol architecture diagram illustrating real-time / non-real-time packet flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart for manipulating real-time / non-real-time packets according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

70 Data source 80a-80n Relay function module 100 Terminal 300 Core network 500 Mobile station 505 Power management module 510 Processor 520 Keyboard 525 SIM card 530 Memory 535 RF module 540 Antenna 545 Speaker 545
550 Microphone 555 Battery

Claims (12)

A method for transmitting real-time data to a mobile device communicating from a data source to a communication network having a wired communication section and wireless communication section,
Determining whether the received data packet includes at least one of real-time data and non-real-time data;
Configuring a relay function module for receiving the real-time data from the data source via the wired communication section when the received data packet includes the real-time data;
The real-time data is received, when the relay function module is configured to generate control information for adjusting the transfer requirement with respect to the real-time data, and determining a packet loss for the wire communication section ,
And be transferred when the control information is generated, the control information to the data source,
And based on the control information, and transferring the real-time data received from the data source to the mobile device
The relay function module is not configured if the received data packet contains the non-real time data . And that in based on the control information, determines the quality of service data for at least one of said wire communication section or radio communication section,
Based on the quality of the service data, further comprising a adjusting the transfer requirement with respect to the real-time data, process towards the claim 1. Wherein the quality of service to the wireless communication section is determined based on the first quality and second quality of service information, methods who claim 2. The first goods quality of service information is received from the mobile device, method who claim 3. The second goods quality is method person according to determined, claim 3 based on the reception of lost packets information for the real-time data to be communicated via the wired communication section of the service information. The first goods quality of service information is determined based on the number of the wire communication section and said being lost from the data source via the wireless communication section between the real-time data communication to the mobile device packet that, methods who claim 3. UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network) may include a first packet loss information the received from the mobile device, and based on the second packet loss information related to receiving data through the wired communication section, determining the quality of service for the wireless communication section, method who claim 1. The UTRAN, in order to determine the second packet loss information, including the relay function module for non-packetizing said real-time data received via the wired communication section, how according to claim 7 . The relay function module, the prior non-packetized real-time data has been transferred to the mobile device, said packetized non packetized real-time data, process towards the claim 8. A method for communicating real-time data from a data source to a mobile device communicating with a communication network having a wired communication section and a wireless communication section, comprising:
Determining whether the received data packet includes at least one of real-time data and non-real-time data;
Configuring a relay function module for receiving the real-time data from the data source via the wired communication section when the received data packet includes the real-time data;
Transferring the real-time data to the mobile device when the received data packet includes the real-time data and the relay function module is configured;
Receiving from the mobile device first control information based on a first packet loss of the real-time data associated with a radio communication section;
Determining a second packet loss of the real-time data associated with the wired communication section;
Generating second control information for adjusting transfer requirements for the real-time data based on the first control information and the second packet loss;
Transferring the second control information to the data source;
The relay function module is not configured if the received data packet contains the non-real time data. A data communication method,
Establishing a radio access bearer between the core network and the mobile device over a communication network including a wired communication section and a radio communication section;
Determining whether a data packet received from the core network includes at least one of real-time data and non-real-time data;
Forming a relay function module for generating control information and transferring the packet to the mobile device when the packet has a real-time characteristic, wherein the control information includes a real-time communication protocol for the packet; Indicating that it will be used for communication
And the relay function module is not configured if a packet received from the core network includes non-real-time characteristics. A communication method in a communication system comprising a wireless network and a wired network for communicating with a mobile station,
Determining whether the packet data received from the data source element includes at least one of real-time information and non-real-time information;
Configuring a relay function module for receiving the packet data from the data source element via at least a portion of the wired network when the received packet data includes the real-time information;
Receiving, in a radio access network, the packet data associated with the real-time information from the data source element, wherein the packet data is transmitted via the at least part of the wired network using a transfer protocol. Provided to the access network,
Determining at the relay function module a first control signal related to data loss of packet data received from the data source element, wherein the data loss occurs in the wired network;
Transferring the first control signal from the relay function module to the data source element to indicate the data loss of the packet data corresponding to using the transfer protocol via the at least part of the wired network And
The relay function module is not configured if the received packet data includes the non-real time information.

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