KR100586424B1 - system and method for connecting mobile telecommunication network with internet using distributed middle location register - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system, which is a communication system for interconnecting a mobile communication network to which a mobile terminal (MS) is connected to an internet network to which a client (80) is connected, and performs encoding and decoding of a wireless channel to perform a mobile terminal (MS). A base station (BTS) 20 in radio communication with the base station 10 and a base station controller (BSC) 30 for operating and controlling the base station; A mobile switching station (MSC) connected to the base station controller (BSC) 30 to perform a switching function, interworking communication networks to establish a path for a call, and exchanging information with the mobile switching station (MSC); A visitor location register (VLR) 40 for temporarily storing subscriber location information and call service information of mobile terminals (MSs) existing in the network; A home location register (HLR) 50 which is connected to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 and stores service profiles of all registered subscribers; And distributed hierarchically to be connected to the MSC / VLR 40 and receive subscriber location information of the mobile terminal MS from the visitor location register VLR to a higher layer. And a plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR) and the plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR) to be stored in the same manner, respectively, and are interposed between the mobile communication network and the internet network, and the mobile protocol (MP) signal and the Internet protocol ( And a plurality of gateways (GWs) 60 for interworking by translating IP) signals.

Location information, home location register, intermediate location register

Description

A communication system for connecting a mobile communication network and an internet network using a distributed middle location register and a method of connecting the same {system and method for connecting mobile telecommunication network with internet using distributed middle location register}

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram showing an example of data of a visitor location register (VLR) of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of an intermediate location register (MLR) in a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram showing an example of data of subscriber location information stored in an intermediate location register (MLR) of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home subscriber registers location information in an intermediate location register (MLR) in an operation of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a visitor registers location information in an intermediate location register (MLR) in an operation of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of accessing a web server of the Internet using a mobile terminal (MS) in the operation of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client employed in a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing an internet call to a mobile terminal (MS) through a client in the operation of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method thereof, and more particularly, to register location information of a mobile communication subscriber in a separate, separate register, so as to access the internet network or to perform a call processing through the internet network. The present invention relates to a system for connecting an internet network and a mobile communication network, and a communication connection method thereof.

The cellular mobile telecommunication system is composed of various system elements covering each call service area. Specifically, such a mobile communication system is a base station transceiver system (BTS) which communicates with a mobile station (MS) of a subscriber spreading out in a service area and performing a coding and decoding of a radio channel. And a base station controller (BSC) that matches and operates a plurality of base stations, and a mobile switching station that provides an interworking function between a mobile communication network and a communication network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) by performing a switching function. Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

In addition, Home Lacation stores the subscriber's service profile, including the subscriber's mobile identification number (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN), and additional service types. Register (HLR) and a visitor location register (VLR) for temporarily storing and managing information on a mobile terminal (MS) of a visitor leaving the home switching center.

In particular, the home location register (HLR) stores and manages important data such as subscriber parameters and location information, terminal access capability, basic service, and additional services for all mobile terminals (MS) registered in its own area. Perform the routing function of. The home location register (HLR) registers and stores the location when the power of the first mobile terminal (MS) is turned on, and performs a call connection to an exchange station where a desired mobile terminal is located during a call. In addition, it performs basic functions for additional services such as internet access. The home location register (HLR) is essentially involved in the location registration and call of the mobile terminal (MS), so all the loads according to the amount of the call will be concentrated. The present inventor has proposed the concept of an intermediate location register (MLR) to store and manage the location information of the subscriber separately in the Republic of Korea Patent No. 366434 to prevent the load concentration of the home location register (HLR) as described above.

On the other hand, in the connection between the existing mobile communication system and the Internet network, the Internet access channel has been unified for the service unit area. Therefore, due to the load concentration of not only basic call traffic but also internet access traffic, there are limitations in not building and providing various additional services. Under such a system, even if the intermediate location register (MLR) is provided, the connections between networks are constrained.

The present inventors sought to further enhance the utility of a communication system employing a middle location register (MLR) for separately registering and managing subscriber location information. Moreover, such a utility felt a need to be further increased in a system for interconnecting and interworking a mobile communication network and an internet network.

The present invention was devised in view of the above problems and necessities, and separately provided gateway servers for connection with the Internet network in a hierarchically distributed intermediate location register (MLR) to multiplex access channels. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system and a communication method designed to prevent data traffic concentration.

The present invention is designed to be applied more effectively to conducting an internet call from a mobile terminal of a mobile communication network to a web server of the Internet by using contents or the like or by using a client terminal connected to the Internet.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention is a communication system for interconnecting a mobile communication network to which a mobile terminal (MS) is connected and an internet network to which a client is connected. A base station (BTS) for wireless communication with a mobile station (MS) and a base station controller (BSC) for operating and controlling the base station; connected to the base station controller (BSC) to perform an exchange function and interworking communication networks for call A mobile switching center (MSC) that establishes a route, and a visitor location register (VLR) that exchanges information with the mobile switching center (MSC) and temporarily stores subscriber location information and call service information of mobile terminals (MS) existing in a service area. ); A home location register (HLR) connected with the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 and storing service profiles of all registered subscribers; And distributed hierarchically distributed so as to be connected to the MSC / VLR and receiving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal MS from the visitor location register VLR. A plurality of intermediate location registers (MLRs) and a plurality of intermediate location registers (MLRs) to be stored are interlocked with each other and are interposed between the mobile communication network and the Internet network, respectively, a mobile protocol (MP) signal and an Internet protocol (IP) signal. It includes; a plurality of gateways (GW) for interworking by mutually translating.

Preferably, the intermediate location register (MLR), each of the plurality of visitor location register (VLR) is connected to the lowest intermediate location register for receiving and storing subscriber location information therefrom; And a second intermediate position register, each of which is connected to a plurality of lowest intermediate position registers, receives and stores subscriber position information therefrom, and in the same manner, a plurality of hierarchical structures from the second highest intermediate position register to the highest intermediate position register. The top intermediate position registers are connected to the main intermediate position register (MMLR).

More preferably, the MLR includes a DBMS for storing, retrieving and managing subscriber location information of the mobile communication network; A traffic determination unit that determines a traffic amount of the gateway GW; An access control unit controlling network access through the gateway GW according to a determination result of the traffic determining unit; And a central control unit for controlling the respective units.

According to the present invention, subscriber location information of the intermediate location register (MLR) includes a mobile communication telephone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN) and VLR location information.

Preferably, the gateway GW may be provided only in a plurality of some intermediate location registers MLR including the main intermediate location register MMLR.

More preferably, the gateway GW is provided sequentially from the highest intermediate location register to the lower layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the base station (BTS) in radio communication with the mobile station (MS), and performs the exchange function for the mobile terminal (MS) via the base station at the same time the information of the mobile terminal (MS) A mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) for storing the information, a home location register (HLR) for storing service profiles of all registered subscribers, and a hierarchy to be connected to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR). A plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR) and a plurality of intermediate location registers which are distributed and provided in a plurality of locations, receive subscriber location information of a mobile terminal (MS) from the visitor location register (VLR), and store the duplicated information in a higher layer. And a plurality of gays interposed between the mobile communication network and the Internet network to interoperate a mobile protocol (MP) signal and an Internet protocol (IP) signal. Way as the communication access method (GW) a communication system connecting the mobile communication network and the Internet network by containing,

(a) transmitting an internet access request signal from a mobile station (MS) to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) via the base station (BTS); (b) assigning a temporary IP address to the mobile terminal (MS); (c) transmitting the Internet access request signal from the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) to a first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW); And (d) connecting to a web server connected to the Internet network by the signal translation of the first gateway GW.

Preferably, step (d) comprises: (d-1) determining an available state of the first gateway (GW); And (d-2) if the first gateway (GW) is not available, the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) to another second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW). And retransmitting an internet access request signal.

More preferably, in step (d-2), the second intermediate position register / gateway (MLR / GW) becomes the next higher intermediate position register / gateway of the first intermediate position register / gateway (MLR / GW). Can be.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the base station (BTS) in radio communication with the mobile station (MS), and performs the exchange function for the mobile terminal (MS) via the base station at the same time the information of the mobile terminal (MS) A mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) for storing the information, a home location register (HLR) for storing service profiles of all registered subscribers, and a hierarchy to be connected to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR). A plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR) and a plurality of intermediate location registers which are distributed and provided in a plurality of locations, receive subscriber location information of a mobile terminal (MS) from the visitor location register (VLR), and store the duplicated information in a higher layer. And a plurality of gays interposed between the mobile communication network and the Internet network to interoperate a mobile protocol (MP) signal and an Internet protocol (IP) signal. Way (GW) and, as a communication connection method of connecting to the Internet network is connected to the mobile communication network and the Internet network by using a communication system including a client having an Internet call means,

(a) requesting a call for a mobile terminal (MS) from the client to an intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW); (b) retrieving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) from the intermediate location register (MLR); (c) requesting a call connection to a corresponding mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) through the gateway (GW) according to the retrieved subscriber location information; (d) assigning a voice channel to the mobile terminal (MS) by the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) and transmitting an alarm signal; And (e) making a call by responding to the mobile terminal (MS).

Preferably, the step (b) comprises the steps of: determining whether subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) is registered in the intermediate location register (MLR); And retrieving the subscriber location information sequentially from a next higher intermediate location register (MLR) to which the intermediate location register (MLR) belongs, if the subscriber location information does not exist in the intermediate location register (MLR). It will include.

More preferably, the step (b), (b-1) determining the availability of the gateway (GW); (b-2) if the gateway GW is not available, re-requesting a call for the mobile station MS from the client 80 to another intermediate location register / gateway MLR / GW. ; And (b-3) retrieving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal MS from the another intermediate location register (MLR).

More preferably, the step (b-3), the step of determining whether the subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) is registered in the another intermediate location register (MLR); And if the subscriber location information is not included in the another intermediate location register (MLR), the subscriber location information is sequentially moved from the next higher intermediate location register (MLR) to which the other intermediate location register (MLR) belongs. Searching;

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as having a conventional or dictionary meaning, and the inventors should properly explain the concept of terms in order to best explain their own invention. Based on the principle that it can be defined, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the drawings shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, various modifications that can be replaced at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

System configuration

1 shows a schematic configuration of a communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the communication system of the present invention wirelessly communicates with a mobile station (MS) 10 and the mobile station (MS) 10 located in a cell 100 which is a service area to provide a communication service to a subscriber. A base station (BTS) 20 is included. The base station (BTS) 20 performs transmit / receive signal strength adjustment, uplink quality measurement, spatial diversity function, radio resource management, and self-maintenance function, as known.

The base station controller (BSC) 30 matches with the plurality of base station (BTS) 20, and performs functions such as intercell handoff processing, call control, operation and maintenance control of the base station.

The base station controller (BSC) 30 is connected to at least one mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40. The MSC performs a switching function and processes a signal for a call. The mobile switching center (MSC) exchanges information with the visitor location register (VLR) and the visitor location register (VLR) temporarily stores and manages information of all mobile terminals (MS) existing in the service area.

As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the visitor location register (VLR) includes subscriber location information 41 including a mobile communication telephone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN), and cell location information. And store and receive the call service information 42 including information necessary for a call including additional service information such as caller ID display and Internet access information from a home location register which will be described later.

The mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 is also connected to a home location register (HLR) 50 to receive subscriber information related to the call connection therefrom. The home location register (HLR) 50 is a database for storing all service profiles of subscribers such as mobile communication telephone numbers (MIN), terminal unique numbers (ESN), and additional service information of all registered subscribers. For example, the information may be transmitted over a Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network between a mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 and a home location register (HLR) 50.

According to the invention, the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 is connected with an intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60, the middle location register (MLR) being A plurality of mobile switching centers / visitor location registers (MSC / VLR) 40 are configured to simultaneously match and manage. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of visitor location registers VLR are connected to one first intermediate location register 60_1, and the plurality of first intermediate location registers 60_1 gather together to form a higher group. The second intermediate position register 60_2 is connected. In this manner, the middle location registers (MLRs) are hierarchically connected and concentrated to the main middle location register (MMLR) 60 'via the top middle location register 60_n.

The intermediate location register (MLR) is provided with the data of the lower intermediate location register (MLR) or visitor location register (VLR) under its jurisdiction. The reason why hierarchical location registers (MLRs) are hierarchically included is to cover a service area in stages. For example, the first intermediate location register 60_1 is an area (for example, an area corresponding to an east or a ward in an administrative district) serviced by a mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 connected thereto. It can hold the location information of the subscriber located in). In addition, the second intermediate location register 60_2 of a higher group is located in a service area (for example, a city or a military unit in an administrative district) covered by the first intermediate location register 60_1 connected thereto. It can hold the location information of the subscriber. In this way, subscriber location information of a wider area can be shared as the upper layer goes. Such a hierarchical structure makes it possible to quickly extract and provide subscriber location information during a call as described below.

According to the invention, the intermediate location register (MLR) itself has a gateway (GW). The gateway GW functions to interoperate with each other by translating signals interposed between different communication networks, for example, a mobile communication network and an internet network, and converts a mobile protocol (MP) and an internet protocol (IP) to each other. The gateway GW is preferably provided in all of the intermediate location registers (MLR), but may alternatively be provided only in a plurality of intermediate location registers (MLRs) including the main intermediate location register (MMLR). More preferably, it may be provided sequentially from the uppermost intermediate position register to the lower. Although the gateway GW is distributed, the location information of the receiver mobile terminal MS can be retrieved by the hierarchical structure of the intermediate location register MLR, so that the access function can be performed.

4 shows a schematic configuration of the intermediate position register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60 in a block diagram. Referring to the drawings, the intermediate location register (MLR) includes a central control unit 61 for controlling each unit, a DBMS (Database Management System) 62 for storing or retrieving subscriber location information of a mobile communication network, and the like; A traffic determination unit 63 for determining the amount of data traffic of the gateway GW, and a connection controller 64 for controlling a network connection through the gateway GW according to the determination result of the traffic determination unit 63. . In addition, the intermediate location register (MLR) includes a network connection interface 65, which is a physical connection means for connecting to a network and performing communication.

The DBMS 62 manages the subscriber location information DB 62 ', where the subscriber location information provided from the switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 is recorded and recorded. Stored. The subscriber location information DB 62 includes at least a mobile communication telephone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN), and VLR location information of a subscriber provided from a visited visitor location register (VLR) as shown in FIG. Subscriber location information of is stored.

The gateway GW according to the present invention includes a control unit 66 for controlling each unit, and a protocol processing unit 67 for translating protocols by translating data signals of the mobile communication network and the Internet. According to the present invention, it should be understood that the protocol processing unit (GW) simultaneously performs the function of a so-called VoIP gateway for processing voice signals into data packets. In addition, the gateway GW includes an MP interface 68 and an IP interface 69 for physically connecting to a mobile communication network and the Internet, respectively, to perform signal processing.

Then, the process of registering the subscriber's location information using the system as described above and accessing the Internet or making an internet call will be described.

Home Subscriber's Location Information Registration

In the communication system of the present invention, a process of registering a first mobile terminal (MS) (10 of FIG. 1) location information will be described. 6 illustrates a process in which a home subscriber registers his or her location information.

First, when the home subscriber turns on the mobile terminal (MS) 10 in his service area, the mobile terminal (MS) 10 receives the subscriber's mobile communication telephone number (MIN) and terminal unique number (ESN) information from the mobile terminal (MS) 10. The containing Location Updating message is transmitted (step S100). This location registration message is sent to the corresponding mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 via a base station (BTS) (20 in FIG. 1).

The mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 transmits the telephone number (MIN) and unique number (ESN) to a home location register (HLR) 50 and requests subscriber information (step S110). . On the other hand, the home location register (HLR) 50 registers the location information of the subscriber corresponding to the telephone number and the unique number by itself (step S120), and retrieves the information of the subscriber to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 is provided (step S130). The information provided by the subscriber is call service information consisting of necessary information required for a call and information required for an Internet service, a caller ID service, and the like.

The mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 is provided with the call service information 42 provided from the home location register (HLR) 50, as shown in FIG. The subscriber location information 41 including the number MIN, the terminal unique number (ESN), and the cell location information is stored in the visitor location register (VLR) (step S140), and at the same time, identification information such as VLR_ID (soon) This adds the VLR location information and sends subscriber location information to the intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60 to which it is connected (step S150).

Subsequently, the intermediate location register (MLR) 60 stores and registers the transmitted subscriber location information in the subscriber location information DB 62 'according to the operation of the DBMS 62 (step S160). Preferably, such subscriber location information is composed of a mobile communication telephone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN), VLR location information and the like as shown in FIG.

According to the present invention, subscriber location information registration in the MLR 60 is performed from the lowest intermediate location register (MLR) 60_1 to the upper intermediate location registers 60_2 to 60_n to which it belongs and the main intermediate location. All up to the register (MMLR) 60 'is performed repeatedly. Accordingly, the same subscriber location information is registered from the lowest intermediate location register 60_1 to the main intermediate location register 60 'to which the visitor location register VLR belongs. This characterizes the hierarchical structure of the intermediate position register (MLR) according to the present invention, so that at some level, the intermediate position register (MLR) stores all the position information of the lower intermediate position register (MLR) belonging to it. Accordingly, as described below, the next higher intermediate position register (MLR) may be sequentially searched to find the location information of the subscriber who is not registered in the lower intermediate position register (MLR).

Visitor's location information registration

This time, the mobile terminal (MS) 10 will be described with respect to the location information registration when the visitor leaving his home exchange. The process for this is shown in FIG. Here, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6 represent the same process, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In step S110, if the exchange / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) requests subscriber information for its home location register (HLR) (that is, the home location register for mobile terminals), the destination home location register (HLR) Searches the database and notifies that the mobile terminal MS is a visitor (step S112).

The Exchange / Visitor Location Register (MSC / VLR) that receives such notification uses the routing information (tracking route) stored at the Signaling Transfer Point (STP) to determine the home location register (HLR) to which the visitor belongs ( This is a subscriber information request message to the mobile terminal from the entry point of the home location register) (step S114). Then, the subscription home location register (HLR) registers the subscriber's location on its own as described above (step S116) and retrieves the corresponding subscriber information and provides it to the switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) (step S118). ).

Subsequently, subsequent steps are the same as in the above-described embodiment, so description is omitted. Then, how the Internet access and internet call processing process is performed in the state where the subscriber's location information is registered as described above will be described.

Internet access

The Internet access procedure according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 shows a process of a mobile subscriber accessing a web server (70 of FIG. 1) on the Internet using his mobile terminal (MS).

Referring to the drawing, first, a mobile communication subscriber transmits an internet access request signal using its mobile terminal MS (step S200). For example, a user may send a signal by selecting a menu provided in a directory and then pressing the SEND button. Then, the mobile station (MS) transmits a connection request signal to a base station (BTS) 20 through a preset channel, and this signal is again transmitted from the base station (BTS) 20 through a data link through the mobile switching center / visitor location register. (MSC / VLR).

Then, as is known, the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) controls the base station (BTS) 20 to designate a channel for the mobile terminal (MS) (step S210), with respect to the mobile terminal (MS). Makes a channel tuning confirmation response (step S220).

Subsequently, the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) assigns a temporary IP address to the mobile terminal (MS) for Internet traffic (step S230), and then the first intermediate location to which the visitor location register (VLR) belongs. An internet access signal is transmitted to the registrar / gateway (MLR / GW) (intermediate position register corresponding to 60_1 of FIG. 3). (Step S240)

The first intermediate location register (MLR) 60_1 receiving the Internet access signal receives a traffic determination unit 63 to determine whether the traffic through the first gateway GW 60_1 interworking with the internet access signal is exceeded. It is judged whether the connection port of the gateway GW is available by the determination. (Step S250).

In step S250, if all connection ports of the first gateway GW are already in use, the connection controller 64 signals that the gateway GW cannot be connected to the MS / VLR. (Step S260).

The mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR), which has received such a return signal, belongs to the second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60_1, which is one step higher than this. The connection signal is transmitted again to the register / gateway MLR / GW (the next higher intermediate position register corresponding to 60_2 in Fig. 3).

Then, the second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60_2 again determines whether there is an access port available in the gateway GW in order to determine the traffic volume of the second gateway GW belonging thereto ( For convenience, the next higher intermediate position register is not illustrated separately in FIG. 8, and will be described as step S250). This process is repeated and the Internet connection request continues as it goes up to the upper middle register / gateway (MLR / GW) until there is a useful gateway (GW).

If it is determined in step S250 that the traffic is not exceeded and there is an available port of the gateway GW, the connection controller 64 instructs the Internet connection by the gateway GW, and thus, the gateway GW. Protocol processing unit 67 performs a signal translation to convert the mobile protocol (MP) to the Internet protocol (IP) and attempts to access the web server 70 desired by the subscriber via the Internet (step S280).

Therefore, the connection can be completed by allowing the web server 70 to allow access (step S290). Subsequently, a screen provided by the web server 70, for example, a screen created in a format such as XML (eXtensible Markup Language) or HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language) is converted by the protocol processing unit 67 of the gateway (GW) and exchanged with the MS. It is controlled by the visitor location register (MSC / VLR) and transmitted to the subscriber's mobile terminal (MS). Although not described in detail in this embodiment, the mobile terminal (MS) is equipped with a wireless Internet browser such as WAP (Wireless Appilcxation Protocol) or UP (HDML) to display the transmitted data.

Internet call

Next, an operation of making an internet call with a subscriber mobile terminal (MS) of a mobile communication network using a client 80 terminal connected to the Internet will be described.

The client 80 has a well-known Internet call means, and according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 9, the control unit 81 for controlling each unit, and physically connected to the network to communicate Allowed communication interface 82, input / output interface 83 for controlling input / output of monitor 83a and keyboard 83b, and sound controller for controlling voice input / output of earphones and microphones provided in headset 1 ( 84).

In addition, the client 80 includes a call request means 85 for attempting a call and a call processing means 86 for processing a voice signal. The call requesting means 85 requests a call connect to the telephone number of the mobile terminal MS of the receiver (mobile communication network subscriber). Preferably, the call request means 85 is for the caller to attempt a call by displaying, for example, a receiver phone number input field for an internet call service or providing a directory service on the monitor 83a of the client 80. Initial user interface can be supported. The call requesting means 85 may be interlocked with the IP directory DB 85a. The IP directory DB 85a stores and provides IP addresses of the gateways GW.

The call processing means 86 compresses the voice signal inputted by the caller of the client 80 through the headset 84a to packetize the data, and transmits the data to the gateway GW, and conversely, the voice data transmitted from the gateway GW. The packet is disassembled and restored and output as a voice signal. Of course, this series of operations is physically associated with the sound controller 13.

It is to be understood that the configuration of the client 80 is only one embodiment and that various modification means may exist within the scope of the technical details of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an internet call process according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the caller enters the telephone number of the receiver's mobile terminal (MS) 10, for example, using the user interface provided by the call requesting means 85 of the client 80 and attempts to make a call. Accordingly, the call request means 85 retrieves the IP address from the IP directory DB 85a and transmits a call request signal to the corresponding first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60 (step S300). .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60 is set to an intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) having an IP address closest to the client 80. Can be. The call request means 85 finds a gateway GW close to the IP address system assigned to the client 80. Since the IP address system is well known, a description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the intermediate position register / gateway (MLR / GW) attempting to connect is one of the lowest intermediate position register (MLR) 60_1 to the highest intermediate position register (MMLR) 60 '.

The first intermediate location register (MLR) (for example, 60_1) that has received the call connection signal is determined by the traffic determination unit 63 to determine whether the traffic through the first gateway GW (for example, layer 60_1) is exceeded. It is determined whether the connection port of the first gateway GW is available (step S310).

In step S310, if all the connection ports of the first gateway GW (layer 60_1) are already in use, the connection controller 64 sends a signal to the client 80 that the connection of the gateway GW is impossible. (Step S330).

The call requesting means 85 of the client 80 which has received such a return signal receives a second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) corresponding to another IP address from the IP directory DB 85a (for example, 60_2). Transmits the call request signal again (step S330). According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) is the intermediate location register / gateway (MLR /) of the next higher layer to which the first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) belongs. GW), but is not limited thereto.

Subsequently, the second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) 60_2 again determines whether there is an available connection port in the gateway GW to grasp the traffic volume of the second gateway GW belonging thereto (for convenience). In FIG. 10, the next higher intermediate position register is not illustrated separately and is described with reference to step S310). This process is repeated to attempt access to a plurality of intermediate location registers / gateways (MLR / GW) until there is a useful gateway (GW).

If, in step S310, the traffic is not exceeded and it is determined that there is an effective port of the first gateway GW (layer 60_1), the access controller 64 instructs the internet connection by the gateway GW. Accordingly, the protocol processing unit 67 of the first gateway GW performs signal translation for converting the Internet protocol IP to the mobile protocol MP.

At the same time, the first intermediate location register (MLR) 60_1 interworking with the first gateway (GW) 60_1 layer retrieves the subscriber location information DB (see FIG. 4) (step S340) and the mobile terminal (MS) of the receiver. It is determined whether or not the position information of " is registered in the first intermediate position register (MLR) 60_1 (step S350). The location information may include a phone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN) of the mobile terminal MS, and the VLR location information where the terminal is located.

Here, if the position information of the receiver mobile terminal MS is not registered in the first intermediate position register (MLR) 60_1, the first intermediate position register (MLR) 60_1 is again classified as belonging thereto. A request is made to the second intermediate location register (MLR) 60_2 of the next higher hierarchy which holds information on a wide area, and the second intermediate location register (MLR) 60_2 of the next higher hierarchy is located in the receiver mobile terminal MS. Information is retrieved (step S360). As described above, since the intermediate position registers (MLRs) hold all of the position information of the intermediate position registers (MLRs) belonging to the lower portion, the intermediate position registers (MLRs) are searched for the intermediate position registers (MLRs) one by one while repeating the above process. If it is possible to find the location information of the receiver mobile terminal (MS).

Once the location information of the recipient mobile terminal (MS) is retrieved, the location information is provided to the corresponding mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 to request a call connection, and the corresponding mobile switching center / visitor location register ( The MSC / VLR 40 calls the mobile terminal MS by designating a voice channel for the mobile terminal MS through the base station (BTS) 20 and transmitting a seed signal (step S370). On the other hand, when the receiver responds to the mobile terminal MS (step S380), a call channel is opened between the caller's client 80 and the receiver's mobile terminal MS to make a call (step S390). At this time, the voice data packet transmitted from the client 80 is converted into a mobile voice signal by the protocol processing unit 67 of the VoIP gateway (GW).

The communication system according to the present invention multiplexes a channel connecting a mobile communication network and the Internet by registering location information of a mobile terminal in a hierarchical intermediate location register other than a home location register and providing a plurality of gateways in the intermediate location register. It was. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the load in connecting to the Internet using a mobile terminal or attempting a call with the terminal of the mobile communication network to the client terminal.

In particular, when attempting to make an internet call to a client terminal, since the location information of a receiver mobile terminal is connected hierarchically from an intermediate location register provided in a gateway that allows access, a call of the conventional home location register is prevented. It is not necessary at all and can reduce the call connection time.

In addition, according to the present invention, the intermediate location register / gateway is hierarchically integrated, and there is an advantage that it can be sufficiently utilized in establishing a separate location information service by linking it with a regional hierarchical structure.

Claims (13)

A communication system for interconnecting a mobile communication network to which a mobile terminal MS is connected and an internet network to which a client 80 is connected, A base station (BTS) 20 for wirelessly communicating with a mobile station (MS) 10 by performing encoding and decoding of a radio channel and a base station controller (BSC) 30 for operating and controlling the base station; A mobile switching station (MSC) connected to the base station controller (BSC) 30 to perform a switching function and establishing a path for a call by interworking communication networks; A visitor location register (VLR) 40 for exchanging information with the mobile switching center (MSC) and temporarily storing subscriber location information and call service information of mobile terminals (MSs) in a service area; A home location register (HLR) 50 which is connected to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40 and stores service profiles of all registered subscribers; And Hierarchically distributed and connected to the MSC / VLR 40 and receiving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal MS from the visitor location register VLR to a higher layer. A plurality of intermediate position registers (MLR) for storing the same; A plurality of gateways (GW) are provided to interoperate with the plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR), respectively, and interlocked between the mobile communication network and the Internet network to interwork by translating a mobile protocol (MP) signal and an Internet protocol (IP) signal. 60). The method of claim 1, The intermediate position register (MLR) 60, A plurality of lowermost intermediate location registers 60_1 to which a plurality of visitor location registers VLR are connected to receive and store subscriber location information therefrom; And And a plurality of lower intermediate position registers 60_2 connected to each other and receiving and storing subscriber position information therefrom; In the same manner, a plurality of hierarchical structures are formed from the next higher intermediate position register 60_2 to the highest intermediate position register 60_n, and the highest intermediate position registers 60_n are connected to the main intermediate position register (MMLR) 60 '. Communication system, characterized in that configured. The method of claim 2, The intermediate position register (MLR), A DBMS (62) for storing, retrieving and managing subscriber location information of the mobile communication network; A traffic determination unit 63 for determining a traffic amount of the gateway GW; A connection controller 64 controlling network connection through the gateway GW according to a determination result of the traffic determination unit 63; And And a central control unit (61) for controlling the respective units. The method of claim 3, Subscriber location information of the intermediate location register (MLR), A communication system comprising a mobile communication telephone number (MIN), a terminal unique number (ESN) and VLR location information. The method of claim 2, The gateway GW, And a plurality of intermediate position registers (MLRs) including the main intermediate position register (MMLR). The method of claim 5, The gateway GW, Communication system, characterized in that provided sequentially from the highest intermediate position register to the lower layer. A base station (BTS) 20 which communicates wirelessly with mobile stations (MSs) 10 and performs exchange function for mobile stations (MS) via the base station and at the same time stores information of mobile stations (MS). A mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) 40, a home location register (HLR) 50 that stores service profiles of all registered subscribers, and a mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR); A plurality of intermediate location registers (MLRs) and a plurality of the plurality of intermediate location registers which are provided in a hierarchical manner so as to be connected and receive subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) from the visitor location register (VLR) and store the same in a higher layer. Intermediate location registers are provided to interlock with each other and include a plurality of gateways (GW) 60 interposed between the mobile communication network and the Internet network for translating the mobile protocol (MP) signal and the Internet protocol (IP) signal A communication connection method for connecting a mobile communication network and an internet network using a communication system, (a) transmitting an internet access request signal from a mobile station (MS) to the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) via the base station (BTS); (b) assigning a temporary IP address to the mobile terminal (MS); (c) transmitting the Internet access request signal from the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) to a first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW); And (d) connecting to a web server connected to the internet network by the signal translation of the first gateway (GW). The method of claim 7, wherein Step (d) is, (d-1) determining an available state of the first gateway GW; And (d-2) If the first gateway (GW) is not available, the Internet from the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) to another second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW). And retransmitting a connection request signal. The method of claim 8, In the step (d-2), And the second intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW) is a next higher intermediate location register / gateway of the first intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW). A mobile switching station / visitor location that stores information of mobile terminals (MSs), and at the same time performs a switching function for the mobile terminals (MSs) via the base station (BTS) that communicates wirelessly with mobile terminals (MSs). MSC / VLR, home location register (HLR) for storing service profiles of all registered subscribers, and are distributed hierarchically to be connected to MSC / VLR (40). And receive the subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) from the visitor location register (VLR) and interoperate with the plurality of intermediate location registers (MLR) and the plurality of intermediate location registers, respectively, which are duplicated and stored in the upper layer. And a plurality of gateways (GW) 60 interposed between the mobile communication network and the Internet network for translating a mobile protocol (MP) signal and an Internet protocol (IP) signal. Connection and a communication connection method of connecting a mobile communication network and the Internet network by using a communication system including a client (80) having an Internet call means, (a) requesting a call for a mobile terminal (MS) from the client (80) to an intermediate location register / gateway (MLR / GW); (b) retrieving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) from the intermediate location register (MLR); (c) requesting a call connection to a corresponding mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) through the gateway (GW) according to the retrieved subscriber location information; (d) assigning a voice channel to the mobile terminal (MS) by the mobile switching center / visitor location register (MSC / VLR) and transmitting an alarm signal; And (e) making a call by responding to the mobile terminal (MS). The method of claim 10, Step (b) is, Determining whether subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) is registered in the intermediate location register (MLR); And If there is no subscriber location information in the intermediate location register (MLR), retrieving the subscriber location information while sequentially going to a higher hierarchy from a next higher intermediate location register (MLR) to which the intermediate location register (MLR) belongs; Communication connection method comprising a. The method of claim 10, Step (b) is, (b-1) determining an available state of the gateway GW; (b-2) if the gateway GW is not available, re-requesting a call for the mobile station MS from the client 80 to another intermediate location register / gateway MLR / GW. ; And (b-3) retrieving subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) from the another intermediate location register (MLR). The method of claim 12, Step (b-3), Determining whether subscriber location information of the mobile terminal (MS) is registered in the another intermediate location register (MLR); And If there is no subscriber location information in the other MLR, the subscriber location information is sequentially searched from the next higher intermediate location register MLR to which the other intermediate location register MLR belongs. Communication connection method comprising a.

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