KR200406546Y1 - Wireless communication components for facilitating multiple network type compatibility - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to interoperability of wireless local area networks (WLANs) and networks of different types or according to different standards, and is capable of operating in more than one type of network (WTRU). The present invention relates to an apparatus that makes use of mechanisms and information flows running on a new protocol stack to allow handover from one type of network to another without adversely affecting service.

Network, wireless communication, WTRU, WLAN, handover.

Description

Wireless Communication Components Facilitating Multiple Network Type Compatibility {WIRELESS COMMUNICATION COMPONENTS FOR FACILITATING MULTIPLE NETWORK TYPE COMPATIBILITY}

1 is a system schematic diagram illustrating conventional wireless communication in a wireless local area network (WLAN).

2 is a diagram illustrating a conventional WLAN handover from one access point (AP) to another access point of WTRU wireless communication in the same type of WLAN.

3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention, illustrating handover of WTRU wireless communications in the Internet and cellular network context to a WLAN.

4 is a diagram illustrating a correlation between multimode WTRU and WLAN network configurations according to the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a WLAN network station configured for interaction with the Internet, a cellular network, and a management function.

6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of information in a handover from a cellular network to a WLAN according to the present invention.

7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of information in a handover from a WLAN to a cellular network according to the present invention.

8 illustrates another embodiment of a multimode WTRU according to the present invention.

Abbreviation table

3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project AC Access controller AP Access point API Application Programming Interface BS Base Station BSS Basic Service Set CAPWAP Control And Provisioning Wireless Access Point DS Distribution System EDGE Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution ESS Extended Service Set ETSI SMG European Telecommunications Standard Institute-Special Mobile Group GPRS General Packet Radio Service GSM RR Global System for Mobile communications Radio Resource Management IAPP Inter Access Point Protocol IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IP Internet Protocol LLC Logical Link Control MAC Media Access Control OA & M Operations, Administration and Maintenance PHY Physical medium QoS Quality of Service RCL Radio Link Control RRC Radio Resource Control SIP Session Initiation Protocol STA Station subscriber WTRU UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems WiFi Wireless Fidelity WLAN Wireless Local Area Network WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access WTRU Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit

The present invention relates to networked communication, interoperability of different types of networks, or to different standards, and to a method and apparatus for enabling handover of communication from one network type to another without adversely affecting service. will be. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless transceiver (WTRU) capable of operating in one or more types of networks, one of which is a local area network (WLAN) or 3GPP in accordance with one of the IEEE 802 group standards. A wireless transceiver is a wireless network such as a cellular according to the Third Generation Partnership Project or related standards.

Wireless communication systems are well known in the art. Typically such a system includes communication stations that transmit and receive wireless communication signals from each other. Depending on the type of system, the communication stations are typically one of two types of wireless devices: one type is a base station (BS) and the other is a subscriber station (WTRU), which is a mobile unit. This may be possible.

The term base station as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a base station, an access point (AP), a Node B, a site controller, or another interface in a wireless environment that provides other WTRUs with wireless access to the network to which the base station is associated. Device.

The term wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a user device, mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, or any other type of device capable of operating in a wireless environment. It includes. Such WTRUs include personal communication devices, such as telephones, video phones, and internet ready phones with network connections. WTRUs also include portable personal computing devices such as PDAs and notebook computers using wireless modems with similar network capabilities. WTRUs that are portable or can change location are referred to as mobile units.

Typically, a network of base stations is provided where each base station can perform simultaneous wireless communication with suitably configured WTRUs as well as a plurality of suitably configured base stations. Some WTRUs are also alternatively configured to perform direct wireless communication with each other, that is to enable communication without being relayed across the network through a base station. This is commonly referred to as peer-to-peer wireless communication. The WTRU is configured to communicate directly with other WTRUs, and the WTRU may also be configured to function as a base station. WTRUs may be configured for use in multiple networks, using both network and peer-to-peer communication capabilities.

One type of wireless system called a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes WTRUs equipped with WLAN modems capable of peer-to-peer communication with similarly equipped WTRUs. It may be configured to perform communication. Currently, WLAN modems are being integrated into various conventional communication and computing devices by manufacturers. For example, cellular phones, personal digital terminals, and laptop computers are configured with one or more WLAN modems.

In view of wireless cellular telephones, one standard that is currently widely used is known as Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM). This is considered the so-called second generation mobile wireless system standard (2G), followed by the next generation 2.5G. General packet radio service (GPRS) and enhanced data for GSM evolution (EDGE) are examples of 2.5G technologies that provide relatively high speed data services at the top of (2G) GSM networks. Each of these standards has found improvements over conventional standards with additional features and performance enhancements. In January 1998, the ETSI SMG (European Telecommunications Standard Institute-Special Mobile Group) agreed on a radio access technology for a third generation wireless system called Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). To further implement the UMTS standard, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) was formed in December 1998. 3GPP continues to be effective for common third generation mobile wireless standards. In addition to the 3GPP standards, 3GPP2 standards are being developed that use mobile IP in the core network for mobility. Popular WLAN environments with one or more WLAN base stations, commonly referred to as access points (APs), are formed in accordance with the IEEE 802 family of standards. Access to these networks usually requires a user authentication process. Protocols for such systems are now standardized in the WLAN technology domain, such as frame p of protocols provided in the IEEE 802 family of standards.

The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic building block of IEEE 802.11 WLAN and also includes WTRUs, also referred to as stations (STAs). Basically, a set of STAs that can talk to each other may form a BSS. Multiple BSSs are interconnected through structural components called distributed systems (DSs) to form an extended set of services (ESS). An access point (AP) is a WTRU that provides access to a DS by providing a DS service and generally allows simultaneous access to the DS by multiple STAs.

In an AP based WLAN, the WTRU must communicate wirelessly with a particular AP located nearby. The WTRU is said to be associated with this AP. It is often necessary or desirable for the WTRU to change the associated AP ("reassociation"). For example, a WTRU may experience poor signaling conditions because it moves outside the geographic area serviced by the first associated AP (the first AP). Poor signaling conditions can also be caused by congestion that occurs in the Basic Service Set (BSS) serviced by the original AP.

The WTRU may use a WLAN to establish a communication session with an Internet server through an associated AP, obtain a unique IP address, and communicate over the Internet. In general, this type of communication requires routing information setup to allow the WTRU to send information to the Internet and to receive information from the Internet that is sent to its IP address. Maintaining a communication session when the WTRU is reassociated with a new AP requires a mechanism to send that session to the new AP and update its routing information.

The WTRU may also be configured to communicate with two or more different types of networks. Such a device is called a multimode WTRU. For example, the WTRU may be configured to communicate with three different networks, such as 802.11 (WiFi) networks, 803.16 (WiMAX) networks, and cellular telephone networks. Multimode WTRUs may be configured to operate independently in each type of network in which they are configured to operate. For example, multimode WTRUs are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 20040248615 (published Dec. 9, 2004, owned by the inventor of the present invention).

In an independent multimode implementation, the WTRU may perform one or more communications under different communication standards, but may only hand over specific communications within the same type of network environment. To provide additional functionality and diversity, a hand that enables a multimode WTRU to handover communication from one type of network station using one communication standard to another type of network station using a different communication standard. It is desirable to provide an over mechanism.

A communication method, system that enables a WTRU to communicate with a base station (original BS) via a first communication standard to hand over to another BS (target BS) and communicate with a target BS via a second communication standard without loss of performance. And components are provided.

The invention is more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, given by way of example, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals.

The terms BS and WTRU are used as described above. The present invention provides a wireless access environment that utilizes two or more networking standards in which wireless network services, which may include Internet access, are provided for WTRUs. The present invention is particularly useful when used with mobile multimode WTRUs because they travel across respective geographic areas of service coverage provided by each base station. However, an advantage of the present invention is that it can be realized by a WTRU in a stopped state during a particular communication, which WTRU is configured such that any type of degradation to the QoS of that communication can provide better QoS for the communication. Because it can be delivered via handover to different types of networks. WTRUs preferably have integrated or equipped wireless devices, such as devices according to the cellular and / or IEEE 802 standards to communicate, but will also have a direct wired communication capability used for handover options when connected. Can be.

The term frame as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a packet, block, frame, or cell. A frame is a collection of data organized in a special way for transmission from one device to another. Typically, the main elements comprising a frame include a header containing control information such as sync, source, destination, and distance information; A payload containing data to be transmitted; And end of packet, error detection and correction mechanism.

The term protocol used herein defines rules and procedures for frame format and signal timing, whereby devices communicate with each other. The protocol stack is a collection of related protocols designed to work together.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a wireless communication environment in which WTRUs perform wireless communication over a network station, in this case an AP in a WLAN. The AP is connected to another network structure of the WLAN such as an access controller (AC). The AP is shown in communication with five WTRUs. Communication is coordinated and synchronized through the AP. Such a configuration is also called a basic service set (BSS) within WLAN contexts.

Referring to FIG. 2, a WLAN is shown having two APs, an original AP and a target AP. The WTRU is shown to perform wireless communication over the original AP. If the WTRU moves towards the target AP and is out of range of the original AP or for other reasons, the WTRU is serviced by both the original AP and the target AP so that the WTRU can "hand off" its communication. Is placed in the area. Handoff in this type of network is typically provided by standards developed for various types of network systems. However, inter-network handoff of communication between different types of networks typically causes problems.

Current inter-technology mobility is based on application software / layer 3 solutions, especially for mobile IP. However, handover is relatively slow and prone to data loss. As detailed below, the present invention is directed to inter-network communications designed to directly combine with lower physical and media access control layers (L1, L2) and to accelerate the process, for example by triggering higher layers for inter-technology mobility. Provides layer 2.5, a new trigger processing layer dedicated to use.

Referring to FIG. 3, a multimode WTRU is shown that can communicate over a plurality of network types. The WTRU is shown as moving from an area served by a cellular base station (BS) to an area served by a WLAN access point (AP). An inter-network communication handoff is performed that terminates the old connection with the BS and establishes a new connection with the AP.

Two different paths are shown for continuing the communication of the WTRU on the network. One path represents communication, such as voice or other data, performed over the core network of a cellular system, such as a 3GPP system. Another path illustrates data communication over the Internet, which may be Voice-over-IP (VoIP) or any other data. In such a case, the Internet session of the WTRU is preferably maintained as a mobile IP home agent at the cellular controller, where the IP packets destined for the WTRU are associated with the associated mobile IP foreign agent at the network access controller (AC). Is delivered via mobile IP tunneling, and the AC then sends them to the WTRU over a new connection established with that AP.

According to the present invention, the service associated with the inter-network communication handoff is executed at different nodes at least through implementation of a new protocol layer called Layer 2.5 (L 2.5) in the WLAN protocol component. Preferably, the access controller is configured to implement an L2.5 protocol for handling mobile related services on the network side, and the multimode WTRU handles L2.5 on the user side and communicates with L2.5 of the network AC. Configured to implement the protocol. Optionally, the access point may be configured to implement an L2.5 protocol that conveys lower layer information from the WTRU to the access controller (AC), or the implementation is split between the AP and the AC. Alternatively, the functionality described herein in connection with the new protocol layer L2.5 may be implemented in different ways or in other forms such as a management plane outside of the conventional layers.

Referring to FIG. 4, a handover architecture and service are shown for a preferred implementation of the L2.5 protocol in a multimode WTRU and compatible WLAN network component (WLAN AP / AC). The WTRU is configured to include a transceiver that implements a communication protocol for WLAN communication via " n " stack components. Each stack component includes an implementation of a WLAN physical layer (L1), and a WLAN MAC layer (L2) that interfaces with a Layer 2.5 component with a Logical Link Control (LLC). The WLAN network component is configured to include a transceiver that implements a communication protocol for WLAN communication via the “n” stack components. Each stack component includes an implementation of a WLAN physical layer (L1) and a WLAN MAC layer (L2) that interfaces with a Layer 2.5 component with a Logical Link Control (LLC). Handover between any of the "n" different network types is possible, with each network type having its own separate MAC and PHY layer.

The layer 2.5 implementation provides an internetworking decision component configured to identify different networks that can be used to implement wireless communication based on different types of received signals and to implement a change in the selection of the type of communication signal used for the WTRU communication. Ball. Preferably, three types of services are provided that support handover between different types of networks: display services, network advertisement and discovery services, and mobility services.

The presentation service serves as an abstraction layer between the conventional physical (PHY) layer and the MAC (lower access control) (MAC) layer (L1 and L2, respectively, which are technically dependent) and conventional higher layers such as mobile IP (L3). Do it. Preferably the L2.5 indication service implements the following functionality.

Set up a trigger to the L2.5 mobility service making handover decisions based on triggers from L1 and L2 (eg, link up, link down, etc.).

-Set up triggers to L3 (e.g., Mobile IP) and higher layers, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), sent on L3 signaling and application signaling interfaces.

Set up triggers to L1 and L2, transmitted on MAC and PHY interfaces.

Triggers sent to higher layers may only be an indication of the state of the wireless medium, or may provide more intelligent indications to higher layers such as issuing certain commands (eg, switching from link 1 to link 2). . This assumes that network discovery and mobility services can make handover decisions on their own and inform higher layers about the change.

Network advertisement and discovery services preferably include managing the discovery and selection of a network. The neighbor list of the network is preferably maintained along with the capabilities (eg QoS, link states) of each network. This information may be transmitted to the WLAN via L2.5 signaling by the multimode WTRU, or may be shared via Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OA & M) functionality. The network discovery service preferably interacts with the mobility services to carry the necessary information to the mobility services to make appropriate handoff decisions.

Mobility services may preferably include 802 inter-mobility services, cellular-WLAN mobility services, or both. However, any type of network-WLAN mobility service to facilitate handover from or to a WLAN, or from or to any type of wired or wireless network to which a particular multimode WTRU is communicating. Can be provided. The 802 inter-L2.5 mobility services preferably include managing WTRU handover from the 802.xx network to 802.yy using different network communication standards. Here, 802.xx and 802.yy are different standards within the IEEE 802 standard family.

Mobility services in L2.5 are preferably implemented to communicate via a management interface. The management interface is preferably configured to use an Inter Access Point Protocol (IAPP), a Control and Provisioning Wireless Access Point (CAPWAP) or other similar protocol. Mobility services will preferably be responsible for secure context delivery, pre-authentication, and other authorization functions for inter-network handover regarding the type of network that a particular mobility service component will service. In particular, IAPP and CAPWAP are used for mobility within IEEE 802.11 networks. In this way, L2.5 mobility applies not only to technologies between technologies (eg WLAN to cellular), but also to IP subnet mobility or IP subnet mobility between technologies within the same technology.

Mobility services are configured to make handover decisions for communication from one type of network to another type of network. Preferably, the mobility service component is configured to make this determination based on the desired QoS level, and / or communication link status. Such communication link states include, for example, link state changes and predicted link termination, user preferences or other factors. For example, if communication can continue over either of the two networks with the desired QoS, the decision on handover may be based on factors such as service costs, associated network congestion, or any other desired parameter. Will be made based on the fields. Preferably, mobility services are technology-agnostic. That is, they are configured to be independent of the physical requirements of a particular network, which is accomplished by components configured to implement L1 and L2 for communication over such a network.

Preferably, cellular-WLAN mobility services include managing cellular-WLAN handover. Depending on the type of coupling between cellular and WLAN, these services preferably shield 802.xx technical details from the cellular network. Such mobility services preferably consist of the same or similar interface as conventional Iub or Iur interfaces in terms of connectivity and functionality. Through OA & M functionality implemented in such mobility services, cellular neighbor lists can be shared.

5, an exemplary configuration for a WLAN network station is shown. The network station is preferably configured to communicate with other APs and ACs via an inter-access protocol such as IAPP, CAPWAP, or other similar protocol. The station is shown to have an IAPP + (IAPP extension) and CAPWAP + (CAPWAP extension) interface for communication with other WLAN APs and ACs. In such a configuration, the neighbor lists can be obtained in various ways. For example, IAPP + can send neighbor lists to L2.5, which lists L2.5 to its stations. As an alternative, the WTRU reports its neighbor lists to L2.5, which sends these lists to other nodes via IAPP +. Preferably an OA & M agent is provided to store neighbor lists. In such a configuration, L2.5 may make a handover decision and then execute the handover decision via IAPP +, CAPWAP +, or any similar protocol.

6 illustrates a cellular for WLAN handover in a multimode WTRU made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The WRTU consists of a transceiver that implements a communication protocol for both cellular network communication through the cellular stack component and WLAN communication through the 802.xx stack component. The cellular stack component allows implementation of protocols for cellular physical layer (L1), cellular MAC layer (L2), cellular radio link control (RLC) layer, and cellular radio resource control (RRC). Include. The 802.xx stack component includes implementations of L.25, WLAN Physical Layer (L1), WLAN MAC Layer (L2), and WLAN Logical Link Control (LLC) described above. The interface component b, which connects the RRC component of the cellular stack, and the L2.5 component of the 802.xx stack, provide signaling, via each MAC and physical layer formatting, and via standby radio signaling between the WTRU and each network, respectively. Consider L2.5 signaling between each call stack leading to. RRC is a radio resource control function of the 3GPP specification, which is a common cellular protocol architecture function. Other equivalent functions may be used, including but not limited to GSM RR.

The initial state is an active communication connection between a multimode WTRU and a cellular network via a cellular stack component. In this state, the paths labeled with numbers 1 and 2 represent two alternative routes that can lead layer 2.5 triggers to the cellular-802 handover policy functions present in the cellular network. For path 1 signaling, a connection is made with a WLAN via an 802.xx stack component. The WTRU sends layer 2.5 trigger information (eg, measurements) to the WLAN network, which is passed to the cellular network / handover policy function via IP or through some other common transport mechanism between the two networks. Upon receiving layer 2.5 trigger information, the cellular network / handover policy function uses this information as part of the handover decision process and then activates communication (indicated by x) via a WTRU / WLAN connection (not shown). A handover can be invoked that causes a disconnection in the communication connection.

Path 1 signaling can be implemented in concurrent radio mode operation, in which the layer 2.5 function is to spontaneously send layer 2.5 trigger information to the WLAN network. For asynchronous radio mode operation, the cellular stack is configured to periodically prompt Layer 2.5 of the 802.xx stack for trigger information to be delivered to the cellular network via path 1. In this case, the periodic prompt message is delivered through interface b between the RRC and L2.5 components.

Path 2 signaling can be implemented in concurrent radio mode operation, in which layer 2.5 functionality is triggered by an application programming interface (API) via an interface b between the RRC and layer 2.5 components of each stack. It sends information voluntarily to the cellular side of the stack. The API is a standard set of data formats, calls, and software interrupts that Layer 2.5 uses to initiate contact with cellular network services. Layer 2.5 information is conveyed to the cellular network via the RRC signaling protocol. In asynchronous wireless mode operation, the cellular stack may periodically prompt the layer 2.5 trigger information to be sent to the cellular network via path 2. This is illustrated in FIG. 6, where a periodic prompt message is delivered over interface b between RRC and Layer 2.5.

Layer 2.5 information may be conveyed in various ways via path 2. For example, layer 2.5 information may be conveyed as complete encapsulation within an RRC signaling message. Alternatively, layer 2.5 information can be conveyed as partial encapsulation in an RRC signaling message. Optionally, layer 2.5 information may be interacted with for a new RRC message or for an old RRC message. When using path 1 signaling, upon receiving layer 2.5 trigger information in the cellular network / handover policy function via path 2 signaling, the system may use this information as part of the handover decision process and then invoke handover. .

FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which the WLAN is handed over to a cellular network after the multi-mode WTRU of FIG. 6 has established an initial active communication connection with the WLAN. In this case, the communication is controlled by the 802 handover policy function of the WLAN. The paths named Path 3 and Path 4 illustrate two alternative routes that Layer 2.5 triggers can take with the 802 Handover Policy Function Component residing within the WLAN. For L2.5 signaling over path 3, the L2.5 component of the 802.xx stack communicates with the WLAN 802 handover policy function over the active link. In path 4 signaling, a connection is made with a cellular network through a cellular stack component. The WTRU sends layer 2.5 trigger information to the cellular network, which is carried by the WLAN and its 802 handover policy function via IP or some other common transport mechanism between the two networks. Upon receipt of the layer 2.5 trigger information, the 802 handover policy function may use this information as part of the handover decision processing, and subsequently after the disconnection of the active communication connection (denoted by x) is made by calling handover. The communication is performed via a cellular / WTRU connection (not shown).

In concurrent radio mode operation, the RRC component may be configured to autonomously send background RRC handover related information over interface b to an 802.xx stack L2.5 component relaying to WLAN via path 3, wherein the associated The information may be delivered to the cellular network used in establishing the cellular / WTRU handover connection. Alternatively, the RRC component may autonomously send background RRC handover related information over path 4 to the cellular network with an indication that communication is currently being processed by Layer 2.5 of the 802.xx WLAN for handover.

In the event of a handover decision or condition determined at the WTRU, the WTRU 802.xx stack L2.5 component preferably signals this event as an 802 handover policy function. The 802 handover policy function then preferably makes the final decision regarding invoking the handover to the cellular network. As the determination proceeds, WLAN layer 2.5 sends a signal to the cellular network. After handover to the cellular network, the subsequent handover operation is preferably determined by the cellular 802 handover policy function as discussed in connection with FIG. 6.

8 illustrates an example of a WTRU configured to operate in four different wireless network communication environments, namely GSM, 3GPP, IEEE 802.11, and IEEE 802.16 environments. The WTRU of FIG. 8 includes a transceiver 50 configured to implement wireless signaling in each of four networks. The transceiver 50 includes a GSM stack component configured to implement a GSM physical layer (L1), a GSM MAC layer (L2), a GSM cellular radio link control (RLC) layer and a protocol for GSM RR. The transceiver 50 includes a 3GPP physical layer (L1), a 3GPP MAC layer (L2), a 3GPP cellular radio link control (RLC) layer and a 3GPP stack component configured to implement a protocol for 3GPP RRC. The transceiver 50 includes a WLAN 802.11 stack component configured to implement protocols for the WLAN 802.11 physical layer (L1), WLAN 802.11 MAC layer (L2), and WLAN 802.11 LLC. The transceiver 50 includes a WLAN 802.16 stack component configured to implement protocols for the WLAN 802.16 physical layer (L1), WLAN 802.16 MAC layer (L2), and WLAN 802.16 LLC. Interface component b 'is configured and installed to facilitate L2.5 signaling between the four stack components. Instead of integrating the L2.5 component into one of the WLAN component stacks, the L2.5 component is implemented within interface b '. Translation of the triggers generated for the active communication protocol stack is done within an L2.5 component so that the triggers can be understood by different networks, which networks become candidates for handover of active communication from any network. A handover is possible that allows the WTRU to communicate with any other network.

8 illustrates an example of signaling in which handover of active WLAN 802.11 communications is configured in a GSM cellular network. In this case, the communication is controlled by the 802 handover policy function of the 802.11 WLAN. The paths labeled 5 and 6 represent two alternate routes through which a Layer 2.5 trigger can be sent to the 802 Handover Policy Function Component present in the 802.11 WLAN. For L 2.5 signaling over path 5, the L 2.5 component via the 802.11 stack component communicates with the WLAN 802 handover policy function component over the active link. In path 6 signaling, a GSM cellular stack component is connected to the GSM cellular network. The WTRU 50 sends layer 2.5 trigger information to the cellular network, which is propagated to the 802.11 WLAN and its 802 handover policy function component via IP or some other common transport mechanism between the cellular network and the 802.11 WLAN. Upon receipt of the layer 2.5 trigger information, the 802 handover policy function component uses this information as part of the handover decision process and subsequently calls the handover to release the active 802.11 WLAN communication connection (indicated by an asterisk). Communication is then performed via a GSM / WTRU connection (not shown).

As indicated by the dotted lines, the WTRU of FIG. 8 may also include a wired signal processing component (W). The wired signal processing component (W) is capable of processing network communication signals received by the WTRU over a wired connection, and for executing other types of protocols for the network that can selectively configure network signals communicating over the wired connection. It is preferred to be configured. In this case, the interface component b 'is easily configured to signal L 2.5 to the wired signal processing component and the wireless stack component to enable handoff between the wired communication and the wireless communication. When the WTRU has a wired signal processing unit, the present invention is applicable even if the WTRU has a single wireless mode of operation.

While features and elements of the present invention have been described in particular combinations in the preferred embodiments, each feature or element may be used alone or in combination with or without various other features and elements of the present invention. Can be used as

Preferably, the L 2.5 components of FIGS. 6-8 are configured in a single integrated circuit, such as an on-demand integrated circuit (ASIC), with one or more components and interface components that make up a respective network communication protocol stack.

Reference to a specific WTRU configuration and network configuration in the foregoing description is not intended to be limiting but merely a single example. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement other modifications and variations consistent with the present invention.

Example

1. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) including a transceiver configured for use in multiple types of wireless networks.

2. The WTRU according to the first embodiment, configured for use in a cellular wireless communication system.

3. The WTRU according to the first or second embodiment configured for use in a GSM system.

4. The WTRU according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured for use in a 3GPP system.

5. The WTRU as in any one of the first through fourth embodiments, configured for use in a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating according to the IEEE 802 standard family.

6. The WTRU as in any one of the first through fifth embodiments, configured for use in an IEEE 802.11 system.

7. The WTRU of any of the first through sixth embodiments, configured for use in an IEEE 802.16 system.

8. The WTRU as in any one of the first through seventh embodiments, configured for use in an IEEE 802.21 system.

9. The WTRU of the above-described embodiments includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive a plurality of types of selectively configured communication signals, each type of signals being used for communication with a type of network in which the WTRU is configured to be used. It is configured according to the signal configuration.

10. In the WTRU of Embodiment 9, one or more types of network in which the WTRU is configured to be used is a wireless network.

11. In the WTRU of any one of embodiments 9 and 10, one or more types of networks in which the WTRU is configured to be used is a wired network.

10. The WTRU of the above-described embodiments includes a plurality of signal processing components, each of which allows different types of network protocols to process each type of network communication signals received by the transceiver and then to the transceiver. And to selectively configure each type of network signals for transmission by means of a network.

11. The WTRU of the above-described embodiments is configured to identify another network available for implementing wireless communication based on other types of received signals and to perform a change in the type selection of the communication signals used for the WTRU communication. It includes a networking decision component.

12. The WTRU of the above-described embodiments includes an interface component configured to communicate signaling by an internetworking determining component between signal processing components, whereby a network signal of another type is derived from communication using one type of network signals. WTRU communication may proceed while switching to communication using.

13. The WTRUs of the above-described embodiments are configured for use in both the cellular network and the wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the plurality of signal processing components includes a cellular physical layer, a cellular medium access control (MAC) layer, and a cellular radio link control ( Cellular signal processing component for processing cellular signals at the RLC) layer and the cellular radio resource control layer (RRC).

14. The WTRU of embodiment 13 further includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) signal processing component that processes the WLAN signals at the WLAN physical layer, the WLAN MAC layer, and the WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer.

15. The WTRU of any one of embodiments 13 and 14 further includes an internetworking determination component configured to interface between a cellular RRC layer that processes the cellular signal processing unit and a WLAN MAC layer that processes the WLAN signal processing unit.

16. In the WTRU of the above-described embodiments, the internetworking determination component consists of an additional layer (layer 2.5) within a WLAN signal processing component that provides an indication service, a network notification and discovery service, and a mobility service for internetworking handover. The interface component is configured to signal between the WLAN 2.5 layer and the RRC layer.

17. In the WTRU of the embodiment described above, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component implements an indication service that sets up triggers for the layer 2.5 mobility service to perform handover decisions based on triggering from the physical layer and the MAC layer. It is configured to.

18. In the WTRU of embodiment 17, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is configured to set up triggers for the higher protocol layer to be transmitted on the higher layer signaling interface.

19. In the WTRU of any of embodiments 17 and 18, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is configured to set up triggers for the physical layer and the MAC layer transmitted over the physical layer interface and the MAC layer interface.

20. In the WTRU of any one of embodiments 17-19, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is configured to implement a network announcement and discovery service that manages the discovery and selection of the network by maintaining a neighbor list of networks.

21. In the WTRU of embodiment 20, the neighbor list includes the capability of each network, and such a service interacts with the mobility service to convey the information to the mobility service, thereby allowing the mobility service to handoff appropriately. You can make a decision.

22. In the WTRU of any one of embodiments 17-21, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is mobile with secure context delivery and pre-authentication capabilities for inter-network handover for the type of network the WTRU is configured to communicate with. It is configured to run a service.

23. The method of any of embodiments 17-22, wherein the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is configured to make a handover decision for a communication signal from one type of network to another based on a desired quality of service level. One embodiment of a WTRU.

24. In the WTRU of any of embodiments 17-23, the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is configured to make a handover decision on a communication signal from one type of network to another type of network based on the communication link status. .

25. In the WTRU of any one of embodiments 17-24, the layer 2.5 internetworking decision component is configured to make a handover decision on a communication signal from one type of network to another type of network based on user preferences.

26. In the WTRU of any one of embodiments 17-24, a communication signal from one type of network to another type of network such that the mobility service is configured independently from the physical requirements of the network handled by the physical and MAC layers. And make a handover decision for.

27. In the WTRU of any of the preceding embodiments, the internetworking determination component is configured as an additional layer (layer 2.5) in the interface component that provides the presentation service, network advertisement and discovery service, and mobility service for inter-network handover. do.

28. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, an interface component is configured to signal between the WLAN 2.5 layer and a plurality of signal processing components.

29. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured for use in both a cellular network and a wireless local area network (WLAN), the GSM cellular physical layer, the GSM cellular media access control (MAC) layer, the GSM cellular radio link control (RAC) layer, and And a plurality of signal processing components including a GSM cellular signal processing component for processing GSM cellular signals of a GSM cellular radio resource control (RRC) layer.

30. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured to be used for both a cellular network and a WLAN, a 3GPP cellular physical layer, a 3GPP cellular media access control (MAC) layer, a 3GPP cellular radio link control (RAC) layer, and A plurality of signal processing components including a 3GPP cellular signal processing component for processing 3GPP cellular signals of a 3GPP cellular radio resource control (RRC) layer.

31. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured to be used for both a cellular network and a wireless local area network (WLAN), the 802.11 WLAN signals of the 802.11 WLAN physical layer, the 802.11 WLAN MAC layer, and the 802.11 WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer are processed. A plurality of signal processing components including an 802.11 WLAN signal processing component.

32. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured to be used for both a cellular network and a wireless local area network (WLAN), processing 802.16 WLAN signals in an 802.11 16 physical layer, an 802.16 WLAN MAC layer, and an 802.16 WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer And a plurality of signal processing components including an 802.16 WLAN signal processing component.

33. The WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured to be used for both a cellular network and a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the internetworking determination component interfaces between the cellular signal processing component and the WLAN signal processing component.

34. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, the signal processing component is configured to process network communication signals received by the WTRU over a wired connection.

35. In the WTRU of any one of the preceding embodiments, a plurality of wired signal processing components configured to be used for both a wireless network and a wired network, including wired signal processing components for processing wired signals of a physical layer, a MAC layer, and a logical link control (LLC) layer. It includes a signal processing component.

36. In the WTRU of any previous embodiment, configured for use in both a Z wireless network and a wired network, the internetworking determining component interfaces between the wireless signal processing component and the wired signal processing component.

While the features and elements of the present invention have been described with specific embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used alone (without other features and elements of the preferred embodiments), or with other features and elements of the present invention or its elements. It can be used in various combinations without.

According to the present invention, a WTRU communicating with a base station (original BS) through a first communication standard can be handed over to another BS (target BS) and communicate with a target BS through a second communication standard without loss of performance. A communication method, system, and component are provided.

Claims (7)

A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) configured for use in multiple types of wireless networks, A transceiver configured to receive and transmit a plurality of types of wireless communication signals, optionally configured, each type of signal being configured according to a predefined signal configuration used in one type of communication of the wireless networks in which the WTRU is configured to be used Including a transceiver, The transceiver is:      As a plurality of signal processing components, each signal processing component is of a different type for processing communication signals of each type of network received by the transceiver and for selectively configuring signals of each type of network for transmission by the transceiver. The plurality of signal processing components, configured to execute protocols of a network of;      An internetworking determination component configured to identify different wireless networks available for executing wireless communications based on different types of received signals and to effect a change in the communication signal type selection used for the WTRU communications;      Communicate signaling by the Internetworking decision component between the signal processing components so that WTRU communication can continue while switching from wireless communication using one type of network signals to wireless communication using another type of network signals. Interface components configured to be configured To include, the wireless transmission / reception unit. The device of claim 1, configured to be used in both a cellular network and a wireless local area network (WLAN), The plurality of signal processing components are: A cellular signal processing component that processes cellular signals at a cellular physical layer, a cellular medium access control (MAC) layer, a cellular radio link control (RLC) layer, and a cellular radio resource control layer (RRC); A wireless local area network (WLAN) signal processing component that processes WLAN signals at the WLAN physical layer, WLAN MAC layer, and WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer. Including, The internetworking determining component is configured to interface between cellular RRC layer processing of the cellular signal processing unit and WLAN MAC layer processing of the WLAN signal processing unit. 3. The WLAN signaling component of claim 2, wherein the internetworking determination component comprises: indication services, network advertisement and discovery services, and the WLAN signal providing mobility services for inter-network handover. And as an additional layer (layer 2.5) in the processing component, wherein the interface component is configured to signal between the WLAN 2.5 layer and the RRC layer. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component sets up triggers to the layer 2.5 mobility service to make a handover decision based on triggers from physical and MAC layers, and on upper layer signaling interfaces. Configured triggers to set up triggers to higher protocol layers to be transmitted to, and to set up triggers to the physical and MAC layers transmitted on the physical and MAC layer interfaces, wherein the layer 2.5 networking determination component is configured for each network. Configured to execute network notification and discovery services that manage discovery and selection of the networks by maintaining a neighbor list of networks with the ability of the services to enable the mobility services to make appropriate handoff decisions. Services Configured to interact with the mobility services to convey the information to the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component, a security context transfer for inter-network handover with respect to the types of networks the WTRU is configured to communicate with. desired level of QoS, communication link conditions, configured to execute mobility services for security context transfer) and pre-authentication functions, wherein the mobility services are configured independently of network physical conditions addressed by physical and MAC layer components. Wireless hand / receive unit for making a handover decision for communication from one type of network to another based on user preferences and / or user preferences. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the internetworking determination component is configured as an additional layer (layer 2.5) within the interface component that provides presentation services, network notification and discovery services, and mobility services for inter-network handovers, And the interface component is configured to signal between the WLAN 2.5 layer and the plurality of signal processing components. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, configured for use in both cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs), The plurality of signal processing components are:      A GSM cellular signal processing component for processing GSM cellular signals at a GSM cellular physical layer, a GSM cellular media access control (MAC) layer, a GSM cellular radio link control (RLC) layer, a GSM cellular radio resource control layer (RRC);      A 3GPP cellular signal processing component that processes 3GPP cellular signals at a 3GPP cellular physical layer, a 3GPP cellular media control (MAC) layer, a 3GPP cellular radio link control (RLC) layer, and a 3GPP cellular radio resource control layer (RRC);      An 802.11 WLAN signal processing component for processing 802.11 WLAN signals at an 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) physical layer, an 802.11 WLAN MAC layer, and an 802.11 WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer;      802.16 WLAN signal processing component that processes 802.16 WLAN signals at the 802.16 wireless local area network (WLAN) physical layer, the 802.16 WLAN MAC layer, and the 802.16 WLAN logical link control (LLC) layer Including, The internetworking determining component is configured to interface between the cellular and WLAN signal processing components. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component sets up triggers to the layer 2.5 mobility service to determine handover based on triggers from physical and MAC layers and on a higher layer signaling interface. And configured to execute an Indication Service that sets up triggers to higher protocol layers to be transmitted, and sets up triggers to physical and MAC layers transmitted on physical and MAC layer interfaces, and wherein the layer 2.5 internetworking decision is made. The component is configured to execute a network notification and discovery service that manages the discovery and selection of the network by maintaining a neighbor list of the network along with the capabilities of each network, which services allow the mobility service to make appropriate handoff decisions. Mobility services Configured to interact with the mobility service to convey the information, wherein the layer 2.5 internetworking determination component is a type of network based on the desired level of QoS, communication link status, and / or user preferences of the WTRU. Configured to execute mobility services for secure context delivery and pre-authentication functions for inter-network handover with respect to the types of network configured to communicate for communication from the network to another type of network and to make a handover decision, Wherein said mobility services are configured independently of network physical requirements addressed by physical and MAC layer components.

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