MXPA00001737A - Method and system for controlling radio communications network and radio network controller - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for controlling a radio communications network. The invention is advantageously applied in broadband radio networks (GRAN) offering fixed network services to their users. An idea of the invention is that in conjunction with a connection set-up a radio network controller is selected via which user information flows for the whole duration of the connection. That radio network controller is here called an anchor controller (aRNC). If a connection is handed over to a base station that belongs to another radio network controller (bRNC), the user information is directed so as to travel to the active radio network controller via the anchor controller. A second idea of the invention is that in preparation for a handover a list in a neighbouring radio network controller is compiled of those base stations that would constitute a candidate set should said neighbouring radio network controller be made the active radio network controller. The invention makes it possible, among other things, to reduce the load of the core network of a cellular network and to decrease transmission power in conjunction with a handover.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND RADIO NETWORK CONTROLLER Description of the invention The invention relates to a method and system for controlling a radio network and a radio network controller. In particular, the invention is concerned with a transfer procedure in a cellular system. The invention can be advantageously applied in broadband radio networks that offer fixed network services to their users. Next, the prior art will be described by first illustrating the operation of a popular second generation cellular system and in particular the transfer or change of active base stations serving a mobile station moving in the coverage area of the cellular network . Then the characteristics of the new third generation cellular systems and the problems concerning the transfer solutions of the prior art will be described.

Previous technique; second generation cellular systems A terminal of a cellular radio system attempts to choose a base station to operate in the coverage area of the base station or cell. Conventionally, the choice has been based on intensity measurement REF, 32695 of the radio signal received in the terminal and base station. For example, in the GSM (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) each base station transmits a signal in a so-called broadcast control channel (BCCH) and the terminals measure the intensities of the BCCH signals received and on that basis determine which cell it is the most advantageous with respect to the quality of the radio link. The base stations also transmit to the terminals information about the BCCH frequencies used in the neighboring cells in such a way that the terminals know what frequencies they have to listen in order to find the BCCH transmissions of the neighboring cells. Figure 1 shows a second generation cellular system comprising a mobile switching system (MSC) belonging to the central network (CN) of the cellular system as well, such as base station controllers (BSC) and base stations (BS) belonging to a radio access network (GRAN), to which mobile stations (MS) are linked via radio interface. Figure 2 shows the coverage areas C21-C29 of the base stations BS21-BS29 of a second generation cellular system. In second generation cellular systems, such as GSM, communication between the base stations BS and the central station CN is presented via the BSC controllers of the base station. Usually, a controller of a base station controls a large number of base stations, such that when one terminal moves from the area of one cell to the area of another cell, the base stations of the old cell and the new cell are connected to the same base station controller. Thus, the transfer can be executed in the controller of the base station. However, in the conventional GSM system, for example, quite a few transfers occur between a base station of a first base station controller and a base station of a second base station controller. In such a case, the switching center has to release the connection with the first base station controller and establish a new connection with the new controller of the base station. Such an event involves a signaling batch between the base station controllers and the switching center and since the distances between the base station controllers and the switching center may be long, there may be disturbances in the connection during the transfer.

Third Generation Cellular Systems The prior art transfer arrangement is appropriate for so-called second generation digital cellular radio systems, such as GSM and its DCS 1800 extension (1800 MHz Digital Communications System), IS-54 (Interim Standard 54) and PDC (Personal Digital Cell). However, it has been suggested that in future third generation digital cellular systems, the service levels offered to the terminals by the cells may differ considerably from one cell to the other. Proposals for third generation systems include UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems) and FPLMTS / IMT-2000 (Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunications System / International Mobile Telecommunications at 2000 MHz). In these planes, the cells are classified according to their size and characteristics in: pico-, nano-, micro- and macrocells and an example of the level of service is the bit rate. The bit rate is the highest in the pico-cells and the lowest in the macro-cells. The cells may overlap or overlap partially or completely and there may be different terminals, so that not all terminals are necessarily able to use all the levels of service offered by the cells. Figure 3 shows a version of a future cellular radio system that is not completely new compared to the known GSM system, but includes known elements and completely new elements. In current cellular radio systems the bottleneck that prevents more advanced services from being offered to the terminals comprises the radio access network RAN that includes the base stations and the base station controllers. The core network of a cellular radio system comprises mobile service switching centers (MSC), other network elements (in GSM, for example SGSN and GGSN, this is GPRS Support Node Service and GPRS Support Node Gateway, where GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service) and the related transmission systems. According to, for example, the GSM + explanations, developed from GSM, the central network can also provide new services. In Figure 3, the core network of a cellular radio system 30 comprises a GSM + central network 31 having three parallel radio access networks linked thereto. Of those, networks 32 and 33 are UMTS radio access networks and network 34 is a GSM + radio access network. The upper UMTS radio access network 32 is for example a commercial radio access network owned by a telecommunications operator offering mobile services, which also serves all subscribers or subscribers of such telecommunications operator. The lower UMTS radio access network 33 is for example private and belongs, for example, to a company in whose facilities the radio access network operates. Commonly, the cells of the private radio access network 33 are nano- and / or pico-cells in which only the terminals of the employees of such a company can operate. All three radio access networks can have cells of different sizes, offering different types of service. Additionally, the cells of all three radio access networks 32, 33 and 34 may overlap or overlap either completely or in part. The bit rate used at a given time depends, among other things, on the conditions of the radio path, characteristics of the services used, regional global capacity of the cellular system and the capacity needs of other users. The new types of radio access networks mentioned above are called generic radio access networks (GRAN). Such a network can cooperate with different types of fixed central networks CN and especially with the GPRS network of the GSM system. The generic radio access network (GRAN) can be defined as a set of base stations (BS) and radio network controllers (RNCs) that are capable of communicating with each other using signaling messages. Later in this, the generic radio access network will shortly be called a GRAN radio network. The terminal 35 shown in Figure 3 is preferably a dual mode terminal call that can serve either as a second generation GSM terminal or as a third generation UMTS terminal according to what kind of services are available in each. site or particular location and what the user's communication needs are. It can also be a multimodal terminal that can function as a terminal of several different communication systems according to the need and the available services. The radio access networks and services available to the user are specified in a subscriber identity module (SIM) 36 connected to the terminal. Figure 4 shows in more detail a central network CN of a third generation cellular system, comprising a switching center MSC and a GRAN radio network connected to the core network. The GRAN radio network comprises radio network controllers RNC and base stations BS connected thereto. A given radio network controller RNC and the base stations connected thereto are apt to offer broadband services, while a second radio network controller and base stations connected thereto may be able to offer only narrow band services conventional but possibly cover a larger area. Figure 5 shows coverage areas 51a-56a of base stations 51-56 in a third generation cellular system. As can be seen from Figure 5, a mobile station traveling only a short distance can choose from many base stations for the radio link. The new cellular systems may employ a so-called macrodiversity combination technique related to CDMA systems. This means that in the downlink or reverse link path, a terminal receives user data from at least two base stations and correspondingly, the user data transmitted by the terminal is received by at least two base stations. Then, instead of one, there are two or more active base stations or a so-called active set. Using the combination in macrodiversity it is possible to obtain a better quality of data communications since fades and momentary disturbances that occur in a given transmission path can be compensated by means of data transmitted via a second transmission path. To select an active set, an active radio network controller determines, based on the geographical location, for example, a candidate set of base stations, which is a set of the base stations that are used to measure the intensity information of the base stations. general signal using for example a pilot signal. Subsequently in the present, this candidate set of base stations will be called a candidate set (CS) shortly. In some systems, such as IS-41, separate candidate base stations are used.

Problems concerning the prior art Consider the application of an arrangement of the prior art to a proposed third-generation digital cellular system. In third generation systems, base station transfers and radio network controller transfers are more frequent than in second generation systems. One of the reasons behind this is that the cell sizes can be noticeably small and that there may be a need to change the type of service, for example from narrow band to band - Wide during a call. According to the prior art, a transfer between radio network controllers will be carried out in such a way that the user's data connection between the communication center and the so-called old radio network controller / active base station is released and a New connection is established between the switching center and the so-called new radio network controller / active base station. Then, the switching center would have to release / establish many connections, which involves a batch of signaling between the switching center and the radio network controller.

In addition, there are many small-sized cells in the area of a switching center and in broadband applications, the amount of user data transmitted is greater. This imposes very narrow requirements for the capacity and speed of the physical elements of the switching center, while in large systems they can not be satisfied at reasonable costs using current technology. Secondly, the known systems have the problem of how to transmit the signaling and data of the central network CN and the signaling of the radio network to a terminal moving in the area of the radio network. The signaling and data of the CN are specifically for the terminal and are channeled via the radio network controllers. The radio network signaling can be intended either for the terminal or for the radio network itself, so that it can arrange the optimal use of the radio resources in the network area. The problem is caused by the mobile terminal and its effect on the data flow in the area of the radio network. When the combination of macrodiversity is used, the prior art also has the problem that after a transfer between radio network controllers, the new radio network controller does not have the knowledge of the appropriate base stations for the combination of macrodiversity, such that the combination of macrodiversity can not be used before the new radio network controller has established a candidate set of its own. Accordingly, the transmission power has to be increased and only one transmission path can be used temporarily between the system and the terminal. This degrades the quality of communications and causes stability problems that must be corrected by constant adjustments.

General description of the invention Transfers between active base stations serving a terminal can be classified as follows: 1. transfer between base stations (base station sectors) (HO (HO = transfer) intra-RNC). 2. transfer between radio network controllers within a generic radio network (HO inter-RNC) and 3. transfer between generic radio networks (HO inter-GRAN). The present invention is concerned mainly with transfers between radio network controllers within a generic radio network (item 2 above).

An object of the present invention is to provide a radio network control arrangement that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages concerning the prior art arrangements. An idea of the invention is that a connection is assigned to a radio network controller by means of which the user's data is directed, also when some other radio network controller is the active radio network controller. This radio network controller assigned to a connection is hereby called an anchor or anchor controller. If during a connection a base station connected to another radio network controller is chosen as the active base station, the user data is directed in such a way that it travels to the active radio network controller. via the anchor or anchor driver. The use of an anchor controller according to the present invention brings considerable advantages compared to the prior art. First, the radio network topology becomes simple and clear and the network can be easily extended and reconfigured. Secondly, the internal traffic events in the radio network are handled within the radio network controlled by the anchor or anchor function, in such a way that: - a transfer between the radio network controllers is fast, in such a way that it is easier to satisfy the requirements for a seamless transfer without losses and - the load of the mobile switching center MSC remains moderate remains moderate. A particularly significant advantage is that the operation of the radio network can be made optimal with respect to the use of radio resources. In addition, when an anchor controller is used, data encryption can be carried out in the anchor controller, such that the encryption keys do not need to be transmitted during a connection from one radio network controller to another. The transmission channel from the anchor controller to the active radio network controller can be carried out by means of chaining, such that all the active radio network controllers used during a call remain transmission links throughout the entire network. call duration. Another alternative is to use an optimal channeling where the radio network controllers between the anchor controller and the active radio network controller are bypassed.

The optimal channeling of the radio network controller used in connection with the invention also brings additional advantages. First of all, the internal signaling load of the radio network is still moderate and signaling can be made easy fast enough. In addition, the processing requirements of the radio network controller remain reasonable, which makes the solution practical. A second idea of the invention is that in preparation for a transfer a list is compiled in a radio network controller neighboring those base stations that would constitute the candidate set if the neighboring radio network controller became the network controller of the network. active radio. Then, the active set AS becomes, in conjunction with the transfer, the new active set AS '. Such a list is herein called a candidate set of the external base station. When collecting external candidate sets it is advantageous to use a border base station list (BBSL) that can help determine if a transfer is likely. In addition, call verification or intense monitoring can be used for an external base station assembly. The use of a candidate set of external base station brings for example the following advantages. In the first place, the transmission power change related to the transfer is not greater at the interface, but the power usage is "uniform". This results in a small overall power consumption in the interface area and a low noise level induced by interference. In addition, the solution obtains a continuous state with respect to the network, in such a way that the transfers will not cause deviations from normal operation and thus a stability problem. The method according to the invention for controlling radio traffic between a terminal and a communication system, comprising radio network controllers and base stations to establish a communication connection between the system and the terminal connected thereto and where a first radio network controller and a second radio network controller serve as active radio network controllers during the connection, characterized in that, when the second radio network controller is active, the connection is routed to the second radio network controller. radio network via the first radio network controller. The communication system according to the invention, comprising radio network controllers and base stations for establishing a communication connection between the system and the terminal connected thereto and wherein a first radio network controller and a second radio network controller. Radio network serve as active radio network controllers during the connection, it is characterized in that, when the second radio network controller is active, the connection is routed to the second radio network controller via the first radio network controller. A radio network controller of the communication system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises means for channeling the communications to another radio network controller during a connection. A second radio network controller according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises means for channeling the traffic related to a connection between a base extension and the second radio network controller. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. "Active" base station here means a base station having a user data connection with a terminal. "Active" radio network controller here means a radio network controller with which the active base station is in direct connection, in such a way that user data can be transmitted to the active base station.

Base station and "old" radio network controller (old or former) means a base station or radio network controller that was active before the transfer and base station or "new" radio network controller, means a base station or radio network controller that is active after the transfer. It is also possible that several radio network controllers are active simultaneously. "Transfer" herein means a transfer between base stations, radio network controllers or radio networks. After the transfer, it is possible that the old or previous radio network base station / controller will also remain active. "User data" means in the present information usually transmitted in a so-called traffic channel between two users / terminals of the cellular system or between one user / terminal of the cellular system and another terminal via a central network. They may be, for example, coded voice data, facsimile data or image or text files. "Signaling" refers to the communications concerning the management or administration of the internal functions of the communications system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments presented by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a second generation cellular system according to the prior art, Figure 2 shows the coverage areas of the base stations of a second generation cellular system according to the prior art, Figure 3 shows a third generation cellular system, Figure 4 shows the central network CN of a cellular system of third generation according to the prior art and the GRAN radio network in connection therewith, Figure 5 shows the coverage areas of the base stations of a cellular system according to the prior art, Figure 6 shows a diagram of flow of the main stages of a method according to the invention to carry out a transfer between base stations, controllers radio and radio networks ed, Figure 7 shows a cellular system according to the invention and some modalities for arranging communications between radio network controllers, Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention for arranging communications between controllers of radio networks. radio network of different radio networks by means of the active protocol of the central network, Figure 9 shows a technique according to the invention for carrying out the channeling between radio network controllers by means of chaining, Figure 10 shows a technique according to the invention for carrying out the channeling between the radio network controllers optimally; FIG. 11 shows a signaling flow diagram of a reverse (reverse) transfer in a cellular system according to the invention; , Figure 12 shows a signal flow diagram of a direct transfer in a cellular system according to the invention, Figure 13 shows functions of radio network controllers before a transfer in a cellular system according to the invention, Figure 14 shows functions of radio network controllers after a transfer in a cellular system in accordance with the invention. With the invention, Figure 15 shows a signaling diagram of a method according to the invention for adding a new base station neighboring the active set during the preparation for a transfer, Figure 16 shows a signaling diagram of an agreement procedure. with the invention to remove a neighboring base station from the active set during the preparation for a transfer and FIG. 17 shows a signaling flow diagram of the execution of a transfer in a cellular system according to the invention. Figures 1 to 5 were discussed above in connection with the description of the prior art. Hereinafter, a method according to the invention is briefly described with reference to figure 6. Next, with reference to figure 7, a cellular system according to the invention and modalities for the transmission of signaling and user data between two radio network controllers. After this, with reference to Figure 8, a transfer between a radio network controller in a first radio network and a radio network controller in a second radio network will be described. Next, with reference to figures 9 and 10, a chained and optimized modality for establishing the channeling between radio network controllers will be described. Then, with reference to figures 11 and 12, two modalities for optimized channeling will be described. After this, two modalities for performing the combination of macrodiversity in a radio network according to the invention will be described. Next, the functions of the radio network controllers will be described in conjunction with a transfer according to the invention with reference to figures 13 and 14. Finally, with reference to figures 13 to 17, the steps concerning a transfer in a radio network by using combination of macrodiversity and the external candidate set. The description will be followed by a list of abbreviations used in the figures and in the description.

MAIN STAGES OF A METHOD ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for a transfer, involving the active base station, active radio network controller and active radio network. First, a static configuration 600 of the system is carried out, which comprises the following steps. In step 601, the connections between a switching center MSC and the radio network controllers are detected and in step 602 a GRAN-wide routing table is created for the radio network controllers. Then, the fixed connections are established in the GRAN radio network in step 603. Then a dynamic configuration 610 of the radio network is carried out, which comprises the following connection establishment and connection stages. First, an anchor or anchor controller is specified, step 611, after which a specific connection of the fixed radio network is established between a radio network controller RNC [i] and base stations BS [a ( i) ... k (i)], step 612. Then, the radio connections between the radio network controllers RNC [i] and the mobile station MS [a] are established and radio links are established between the stations base BS [a (i) ... c (i)] and the mobile station MS [], step 614. After this, possible transfers are carried out within the radio network controller in step 615. If the mobile station receives an intense signal from a base station of an external radio network controller, step 620, a new RNC-to-RNC connection is added, step 621 and the channeling is updated and optimized, steps 62 and 623. After from this, a specific fixed connection of the radio network controller is established between the radio network controller RNC [j] and the base stations BS [a (j) ... f (j)], step 624. Next, radio connections are established between the radio network controller RNC [j] and the mobile station MS [a ] and radio links are established between the base stations BS [a (j) ... d (j)] and the mobile station MS [a], step 625. In step 626, a transfer is executed between the controllers of radio network RNC [i] and RNC [j]. Both radio network controllers can be active as long as it is advantageous to use base stations of both radio network controllers. If all the signal connections between the mobile station and the base stations of a radio network controller are terminated, the radio network controller can be removed from the chain. A radio network controller may also be forced to be removed from the chain when the base stations of another radio network controller offer better signal connections. In Figure 6, the radio connection between the radio network controller RNC [j] and the mobile station is eliminated in step 627 and the specific physical connection of the radio network controller between the radio network controller RNC [ i] and base stations BS [a (i) ... c (i)] is also deleted. Figure 6 also shows a transfer (HO Inter-GRAN) between radio network controllers belonging to two different radio networks GRAN A and GRAN B. In the case of such transfer, the dynamic configuration is repeated in the new network of Radio and the same procedures as in the old (old or previous) radio network are carried out in the new radio network, steps 631 and 632.

ARRANGEMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN RADIO NETWORK CONTROLLERS Figure 7 shows in more detail a central network CN of the cellular system, comprising a switching center MSC and a GRAN radio network connected to the central network. The GRAN radio network comprises radio network controllers aRNC and bRNC and base stations BS1 to BS4 connected thereto. A terminal TE is connected by radio to the system, via the base stations. It should be noted that Figure 7 shows only a fraction of the usual number of radio network controllers and base stations in a radio network. Figure 7 illustrates some embodiments of the transfer according to the invention. When a connection is established, a radio network controller becomes an anchor or anchor controller, which in the case illustrated in Figure 7 also serves as an active radio network controller in the initial stage of the connection. The anchor or anchor controller is marked herein as aRNC. Figure 7 shows a situation where a radio network controller bRNC becomes the active controller during the connection. In an embodiment of the invention, the inter-RNC transfer signaling messages, like other messages of manipulation or administration of the radio resources, within the radio access network, also as the user data, are transmitted encapsulated via the CN central network. Then, the CN core network serves only as a message channel and link between two radio network controllers that function as holes or channeling points. Radio network controllers know how to create and decode these messages, as well as perform the functions required in them. An advantage of this mode is that separate physical transmission paths between the radio network controllers are not required. In a second embodiment of the invention, there is a physical link between two radio network controllers, such as a cable or radio network connection, for example. Then, the transfer signaling can be transmitted directly from one radio network controller to another without participation of the central network CN. From the prior art, the signaling between the radio network controllers in protocol layers L1-L2 is known, which, however, do not take part in the transfer signaling itself.

A third embodiment of the invention is concerned with a situation where there is no continuous connection between two radio network controllers. Then, a solution is applicable where a base station is connected with two network controllers. Thus, a base station can actively choose which of the two radio network controllers send control messages. Then a base station can also serve as a mediator between radio network controllers, such that messages from one radio network controller to another travel transparently via the base station in both directions. In this case, identification codes are used to distinguish between the messages and the traffic itself between the base station and the radio network controller. Figure 8 shows a situation where a transfer between radio network controllers of different radio networks is needed. Then, the anchor or anchor function will not remain in the old (old or old) radio network, but a radio network controller of the new radio network becomes the anchor driver. In such a transfer, signaling between two GRAN radio networks can be carried out using an actively participating protocol, such as MAP of the GSM system, for example. The MAP will then communicate separately with the anchor radio network controllers of both GRANs and process the signaling transfer messages related to the transfer, such as other messages between the CN core network and the GRAN radio network.

ENCOUNTER BETWEEN RADIO NETWORK CONTROLLERS Examine a situation in which a terminal moves in the coverage area of a GRAN radio network. Then the anchor function of the radio network remains in the radio network controller specified for the connection, which means that all messages from the core network to the terminal are first brought to the anchor radio network controller that directs additionally via other radio network controllers to the target radio network controller that delivers them to. the terminal via a base station. The use of the anchoring function requires that the anchor RNC knows how the messages are transmitted to other radio network controllers of the GRAN radio network. This can be done using a GRAN-wide addressing mechanism, such that the anchor RNC knows the channeling to other radio network controllers, in which case a so-called fixed channel table is used. Alternatively, the radio network controller is connected to only another radio network controller, such that messages are always sent forward or directly, until a radio network controller detects the address attached to the message , that the message is addressed to it. When such an arrangement is used, it must be taken into account that the anchor RNC can be any of the radio network radio network controllers. In a small radio network it is possible to perform a method mode that employs only one anchor RNC, common to all terminals, so that no specific connection anchor RNC is needed. Then, the anchor RNC functions as the main controller and the other network controllers function as dependent controllers (or slaves). If the radio network controller can be selected, the anchoring decision can be made either in the CN central network or in the GRAN radio network. The central network and the radio network must know which radio network controllers serve as anchor or anchor controllers in each of the connections between the terminal TE and the switching center MSC. Figures 9 and 10 show two modalities for carrying out the channeling between radio network controllers during different connection stages. Figure 9 shows an arrangement for channeling the connection by means of chaining and figure 10 shows an arrangement for channeling the connection in an optimized manner. In figures 9 and 10, the circuits represent radio network controllers and the lines represent connections between radio network controllers, made for example in one of the methods described above according to the invention. A thick line represents an active connection path between a terminal moving in a radio network and the central network CN. The location of the terminal is only represented in the figure by the radio network controller. The steps A0 and B0 in FIGS. 9 and 10 represent an initial situation, wherein the terminal communicates with the central network by means of the radio network controllers 100 and 900. Steps Al and Bl represent a situation where the terminal, is transferred to radio network controllers 111 and 911, while the anchor or anchor controller remains in the old (old or old) radio network controller. The advantage of the optimized mode can be seen in the situation where the connection of a terminal is additionally transferred to either an anchor radio network controller or some other radio network controller. In steps A2 and B2, the next transfer is to radio network controller 122 and 922. In the chaining method, a new communication link is simply established between the old (old or former) network radio controller 921 and the new radio network controller 922. In the optimized solution, a new communication link is established between the anchor RNC 120 and the new radio network controller (122) and the link between the anchor RNC 120 and the old one radio network controller 121 is removed. Steps A3 and B3 illustrate a situation where the connection of the terminal has been transferred back to the anchor RNC, from the initial stage of steps A2 and B2. In the optimized case, the communication link between the old radio network controller 132 and the anchor RNC 130 is eliminated. Since the new radio network controller is the anchor RNC, no new communication link needs to be established. In the traditional chaining method, a circuit is made from the anchor RNC 930 back to the anchor RNC 930 through all the radio network controllers that the terminal has used during the connection. The optimized transfer can be carried out in two ways depending on whether it is possible to use the signaling connection with the old radio network controller during the transfer. In a reverse or reverse transfer call, the old radio network controller is used for signaling during the transfer and in a forward or direct forward call, the old radio network controller is not used for signaling during the transfer . Figures 11 and 12 show some ways to carry out the forward or reverse and reverse or reverse transfers mentioned above. The description that follows also refers to transfer situations according to figures 9 and 10. The abbreviations used in the figures are listed in the list of abbreviations following the description.

Reverse transfer Figure 11 shows by way of example the signal flow diagram of an optimized reverse transfer or reverse transfer between radio network controllers. In a backward transfer, the old connection to the terminal is retained for the entire duration of the transfer, such that the radio path parameters of the new location can be transmitted to the terminal via the old radio network controller 111. In the example, the terminal transits from the state Al shown in figure 10 to state A2, that is, from the old radio controller 11 to the new radio controller 112.

An optimized backward transfer according to Figure 1 between radio network controllers comprises the following steps: A terminal TE requiring a transfer between base stations sends a message to the old radio network controller or RNC. When the old radio network controller finds that the new main station required by the terminal belongs to another radio network controller nRNC, it informs the anchor controller aRNC about the request for a reverse transfer or reverse transfer. Having received the message from the old radio network controller oRNC, the anchor controller aRNC requests the new radio network controller nRNC to reserve fixed and radio connections according to the carrier information (Bl) for the terminal. Having received an acknowledgment of the connection reservation under the new nRNC radio network controller from the new radio network controller, the aRNC anchor controller negotiates with the new nRNC radio controller and establishes the user data transmission link. Then the anchor controller aRNC requests the old radio network controller oRNC to send the radio path information, from the reserved radio path under the new nRNC radio network controller to the terminal, using the old connection still operational. Having received from the old radio network controller oRNC an acknowledgment of sending information of the new radio path to the terminal, the anchor nRNC requests that the new radio network controller initiate the transmission to the terminal. Finally, the anchor controller 'aRNC requests that the old radio network controller oRNC release the resources assigned to the terminal. This may be a forced release after the new set of base stations offers better signal connections or alternatively, the release may be effected if none of the base stations of the network controller serves the mobile station.

Direct Transfer Figure 12 shows by way of example the signal flow diagram of an optimized forward transfer or forward transfer between the radio network controllers. In a direct transfer, it is assumed that the old connection via the old radio network controller or RNC is no longer in use. In the example according to figure 12, a terminal transits from the state Al shown in figure 10 to state A2, that is from the old radio network controller oRNC 111 to the new radio network controller nRNC 112. A direct transfer optimized according to figure 12 between radio network controllers comprises the following steps: When the terminal and / or new base station nBS finds that the terminal needs a transfer and the radio network controller nRNC controlling the new base station has detected that the old base station belongs to another radio network controller oRNC, the new radio network controller nRNC sends a message indicating the need for a direct transfer to the old base station oRNC, either directly (such as in the figure 12) or via the anchor controller aRNC. The old radio network controller oRNC sends a request - acknowledgment (or acknowledgment) to the new radio network controller nRNC and informs the anchor controller about the need for a transfer. So, the aRNC anchor controller and the new nRNC radio network controller negotiate and establish a special or dedicated user data transmission link. Having received an acknowledgment from the anchor controller aRNC of its transfer request, the old radio network controller releases the fixed and radio connections assigned to the terminal. At the end when the new radio network controller has the user data connections of the ascending and operational aRNC anchor controller, the new nRNC radio network controller will establish the necessary fixed and radio connections between the base station and the terminal. Finally, the new radio network controller nRNC sends a message to the anchor controller aRNC indicating that the transfer is complete.

Use of combination of macrodiversity in the radio network according to the invention Used with a radio network type CDMA, which facilitates the combination of signals of multiple base stations or combination of macrodiversity, the arrangement according to the invention is characterized by some special features. The combination of macrodiversity employs multiple simultaneous connections, first between the terminal and the base station sectors and secondly between the terminal and individual base stations. In the uplink or forward link path, the terminal uses a signal and a spreading code that is received at several base stations. Alternatively, the terminal may use a signal with several dispersion codes received in several base stations. The final signal is the result of the combination of macrodiversity. In the downlink or reverse link direction, several base stations transmit one and the same scattered signal using different spreading codes to a terminal, which performs the combination of macrodiversity. Signal connections that provide sufficient signal strength at agreed power levels belong to the so-called active set. If the active set includes base stations connected to different radio network controllers, the combination of macrodiversity can be carried out separately for each radio network controller. Then, the final signal combination is consummated only in the anchor RNC. In another embodiment, the signals are routed separately to the RNC of. anchoring, where the combination of macrodiversity itself is carried out. A prerequisite for each diversity combination is the timing information or approximate synchronization, for example with the accuracy of 256 chips, indicating the structure within which the signal combination at the bit level can be carried out. Alternatively, the combination of macrodiversity can be carried out in such a way that the base stations handle the timing at the chip level and make the decisions of bits based on programming elements. These bits, represented by a more detailed representation defined by several bits, are sent to the radio network controller where the combination is carried out using the diversity technique. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission of packets can be performed in such a way that the same packets are not transmitted via two different base stations. The solution can be such that it is decided at the time of transmission of each packet, which of the radio paths is the most advantageous at that time. The decision may be based, for example, on a prediction of the quality of the radio connections, quality calculations or quality measurements. The advantage of the combination of macrodiversity is then that the branch (or secondary telephone exchange). of the best quality radio transmission path is used every time. The retransmissions caused by receiving of poor packets can be further directed, for example, according to the following selection criteria for the branch of the radio transmission path: - the retransmission uses the branch (or secondary telephone exchange) of the radio transmission path used in the previous transmission, - the retransmission uses a branch different from the branch used in the previous transmission or - the retransmission uses the branch whose quality is estimated as the best. This is to improve the probability of success through retransmission. An advantage of this mode is for example a load of the reduced radius trajectory, since the same data is not normally transmitted via two branches. The active set can be limited such that it includes only the base station connections, the base stations of which are connected to the same radio network controller. Nevertheless, this modality has the disadvantage that as the terminal crosses the border between two radio network drivers, the macrodiversity has to be abandoned momentarily. In a mode in which the radio network controllers are connected only by means of the central network CN, advantageously the combination of macrodiversity is performed in the closest radio network controller so that it is not necessary to transmit the signals without connection via the CN. If the radio network controllers are directly connected, the combination of macrodiversity according to the invention has two modalities. The first modality covers the cases in which the combination of macrodiversity is carried out in successive radio network controllers and finally in the anchor RNC. The second modality covers the cases where all the signals are collected separately in the anchor RNC and the combination of macrodiversity is carried out in the same. This mode is advantageous in a solution in which the anchoring RNC is the same for all connections in the GRAN radio network and the other radio network controllers are only routers. The mechanisms according to the present invention easily lead to different radio network topologies. However, in the preferred embodiment, the radio network is not made topologically complex, but is allowed to use the central network as efficiently as possible to transmit its own messages either passively or actively. With respect to the use of radio network resources, it is advantageous to retain a sufficient functional distribution because it is preferable that the radio link layers are located as close as possible to the base stations, the signals of which are detected better for the terminal.

Functions according to the invention in the radio network controller In accordance with the present invention, a radio network controller advantageously has the following new features: means for performing anchoring functions, means for storing channel information with respect to to other controllers in the radio network, - means for reallocating data to the central network CN, - means for performing the data channeling to another radio network controller, - means for communicating with another controller, and - means for carry out the macrodiversity combination by choosing the momentarily stronger signal connection or by combining the signals from different connections. Fig. 13 shows the functions of the radio network controller before a transfer and Fig. 14 shows the functions of the radio network controller immediately after a transfer. In the situation represented by Figures 13 and 14, the radio network controller RNCO is the anchor controller and the radio network controller RNC1 is active before the transfer and the RNC2 is active after the transfer. In figures 13 and 14, a thick line in the fixed network represents the transmission of user data and a thin line represents a signaling connection. A thin line between base stations and a terminal indicates measurement operations and a serrated line or flashing symbol indicates the transmission of user data. In addition to the anchor RNC functions (ARNCF), the RNCO anchor controller performs the user data relay (UDR) to the active radio network controller. In the active radio network controller RNC1 there is a macrodiversity controller (MDC). The active RNC1 also includes a macrodiversity combining point (MDCP) for the uplink or forward link address. The corresponding combination point for the downlink or reverse link address is located at the terminal TE. The active radio network controller RNC1 also contains a set controller (SC). For each terminal, there is in the active radio network controller RNC1 a candidate set (SC) and a subset of the SC, an active set (AS). One or more radio controllers (RNC2) that control the base stations in the immediate vicinity (probable transfer) of the set of base stations of the active radio network controller RNC1 can control an external candidate set (ECS). The external candidate set ECS may include one or more base stations controlled by the radio network controller RNC2. The radio network controller RNC2 includes an external candidate set controller (ESC) to control the external candidate set. The RNCO anchor controller or the active RNC1 (selectable location) includes a so-called set control function (SCF), which verifies the need for transfer between radio network controllers, prepares the necessary external candidate set ECS and executes the transfer. The anchor controller can be established in two alternative ways: * The RNC radio network controller by means of which the connection was originally established is chosen as the anchor controller. Then, in principle, all radio network controllers can function as the anchor controller. In practice, this alternative requires logical RNC to RNC connection facilities between all the RNC radio controllers in the GRAN radio network. * Within a GRAN radio network, all anchor controllers are always established in one and the same radio network controller, the so-called primary RNC, which at the same time is probably the only radio network controller connected to the network central CN. The main RNC includes the functions of anchor RNC (ARNCF). The main RNC provides a star-like topology for connections between radio network controllers. The examples illustrated by Figures 13 and 14 are based on a situation where the anchor controller has been selected and an active RNC is connected to it., which is not an anchor RNC. The RNCO anchor controller must have a logical communications connection with the radio network controller RNC1 and the RNC2. The physical realization of the communication connection from RNC to RNC logic between the radio network controllers RNC1 and RNC2 can be a direct link of RNC1-RNC2 or optionally, communications between the radio network controllers RNC1 and RNC2 can be performed by relay via the RNCO anchor controller. In figure 13 the control function of the set SCF is located in the RNCO anchor controller, in such a way that a logical connection between the radio network controllers RNC1 and RNC2 is not necessary. Other logical RNC to RNC connections can be physically performed in the three ways described above (via CN, using a cable / radio link from RNC to RNC or via base stations). A communication connection from RNC to logical RNC is in principle independent of the physical implementation. For example, in optimized routing, where the logical communications connection exists between the anchor controller and the active radio network controller, the physical connection can still be relieved via previous active radio network controllers if necessary. The ARNCF anchor RNC function comprises the following tasks: - Establish logical connections from RNC to RNC between the anchor controller and the active radio network controller, - UDR user data relay, that is, direct the link data descending or reverse link to the radio network controller RNC2 and receiving the forward link or uplink data of the macrodiversity combination point MDCP-ascending / RCN2 of the radio network controller RNC2 and - establishing, controlling and releasing a logical connection between the CN central network and the radio network. The user data relay UDR comprises the following tasks: - Relay of traffic between a terminal TE and the central network CN, instead of the base stations controlled by the radio network controller itself to another radio network controller according to with instructions for the RNACF anchor RNC function. The user data relay controls the user data stream directly or controls the operation of the LLC logical link control. The LLC logical link control controls the radio connections between the radio network controller and a terminal. The LLC logical link control tasks include error detection, error correction, and retransmission in error situations. In addition, the LLC logical link control comprises the control for the necessary temporary or intermediate memories and recognition inputs. The LLC logical link control unit has a generalized meaning, it can terminate the corresponding LLC protocol from the terminal, but it can alternatively serve as an LLC relay. In a relay function of the LLC, the logical link control unit can designate the messages of the radio network in a normal manner, but relieves the messages from the central network (data and central network signaling) in addition to a defined node of the central network CN. An example of this is the relay of messages between a terminal and a central network of the General Packet Radio Service GPRS. In this case the Service GPRS Support Node (SGSN) will serve as a termination unit. The LLC logical link control can be located in such a way that it is always in the anchor controller. Then there is no need to transmit large intermediate or temporary LLC memories within the radio network in connection with a transfer of an active radio network controller. Alternatively, the logical link control can always be located in the active radio network controller, in which case the LLC intermediate or temporary memories have to be transferred in conjunction with a transfer between radio network controllers. The possible transfer of the logical link control from one radio network controller to another is carried out under the control of the UDR user data relay in the anchor controller. The location of the logical link control in the active radio network controller is shown by dashed lines in Figures 13 and 14. The user data relay UDR performs data relay also in cases where the role of the control The logical link is small, for example in the so-called minimal mode or when the logical link control has no function. The possible locations of the logical link control are also determined in part by the combination of macrodiversity used. Radio network controller administrators create or delete, depending on the internal implementation method, specific functions of the terminal (for example ECSC, MDC and MDCP) in the radio network controller and direct the signaling messages to the correct function in the radio network controller. The MDCP macrodiversity combining point and the MDC macrodiversity controller represent ordinary functions concerning the macrodiversity implementation used. The UDR user data relay is related to inter-RNC communications within the radio network. The anchor RNC function (ARNCF) that is active only during a transfer belongs to the anchor-based transfer arrangement according to the invention. The control function of the set SCF, controller of the set SC and the controller of the external candidate set ECSC belong to the arrangement described according to the invention using an external candidate set. In a macrodiversity implementation comprising the uplink or forward link path only one transmission in the terminal, the MDCP / uplink macrodiversity point is located in the radio network controller. In the downlink or reverse link transmission path with multiple transmissions (each base station has its own) the MDCP / downlink macrodiversity point is located in the terminal. The macrodiversity combining point MDCP and the macrodiversity controller MDC carry out the functions belonging to a combination of macrodiversity according to the macrodiversity implementation used. The functions add and remove base stations from the internal candidate set and the active set. Furthermore, the macrodiversity controller MDC according to the invention must be able to: - indicate the controller. from the SC set the additions and eliminations of base stations to and from the active set of base stations, - add / remove from the candidate set visible to the terminal the base stations added / eliminated from the external candidate set, - produce the reports for the controller of the set of the necessary radio path qualities comparable to the controller of the external candidate set ECSC e - indicate at the request of the controller of the set SC to the terminal that a completely new active set (previous external candidate set) has been taken into use. The controller of the set SC carries out the following tasks: - It inspects using the base station list BBSL border if an added / deleted base station of the active set belongs to the so-called base stations borders of a neighboring radio network controller. - Request that the set control function SCF makes a creation / deletion of an external candidate set in a neighboring radio network controller and that provides the necessary information, such as the identity of the base station that made the request, the identity of the terminal, etc. - When the external candidate set changes, via the macrodiversity controller MDC transmits to the terminal, the information needed by the terminal in the measurement of the external candidate set. - Provided that intensive verification is used, it produces and transmits information to the control function of the SCF set which is comparable to the intensive verification controlled by the controller of the external candidate set ECSC.

- Transports the radio-technical parameters of the external base station set that is about to become active to the MDC macrodiversity controller. The macrodiversity controller MDC also sends them to the terminal as the parameters it produces itself. - At the request of the control function of the SCF set, the operation of a terminal of its own radio network controller RNCl ends or alternatively it converts the active set of its own radio controller to the external candidate set of the new radio network controller active RNC2. The control function of the SCF set comprises the following tasks: At the request of the set controller SC allows / prohibits, possibly negotiating with the target radio network controller, the creation of an external candidate set ECS. It requests that a neighboring radio network controller create an external candidate set for a certain terminal, by transmitting the information (i.e. identity of the base station) produced by the active radio network controller to the neighboring radio network controller RNC2. - When creating or modifying an external base station set, it transmits to the controller of the SC set the data required by the terminal in the measurement.

- Receives the connection quality reports from the SC set controller and the external candidate set controller and makes a transfer decision based on them. - Decide on a transfer to a neighboring radio network controller or based on intense verification. - If intense verification is possible, request that the controller of the external candidate set ECSC initiate intensive verification. Request from the macrodiversity controller the data required for intensive verification and send it to the controller of the external candidate set. It requests that the macrodiversity controller produce comparable data with the intense verification data produced by the controller of the external candidate set ECSC if such data differ from the normal reference data. It receives the results of intensive verification of the controller of the external candidate set ECSC and compares them with the quality data received from the controller of the set SC. - It indicates to the controller of the external candidate set ECSC that the transfer has been completed and receives the radiotechnical parameters of the active external base station set of the controller of the external candidate set ECSC and sends them additionally to the controller of the set SC.

- Indicates to the ARNDF anchor RNC function that the transfer has been completed between the two radio network controllers. When the base station set of the radio network controller RNC2 has become the active set, it requests the controller of the set SC / RNCl of the old radio network controller RNC1, to finish the operation and to eliminate the rest of the functions related to the terminal of the radio network controller RNC1 or alternatively, which converts the radio network controller RNC1 into a controller of the external candidate set for the radio network controller RNC2. The controller of the external candidate set ECSC has the following tasks: - When it starts for a given terminal it creates for the base station BS / RNC1, which fired the preparation, an appropriate external candidate set ECS based for example on geographical location data and / or propagation technicians and when the external candidate set ECS exists, it updates it constantly according to the base stations added / deleted from the active set. - Transports to the control function of the SCF set the data required for the measurement of the external candidate set ECS in the terminal.

- In the intense verification, based on the specific information of the terminal produced by the control function of the set, it establishes in the radio network controller RNC2, the functions that are necessary in the quality sampling of the direct link or uplink and report the results of the sampling to the control function of the SCF set. - As the transfer begins, it sends the radiotechnical parameters of the external base station assembly that becomes active to the control function of the SCF assembly. Initiates in the radio network controller RNC2 the forward link or uplink macrodiversity controller MDC / RNC2 and the macrodiversity combination point MDCP-ascending / RNC2 required in the active radio network controller,. using the external candidate set as the initial state for the new active set. At the same time, it establishes the necessary fixed and radio connections for the active set.

Execution of transfer between radio network controllers Consider the execution of a transfer between radio network controllers in the exemplary situation illustrated in figures 13 and 14. Two phases can be discerned in the transfer between radio network controllers: - phase of preparation of inter-RNC transfer and - inter-RNC transfer execution phase.

Transfer preparation phase The following example of the preparation phase assumes that the control function of the SCF set is in the RNCO anchor controller, so that a connection between the radio network controllers RNC1 and RNC2 is not needed. . The preparation phase is the same in the direct link or uplink and downlink or reverse link directions. In the situation illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the transfer preparation comprises the following steps: First, the radio network controller RNC1 adds a base station to the active set AS. The signaling flow diagram in Figure 15 shows a method for adding a base station to the active set. Then, the controller of the set SC / RNC1 detects based on the list of base station border BBSL, that a base station has been added to the active set that is located in the immediate vicinity of the base stations, controlled by a network controller of neighboring radio RNC2. The SC / RNC1 set controller sends a message about this to the control function of the SCF set. If this is the first such base station, the controller function of the SCF set requests that a controller of the external candidate set ECSC be initiated in the neighboring radio network controller RNC2. Next, the radio network controller RNC2 starts the controller of the external candidate set ECSC for the terminal. On the basis, for example, of the geographical location data, the controller of the external candidate set ECSC determines an appropriate external candidate set ECS for the terminal and sends information about the base stations belonging to the external candidate set to the radio network controller RNCl, via the control function of the SCF set. Alternatively, if there is a direct signaling connection between the radio network controllers RNCl and RNC2, this can be done directly to the SC / RNCl set controller. The controller of the set SC / RNC1 adds the external candidate set ECS to the set of base stations to be measured in the terminal. This is done controlled by the macrodiversity controller MDC / RNC1 as in the case of an internal candidate set. After the terminal uses for example pilot signals to carry out usual measurements for the base station set including the candidate set SC and the external candidate set ECS. In this example, it is assumed that the terminal makes a decision or proposition to transfer base stations between the active set and the candidate set and the transfer can be carried out by the MDCP macrodiversity combining point and the MDC macrodiversity controller. The SC / RNCl set controller is informed about the transfer. When the macrodiversity controller MDC / RNC1 detects the request to transfer a base station belonging to an external candidate set ECS to the active set, the request is transmitted to the controller of the set SC / RNC1 to be considered additionally or to be executed. If the only base station border towards the radio network controller RNC2 is. removed from the active set, the SC / RNC1 set controller, having detected the situation, removes the controller from the external candidate set ECSC from the radio network controller RNC2 by sending a deletion request to the control function of the SCF / RNCO set, Figure 16. Then the control function of the SCF / RNC set sends the request to the radio network controller RNC2, which removes the controller from the external candidate set ECSC. Then the procedure starts again. Otherwise, the set controller (SC / RNCl) requests the update of the external candidate set in the radio network controller RNC2. If the SCF set control function finds that a base station / base stations controlled by the radio network controller RNC2 provides (n) a better signal, the control function of the SCF set can alternatively order a transfer between the network controllers radio RNC1 and RNC2 or only initiates optional intense verification on the radio network controller RNC2. In the intense verification, an MDCP preprocess such as the macrodiversity combining point is set in the radio network controller RNC2 for the forward link or uplink transmission path and such preprocessing, from time to time, receives data from the terminal but does not transmit the data by itself, but only the connection quality report to the control function of the SCF set. Having found, based on measurements or intense verification, that a transfer is necessary to the base station (s) controlled by the radio network controller RNC2, the control function of the SCF set initiates the phase for executing a transfer between the radio network controller RNC1 and the radio network controller RNC2.

Transfer execution phase An inter-RNC transfer can be carried out as follows: - The active set is completely transferred to the new radio network controller RNC2. Thus, only one radio network controller is active at a time. In the transfer execution phase, the external candidate set ECS2 of the radio network controller RNC2 is completely converted into the active set AS of the terminal and the active set ASI and the candidate set CSl of the radio network controller RNC1 are eliminated . Optionally, the active set AS of the radio network controller RNCl can remain as candidate set ECSl. This fix prevents the synchronization problem of the RNC found in the hierarchical combination. - In the hierarchical combination, each radio network controller has its own active set. All active radio network controllers carry out their own combination for the data in the direct link or uplink direction. The direct link or final uplink combination can be carried out in the RNCO radio network controller. Then, it is not necessary to set a own macrodiversity controller MDC / RNCO in the radio network controller RNCO or functions equivalent to a macrodiversity combination point MDCP-ascending / RNCO, if the combining points of radio network controllers Assets are capable of preprocessing the final result for fixed transmission, such that the final combination is easy to carry out in the RNCO radio network controller. Alternatively, one of the active radio network controllers can serve as a so-called combination controller by combining the user data of the other active radio network controllers before transmission to the radio network controller RNCO. The UDR / RNCO user data relay has to duplicate the downlink or reverse link user data for the combined reverse link or reverse link connection in the terminal. Additionally, the base stations of the active sets. of the different radio network controllers must be synchronized as required by the CDMA method used. The hierarchical combination can comprise several levels of hierarchy. A combination of the alternatives described above is used, for example, in such a way that the downlink or reverse link address employs the complete transfer of the active set and the uplink or direct link address employs hierarchical combination. Then, in the downlink or reverse link direction the user data is transmitted via the previous active set until the measurements show that the new set of base stations is better. Then the data of downlink or reverse link will be transmitted via the new set. By means of this solution the advantages of hierarchical combination are retained in the uplink direction but duplication of data in the downlink or reverse link direction is avoided. The following example of the execution phase of an inter-RNC transfer is based on the complete transfer of the active set in the uplink and downlink directions (alternative 1). The example of the execution phase assumes that the control function of the SCF set is located in the RNCO anchor controller, so that no logical connection from RNC to RNC is required between the radio network controllers RNC1 and RNC2. The example of the execution phase is based on the use of macrodiversity in a generic CDMA system. The example is illustrated by the message flow diagram in Figure 17. In the example discussed herein, the transfer execution comprises the following steps after the set control function (SCF) has made the transfer decision.

First, the ARNCF anchoring function of the RNCO anchor controller establishes a logical connection from RNC to RNC between the RNCO anchor controller and the new active radio network controller RNC2. Then, the control function of the SCF set informs the radio network controller RNC2 about the execution of the transfer. The external candidate set controller ECSC sends to the control function of the set SCF or alternatively, directly to the old controller of the set SC / RNC1, the radio-technical parameters of the set of base station to be active, to be transmitted additionally to the terminal. The internal operation of the radio network controller RNC2 is mostly the same as in conjunction with the establishment of a normal call, with the difference that the external candidate set is immediately converted into the final active set. Instead of an external candidate set, a controller of the set SC / RNC2, macrodiversity controller MDC / RN2 and macrodiversity combination point MDCP / RNC2 are established for the uplink or direct link address. Controlled by the radio network controller RNC2 are specific fixed or created terminal carriers, necessary for the transmission of user data between the radio network controllers and the base stations in the active set, as well as the carriers radio between base stations and the terminal, of the forms used in the radio network, unless such connections have already been completely created in the intense verification of the preparation phase. At the request of the set control function SCF, the UDR user data relay in the RNC ARNCF anchor function modifies its operation as follows. The user data relay UDR is prepared to receive uplink or direct link user data from the MDCP-upstream / RNC2 macrodiversity combining point of the radio network controller RNC2. The user data relay UDR directs the data of the reverse link or downlink user also to the radio network controller RNC2. Next, the control function of the set SCF / RNC2 sends to the controller of the set SC / RNC1 of the radio network controller RNC1 the parameters (such as the time reference and the code of entanglement and / or dispersion used) of the pilot signals of the base stations in the active set of the RNC2 radio network controller. The controller of the set SC / RNC1 in the radio network controller RNC1 sends the parameters of the new active set to the terminal. Then, the macrodiversity combining point MDCP / RNC2, in the radio network controller RNC2, initiates transmission with the new active set AS / RNC2. This is recognized for the anchor function RNC ARNCF via the control function of the SCF set. Finally, the ARNCF anchor function can request that the radio network controller RNC1 remove the controller from the set of the SC / RNC1 terminal, the macrodiversity controller MDC / RNC1 and the macrodiversity combination point MDCP / RNC1, also as release the specific physical bearers of the terminal between the remaining radio network controllers and base stations and possible remaining radio path reservations. Alternatively, the anchor controller may request that the radio network controller RNC1 convert the active set of the radio network controller RNC1 into an external candidate set ECS. Having been recognized this, the transfer of inter-RNC is consummated. In the examples discussed above, it is assumed that the frequency of the external candidate set ECS complies with the re-utilization 1, typical of a CDMA system, such that the external candidate set has the same frequency as the candidate set itself. However, it is possible to establish an external candidate set on another frequency. Then, the active set AS of only one candidate set may be in use. Even if the combination of macrodiversity is not an advantageous solution between different frequencies, this modality still facilitates the change of the candidate set AS to the new candidate set AS 'in accordance with the principles summarized above.

Applications of the invention The present invention can be used in connection with a large number of applications. These include, for example, database search services, data download, video conferencing, "on-demand" data purchases from a communications network, use of global network services on the Internet including network scanning, etc. The modalities discussed above are naturally exemplary and do not limit the invention. For example, the terminal may comprise a mobile station, portable terminal or a fixed terminal, such as the terminal of a subscriber or wireless subscriber connection. Particularly, it should be noted that the creation of an external candidate set for an inter-RNC transfer can be carried out regardless of whether the data communications will be routed to the new active base station via another radio network controller, such as an anchor driver. The steps of the method described above according to the invention can also be carried out in a different order from that previously provided and some steps can be omitted when they are not necessary. Previous modalities have been discussed in which the radio network employs the CDMA system. However, it should be noted that the present invention is in no way limited to the CDMA system, but can be used in other systems, such as the TDMA system for example.

List of abbreviations used in the figures and in the description CN Central Network GRAN TDMA Generic Radio Access Network CDMA Time Division Multiple Access TE Multiple Access Code Terminal Equipment BS Base Station nBS new Base Station oBS old BSC Base Station RNC Base Station Controller nRNC Radio Network Controller new Old Radio Network Controller oRNC Old Radio Network Controller aRNC Anchor Radio Network Controller aRNCF Anchor Radio Network Controller Function bRNC Active Radio Network Controller it is not an UDR anchor RNC User Data Relase CS Set Candidate AS Active Set ECS Set External Candidate ECSC Set Controller External Candidate MDC Macrodiversity Controller SC Set Controller SCF Set Control Function BBSL List Station Base Border MDCP Point of Combination of Macrodiversity Rl Information of radiotr.a yectoria Bl Carrier information ID Identity HO Transfer ack recognition up uplink or direct link down downlink or reverse link req request resp response It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the cited invention is that it is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (52)

1. CLAIMS Having described the foregoing invention, the content of the present claims is claimed as property: 1. A method for controlling radio communication between a terminal and a communication system, in a communications system where the communication connection between the system and the terminal is established via an active radio network controller and the active base station, characterized in that the communications connection is directed to the active radio network controller via a second radio network controller.
2. 2. The method of compliance with the claim 1, characterized in that an anchor radio network controller or controller is selected. anchoring, by means of which connection data communication is presented for the entire duration of the connection and communication with another possible active radio network controller is addressed via such anchor controller.
3. 3. The method of compliance with the claim 2, characterized in that such selection is carried out specifically for the connection when the connection is established
4. 4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that said selection is carried out in conjunction with the configuration of the system.
5. The method according to any of claims 2-4, characterized in that said communication is directed from the anchoring controller to new radio network controllers established during the connection by means of chaining.
6. The method according to any of claims 2 - 4 characterized in that the number of radio network controllers used in the data communication is minimized when determining a new route between the anchor controller and a new radio network controller active, in such a way that the previous active radio network controller is omitted.
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the transfer between the radio network controllers is a reverse or backward type transfer, where the signaling during the transfer is directed via the old (or earlier) network controller of radio.
8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the transfer between the radio network controllers is a direct or forward type transfer, wherein the signaling during the transfer is directed via the new radio network controller.
9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication system uses macrodiversity combination, in such a way that the dispersion code / signal component combination is carried out in a chain formed by network controllers radio that serve as a transmission link.
10. The method according to any of claims 2-8, characterized in that the communication system utilizes combination of macrodiversity, such that the combination of the dispersion code is carried out in such anchor controller.
11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that before a transfer between radio network controllers, an external candidate set is established and the candidate set of the new active radio network controller is established based on External candidate set.
12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a transfer between radio network controllers comprises a preparation phase and an execution phase.
13. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the preparation phase includes the step of adding a base station to the active set.
14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the execution phase includes the steps of changing the active radio network controller and the active base station set.
15. 15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that such an execution phase includes the steps of maintaining at least two radio network controllers and their active base station sets.
16. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active radio network controller and the base station set are completely transferred. .
17. 17. A communication system, comprising a first and a second radio network controller and base stations connected to the radio network controllers to provide a communication connection between the system and a terminal connected thereto, characterized in that they comprise means for directing the communication connection to an active radio network controller via another radio network controller.
18. 18. The communication system according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises means for selecting an anchor controller and means for directing the data communication of such connection to another active radio network controller possible via such an anchor controller.
19. The communication system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it comprises means for creating an external candidate set before a transfer between the radio network controllers and means for creating a new candidate set based on the external candidate set. .
20. The communication system according to any of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that it comprises means for performing a combination of macrodiversity.
21. 21. A radio network controller in a communication system, characterized in that it comprises means for channeling the communication to another radio network controller during a connection.
22. 22. The radio network controller according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises means for storing information about the channeling to other radio network controllers.
23. 23. The radio network controller according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that it comprises means for sending and receiving encapsulated transfer messages to and from another radio network controller via the central network of a cellular network.
24. 24. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that it comprises means for sending and receiving transfer messages and user data to and from another radio network controller via a physical connection, such as a cable or radio link, between two radio network controllers.
25. 25. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that it comprises means for transparently sending and receiving transfer messages and user data to and from another radio network controller via a base station that is connected to with. both radio network controllers.
26. 26. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21-24, characterized in that it comprises means for sending and receiving transfer messages and user data to and from another radio network controller via the central network of a cellular system when communicating independently with the active protocol of the central network.
27. 27. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that it comprises means for performing an anchoring function.
28. The radio network controller according to claim 27, characterized in that said means for performing an anchoring function comprise means for creating logical inter-network radio controller (inter-RNC) connections between the anchor controller and the active radio network controller.
29. 29. The radio network controller according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that it comprises means for relaying user data to another radio network controller based on the direction of the means for performing an anchoring function.
30. 30. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a logical link control unit for controlling the communication of data between a radio network controller and a terminal.
31. The radio network controller according to claim 30, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling and terminating messages of the logical link control unit between the terminal and the radio network controller.
32. 32. The radio network controller according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that it comprises means for relaying the messages of the logical link control unit between the terminal and the core network.
33. 33. The radio network controller according to claims 21 and 32, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling and terminating first messages of the logical link control unit between the terminal and the radio network controller and means for relaying seconds. messages between the terminal and the central network.
34. 34. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 33, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling the logical link control unit of the same or another radio network controller.
35. 35. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 34, characterized in that it comprises means for performing a set control function.
36. 36. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 35, characterized in that it comprises means for combining a macrodiversity dispersion code / macrodiversity signal components together with another radio network controller in a chain.
37. 37. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 36, characterized in that it comprises means for combining a macrodiversity dispersion code independently.
38. 38. The radio network controller according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the means for combining a macrodiversity dispersion code / macrodiversity signal components comprises means for selecting the momentarily strongest transmission connection.
39. 39. The radio network controller according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that said means for combining a macrodiversity dispersion code / macrodiversity signal components comprises means for producing a signal by combining the signals of the least two transmission paths.
40. 40. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 39, characterized in that it comprises means for selecting in the packet transmission a radio path separately for each packet transmission.
41. 41. The radio network controller according to claim 40, characterized in that it comprises means for accurately selecting a radio path for each packet transmission.
42. 42. A radio network controller, characterized in that it comprises means for channeling the data communication related to a communication connection between a base station and another radio network controller.
43. 43. The radio network controller according to claim 42, characterized in that it comprises means for establishing an external candidate set.
44. 44. The radio network controller according to claim 43, characterized in that it comprises means for creating a list of base station boundary and means for establishing an external candidate set based on such list of base station boundary.
45. 45. The radio network controller according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that it comprises means for converting an external candidate set into a candidate set.
46. 46. The radio network controller according to any of claims 42 to 45, characterized in that it comprises a logical link control unit for controlling communication between a radio network controller and a terminal.
47. 47. The radio network controller according to any of claims 42 to 46, characterized in that it comprises a controller of the set.
48. 48. The radio network controller according to any of claims 42 to 47, characterized in that it comprises a controller of the external candidate set.
49. 49. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 48, characterized in that it comprises a macrodiversity controller.
50. 50. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 49, characterized in that it comprises a macrodiversity combining point.
51. 51. The radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 50, characterized in that it comprises means for data encryption or access control entanglement in an anchoring and / or active mode.
52. 52. The method according to any of claims 1 to 16, the communication system according to any of claims 17 to 20 or the radio network controller according to any of claims 21 to 50, characterized in that the Radio network used for communication is a UMTS network. METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND RADIO NETWORK CONTROLLER SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is concerned with a method and system for controlling a radiocommunication network. The invention is advantageously applied in broadband radio networks (GRAN) that offer fixed network services to their users. An idea of the invention is that, in conjunction with the establishment of the connection, a radio network controller is selected, via which the user information flows over the entire duration of the connection. That radio network controller is hereby called an anchor controller (aRNC). If a connection is transferred to a base station belonging to another radio network controller (bRNC), the user information is directed to travel to the active radio network controller via the anchor controller. A second idea of the invention is that, in preparation for a transfer, a list is compiled in a radio network controller neighboring those base stations that would constitute a candidate set, if that neighboring radio network controller becomes the active radio network controller. The invention makes it possible, among other things, to reduce the load of the central network of a cellular network and to decrease the transmission power in conjunction with a transfer.