MXPA96006324A - System and method for radio telecommunications deadministracion for deambulant unit in area amp - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a telecommunications system (10) that includes a broad area communication network (12) and any number of local communication networks (14). The wide area communication network (12) includes any number of central switches (16) and each local communication network (14) includes at least one mobile switching center (28). Multimodal subscriber units (20) can operate in any type of network (12), (14). Management services are provided for roaming, for mobile switching centers in which it wanders (28) with respect to wandering subscriber units through the wide area communication network. For any simple local communications network, wandering administration services are provided through a single central switch (18) independently of the central switching office within the wide area communication network (12) which is a home node for a wandering subscriber unit (2

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RADIO TELECOMMUNICATIONS OF ADMINISTRATION FOR DEAMBULANT UNIT IN LARGE AREA OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to the provision of administration services for roaming in telecommunications radio systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Subscriber units used with telecommunications radio systems are often registered in a domestic system, but may be used in certain other systems when prior arrments have been made between the service providers of the system. To be of value to subscribers, these arrments need to be made with service providers in all areas where providers wish to travel. Since subscribers can potentially travel around the world, many of these prior systems may be required to achieve satisfaction for the subscriber. A subscriber unit is said to be roaming when it operates on one of these other systems where previous arrments have been made. In order to allow roaming service, certain administration services are provided for the roaming unit. Management services for roaming include maintaining location information of the valid subscriber unit, REF: 23478 such that the system in which a subscriber unit is currently roaming can be identified. Calls directed to roving subscriber units can then be sent to the appropriate system in response to this information. Management services for roaming also include maintaining subscriber information that serves a role in authorizing and verifying credits. In this way, when a wandering subscriber unit attempts to register or place a call through a system in which the subscriber unit has not been registered, the system can obtain assurance that it will receive payment for the services requested. The conventional telecommunication radio switching nodes are treated as peers for purposes of providing management services for roampers among themselves. In other words, each switching node has equal status with respect to providing management services for roaming. For example, the global system for mobile communications (GSM) assigns subscriber units to domestic mobile switching centers (MCSs). A home location register (HLR) is established for each subscriber call in the home MSC of the subscriber unit. The HLR registers a complete subscriber and subscriber unit profile. The HLR additionally stores location data identifying any MSC over which the HLR subscriber unit may be roaming. When a wandering subscriber unit (ie a wandering unit) first registers with an MSC in which it wanders, the wandering MSC contacts the domestic MSC to inform the home MSC of the wandering status of the wandering unit and the geographical location I presented. The domestic MSC can authorize and / or authenticate the ambulant unit, to essentially verify the credit worthiness of the ambulatory unit for the MSC in which it wanders. If the operation of the ambulant unit is authorized, the MSC in which it wanders establishes a visitor location register (VLR) for the ambulant unit. Call terminations (calls that are routed to the subscriber unit) are first directed to a home MSC of the roaming unit in response to the walker's phone number, MIN, or another ID. These calls are then sent to the MSC in which it is roaming from the home MSC, so that the MSC in which it roams can set up calls with the roving unit. While the conventional technique is effective in providing management services for roaming, it has serious disadvantages as the number of telecommunication radio switching nodes increases. Even more, the number of these switching nodes continues to increase due to the expansion of telecommunications radio services. The increases result from extending radio telecommunications services to new areas and superimposing new telecommunications radio services in areas already covered by existing systems. If "N" represents the number of systems that wish to provide management services for wandering units with each other, then the number of potential contacts conventionally required to allow wandering among the N systems is (N-1) 2. In addition, (Nl) 2 legal contracts must be concluded between the population of service providers and each service provider must comply with laws, rates, rights (including carrier frequency assignments) and regulations associated with communicating with all other Nl service providers . In addition, the population of service providers uses various types of equipment. The conventional technique requires that each of the N systems be compatible with all types of equipment. Accordingly, conventional administration services for roaming units lead to costly and complex inefficiencies, as the number of radio telecommunications service providers grows and as roaming management services are provided over more telecommunications radio systems.

In this way, there is a significant need for a less costly, less complex global management system for ambulatory units. Brief Description of the Drawings A more complete understanding of the present invention can be derived by referring to the following detailed description and claims, when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like items through the figures. , and: FIGURE 1 shows a top-level distribution diagram of an environment within which a telecommunications radio system can operate; FIGURE 2 shows a diagram of the lower level distribution of the environment; FIGURE 3 shows a block diagram of physical equipment included in a multimodal subscriber unit; FIGURE 4 shows a flow diagram of an activation process; FIGURE 5 shows a flow chart of a process for multimodal subscriber unit; FIGURE 6 shows a flow diagram of a local switching node process; FIGURE 7 shows a flow chart of a process of wide area switching nodes; and FIGURE 8 shows a flow diagram of a call request termination process included in the broad area switching node process. Detailed Description of the Drawings The present invention offers a method for providing management services for wide area roaming for telecommunications radio units, the method is characterized by the steps of: a) establishing a wide area communications network, having a domestic switching node and a remote switching node; b) assigning a subscriber unit to the home switching node of the wide area communication network; c) receiving a roaming contact from the subscriber unit at a local communications network switching node; d) contacting, from the local communication network switching node, the remote switching node of the wide area communication network to evaluate the wandering contact; and e) contacting the home switching node of the wide area communication network from the remote switching node of the wide area communication network, to evaluate the wandering contact. The subscriber unit may be a unit of multiple modes and the method may further comprise the steps of: following a first communications protocol to establish a communications session between the subscriber unit and the wide area communication network; and follow a second communication protocol to establish a communication session between the subscriber unit and the local communications network. The first communications protocol following the step may comprise the step of determining a geographical location for the subscriber unit. The method may additionally comprise the step of determining, at the remote switching node of the wide area communication network, whether to initiate a communication session with the subscriber unit using the first or second communication protocols. The determination step may comprise the steps of: recording data describing whether a prior communication session with the subscriber unit employs the first and second communication protocols; initiating a communications session with the subscriber unit using the first communication protocol when the previous communication session with the subscriber unit using the first communication protocol; and initiating a communication with the subscriber unit using the second communication protocol when the previous communication session with the subscriber unit used the second communication protocol.

The method may further comprise the step of locating the remote switching node of the wide area communication network close to the local communication network switching node. The method may additionally comprise the step of receiving data at the local communication network switching node from the subscriber unit, the data indicates that the subscriber unit is assigned to a node included in the wide area communications network. The method may additionally comprise the step of arranging the wide area communication network and the local network, such that the area covered by the local network is included in the area covered by the wide area communication network. The present invention further provides a method for providing broad area wander management services for telecommunications radio units, the method is characterized by the steps of: a) establishing a wide area communications network having a first multiplicity of nodes of commutation and a network radio coverage area, covering substantially the entire surface of the earth; b) allocating home allocations for a second multiplicity of multimodal subscriber units among the first multiplicity of wide area communication network switching nodes; c) locating a select one of the first multiplicity of switching nodes next to a local switching node of a local network; d) receiving wandering contacts from a portion of the second multiplicity of subscriber units in the local switching node; e) contacting, from the local switching node, the select node of the wide area communication network to evaluate the contacts for roaming; and f) contacting various of the first multiplicity of switching nodes from the select node to evaluate the contacts for roaming, the various of the switching nodes are identified in response to the domestic assignments distributed in stage b). Figure 1 shows a higher level distribution diagram and Figure 2 shows a lower level distribution diagram of an environment within which a telecommunications radio system 10 can operate 10. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the system 10 it includes a wide area communications network (WACN) (12) and any number of local communications networks (LCNs) (14). In the preferred embodiment, WACN 12 is a satellite-based communications network. WACN 12 offers a broad area communications network radio coverage area, which covers substantially the entire surface of the earth through the use of a constellation of switching nodes placed in satellite vehicles, or satellites (SVs) 16 located in outer space. For clarity, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate only a few of these satellites 16. Within WACN 12, satellites 16 communicate with devices on the ground through hundreds of switching center nodes (CSOs) 18 of which 1 and 2 show only a few and even millions of multimodal subscriber units 20, of which Figures 1 and 2 only show a few. The CSOs 18 and the subscriber units 20 can be located anywhere on or near the surface of the earth. However, the CSOs 18 are conveniently placed to allow geo-political considerations'. For example, each CSO 18 can control WACN communications for a country where the CSO 18 is located. However, large countries may have multiple CSOs 18, and smaller countries may share CSOs with neighboring countries. Earth-based communication systems, such as the conventional LCNs 14, and other components of the public switched telecommunications world (PSTN) network 26 can access WACN 12 through the CSOs 18. Conveniently, the constellation of satellites 16 are configured such that at least one of the satellites 16 is within the vision of each point on the surface of the earth at all times. Accordingly, the WACN 12 can establish a communications circuit through the constellation of satellites 16 between any two subscriber units 20, between any subscriber unit 20 and a CSO 18, or between any 2 COSs 18. Other devices telephone and communications can be coupled to these circuits through CSO-to-PSTN interfaces. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, satellites 6 communicate with adjacent satellites by • cross-links 33. WACN 12 can be viewed as a high-layer communications network. In contrast, the LCNs 14 can be seen as lower layer communication networks. Conventional terrestrial cellular communications systems represent a form of an LCN 14. A variety of these systems are known to those skilled in the art by the acronyms GSM, CDMA, JDC, USDC, AMPS, and the like. Each LCN 14 has a local radio coverage area that is superimposed by or included in the radio coverage area of WACN 12. Up to thousands of LCNs 14 can be provided throughout the world, and nothing requires LCNs 14 to be of a common variety. Each LCN 1 is controlled by a local mobile switching center (MSC) 28. Any number of base stations 30 are coupled with a local MCS 28 and provide radio transmitters and receivers (not shown) through which communications are carried out. radio with multimodal subscriber units 20 located within the LCN radio coverage area. Some of these systems provide roaming service between LCNs using standards for network roaming such as GSM or IS-41. These standards provide roaming service only between LCNs that use a common standard and that have direct MSC-to-MSC communications. In a typical scenario, a subscriber will want to communicate through any available LCN 14 instead of WACN 12 because communications services, including roaming communications services, are more likely to be less expensive. However, WACN 12 is available only substantially over the entire surface of the earth for use by subscriber units ultimodally, when an LCN 14 is not available. Of course, the preference of an LCN 14 is not required by the present invention and nothing prevents a multimodal subscriber unit 20 from communicating through WACN 12 even when and where an LCN 14 is available to provide communications services. WACN communications involving subscriber units 20, take place via RF communication links 32 with satellites 16. LCN communications involve subscriber units 20 are carried out via RF 3 communications links, with base stations 30. Conveniently RF 32 and 34 communications links employ sufficiently different communications protocols to minimize interference within common radio coverage areas. A communications protocol represents the time, frequency and / or coding rules, procedures, formats and conventions that are followed by two devices in order to communicate with each other. Accordingly, the RF communication links 32 employ a communications protocol referred to below as protocol A and RF communications link 34 employ a communications protocol referred to below as protocol B. The specific nature of protocols A and B do not it is important for the purposes of the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, roaming administration services are provided by WACN 12 for any number of LCNs 14 with respect to any multimodal subscriber unit 20 in a simple and efficient manner. The CSOs and the MCSs 28 are substantially conventional telecommunications radio switches. These switches perform processes, discussed below, under the control of software programming. In general, a multimodal subscriber unit 20 is assigned to a CSO 18 which subsequently takes on the role of a domestic "node" within the WANC 12 for this subscriber unit. Over a population of CSOs 18 and subscriber units 20, the household allocations are distributed through CSOs 18 of the WACN 12. Any CSO 18 that is not the home node can serve the role of being a "remote" node within the WACN 12 for a subscriber unit 20. For an exemplary situation, Figures 1 and 2 refer to the home node as CSO 18 'and to the remote node as CSO 18' '. At the same time, a subscriber unit 20 can be assigned to a local or home MSC 28, which has an agreement to store subscription records in the home location register of the CSO 18. When a subscriber unit 20 attempts to dock in communications through of any MSC 28 different from the domestic home MSC 28, a wandering situation occurs. For the exemplary situation, Figure 1 refers to a domestic home MSC 28 as MSC 28 'and Figures 1 and 2 refer to a local MSC in which 28 is wandered as the MSC 28". When he wanders in the MSC 28 '', the services of administration for roam of preference are provided exclusively through the CSO 18 located next to the MSC 28. "In this way, if this CSO 18 is a domestic COS 18" or a remote CSO 18", the local MSC in which roams 28", follows the same process to obtain roaming administration services, Figures 1 and 2 show only a local MSC in which 28 '' is wandering associated with a single CSO 18. However, any number of MSCs Locations in which 28 '' wander can be associated with a single CSO 18.

This process includes contacting or otherwise establishing a communications link 36 to the nearby remote COS 18. "The local MSC in which it wanders 28" does not require contacting the home nodes for wandering subscriber units 20. In this way, it is they provide management services for the global ambassador, by making arrangements with only WACN 12 providers rather than with a multitude of potential "domestic" service providers. Likewise, the local MSC 28 in which it wanders only needs to meet the interface requirement of a single CSO 18 instead of a plurality of interface requirements imposed by any number of different switching centers. standard interoperation functions, any COS 198 can be connected to many MSCs 28 where each of the MSCs 28 can use a standard for different wandering support interface, and for most situations, the LCN in which it wanders , does not need to worry about complying with communication requirements by inter-polity jurisdiction, including complying with rules and regulations and paying fees, to obtain roaming administration services Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a 20 multimodal subscriber unit. subscriber unit 20 includes a controller and a signal processing station 38. The section n 38 is coupled to transceivers A and B 40 and 42, respectively, to a memory 44 and an I / O section 46. Section 38 includes microprocessor or other controller components and related peripheral devices, in addition to components that process traffic of calls. The controlling portion of the section 38 causes the subscriber unit 20 to perform processes defined by the computer software stored in the memory 44. In addition, the memory 44 records tables, database, variables and other memory structures, which are employed in operation of the subscriber unit 20. The I / O section 46 includes any kind of user or electronic interface between the subscriber unit 20 and the world outside the subscriber unit 20. These interfaces may include a numeric keypad, exhibitor, microphone, speaker and the like. The software registered in the memory 44 includes a protocol program A 48, a protocol program B 50 and a general program 52. The protocol program A 48 includes software that causes the multimodal subscriber unit 20 to operate in the WACN 12 (see Figures 1-2) on the radio frequency communication link 32 (see Figure 2) using protocol A. The transceiver 40 allows communication over link 32 using protocol A. Protocol program B 50 includes software which causes the multimodal subscriber unit 20 to operate in an LCN 14 (see Figures 1-2) on the network communication link 34 (see Figure 2) using protocol B. The transceiver 42 allows communication on the link 34 using the protocol B. Nothing requires the transceivers 40 and 42 to be similar to each other in frequency, modulation format, coding techniques or the like. The general program 52 includes software that is common to or independent of the protocol operation A or B. This software controls the I / O section 46 and determines whether it executes the protocol program A 48 or the protocol program B 50. Figure 4 shows a flow chart of an activation process 54. In general, the process 54 is performed to customize the system 10 and a newly acquired multimodal subscriber unit 20, such that the newly acquired subscriber unit 20 can used in the system 10. While Figure 4 shows a particular sequence of tasks, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tasks do not require following the indicated sequence. In a task 56, data describing the newly acquired subscriber unit 20 and its subscriber, are collected. These data include subscriber unit identification information, subscriber identification information, billing information, characteristic packets to be activated and other information commonly collected during radio activation of conventional telephones. In addition, a task 58 is performed to allocate a home CSO node 18"for the subscriber unit 20 within the WACN 12, and a task 60 is performed to assign a WACN subscriber unit ID to the subscriber unit 20. Conveniently, the subscriber unit ID assigned in the task 60 is consistent with the domestic CSO node 18"assigned in the task 58. Other nodes in the WACN 12 can uniquely identify a domestic CSO node of the subscriber unit 18"when evaluating the subscriber unit ID A task 62 stores a subscriber profile in a home location register (HLR) 64 (see Figure 2) in the home CSO node 18". The subscriber profile is a relatively complete record of information concerning the subscriber and subscriber unit 20. A task 65 stores the WACN subscriber unit ID in the subscriber unit 20. As discussed in more detail below, the subscriber unit 20 Subscriber 20 uses its WACN subscriber unit ID to identify itself when operating in either LCN 14 or WACN 12. A task 66 is optional. Task 66 repeats the home assignments and IDs for a particular select LCN 14. In this way, through task 66, subscriber unit 20 can have a home LCN 14 and an ID that identifies subscriber unit 20 to the Domestic LCN 14.

Task 66 is optional because nothing prevents any LCN 14 wanting to be the home LCN 14 for a multimodal subscriber unit 20 from adopting the WACN activation as its own. In this situation, a multimodal subscriber unit 20 uses its WACN ID for operation LCN 14 and WACN 12. Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a multimodal subscriber unit process 68. Conveniently, substantially all the units of Multimodal subscriber 20 perform a process similar to that described in? a Figure 5. Process 68 is defined through software programming stored in memory 44 (see Figure 3). Process 68 includes a task 70 that identifies the networks that are available to provide communications services. More precisely, task 70 determines whether WACN 12, LCN or both are available at the time and location when task 70 is performed. Task 70 checks for predetermined protocol A and protocol B communication channels to identify available networks. Next, an interrogation task 72 decides whether an LCN 14 is used for subsequent communication services. In a typical scenario, any LCN 14 will be preferred over WACN 12 because the communications service fees are less expensive. However, this is not a requirement. The precise selection criteria used in task 72 are not important for the purposes of the present invention. When the task 72 decides to use an LCN 14, a task 74 chooses the protocol B. The selection of protocol B causes subsequent communication sessions to use the transceiver 72 and be controlled by the protocol program B 50 (see Figure 3). Next, a task 76 makes a roaming contact with the LCN 14, considering that the subscriber unit 20 is not already registered to operate in the LCN 14 and that the subscriber unit 20 is in fact wandering. "The roaming contact is done by sending a registration request message to a local MSC 28 (see Figure 2). The registration request message is sent using the RF communication link 34 and protocol B by a base station 30 (see Figures 1 and 2) The registration request message includes the WACN ID of the subscriber unit, Although not illustrated in Figure 5, if subscriber unit 20 is already registered in LCN 14, task 76 can be omitted. the subscriber unit 20 is not roaming, then any contact or message that is sent to an MSC 28 can be considered a home contact instead of a roaming contact A request message for contact record for return to site can not be required to include the WACN ID of the subscriber unit.

After task 76, an interrogation task 78 determines whether access to the network is approved. Process 68 may remain in task 78, until a message is received from the contacted network before making its determination. However, additional tasks (not shown) can be included to prevent the program control from remaining in task 78 in case there is no next return message. The return message must indicate whether the request for registration has been granted (if access was approved) or refused. If the access is not approved, then a task 80 performs an appropriate error handling process. Task 80 may for example inform the user of the problem, repeat the registration request message a certain number of times, or the like. After task 80, the program control loops back to task 70 to continue identifying available networks. When the task 78 determines access to the contacted network is approved, an interrogation task 82 determines whether a call originating event is occurring. A call origin event may occur, when for example a user dials a telephone number to make an outgoing call. If the origin of the call occurs, a task 84 performs a call origination process. Task 84 includes conventional call setup, call verification, and call dismantling activities. After task 84, the program control loops back to task 70 to continue identifying available networks. When task 82 determines that call origin does not occur, an interrogation task 86 determines whether a call termination event is occurring. A call termination event may occur when for example, a third party attempts to place a call on the subscriber unit 20. In this situation, the network on which the subscriber unit 20 is currently registered, will direct a location message to the subscriber unit 20. The location message will include identification data which essentially directs the subscriber unit 20. In this way task 86 determines whether this location message addressed to the subscriber unit 20 has been received. If a call termination occurs, a task 88 performs a call termination process. Task 88 includes conventional call setup, call verification, and call dismantling activities. After task 88, the program control loops back to task 70 to continue identifying available networks. Similarly, when task 86 determines that call termination does not occur, the program control loops back to task 70.

With reference again to task 72, when task 72 decides not to use an LCN 14, a task 90 chooses protocol A. The selection of protocol A causes subsequent communication sections to use transceiver 40 and are controlled by the program of protocol A 48 (see Figure 3). Next, an interrogation task 92 determines whether a registration event has occurred. In the preferred embodiment, a registration event occurs when the subscriber unit 20 moves a pre-determined distance from the last time it was registered with the WACN 12 or if a predetermined duration has elapsed since the subscriber unit 20 was registered. for the last time with WACN 12. When a registration event has not occurred, the program control flows to task 82 to test whether termination or call origin events are occurring. When task 92 determines that a registration event has occurred, a task 94 sends a registration request message to WACN 12. The registration request message is sent using RF communication link 32 and protocol A via satellite 16 (see Figures 1-2). The registration request message includes the WACN ID of the subscriber unit. After or in conjunction with task 94, a task 96 performs a location termination process to determine a current geographic location for the subscriber unit 20. In the preferred embodiment, task 96 checks for the dissemination of position information from higher satellites 16 and evaluates Doppler and signal propagation delays in communications with WACN 12 to determine the location. As a result of task 96, WACN 12 resolves the location of the subscriber unit. After task 96, the program control flows to task 78 to evaluate whether access has been approved in WACN 12. Accordingly, subscriber unit 20 operates in multiple modes to communicate with multiple communication networks. When roaming contacts are made in an LCN 14, the subscriber unit 20 is identified using its WACN ID. Based on the WACN ID, the LCN 14 can conclude that the subscriber unit 20 has a home node in the WACN 12. Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a local switch node process 98. The process 98 is performed by a local MSC 28 or an MSC 28 in conjunction with its base stations 30 (see Figure 2). Conveniently, substantially all of the local MSCs 28 and the base stations 30 perform a process similar to that described in Figure 6. All communications with the subscriber unit 20 that are carried out through MSC 28 are compatible with the protocol B.

Process 98 includes numerous sub-processes. A roaming contact process 100, a call termination request process 102, and a call origin request process 104, are included among these sub-processes. Numerous other processes performed by MSC 28, such as contact process for return to home, are not illustrated for clarity purposes. The roaming contact process 100 is performed when a roaming contact is received from a subscriber unit 20. A roaming contact occurs when the subscriber unit 20 attempts to register for communication services in the LCN 14. The process 100 is performed for all subscriber units 20 having a WACN ID independently of which CSOs 18 (see Figures 1 to 2) are the home sites of the subscriber units. The process 100 includes a task 106 that evaluates the WACN subscriber unit ID. In response to task 106 an interrogation task 108 determines whether the subscriber unit has a home node included in WACN 12. If the ID of the subscriber unit does not indicate a home node within WACN 12, then a task 110 performs a convenient error handling process. If task 110 is performed, the subscriber unit making the roaming contact may have a home node in some network other than WACN 12. Whenever LCN 14 has made prior arrangements with this other network, task 110 may perform conventional procedures to obtain services from administration for ambulant. If no prior arrangements have been made, task 110 can simply ignore the roaming process or preferably return a denied access message. After task 110, the program control goes to process 100. When task 108 determines that a roaming contact comes from a subscriber line 209 that has a home site in WACN 12, a task 112 establishes a session of communication with the remote CSO node 18"assigned to the MSC 28" (see Figure 2) that performs the process 100. The communications session can be established using landline links 36 formed through the PSTN 26 (see figure 2). As discussed above, the allocated CSO node 18"conveniently is located close to MSC 28" over the range of WACN 12. The appropriately assigned MSC 28"remains the same regardless of the home CSO of the subscriber unit 18. In this way each MSC 28 follows a single process to obtain roaming administration services with respect to all subscriber units 20, and all CSOs 18 appear as a single node to each local MSC 28. After task 112 contacts the CSO 18"assigned remote, a task 114 passes the registration request from the subscriber unit to the remote node in WACN 12 to evaluate the roaming contact This registration request includes the ID of the subscriber unit. it is evaluated through reception of administration services for roaming with respect to the unit of the requesting subscriber 20. Next, an interrogation task 116 mine if access is approved for the roving subscriber unit 20. Process 100 may remain in task 116 until a message is received from the remote CSO 18 contacted before making its determination. However, additional tasks (not shown) can be included to prevent the program control from remaining in task 116 in the event that the next message is not forthcoming. If access is not approved, then a task 118 performs an appropriate error handling process. Task 118 for example may return an access denied message to the requesting subscriber unit 20 on the RF communication link 34 (see Figure 2). After task 118, the program control exits process 100. When task 116 determines that access has been approved, task 120 constructs a visitor location register (VLR) 122 (see Figure 2) for the unit. wandering subscriber 20. The VLR contains, among other things, a subset of the information from the HLR of the wanderer 64 (see Figure 2). This information is returned to the MSC 28"in which WACN 12 wanders. In addition, task 120 may assign a temporary ID to the roaming subscriber unit 20 to be used by the subscriber unit 20 while roaming the MSC 28" . After task 120, a task 124 sends an access message granted to the roaming subscriber unit 20. The granted access message is sent according to protocol B. At this point, subscriber unit 20 is operational in the LCN 14 as a wandering unit. After task 124, the program control goes to process 100. The process for requesting call termination 102 is performed to process a call configuration that is directed to a subscriber unit such as the roaming subscriber unit 20. The request by terminating a call in the subscriber unit may be received in the MSC 28 from the remote node 18"of the WACN 12, but may also come from the PSTN 26. The process 102 is performed in a conventional manner to locate the subscriber unit 20. identified in the request using communication protocol B to determine if the call is answered, verify any answered call and dismantle the call after completing. A process for requesting call origin 104 is performed to process a call configuration request originating in a registered subscriber unit, such as a roaming subscriber unit 20. The origin call request is received in the MSC 28 of the subscriber unit 20 by communication protocol B. Conventional processes are used to configure the call through the PSTN 26. However, in an alternate mode, the call is configured through the WACN 12. The process 104 performs call setup, verifies the call and decomposes the call after termination. Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a process for wide area switching node 126. Process 126 is performed by a CSO 18 of WACN 12. Conveniently, substantially all COSs 18 perform a process similar to that described in Figure 7. Process 126 includes numerous sub-processes. A reception registration request process 128, a call termination request process 130 and a call origin request process 132 are included among these sub-processes. Numerous other processes performed by CSO 18 are omitted for purposes of clarity. The registration receipt request process 128 is performed when a request for registration is obtained from a subscriber unit 20. The registration request can reach the CSO 18 by protocol A, the RF communication link 32 (see figure 2) and a satellite 16. Alternatively, the registration request can reach the CSO 18 through an LCN 14 using protocol B, the RF communication link 34 (see Figure 2) and an MSC 28 performing the process 100 (see Figure 6). The CSO 18 receiving the registration request can be a domestic CSO 18"for the requesting subscriber unit 20 or a remote CSO 18". Process 128 includes an interrogation task 134 which determines whether the registration request received from a subscriber unit 20 comes through an LCN 14. If the registration request does not come through LCN 14, then it is received directly from subscriber unit Z0 according to protocol A. When received in accordance with protocol A, a task 136 releases a local_net flag to record data describing the protocol that subscriber unit 20 uses for this and subsequent communication sessions . The communications protocol used by the subscriber unit 20 for subsequent communication sessions is usually by default, the one for which the data is recorded in a previous communications session. Next, a task 138 performs a location determination process. Task 138 completes task 96 (see Figure 5). During task 138, protocol communications A is carried out to identify the location of subscriber unit 20. When task 134 determines that the registration request comes through an LCN 14, a task 140 adjusts the local_net flag , to record data describing the protocol that the subscriber unit 20 uses for this and subsequent communication sessions. In addition, when multiple LCNs 14 are assigned to the CSO 18 performing the process 128, the task 140 can register the identity of the LCN 14 through which the registration request was received, so that future calls ending the subscriber unit 14 can be directed through that LCN 14. After tasks 138 or 140, an interrogation task 142 determines whether the CSO 18 performing the process 128 is the domestic CSO 18 for the subscriber unit 20 / . The task 142 can make its determination by evaluating the WACN subscriber unit ID included in the registration request. If the CSO 18 object is not the home node, then it is a remote WACN node for the subscriber unit 20. When the CSO 18 object is a remote node, a task 144 sends the registration request message and the current location information for the subscriber unit 20 to the home node of the subscriber unit to evaluate the roaming contact. For home node purposes, the identity of the CSO 18 object can serve as location information. This identity information will inform a home node how to contact the subscriber unit 20 in the future.

After task 144, an interrogation task 146 determines whether access is granted for subscriber unit 20. Process 128 may remain in task 146 until a message is received from the contacted household CSO 18 before making its determination. However, additional tasks (not shown) can be included to prevent the program control from remaining in task 146 in the event that the return message is not about to arrive. If access is not approved, then a task 148 performs an appropriate error handling process. Task 148 for example can return a denied access message to the subscriber-requestor unit. This message is returned according to the protocol through which the registration request was received. Protocol communications A are returned via a satellite 16, and protocol B communications are returned by an LCN 14. When task 148 determines that access has been approved, a task 150 establishes a visitor location record (VLR) 152 (see Figure 2) for the roaming subscriber unit 20. The VLR 152 contains a subset of the information contained in the HLR 64 of the roamer (see Figure 2). This information is obtained from the domestic CSO 18 in a message that responds to the registration request message. Task 150 is optional in the proportion that protocol B communications are employed due to the MSC in which 28"is wandering (see Figure 2) will maintain its own VLR 122 (see Figure 2) to support a wandering subscriber unit. , implementation inefficiencies may result from establishing VLR 152 even when it can not be required.This task is not optional when using protocol communications A. Again with reference to task 142, when the CSO 18 node of WACN 12 receives a registration request message from a subscriber unit is the home node, a task 154 performs an authorization process For example, "task 154 can perform a convenient authentication algorithm in response to a cryptographic key that is passed to the home CSO 18 in the registration application. In addition, task 154 can investigate billing records to determine the credit check of subscriber unit 20. If the registration request is sent to the home CSO 18 from a remote CSO 18, task 154 conveniently returns the results of the process. authorization to this remote CSO 18, when the remote CSO awaits task 146, then it exits (not shown). Whereas authorization occurs, a task 156 updates the HLR of the subscriber unit 64 (see Figure 2), with a present indication of the indication of the subscriber unit.

After each of the tasks 148, 150 and 156, the process 128 performs a task 158. The task 158 directs a granted access message or denied access, back to the subscriber unit 20. The access is either granted or denies in response to the authorization process performed in the domestic CSO 18 in task 154. If the registration request comes through an LCN 14, then task 158 passes the access message granted or denied back to the local MSC 28 to through link 36 (see Figure 2). The message will be passed back to the subscriber unit 20 using protocol B in tasks 118 or 124 (see Figure 6). If the registration request comes via a satellite 16, then task 158 sends the granted or denied access message back to the subscriber unit 20 via a satellite 16, using protocol A. After task 158, the process 128 comes out. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the termination call request process 130, which is performed by a remote and / or domestic CSO 18 in the WACN 12. The process 130 geney attempts to complete a call to the subscriber unit 20. The process 130 includes an interrogation task 160 which determines whether the CSO 18 performing the process 130 is the home node of the called subscriber unit within the WACN 12. If the CSO 18 performs the process 130 it is the home node, a task 162 obtains a current location for the subscriber unit 20 of the HLR 64 (see Figure 2). The location is updated each time the subscriber unit 20 is re-registered. However, this location data does not need to define location more precisely than providing the identity of a CSO 18 through which the subscriber unit 20 can be reached. After task 162, a task 164 passes the termination call request to the CSO 18 associated with the current location for the subscriber unit 20. If the current location for the subscriber unit 20 is the domestic CSO 18, then the task 164 it simply passes the termination call request to itself. Otherwise, task 164 passes the termination call request to a remote CSO 18. After task 164 and when task 160 determines that the CSO 18 performing process 130 is not the domestic CSO 18, a task of interrogation 166 determines whether a location register (LR) such as an HLR 64 or VLR 152 (see Figure 2) is active for the called subscriber unit 20. If a location record is active, then an attempt to locate the called subscriber unit 20 must be made through this CSO 18. However, if a location record is not active, then a task 168 sends the request for termination of the location. call to the domestic CSO of the call subscriber unit 18. Of course, if the CSO 18 performs the task 168 is the domestic CSO 18 of the call subscriber unit, then the appropriate error handling process can be performed instead . After task 160, the program control leaves the process 130. When task 166 determines that an HLR or VLR is active for the call subscriber unit 20, an interrogation task 170 determines whether the local_net flag is set for the call subscriber unit 20. If the local_net flag is placed or released during a previous registration in tasks 140 or 136 (see Figure 7). If the local_net flag is placed, a task 172 passes the call termination request to the appropriate MSC 28. The MSC 28 will locate the called subscriber unit through process 106 (see Figure 6) using communication protocol B. If the local_net flag is released, a task 164 locates the called subscriber unit 20 via a satellite 16 using communication protocol A. After the tasks 172 or 174, the program control exits the process 130 after following other conventional termination call request tasks related to call setup, call verification and call dismantling activities. Referring again to Figure 7, the call origination request process 132 is performed to process a call setup request originating in a registered subscriber unit 20. The call origin request is received in the CSO 18 from a subscriber unit through communication protocols A or B. Conventional processes are used to configure the call through the PSTN 26. The process 132 performs call configurations, verifies the call and dismantles the termination call. In summary, the present invention provides an improved telecommunications radio system and method for administration to wide area laminator. The roaming administration services are provided for the entire globe by a single contact from a local communications network switch. In addition, roaming administration services are provided for various modes of multimodal subscriber units by a single contact from a local network switch. In addition, a wide area communications network provides roaming management services for any number of local communications networks that may reside within the broad area. The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to these preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the wide area communications network does not need to be global in scope.

Similarly, administration services for roaming can be provided for more than two layers of communication networks. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processes and tasks identified here can be categorized and organized differently than described here, while achieving equivalent results. These and other changes and modifications that are apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (10)

1. RBIYI PICACXQIflBS 1.- Method to provide management services for wide area roaming for telecommunications radio units, the method is characterized by the steps of: a) establishing a wide area communications network that has a domestic switching node and a remote switching mode; b) assigning a subscriber unit to the home switching node of the wide area communication network; c) receiving a roaming contact from the subscriber unit at a local communication network switching node; d) contacting from the local communication network switching node, the remote switching node of the wide area communication network to evaluate the contact for roaming; and e). contacting the home switching node of the wide area communication network from the remote switching node of the wide area communication network, to evaluate the contact for roaming.
2. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the subscriber unit is a multimodal unit and the method comprises the steps of: following a first communications protocol to establish a communications session between the subscriber unit and the network of wide area communications; and follow a second communications protocol, to establish a communications section between the subscriber unit and the local communications network.
3. 3. - A method according to claim 2, further characterized by the step of determining in the remote switching node of the wide area communications network, if a communication session is initiated with the subscriber unit using the first and second communication protocols.
4. 4. A method according to claim 1, further characterized by the step of locating the remote switching node of the wide area communication network close to the local communications network switching node.
5. 5. A method according to claim 1, further characterized by the step of receiving data at the local communication network switching node from the subscriber unit, the data indicates that the subscriber unit is assigned to an included node in the wide area communications network.
6. 6. A method according to claim 1, further characterized by the step of arranging the wide area communication network and the local network, such that the area covered by the local network is included in the area covered by the network of wide area communications.
7. 7. - A method according to claim 1, characterized in that step a) establishes the wide area communication network to have a first multiplicity of switching nodes, which includes the domestic and remote switching nodes; step b) distributes home assignments for a second multiplicity of subscriber units among the first multiplicity of wide area communication network switching nodes; step c) receives wandering contacts from a portion of the second multiplicity of subscriber units in the local communications network switching node; step d) contacts, from the local communication network switching node, the remote switching node of the wide area communication network, to evaluate each of the contacts; and step e) contacts various of the first multiplicity of switching nodes to evaluate the contacts for roaming, the various of the switching nodes are identified in response to the domestic assignments distributed in step b).
8. 8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wide area communications network covers substantially the entire surface of the earth using a plurality of switching nodes located near the surface of the earth and a plurality of nodes Switching located in outer space; and the domestic switching nodes and the remote switching nodes are located close to the surface of the earth.
9. 9. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a subscriber unit that allows to wander a user of the subscriber unit within a wide area communications network (WACN) or within a local communications network ( LCN) or both within the WACN and the LCN, the subscriber unit is characterized by: a radio transceiver to communicate with the WACN and with the LCN; and a memory for storing first and second protocols to allow the subscriber unit to operate within the WACÑ and the LCN, respectively.
10. 10.- A local switching node (LSN) adapted to operate within a wide area communications network (WACN) and within a local communications network (LCN) the LCN is also adapted to communicate with a subscriber unit of telecommunications radio that operates within the WACN, within the LCN or both within the WACN and the LCN, the LSN is characterized by: a controller. that responds to a radio communication from the telecommunications radio subscriber unit requesting a call operation, the controller determines whether the telecommunications radio subscriber unit is registered with the LSN, if so, complete the call operation; and if not, send a registration request message to the WACN, including subscriber unit identity number for the telecommunications radio subscriber unit.