TWI390934B - Wireless communication method and system for conveying media independent handover capability information - Google Patents

Description

Wireless communication method and system for transmitting media independent handover capability information

The invention relates to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to a method and system for communicating media independent handover capability information.

Currently, many different types of wireless networks have been deployed to provide the specific services that each wireless network wants, for example, wireless local area networks (WLANs), for example, based on IEEE 802.xx. The network will provide high data rate services in a limited coverage area, while at the same time, cellular networks, such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, will be very supportive at high speeds. A relatively low media data rate service is provided in a large coverage area.

The IEEE 802.21 MIH has been proposed for a seamless handover between these heterogeneous networks to enable continuous reception of services while roaming around these heterogeneous networks. However, MIH may not be able to support all networks. Moreover, the supported MIH mode may also vary with the network. Therefore, it is necessary to provide wireless transmission/reception unit MIH capability information (for example, whether a wireless network supports MIH, and if it is supported). In that case, which model of MIH is supported).

The present invention relates to a method and system for communicating media independent handover capability information. A wireless communication system includes a plurality of wireless networks deployed under different wireless communication protocols, and a multi-mode wireless transmission/reception unit can perform a handover from a wireless network to a wireless network to Performing a continuous receiving service, and the wireless network sends a message to the WTRU indicating whether the wireless network supports the MIH service and a supported MIH mode, and then the WTRU receives the signal. Based on this message, a handover decision will be drawn.

Hereinafter, the proper noun "WTRU" includes, but is not limited to, a user equipment (UE), a mobile workstation, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, or any other capable of operating in a wireless environment. Type device. As mentioned later, the proper nouns "base station" and access point (AP) include, but are not limited to, a Node B, a location controller, or any interface that can be interfaced in a wireless environment. Other devices.

Features of the invention may be incorporated into an integrated circuit (IC) or constructed in a circuit comprising a plurality of interconnecting members.

1 shows an exemplary wireless communication system 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The system 100 includes a plurality of wireless networks 110 and 111 a-111 n, and the plurality of wireless networks are simultaneously deployed under different wireless communication standards and may or may not overlap each other. Special services are provided within a particular coverage. For example, the system 100 can include a cellular network 110 and a plurality of wireless local area networks 111 a-111 n. The cellular network 110 can be a third generation cooperation. a partner (3GPP) network, or a 3GPP2 network, and the wireless local area networks 111 a-111 n may be IEEE 802-based networks (eg, 802.11 baseline, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11j, 802.11n, 802.11e, 802.11s, 802.11k, 802.11v, 802.15, 802.16, and 802.21 networks), Bluetooth network, HIPERLAN/2, or any other type of network, The cellular network 110 includes a plurality of cells 112, each of which is covered by a base station 114, and the WLANs 111 a-111 n are respectively subjected to APs 122 a-122. n service.

When a WTRU 130 roams near an area where multiple heterogeneous networks 110 and 111 a-111 n (e.g., cellular networks and WLANs) are deployed simultaneously, the WTRU 130 will need to quickly, with the relevant user Determining the most suitable network based on the requirements of the required service. For example, a video application may require a high-bandwidth channel, and at the same time, a voice application may be a low-bandwidth channel, which is sufficient. The speed at which the WTRU 130 finds a suitable network depends on its ability to retrieve network information from its available network.

According to the present invention, the networks 110 and 111 a-111 n preferably transmit MIH capability information to the WTRU 130 via a broadcast channel, and the MIH capability information can be transmitted through a wired or The wireless media transmits, and the MIH capability information not only indicates whether the network supports the MIH service, but also indicates the supported MIH mode, wherein the MIH service includes information, events, and The information service, event service, and command service for the transfer of instructions, and the supported MIH mode will include the MIH function supported by the network, and with the two kinds of information, the WTRU 130 can The wisdom of the particular network should be considered at the time of handover.

For example, such MIH services can be provided through Layer 2 (L2) programs and messages, or through Layer 3 (L3) programs and messages (eg, Internet Protocol (IP). Figure 2 shows An LLC encapsulated MAC PDU 200 for transmitting MIH services in accordance with the present invention, the MAC PDU 200 comprising a MAC header 202, an LLC header 204, an RFC 1042 encapsulation 206, an alternative type field 208 a frame body 210, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field 212, wherein the LLC header 204 includes a primary network access protocol (SNAP) destination service access point (DSAP) field 214, a SNAP Source Service Access Point (SSAP) field 218, and a control field 218. The RFC 042 package 206 and the alternative type field 208 are used to transport IP data packets over the IEEE 802 network. The MIH protocol for providing MIH services can be transported through an L2 transport by defining a new alternative type 208 that uniquely identifies the MIH protocol, and an MIH header 220 as well as using an LLC package. An MIH protocol payload 222 is included in the frame body 210.

Alternatively, a higher level agreement, such as IP, can be used to achieve similar results. Figure 3 shows an IP frame 300 for delivering MIH services in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, wherein the transmission of the MIH service through an IP frame is by a data field 304 in the IP frame 300. A new agreement ID 302 is defined in the scope and the MIH agreement is encapsulated.

The present invention provides a means for the WTRU to determine which transmission method will be supported in a particular network, and the information is provided through the MIH mode parameters.

Since there is not much available space on the current broadcast channel, the minimum number of bits used to convey MIH capability information, preferably two bits, in addition, a simple bit The map will provide the WTRU 130 with a quick indication of the capabilities of the network 110 and 111 a-111 n regarding the MIH function, however, if more space is available, then more bits can be utilized. Meta (for example, a full octet) to provide more information, as shown in Figure 4.

An exemplary bit map using two bits, B0 and B1, is explained later. A combination of one or two bits will indicate whether the network 110 and 111 a-111 n support the MIH service and the supported MIH mode. For example, if B1='0' and B0='0', This means that the network 110 and 111 a-111 n will not provide any MIH service, but in such an example, the WTRU 130 may still be able to obtain the MIH service through an IP connection, again, If B1='0' and B0='1', then this means that the network 110 and 111 a-111 n will provide some MIH services, and the information service system can carry out the split transmission without IP connection. In the case of an Ethernet connection and access via an L2 program (for example, as shown in FIG. 2), if B1='1' and B0='1', then this means The network 110 and 111 a-111 n provide MIH services, and the information service can be accessed via an IP connection and through both the L2 program and the L3 program (as shown in Figure 3), and if When B1='1' and B0='0', then this means that the network 110 and 111 a-111 n can provide some MIH services. (I.e., command and event service), but only the service information (i.e., via an IP connection) through L3 program access.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary bit map for communicating MIH capability information in a capability information field 500 of a beacon frame in an IEEE 802.11 network in accordance with the present invention. In this example, an MIH support bit 502 and an MIH mode bit 504 are added to the capability field 500 of the beacon frame, while B0 and B1 in the previous example are respectively This MIH support bit 502 and the MIH mode bit 504 are replaced.

Figure 6 shows an exemplary bit map for communicating MIH capability information in an IEEE 802.16 network in accordance with the present invention. IEEE 802.16 defines a set of Media Access Control (MAC) management messages, including a User Station (SS) Basic Capability Request (SBC-REQ) message and an SS Basic Capability Response (SBC-RSP), wherein the SBC- The REQ and SBC-RSP messages are exchanged between a WTRU and a network during the initial period. A WTRU will generate the SBC-REQ message and send it to the network, and the WTRU will Included in the SBC-REQ are supported physical parameters and bandwidth allocation. Then, in order to respond to the SBC-REQ message, the network will send the SBC-REP message, and the network will respond to the SBC- The set of capabilities presented in the REQ message to indicate whether they can be used.

In accordance with the present invention, a new MAC management message pattern for SBC-REQ and SBC-RSP is defined for MIH support, and Figure 6 shows an exemplary IEEE 802.16 bit map for this purpose, where Bit #0 is reserved, bit #1 set to '0' indicates that no MIH is supported by the network, and bit #1 set to '1' indicates that the MIH service is received by the network. Support, bit #2 set to '0' indicates that MIH information can be accessed via Ethernet transmission, and bit #2 set to '1' indicates that MIH information can be stored via IP transmission. take. As for other bits, it can be used to pass other capability information.

Referring again to FIG. 4, an exemplary bit map system for transmitting MIH capability information in accordance with the present invention and utilizing a full octet is displayed therein. A first bit, B0, indicates whether the network supports the MIH service (that is, if B0='1', this means that the network supports the MIH service, and if B0='0', then Indicates that the network does not support MIH services. If the network supports MIH services (ie, B0='1'), then extra bits (in the example in Figure 4, 7 bits, B1-B7) will provide further information about the network's ability to deliver these services. Furthermore, if B1='0', then this means that the MIH service can contact one without having to go through IP. In the case of a separate network entity, if B1 = '1', then this means that the network does not support the MIH service (especially, information service) through the L2 program. Therefore, The WTRU will need to contact an information server through an L3 transmission. In addition, if B2 is set (ie, B2 = '1'), then this means that the network will provide cellular integration support, and if When B3 is set (ie, B3='1'), this means that the network will provide IEEE 802.16 support. As for other bits, it can be used to pass other capability information.

It should be noted that the bitmaps shown in Figures 4 through 6 are provided as examples, not as a limitation, and any variations are possible.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a WTRU 700 in accordance with the present invention. The WTRU 700 includes a receiver 702 and a handover controller 704, wherein the receiver 702 is configured to receive a message transmitted from a network, and the handover controller 704 is configured to retrieve from The MIH information of the message, and the MIH information indicates that, as described in the foregoing, whether the wireless network supports the MIH service and a supported MIH mode, then the handover controller 704 will use the MIH information. In addition, the WTRU 700 can further include a transmitter 706 configured to send a request to the network to request the message, whereby the message can be returned to the request. Send it.

Embodiments of the invention.

CLAIMS 1. A method for providing MIH information to a multimode WTRU in a wireless communication system comprising a plurality of wireless networks deployed under different wireless communication protocols, wherein a wireless network transmits one Sending a message to the WTRU, and the message includes an indication indicating whether the wireless network supports the MIH service and information about the supported MIH mode, whereby the WTRU can use the message as a basis A network handover decision.

2. In the method of Embodiment 1, the message is broadcast.

3. In the method of embodiment 2, the message is included in a beacon frame.

4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the message is included in a capability information field of the beacon frame.

5. In any of the methods of any of the embodiments 1-4, the message indicates whether the information service is delivered via the Ethernet, whether the information service is delivered through an IP network, and cellular integration support. And at least one of the IEEE 802.16 support.

6 In any of the methods of any of embodiments 1-5, the message is sent in response to a request from the WTRU.

7. The method of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the message is an IEEE 802.16 MAC management message.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the message is an SBS-RSP message and the system transmits the message in response to an SBS-REQ message.

9. A wireless communication system constructed to facilitate MIH by providing MIH capability information, comprising a multimode WTRU comprising at least two wireless interfaces for supporting at least two wireless communication protocols, and a plurality of simultaneous deployments in different wireless communications a wireless network under standard, wherein the wireless network is configured to transmit a message including an MIH support indication and a supported MIH mode, whereby the WTRU can derive the message as a basis A network handover decision.

10. In the system of embodiment 9, the wireless network broadcasts the message.

11. The system of embodiment 10 wherein the wireless network includes the message in a beacon frame.

12. The system of embodiment 11 wherein the wireless network includes the message in a capability information field of the beacon frame.

13. In one of the systems of Embodiments 9-12, the message indicates whether the information service is delivered via the Ethernet, whether the information service is delivered through an IP network, and cellular integration support. And at least one of the IEEE 802.16 support.

14. In one of the embodiments 9-13, the wireless network sends the message in response to a request from the WTRU.

15. In one of the systems of embodiments 9-14, the message is an IEEE 802.16 MAC management message.

16. In the system of embodiment 15, the message is an SBS-RSP message and the system transmits in response to an SBS-REQ message.

17. A wireless communication system configured to facilitate MIH by providing MIH capability information, comprising a multimode WTRU comprising at least two wireless interfaces for supporting at least two wireless communication protocols, and for making a handover decision And a plurality of wireless networks simultaneously deployed under different wireless communication standards, wherein the wireless network includes means for transmitting a message including an MIH support indication and a supported MIH mode to the WTRU. The device, whereby the WTRU can derive a network handover decision based on the message.

18. The system of embodiment 17 wherein the wireless network is constructed to broadcast the message.

19. The system of embodiment 18 wherein the wireless network includes the message in a beacon frame.

20. The system of embodiment 19, wherein the wireless network includes the message in a capability information field of the beacon frame.

21. In any of the systems of Embodiments 17-20, the message indicates whether the information service is delivered via the Ethernet, whether the information service is delivered through an IP network, and cellular integration support, And at least one of the IEEE 802.16 support.

22. The system of any of embodiments 17-21, wherein the WTRU includes means for transmitting a request to the wireless network, whereby the wireless network can respond to the request from the WTRU And send the message.

23. In any one of embodiments 17-22, one of the interfaces of the WTRU is an IEEE 802.16 interface, and one of the wireless networks is an IEEE 802.16 network, and the The message is an IEEE 802.16 MAC management message.

24. In the system of any of the implementations 23, the message is an SBS-RSP message and the system transmits the message in response to an SBS-REQ message.

25. A WTRU configured to perform a handover from a wireless network to a wireless network in a wireless communication system for continuous reception of services, wherein the wireless communication system is deployed in a different wireless a plurality of wireless networks under the communication protocol, the WTRU including a receiver configured to receive a message from a network; and a handover controller configured to retrieve MIH information from the message, wherein The MIH information indicates whether the wireless network supports the MIH service and a supported MIH mode, and whether a handover based on the MIH information is performed.

26. In the WTRU of embodiment 25, the message is broadcast.

27. In the WTRU of embodiment 26, the message is included in a beacon frame.

28. The WTRU of embodiment 27, wherein the message is included in a capability information field of the beacon frame.

29. In the WTRU of embodiment 25, the message indicates whether the information service is delivered over the Ethernet, whether the information service is delivered over an IP network, cellular integration support, and IEEE 802.16 support. At least one of them.

30. The WTRU of embodiment 25 further comprising a transmitter configured to send a request to the network, whereby the message can be sent back to the request.

31. The WTRU of embodiment 30, wherein the message is an IEEE 802.16 media access control management message.

32. The WTRU of Embodiment 31, wherein the message is a user station basic capability response message, and the request is an SS basic capability request message.

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in terms of a preferred combination of specific embodiments, each feature or component can be used separately without the need for additional features and components of the preferred embodiment. Or in combination with or without the other features and elements of the invention.

100. . . Wireless communication system

110. . . Honeycomb network

111. . . Wireless local area network

112. . . Cell

130, 700, WTRU. . . Wireless transmission/reception unit

300IP. . . Frame

AP. . . Access point

B1-7. . . Bit

BS. . . Base station

DSAP. . . Destination service access point

FCS. . . Frame check sequence

IP. . . Internet protocol

MAC. . . Media access control

MIH. . . Media independent handover

PDU. . . Agreement data unit

SBC-REQ. . . User station basic capability requirements

SBC-RSP. . . User station basic ability response

SNAP. . . Secondary network access protocol

SSAP. . . Source service access point

A more detailed explanation of the present invention can be obtained by the following description of a preferred embodiment, which is understood by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. And an exemplary wireless communication system constructed; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit (PDU) having a logical link control (LLC) package for transmitting MIH services in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3: shows an IP frame for transmitting MIH services in accordance with one of the present invention; Figure 4: shows an exemplary bit for transmitting MIH capability information using a full octet in accordance with the present invention. Meta-map; Figure 5: shows an exemplary bit map for transmitting MIH capability information in a capability information field of a beacon frame in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6: One of the present inventions is an exemplary bit map for communicating MIH capability information; and Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a WTRU in accordance with the present invention.

700. . . Wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU)

Claims (8)

A method for use in a base station, the method comprising: receiving an IEEE 802.16 User Station (SS) Basic Capability Request (SBC-REQ) message, the IEEE 802.16 User Station Basic Capability Request message including a first IEEE 802.21 media independent handover (MIH) support parameters, the first IEEE 802.21 media independent handover support parameter comprising two or more bits preceding a supported MIH capability of a WTRU; generated in response to the SBC-REQ message An SS Basic Responsive (SBC-RSP) message, wherein the SBC-RSP message includes a second IEEE 802.21 MIH support parameter, the second IEEE 802.21 MIH support parameter including the last two or more bits indicating the supported MIH capability And transmitting the SBC-REQ message; wherein the last two or more bits are used to indicate whether the base station supports an IEEE 802.21 MIH information service, whether the base station supports an IEEE 802.21 MIH command service, or the base Whether the station supports an IEEE 802.21 MIH event service. The method of claim 1, wherein the IEEE 802.21 MIH is supported in a case where a first bit of the last two or more bits is set to "1". The method of claim 1, wherein the IEEE 802.21 MIH is not supported in the case where a first bit of the last two or more bits is set to "0". The method of claim 1, wherein the SBC-REQ and The SBC-RSP message is an IEEE 802.16 Media Access Control (MAC) management message. A base station includes: a receiver configured to receive an IEEE 802.16 User Station (SS) Basic Capability Request (SBC-REQ) message, the IEEE 802.16 User Station Basic Capability Request message including a first IEEE 802.21 medium Independent handover (MIH) support parameters, the first IEEE 802.21 media independent handover support parameter includes two or more bits before indicating a MIH capability supported by a WTRU; a controller is constructed to respond The SBC-REQ message generates an SS Basic Capability Response (SBC-RSP) message, wherein the SBC-RSP message includes a second IEEE 802.21 MIH support parameter, the second IEEE 802.21 MIH support parameter includes a flag indicating the supported MIH capability. Two or more bits; and a transmitter configured to transmit the SBC-REQ message; wherein the second two or more bits are used to indicate whether the base station supports an IEEE 802.21 MIH information service, the base station Whether to support an IEEE 802.21 MIH command service, or whether the base station supports an IEEE 802.21 MIH event service. The base station described in claim 5, wherein the IEEE 802.21 MIH is supported in the case where a first bit of the last two or more bits is set to "1". For example, in the case of the base station described in claim 5, wherein a first bit of the latter two or more bits is set to "0", IEEE The 802.21 MIH is not supported. The base station of claim 5, wherein the SBC-REQ and SBC-RSP messages are IEEE 802.16 Media Access Control (MAC) management messages.