WO2010102242A2 - Système et procédé permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonné à l'intérieur de réseaux de télécommunication convergents - Google Patents

Système et procédé permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonné à l'intérieur de réseaux de télécommunication convergents Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010102242A2
WO2010102242A2 PCT/US2010/026411 US2010026411W WO2010102242A2 WO 2010102242 A2 WO2010102242 A2 WO 2010102242A2 US 2010026411 W US2010026411 W US 2010026411W WO 2010102242 A2 WO2010102242 A2 WO 2010102242A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network
service zone
service
access
wireless
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/026411
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010102242A3 (fr
Inventor
Christopher E. Caldwell
Janne P. Linkola
Original Assignee
T-Mobile Usa, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/399,793 external-priority patent/US8189549B2/en
Application filed by T-Mobile Usa, Inc. filed Critical T-Mobile Usa, Inc.
Publication of WO2010102242A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010102242A2/fr
Publication of WO2010102242A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010102242A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/08—Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery
    • H04W48/12—Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/66—Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices
    • H04W88/06—Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Definitions

  • VoIP Voice over IP
  • WiMAX IEEE 802.16
  • MBWA Mobile Broadband Wireless Access
  • UWB Ultra Wideband
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless fidelity
  • Bluetooth Bluetooth
  • wireless handhelds wireless handsets, mobile phones, personal digital assistances, notebook computers, and similar devices
  • IP-based telecommunications services are enabled to send and receive information utilizing IP-based telecommunications services.
  • many of today's modern mobile devices are able to function as "dual-mode devices" that take advantage of both cellular network technologies and other wireless technologies, including IP-based technologies.
  • UMA Unlicensed Mobile Access
  • 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
  • GAN Generic Access Network
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • One goal of UMA is to allow subscribers to move transparently between cellular networks and IP-based wireless networks with seamless voice and data session continuity, similar to how they can transparently move between cells within cellular networks. Seamless in-call handover between the IP-based wireless network and the cellular network ensures that the user's location and mobility do not affect the services delivered to the user.
  • UMA technology effectively creates a parallel radio access network, the UMA network, which interfaces to the mobile core network using standard mobility-enabled interfaces.
  • UMA can replace a system's GSM radio technology on the lower protocol layers with a wireless LAN, or similar technology.
  • a call or other communication may be tunneled to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of a service provider via an access point (e.g., a WiFi access point connected to a modem via the Internet) and gateway (e.g., a UMA network controller).
  • MSC Mobile Switching Center
  • gateway e.g., a UMA network controller
  • the existing service provider's business support systems (BSS), service delivery systems, content services, regulatory compliance systems, and operation support systems (OSS) can support the UMA network without change.
  • BSS business support systems
  • OSS operation support systems
  • service enhancements and technology evolution of the mobile core network apply transparently to both cellular access and UMA.
  • IP solutions such as UMA
  • wireless service providers and wireless users have the opportunity to provide additional customized services.
  • a WiFi access point to which IP-based wireless telecommunications subscribers are connected may be interesting to a service provider because certain assumptions can be made about the subscribers using that access point. If a service provider could effectively and efficiently take actions based on assumptions derived from how or where an IP-based wireless telecommunications subscriber was connected, the wireless experience could be enhanced measurably.
  • UMA The transparency of UMA is refreshing and is similar to access on most licensed cellular telephone networks.
  • users may move from cell-to-cell while maintaining a continuous communication, and even roam into areas covered by other wireless service providers.
  • UMA offers similar mobility: users may mover from access point to access point, or from cell to access point and vice versa.
  • transparency and freedom of movement within and among networks can lead to certain difficulties. For example, when a subscriber moves out of his or her home network, and is roaming on a cellular network operated by a different wireless service provider, the user's phone may often indicate such a transition, and may display the service provider for the new network. Additional charges may apply.
  • the user may not know that they have transitioned from access via a WiFi access point using unlicensed spectrum, to access via licensed spectrum on a cellular network, or vice versa, or even between two different access points.
  • the user may not know, for example, if he or she is connected to his or her home or office access point, or that of a neighbor or neighboring business.
  • Figure 1 illustrates aspects of a sample network system that allows VoIP-based communications in conjunction with a public switched telephone network (PSTN).
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • Figure 2 illustrates an example converged wireless network system that combines a cellular network with an IP-based wireless telecommunications network.
  • Figure 3 is a partial block, partial flow diagram, call flow diagram illustrating an exchange of messages within the system.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process for indicating UMA service zone information to a mobile device.
  • the zone information indicates to a subscriber whether the handset is being used with a WiFi access point that provides free or reduced pricing services, or a WiFi access point that charges for access to services.
  • An icon such as a dollar sign may indicate that calls are being charged.
  • Information about the service zone displayed to the user may be stored (e.g. in a call detail record) so that customer care representatives can use the information to resolve possible billing disputes.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show sample network system configurations in which aspects of the present invention can be implemented.
  • Figure 1 illustrates aspects of a sample network system 100 that allows VoIP-based communications in conjunction with a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 102.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • the system 100 includes at least one wireless access point 104, such as a WiFi access point or a femtocell.
  • the access point 104 may be public or private, and may be located, for example, in a subscriber's residence (e.g., home, apartment or other residence), in a public location (e.g., coffee shops, retail stores, libraries, or schools) or in corporate or other private locations.
  • the access point 104 can accept communications 106 from at least one suitably configured telecommunications device 108 (e.g., a VoIP device).
  • telecommunications device e.g., a VoIP device
  • the terms “telecommunications device”, “handset”, “mobile device” and the like are generally used interchangeable herein.
  • Various examples of network technology that may be involved in communicating between the telecommunications device 108 and the access point 104 include the IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20 Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), 802.11 wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth standards, or other wireless protocols.
  • the access point 104 shown includes a wireless router 110 and a broadband modem 112 that enable connection to an Internet Protocol (IP) network 114.
  • IP network 114 may comprise one or more public networks, private networks, or combination of public and private networks.
  • the access point 104 receives IP packets from the telecommunications device 108. These IP packets are then transported through the IP network 114 to a signaling gateway 116, which in the example of Figure 1 , is operated by a telecommunications service provider. At the signaling gateway 116, the IP packets are converted to a traditional phone service signal. The phone service signal is then conveyed to a recipient via the PSTN 102.
  • the network system 100 of Figure 1 also includes a call controller 118 that provides call logic and call control functions for communications sent through the system and an application server 120 that provides logic and execution of one or more applications or services offered by the telecommunications service provider, such as applications that implement various access and security rules.
  • aspects of the zone information may be determined with the mapping and processes, as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 3-4.
  • a telecommunication service provider manages both the call controller 118 and the application server 120.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a sample network system 200 in which aspects of the access point management facility can be implemented within a cellular telephone- type network.
  • the cellular service provider maintains a large degree of system compatibility even though using an IP-based network.
  • the various systems of the cellular service provider that deliver content and handle mobility may not even need to be aware that a subscriber's mobile device is on an IP-based wireless telecommunications network. Instead, the various systems of the cellular service provider assume the mobile device is on its native cellular network.
  • the IP network is, therefore, abstracted with respect to the cellular network, regardless of whether the mobile device connects to the cellular network via a base station (e.g., for licensed spectrum access) or a wireless access point (e.g., for licensed, semilicensed and/or unlicensed spectrum access — such as spectrums for IP-based wireless telecommunications).
  • a base station e.g., for licensed spectrum access
  • a wireless access point e.g., for licensed, semilicensed and/or unlicensed spectrum access — such as spectrums for IP-based wireless telecommunications.
  • the cellular service provider maintains a large degree of system compatibility even though using an IP-based network.
  • a sample network system 200 combines a cellular telephone network 202 (such as a GSM network) and an IP network 204 in a UMA- type or femtocell-type configuration that provides service to the user of a mobile device 206.
  • Such service may include voice services, and also supplementary services such as call forwarding and call waiting, text messaging services (e.g., SMS), and data-based services like ring tone downloads, game downloads, picture messaging, email and web browsing.
  • text messaging services e.g., SMS
  • data-based services like ring tone downloads, game downloads, picture messaging, email and web browsing.
  • the described network system 200 accepts registration requests and communication connections from the mobile device 206.
  • the accepted registration requests can be requests to either the cellular telephone network 202 or to the IP-based network 204.
  • the cellular telephone network 202 includes one or more cell towers 208 that are configured to accept cellular communications 210 from the mobile device 206.
  • the cell towers 208 are connected to a base station controller 212 (such as a base station controller/radio network controller (BSC/RNC)) via a private network 214.
  • the private network 214 can include a variety of connections (not shown) such as T1 lines, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), various network switches, and other similar components.
  • the base station controller 212 controls communication traffic to a carrier core network 216, where all communications are managed (including both cellular and IP-based).
  • Components of the carrier core network 216 in this example include a switch (e.g., a mobile switching center or MSC) 218, which is configured to control data/call flows and perform load balancing, as well as other functions.
  • the carrier core network 216 may also include a variety of system databases such as an operation support subsystem (OSS) database 220, a business support system (BSS) database 222, and home location register (HLR) 224 or other central subscriber database that contains details of a carrier's subscribers for billing, call logging, etc.
  • OSS operation support subsystem
  • BSS business support system
  • HLR home location register
  • the sample network system 200 of Figure 2 further includes one or more access points 226 that can accept IP-based communications 228 from the mobile device 206.
  • each access point 226 can be configured as part of a wireless network in one or more locations such as a public network 230, a home network 232, or a private business network 234.
  • Each access point 226 is coupled to the IP network 204 through, for example, a broadband connection (not shown) such as a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or any other broadband device.
  • a broadband connection not shown
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Line
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the security gateway 236 controls access to a network controller 238, which communicates with a data store 240 for logging and accessing communications data.
  • one function of the network controller 238 is to manage access to the carrier network 216 when dealing with an IP-based communication (in a similar manner to that performed by the base station controller 212 for a non-IP-based communication).
  • authentication of a request for access by the mobile device 206 over the IP network 204 is handled by the security gateway 236, which communicates with an authentication, access and authorization (AAA) module 240 that is most likely associated with the carrier network 216.
  • AAA authentication, access and authorization
  • Challenges and responses to requests for access by the mobile device 206 are communicated between the HLR 224 and the AAA module 242.
  • the security gateway 236 communicates the assignment of an IP address to the mobile device 206 that requested access. Once the security gateway 236 passes the IP address to the mobile device 206, the public IP address assigned to the mobile device 206 is passed to the network controller 238.
  • the network controller 238 may query the data store 242 to determine if the mobile device 206 is authorized for accessing the IP network 204.
  • Sample identifiers that may be utilized to determine access include a media access control (MAC) address associated with an access point, a mobile device or subscriber identifier (such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)), an Internet Protocol (IP) address (or "Public IP address”) associated with the access point, a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), or other similar types of information.
  • MAC media access control
  • IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identifier
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • FQDN fully qualified domain name
  • the data store 242 may be a single database, table, or list, or a combination of databases, tables, or lists, such as one for IP addresses 244, one of MAC addresses 246, and one for FQDNs 248.
  • the data store 242 may include "blocked" identifiers as well as “authorized” identifiers.
  • Authorized accesses to the IP-based wireless telecommunications network may be maintained by the network controller 238 in an authorized session table or similar data construct.
  • the signaling portion of a communication (e.g., the portion of the communication that governs various overhead aspects of the communication such as, for example, when the call starts, when the call stops, initiating a telephone ring, etc.) is routed through the network controller 238 to the switch 218, while the voice bearer portion of the communication (e.g., the portion of the communication that contains the actual content (either data or voice information) of the communication) is routed through the network controller 238 to a media gateway 250.
  • the media gateway 250 controls the content flow between the service provider and the mobile device 206, while the switch 218 controls the signaling flow (or controls overhead-related flow) between the service provider and the mobile device 216.
  • a picocell may be communicatively coupled to a base station in the cellular network.
  • the picocell is a wireless access point typically covering a relatively small area, such as within a building (e.g., office, shopping mall, train station, or the like) or within an aircraft, ship, train or other vehicle.
  • a picocell may, for example, be analogous to a WiFi access point, except that it typically broadcasts using the licensed spectrum of an associated wireless carrier such as GSM or CDMA.
  • the picocell serves as an access point for routing communication between a handset and the network.
  • One or more picocells may be coupled to the BSC by way of wired or wireless connections.
  • the IP-based network may include femtocells.
  • Femtocells are much like picocells - they broadcast within the licensed spectrum of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Femtocells are typically designed for use in residential or small business environments. Femtocells connect to the service provider's network much like UMA/GAN access points, namely over IP-based networks. Nevertheless, for simplicity of discussion, the system below employs a WiFi access point, even though any short-range wireless network node may be employed.
  • the system and methods described herein can be used to translate access points and broadband Internet networks into arbitrary sets, aggregations, or zones, and then provide associated functions or services.
  • Service zones can be used in a wide variety of ways to customize a subscriber's experience. These features can be used to, for example, indicate the availability of free calls to a subscriber when the subscriber is within a particular zone.
  • the UMA protocol or specification includes a "UMA Service Zone" (USZ) field.
  • USZ UMA Service Zone
  • the appropriate USZ information can be found from a database using any combination of parameters. These parameters can include, as non-limiting examples, Service Zone, Service Type, Service Zone Name, Service Zone Icon, date, week day, and time of day.
  • Service zones may be one or more access points, typically identified by the MAC address or IP address of the associated WiFi access point, or another designator in converged cellular-IP embodiments, such as a proximate cellsite global indicator (CGI).
  • CGI proximate cellsite global indicator
  • a single zone could include thousands of WiFi access points around the world, such as access points located in worldwide retail locations of a particular business, or at a single location such as a user's home.
  • the USZ field can be used to specify particular service zones that could be associated with specific service types.
  • services that can be provided may be favorable billing rates, free services (e.g., free downloadable songs or other digital content), location-based services associated with that zone (e.g., cafeteria menu associated with a cafeteria within that zone), and so forth. Zones may also be mapped to individual subscribers, so that employees within a given zone would receive certain benefits or content, whereas visitors would not.
  • free services e.g., free downloadable songs or other digital content
  • location-based services associated with that zone e.g., cafeteria menu associated with a cafeteria within that zone
  • Zones may also be mapped to individual subscribers, so that employees within a given zone would receive certain benefits or content, whereas visitors would not.
  • zones can be implemented by use of a database in the network that associates a zone designator to one or more access points or regions. Further, the database may associate particular subscribers to particular services for that zone. Subscribers may be identified uniquely by any of a variety of designators, such as mobile device or subscriber ID (such as an international mobile subscriber identifier, or IMSI), or other identifier. The database can also link to specific content or services, as well as associated rules for providing that content/service. Further details regarding UMA zones may be found in the assignee's PCT patent application number US07/82156, entitled System and Method for Determining a Subscriber's Zone Information, filed 22 October, 2007 (attorney docket number 31419-8034. WO).
  • the UMA specification or protocol supports one or more UMA Service Zone (USZ) field for "UMA Service Zone Information.” This field is returned to the mobile device by the UMA Network Controller (UNC) during registration.
  • UMA Service Zone Information element is to provide the mobile device with UMA Service Zone information applicable to the current location of the user. It can include at least two fields: a UMA Service Zone Name string that can be used by the UNC to indicate textual information related to the location or services associated with that location, and a UMA Service Zone Icon Indicator that can be used by the UNC to turn on various indicators at the mobile device.
  • the USZ for a mobile device can depend on the mobile device location and/or subscriber identity.
  • the mobile device's WiFi location can be mapped into Service Zones in the UNC
  • a mobile device's Service Type can be provisioned from customer care/billing systems to the UNC
  • the appropriate USZ information can be found from a database using a combination of Service Zone, Service Type, date, week day, and time of day as keys.
  • service zone information can be used in conjunction with other data such as subscriber Service Type, date, day of week, time of day as keys into a database that stores the possible Service Zone information.
  • the appropriate USZ is determined from this database.
  • the particular USZ could depend on both location and mobile device.
  • a service zone can be defined in any of at least three ways: (1) by access point MAC address or collection of access point MAC addresses, (2) by IP address or range of IP addresses, or (3) by fully qualified domain name (FQDN) or partial FQDN matches.
  • Service zones can also be associated with a CeIIID, such as a Cell Global Identity (CGI) value. The CeIIID is reported through to the billing system so that the mobile device's communication is rated correctly (e.g., a subscriber on her home IP-based network might receive a free or preferential billing plan).
  • the mapping of locations to zones can be performed in the UNC. Additionally, the subscriber's WiFi location can be mapped into a Service Zone in the UNC.
  • the Service Zones may be defined in a database associated with the network, such as the data store 242, or customer care or billing system databases (not shown). As noted below, a table or other data structure associates a number or other zone identifier with one or more IP address, MAC addresses, FQDNs, etc. Other Internet Protocol or non-Internet Protocol schemes could be used. In some embodiments, one or more CeIIIDs may be used. The zone need not be contiguous or overlapping APs, but could be scattered throughout a region, state, country, etc.
  • the Service Zone Information allows a service provider to offer free or reduced rate telecommunication services, such as voice calls, data services, or both, when the user is at his or her home, business or specific location and interacting with a home/business access point, but telecommunications services via other access points incur charges.
  • billing is dependent upon location, and thus the user wishes to know whether he or she is registered with his or her home network/access point or not. Although it may seem that the user would know this by virtue of the fact that he or she is at home or not, there are instances where this may not be so obvious. For example, a user could be accessing her neighbor's access point, rather than his or her own access point, and thus be incurring charges unknowingly.
  • the Service Zone Icon Indicator as described below, such confusion may be eliminated.
  • the UNC can provide information to the service provider's billing system to generate a call detail record (CDR) that includes information regarding some or all communications sessions, especially billable sessions.
  • the CDR can include the service zone information, including an indication that the network sent a Service Zone Icon Indicator to the mobile device to indicate that a call was a toll call, and possibly include additional information in the Service Zone Name field that could provide not only an iconic image of a charge call, but details regarding that call. Then, if the user were to dispute the charge, the CDR would include sufficient details regarding that call.
  • call is used herein, any type of connection or session is envisioned, including a voice call, data communications session, and so forth.
  • the system employs signaling during call set-up between the UNC (network controller 238) and, for example, the mobile switching center (MSC; switch 218).
  • This signaling results in the MSC (or other network element) recording a specific cellular global identifier (CGI) value in the CDR.
  • CGI cellular global identifier
  • This value may be used by not only the billing system, but also a customer care operator to display at a customer care call center terminal (not shown) all details regarding that call, including where the connection took place since access points may be assigned their own CGI values (or have their MAC addresses included with the transmitted CGI field).
  • FIG. 3 an example of a call session is shown.
  • the call begins with a registration session where the mobile device 206 attempts to register with the UNC 238 via the access point 232.
  • a Registration_Request message the MAC address and/or other identifying data is sent to the UNC 238 for authorization.
  • the MAC address is used by the UNC 238 to check a database to determine an appropriate service zone associated with the access point, and to obtain the Service Zone Information from the database.
  • the UNC 238 provides a Registration_Accept message that returns the appropriate UMA Service Zone Name text string and UMA Service Zone Icon Indicator obtained from the database ("USZ_Name" and "USZJcon", respectively).
  • the mobile device 206 initiates a call via the UNC 238, which in turn sends a call set-up message to the MSC 218.
  • the call set-up message includes the CGI value or field for the access point 232, which can include the USZ Name and USZJcon fields.
  • the call (or data session) then proceeds until terminated.
  • the UNC 238 provides call detail record (CDR) data that can again include the CGI value with the USZ_Name and/or USZJcon values.
  • CDR call detail record
  • the MSC stores the CDR data in a billing database (e.g. database within the carrier's network 216).
  • the mobile device 206 is provided with the UMA Service Zone Name string (such as a name associated with the WLAN for the access point 232) and a UMA Service Zone Icon Indicator, during initial network registration for the mobile device 206 with the UMA network.
  • UMA service information is then kept with session data during each call that is later initiated by the mobile device once it has been registered with the UMA network.
  • the session data may be pushed into the CGI field during call setup so that when the call terminates, the CDR is created with the CGI field data and stored in the billings record database with all details regarding the call, including what service zone text was provided to the mobile device, what icon was provided, along with all other information, such as time of day, day of week, length of call, and so forth.
  • the mobile device 206 receives the UMA Service Zone Name, which it can then display to the user.
  • This text data may be initially stored in the UMA database (described herein).
  • This text string may be provided to the UMA database when each access point is first registered or set up with the UMA network.
  • a text field describing a new WLAN is provided by the user as a user- created text string (e.g., "CindysHomeNetwork"), which the system stores in the data store 242. Then, this text string can be provided to the mobile device during registration, e.g., for display on the mobile device.
  • the UMA Service Zone Icon Indicator may be a value generated by the service provider for the UMA network and associated with one of multiple icons.
  • the service provider can create one or more icons and associated UMA Service Zone Icon Indicator values for each icon. These icons may be stored in a table on the mobile device so that in response to receiving a particular USZJcon value, the device in turn looks at its locally stored table to retrieve an appropriate icon to be displayed for that USZJcon value.
  • a UMA Zones database can store groups of access points, IP addresses, and/or fully qualified domain names (FQDN).
  • the database can be keyed to a unique integer field called a Zone Number.
  • Records in the database can store at least one type of information, such as access point MAC address(es), IP address(es) or FQDN(s).
  • a database could be used to indicate that a certain business name is associated with certain MAC addresses. It is possible to store individual values, ranges of values, or use wild card values in any of the records.
  • Entries in the UMA Zones database can be used to indicate some or all IP addresses, some or all domains (FQDNs), some or all access points associated with a particular manufacturer or service provider, such as all T-Mobile sold access points, and some or all MAC addresses that are to be used in default zones.
  • FQDNs domains
  • MAC addresses such as all T-Mobile sold access points
  • a user-friendly interface can be provided for modifying the UMA zones database.
  • FIG. 4 an example of a process for capturing and displaying service zone information is shown as a routine 400.
  • the system registers a mobile device and stores service zone information associated with that registration, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 3.
  • the UNC 238 stores the most recently provided USZ Information that has been provided to the mobile device from the current or most recent registration. This data is stored for the duration of the registration session that exists between the mobile device and the access point to which the mobile device is currently communicating. (A new session will initiate if the mobile device begins to communicate with another access point, and the process described herein repeats for that access point.)
  • the system receives a request for a new call from the mobile device and sets up the new call, and in block 415, the system forwards service zone information to the MSC 218, all as noted above with respect to Figure 3.
  • the UNC 238 provides to the MSC 218 the stored USZ Information, such as a CGI value (which is effectively a "misuse" of the CGI parameter, but which provides important information to the MSC regarding the current call by the mobile device).
  • the MSC forwards the received service zone information to appropriate business and/or billing systems, where the service zone information is stored with the call data record (CDR).
  • any business support system such as a mediation or customer care system, may receive or may have access to the stored CDR, including the stored USZ Information.
  • one of the business/billing systems may, at a later time, request access to the CDR from the database based on, for example, a subscriber identifier.
  • a subscriber may, for example, call customer care to dispute a charge for a call, and may provide a MIN (mobile identification number) to the customer care agent.
  • the agent via a customer care terminal, then accesses the database using the MIN to access the appropriate billing record and display a CDR for the call in dispute.
  • the customer care computer may then display to the customer care representative all details regarding the call made under block 410, including displaying all service zone information.
  • the system displays to the customer care representative the USZJText and USZJcon fields that were provided to the user's mobile device during the call. This can help in determining appropriate charges for the call and assist with customer care.
  • the Service Zone Information described herein may be used in a variety of other manners.
  • one or more components “coupled” to each other can be coupled directly (i.e., no other components are between the coupled components) or indirectly (i.e., one or more other components can be placed between the coupled components).
  • WiFi wireless local, wide and metropolitan area network
  • wireless protocols can be based on any of the 802.11 IEEE standards.
  • the system can employ Bluetooth, Ultra-wideband, WiMAX, or ZigBee protocols.
  • a particular system employing wireless devices communicating with a network server via an access point and network e.g. the Internet
  • a system can include a computer that provides a physical network link to the Internet and also provides a wireless bridge to a peripheral device (e.g., a wireless device or another computer).
  • the invention can be practiced with other communications, data processing, or computer system configurations.
  • the system can be implemented in environments other than the environments depicted in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the mobile telecommunications device described herein could be a non-IP- enabled mobile phone that connects to an IP-enabled access point that is connected to an IP-based telecommunications network over an IP network.
  • the mobile telecommunications device could be an analog telephone that connects to an IP-enabled terminal adaptor that is connected to an IP-based telecommunications network over an IP network.
  • the telecommunications device could be an IP-enabled softmobile (e.g., a personal computer having a USB device with an embedded SIM and UMA softphone application) that is connected to an IP-based telecommunications network over an IP network.
  • IP-enabled softmobile e.g., a personal computer having a USB device with an embedded SIM and UMA softphone application
  • the mobile device may also include other devices, such as wearable computers, devices that perform communications functions, and any other device (or combination of devices) that is packet-switch enabled (e.g. IP-enabled), either in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software.
  • the mobile device could be any one or combination of Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including personal digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • aspects of the system can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. While aspects of the system, such as certain functions, are described as being performed exclusively on a single device, the system can also be implemented in distributed environments where functions or modules are shared among disparate processing devices, which are linked through a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
  • aspects of the system may be stored or distributed on tangible computer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readable computer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips ⁇ e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or other data storage media.
  • computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of the system may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks (including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a period of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme).

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système et un procédé associé permettant d'obtenir une demande d'enregistrement par l'intermédiaire d'un point d'accès, lequel point d'accès est associé à une zone de services définie. En réponse, un signal d'autorisation autorisant l'accès aux services de télécommunication est reçu. Le signal d'autorisation comprend des données de nom de zone de services pour la zone de services et/ou au moins un indicateur iconique de zone de services pour la zone de services.
PCT/US2010/026411 2009-03-06 2010-03-05 Système et procédé permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonné à l'intérieur de réseaux de télécommunication convergents WO2010102242A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/399,793 2009-03-06
US12/399,793 US8189549B2 (en) 2007-10-22 2009-03-06 System and method for indicating a subscriber's zone within converged telecommunications networks
CA2,665,800 2009-05-08
CA2665800A CA2665800C (fr) 2009-03-06 2009-05-11 Systeme et methode permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonne au sein de reseaux de telecommunications convergents

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010102242A2 true WO2010102242A2 (fr) 2010-09-10
WO2010102242A3 WO2010102242A3 (fr) 2011-01-13

Family

ID=42710237

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2010/026411 WO2010102242A2 (fr) 2009-03-06 2010-03-05 Système et procédé permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonné à l'intérieur de réseaux de télécommunication convergents

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2010102242A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11800398B2 (en) 2021-10-27 2023-10-24 T-Mobile Usa, Inc. Predicting an attribute of an immature wireless telecommunication network, such as a 5G network

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6002679A (en) * 1996-12-31 1999-12-14 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method for assigning feature sets on virtual private telecommunications networks
US20050148342A1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-07-07 Nortel Networks Limited Providing location-based information in local wireless zones
US20050176429A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2005-08-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Mobility management method using an improved neighbor graph
US20060172732A1 (en) * 2005-02-01 2006-08-03 Tomas Nylander Method, system and apparatus for providing security in an unlicensed mobile access network or a generic access network

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6002679A (en) * 1996-12-31 1999-12-14 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method for assigning feature sets on virtual private telecommunications networks
US20050148342A1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-07-07 Nortel Networks Limited Providing location-based information in local wireless zones
US20050176429A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2005-08-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Mobility management method using an improved neighbor graph
US20060172732A1 (en) * 2005-02-01 2006-08-03 Tomas Nylander Method, system and apparatus for providing security in an unlicensed mobile access network or a generic access network

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11800398B2 (en) 2021-10-27 2023-10-24 T-Mobile Usa, Inc. Predicting an attribute of an immature wireless telecommunication network, such as a 5G network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2010102242A3 (fr) 2011-01-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8189549B2 (en) System and method for indicating a subscriber's zone within converged telecommunications networks
US10419875B2 (en) System and method for determining a subscriber's zone information
US8145190B2 (en) System and method for billing IP-based wireless telecommunications in a converged network
US9363740B2 (en) System and method for selectively provisioning telecommunications services between an access point and a telecommunications network using a subscriber identifier
US8320344B2 (en) System and method for provisioning telecommunications services between an access point and a telecommunications network and providing a missing information notification
US8189548B2 (en) Authorizing access to telecommunications networks for mobile devices, such as mobile devices accessing networks via non-traditional entry points
US8953567B2 (en) System and method for utilizing IP-based wireless telecommunications client location data
US8953620B2 (en) System and method for selectively provisioning telecommunications services between an access point and a telecommunications network using a subscriber identifier
WO2008051933A2 (fr) Système et procédé pour autoriser un accès à un service de télécommunications sans fil basé sur ip
US8619545B2 (en) System and method for selectively provisioning telecommunications services between an access point and a telecommunications network based on landline telephone detection
WO2010102242A2 (fr) Système et procédé permettant d'indiquer une zone d'abonné à l'intérieur de réseaux de télécommunication convergents
WO2010102149A2 (fr) Autorisation d'accéder à des réseaux de télécommunication pour des dispositifs mobiles, tels que des dispositifs mobiles ayant accès à des réseaux par l'intermédiaire de points d'entrée non traditionnels

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 10749409

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 10749409

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2