WO2015018454A1

WO2015018454A1 - Method and apparatus for network selection

Info

Publication number: WO2015018454A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/066710
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniela Laselva; Hanns Juergen Schwarzbauer; Woonhee Hwang; Per Henrik Michaelsen; Istvan Zsolt Kovacs; Simone Redana; Frank Frederiksen; Jussi-Pekka Koskinen; Jarkko T. Koskela
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2013-08-09
Filing date: 2013-08-09
Publication date: 2015-02-12

Abstract

A method comprising: selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equipment.

Description

Title METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK SELECTION

This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus and in particular but not exclusively to method and apparatus for use in network selection.

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as fixed or mobile communication devices, base stations, servers, machine type communication devices and/or other communication nodes. A communication system and compatible communicating entities typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. For example, the standards, specifications and related protocols can define the manner how various aspects of communication such as access to the communication system and feedback messaging shall be implemented between communicating devices. The various development stages of the standard specifications are referred to as releases.

A communication can be carried on wired or wireless carriers. In a wireless communication system at least a part of communications between stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN) and/or radio access networks such as cellular networks, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN, also referred to as WLAN). A wireless system can be divided into cells or other radio coverage or service areas provided by a station. Radio service areas can overlap, and thus a communi- cation device in an area can send and receive signals within more than one station. Each radio service area is controlled by an appropriate controller apparatus. Higher level control may be provided by another control apparatus controlling a plurality of radio service area.

A wireless communication system can be accessed by means of an appropriate communication device. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting arrangement for enabling communications with other parties. Typically a communication device is used for enabling receiving and transmission of communications such as speech and data. In wireless systems a communication device provides a transceiver station that can communicate with another communication device such as e.g. a base station and/or another user equipment. WLAN networks are becoming an integrated part of mobile broadband. WLAN is a standard feature on some phones such as smart phones, tablets and laptops.

Statement of Invention.

There is provided according to a first aspect a method comprising: selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and ac- cess class information associated with said user equipment.

The selection may further depend on at least one of: a service coverage provided by said second network; a quality of service provided by said second network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said selected network; a mobility of said selector; a preference of said user and/or at least one usage rule of said second network. The access class information may be dependent on at least one of: a service level to be provided to said user equipment and/or an operating mode of said user equipment.

The method may further comprise: sending indication information to said first network when said second network is not selected. The indication information may comprise an indication of why said second network was not selected. The network selection information may be dependent on a loading of said first network.

When said second network has been selected, said method may further comprise: receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information. The offloading information may comprise a temporal validity parameter. The method may further comprise: selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

One of said first network and said second network may be a radio access network. One of said first network and said second network may be a wireless local area network.

A computer program product may be configured to the method. There is provided according to a second aspect a method comprising: transmitting at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is dependent on one or more conditions in a network.

One or more of the conditions may comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network. The network selection information may comprise an indication of a network selection preference in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment.

The method may further comprise receiving indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

A computer program product may be configured to perform the method. There is provided according to a third aspect an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equipment.

The apparatus may be further caused to perform: sending indication information to said first network when said second network is not selected, wherein said indication information comprises an indication of why said second network was not selected. The network selection information may be dependent on a loading of said first network. When said second network has been selected, said apparatus may be further caused to perform: receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information. The offloading information may comprises a temporal validity parameter. The apparatus may be further caused to perform: selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

A user equipment may comprise the apparatus. There is provided according to a fourth aspect an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is de- pendent on one or more conditions in a network.

One or more of the conditions may comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network. The network selection information may comprise an indication of a network selection prefer- ence in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment.

The apparatus may be further caused to perform: receiving indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

A base station may comprise the apparatus.

There is provided according to a fifth aspect an apparatus comprising: means for selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equipment. The selection may further depend on at least one of: a service coverage provided by said second network; a quality of service provided by said second network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said selected network; a mobility of said selector; a preference of said user and/or at least one usage rule of said second network. The access class information may be dependent on at least one of: a service level to be provided to said user equipment and/or an operating mode of said user equipment.

The apparatus may further comprise: means for sending indication information to said first network when said second network is not selected. The indication information may comprise an indication of why said second network was not selected. The network selection information may be dependent on a loading of said first network.

When said second network has been selected, said apparatus may further comprise: means for receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and means for selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information.

The offloading information may comprise a temporal validity parameter. The apparatus may further comprise: means for selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. One of said first network and said second network may be a radio access network.

One of said first network and said second network may be a wireless local area network.

A user equipment may comprise the apparatus.

There is provided according to a sixth aspect an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is dependent on one or more conditions in a network.

One or more of the conditions may comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network. The network selection information may comprise an indication of a network selection preference in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

A base station may comprise the apparatus

There is provided according to a seventh aspect an apparatus comprising : a selector configured to select, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equipment.

The apparatus may further comprise: a transmitter configure to send indication infor- mation to said first network when said second network is not selected, wherein said indication information comprises an indication of why said second network was not selected.

The network selection information may be dependent on a loading of said first network. When said second network has been selected, said apparatus may be further caused to perform: receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information.

The offloading information may comprises a temporal validity parameter. The apparatus may be further caused to perform: selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

A user equipment may comprise the apparatus. There is provided according to an eighth aspect an apparatus comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is dependent on one or more conditions in a network. One or more of the conditions may comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network. The network selection information may comprise an indication of a network selection preference in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise: a receiver configured to receive indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

A base station may comprise the apparatus.

There is provided according to a ninth aspect a method comprising: receiving at a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and transmitting to said first network usage information about a second network. The method may further comprise: receiving onloading information from said first network; and selecting said first network in dependence on said onloading information. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message.

The method may further comprise: transmitting second network usage information to said first network. The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may com- prise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment.

The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call. The method may further comprise transmitting at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The method may further comprise transmitting an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

A computer program product may be configured to the method.

There is provided according to a tenth aspect a method comprising: transmitting to a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and receiving usage information about a second network at said first network.

The method may further comprise: transmitting onloading information from to said user equipment. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The method may further comprise: receiving second network usage information from said user equipment.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indica- tion of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used.

The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call.

The method may further comprise receiving at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The method may further comprise receiving an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network.

The offloading information may be transmitted as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

A computer program product may be configured to the method.

There is provided according to an eleventh aspect an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one mem- ory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving at a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and transmitting to said first network usage information about a second network.

The apparatus may be further configured to perform: receiving onloading information from said first network; and selecting said first network in dependence on said onloading information. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may be further configured to perform: transmitting second network usage information to said first network.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traf- fic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call.

The apparatus may be further configured to perform transmitting at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may be further configured to perform transmitting an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

The apparatus may be a user equipment.

There is provided according to a twelfth aspect an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one mem- ory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting to a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and receiving usage information about a second network at said first network.

The apparatus may be further configured to perform: transmitting onloading information from to said user equipment. The offloading information and/or said onloading informa- tion may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may be further configured to perform: receiving second network usage information from said user equipment.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indica- tion of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call. The apparatus may be further configured to perform receiving at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may be further configured to perform receiving an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be transmitted as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network. A base station may comprise the apparatus.

There is provided according to an thirteenth aspect an apparatus comprising means for receiving at a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and means for transmitting to said first network usage information about a second network.

The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving onloading information from said first network; and selecting said first network in dependence on said onloading information. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may further comprise means for transmitting second network usage information to said first network.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call. The apparatus may further comprise means for transmitting at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise means for transmitting an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network. The apparatus may be a user equipment.

There is provided according to a fourteenth aspect an apparatus comprising means for transmitting to a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and means for receiving usage information about a second network at said first network.

The apparatus may further comprise means for transmitting onloading information from to said user equipment. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving second network usage information from said user equipment.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment.

The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identi- fied by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be transmitted as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

A base station may comprise the apparatus. There is provided according to a fifteenth aspect an apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive at a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and a transmitter configured to transmit to said first network usage information about a second network.

The apparatus may further comprise a receiver configured to receive onloading in- formation from said first network; and selecting said first network in dependence on said onloading information. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit second network usage information to said first network.

The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may comprise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call. The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

The apparatus may be a user equipment.

There is provided according to a sixteenth aspect an apparatus comprising a trans- mitter configured to transmit to a user equipment offloading information from a first network; and a receiver configured to receive usage information about a second network at said first network. The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter configured to transmit onloading information from to said user equipment. The offloading information and/or said onloading information may be a traffic steering message. The apparatus may further comprise a receiver configured to receive second network usage information from said user equipment. The second network usage information may comprise at least one of: an indication that said second network is being used; and indication that said second network is going to be used; an indication that said second network is an operator controlled network; an indication of at least one traffic type supported by said second network; and/or an indication that said second network is not being used. The second network usage information may com- prise an indication that said second network is going to be used, said method comprises transmitting at least one of: an identification of said second network; a service set identifier of said second network; a loading of an access point of said second network; information received from said second network by said user equipment. The at least one supported traffic type may be at least one of: best effort; keep-alive; real time, non-real time, and/or voice call.

The apparatus may further comprise a receiver configured to receive at least one of an identification associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment and/or an access point loading associated with at least one further network identified by said user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise a receiver configured to re- ceive an identity of at least one bearer which has been offloaded to said second network. The offloading information may be tranmitted as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message. The first network may be a radio access network. The second network may be a wireless local area network.

A base station may comprise the apparatus. Embodiments may combine one or more features from one or more aspects.

Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

Embodiments will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an architecture with a WLAN and a wireless cellular network;

Figure 2 shows a user equipment;

Figure 4 shows a control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a method of an embodiment; Figure 5 shows a further method of an embodiment; and

Figure 6 shows a further method of an embodiment.

Reference numerals refer to the same element throughout the description and fig- ures.

WLAN networks are in some places becoming an integral part of mobile broadband. WLAN is a standard feature on some smart phones, tablets and laptops. Some operators are using or planning to use WLAN alongside mobile radio access networks. As WLAN becomes just another cell alongside mobile radio access networks, some operators need to control how the user device or user equipment moves between the mobile and WLAN networks.

Mobile network operators are thus using cellular offloading to (carrier/third parties) WLAN networks for capacity and coverage purposes. The use of WLAN networks may be inexpensive in terms of licensing for spectrum and/or for cost of deployment). WLAN net- works may offer good network performance in high-traffic urban environments.

Furthermore, even without any operator control, today's subscribers simply disappear from cellular networks to connect to the user's preferred access points whenever these are available, e.g. at home or in the work place. That is because WLAN network discovery, selection and access is terminal implementation specific and may further be user-controlled via a connection manager utility installed at the client side. This may provide ad-hoc connectivity.

Reference is made to Figure 1 which shows a high level network architecture example with an ANDSF server. The system shown in Figure 1 comprises user equipment 14. The user equipment is arranged to be able to connect to a first access point or a second ac- cess point 6 or 8. As an example, the access points 6 and 8 are connected to a router 4 which permits connection to the Internet 2. The access points 6 and 8 along with the router 4 can be considered to provide the WLAN function. The access points may be part of a WLAN. In some embodiments, the access points may belong to different WLANs. In practice, there are multiple deployment possibilities for WLAN. In operator cases, there may be a WLAN Controller to which access are connected. The WLAN Controller is then attached to operator backbone, in practice at least to a router providing access to the Internet.

The user equipment 14 is also arranged to be able to connect to an access node 15 of a radio access network. The access node 15 may be a base station, node B or the like. Also provided is a RAN controller 16, in some embodiments. The RAN is made up of the base station or node B and the controller. In some embodiments, the controller and the access node may be provided by a common entity such as an eNodeB. Also shown is an ANDSF server 12 which is connected using either a 3GPP or non 3GPP IP access to the UE. The ANDSF server is an approach to providing overall and fixed network selection policies to a user device. These policies may include for example the roaming partner WLAN networks the user device should utilize when available, overall net- work selection policies for operator hotspots, and default network discovery and selection rules for the UE.

A possible mobile communication device suitable for implementing some embodiments will now be described in more detail in reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non- limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) such as a mobile phone or what is known as a 'smart phone', a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility, personal data assistant (PDA) provided with wireless communication capabili- ties, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement.

A mobile device is also typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

The communication devices can access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as 3GPP standardized Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or Wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other examples include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA), Sin- gle Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) and so on. Some communication devices can in addition also access local area or wide area communications systems based on various non-3GPP standardized access techniques such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and/or HRPD (High Rate Packet Data, commonly known as 1 xEV-DO).

A non-limiting example of the recent developments in communication system architectures is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). As explained above, further development of the LTE is referred to as LTE-Advanced. Non- limiting examples of appropriate LTE access nodes are a base station of a cellular system, for example what is known as evolved NodeB (eNB) in the vocabulary of the 3GPP specifications. The LTE employs a mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Base stations of such systems are known as evolved or enhanced Node-Bs (eNBs) and may provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer protocol (RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol terminations towards the user devices.

One or more entities of the RAN may be provided with a control apparatus. Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus. The control apparatus 300 can be configured to provide control functions. For this purpose the control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to receive information and/or commands and/or provide as output information and/or commands. The control apparatus 300 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions.

In other embodiments, alternatively or additionally ANDSF related functionality may be placed elsewhere in the network, such as the packet core and P-GW/DPI (Packet gate- way/Deep Packet Inspection or PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function, like PCRF- ANDSF).

In some embodiments, typically, if the cellular network is overloaded, operators started to bar access using the access class barring mechanism in the cellular network. Al- ternatively or additionally a RRC (radio resource control) Connection can be rejected by a network controller (e.g, an eNB and/or RNC).

Figure 4 shows a method in accordance with some embodiments. This method may provide a method of cellular congestion control via WLAN offloading by using Extended Access class barring. At S1 the user equipment receives access class barring information from the RAN. This may be achieved by the UE acquiring a 3GPP RAN broadcast comprising WLAN specific Access Class Barring Information. This Access Class Barring Information may be used by the user equipment in an idle mode for radio access technology selection. This may include selecting between at least one 3GPP network and at least one wireless local area network. This may occur when the acquisition conditions are fulfilled.

At S2 the user equipment determines whether a mobile initiated call is to be made.

At S3 the access class statuses associated with the user equipment are determined. In some embodiments the access class status may be assigned to the user equipment as explained below in more detail. In some embodiments the access class may comprise an indication of whether the access class is an RRC access class or a non-RRC access class. In some embodiments the access class of the UE may be provided an RRC access class when the UE has been redirected or offloaded from an active mode and/or communicating with the RAN. In some embodiments the access class may be a non-RRC access class for situations where the UE has been in an idle mode and/or not communicating with the RAN.

At S4 the user equipment determines whether offloading information and/or an off- loading indication has been received. It will be appreciated that this offloading information and/or indication may be received as a separate offloading message and/or as part of a further communication. Embodiments which describe the use of offloading information may be configured to use an offloading indication. Embodiments which describe the use of an offloading indication may be configured to use offloading information. This may be received from any part of the RAN. The offloading information is described in more detail below.

In some embodiments the offloading indication may be received via a broadcast message and/or a dedicated RRC message. If an offloading indication has been received, the barred status of the RRC class associated with the user equipment is determined at S5. If it is determined that the RRC access class of the UE is a barred access class at S5, the UE determines whether a mobile call using the WLAN can be initiated at S6. If the call can be initiated, the call is initiated at S8 using a WLAN connection. If the call cannot be initiated then a 3GPP call is attempted and a report provided to the RAN at S9. The report may provide an indication of why the WLAN could not be used. If it is determined that the RRC access class of the UE is not a barred access class at S5, a call using the 3GPP is attempted at S10.

If determination at S4 indicates that an explicit and/or dedicated offloading instruction has not been received, the barred status of the access class associated with the UE is determined at S7. This access class may be a non-RRC access class. If the access class of the UE is determined to be a barred access class, the method proceeds to S6 as described above. If the access class of the UE is determined to not be a barred access class at S7, the method proceeds to S10 as described above.

Some embodiments may enable the radio access network (RAN) to offload at least one user equipment onto a wireless local area network. In some embodiments this may be achieved by providing a RAN offloading indicator to the WLAN access point by extending the RAN access control procedure. This may remove the need for ANDSF and/or hot spot func- tionalities 2.0 which have been an approach to offloading. Thus, the Access Classes Barring (ACB) mechanism may be enhanced to include the control of RAN to WLAN offloading, for those UEs whose cellular access is barred, based on user subscription categories. This allows for a smooth and automatic offloading to WLAN and onloading back to the RAN to be achieved by RAN through the control of the barred access classes and the related barring parameters.

In some embodiments the RAN may be a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network; and/or a Long Term Evolution advanced (LTE(a)) network.

New specific Access Classes may be specified for WLAN capable terminals. These may take user subscription requirements into account. When a subscription is started one or more WLAN Access Classes (AC) may be allocated to the subscriber and stored in the subscriber identity module (SIM) or universal subscriber identity module (USIM). These access classes may be used or employed in WLAN offloading and RAN onloading.

In some embodiments when the network is congested the network may indicate that WLAN access class or categories of subscribers are barred from RAN network access and that should consider using WLAN to provide the service requirements. A barring factor message (ac-BarringFactor) and barring message time (ac-BarringTime) for the new WLAN AC may also be provide to the UE according to the current RAN specifications.

In some embodiments the barred categories may depend on the level of congestion. In some embodiments the indication may be provided by at least one of an enhanced node B; node B radio network controller and/or a central controlling element in the RAN.

When a UE determines the barring status according to the Access Class Barring (ACB) parameters provided by the RAN, the UE performs a soft prioritization of WLAN and at- tempts the access the WLAN network accordingly. In some embodiments a soft prioritisation of WLAN may depend on at least on event occurring and/or at least one condition being fulfilled as explained in more detail below.

When all the access classes assigned to the UE are restricted the UE may attempt to use WLAN if a suitable WLAN is available. In some embodiments, the WLAN network suit- ability may be checked according to e.g. ANDSF / Hotspot 2.0 / RAN based WLAN information.

When no suitable WLAN network is available the UE performs access attempt to the RAN. When attempting connection to RAN the UE will indicate the reason that a WLAN connection is not possible.

In some embodiments, the reason may be at least one of: a lack of WLAN coverage; poor WLAN performance and/or quality of service; user preference; unsuitable traffic type;

WLAN policies not allowing usage and/or UE lacks WLAN connection capability.

In some embodiments access to the RAN may be prioritised in dependence on the reason provided by the UE for example poor WLAN coverage may be prioritised over a user preference.

In some embodiments there may be one or more classes for which the WLAN prioritization is hard, i.e. irrespective of WLAN availability. In other words, in some embodiments a UE may be forcibly offloaded from the RAN regardless of WLAN service provision.

In some embodiments the RAN may further indicate whether a UE having a given AC and which was previously targeted with an explicit and/or dedicated offloading command should still prefer WLAN when this command is lifted or whether, the UE should attempt to onload back on to 3GPP. In other words, in some embodiments, the indication provided to the UE may comprise an indication of whether the UE which has been offloaded or switched onto the WLAN should keep using its WLAN connection once the network congestion has reduced or whether it should switch back or onload to the 3GPP network.

In some embodiments, the UE may perform local scaling of the ac-BarringFactor depending on the UE mobility state detection, to avoid fast moving UEs from connecting to WLAN.

Some embodiments may provide barring for specific applications such as voice traffic and data traffic. Table 1 below shows the WLAN offloading behaviour according to some embodiments. The basic ACB mechanism may be extended such that: when a UE access to the RAN cellular radio network via new WLAN ACs restricted, the UE, will attempt WLAN offloading.

When a UE receives a barred status a soft barring principle may be applied. This means that access to the cellular radio node for the given UE is only restricted when some conditions e.g. regarding WLAN network availability are satisfied.

The above soft embodiment may provide at least one new access class, which may correspond to the current RAN hard barring principle. This access class may prevent any attempts to connect to the RAN irrespective of WLAN availability.

In some embodiments, the rules regarding barring of the other new WLAN access classes, in Table 1 , may enable a RAN connection can be attempted despite the barring status if WLAN results not available. In further embodiments the barring rules may differ for one or more WLAN access classes. However, in other embodiments the rules regarding barring may prevent a RAN connection from being attempted.

In some embodiments, a UE which was previously targeted with an offloading suggestion or command may determine whether to onload back onto the RAN using at least one access class. In some embodiments an offloading suggestion may comprise a network assisted offloading procedure as describe. In some embodiments an offloading command may comprise a network controlled offloading procedure in some embodiments.

Some new WLAN access classes which may be specified for the purpose of network access selection of RAN or WLAN are provided in Table 1 . Their number and naming, i.e. ac- AccessClassName and ac-AccessClassNameRRC, of the added WLAN classes is to be intended only as exemplary. The access classes ac-AccessClassNameRRC with the name suffix "RRC" may indicate that those classes should be used only by UEs which were previ- ously sent an explicit command to offload to the WLAN network.

In some embodiments UEs which were previously sent an explicit command to offload to the WLAN network may specify as follows. After a UE receives an explicit offloading command and from RAN an associated validity timer, the UE sets an offloading flag to 1 = "attempt offloading to WLAN" and starts the related timer. When the validity timer expires, the UE can reset the flag to 0 = "do not attempt offloading to WLAN". Whenever the flag is set to 1 the UE will attempt to offload to the WLAN whenever possible and when the flag is set to 0 the UE will not attempt to offload to the WLAN. Furthermore, in some embodiments when the UE has been offloaded to the WLAN, when the validity timer expires and the flag is reset to 0, the UE may determine whether to onload back onto the RAN or to remain offloaded on the WLAN. Table 1 below shows new specific Access Classes which may be specified for WLAN capable terminals accounting for user subscription in addition to legacy ACs and the description of UE behaviour with regard to offloading traffic from the 3GPP radio interface to a suitable WLAN radio interface when assigned a given AC in accordance with some embodi- ment. It will be appreciated that the naming of these access classes are used as examples and that any naming may be used to differentiate different access classes.

Table 1 :

New WLAN Access Behaviour of a UE asBehaviour of a UE assigned Classes / Parameters signed with the related AC with the related AC when when the AC is barred for such AC is not barred (the Mobile Originated session corresponding ACB is not advertised) and earlier UE was sent explicit offloading command to WLAN

ac-Platinum The UE determines the barac-PlatinumBarringFactor ring status according to the

ac-PlatinumBarring Time AC parameters provided

from RAN, and perform the

access attempt accordingly,

that is:

^* If the AC results restricted,

UE attempts to use WLAN if

a suitable WLAN is available.

^* In case no suitable WLAN

is available it will perform access attempt to the 3GPP

RAN.

ac-PlatinumRRC UE attempts to onload back to ac- 3GPP any service request de¬

PlatinumRRCBarringFactor spite availability of a suitable ac- WLAN

PlatinumRRCBarring Time

I ac-Gold UE behaviour for ac-Platinum

I a c- GoldBarringFa ctor ac-GoldBarringTime j ac-GoidRRC UE behaviour for ac- a c- GoldRRCBarringFa ctor PlatinumRRC

a c- GoldRRCBarring Time ac-Silver UE behaviour for ac-Platinum

ac-SilverBarringFactor

a c-SilverBarring Time

ac-SilverRRC UE behaviour for ac- a c-SiiverRRCBarringFa ctor PiatinumRRC

ac-SiiverRRCBarring Time

ac-Bronze UE behaviour for ac-Platinum

ac-BronzeBarringFactor

a c-BronzeBarring Time

ac-BronzeRRC UE behaviour for ac- ac- PlatinumRRC

BronzeRRCBarringFactor

ac-BronzeRRCBarringTime

ac-BronzeBasic The UE determines the barac- ring status according to the

BronzeBasicBarringFactor AC parameters provided

a c-BronzeBasicBarring Time from RAN, and performs the

access attempt accordingly,

that is:

If the AC results restricted,

UE attempts to use WLAN if

a suitable WLAN is available.

Figure 5 shows a method performed by the RAN, UE and AP in accordance with some embodiments. The RAN transmits a system message to the UE at S100. In some embodiments this message may be a broadcast message which targets at least one UE within the cell.

At S102 the UE is in a state wherein it is ready to initiate a call. At S104 the UE determines its access class status.

At S106 an RRC connection is established between the RAN and the UE.

At S108 the UE checks the conditions for access to the WLAN.

In dependence on the conditions either an RRC connection is established between the UE and the RAN at S1 10 or WLAN access procedures between the UE and the AP are commenced at S120.

A report is transmitted from the UE to the RRC at S1 10.

In some embodiments the access class may further comprise mechanisms for a UE to prioritize between offloading to one of one or more cellular radio access layers and/or off- loading to one or one or more WLAN networks.

Some embodiments may enable subscription differentiation in the offloading to WLAN for

UEs.

Some embodiments may allow smooth and/or automatic offloading and onloading to be achieved by RAN. This may be achieved by controlling the barred access classes and the related barring parameters per subscription type and/or category. In one non limiting embodiment 10% of silver users and 50% of bronze users could be targeted for offloading to WLAN.

Some embodiments may extend the ACB scheme to apply different barring statuses and/or restrictions depending on at least one of earlier offloading decisions that may have been made regarding one or more specific UEs and/or on whether the congestion problems have been resolved.

Some embodiments may provide the RAN entity with a control mechanism for enabling faster offloading which may change dynamically in dependence on loading and/or quality of service at the cellular side.

Some embodiments may control offloading behaviour in dependence on mobility state of the user equipment.

It should be appreciated that those parts of the method performed by the UE may be performed at least partially by an apparatus thereof comprising at least one memory, at least one processor and executable computer program code.

Figure 6 shows a control method in accordance with some embodiments. In figure 6, the RAN transmits a traffic steering indication, which could be either an explicit command in case of network controlled or a suggestion in case of network assisted interworking, which is received by the UE at S200. This may indicate to the UE that the UE is to use a WLAN network whenever possible. In some embodiments, this signalling may be provided by a dedi- cated signal and/or by a broadcast signal. In some embodiments this signalling may com- prise an indication of at least one preferred WLAN, Service Set Identifier (SSID) and/or other network.

In some embodiments, the UE may not be able to use a WLAN for the time being at S202. This may be due to at least one reason for example the UE not being located within the coverage area of a WLAN; the quality of service provided by the WLAN not being sufficient and/or the WLAN not fulfilling required ANDSF policies.

At S204, the UE may discover a WLAN with which it can transmit and receive data. This may be due to the UE moving into the range of a preferred WLAN and/or the load of WLAN access point has been reduced. The UE may associate with the WLAN as described above. In some embodiments the WLAN may be used for internet browsing.

At S206 the UE transmits a "WLAN usage on/off' indication to the RAN indicating that the UE has a WLAN connection. This may be a usage indication and may comprise at least one of SSID information; basic service set (BSS) information; quality of service information; load information and/or information indicating whether the UE is receiving a best effort ser- vice. In some embodiments the "WLAN usage on/off' indication is transmitted to the RAN using the default transport bearer of the RAN. The UE may further transmit information regarding at least one further discovered WLAN and corresponding BSS loading to the RAN.

In some embodiments the RAN may determine that the data traffic has decreased whilst the UE is configured to use the WLAN. In some embodiments the RAN may provide an indication to the UE to cease using the WLAN and revert to the RAN. In other embodiments, the RAN may decide to leave the UE in WLAN mode. In some embodiments this determination may depend on the information received from the UE in the "WLAN usage on/off' indication.

At S208 the user of the UE stops using the data connection provided via the WLAN for the session and therefore does not need to have a WLAN connection. The UE then transmits a "WLAN usage on/off' indication to the RAN at S210 indicating that the UE is no longer using the WLAN. At S212 the user of the UE recommences using the data connection provided via the WLAN for the session and therefore requires the data connection provided by the WLAN. The UE then transmits a "WLAN usage on/off' indication to the RAN at S214 indicating that the UE is using the WLAN again. In other words the offloaded UE informs the RAN when it starts and stops using WLAN by transmitting the "WLAN usage on/off' indication whenever WLAN usage begins and ends.

At S216 the RAN transmits a traffic steering message to the UE indicating that the UE should revert to using the RAN for data transmissions. In some embodiments this sig- nailing may be provided by a dedicated signal and/or a broadcast signal. In some embodiments UE may provide WLAN related information during RRC Connection Setup or in a dedicated procedure after UE is moved from an idle mode to a connected mode. If UE started a communication via WLAN while UE is in an idle RAN mode and the UE then connects to the RAN whilst maintaining the WLAN connection, the RAN may decide whether to keep using the WLAN for this communication or whether to move this communication to the RAN.

Some embodiments may provide a bi-directional offloading solution, for example offloading to / from WLAN access, with a communication mechanism for such that the RAN may maintain knowledge of whether specific UEs are connected and/or have data transfer over WLAN access. Some embodiments may enable a RAN to calling and /or commanding UE to switch back from WLAN to the RAN by means of direct signalling and/or broadcast signalling.

Some embodiments may improve the load balancing between the 3GPP and non- 3GPP access networks. Some embodiments may enable a more efficient utilization of op- erator managed WLAN networks for data offloading from cellular access. Furthermore, some embodiments may provide means for returning a UE to a RAN connection if the service quality is not satisfactory over the WLAN.

Some embodiments may provide a new signalling method for the UE to indicate to the network whether WLAN access is in use by the UE. With this information the RAN may pull back (e.g. with dedicated signalling) the UE from WLAN to the RAN. Furthermore, some embodiments may provide an indication to the RAN that has UE left (or partially left) the WLAN network.

Some embodiments may enable the RAN to determine the number of active users within a WLAN.

In some embodiments, the RAN may use the information about the WLAN received from the UE to determine whether to request one or more further UEs to offload to the WLAN or whether to onload one or more UEs back from the WLAN AP.

In some embodiments, the signalling from the UE may comprise at least one of: the UE connection is ongoing in WLAN access; the UE connection is ongoing in operator con- trolled WLAN access; identification of bearers which have been moved to WLAN; SSID and/or other identification of the WLAN AP where the connection is ongoing; WLAN AP loading where the connection is ongoing; and indication of SSIDs and/or other identifiers which have been scanned; WLAN APs loads for the identified list of SSIDs; additional information considered of relevance for the RAN which is contained in the WLAN AP beacon in case the WLAN AP supports Hotspot 2.0 or later revisions; Traffic type for example, best effort, keep- alive, real time, non-real time, voice call; and/or that the UE is no longer connected to the WLAN.

Some embodiments may provide means for reliable load balancing between the cellular and WLAN access, allowing the controlled steering of traffic not only from cellular to non-cellular, but also from non-cellular to cellular access.

In some embodiments browsing may comprise any form of internet data usage, for example accessing web pages, the usage of applications, messaging and/or email.

Embodiments have been described in relation to WLAN and RAN networks. It should be appreciated that these two networks are by way of example only. In some embodiments, other cellular communication networks may be used instead of RAN networks. Other suitable wireless local networks can be used instead of the WLAN network. Some embodiments may be used with any two or more suitable networks.

The required data processing apparatus and functions of an apparatus in a network element and/or a mobile device for the causing configuration, signalling, determinations, and/or control of measurement and reporting and so forth may be provided by means of one or more data processor. The described functions may be provided by separate processors or by an integrated processor. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The data processing may be distributed across several data processing modules. A data processor may be provided by means of, for example, at least one chip. Appropriate memory capacity can also be provided in the relevant devices. The memory or memories may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

An appropriately adapted computer program code product or products may be used for implementing the embodiments, when loaded or otherwise provided on an appropriate data processing apparatus. The program code product for providing the operation may be stored on, provided and embodied by means of an appropriate carrier medium. An appropriate computer program can be embodied on a computer readable record medium. A possibility is to download the program code product via a data network. In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Embodiments may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large an automated process. Complex and powerful tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be formed on a semiconductor substrate.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to HSUPA, similar principles can be applied to any other communication system. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain exemplifying architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein. Whilst the above embodiments have been described in relation to uplink communications, some embodiments may be used in downlink communications.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. For example, a combination of one or more of any of the other embodiments previously discussed can be provided. All such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

Various modifications to the embodiments described above will readily occur to the skilled person. The invention is not limited to theses specific examples.

Claims

1. A method comprising: selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equipment.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said selection further depends on at least one of: a service coverage provided by said second network; a quality of service provided by said second network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said selected network; a mobility of said selector; a preference of said user and/or at least one usage rule of said second network.

3. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said access class information is dependent on at least one of: a service level to be provided to said user equipment and/or an operating mode of said user equipment.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: sending indication information to said first network when said second network is not selected, wherein said indication information comprises an indication of why said second network was not selected.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said network selection informa- tion is dependent on a loading of said first network.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein when said second network has been selected, said method further comprises: receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said offloading information comprises a temporal validity parameter.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising: selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said offloading information is received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

10. A method comprising: transmitting at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is dependent on one or more conditions in a network.

1 1 . A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said one or more conditions comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 1 1 wherein said network selection information comprises an indication of a network selection preference in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment.

13. A method as claimed in claim 10, 1 1 or 12 further comprising receiving indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one of said first network and said second network is a radio access network.

15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said one of said first network and said second network is a wireless local area network.

16. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: selecting, at a user equipment, one of a first network supporting a first radio access technology and a second network supporting a second radio access technology, wherein said selection is dependent on network selection information provided by one of the first and second networks and access class information associated with said user equip- ment.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said selection further depends on at least one of: a service coverage provided by said second network; a quality of service provided by said second network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said selected network; a mobility of said selector; a preference of said user and/or at least one usage rule of said second network.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein said access class information is dependent on at least one of: a service level to be provided to said user equipment and/or an operating mode of said user equipment.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 further caused to perform: sending indication information to said first network when said second network is not selected, wherein said indication information comprises an indication of why said second network was not selected.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein said network selection information is dependent on a loading of said first network.

21 . An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein when said second network has been selected, said apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving further network selection information from at least one of said first and second network; and selecting said first or second network in dependence on said further network selection information.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein said offloading information comprises a temporal validity parameter.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 further caused to perform: selecting said first network when said temporal validity parameter expires.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 23 wherein said offloading information is received as at least one of: a direct message and/or a broadcast message.

25. A user equipment comprising an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24.

26. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting at least one network selection information to at least one user equipment, wherein said at least one network selection information is dependent on one or more conditions in a network.

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein said one or more conditions comprise: a loading of said network; a service coverage provided by said network; a quality of service provided by said network; a type of traffic to be transmitted using said network; and/or at least one usage rule of said network.

28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein said network selection information comprises an indication of a network selection preference in dependence on an access class associated with said user equipment.

29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, 27 or 28 further caused to perform: receiving indication information from at least one user equipment, wherein said indication information comprises at least one of an indication of why a further network was not selected for use by said user equipment.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein one of said first network and said second network is a radio access network.

31 . An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein said one of said first network and said second network is a wireless local area network.

32. A base station comprising an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31.