WO2016165752A1

WO2016165752A1 - Control mechanism for location change reporting

Info

Publication number: WO2016165752A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/058135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giorgi Gulbani; Janne Sakari SAARINEN; Tapio Antero Kiviharju; Serafim Petsis
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2015-04-15
Filing date: 2015-04-15
Publication date: 2016-10-20

Abstract

An apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to record for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication network in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and to cause transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR LOCATION CHANGE REPORTING BACKGROUND

Field

The present invention relates to apparatuses, methods, systems, computer programs, computer program products and computer-readable media usable for controlling location change reporting in a communication connection.

Background Art

The following description of background art may include insights, discoveries, understandings or disclosures, or associations, together with disclosures not known to the relevant prior art, to at least some examples of embodiments of the present invention but provided by the invention. Some of such contributions of the invention may be specifically pointed out below, whereas other of such contributions of the invention will be apparent from the related context.

The following meanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

AMBR: aggregate maximum bit rate

APN: access point name

APN-OI: APN operator identifier

AVP: attribute value pair

BS: base station

CCA: credit control answer

CCR: credit control request

CGI : cell global identity

CPU : central processing unit

CSG : closed subscriber group

ECG I : EUTRAN cell global identifier

ECI : EUTRAN cell identity

EPS: evolved packet system E-UTRAN: evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network

GPRS: general packet radio service

GTP: GPRS tunneling protocol

HSS: home subscription server

IE: information element

IMSI: international mobile subscriber identity

IP: Internet protocol

IP CAN: IP connectivity access network

LAC: location area code

LTE: Long Term Evolution

LTE-A: LTE Advanced

PCEF: policy and charging enforcement function

PCRF: policy and charging rules function

PDN: packet data network

PDP: packet data protocol

PGW: packet data network gateway

PLMN: public land mobile network

PS: packet switched

QoS: quality of service

RAA: re-authentication answer

RAI: routing area identity

RAR: re-authentication request

RNC: radio network controller

SAI: service area identity

SGW: serving gateway

TAC: tracking area code

TAI: tracking area identity

UE: user equipment

ULA: update location answer

ULI: user location information

UMTS: universal mobile telecommunication services

VNF: virtual network function Embodiments of the present invention are related to a communication system in which a procedure can be implemented for reporting a location change of a communication element, such as a UE. SUMMARY

According to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to record for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and to cause transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, a method comprising recording for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and causing transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other. According to further refinements, these examples may include one or more of the following features:

- the first type of location change reporting may be related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element does not trigger a specific signaling and is reported by adding a location change information element to a signaling caused by another reason being different to a location change, and the second type of location change reporting may be related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element triggers a specific signaling in a mobility management procedure;

- the processing may be implemented in a network element or function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication element may include at least one of a terminal device or user equipment;

- for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element may include a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the specific event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to inhibit configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting;

- for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element may further include at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the at least one other event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to configure the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting;

- the above two processing examples may be implemented in a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element may be a policy and charging enforcement function;

- alternatively or additionally, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element may include a specific subscription data information element indicating that the at least one communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting;

- the specific subscription data information element may include a flag contained in an access point name specific configuration information element indicating whether an access point name given to the at least one communication element is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not;

- the specific subscription data information element may be signaled in an answer to an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element;

- the above described processing may be implemented in a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element may be a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network.

Moreover, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, an apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to receive a specified information to be used for configuring for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and to process the specified information for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, a method comprising receiving a specified information to be used for configuring for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and processing the specified information for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other. According to further refinements, these examples may include one or more of the following features:

- the processing may be implemented in a communication network control element or function, wherein the specified information may be provided by a database of the communication network and the communication element may include at least one of a terminal device or user equipment.

- for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information may include a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the processing may further comprise inhibiting configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the specific event trigger information element as the specified information;

- for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element may further include at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the processing may further comprise configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the at least one other event trigger information element:

- the above described processing may be implemented in a policy and charging enforcement function configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information may be provided by a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network;

- the processing may further comprise causing transmission of an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element, wherein the specific subscription data information element may be received in an answer to the uplink location request;

- the processing may be implemented in a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information may be provided by a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network.

In addition, according to embodiments, there is provided, for example, a computer program product for a computer, including software code portions for performing the steps of the above defined methods, when said product is run on the computer. The computer program product may include a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored. Furthermore, the computer program product may be directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an architecture of a communication system part where some examples of embodiments are implementable;

Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a signal exchange according to some examples of embodiments;

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a processing conducted in a network element or function according to some examples of embodiments; and

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a processing conducted in a communication network control element or function according to some examples of embodiments;

Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a network element or function according to some examples of embodiments; and Fig. 6 shows a diagram of a network element acting as a communication network control element or function according to some examples of embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In the last years, an increasing extension of communication networks, e.g. of wire based communication networks, such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), DSL, or wireless communication networks, such as the cdma2000 (code division multiple access) system, cellular 3rd generation (3G) like the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), fourth generation (4G) communication networks or enhanced communication networks based e.g. on LTE or LTE-A, fifth generation

(5G) communication networks, cellular 2nd generation (2G) communication networks like the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), the General Packet Radio System (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), or other wireless communication system, such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), took place all over the world. Various organizations, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Telecoms & Internet converged Services & Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the WiMAX Forum and the like are working on standards or specifications for telecommunication network and access environments.

Embodiments as well as principles described below are applicable in connection with any communication element or terminal device, network element, relay node, server, node, corresponding component, and/or to any communication system or any combination of different communication systems that support required functionalities. The communication systems may be any one or any combination of a fixed communication system, a wireless communication system or a communication system utilizing both fixed networks and wireless networks. The protocols used, the specifications of communication systems, apparatuses, such as nodes, servers and user terminals, especially in wireless communication, develop rapidly. Such development may require extra changes to an embodiment. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, embodiments.

In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of a network architecture to which the embodiments may be applied, a radio access architecture based on 3GPP standards, such as a third generation (3G) or fourth generation (like LTE or LTE-A) communication network, without restricting the embodiments to such architectures, however. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communications networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately, e.g. WiFi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access

(WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs).

The following examples and embodiments are to be understood only as illustrative examples. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" example(s) or embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is related to the same example(s) or embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single example or embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, terms like "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned; such examples and embodiments may also contain features, structures, units, modules etc. that have not been specifically mentioned.

A basic system architecture of a communication system where some examples of embodiments are applicable may include an architecture of communication networks including a wired or wireless access network subsystem and a core network. Such an architecture may include one or more communication network control elements, access network elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station (BS), an access point (AP), a Node B, an RNC or an eNB, which control a respective coverage area or cell(s) and with which one or more communication elements, user devices or terminal devices, such as a UE, or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of an element, function or application capable of conducting a communication, such as a UE, an element or function usable in a machine-to-machine communication architecture, or attached as a separate element to such an element, function or application capable of conducting a communication, or the like, are capable to communicate via one or more channels for transmitting several types of data. Furthermore, core network elements such as gateway network elements, policy and charging control network elements and functions are included.

The general functions and interconnections of the described elements, which also depend on the actual network type, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. However, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for controlling a communication to or from an element, function or application, like a communication element, such as a UE, a communication network control element, such as an server, and other elements of the same or other communication networks besides those described in detail herein below. A communication network as described in examples of embodiments may also be able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services. It should be appreciated that network elements of an access system, of a core network etc., and/or respective functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server, access node or entity etc. being suitable for such a usage.

Furthermore, the described network elements, such as communication elements, like a UE, access network elements, communication network control elements, like a gateway or a policy and charging control element, databases as well as corresponding functions as described herein, and other elements, functions or applications may be implemented by software, e.g. by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. For executing their respective functions, correspondingly used devices, nodes or network elements may include several means, modules, units, components, etc. (not shown) which are required for control, processing and/or communication/signaling functionality. Such means, modules, units and components may include, for example, one or more processors or processor units including one or more processing portions for executing instructions and/or programs and/or for processing data, storage or memory units or means for storing instructions, programs and/or data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like (e.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input or interface means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), a user interface for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), other interface or means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, radio interface means including e.g. an antenna unit or the like, means for forming a radio communication part etc.) and the like, wherein respective means forming an interface, such as a radio communication part, can be also located on a remote site (e.g. a radio head or a radio station etc.). It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not be only considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors.

It should be appreciated that according to some examples, a so-called "liquid" or flexible network concept may be employed where the operations and functionalities of a communication network control element, network function, or of another entity of the communication network, may be performed in different entities or functions, such as in a node, host or server, in a flexible manner. In other words, a "division of labor" between involved network elements, functions or entities may vary case by case.

With regard to Fig. 1 , a diagram illustrating a general architecture of an exemplary communication system is shown where some examples of embodiments are implementable. It is to be noted that the structure indicated in Fig. 1 shows only those devices, network elements and links which are useful for understanding principles underlying some examples of embodiments of the invention. As also known by those skilled in the art there may be several other network elements or devices involved in a communication in the communication system which are omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

In Fig. 1 , a communication network is shown which form a general basis of an example of a communication system according to some examples of embodiments. Specifically, as a communication network, a wireless communication network based for example on a 3GPP specification is provided.

It is to be noted that both the number of networks and network elements as well as the type thereof as depicted in Fig. 1 are merely intended to provide a basis for illustrating the principles of the control processing according to some examples of embodiments, while each one of the number and type of the involved network elements and types may be different to those shown in Fig. 1 .

According to Fig. 1 , reference sign 10 denotes a communication element, such as a UE, e.g. of a subscriber which represents one terminal point of a communication. It is to be noted that there may be of course a plurality of UEs attached to and located in the communication network as depicted in Fig. 1 .

Reference sign 20 denotes an access network subsystem, such as a RAN or E- UTRAN, allowing the UE 1 0 to access the communication network. For example, a Node B, an eNB, a base station, a RNC etc. (not shown) are included in the access network subsystem 20. Reference sign 30 denotes a core network control element such as a SGW, which is connected to the access network subsystem 20 via a suitable interface, for example.

Reference sign 40 denotes a communication network control element such as a PGW. The PGW 40 acts as an "anchor" of mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies and provides connectivity from the UE to an external PDN by being the point of entry or exit of traffic for the UE. The PGW 40 is linked to the SGW 30, for example.

Reference sign 50 denotes a core network control element such as a SGSN, which is responsible for the delivery of data packets from and to a UE. The SGSN 50 is connected to the access network subsystem 20 via a suitable interface, for example.

Reference sign 60 denotes a communication network control element such as a GGSN. The GGSN 60 is responsible for the internetworking between the network and external packet switched networks, like the Internet. The GGSN 60 is linked to the SGSN 50, for example.

Reference sign 70 denotes a communication network control element such a MME. The MME 70 is configured to deal, for example, with communication network's control plane and handles signaling related to mobility and security for the access network. The MME 70 is linked to several network nodes, for example, access network elements like eNBs, the SGW 30, the SGSN 50, and a HSS 90 (to be described later).

Reference sign 80 denotes a communication network control element such as a PCEF. According to some examples of embodiments, the PCEF 80 can be a separate network element or function, or be integrated in the PGW 40. In the following, for example, it is assumed that the PCEF 80 is integrated in the PGW 40 and in the GGSN 60, respectively (indicated by a dashed box 45 in Fig. 1 ). The PCEF 80 enforces policy decisions that are received from a PCRF (described later) and provides the PCRF with subscriber and access information. The PCEF 80 is part of a configuration including online and offline charging, and quality of service determination, and linked by suitable interfaces to other network elements, for example, the PCRF. Reference sign 90 denotes a database, such as the HSS. The HSS 90 represents a central database that contains user-related and subscription-related information. The functions of the HSS 90 include, for example, functionalities such as mobility management, call and session establishment support, user authentication and access authorization. For example, the HSS 90 provides subscription data to the network. The

HSS 90 is linked to several other network elements, such as the MME 70 and the SGSN 50.

Reference sign 100 denotes the PCRF. The PCRF 100 enables, for example, policy rules making through the aggregation of information to and from the network. The

PCRF 100 is linked, for example to, the PCEF 80.

In a communication network as depicted in Fig. 1 , one feature involved in mobility management control of communication elements like UEs in the network is location change reporting.

It is to be noted that according to examples of embodiments, mobility management procedure indicates UE mobility, wherein mobility management message are used which comprise a subset of messages, which are used in mobility management procedures. In the following, reference is made also to "GTP mobility management messages" and "GTP tunnel management messages" for indicating a set of messages used in this regard.

There are conceivable several different ways a location change of a UE can be reported to the network. For example, one option is a (first) type of location change reporting where a location change of the UE does not trigger a specific signaling; instead, the location change is reported to the network by adding a location change information element or the like to another signaling caused by any reason being different to a location change.

For example, such a (first) type of location change reporting is used for a so-called flow based charging. With flow based charging, a communication network control element, such as MME/SGSN 70/50 communicates the UE location change to the network, e.g. the GGSN 60/SGW 30/PGW 40, whenever the MME/SGSN 70/50 sends another signalling, such as a GTP tunnel management message (e.g. with GTPv1 -C Update PDP Context Request or GTPv2 Modify Bearer Request, etc) to GGSN 60/SGW 30/PGW 40. That is, a UE location change does not trigger an own message, but if a message is sent for other reasons, then the U E location change is reported. Another option is a (second) type of location change reporting being related to a procedure where a location change of the UE triggers a specific signaling in a mobility management procedure. For example, such a location change reporting triggers a special GTP mobility management message. Examples of such a GTP mobility management message comprise, for example, a GTPv1 -C MS Info Change Notification Request message or a GTPv2 Change Notification Request message.

In order to apply the above described (second) type of location change reporting, several network elements are to be configured to support this feature, such as the PCRF 1 00, the PCEF 80 (PGW/GGSN), the MME/SGSN 70/50 and access network elements, such as an eNB/RNC (not shown in Fig. 1 ). A corresponding procedure involves, for example, the following processing.

The PCRF 1 00 arms one or more location reporting triggers in the PCEF 80 (GGSN/PGW), for example by sending one or more information elements, such as event-trigger AVPs, by means of a suitable signalling, e.g. by using CCA/RAR messages. The PCEF 80, in turn, configures other network elements, e.g. arms corresponding network elements like the MME/SGSN 70/50 with the same trigger. For example, a signalling using e.g. GTPv1 -C MS Info Change Reporting Action IE and/or CSG Information Reporting Action IE, and also GTPv2 Change Reporting Action IE and/or CSG Information Reporting Action IE is employed. These lEs are sent with GTP tunnel management or GTP mobility management messages. It is to be noted that the PCRF is configured to arm location change reporting per PDN connection, if desired; that is, it is possible to arm the location change reporting for only a part of PDN connections that are active in the given UE.

With the second type of location change reporting, every time a location change of the UE 1 0 is determined, e.g. when the UE 1 0 changes any one of CG I/SAI, RAI, TAI, ECG I, or CSG, the MME/SGSN 70/50 informs the PCEF 80 correspondingly, e.g. by updating it with a dedicated GTP mobility management message (for example, GTPvl - C MS Info Change Notification Request or GTPv2 Change Notification Request) for each concerned PDN connection, unless the location change is reported with mobility management or session management procedures.

Depending on a type of location change, the PCEF 80 may then be configured to send a corresponding signal to the PCRF 100, such as a CCR command, including information comprising e.g. an event-trigger AVP and also either the RAI AVP, or another User-Location-Information AVP.

For implementing the location change reporting as described above, there are several information elements or the like conceivable which are provided to the network for configuration for executing the (second) type of location change reporting. For example, there may be provided dedicated event-trigger AVPs, each of which being related to a specific processing. Examples of such event-trigger AVPs are listed in the following.

RAI CHANGE (12): This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF to indicate that upon a change in the RAI, the PCEF shall inform the PCRF. When used in a CCR command, this value indicates that the PCEF generated the request because there has been a change in the RAI. The new RAI value shall be provided in the RAI AVP. If the user location has been changed but the PCEF can not get the detail location information (e.g. handover from 3G to 2G network), the PCEF shall send the RAI AVP to the PCRF by setting the LAC of the RAI to value 0x0000.

USER LOCATION CHANGE (13): This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF to indicate that upon a change in the user location (i.e. applicable for CGI/SAI/RAI/TAI/ECGI), the PCEF shall inform the PCRF. When used in a CCR command, this value indicates that the PCEF generated the request because there has been a change in the user location. The new location value shall be provided in the 3GPP-User-Location-lnfo AVP. If the user location has been changed but the PCEF can not get the detail location information (e.g. handover from 3G to 2G network), the PCEF shall send the 3GPP-User-Location-lnfo AVP to the PCRF by setting the LAC of the CGI/SAI to value 0x0000, LAC of the RAI to value 0x0000 for GPRS access, and setting the TAC of the TAI to value 0x0000, setting the ECI of the ECGI to value 0x0000 for the EPS access. NO_EVENT_TRIGGERS (14) : This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF to indicate that the PCRF does not require any event trigger notification except for those events that do not require subscription and are always provisioned. TAI_CHANGE (26): This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF to indicate that upon a change in the TAI, the PCEF shall inform the PCRF. When used in a CCR command, this value indicates that the PCEF generated the request because there has been a change in the TAI. The new TAI value shall be provided in the 3GPP- User-Location-lnfo AVP. If the user tracking area location has been changed but the PCEF can not get the detail location information, the PCEF shall send the 3GPP-User-

Location-lnfo AVP to the PCRF by setting the TAC of the TAI to value 0x0000.

ECG I_CHANGE (27): This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF to indicate that upon a change in the ECGI, the PCEF shall inform the PCRF. When used in a CCR command, this value indicates that the PCEF generated the request because there has been a change in the ECG I. The new ECG I value shall be provided in the 3GPP-User-Location-lnfo AVP. If the ECG I has been changed but the PCEF can not get the detail location information, the PCEF shall send the 3GPP-User- Location-lnfo AVP to the PCRF by setting the ECI of the ECG I to value 0x0000.

USER_CSG_INFORMATION_CHANGE (30) : The PCRF may use this value to indicate a request of reporting the event that the user enters/leaves a CSG cell. When the user enters a CSG cell, the User-CSG-lnformation AVP shall also be provided by the PCEF with the event report in the CCR command.

USER_CSG_HYBRID_SUBSCRIBED_INFORMATION_CHANGE (35): The PCRF may use this value to indicate a request of reporting the event that the user enters/leaves a hybrid cell that the user subscribes to. When the user enters a hybrid cell where the user is a member, the User-CSG-lnformation AVP shall also be provided with the event report in the CCR command.

USER_CSG_ HYBRID UNSUBSCRIBED INFORMATION CHANGE (36): The PCRF may use this value to indicate a request of reporting the event that the user enters/leaves a hybrid cell that the user does not subscribe to. When the user enters a hybrid cell where the user is not a member, the User-CSG-lnformation AVP shall be provided by the PCEF with the event report in the CCR command.

However, when using the above defined information elements as setting for configuration of the network, network operators have the following options. There may be set only a configuration allowing the above described first type of location change reporting, e.g. a flow based charging related feature for all UEs, which allows only a limited accuracy, e.g. due to the lack of a dedicated signaling. Alternatively, an accurate location reporting for all UEs can be set on the basis of the second location change reporting, which requires however a large network capacity permitting coping with the then occurring high amount of signaling across GTP based interfaces. This latter option could be modified to some extent by restricting the accurate location reporting only to limited number of UEs, which however would disable location change reporting based on the first type (i.e. flow based charging related feature) for other UEs.

In other words, a communication network control element, such as the PCEF 80, is not able to determine, on the basis of the above described information elements, whether the network operator (providing this information by means of a database, such as the PCRF 100) is willing to use only flow based charging related feature, or also a more accurate, e.g. GTP mobility management message based feature. At the same time, the database, such as the PCRF 100, is not able to determine whether a particular network control element or network element, such as MME 70, SGSN 50, an RNC or eNB, is actually supporting a location change reporting procedure according to the second type, i.e. an accurate GTP mobility management message based feature. For example, in case the PCRF 100 receives an LAC value 0x0000, as described above, this only indicates that the user location has changed but the PCEF could not get further detailed location information, for some unknown reason. Consequently, according to examples of embodiments of the invention, a control mechanism for location change reporting is provided which enables a network configuration where an operator is able to achieve accurate location reporting for some UEs (which requires an increased amount of GTP mobility management messages) while another reporting type, such as a flow based charging related reporting, is used for other UEs (which does not require extra GTP messages). Specifically, means are provided allowing a communication network control element, such as PCEF 80, to differentiate these settings. Hence, it can be avoided, in case an accurate location reporting feature is desired to be used for some UEs, to apply a corresponding type or location change reporting to all PDN connections which were armed by PCRF. Hence, it can be avoided to dramatically increase signaling load across GTP based interfaces, while at the same time the desired type of location change reporting can be provided in a differentiated manner.

According to some examples of embodiments, this is achieved, for example, by defining and using a specified information to be provided to the network for configuration purposes which allows a specific processing when applying the second type of location change reporting. For example, a specific value for an event-trigger AVP can be defined. According to some examples of embodiments, a corresponding example is referred to as ULI CHANGE (for example, an actual value may be defined by a specification body being in charge of the respective communication network type where examples of embodiments are implemented, e.g. 3GPP or the like). This value may be used in CCA and RAR commands by the PCRF 1 00 to indicate that upon a change in the location (e.g. detected by a change in CGI/SAI/RAI/TAI/ECG I), the PCEF 80 is configured to inform the PCRF 100 accordingly. This value however also indicates that the PCEF 80 shall not arm respective triggers in a communication network control element, such as MME/SGSN 70/50. For example, when used in a CCR command, this value may indicate that the PCEF 80 generated the request because there has been a change in the CG I/SAI/RAI/TAI/ECGI. The new location value may be provided in a specific parameter, such as in a 3GPP-User-Location-lnfo AVP, which is sent along with the event-trigger AVP with value ULI CHANGE.

By means of this specified information (e.g. the new value ULI CHANGE (x) for event- trigger AVP), it is possible that an operator can arm location reporting for PDN connections in all UEs, but this is done only in the communication network control element, such as the PCEF 80. That is, in case the PCEF 80 receives an event-trigger AVP with ULI CHANGE value, the PCEF 80 does not send a corresponding trigger signaling, such as a GTPv1 -C MS Info Change Reporting Action IE or GTPv2 Change Reporting Action IE, to the MME/SGSNs 70/50. That is, the operator, by means of using a database such as the PCRF 1 00, is able to control the location change reporting as follows:

In case the PCRF 1 00 sends event-trigger AVP with the value ULI CHANGE for certain U Es, a location change reporting procedure such as one using the flow based charging related feature can be set, involving no GTP interface signaling load;

On the other hand, in case the PCRF 100 sends event-trigger AVP with other values, such as the values indicated above, being used for configuring the network for using the other location change reporting type, for a limited number of UEs, for which an operator wishes to use a more accurate, GTP mobility management message based feature, this can be set in a differentiated manner so that corresponding triggers for this limited number of UEs can be set in the network.

Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a corresponding control procedure for a location change reporting using the above described mechanism including a specified information to be provided to the network for configuration purposes which allows a specific processing when applying the second type of location change reporting, wherein as an example a specific value for an event-trigger AVP is assumed. For illustrative purposes, signaling between the PCRF 100 as a database, the PCEF 80 as a communication network control element, and the MME/SGSN 70/50 is depicted.

In S1 0, the PCRF 1 00 stores information as to which location change reporting type is to be used for a UE. In the following, it is assumed that two UEs, i.e. UE1 and UE2, are present, to one of which the first type of location change reporting is to be applied and to the other of which the second type of location change reporting is to be applied.

In S20, the PCRF 1 00 arms corresponding location change reporting triggers in the PCEF 80 (GGSN/PGW), for example by sending one or more information elements, such as event-trigger AVPs, by means of a suitable signalling, e.g. by using CCA/RAR messages. As described above, since for UE1 the first type location change reporting (e.g. flow based charging) is set, the value ULI CHANGE is provided for the U E1 , while another value (e.g. USER LOCATION CHANGE or the like) is provided for UE2. It is to be noted that the respective information for each UE can be provided by separate signalling.

In S30, the PCEF 80 processes the received information and determines, for example, that the value U LI CHANGE is provided for UE1 while another value (e.g.

USER LOCATION CHANGE or the like) is provided for UE2. Consequently, in S40, the PCEF 80 configures the network, e.g. arms corresponding network elements like the MME/SGSN 70/50 with the trigger for the UE2. For example, a signalling using e.g. GTPv1 -C MS Info Change Reporting Action IE and/or CSG Information Reporting Action IE, and also GTPv2 Change Reporting Action IE and/or CSG Information

Reporting Action IE is employed. These lEs are sent with GTP tunnel management or GTP mobility management messages. On the other hand, due to the ULI CHANGE value provided for UE1 , corresponding triggers are not armed for UE1 in the network. Now, it is assumed that the MME/SGSN 70/50 receives in S50/S55 information regarding a location change of the UE1 and UE2.

Consequently, when a location change of UE2 is determined, e.g. when the UE 10 changes any one of CGI/SAI, RAI, TAI, ECG I, or CSG, the MME/SGSN 70/50 informs the PCEF 80 correspondingly in S60, e.g. by updating it with a dedicated GTP mobility management message (for example, GTPv1 -C MS Info Change Notification Request or GTPv2 Change Notification Request).

On the other hand, regarding the location change of UE1 , the location change information is transmitted to the PCEF 80 by means of another signalling in S80, as described above in connection with the flow based charging feature, for example.

The PCEF 80 then sends a report to the PCRF 100, such as a CCR command, including information comprising e.g. an event-trigger AVP and also either the RAI AVP, or another User-Location-Information AVP, in S70 and S90, respectively.

According to some further examples of embodiments, as another option for achieving a control mechanism for location change reporting enabling a network configuration where an operator is able to achieve accurate location reporting for some UEs (which requires an increased amount of GTP mobility management messages) while another reporting type, such as a flow based charging related reporting, is used for other UEs (which does not require extra GTP messages), a specified information is provided to the network for configuration purposes which allows a specific processing when applying the second type of location change reporting and which is provided by means of subscription data, for example.

Specifically, according to some examples of embodiments, a specified information element, such as a specific flag, is included in subscription data provided by a database, such as the HSS 90, to a communication network control element, such as MME/SGSN 70, 50. This specific flag (for example, an actual flag may be defined by a specification body being in charge of the respective communication network type where examples of embodiments are implemented, e.g. 3GPP or the like) indicates, for example, permission to support for the second type of location change reporting, e.g. the more accurate, GTP mobility management message based location reporting feature. According to some examples of embodiments, such a permission is provided, for example, for some special reason (e.g. home zone communication).

According to some examples of embodiments, an operator configures each subscriber's info in the database, such as the HSS 90, as being either subject to the first or second type of location change reporting, e.g. to the more accurate, GTP mobility management message based location reporting feature or not. This is then communicated to the network, e.g. to communication network control elements like the MME/SGSN 70/50. For example, the communication network control element such as the MME/SGSN

70/50 may send a corresponding request signal like an ULR to the HSS 90, which contains an identification of the UE in question, such as an IMSI in a User-Name AVP. The HSS 90 then returns a corresponding answer, such as an Update Location Answer (ULA) to the MME/SGSN 70/50, which contains IMSI-specific subscription-data AVP.

The subscription-data AVP may contain, for example, other information elements, such as an APN-configuration-profile AVP, which in turn contains an APN-specific APN- configuration AVP. A corresponding example in indicated below.

APN-Configuration ::= <AVP header: 1430 1 0415>

{ Context-Identifier } ^* 2 [ Served- Party- IP-Address ]

{ PDN-Type }

{ Service-Selection}

[ EPS-Subscribed-QoS-Profile ]

[ VPLMN-Dynamic-Address-Allowed ]

[MIP6-Agent-lnfo ]

[ Visited-Network-ldentifier ]

[ PDN-GW-Allocation-Type ]

[ 3GPP-Charging-Characteristics ]

[ AMBR ]

^*[ Specific-APN-lnfo ]

[ APN-OI-Replacement ]

[ SIPTO-Permission ]

[ LIPA-Permission ]

[ Restoration-Priority ]

[ SIPTO-Local-Network-Permission ]

[ WLAN-offloadability ]

^*[ AVP ]

It is to be noted that the service-selection AVP may contains either the APN Network

Identifier (service identification) or a wild card value, which consists of only one ASCII label, "^*". The specific-APN-info AVP is present only if the APN is a wild card APN. It contains the APN (Service-Selection AVP) which is not present in the subscription context but the UE is authorized to connect to and the identity of the registered PDN- GW.

Therefore, according to some examples of embodiment, information provided by subscription data from a database, such as the HSS 90, to the network, such as a communication network control element like the MME/SGSN 70/50, such as APN- configuration AVP, are provided with a specific information element, such as a specific

AVP, which indicates if a user's (UE) given APN is subject to the first or second location change reporting, e.g. the accurate, GTP mobility management message based location reporting feature or not.

For example, for providing a corresponding specific information element, one of the following option can be applied:

ULA-Flags AVP is extended with new bit value, wherein ULA-Flags AVP is added to APN-Configuration AVP; the new flag is then delivered to MME/SGSN 70/50 with ULA message. Subscription-data-flags AVP is extended with a new bit value, wherein subscription-data-flags AVP is added to APN-Configuration AVP; the new flag is delivered to MME/SGSN 70/50 with ULA message.

A new AVP is provided, which may be referred to, for example, as Change- Notification-Flags AVP, wherein this new Change-Notification-Flags AVP is added to APN-Configuration AVP; the new flag is delivered to MME/SGSN 70/50 with ULA message.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a processing conducted in a network element acting as a database for providing information related to mobility management procedures, according to some examples of embodiments. Specifically, the example according to Fig. 3 is related to a processing conducted by a network element, function or node acting as a HSS 90 or a PCRF 100 in the communication network system as depicted e.g. in Fig. 1 .

In S100, an information being related to a control of reporting a location change of a communication element, such as a UE or the like, in a communication network in a mobility management procedure is recorded for one or more communication elements (i.e. UEs or the like) being attached to or located in the communication network. The information indicates whether a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, for the one or more UEs.

According to some examples of embodiments, the first type of location change reporting is related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element does not trigger a specific signaling, but is reported by adding a location change information element to a signaling caused by another reason being different to a location change. The second type of location change reporting is related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element triggers a specific signaling in a mobility management procedure.

In S1 10, according to examples of embodiments, a specified information is transmitted to a communication network control element. The specified information is used in a configuration of the communication network (e.g. of elements or functions of the communication element involved in a mobility management procedure) wherein the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element (UE) and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element (UE). The usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

According to some examples of embodiments, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific event trigger information element (e.g. AVP) being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting. This specific event trigger information element is set to cause the communication network control element to conduct such a processing that a (usual) configuration of the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting is inhibited (for example, corresponding event triggers are not armed at other network elements).

Furthermore, according to examples of embodiments, for other UEs, for example, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element

(e.g. AVP) being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting. Here, however, the other event trigger information element is set to cause the communication network control element to configure the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting.

It is to be noted that the above described examples of embodiments are implemented, for example, in a PCRF configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is e.g. a PCEF. According to some further examples of embodiments, alternatively or additionally to the above described examples of embodiments, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to a communication element (UE), the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

For example, according to some examples of embodiments, the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an APN specific configuration information element (e.g. AVP) indicating whether an APN given to the communication element (i.e. the subscriber thereof) is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not (i.e. to the first type of location change reporting).

According to some examples of embodiments, the specific subscription data information element is signaled in an answer to an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element.

It is to be noted that the above described examples of embodiments are implemented, for example, in a HSS configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is a MME or a support node, e.g. a SGSN of the communication network.

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a processing conducted in a communication network control element according to some examples of embodiments. Specifically, the example according to Fig. 4 is related to a processing conducted by a communication network control element, function or node acting as a MME/SGSN 70/50 or a PCEF 80 in the communication network system as depicted e.g. in Fig. 1 .

In S200, a specified information to be used for a configuration of a communication network for a communication element (e.g. a UE) being attached to or located in the communication network is received, wherein the specified information indicates whether, for reporting a location change of the communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied.

In S210, the specified information is processed for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element (UE) and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to another communication element (UE). The usage of the first type of location change reporting and the usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

According to some examples of embodiments, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element (UE), the specified information includes a specific event trigger information element (e.g. AVP) being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting. On the basis of a processing of this specific event trigger information element, a (usual) configuration of the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting is inhibited (for example, corresponding event triggers are not armed at other network elements).

Furthermore, according to examples of embodiments, for other UEs, for example, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element (e.g. AVP) being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting. On the basis of this other event trigger information element, configuration of the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting is conducted (for example, corresponding event triggers are armed at other network elements).

It is to be noted that the above described examples of embodiments are implemented, for example, in a PCEF configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a PCRF configured to act as a database of the communication network. According to some further examples of embodiments, alternatively or additionally to the above described examples of embodiments, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to a communication element (UE), the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

For example, according to some examples of embodiments, the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an APN specific configuration information element (e.g. AVP) indicating whether an APN given to the communication element (i.e. the subscriber thereof) is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not (i.e. to the first type of location change reporting). According to some examples of embodiments, when an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element (e.g. IMSI of UE) is transmitted, the specific subscription data information element is signaled in an answer to the uplink location request. It is to be noted that the above described examples of embodiments are implemented in a MME or a support node (e.g. SGSN) of the communication network configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a HSS configured to act as a database of the communication network. Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a network element according to some examples of embodiments, which is configured to implement a procedure as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments. It is to be noted that the network element, like the HSS 90 or the PCRF 100, which is shown in Fig. 5, may include further elements or functions besides those described herein below. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a network element or node, the element or node may be also another device or function having a similar task, such as a chipset, a chip, a module, an application etc., which can also be part of a network element or attached as a separate element to a network element, or the like. It should be understood that each block and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry.

The network element shown in Fig. 5 may include a processing circuitry, a processing function, a control unit or a processor 91 , such as a CPU or the like, which is suitable for executing instructions given by programs or the like related to the control procedure. The processor 91 may include one or more processing portions or functions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor or processing function. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors, processing functions or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in one or more physical or virtual entities, for example. Reference sign 92 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units or functions (interfaces) connected to the processor or processing function 91 . The I/O units 92 may be used for communicating with other elements of a communication network, such as the communication network as shown in Fig. 1 , and in particular with a communication network control element or function as described above, such as the PCEF 80 or the MME/SGSN. The I/O units 92 may be a combined unit including communication equipment towards several network elements, or may include a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 94 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor or processing function 91 and/or as a working storage of the processor or processing function 91 . It is to be noted that the memory 94 may be implemented by using one or more memory portions of the same or different type of memory.

The processor or processing function 91 is configured to execute processing related to the above described procedure. In particular, the processor or processing circuitry or function 91 includes one or more of the following sub-portions. Sub-portion 91 0 is a processing portion which is usable for recording information related to types of a location change reporting to be applied to various UEs. The portion 91 0 may be configured to perform processing according to S1 00 of Fig. 3. Furthermore, the processor or processing circuitry or function 91 may include a sub-portion 91 1 usable as a portion for transmitting information related to types of a location change reporting to be applied to various UEs. The portion 91 1 may be configured to perform a processing according to S1 10 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows a diagram of a communication network control element according to some examples of embodiments, which is configured to implement a procedure as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments. It is to be noted that the communication network control element, like the MME/SGSN 70/50 or the PCEF 80, which is shown in Fig. 6, may include further elements or functions besides those described herein below. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a communication network control element or node, the element or node may be also another device or function having a similar task, such as a chipset, a chip, a module, an application etc., which can also be part of a communication network control element or attached as a separate element to a communication network control element, or the like. It should be understood that each block and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry.

The network element shown in Fig. 6 may include a processing circuitry, a processing function, a control unit or a processor 71 , such as a CPU or the like, which is suitable for executing instructions given by programs or the like related to the control procedure. The processor 71 may include one or more processing portions or functions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor or processing function. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors, processing functions or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in one or more physical or virtual entities, for example. Reference sign 92 denotes transceiver or input/output (I/O) units or functions (interfaces) connected to the processor or processing function 71 . The I/O units 72 may be used for communicating with other elements of a communication network, such as the communication network as shown in Fig. 1 , and in particular with a network element or function as described above, such as the PCRF 100 or the HSS 90. The I/O units 72 may be a combined unit including communication equipment towards several network elements, or may include a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different network elements. Reference sign 74 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor or processing function 71 and/or as a working storage of the processor or processing function 71 . It is to be noted that the memory 74 may be implemented by using one or more memory portions of the same or different type of memory.

The processor or processing function 71 is configured to execute processing related to the above described procedure. In particular, the processor or processing circuitry or function 71 includes one or more of the following sub-portions. Sub-portion 71 0 is a processing portion which is usable for receiving information related to types of a location change reporting to be applied to various U Es. The portion 710 may be configured to perform processing according to S200 of Fig. 4. Furthermore, the processor or processing circuitry or function 71 may include a sub-portion 71 1 usable as a portion for processing the information related to types of a location change reporting to be applied to various UEs. The portion 71 1 may be configured to perform a processing according to S210 of Fig. 4. It is to be noted that some or all of the examples of embodiments described above may be applied to a partly or fully virtualized environment comprising one or more VNFs.

In addition, according to another example of embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for recording for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and means for causing transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

Furthermore, according to some other examples of embodiments, the above defined apparatus may further comprise means for conducting at least one of the processings defined in the above described methods, for example a method according that described in connection with Fig 3. In addition, according to another example of embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving a specified information to be used for configuring for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and means for processing the specified information for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

Furthermore, according to some other examples of embodiments, the above defined apparatus may further comprise means for conducting at least one of the processings defined in the above described methods, for example a method according that described in connection with Fig 4.

As indicated above, by means of the measures described above, a control mechanism for location change reporting can be provided which enables a differentiated network configuration where an operator is able to achieve accurate location reporting for some UEs while another reporting type, such as a flow based charging related reporting, can be used for other UEs. Hence, a dramatic increase in a signaling load across GTP based interfaces can be avoided, while at the same time the desired type of location change reporting including an accurate GTP mobility management message based type can be used in a differentiated manner.

It should be appreciated that

- an access technology via which traffic is transferred to and from a network element may be any suitable present or future technology, such as WLAN (Wireless Local

Access Network), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE-A, Bluetooth, Infrared, and the like may be used; additionally, embodiments may also apply wired technologies, e.g. IP based access technologies like cable networks or fixed lines, if the technology in question supports user location detection and the location change reporting. - a user device (also called UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air/wired interface may be allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein with a user equipment may be implemented with a corresponding apparatus, such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards a base station or eNB. The user device typically refers to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and/or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network, or a nearly exclusive downlink only device, such as a portable video player. Also equipment used for measuring certain values, such as sensors which can measure a temperature, a pressure etc., can be used as a corresponding user device. It should be appreciated that a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing.

- embodiments suitable to be implemented as software code or portions of it and being run using a processor or processing function are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language, such as a high-level programming language, such as objective-C, C, C++, C#, Java, Python, Javascript, other scripting languages etc., or a low-level programming language, such as a machine language, or an assembler.

- implementation of embodiments is hardware independent and may be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as a microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit), MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS

(Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), and/or TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic).

- embodiments may be implemented as individual devices, apparatuses, units, means or functions, or in a distributed fashion, for example, one or more processors or processing functions may be used or shared in the processing, or one or more processing sections or processing portions may be used and shared in the processing, wherein one physical processor or more than one physical processor may be used for implementing one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described,

- an apparatus may be implemented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module including such chip or chipset;

- embodiments may also be implemented as any combination of hardware and software, such as ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) or CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components.

- embodiments may also be implemented as computer program products, including a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, the computer readable program code adapted to execute a process as described in embodiments, wherein the computer usable medium may be a non-transitory medium.

Although the present invention has been described herein before with reference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made thereto.

Claims

1 . An apparatus comprising

at least one processing circuitry,

and

at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein

the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to record for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and to cause transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein

the first type of location change reporting is related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element does not trigger a specific signaling and is reported by adding a location change information element to a signaling caused by another reason being different to a location change, and

the second type of location change reporting is related to a procedure where a location change of the communication element triggers a specific signaling in a mobility management procedure.

3. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the apparatus is included in a network element or function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication element includes at least one of a terminal device or user equipment.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the specific event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to inhibit configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the at least one other event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to configure the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is included in a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is a policy and charging enforcement function.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the at least one communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an access point name specific configuration information element indicating whether an access point name given to the at least one communication element is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the specific subscription data information element is signaled in an answer to an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 8, wherein the apparatus is included in a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network.

1 1 . A method comprising

recording for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and causing transmission of a specified information to a communication network control element for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

12. The method according to claim 1 1 , wherein

13. The method according to any of claims 1 1 to 12, wherein method is implemented in a network element or function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication element includes at least one of a terminal device or user equipment.

14. The method according to any of claims 1 1 to 1 3, wherein, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the specific event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to inhibit configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, the at least one other event trigger information element being configured to cause the communication network control element to configure the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting.

16. The method according to any of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the method is implemented in a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is a policy and charging enforcement function.

17. The method according to any of claims 1 1 to 16, wherein, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the at least one communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an access point name specific configuration information element indicating whether an access point name given to the at least one communication element is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the specific subscription data information element is signaled in an answer to an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element.

20. The method according to any of claims 1 1 to 1 3 and 16 to 18, wherein the method is implemented in a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network, wherein the communication network control element is a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network.

21 . An apparatus comprising

at least one processing circuitry,

and

to receive a specified information to be used for configuring for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and

to process the specified information for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein

23. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 22, wherein the apparatus is included in a communication network control element or function, wherein the specified information is provided by a database of the communication network and the communication element includes at least one of a terminal device or user equipment.

24. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information includes a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to inhibit configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the specific event trigger information element as the specified information.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to configure the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the at least one other event trigger information element.

26. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the apparatus is included in a policy and charging enforcement function configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network.

27. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 26, wherein, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the at least one communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an access point name specific configuration information element indicating whether an access point name given to the at least one communication element is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to cause transmission of an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element, wherein the specific subscription data information element is received in an answer to the uplink location request.

30. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23 and 26 to 28, wherein the apparatus is included in a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network.

31 . A method comprising

receiving a specified information to be used for configuring for at least one communication element being attached to a communication network whether, for reporting a location change of the at least one communication element in the communication network in a mobility management procedure, a first type of location change reporting or a second type of location change reporting being different to the first type of location change reporting is to be applied, and

processing the specified information for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element and that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one other communication element, wherein usage of the first type of location change reporting and usage of the second type of location change reporting are differentiated from each other.

32. The method according to claim 31 , wherein

33. The method according to any of claims 31 to 32, wherein the method is implemented in a communication network control element or function, wherein the specified information is provided by a database of the communication network and the communication element includes at least one of a terminal device or user equipment.

34. The method according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein, for configuring that the first type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information includes a specific event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the method further comprises:

inhibiting configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the specific event trigger information element as the specified information.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, for configuring that the second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element further includes at least one other event trigger information element being related to a control according to the second type of location change reporting, wherein the method further comprises:

configuring the communication network for conducting a processing according to the second type of location change reporting on the basis of the processing of the at least one other event trigger information element.

36. The method according to any of claims 31 to 35, wherein the method is implemented in a policy and charging enforcement function configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a policy and charging rules function configured to act as a database of the communication network.

37. The method according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein, for configuring that the first or second type of location change reporting is applied to at least one communication element, the specified information for the communication network control element includes a specific subscription data information element indicating that the at least one communication element is subject to the first type of location change reporting or the second type of location change reporting.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the specific subscription data information element includes a flag contained in an access point name specific configuration information element indicating whether an access point name given to the at least one communication element is subject to the second type of location change reporting or not.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the method further comprises:

causing transmission of an uplink location request comprising an identification of the communication element, wherein the specific subscription data information element is received in an answer to the uplink location request.

40. The method according to any of claims 31 to 33 and 36 to 38, wherein the method is implemented in a mobility management entity or a support node of the communication network configured to act as a communication network control element, wherein the specified information is provided by a home subscription server configured to act as a database of the communication network.

41 . A computer program product for a computer, including software code portions for performing the steps of any of claims 1 1 to 20 or any of claims 31 to 40 when said product is run on the computer.

42. The computer program product according to claim 41 , wherein

the computer program product includes a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored, and/or

the computer program product is directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.