WO2017067568A1 - Procédé, système, et appareil - Google Patents

Procédé, système, et appareil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017067568A1
WO2017067568A1 PCT/EP2015/074128 EP2015074128W WO2017067568A1 WO 2017067568 A1 WO2017067568 A1 WO 2017067568A1 EP 2015074128 W EP2015074128 W EP 2015074128W WO 2017067568 A1 WO2017067568 A1 WO 2017067568A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network
user equipment
information
available
public land
Prior art date
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PCT/EP2015/074128
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hannu Petri Hietalahti
Original Assignee
Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy filed Critical Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority to PCT/EP2015/074128 priority Critical patent/WO2017067568A1/fr
Publication of WO2017067568A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017067568A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/02—Access restriction performed under specific conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/08—Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery

Definitions

  • a communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path.
  • a communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices.
  • the communications may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on.
  • Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.
  • wireless communication system at least a part of communications between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.
  • wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN).
  • PLMN public land mobile networks
  • WLAN wireless local area networks
  • Different networks may be provided by different operators and these networks may at least partially overlap.
  • the wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.
  • a user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal.
  • a communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE).
  • UE user equipment
  • a communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users.
  • the communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier.
  • the communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined.
  • a method comprising: selecting by a user equipment a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; attaching by said user equipment to said first network; and in response to at least one condition being satisfied, attaching by the user equipment to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks.
  • the decision to select may be made by the user equipment.
  • the user equipment may be forced by a network to make the selection of the first network.
  • the method may comprise using information indicating that said first network is to be selected.
  • the information may be at least one of received by said user equipment or stored by said user equipment.
  • the information may be received from at least one of said first network and a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the second network may be the same as the another network.
  • the method may comprise receiving said information indicating that said first network is to be selected from at least one base station of said second of said plurality of available networks, said at least one base station having a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the method may comprise receiving said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non-access stratum message.
  • the information may be stored in an identity module in said user equipment and/or a memory of said user equipment.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • the at least one condition may comprise one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; said first network determining said user equipment should leave said network; information being received from said first network.
  • the method may comprise receiving from said first public land mobile networks information, in response to which said user equipment selects said another public land mobile network.
  • the first network may comprise a local network.
  • the local network may only overly n macro cells of at least one overlying PLMN.
  • n may be less than 1 0, for example less than 5.
  • n may be one, two or three.
  • n may be greater than 1 0.
  • an apparatus in a user equipment comprising: mean for selecting a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; and means for attaching to said first network, wherein in response to at least one condition being satisfied, said means for attaching, attaches to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks.
  • the means for selecting may use information indicating that said first network is to be selected.
  • the apparatus may comprise receiving means for receiving said information and/or storage means for storing said information.
  • the receiving means may receive the information from at least one of said first network and a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the second network may be the same as the another network.
  • the receiving means may be for receiving said information indicating that said first network is to be selected from at least one base station of said second of said plurality of available networks, said at least one base station having a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the receiving means may be for receiving said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non-access stratum message.
  • the apparatus may comprise a memory and/or identity module for storing said information.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • the at least one condition may comprise one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; said first network determining said user equipment should leave said network; information being received from said first network.
  • the receiving means may be for receiving from said first public land mobile networks information, in response to which said user equipment selects said another public land mobile network.
  • the first network may comprise a local network.
  • the local network may only overly n macro cells of at least one overlying PLMN.
  • n may be less than 1 0, for example less than 5.
  • n may be one, two or three.
  • n may be greater than 1 0.
  • an apparatus in a user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: select a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; attach to said first network; and in response to at least one condition being satisfied, attach to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to use information indicating that said first network is to be selected.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive and/or store said information.
  • the information may be received from at least one of said first network and a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the second network may be the same as the another network.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive said information indicating that said first network is to be selected from at least one base station of said second of said plurality of available networks, said at least one base station having a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non- access stratum message.
  • the information may be stored in an identity module in said user equipment and/or a memory of said user equipment.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • the at least one condition may comprise one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; said first network determining said user equipment should leave said network; information being received from said first network.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive from said first public land mobile networks information, in response to which said user equipment selects said another public land mobile network.
  • the first network may comprise a local network.
  • the local network may only overly n macro cells of at least one overlying PLMN.
  • n may be less than 1 0, for example less than 5.
  • n may be one, two or three.
  • n may be greater than 1 0.
  • a method comprising: transmitting information from a base station to at least one user equipment to cause said user equipment to select a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; and attaching by said user equipment to said first network.
  • the base station may be of said first network or a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the base station may have a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the method may comprise transmitting said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non-access stratum message.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • an apparatus in a base station comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: transmit information from a base station to at least one user equipment to cause said user equipment to select a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; and attaching by said user equipment to said first network.
  • the base station may be of said first network or a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the base station may have a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to transmit said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non- access stratum message.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • an apparatus in a base station comprising: means for transmitting information from a base station to at least one user equipment to cause said user equipment to select a first network of a plurality of available public land mobile networks, said first network being different to a default one of said plurality of available networks; and attaching by said user equipment to said first network.
  • the base station may be of said first network or a second of said plurality of available networks.
  • the base station may have a coverage area which at least partially overlaps with a coverage area of said first network.
  • the transmitting means may be for transmitting said information indicating that said first network is to be selected in at least one of a broadcast message and a non- access stratum message.
  • the information may comprise information indicating a different network selection rule is to be used instead of a default network selection rule.
  • a method comprising: in response to at least one condition being satisfied, transmitting information to a user equipment attached to a first one of a plurality of available public land mobile networks to attach to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks, wherein said at least one condition comprises one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; and a determining that said user equipment should leave said first network.
  • an apparatus in base station comprising: in response to at least one condition being satisfied, means for transmitting information to a user equipment attached to a first one of a plurality of available public land mobile networks to attach to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks, wherein said at least one condition comprises one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; and a determining that said user equipment should leave said first network.
  • an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: in response to at least one condition being satisfied, transmit information to a user equipment attached to a first one of a plurality of available public land mobile networks to attach to another of said plurality of available public land mobile networks, wherein said at least one condition comprises one or more of: the user equipment leaving a coverage area of said first network; said first network being deactivated, a timer expiring; and a determining that said user equipment should leave said first network.
  • a computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the methods may also be provided.
  • a computer program product for a computer comprising software code portions for performing the steps of the above methods when said product is run on the computer.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram, of an example mobile communication device
  • Figure 3 schematically shows a local zone network and a first cellular network
  • Figure 4 shows a method of some embodiments
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus, provided in a base station. Detailed description
  • a wireless communication system or PLMN 100 such as that shown in figure 1
  • mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point.
  • Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations.
  • the controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatus.
  • the controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller RNC.
  • control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107.
  • the control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities.
  • the control apparatus is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor.
  • the control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units.
  • the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.
  • the control apparatus may provide an apparatus such as that discussed in relation to figure 6.
  • Some systems may however be considered to have a so-called "flat" architecture, without the provision of RNCs; rather the base station is in communication with a system gateway and a mobility management entity (MME), which entities may also be pooled meaning that a plurality of these nodes may serve a plurality (set) of base stations.
  • MME mobility management entity
  • Each UE is served by only one MME and/or gateway at a time and the base station keeps track of current association.
  • base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 1 1 3 via gateway 1 1 2.
  • a further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.
  • the smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may also be connected to the network 1 13, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations.
  • the base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like.
  • stations 1 16 and 1 1 8 are connected via a gateway 1 1 1 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 1 08.
  • the smaller stations may not be provided.
  • a possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200.
  • a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal.
  • An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals.
  • Non- limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a 'smart phone', a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like.
  • MS mobile station
  • PDA personal data assistant
  • a mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non- limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.
  • the mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals.
  • transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206.
  • the transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement.
  • the antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.
  • a mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices.
  • the data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204.
  • the user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like.
  • a display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided.
  • a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.
  • the communication devices 1 02, 1 04, 1 05 may access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA).
  • CDMA code division multiple access
  • WCDMA wideband CDMA
  • Other non-limiting examples comprise time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA) and so on.
  • TDMA time division multiple access
  • FDMA frequency division multiple access
  • IFDMA interleaved frequency division multiple access
  • SC-FDMA single carrier frequency division multiple access
  • OFDMA orthogonal frequency division multiple access
  • SDMA space division multiple access
  • wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) providing so-called 3G, 4G systems and proposing 5G systems.
  • 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
  • Different countries may use different protocols and standards.
  • the current standards may be replaced or augmented by further standards.
  • 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
  • UE user equipment
  • PLMN operator's network
  • 3GPP specifications define several methods for a UE to use information that is pre-configured or broadcast over the air to select the most desirable network (PLMN), or subsequently, to select different PLMN or to offload either all or some part of its data over different non-3GPP access technologies once the PLMN selection has already been made. All services are provided by the PLMN that the UE has selected.
  • the existing offloading methods only aid the UE to discover, prioritise, authenticate and steer or offload traffic between the available 3GPP and non-3GPP access technologies. Offloading to another 3GPP PLMN via 3GPP access is not done.
  • a single network operator could deploy a high capacity radio access network to cater for localized very high user density at and around the known hot spot.
  • network planning is PLMN specific, all PLMNs that cover the area of the stadium or exhibition centre would need to do the same thing.
  • Another drawback with the current proposals is a lack of capability to provide event- specific content to subscribers attending the exhibition or the sports event at the stadium.
  • each PLMN could offer local additional information on the ongoing match or exhibition over a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) or cell broadcast, but this service offering would again need to be repeated by all PLMNs that cover the area.
  • MBMS multimedia broadcast multicast service
  • a local zone service is provided to both subscribers of all domestic PLMN operators and roaming visitors alike.
  • the local zone service will have a coverage area which at least partially covers the hotspot area.
  • Attendees from a home country will generally have a home PLMN (HPLM) which will at least partially overlap with the local zone coverage service coverage are.
  • HPLM home PLMN
  • UEs of foreign visitors from different countries typically do not have access to their HPLMN, so they roam to one of the PLMNs that are available in the visited country.
  • That visited PLMN will be one of the HPLMs typically.
  • An additional PLMN code comprising Mobile Country Code (MCC) + Mobile Network Code (MNC) may be used to identify the local zone network that would serve all subscribers in the stadium or exhibition arena. That Local PLMN would then be expected to provide services to all attendees that have access to the advertised PLMNs, irrespective of whether the advertised PLMN is their HPLMN, or they are roaming to VPLMN.
  • MCC Mobile Country Code
  • MNC Mobile Network Code
  • a UE can select to the Local Zone PLMN. Those UEs that consider it a VPLMN could find it as an available candidate VPLMN, but they will initiate so called background scanning procedure in attempt to find a higher priority PLMN. UEs in their home country would not even attempt to select any other PLMN in automatic PLMN selection mode, as the HPLMN is the highest priority PLMN.
  • the Local Zone PLMN is cast an alias of the HPLMN by indicating it as so called Equivalent PLMN, then as soon as the UE in Local Zone PLMN finds a HPLMN outside of local zone area a cell that is stronger than its current local zone PLMN, the UE will perform cell re-selection from the local zone PLMN back to its HPLMN, as the UE would then consider the serving PLMN and local zone PLMN as equals. Foreign users' UEs would see the local zone PLMN as a VPLMN, so they will do a background scan, and may consequently select a higher priority VPLMN of the same country. Configuring local zone PLMN codes as equivalent HPLMNs may not be practical. Some embodiments may address this problem.
  • Some embodiments may provide a method for steering a UE to a local zone network that provides a local service in its coverage area for all participating UEs, The method may also ensure that a UE will stay in that local zone network until the local zone service is switched off (or otherwise deactivated) or the UE exits the service area of the local zone network.
  • the participating UEs could be subscribers of any of the overlapping HPLMNs which may or may not at least partially overlap with the local zone network.
  • the supported UEs may be UEs which have roamed from their home network, for example UEs from other countries.
  • Some embodiments allow UEs to remain registered to local zone PLMN even when other PLMNs are available.
  • the UE would exit the zone network when it loses coverage of local zone PLMN. This may occur if the local zone PLMN is switched off (for example after a football game has finished) or if the UE has physically moved out of the coverage area.
  • the UE will perform the usual PLMN selection procedure among the remaining PLMNs that it can receive.
  • the local zone PLMN may provide the participating UEs with all services that they need such as voice calls, data services, access to internet services and the like.
  • Figure 3 shows schematically shows a first cellular network 320 with first to seventh cells respectively referenced 301 to 307.
  • An overlapping local zone network 322 is provided.
  • the local zone network is provided with three local zone cells 31 1 to 313 respectively. Each of these local zone cells is provided with a respective base station.
  • the local zone cells are smaller than the cell of the first cellular network 320. In other embodiments, the local zone cells may be bigger, smaller or the same size as the cells of the first cellular network 320.
  • the local zone cells may be a mixture of sizes in some embodiments.
  • Figure 3 shows a UE 203 that is registered with the first cellular network 320 in cell 302 moves to an area where local zone service is provided by local zone cells of the local zone network.
  • a number of different embodiments will now be described for steering the UE from the first cellular network 320 to the local zone network.
  • a first step S1 the UE moves into a local zone network or close to a local zone network.
  • the UE may be in cell of a PLMN which is adjacent to or has overlapping coverage with the local zone network.
  • the UE will have local zone network selection information.
  • the UE may receive this information from a base station and/or may be preconfigured with this information.
  • the UE will receive broadcast system information indicating exceptions to the PLMN selection rules in the area of local zone network from a base station.
  • This may be a base station of the local zone network and/or a base station of the first cellular network 320.
  • the macro cell PLMN i.e. a cell of the first cellular network 320
  • broadcasts as part of its system information blocks information that allows the UEs camping on the affected cells to perform the local zone network selection method.
  • this information may only be broadcast in the cells where it might be needed, e.g. in cell 303, cell 304 and cell 307 only. These are the cells over which the local zone network is provided.
  • the information may be broadcast over a wider area of cells, for example by cells which are within a certain distance of the local zone network.
  • this or similar information may broadcast by the cells of the local zone network. Where the information is only broadcast by the local zone network, this would require no changes to macro PLMN (first cellular network 320).
  • a non-access stratum (NAS) indication of an exception to the PLMN selection rules in the area of the local zone network may be provided to the UE from a base station of the local zone network and/or a base station of the first cellular network 320.
  • information which allows the UEs camping on the affected cells to perform the local zone network selection is provided in one or more NAS signalling layer procedures, such as attach, or when updating the location of the UE.
  • the NAS indication may be issued either when UE attaches to the first cellular network 320 in the area of local zone network, or updates to the area of the first cellular network 320 that contains the local zone network.
  • the UE when the UE selects a cell of local zone network and registers or updates its location into the local zone network.
  • the permission to select the local zone may come from the local zone, so the macro operator would need to t trust the local zone operator to give indications only to those PLMN users which it is allowed to take away from the macro PLMN. If there is mutual trust arrangement, the macro operator, can authorize the local zone network to advertise their PLMN code, and the local zone operator will configure their network to advertise to those PLMNs with which they have an arrangement.
  • this can be controlled by an operator of the first cellular network 320 or other macro operator.
  • Both the HPLMN and VPLMN operator may have a strong motivation to keep all the subscribers they have been able to catch in their network to remain registered in their PLMN.
  • the "donating" operator needs some assurance that the UE attending the local zone service will return back after the service, and when exiting the local zone area. This may be provided by some embodiments.
  • the UE can only change to the local zone network if the UE receives from one or more base stations of the first cellular network 320 or other macro operator network a broadcast message (e.g. a MBMS broadcast) or NAS indication.
  • a broadcast message e.g. a MBMS broadcast
  • a UE may be pre-configured or configured with an exception to the usual PLMN selection rules when in a local zone network.
  • each participating UE is pre-configured with an indication of the local zone networks where the exceptional PLMN selection procedure applies.
  • This configuration could reside on USIM (universal subscriber identity module) or similar, if it is considered HPLMN property, and/or in the Mobile Equipment (ME) memory, if it is allowed for the VPLMN operator to manipulate the contents thereof.
  • the UE pre-configuration method may require no change to network elements.
  • One option to configure such local zone preference in the ME memory would be either ME production time pre- configuration or more dynamic over-the-air update, such as OMA DM.
  • step S3 the UE selects the local zone network.
  • the local zone network is identified by its PLMN code (MCC+MNC) or other, local zone network specific code, or combination of both.
  • step S4 the UE and/or the local network and/or the PLMN with which the UE was previously associated determines if a condition or criteria to leave the local zone network has been satisfied. This may be that the UE is no longer within the local zone network and/or a timer has expired or any other suitable reason such as discussed below.
  • This criteria to leave local zone is one aspect of some embodiments. This may be determined in the UE, a base station of the first network, a control entity of the first network, a base station of the macro PLMN, a control entity of the macro PLMN or a combination of one or more of these entities.
  • the existing equivalent PLMN method allows the UE to re-select a cell of an equivalent PLMN, but this just creates a pool of cells of multiple PLMNs without any restrictions. So as soon as a better cell is found, the UE can re-select away from local zone cell.
  • Some embodiments may thus provide a method (for example, an automatic method) of selecting another PLMN or local zone, and at the same time allow the UE to remain in that network until the exit criteria is met. That may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example one or more of the following exit techniques may be used:
  • the timer may be in the UE, in the local network and/or the macro PLMN.
  • the timer may be provided in a base station where the base station is part of the local network or the macro PLMN;
  • Time stamp (when the time stamp is reached or a time stamp plus a given time period is reached, the UE will exit the network);
  • Loss of coverage the UE will select another service at loss of coverage from the local zone network
  • End of service is indicated by the local zone network).
  • One method for local zone to indicate end of service would be to reject a TAU (tracking area update) request from UE with certain indication that the service is not available any longer and the UE should select another PLMN.
  • an "escape timer” may be used when entering the local zone network. This may be a relatively long background scanning timer value T (for example as specified in 3GPP TS 23.122) or a multiplier to possibly pre-configured timer T in the UE to restore normal PLMN selection situation after expiry of the "escape timer", which is extended timer T.
  • the timer is used to restore normal PLMN selection situation after expiry of the timer.
  • any other suitable timing mechanism may be used.
  • the local zone network may issue an end-of-service escape indication or other message to all UEs registered to local zone network. This would cause the UE to leave the local zone network and select a different PLMN. This may for example be at the end of the football match. One method to achieve this would be to await for all UEs participating to local zone service to perform their tracking area update TAU. TAU procedure gives the local zone network an opportunity to inform end of service by rejecting the TAU request with an indication that the UE should attempt to select another PLMN. One method to give such indication may be with a mobility management cause value.
  • One advantage of this method is that it would spread the local zone UEs registration to macro PLMN over a period of time depending on the selected periodic tracking area update timer value, as all UEs changing PLMN at the same time after the event may cause a large quantity of signalling storm the PLMN.
  • the PLMN would be a macro PLMN but in some embodiments could be another local PLMN.
  • individual information is transmitted by the local network to each UE to cause the UE to leave the local area network and join a macro PLMN or another local network.
  • a local zone network may have an expiry time after which the UE will attach to the first cellular network 320 or the like, if the UE is still in the coverage area of the local zone network.
  • Such a timer may act as a guard timer against premature return to macro PLMN, in the same way as the background scan timer forces the UEs higher priority PLMN selection attempt to an interval determined by the timer.
  • step S4 is repeated. It should be appreciated that step S4 may comprise repeated checking to see if a criteria or condition for leaving the local zone network has been satisfied. Alternatively, step S4 may comprise waiting for a predetermined condition or criteria to occur and in response to this, determining that the condition or criteria to leave the local zone network has been satisfied. If it is determined that the criteria or condition is satisfied, then the in step S5, the UE will leave the local zone network and select an available PLMN. -In some embodiments, the UE will received an indication from the local zone network that the UE should attempt to select another PLMN (after the end of service, or end of temporary subscription or the like). This indication may be transmitted by a base station of the local zone network and be received by the UE.
  • permission is given for the UE to select another PLMN as if it was selected manually. This means selecting the new PLMN (the local zone network), registering to the local zone network, and remaining there as long as the UE is in the coverage area. In some embodiments, this may be restricted to known local zone networks.
  • the MCC+MNC code may be used to identify suitable local zone networks. It should be appreciate that in other embodiments, other information may be used to identify suitable local zone networks.
  • the local zone networks where such exception applies could be either advertised by the serving macro PLMN, or be pre-configured in the UE.
  • HPLMN pre-configuration could reside on USIM. Pre- configuration could also reside in ME memory, and be either static or programmable over the air, such as previously discussed.
  • the selection of the local zone network may switch off background scanning of higher priority PLMNs.
  • the UE will behave as if the local zone network was selected manually by the user and remain registered in that local zone network until the coverage is lost or some other criteria is satisfied.
  • the UE behaves as if the local zone network was selected manually, and performs no background scanning. When there is a loss of coverage or some other criteria is satisfied, the UE resumes the previous automatic PLMN selection behaviour and attempts to return to the previous (macro) PLMN.
  • Embodiments avoid problems with the current proposals which require a participating users to perform manual PLMN selection in order to lock their UE to the selected local zone network. This is not practical, as users may not know how to do it and the number of different sets of instructions for different UE models may be excessive. Furthermore, as soon as the local zone network is switched off or the UE moves out of the local zone network coverage area, the UE would have no service as the result of the manual selection.
  • the UE user might by other means (other than discussed previously) know the availability of local zone network at his favourite team's home stadium. This information could be provided to a user when he books a ticket, provided on a website, displayed at the football stadium or the like. In this embodiment, the user could manually select a local zone network option on the UE, where available.
  • a specific manual mode is provided that differs from the previous manual mode selection.
  • two PLMN selection modes exist, fully automatic (as specified in 3GPP TS 23.122 clause 4.4.3.1 .1 ) and manual (in 3GPP TS 23.1 22, clause 4.4.3.1 .2).
  • the UE would allow manual selection of local zone network in one PLMN selection mode, where the PLMN is selected manually, but if the coverage is lost, based on timer and/or on the occurrence of any other suitable condition (such as previously described), the UE will change to an automatic PLMN selection mode.
  • This embodiment may alternatively or additionally allow users to select their preferred PLMN, when roaming outside of HPLMN coverage area, but with the advantage of not losing service if that selected PLMN coverage is lost.
  • the user would have the choice to indicate his or her preferred PLMN, and stay on that PLMN as in manual mode, but allow the UE to restore automatic PLMN selection behaviour to maintain services when the coverage of manually selected PLMN is lost and/or a given condition or criteria occurs.
  • Some embodiments provide a method and apparatus by which a UE to leave the service of one PLMN and searches for another PLMN without considering the current PLMN or local zone network as forbidden.
  • Embodiments described above by means of figures 3 and 4 may be implemented on a control apparatus as shown in figure 5 or on a mobile device such as that of figure 2.
  • Figure 5 shows an example of a control apparatus of a base station.
  • the control apparatus 500 comprises at least one memory 501 , at least one data processing unit 502, 503 and an input/output interface 504. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station.
  • the receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.
  • the control apparatus 500 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions.
  • Control functions may include causing SIB information to be transmitted and/or causing local zone network information in one or more NAS messages to be transmitted.
  • the control functions may comprise allowing a UE to be handed off to or from the local zone network.
  • the local network may only overly n macro cells of at least one overlying PLMN.
  • n may be less than 1 0, for example less than 5.
  • n may be one, two or three.
  • n may be greater than 1 0.
  • Embodiments as described above by means of figures 3 and 4 may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor, at least one data processing unit or process of a device, such as a base station, or a UE, in, e.g., the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.
  • Computer software or program also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium or distribution medium and they include program instructions to perform particular tasks.
  • An apparatus-readable data storage medium or distribution medium may be a non-transitory medium.
  • a computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments.
  • the one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.
  • any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions.
  • the software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.
  • the physical media is a non-transitory media.
  • the memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.
  • the data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuits
  • FPGA gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.
  • Embodiments described above may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules.
  • the design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process.
  • Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Un procédé selon l'invention comprend : la sélection, par un équipement d'utilisateur, d'un premier réseau d'une pluralité de réseaux mobiles terrestres publics disponibles, ledit premier réseau étant différent d'un réseau par défaut de ladite pluralité de réseaux disponibles ; le rattachement, par ledit équipement d'utilisateur, au dit premier réseau et, en réponse à la satisfaction d'au moins une condition, le rattachement, par l'équipement d'utilisateur à un autre de ladite pluralité de réseaux mobiles terrestres publics disponibles.
PCT/EP2015/074128 2015-10-19 2015-10-19 Procédé, système, et appareil WO2017067568A1 (fr)

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Cited By (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109996327A (zh) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-09 华为技术有限公司 一种通信方法及装置
WO2020144912A1 (fr) * 2019-01-10 2020-07-16 ソニー株式会社 Dispositif de station de base, dispositif de communication sans fil et système de communication sans fil
CN114503678A (zh) * 2019-10-03 2022-05-13 诺基亚技术有限公司 基于用户设备的地理位置的plmn选择
US12004241B2 (en) 2019-01-10 2024-06-04 Sony Group Corporation Base station device, wireless communication device, and wireless communication system

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EP2259629A1 (fr) * 2006-02-13 2010-12-08 Research In Motion Limited Procédé et dispositif de sélection d'un réseau de communications mobile par une station mobile
WO2015011190A1 (fr) * 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Deutsche Telekom Ag Procédé de sélection d'accès améliorée par un équipement utilisateur dans un réseau de télécommunications cellulaires et système pour la sélection d'accès améliorée d'un équipement utilisateur
EP2903331A1 (fr) * 2014-01-30 2015-08-05 Alcatel Lucent Équilibrage de charge
US20150296440A1 (en) * 2012-07-06 2015-10-15 Mika Forssell Hierarchical Access Network Discovery and Selection Function and Offload Wi-Fi Network

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EP2259629A1 (fr) * 2006-02-13 2010-12-08 Research In Motion Limited Procédé et dispositif de sélection d'un réseau de communications mobile par une station mobile
US20150296440A1 (en) * 2012-07-06 2015-10-15 Mika Forssell Hierarchical Access Network Discovery and Selection Function and Offload Wi-Fi Network
WO2015011190A1 (fr) * 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Deutsche Telekom Ag Procédé de sélection d'accès améliorée par un équipement utilisateur dans un réseau de télécommunications cellulaires et système pour la sélection d'accès améliorée d'un équipement utilisateur
EP2903331A1 (fr) * 2014-01-30 2015-08-05 Alcatel Lucent Équilibrage de charge

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109996327A (zh) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-09 华为技术有限公司 一种通信方法及装置
CN109996327B (zh) * 2017-12-29 2021-10-01 华为技术有限公司 一种通信方法及装置
WO2020144912A1 (fr) * 2019-01-10 2020-07-16 ソニー株式会社 Dispositif de station de base, dispositif de communication sans fil et système de communication sans fil
US12004241B2 (en) 2019-01-10 2024-06-04 Sony Group Corporation Base station device, wireless communication device, and wireless communication system
CN114503678A (zh) * 2019-10-03 2022-05-13 诺基亚技术有限公司 基于用户设备的地理位置的plmn选择

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