Method, user equipment and generic access network controller for providing operator-differentiated messaging to a wireless user equipment (ue) device

ES 2 374 824 T3

DESCRIPTION

Generic access network controller, user equipment and method of providing carrier differentiated messaging to a wireless user equipment (UE) device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present patent invention relates generally to communication networks. More particularly, and not by way of limitation, This patent application is directed to a system and a method for providing message exchange or differentiated messaging depending on the operator to a wireless user equipment (UE) device capable of being operated in a network space of wireless access network (AN "access network") that can be interconnected with a wide area cellular network (WACN - "wide area cellular network").

BACKGROUND

Wireless access networks have become a key element in a variety of telecommunications network environments. For company or corporate networks, they provide convenient access to network resources for workers with laptops and handheld mobile devices, as well as similarly equipped guests or temporary workers. They also provide a cost-effective alternative to reallocating physical connection outlets to Ethernet in environments where facilities are frequently moved or changed. Furthermore, wireless access points that can be operated with various communication / computing devices are becoming ubiquitous in public environments such as, for example, hotels, airports, restaurants, and coffee shops. With the increase in access to high-speed Internet, the use of access point (s) in the homes of users has also been considered, which has already been initiated for other applications.

Concurrently, various developments are also taking place in the field of user equipment (UE) to take advantage of the capabilities offered by wireless access networks. Of particular interest is the integration of cell phones with the ability to interface with a wireless access network such as a wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). As such "dual mode" devices become available, it should be appreciated that some interaction mechanism will be required between the cellular network and the WLAN in order to facilitate efficient handover or delivery of services from one of the network types to the other.

The current GAN specifications have made it possible for a UE device (for example, a mobile station or MS - "mobile station") to register in a wide area cellular network (WACN - "wide area cellular network"), such as the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN - “Public Land Mobile Network”) if it is discovered and enabled in accordance with the applicable regulations of the 3^to Generation (3GPP - “3^rd Generation Partnership Project ”). Also, the UE device may be allowed to register with a GAN in certain circumstances where there is no connection capability or connectivity over WACN. Additionally, a similar network connectivity behavior can be found where Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA - "Unlicensed Mobile Access") technologies are also deployed. However, several important aspects arise in such a scenario, namely number plan compatibility, service handover, routing of emergency calls, to name just a few, especially when connectivity to PLMN is desired through a GAN or UMA-based access network.

International Patent Application No. WO 02/067563 refers to a mobile phone in a cellular telecommunications system that uses data stored in SIM cards [subscriber identity module - "subscriber identity module"] to select a network for to register and to carry out optimal call routing to a call destination. If the data relevant to the networks that are currently available has not been stored, a request message is sent to a control center and update information is received in a response message. The subscriber identity data stored in a SIM memory file can also be overridden in order to allow a preferred subscriber identifier to be used with the currently registered network, selection which is carried out using a table of Updated consultation when the use of request and response messages is required.

International Patent Application No. WO 99/16267 refers to a method of obtaining rate quotas from a plurality of candidate service providers that are accessible to a roaming mobile subscriber, for use in choosing the provider. service candidate that is the most suitable for an area that is being visited. The method includes initiating registration by the mobile subscriber to a first candidate service provider. A request for information about the subscriber's profile is made by the first candidate service provider, addressed to the subscriber's home service provider. Additionally, the first candidate service provider sends the intended tariff share to be charged to the subscriber to the home provider. The home provider determines which other candidate providers are accessible by the subscriber and requests rate information regarding these providers. The domestic provider can then determine the most suitable provider based on the rate information.

ES 2 374 824 T3 received, for example, the lowest rate. If the currently pending registration provider is determined to be the most suitable, the registration procedure continues and the subscriber remains registered with the first candidate service provider. If, otherwise, a second candidate service provider is the most suitable, the home provider notifies the subscriber of this information by means of, for example, an SMS message ("Short Messaging Service"). The subscriber can then register with the appropriate provider, either manually or automatically in response to the notification.

International Patent Application No. 02/063900 refers to a method, system and device for providing access from a terminal device to a second access network. To achieve this, an access network device belonging to a first access network stores second access network information comprising information of second access network (s) accessible from the first access network. Communication means are established between the terminal device and the first access network, and the second access network information is supplied to the terminal device. The terminal device accesses the second access network through the first access network. Access is made based on the second access network information supplied to said terminal device. With this, the functions of the services of the second access network, for example, UMTS services [Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - "Universal Mobile Telecommunications System"], can be distributed through any other access network and it is possible to implement existing broadband or high-speed access networks in new cellular network structures.

The invention provides a generic access network method, user equipment device and controller in accordance with the independent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present Patent Application can be had by referring to the following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a generalized network environment in which an embodiment of the present Patent invention can be practiced;

Figure 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a network environment in which a user equipment device (UE) is operatively arranged in accordance with the teachings of the present patent invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a function block diagram of a network system in which a wide area cellular network (WACN - "wide area cellular network"), such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN - "Public Land Mobile Network" ), it is accessible through a generic access network (GAN - “generic access network”) and an associated controller (GANC - “GAN controller”);

Figure 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a "circuit-switched" (CS) protocol stack operable with the network system shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a packet-switched (PS) protocol stack operable with the network system shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5A illustrates a network arrangement in which an access network (GAN or wireless GAN) is operable to connect a plurality of PLMNs in accordance with an embodiment in which each PLMN is served by a corresponding GANC;

Figure 5B depicts a network arrangement in which an access network (GAN or wireless LAN) is operable to connect a plurality of PLMNs in accordance with an embodiment in which a plurality of virtual GANC partitions of a single GANC are capable of being operated to serve the corresponding PLMNs;

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a generalized network discovery and selection scheme in accordance with one embodiment;

Figure 7A is a flow diagram of a method for gathering network information in accordance with one embodiment for the purposes of the present invention;

Figure 7B is a flow chart of a GANC discovery and registration method according to one embodiment;

Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts associated with a generalized GANC selection and redirection scheme in accordance with one embodiment;

Figure 9 is a flow chart associated with a scheme for providing carrier-differentiated message exchange or messaging to a wireless UE device in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a flow chart associated with a scheme for providing carrier differentiated messaging to a wireless UE device in accordance with another implementation of the present invention;

Figure 11 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary GANC / UNC node, according to one embodiment; Y

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Figure 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a UE device operable in accordance with the teachings of the present patent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present patent disclosure is directed, in a broad sense, to a scheme to provide message exchange or differentiated messaging depending on the operator to a UE device that is capable of being operated in wide area cellular network (WACN) bands. area cellular network ”) as well as wireless access network bands (for example, GAN bands (generic access network - “generic access network”) and / or UMA bands (Unlicensed Mobile Access - “Unlicensed Mobile Access”)). A network node (for example, a GAN controller (GANC - "GAN controller") or a uMa network controller (UNC - "UMA netWork controller")) is equipped with logic for the resolution of service requirements as well as with network information gathered by the UE device. Based on this, a response message is transmitted to the UE device, in such a way that the response message includes supplementary fields for the transport of information differentiated according to the operator, in free-form text.

In one aspect, a network messaging method is disclosed comprising: gathering network information by a UE device through in-band scanning; transmitting, by the UE device, at least one of the network information and a set of service requirements to a network node by means of a registration request message; and, in response to the registration request message, transmitting a response message from the network node to the UE device, such that the response message includes operator-differentiated text information.

In another aspect, a network messaging or message exchange system is disclosed comprising: means associated with a UE device for gathering network information by scanning or scanning in at least one band; means associated with the UE device for transmitting at least one of the network information and service requirements to a network node by means of a registration request message; and means associated with the network node, responsive to the registration request message, in order to transmit a response message to the UE device, such that the response message includes operator-differentiated text information.

In yet another aspect, a UE device is disclosed comprising: a logic module to facilitate the identification of a set of appropriate service requirements as it relates to the operation of the UE device; a communication subsystem, intended to gather network information by scanning at least one band, and to transmit at least one of the collected network information and service requirements to a network node, by means of a request message register; and a logic module, designed to process or treat text information differentiated according to the operator, received from the network node through a response message sensitive to the message to the registration request message.

In yet another aspect, a GANC node operable with a UE device arranged in a wireless environment is disclosed, comprising: means for receiving at least one of network information and a set of service requirements from the device from UE, by means of a registration request message; and means operable in response to the registration request message, intended to transmit a response message to the UE device, such that the response message includes operator-differentiated text information.

A system and method of the present patent invention will now be described with reference to various examples of how the embodiments can best be carried out and used. The same reference numerals are used throughout the description and throughout the various views of the drawings to indicate similar or corresponding parts, so that the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1, there is depicted a generalized network environment 100 provided by way of example, in which an embodiment of the present invention may be practiced. Patent. A user equipment (UE) device 102 may comprise any portable computer (eg, laptop, handheld, or handheld computing devices) or mobile communications device (eg, cell phones or handheld devices. with data capacity capable of receiving and sending messages, web browsing, etc.), or any enhanced personal digital assistant (PDA) device or integrated information device with capabilities for email, video mail, Internet access, company data access, messaging, calendar and scheduling, management information and similar capabilities, which is preferably operable in one or more modes of operation. For example, the UE device 102 may operate on the frequencies of the cellular phone band, as well as on the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) bands, or possibly only on the bands of WLAN. On the other hand, other bands in which the UE device can operate wirelessly may comprise Wi-Max bands or one or more satellite bands. Additionally, the network environment 100 is comprised of three broad categories of communication spaces capable of serving the UE device 102. In space 104 of the wide area cellular network (WACN), there may be a

ES 2 374 824 T3 certain number of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs - "Public Mobile Land Networks") that are capable of being operated to provide cellular telephone services that may or may not include packet switched data services. Depending on the coverage area (s) and whether the user is roaming, the WACN space 104 may include a number of cellular RANs [radio access networks], associated home networks (ie, home PLMNs or HPLMNs) 110, and visited networks (ie, VPLMNs) 112, each with appropriate infrastructure, such as Home Location Register (HLR) nodes 115 , nodes 116 of Mobile Switching Center (MSC - "Mobile Switching Center"), and the like. Since the WACN space 104 can also include a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network that provides packet radio access for mobile devices using the cellular infrastructure of a bearer network Based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM - “Global System for Mobile communications”), it proposes as an example a gPrS Support Node in Service (SGSN - “Serving GPRS Support Node”) 114. Additionally, by way of generalization, the PLMNs of the WACN space 104 may comprise networks selected from the group comprising one or more networks of Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE - "Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution") , Integrated Digital Enhanced Networks (IDENs - “Integrated Digital Enhanced Networks”), Code Division Multiple Access Networks (CDMA - “Code Division Multiple Access”), networks of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS - “Universal Mobile Telecommunications System”), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (UTRANs - “Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks”), or any network that is appropriate to the Project of Society of 3^to Generation (3GPP - “3^rdGeneration Partnership Project ”) (eg 3GPP or 3GPP2), all of which operate with well-known frequency bandwidths and protocols.

On the other hand, the UE device 102 is operable to obtain service from an access network (AN) space 106 that is operatively associated with the WANC space 104. In one implementation, the AN space 106 includes one or more generic access networks (GANs) 118 as well as any type of WLAN arrangements 120. The GAN 118, which is described in more detail below, is operable to provide access services between the UE device 102 and a core network of PLMN using an Internet Protocol (IP - “Internet Protocol ”) Broadband. The WLAN arrangements 120 provide short-range wireless connectivity to the UE device 102 through access points (APs) or "hot spots", and can be implemented using a variety of standards, for example , IEEE [Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering - “” Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering ”] 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, HiperLan and HiperLan II standards, Wi-Max standard, the OpenAir standard and the Bluetooth standard. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the AN space 106 may also be inclusive of UMA-based access networks that deploy UMA Network Controller (UNC) nodes to perform seamless transitions or discontinuities between a cellular RAN (part of WACN space 104) and unlicensed wireless networks.

In one embodiment, the interface role between the WACN and AN spaces can be carried out according to certain standards. For example, the GAN 118 can be interfaced with a PLMNS core using the procedures set out in documents 3GPP TS [Technical Specification - “Technical Specification”] 43.901 and 3GPP TS 43.xxx, as well as related documentation. In the same way, the WLAN 120 can be interfaced with a PLMN core using the procedures established in documents 3GPP TS 22.234, 3GPP TS 23.234 and 3GPP TS 24.234, as well as related documentation, and can therefore be done referring to it as an Interaction WLAN arrangement (I-WLAN - "Interworking WLAN").

Additionally, there may be an access network (AN) space 108 that is not interfaced with the WACN space 104 that offers short-range wireless connectivity to the UE device 102. For example, AN space 108 may comprise WLANs 122 that offer non-3GPP compliant services, such as communications through "public" access points (hotels, coffee shops, bookstores, apartment buildings, educational institutions, etc., whether free or paid), company or corporate access points, and visited access points (of another company) for which the user may not be a member of that company but is allowed at least some services.

Given the range of the wireless network environment 100 in which the UE device 102 may be disposed, it is desirable that such a vertical handover mechanism exists that the user can engage in a call as they travel from a network. radio access network (RAN - "radio access network") from PLMN to a GAN (ie inward handover) or from the GAN to the PLMN RAN (ie outward handover). It should be noted that, for the purposes of the present Patent invention, the terms "GAN" or "WLAN" may be interchangeable and may also include any UMA-based access networks. In any case, in order to facilitate said functional capacity as well as to personalize and improve the overall user experience associated with it, the present Patent invention provides a scheme in which network information gathered by the UE device as well as related information your service options, plans, properties and the like (more generally, "service requirements"), are transmitted to a network node arranged in the environment

Wireless ES 2 374 824 T3 100, such that suitable network-based logic can be implemented that responds with appropriate network selections, lists, etc. that the UE device can use. On the other hand, as will be seen in detail later, such network-based logic can invoke or resort to procedures that involve one or more correlation and filtering schemes, inquiries in databases, in such a way that it can be carried out in the pervasive network environment 100 redirection to more optimal networks.

To shape the teachings of the present invention, reference will now be made to Figure 2, which shows an exemplary embodiment of a network environment 200 that is a more specific subset of the network environment. generalized network 100 which is illustrated in Figure 1. As represented, the UE device 102 is operatively arranged to discover a set of PLMNs that allow access through a conventional RAN infrastructure, in addition to having connection capacity or connectivity with one or more GANs accessible to the device 102. Of United States. By way of example, GAN-1 202-1 to GAN-N 202-N, which can be generalized for the purposes of the present Patent invention to also include any type of WLAN and / or I-WLAN arrangements (known or unknown until now), are operable to be discovered by the UE device. A GAN may be capable of connectivity to one or more PLMNs, or none at all, which may include VPLMNs 204-1 to 204-M, as well as HPLMNs (for example, the HPLMN 206), relative to device 102 of EU. When GAN-PLMN connectivity is supported, which PLMNs behind a particular GAN are visible to the UE 102 device may depend on various business factors, for example, the contractual arrangements between the GAN operators and the PLMN operators. . As illustrated, the GAN-1 202-1 supports connectivity to the VPLMN-1 204-1 and to the vPlMN-2 204-2. In the same way, the GAN-2 202-1 supports connectivity with the VPLMN-M 204-M as well as the HPLMN 206. On the other hand, the GAN-N 202-N does not have connectivity with wide area PLMNs.

As is well known, each of the wide area cellular PLMNs can be arranged as a number of cells, such that each cell has a few sectors (for example, typically three 120 degree sectors for each base station (BS - "base station") or cell). Each cell can be provided with a cell identity, which can vary depending on the underlying WACN technology. For example, in GSM networks, each individual cell is provided with a Global Cell Identification (CGI - "Cell Global Identification") parameter in order to identify them. A group of cells is commonly referred to as a Location Area (LA - "Location Area") and can be identified by an LA Identifier (LAI - "LA Identifier"). On the other hand, at the macroscopic level, PLMNs can be identified by an identifier composed of a Mobile Country Code (MCC - "Mobile Country Code") and a Mobile Network Code (MNC - "Mobile Network Code"). Similarly, CDMA / TDMA based PLMNs can be identified by a System Identification parameter (SID "System Identification"). Regardless of the cellular infrastructure, all cells broadcast the macroscopic level PLMN identifiers, such that a wireless device (eg, UE device 102) wishing to obtain a service can identify the wireless network.

Figure 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary network system 300, in which a cellular wide area PLMN 306 is accessible to a UE device 202 through a GAN 302 and associated controller ( GANC) 304. Essentially, in the embodiment shown, the GAN 302 is operable as a broadband IP-based access network that provides access to the well-known A / Gb interfaces of the PLMN 306, such that the GANC 300 consists of a network node coupled to a GAN 302 via an upstream ("Up") reference point interface 303. As set forth in the applicable 3GPP standard documents, the upstream reference point 303 defines the interface between the GANC 304 and the UE device 102. In the event that the GAN is operable so that it coexists with the GSM / EDGE RAN infrastructure (GERAN - "GSM / EDGE RAN"), it interconnects with the core PLMN through the same interface interfaces. A / Gb used by a GERAN Base Station Subsystem (BSS - “Base Station Subsystem”) network element. Accordingly, the GANC 304 functionality includes the protocol interaction necessary to emulate the GERAN BSS functionality (not shown in this Figure). The A-interface 305 defines the interface for circuit-switched (CS) GSM-based services and is arranged between GANC 304 and MSC 308 of PLMN 306. The Gb-interface 307 defines the interface for services based on packet switched GPRS (PS) and is arranged between the GANC 304 and the SGSN 310 of the PLMN 306. A Security Gateway (SGW - “Security Gateway”) 311 may also have been included in the GANC 304, with which it acts as an interface through a Wm 309 reference point (as defined by 3GPP TS 23.234), with a representative / server node 312 of Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA - "Authentication, Authorization and Accounting"), arranged in the PLMN 306, such that there is an HLR 316 coupled or operatively connected to the node of aAa 312. Those skilled in the art will find that a similar infrastructure can be deployed in a UMA-based implementation in which a UMA network controller or UNC is operable in a manner generally the same as GANC 304.

In operation, the GANC 304 appears to be, for the core PLMN 306, a GERAN BSS network element, mimicking the role of the Base Station Controller (BSC) in the GERAN architecture, as seen from the view of A / Gb interfaces. Accordingly, the PLMN 306 to which it is connected

ES 2 374 824 T3 GANC 304 is not aware of the underlying access mechanism supported by the GANC, which is different from radio access supported by the BSC. As mentioned above, the GAN 302 arranged between the Generic Access (GA) -enabled UE device 102 and the GANC 304 can be realized by means of a suitable broadband IP network. The overall functional capacity provided by GANC 304 includes the following:

- User plane CS services involving the interaction of CS bearers on upstream interface with CS bearers on A-interface, including appropriate transcoding of voice to / from the UE and PCM voice from / to the MSC.

- PS services in the user plane that involve the interaction of data transport channels on the upstream interface with packet flows on the Gb-interface.

- Control plane functional capability, including: (i) SGW for the establishment of a secure tunnel with the UE for mutual authentication, encryption or encryption and data integrity; (ii) registration for access to GAN services and the provision of system information; (iii) establishment of GAN bearer paths or paths for CS and PS services (e.g. establishment, management and interruption or halt of the exchange of signals and bearers in the user plane between the UE and the GANC) ; and (iv) functional equivalents of the GANc for GSM Radio Resource Management (RR - "Radio Resource") and GPRS Radio Link Control (RLC - "Radio Link Control"), such as for mobile location. or by search and assignments.

Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a protocol stack 400A operable with the handshake plane in the CS domain associated with the network system 300 shown in Figure 3. Likewise, Figure 4B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a protocol stack 400B operable with the handshake plane in the PS domain associated with the network system 300. Additional details regarding generic access to A / Gb interfaces and associated architecture can be found in the applicable 3GPP specifications identified in the Provisional Patent Applications that have been referred to hereinbefore. On the other hand, in order to be consistent with the broad generalization of the teachings of the present patent invention, an "access network server" may be comprised of a network node or element capable of being operated to act as an interface between the core PLMN and the UE, as discussed above, which can include a GANC or UNC as a concrete implementation.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that, given the range of various GANs / WLANs and PLMNs provided within a generalized network environment such as the network environments that have been previously described herein with respect to Figures 1 and 2, a variety of GAN / GANC configurations are possible from the point of view of providing access between a UE device and available WACNs (eg PLMNs). Figure 5A illustrates a network arrangement 500A in which a single access network (AN) 502 is operable to connect to a plurality of PLMNs 504-1 to 504-K, in accordance with one embodiment, in such a manner that each PLMN is served by a corresponding GANC. By way of illustration, the AN 502 can be generalized as a GAN that can be operated over a WLAN with the GANC protocols described above, in such a way that a plurality of upstream interfaces ("Up") are supported 503 -1 to 503-K for connection to GANCs. Reference numerals 506-1 to 506-K refer to a plurality of independent GANC nodes, each intended to interface with a particular PLMN associated with it, such that MSCs 508-1 to 508- K and SGSNs 510-1 to 510-K are illustrative of the respective PLMN infrastructure. A person skilled in the art will find that, although each PLMN is provided with an SGSN node, this is not a requirement for the purposes of the present invention, and PLMNs 504-1 to 504-k can be implemented according to different technologies. wide area cell phones, protocols and standards.

Referring to Figure 5B, an alternative network arrangement 500B is illustrated in which an AN 502 (GAN or Wireless LAN) is operable to connect to the plurality of PLMNs 504-1 through 504-K via a single physical GANC 550 that supports a plurality of virtual GANC partitions 552-1 through 552-K. Each virtual GANC (VGANC - "virtual GANC") can be operated independently to provide the requirement of functional capacity as an A / Gb interface with respect to a corresponding PLMN. Accordingly, there is a single logical GANC for each PLMN to which it connects. Such a deployment can be used in the event that the PLMNs that make possible the connection capacity or connectivity with WLAN do not consider it necessary to have and operate their own GANC.

Based on the above explanation, it should be appreciated that the GAN architecture provides a generalized framework for the interaction of WLANs with WACNs in accordance with 3GPP, by using existing protocols, for example, GPRS, with which it is required to carry perform little or no adaptation or standardization work in the kernel. This makes it possible for services to be transferred or delivered from a GAN / WLAN to a WACN in accordance with 3GPP and vice versa, keeping the handshake and traffic intact at the user plane. However, as CS switched protocols and GPRS protocols (Logical Link Control or LLC (“Logical Link Control”) and Dependent Convergence Protocol are used

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Subnet or SNDCP (“Sub-Network Dependent Convergence Protocol”), the GAN / WLAN chosen must be able to reach an MSC / SGSN that is in the same PLMN as the MSC / SGSN used to terminate the traffic GAN / WLAN. To further complicate matters, a GAN / WLAN could be connected to many PLMNs, each of which has a separate, independently discoverable GANC node, as previously described herein. When a user encounters such a GAN / WLAN environment, there is currently no standard procedure for defining the selection of a particular GANC. As a result, there are a number of potential issues with which the overall user experience as well as call handover behavior can be adversely affected. For example, if a GA-compliant UE device operating in dual mode (that is, with two different technologies, each preferably on a separate band, for example) discovers a PLMN or macro WACN and, subsequently choose a GANC that belongs to a different WACN, the assignment between the AN and WACN slots will not work. Such problems can also arise in network arrangements where a single GANC has been split to support a number of independently discoverable VGANC partitions.

On the other hand, due to the different degrees of penetration and deployment of technology in different regions and countries, additional complications may arise in the event that an interface between the spaces of the AN and the WACN is to be acted upon using the GAN / WLAN solution. For example, a GA-compliant UE device may be in an area where there is no WACN coverage but there is WLAN coverage. If one or more WLANs are based on the I-WLAN solution rather than the GAN architecture, it is preferable for the UE to differentiate between GAN and I-WLAN due to differences in the various control procedures, for example, in registration, registration reversion, etc., as well as any service differences that may exist between them. In order to highlight the scope of the present patent invention, some of the problems relating to user experience are discussed below.

- The UE is not currently registered in a WACN. In that case, the UE cannot check the cellular band signals to determine the country in which it is located (ie the MCC is unknown), in order to select the best or optimal provider. Although the HPLMN is selected first, the preference of a VPLMN may depend on the position (for example, country). In this situation, the UE may not know which VPLMN it prefers to connect to when it is browsing the available GAN / WLANs.

- The list of "Preferred PLMNs" by the operator, present in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM "Subscriber Identity Module") or in the Deletable User Identity Module (RUIM - "Removable user Identity Module") associated with the user, does not take into account the need by the UE for PS data services (eg GPRS capability) or other services such as Unlicensed Mobile Access services (UMA - "Unlicensed Mobile Access"). Such a situation may arise in the case that the list of PLMNs is based solely on roaming agreements for CS voice and, as a result, the user may not be able to use e-mail and other data services. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such a problem can arise whether or not GAN or I-WLAN is used.

- Some or all of the lists controlled by the operator for PLMNs may not be up to date, or the specific entries for the country in which the UE is operating may not be current.

- Due to the ability to update lists across the cellular band, the HPLMN may wish to update lists during off-duty hours or when the UE is connected via I-WLAN or GAN.

- When there are no WAN signals that allow the UE to determine the MCC, the availability of the AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) in the UE or an introduction by the user (manual ), as well as recent information (that is, time-stamped) about the WACN MCC.

- The case of operation near the country's border (s) may lead to the UE obtaining signals from more than one MCC, which allows the user to choose the “least cost” option .

Those skilled in the art should note that the list set forth above is merely illustrative, rather than limiting. It is contemplated that, by referring to this specification, various related problems may become evident in a conspicuous way with respect to user experience and call behavior in the context of performance as an interface between GAN spaces. / WLAN and PLMN.

For the purposes of the present invention, the GA-capable UE can operate either in an Automatic mode or in a Manual mode, with certain differences in the network discovery and selection procedures, although the particular characteristics and capabilities Both possibilities may vary depending on the applicable specification (s) as well as any modifications and changes that may be made to them. In general, Manual mode allows the user to make a more detailed selection / filtering of the available PLMNs, the carrier (s) to be used and possibly even the method to be used at the time. time to use WLAN or other unlicensed radio technology (ie I-WLAN, GAN, or just a connection via the WLN or PLMN). Additional details regarding network discovery and selection can be found in one or more of the above-referenced Provisional Patent Applications and Non-Provisional Patent Applications.

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Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a flow chart of a generalized network discovery and selection scheme according to one embodiment, in which a UE device is arranged in a network environment that it comprises a GAN / WLAN space as well as a WACN space. As illustrated, the flowchart of Figure 6 captures a methodology in which the UE device gathers appropriate network information upon power-up and initial discovery (as for applicable 3GPP conformance procedures), which is then transmitted to a network node in order to determine a more optimal network layout (i.e. the appropriate GAN + PLMN combination), preferably in view of the service requirements of the UE device which may also be announced to the network node. Accordingly, by carrying out a proper resolution of the network information discovered by the UE and its service requirements, the network node can be made to provide appropriate instructions to the UE device to obtain better instantaneous service behavior, which may include redirection to more suitable networks, filtering based on position, and the like.

Continuing to refer to Figure 6, at block 602, the UE device gathers network information by means of a sweep or scan regarding one or more WACN technologies, bands and frequencies. Additionally or alternatively, the UE device is also configured to gather network information by scanning for one or more GAN / WLAN technologies, bands, and frequencies (block 604). After that, the UE device transmits the collected network information as well as the service / feature requirements (for example, voice-only services, data-only services, voice and data services, GAN services, delivery services or handover, capacity for UMA services, call plans associated with the UE device, and / or information about the location area associated with the UE device, etc.), to a network node (block 606). In one embodiment, the collected network information may comprise at least one of cell identity information of a WACN in which the UE device is registered (i.e. CGI information of a registered GSM / GERAN), information of CGI / cell ID relative to other available wide area cellular networks, cause values ​​for any past registration failures, information on the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH - "Broadcast Control Channel") of at least one available wide area cellular network, and information on the Packet Control Channel (PCCH - "Packet Control Channel") of at least one cellular network wide area available. As mentioned earlier herein, in one embodiment, WACNs can be identified by their combinations {MCC, MNC}. Additionally, additional features such as identifying whether a particular WACN is data capable (eg GPRS capability) may also be provided. As long as the UE device is configured to operate based on various lists of networks, stored or otherwise available, additional selection criteria and filters such as GANs / PLMNs Forbidden lists, lists of Priority GANs / PLMNs (which can be stored, for example, in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or a Suppressible User Identity Module (RUIM), or in a memory of the device), and the like. In a further implementation, the UE can also list PLMNs that only provide WACN and / or WAN coverage.

It should be noted that the aforementioned exploration operations can be carried out by means of active exploration or passive exploration methods. Also, there may be more than one band that can be operated with GANs and / or PLMNs. In one case, a frequency band may be selected from the group comprising 450 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 1,700 MHz, 1,900 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,700 MHz, or other frequencies and / or satellite bands.

Upon receipt of the collected network information, service requirement information and / or position information from the UE device, the service logic associated with the network node is operable to resolve the requested service requirements by the UE device, in view of the others of the received information, such that a determination can be made as to whether or not alternative network arrangements are available for the UE device. In such implementations, such resolution may involve interfacing with additional network nodes and databases (for example, HPLMN and / or home GANC, service databases, roaming databases, and so on). . Thereafter, appropriate instructions may be provided, via an appropriate response message, to the UE device, including pertinent information regarding any additional or alternative network arrangements. These operations are illustrated at block 608. Based on the instructions received from the network node, the UE device can then be involved in obtaining the appropriate service, which can sometimes guarantee network redirection (block 610).

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary scenario flow diagrams of the network information collection procedure discussed above. Currently, the applicable GAN specifications state that a UE device, for example a mobile station (MS - “mobile station”) must first register with a GSM / GERAN PLMN if found and permitted under current network selection procedures under 3GPP. Accordingly, the process flow exemplified in Figure 7A begins with a scan of the available bands for GERAN PLMN networks (block 702). For each GERAN PLMN found, information is obtained and stored (blocks 704, 706 and 708), for example, CGI information, BCCH and / or CCP information, etc. The UE device then selects, and registers

ES 2 374 824 T3 en, a GERAN PLMN (block 710) in accordance with the 3GPP specifications, for which the UE device's network lists, preferences and other filters can be intermediated. If registration with a particular PLMN fails, the reason for the failure is stored as a cause value (blocks 712 and 714). Once the reason for the failure has been stored, the registration procedure can be repeated with respect to the additional PLMNs discovered according to 3GPP specifications (block 716). On the other hand, if the PLMN registration is successful or if the registration without any PLMN has been successful and the UE device is allowed to operate in a GAN-only mode, an additional procedure flow may proceed further (block 718). However, if the PLMN registration is successful but the PLMN does not support any GAN connectivity, various issues may arise that may negatively affect the behavior of the service selection by the UE.

With regard to operation in the GAN mode, the UE device is operable to provide a number of information elements to a GANC node with which it establishes initial connectivity. Preferably, as highlighted in the foregoing discussion, such information may include network information gathered by scanning or scanning in other bands or modes as well as service requirements. Referring to Figure 7B, in particular, with successful registration of one PLMN or failure to register in all PLMNs (block 750), the UE device is operable to search for a GAN network (block 752 ), preferably in accordance with the applicable 3GPP specifications. Once a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or IP address of a GANC node (block 754) has been obtained, the UE device authenticates and registers with the GANC, using, for For example, Generic Access Resource Control (GA-RC - "Generic Access Resource Control") messaging (block 756). In accordance with the discussion established in the previous sections, said registration message for the GANC may include information elements corresponding to any of the following, in any combination:

- registered GERAN CGI information, if available;

- if the registration is for voice and / or data;

- services and features requested by the UE device, for example, voice-only services, data-only services, voice and data services, GAN services, multimedia services, value-added services, etc .;

- if delivery or assignment is required;

- if calls are required only within the country of domestic calls;

- previous GERAn PLMN registration attempts and associated failure cause values,

- the registration request may also include GERAN PLMN information for which registration was successful but a GANC redirect was received. Any VPLMN information identified within can be marked or flagged as such (which is described in detail later herein);

- CGI information for other available PLMNs; and

- BCCH / PCCH information for available PLMNs. For example, in one implementation, BCCH / PCCH information is included for all available PLMNs. In other implementations, it is possible to include BCCH / PCCH information for a portion of available PLMNs.

On the other hand, upon successful authentication and registration with the GANC, additional network information may be collected by the UE device (e.g., the appropriate network arrangement, by means of a suitable response message), as shown. illustrated at block 758.

Those skilled in the art will realize by referring to the present specification that additional operations and / or information elements may be involved if registration procedures take place after the initial registration and network discovery procedure by the UE device, such as and as previously stated. For example, with respect to the WACN space (for example, from GERAN), if the device receives a direct message from a GANC node (which can be a separate message or part of a general redirect message, as will be discussed in more detail below), the UE device can register from the GERAN VPLMN currently in service, and attempt to register with the VPLMNs in a variety of ways. By way of illustration, the VPLMNs may have been provided by the GANC in a certain order of priority that can be followed by the UE device. Alternatively, if no command has been provided, a VPLMN can be randomly chosen from the supplied list. Regarding subsequent registrations in the GAN space, if the UE device has been redirected to another VPLMN and the registration with that new VPLMN has been successful, the UE device may be required to register with the home GANC using the same GAN than before. Alternatively, the UE device can register with the GANC associated with the new VPLMN if that information has been made available by the redirect GANC. In yet another variant, there may be no subsequent GANC registration as a result of instructions from the GANC.

Given the interface layout between the WACN and GAN spaces as described in the previous sections, the selection of an appropriate PLMN and GANC combination that allows optimal service can be modulated or influenced based on a variety of factors, for example, service requirements, information on

ES 2 374 824 T3 available networks, service capabilities, position information and the like. When a serving network node (for example, a default GANC or a provisioning GANC) receives appropriate information from the UE device, at least part of the service logic involves resolving whether a home GANC or a GANC associated with a VPLMN must provide service to the UE device. Figures 8A and 8B are two flow charts associated with the section and optional redirection of GANC in accordance with one embodiment of the present Patent invention. When the serving network node receives information from a UE device (block 802), the serving logic associated with the node determines (i) whether calls to the local home network are required; and / or if the assignment is not required and no VPLMN GANC can be used (block 804). If so, the network node provides instructions to the UE device to select a home network GANC (block 806). On the other hand, based on the information received from the UE device (block 820), the service logic of the network node determines (i) that handover of services is required; and / or (ii) that a VPLMN dial plan is required (block 822). In that case, the network node instructs the UE device to select a GANC associated with VPLMN (block 824).

It should be apparent that the service logic is preferably operable to evaluate and resolve a number of service scenarios or contexts based on the combinations of service and feature requirements as well as network information received from the UE device. Additional details and flow charts relating to exemplary service scenarios can be found in one or more of the above-referenced US Provisional Patent Applications and Non-Provisional Patent Applications. An explanation is set forth below on the contribution of carrier differentiated messaging to a wireless UE device by a network serving node in certain exemplary scenarios.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a flow chart associated with a scheme for providing carrier differentiated messaging to a wireless UE device in accordance with an implementation of the present invention. As illustrated in the flow diagram, the implementation is an example of the context or scenario where only HPLMN services are requested by the UE device (block 902). Whether voice-only services (block 904) or voice and data services (block 906) are requested (which can be determined, at least in part, based on the operating mode of the UE device or application (s) (applications) being used), the PLMN registered in the WACN space is considered acceptable (block 908). The UE device then registers with an access network server node (i.e., GANC or uNc, as the case may be) associated with the home network by means of an appropriate registration request message (e.g., REQUEST For GA-RC REGISTER) (block 910). Upon registration, the UE device can be informed that HPLMN dialing is possible. Additionally, the network server node is operable to provide messaging regarding various carrier-specific and / or subscriber-specific service information (e.g., applicability of long distance or international call charges, customer-specific information). the position, call plans and information on associated prices, other indicators differentiated according to the operator, including free-format text information, etc.) to UE device. Such response messaging can be effected by means of a suitable REGISTRATION ACCEPTANCE message or by means of a Short Messaging Service (SMS) or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) message. ”). On the other hand, the network server node may send an indication to the UE device that it has registered with a GANC / UNC node in the HPLMN (ie, a home GANC / UNC node). These various message responses and procedures are set forth in block 912.

Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart associated with a scheme for providing carrier differentiated messaging to a wireless UE device in accordance with another exemplary service scenario of the present invention. For the purposes of illustration, an HPLMN GANC node is provided as a network server node that ultimately solves the various service and feature requirements as well as the network information gathered by a UE device. Upon receiving the relevant information from the UE device (for example, through a REGISTRATION REQUEST message, as previously mentioned, the GANC node can carry out one or more queries in databases comprising local and / or remote or remote databases, in order to evaluate roaming service agreements, service capabilities, address lookup, etc. (block 1002). If the VPLMN that the UE device registers with is determined to have GAN connectivity or connectivity (block 1004), then the HPLMN GANC is operable to send a redirect message to the UE device ( for example, a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message), which contains the URL / IP address of the VPLMN GANC node (block 1006). On the other hand, in the event that the registered VPLMN does not have GAN connectivity, the service logic can be put into operation to determine if there are other PLMNs that support GANCs. If so, your URL / IP address information can also be determined by performing the appropriate database queries. Additionally, such determinations may be evaluated in response to other information such as the position of the UE, the existence of applicable service provisions, etc. These determinations are consolidated at block 1008. In one embodiment, this may involve verifying that the cells identified in the received broadcast information still include cells that are available for use. The VPLMNs that follow

ES 2 374 824 T3 being available after this initial investigation can be optionally sent to a roaming database in order to determine the existence of a roaming agreement between the HPLMN and the VPLMN (s) . If there is a suitable roaming agreement, the Preferred PLMN information may also be returned to the HPLMN GANC. Following these optional procedures, the GANC service logic can transmit the filtered VPLMN information to another database in order to determine the URLs / IP addresses of the available GANCs. In the event that a redirect is found to be appropriate, an appropriate redirect message (for example, a GA-RC REGISTER REDIRECT message) can be transmitted to the UE device, including one or more URLs / IP addresses of GANCs associated with a plurality of available VPLMNs (block 1010). Otherwise, a response message may be provided to the UE device, indicating a number of options (block 1012). For example, the response message may include an indication that no GAN service is available for the UE device. Another indication may be that only home network services are available. Alternatively or additionally, the response message may also include one or more supplemental fields (eg, free-form text fields), operable to indicate additional capabilities where applicable. By way of illustration, such fields can be used with respect to various carrier-specific and / or subscriber-specific service information (eg, applicability of long distance or international call charges, position-specific information, and other indicators. differentiated by operator including text information, etc.), as described above. On the other hand, as before, such messaging can be carried out by means of a GA-CR REGISTRATION ACCEPTANCE message or by means of an SMS or uSsD message.

With respect to the general syntax of redirect messages discussed above, one embodiment may include a list of PLMN Identities (eg, {MCC, MNC} combinations) as well as supported devices and / or features, which they can be mandatory or optional. In another embodiment, the redirect message may include a list of GANC addresses (ie, URLs, IP addresses) as well as supported services and / or features. Additional details regarding the structure and syntax of redirect messaging as well as the use and taxonomy of location information can be found in one or more of the Provisional and Non-Provisional Patent Applications referenced cross-sectionally. in the foregoing of this report.

In scenarios where a GA-RC REGISTRATION ACCEPTANCE message may be used (as described above with respect to the flow charts in Figures 9 and 10), its content may include various standard information elements such as, for example, a GA-RC protocol indicator, message identity, cell identity, location area identification, timer and band information, GAN Service Area information, etc., in addition to any supplementary fields as mentioned in the previous description.

Referring to Figure 11, there is shown a functional block diagram of an exemplary AN server node 1100 provided, for example, a GANC / UNC node 1100 in accordance with one embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the AN server node 1100 may have been provided in any of the configurations illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B that have been described hereinbefore. Regardless, the AN server node 1100 includes appropriate network selection logic 1102, in order to perform one or more of the procedures discussed above with respect to resolving the collected network information and network information. service requirements / features that are provided by the UE device. Accordingly, in one embodiment, suitable storage areas may be provided to store service / feature requirements 1104 as well as collected network information 1106. Database query logic 1108 is provided to facilitate database querying. data and interrogation of local and / or remote databases, for example, DB 1110-1 to DB 1110-N.

Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a UE device operable in accordance with the teachings of the present patent invention. It will be noted by those skilled in the art, when referring to it, that while an embodiment of the UE 102 may comprise an arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 12, there may be a number of variations. and modifications, in physical devices or hardware, programming or software, or permanently installed software in hardware, or firmware, with respect to the various illustrated modules. Accordingly, the arrangement of Figure 12 should be taken as illustrative rather than limiting with respect to embodiments of the present patent invention. A microprocessor 1202, which enables global control of one embodiment of the UE 102, is operatively connected to a communication subsystem 1204 that includes a transmitter / receiver (transceiver) functional capability to effect communications in multiple modes in a plurality of bands. Illustrated, by way of example, are a wide area wireless Tx / Rx (transmitter / receiver) module 1206, a GAN Tx / Rx module 1208, and an I-WLAN Tx / Rx module 1210. Although not shown in particular, each Tx / Rx module may include other associated components such as one or more local oscillator (LO - "local oscillator") modules, RF [radio frequency] switches, RF band pass filters. , A / D and D / A converters, processing modules such as digital signal processors (DSP - "digital

ES 2 374 824 T3 signal processors ”), local memory, etc. As will be apparent to those skilled in the communications field, the particular design of the communication subsystem 1204 may depend on the communication networks with which the UE device is intended to operate. In one embodiment, the communication subsystem 1204 is operable with both voice and data communications.

A microprocessor 1202 also interfaces with additional device subsystems such as an auxiliary input / output (I / O) 1218, a serial port 1220, a display device 1222, a keyboard 1224, a loudspeaker 1226, a microphone 1228, a random access memory (rAm - "random access memory") 1230, a short-range communications subsystem 1232, and any other device subsystems generally denoted by reference numeral 1233. To control access, a SIM / RUIM interface 1234 has also been provided in communication with processor 1202. In one implementation, the SIM / RUIM interface 1234 is operable with a SIM / RUIM card that has a number of key configurations 1244 and other information such as subscriber identification and data, as well as a or more lists of PLMNs and Service Set ID (SSID "Service Set ID") and filters mentioned hereinabove.

Operating system software and other control software may have been incorporated into a permanent storage module (ie, non-volatile storage) such as a flash or pulse refresh memory 1235. In one implementation, flash memory 1235 may be divided into different areas, for example, a storage area for computer programs 1236 as well as data storage regions, such as device status 1237, address book 1239, others. data 1241 from personal information manager (PIM) 1241, and other data storage areas generally denoted by reference numeral 1243. Additionally, appropriate network discovery / selection logic 1240 may have been provided, as part of permanent storage, in order to carry out the various procedures, mapping techniques, selection of service / feature requirements, and identification procedures as well as GANC selection mechanisms discussed in the preceding sections. Associated with these, there is a storage module 1238 intended to store the lists of SSIDs / PLMNs, selection / browsing filters, capacity indicators, etc., also mentioned above.

Based on the foregoing, it should be clear that the logic and hardware of the UE device includes at least the following: a logic module to facilitate the identification of a set of appropriate service requirements relating to the operation of the UE device; a communication subsystem for gathering network information by scanning in at least one band and for transmitting at least one of the network information and service requirements to a network node via a registration request message; and a logic module for processing or treating text information differentiated according to the operator, received from the network node through a response message sensitive to the registration request message.

It is believed that the operation and construction or structure of embodiments of the present Patent invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description set forth above. While the exemplary embodiments shown and described may have been characterized as preferred, it will be readily understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims .