Mobile ip multiple registrations and pcc interactions

Note: Within nine months ofthe publication ofthe mention ofthe grant ofthe European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall nőt be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The exemplary and non-limiting aspects described herein relate generally to wireless Communications systems, methods, computer program products and devices, and more specifically to techniques fór policy and charging rules and enforcement fór multiple mobile IP sessions.

BACKGROUND [0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, data, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. [0003] Generally, a wireless multiple-access communication system can simultaneously support communication fór multiple wireless terminals. Each terminál communicates with one or more base stations via transmissions on the forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from the base stations to the terminals, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from the terminals to the base stations. This communication link may be established via a single-in-single-out, multiple-in-signal-out or a multiple-in-multiple-out (ΜΙΜΟ) system. [0004] Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the third-generation (3G) cell phone technologies. UTRAN, short fór UMTS Terrestrial Rádió Access Network, is a collective term fór the Node-B’s and Rádió Network Controllers which make up the UMTS rádió access network. This Communications network can carry many traffic types from real-time Circuit Switched to IP based Packet Switched. The UTRAN allows connectivity between the UE (user equipment) and the core network. The UTRAN contains the base stations, which are called Node Bs, and Rádió Network Controllers (RNC). The RNC provides control functionalities fór one or more Node Bs. A Node B and an RNC can be the same device, although typical implementations have a separate RNC located in a central Office serving multiple Node B’s. Despite the fact that they do nőt have to be physically separated, there is a logical interface between them known as the lub. The RNC and its corresponding Node Bs are called the Rádió NetworkSubsystem (RNS). There can be more than one RNS present inán UTRAN. [0005] 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) is the name given to a project within the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to improve the UMTS mobile phone standard to cope with future requirements. Goals include improving efficiency, lowering costs, improving Services, making use of new spectrum opportunities, and better integration with other open standards. The LTE system is described in the Evolved ÚTRA (EUTRA) and Evolved UTRAN (EUTRAN) series of specifications.

[0006] Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) is a set of techniques fór efficiently assigning resources fór periodic traffic in a wireless communication system to support resource assignment with as little overhead as possible in order to improve system capacity.

[0007] Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP or MIP) is a communication protocol that enables transparent routing of data packets to mobile devices in a wireless communication system. Under the Mobile IP protocol, a device can registerwith a home agent (HA), through which the device obtains a home IP address. The home address of the device can then be utilized to route data packets to and/or from the device regardless of the location of the device within a wireless communication network. Conventionally, a mobile device can register with a HA by first discovering a global IP address of the HA and subsequently setting up a security association with the HA based on itsdiscovered IP address. Upon association with the HA, the device can signal updates to the HA relating to the location and/or status ofthe device. These updates can be utilized by the HAto provide data packets to the device, either directly or indirectly via an access point of a disparate network to which the device has moved.

[0008] Document WO 2007/082587 relates to a method of generating and applying a set of policy rules fór enforcement by a policy enforcement function at a node of a communication network The method disclosed in D1 comprises, ata service level controlfunction, determining source and destination addressing information fór a packet flow to be transported through said node. The addressing information is sentto a policy rules generating function, the policy rules generating function maintaining or having access to service and mobility policies fór users of the communication system. At the policy rules generating function, said set of policy rules is generated on the basis ofthe source and destination addressing information and the appropriate service and mobility policies. The generated set of policy rules is sent to the policy enforcement function, and applied to traffic flows.

[0009] Document US 2005/0226180 discloses a system forselectively updating an address of a mobile node capable of roaming in a home communication network and at least one visited network The system including a database fór storing at least one data entry which is a mapping between a humanly-readable identifier indicating the mobile node and a machine-readable identifier indicating a physical address at which the mobile node can be reached.

[0010] Document US 2006/0129630 relates to data flow handover in communication using mobile internet and to communication using mobile Internet protocol be2

EP 2 250 846 Β1 tween a Mobile Node and Correspondent Nodes in a network that alsó comprises a Home Agent fór the Mobile Node.

[0011] However, complications arise regarding Mobile IP and policy charging control (PCC) interactions. In particular, the entities involved in the mobility management (i.e., mobile node and home agent) are different from the entities involved in quality of service (QoS) and policy (i.e., PCC) management, specifically named PCEF (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function) and PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) respectively. When Mobile IP is nőt used, there is only one IP address used by the mobile node and this is communicated to the QoS management entities (i.e. PCRF). Based on this address the PCRF establishes the correct QoS in the system. However, when a mobile node performs a MIP registration with the HA, one ofthe IP address ofthe mobile node can change and the QoS management entities (i.e., PCRF) are nőt aware of that as they are nőt involved. Based on this situation, the PCRF does nőt know which addresses have been registered by the mobile node. Therefore, the PCRF cannot determine which PCC rules (e.g., IPflows and related policies) need to be sent to the PCEF located at the access gateway fór a respective MIP registration.

SUMMARY [0012] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of somé aspects ofthe disclosed aspects. This summary is nőt an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present somé concepts ofthe described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0013] In accordance with one or more aspects and corresponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection with coordinating oneor multiple Mobile IP registrations of a mobile node with various access gateways with a policy and charging rules function (PCRF). In particular, a home agent (HA), acting as policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF), sends addresses registered as care-of-addresses (CoA) and the home address (HoA) to the PCRF. Thereby, correct associations can be made between a home address ofthe mobile node and one or more CoA established fór correcting sending policy and charging control (PCC) rules from the PCRF to a respective PCEF fór the access gateway.

[0014] In one aspect, a method is provided fór provisioning policy rules fór multiple data packet sessions over a wireless communication network to user equipment. A first Internet Protocol (IP) session is established fór user equipment (UE) fór wireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address provided by an access policy enforcement function atan access node. A second

IP session is instantiated fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address ofthe first session with a home address (HoA) provided by a core policy enforcement function remote to the access node. The establishment ofthe first and second IP sessions is communicated to a policy rules function. Moreover in an instantiation ofthe second IP session, the associated CoA is communicated to the policy rule function in order to tie the two sessions In this way the policy rule function can identify the policy enforcementfuction where the Quality of Service (QoS) and Policy Charging Control (PCC) rules need to be enforced.

[0015] In another aspect, at least one processor is provided fór provisioning policy rules fór m ultiple data packet sessions over a wireless communication network to user equipment. A first modulé establishes an Internet Protocol (IP) first cession fór user equipment (UE) fór wireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address provided by an access policy enforcement function atan access node. A second modulé instantiates a second IP session fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address of the first session with a home address (HoA) provided by a core policy enforcement function remote to the access node. A third modulé communicated the establishment ofthe first and second IP sessions to a policy rule function. A fourth modulé fór communicating the associated IP Address ofthe first session in response to instantiation ofthe second IP session to the policy rule function. Afifth modulé ties the first and second sessions to identify the policy enforcement function where the policy rules need to be enforced.

[0016] In an additional aspect, a computer program product is provided fór provisioning policy rules fór multiple data packetsessionsovera wireless communication network to user equipment. A computer-readable storage médium comprises a first set of codes fór causing a computerto establish a Internet Protocol (IP) first session fór user equipment (UE) fór wireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address provided by an access policy enforcement function at an access node. Asecond set of codes causes the computerto instantiate a second IP session fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address of the first session with a home address (HoA) provided by a core policy enforcement function remote to the access node. A third set of codes causes the computerto communicate the establishment of the first and second IP sessions to a policy rule function. A fourth set of codes fór causing the computerto communicate the associated IP Address ofthe first session in response to instantiation ofthe second IP session to the policy rule function. A fifth set of codes causes the computer to tie the first and second sessions to identify the policy enforcement function where the policy rules need to be enforced.

[0017] In another additional aspect, an apparátus is provided fór provisioning policy rules fór multiple data packet sessions over a wireless communication network to user equipment. Means are provided fór establishing

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1 a first Internet Protocol (IP) session fór user equipment (UE) fórwireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address províded by an access policy enforcement function at an access node. Means are províded fór instantiating a second IP session fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address ofthe first session with a home address (HoA) provided by a core policy enforcement function remote to the access node. Means are províded fór communicating the establishment ofthe first and second IP sessions to a policy rule function. Means are províded fór communicating the associated IP Address of the first session in response to instantiation ofthe second IP session to the policy rule function. Means are províded fortying the first and second sessions to identify the policy enforcement function where the policy rules need to be enforced. [0018] In a further aspect, an apparátus is províded fór provisioning policy rules formultipledata packet sessions over a wireless communication network to user equipment. An access policy function at in access node establishes afirst Internet Protocol (IP) session fór user equipment (UE) fór wireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address. A core policy enforcement function remote to the access node instantiates a second IP session fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address ofthe first session with a home address (HoA). A policy rule function receives a communication comprising the establishment of the first and second IP sessions and HoA associated with the first CoA and fór tying the two sessions The core policy enforcement function communicated the establishment of the first and second IP sessions to a policy rule function. The core policy enforcement function communicates the associated IP Address of the first session in response to instantiation ofthe second IP session to the policy rule function. The policy rules function ties the first and second sessions to identify the policy enforcement function where the policy rules need to be enforced. [0019] In yet one aspect, a method is províded fór requesting multiple data packet sessions at user equipment over a wireless Communications network by communicating filtering information comprising routing information between the user equipment and a network, communicating the filtering information by a core policy enforcement function to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA), and establishing policy rules at an access policy enforcement function by the policy rules function based on the routing information and províded CoA.

[0020] In yet another aspect, at least one processor is províded fór requesting multiple data packet sessions at user equipment over a wireless communication network. A first modulé communicated filtering information comprising routing information between the user equipment and a network. A second modulé communicated the filtering information by a core policy enforcement function to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA). A third modulé establishes policy rules at an access policy enforcement function by the policy rules function based on the routing information and províded CoA.

[0021] Inyetan additional aspect, a computer program product is províded fór requesting multiple data packet sessions at user equipment over a wireless communication network. A computer readable storage médium comprises a first set ofcodesforcausing a computer to communicated filtering information comprising routing information between the user equipment and a network. A second set of codes fór causes the computer to communicate the filtering information by a core policy enforcement function to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA). A third set of codes causes the computer to establish policy rules at an access policy enforcementfunction by the policy rules function based on the routing information and províded CoA.

[0022] In yet another additional aspect, an apparátus is províded fór requesting multiple data packet sessions at user equipment over a wireless communication network. Means are províded fór communicating filtering information comprising routing information between the user equipment and a network. Means are províded fór communicating the filtering information by a core policy enforcement function to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA). Means are províded fór establishing policy rules at an access policy enforcement function by the policy rules function based on the routing information and províded CoA [0023] In yet a further aspect, as apparátus is províded fór requesting multiple data packet sessions at user equipment over a wireless communication network. An access node communicated filtering information comprising routing information between user equipment and a network. A core policy enforcement function communicated the filtering information to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA). The policy rules function establishes policy rules based on the routing information and províded CoA. An access policy enforcement function receives the policy rules.

[0024] To the accomplishment ofthe foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafterfully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and are indicative of bút a few of the various ways in which the principles of the aspects may be employed. Other advantages and növel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalent.

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] The features, natúré, and advantage of the present disclosure well become more apparentfrom the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a communication system employing a policy enforcement function separated between an access gateway and a core gateway fór facilitating mobile IP.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of a policy and charging control (PCC) architecture fór client-based mobility.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of a multiple access wireless communication system according to one aspect fór client-based mobility.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic block diagram of a communication system fór supporting client-based mobility.

FIG. 5 depicts a timing diagram of a methodology fór PCC architecture and client-based mobility.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of user equipment and base node having modules fór PCC architecture with client-based mobility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0026] In a wireless communication system having multiple access nodes, a home agent (HA) maintains a home address (HoA) fór a mobile node so that an Internet Protocol (IP) session can be established. As the mobile node moves within a coverage area of various access nodes, the mobile node can establish a secure relationship with a local access gateway and thereby register a local IP address, referred to as a care-of-address (CoA), with the HA. Thereby, a network-based mobility protocol such as Proxy Mobile IP (PMIP), General Packet Rádió Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP). Mobile IP protocol or the like can be established so that multiple sessions (i.e., serial, parallel) can be conducted. In order fór policy and charging control (PCC) can be maintained, the HA informs a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), which in turn can then send the appropriate PCC rules (e.g., IP flows and related policies) to a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF) fór a particular access gateway. The HA can further be aware of filters provided by the mobile node as to what application can run on a particular interface. Thereby, the PCC rules disseminated to the PCEF can reflect this filter information [0027] In another aspect, during the attach to a network and Mobile IP bootstrap phase, two different policy and charging control (PCC) sessions are created fór user equipment (UE). In particular, the functionality of PCEF is divided. One session is created between an access policy and charging enforcement function (A-PCEF) and a policy and charging rule function (PCRF), which is bound to a care-of-address (CoA) provided by the APCEF during session establishment. Another session is created between a core PCEF (C-PCEF) and the PCRF, which is bound to a Home Address (HoA) provided by the C-PCEF during session establishment. After establishment of the PCC sessions, the PCRF sends PCC rules to the A-PCEF and C-PCEF. Rules sent to A-PCEF have alsó the CoA information in a flow description whereas rules sent to C-PCEF-have HoA in a flow description. The PCRF ties the two PCC sessions as belonging to the same UE. In one illustrative implementation, a Subscription-ID attribute-value pair (AVP) can be used that carries the identity ofthe UE. In another implementations the CoA can be used to tie the two PCC sessions; in orderto enable that the C-PCEF sends both the HoA and CoA during the session establishment or session update.

[0028] It should be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that aspects described herein fór the Access-PCEF can be incorporated intő a 3GPP Bearer Blinding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF). Similarly, aspects described herein fór the Care-PREF can be incorporated intő a 3GPP PCEF.

[0029] However, situations arise in which the UE can have multiple addresses configured in a specific link with one or more addresses registered as CoA’s. The PCRF should know which address provided by the A-PCEF is registered as CoA in orderto send the correct PCC rules and flow descriptors when needed. Fór instance, such a PCC rule and flow descriptors can be needed when an Application Function modifies a récéivé (Rx) session and telis the PCRF to modify the Quality of Service (QoS) accordingly. The PCRF sends new PCC rules to the CPCEF bound to that Rx session bút alsó to the CoA bound to that Mobile IP (MIP) registration.

[0030] As used in this application, the terms component, modulé, systems, and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. Fór example, a component may be, bút is nőt limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be as component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. [0031] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as exemplary is nőt necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

EP 2 250 846 Β1 [0032] Furthermore, the one or more versions may be implemented as a method, apparátus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed aspects. The term article of manufacture (or alternatively, computer program product) as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessiblefrom any computer-readable device, carrier, or média. Fór example, computer readable média can include bút are nőt limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magneticstrips...), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)...), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without deporting from the scope ofthe disclosed aspects.

[0033] Various aspect will be presented in terms of Systems that may include a number of components, modules, and the life. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various system may include additional components, modules, etc, and/or may nőt include all of the components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may alsó be used. The various aspects disclosed herein can be performed on electrical devices including devices that utilize touch screen display technologies and/or mouseand-keyboard type interfaces. Examples of such devices include computers (desktop and mobile), smart phone, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other electronic devices both wired and wireless.

[0034] Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, fór purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding ofone or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that the various aspects may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagramform inordertofacilitate describing these aspects.

[0035] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 comprises policy control network 102 that supports the mobilityfora mobile node 104, alsó referred to as user equipment (UE) or access terminál, to establish subsequent or simultaneous data packet sessions#1 ,#2106,108, such as bút nőt limited to Mobile Internet Protocol (IP), with a plurality of access nodes #1, #2 (e.g., base station), 110, 112. The mobile node 104 establishes each session 106, 108 by obtaining a respective care-of-address (CoA) 114, 116 from a perspective access gateway 118,120. The mobile node 104 has a home address (HoA) 122 thatfacilitates accessing associated Services while moving between access gateways To that end, a home agent (HA) 124 at a core gateway 126 contains Information about the HoA 122 that can be necessary fór example to access certain Services availablefrom a packet data network (PDN) 128. first and second access gateways 118,120 fór each access node 110, 112 respectively can communicate with the core gateway 126 in order to establish each session 106,108; the home agent (HA) 124 maintains an association 130 ofthe HoA 122 with these CoA’s 114,116.

[0036] A policy rules function 132, which can be part of a cellular communication network 134, has a need to distribute rules fór purposed such as Ouality of Service (OoS), charging, etc., fór these sessions 166, 108. By having the home agent (HA) 124 and core policy enforcement function (C-PCEF) 136 communicate these associated HoA 122 and CoA’s 114, 116 to the policy rules function 130, policy rules can be appropriately disseminated to a respective access policy enforcementfunction 138, 140 atthe access gateways 118, 120.

[0037] Alternatively or in addiction, in one aspect the mobile node 104 can represent a stationary or mobile device taking advantage of differing capabilities of the two access nodes #1, #2 110, 112, such as what flows are routed through which node, depicted as a session #1 interface 142 and session #2 interface 144. A filter component captures routing Information fór different IP flows through different accesses 146. Fór instance, one node 110 can be capable of high-bandwidth subscriber Services (e.g., streaming multimédia content) whereas the other node 112 is capable of a non-subscriber, low bandwidth IP messaging service. The home agent (HA) 124 advantageously can obtain Information regarding this different routing of flows and communicates it to the policy rules function 132 so that policy rules are appropriate fór the respective sessions 106, 108.

[0038] In FIG. 2, a policy charging control (PCC) architecture 200 of a wireless communication system 202 is enhaned fór mobile Communications between with user equipment (UE) 204 that entail a plurality of IP addresses (e.g., CoA’s, HoA). In particular, two different policy and charging enforcement functions (PCEFs) are provided, specifically Access PCEFs 206, 208, 210, which are located respectively at a 3GPP access gateway (GW) 212 and two Non-3GPP access nodes 214, 216, and a core PCEF 218 located at a home agent (HA) 220 at a 402 packet data network (PDN) gateway (core GW) 222. The PDN GW 222 and HA 220 are interfaced to operator’s IP Services 224 and 3GPP (AAA) server226 via SGi interface and S6c interface, respectively. The UE 204 forms an S2c interface respectively via each access node 212, 214, 216 with the 402 PDN GW 222. A policy and charging rules function (PCRF) 228 communicates via respective S7a interfaces with A-PDEFs 212, 214, 216 and via an S7c interface with the C-PDEF 218. The interfaces S7a and S7c can deflect differences advantageous fór slitting the functionality of PCEF intő core and access PCEFs.

[0039] It should be appreciated that wireless commu6

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1 nication systems arc widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, data, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable ofsupporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such multipleaccess systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, 3GPP LTE systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems.

[0040] Generally, a wireless multiple-access communication system can simultaneously support communication fór multiple wireless terminals. Each terminál communicates with one or more base stations via transmissions on the forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from the base stations to the terminals, and the reverse link (fór uplink) refers to the communication link from the terminals to the base stations. This communication link may be established via a single-in-single-out, multiple-in-signal-out or a multiple-in-multiple-out (ΜΙΜΟ) system. [0041] A ΜΙΜΟ system employs multiple (Λ/_Γ) transmit antennas and multiple (N_R) récéivé antennas fór data transmission. A ΜΙΜΟ channel formed bythe Λ/τ-transmit and N_R récéivé antennas may be decomposed intő /\/_sindependent channels, which are alsó referred to as spatial channels, where /\/_s < miní/Vj-, N_R}. Each of the /\/_sindependent channels corresponds to a dimension. The ΜΙΜΟ system can provide improved performance (e.g., higher throughput and/or greater reliability) if the additional dimensionalities created by the multiple transmit and récéivé antennas are utilized.

[0042] A MIMÉ system supports a time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) systems. In a TDD system, the forward and revise link transmissions ate on the same frequency region so that the reciprocity principle allows the estimation ofthe forward link channel from the reverse link channel. This enables the access pointto extract transmit beamforming gain on theforward link when multiple antennas are available at the access point.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a multiple access wireless communication system according to one aspect is illustrated. An access point 450 (AP) includes multiple antenna groups, one including 454 and 456, another including 458 and 460, and an additional including 462 and 464. In FIG. 4, only two antennas are shown fór each antenna group, however, more or fewer antennas may be utilized fór each antenna group. Access terminál (AT) 466 is in communication with antennas 462 and 464, where antennas 462 and 464 transmit information to access terminál 466 over forward link 470 and receives information from access terminál 466 over reverse link 468. Access terminál 472 is in communication with antennas 456 and 458, where antennas 456 and 458 transmit information to access terminál 472 over forward link 476 and récéivé information from access terminál 472 over reverse link 474. In a FDD system, communication links 468, 470, 474 and 476 may use different frequency fór communication. Fór example, forward link 470 may use a different frequency then that used by reverse link 468. Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designed to communicate is often referred to as a sector of the access point 450. In the aspect, antenna groups each are designerto communicate to access terminals 466,472 in a sector ofthe areas covered by access point 450.

[0044] In communication over forward links 470 and 476, the transmitting antennas of access point 450 utilize beamforming in orderto improve the signal-to-noise ratio of forward links fór the different access terminals 466 and 474. Alsó, an access point using beamforming to transmit to access terminals scattered randomly through is coverage causes less interference to access terminals in neighboring cells than an access point transmitting through a single antenna to all its access terminals, [0045] An access point 450 may be a fixed station used fór communicating with the terminals and may alsó be referred to as an access point, a Node B, orsome other terminology. An access terminál 466, 472 may alsó be called user equipment (UE), a wireless communication device, terminál, access terminál or somé other terminology.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aspect of a transmitter system 510 (alsó known as the access point) and a receiver system 550 (alsó known as access terminál) in a ΜΙΜΟ system 500. At the transmitter system 510, trafficdatafora numberof data streams is provided from adata source 512 to a transmit (TX) data processor 514. [0047] In an aspect, each data stream is transmitted over a respective transmit antenna, TX data processor 514 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data fór each data stream based on a partiouiar coding scheme selected fór that data stream to provide coded dara. [0048] The coded data fór each data stream may be multiplexed with pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and may be used atthe receiver system to estimate the channel response. The multiplexed pilot and coded data fór each data stream is then modulated (i.e., Symbol mapped) based on a partiouiar modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK, or MQAM) selected forthat data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and modulation fór each data stream may be determined by instructions performed by processor 530.

[0049] The modulation symbols fór all data streams are then provided to a TX ΜΙΜΟ processor 520, which may further process the modulation symbols (e,g., fór OFDM). TX ΜΙΜΟ processor 520 then provides N_Tmodulation Symbol streams to Λ/τ-transmitters (TMTR) 522a through 522t. In certain implementations, TX ΜΙΜΟ processor 520 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which the Symbol is being transmitted.

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1 [0050] Beach transmitter 522 receives and processes a respective Symbol stream to provide one or more analóg signals, and further condition (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analóg signals to provide a modulated signal suitable fór transmission over the ΜΙΜΟ channel. N_T modulated signals from transmitters 522a through 522t are then transmitted from /V_rantennas 524a through 524t. respectively.

[0051] At receiver system 550, the transmitted modulated signals are received by N_R antennas 552a through 552r and the received signal from each antenna 552 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 554a though 554r. Each receiver 554 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a respective received signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a cormponding recived Symbol stream.

[0052] An RX data processor 560 then receives and processes the N_R received Symbol streams from N_R receivers 554 based on a particular receiver Processing technique to provide Λ/_Γ detected Symbol streams. The RX data processor 560 then demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected Symbol stream to recover the traffic data fór the data stream. The Processing by RX data processor 560 is complomentary to that performed by TX ΜΙΜΟ processor 520 and TX data processor 514 at transmitter system 510.

[0053] A processor 570 periodically determines which pre-coding mátrix to use (discussed below). Processor 570formulates a reverse link message comprising a mátrix index portion and a ránk value portion.

[0054] The reverse link message may comprise various types of information regarding the communication link and/or the received data stream. The reverse link. message is then processed by a TX data processor 538, which alsó receives traffic data fór a number of data streams from a data source 536, modulated by a modulátor 580, conditioned by transmitters 554a through 554r, and transmitted back to transmitter system 510.

[0055] At transmitter system 510, the modulated signals from receiver system 550 are receded by antennas 524, conditioned by receivers 522, demodulated by a demodulator 540, and processed by a RX data processor 542 to extract the reserve link message transmitted by the receiver system 550. Processor 530 then determines which pre-coding mátrix to usefordetermining the beamforming weights then processed the extracted message. [0056] In an aspect, logical channels are classified intő Control Channels and Traffic Channels. Logical Control Channels comprises Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH), which is DL channel tor broadeasting system control information. Paging Control Channel (PCCH), which is DL channel that transfers paging information. Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) which is Point-tomultipoint DL channel used tor transmitting Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS)scheduling and control information tor one or several MTCHs. Generally, after establishing RRC connection this channel is only used by UEs that récéivé MBMS (Note: old MCCH+MSCH). Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) is Point-to-point bi-directional channel that transmits dedicated control information and used by UEs having an RRC connection. In aspect, Logical Traffic Channels comprises a Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH), which is Point-to-point bi-directional channel, dedicated to one UE, tor the transfer of user information. In addition, a Multicast Traffic Channel (MTCH) tor Point-to-mwtipoint DL channel fortransmitting traffic data.

[0057] In an aspect, Transport Channels are classified intő DL and UL. DL Transport Channels comprises a Broadcast Channel (BCH), Downlink Shared Data Channel (DL-SDCH) and a Paging Channel (PCH), the PCH tor support of UE power saving (DRX cycle is indicated by the network to the UE), broadcasted over entire call and mapped to PHY resources which can be used tor other control/traffic channels. The UL Transport Channels comprises a Random Access Channel (RACH), a Request Channel (REQCH), an Uplink Shared Data Channel (UL-SDCH) and plurality of PHY channels. The PHY channels comprise a set of DL channels and UL channels.

[0058] The DL PHY channels comprises: Common Pilot Channel (CPICH); Synchronization Channel (SCH); Common Control Channel (CCCH); Shared DL Control Channel (SDCCH); Multicast Control Channel (MCCH); Shared UL Assignment Channel (SUACH); Acknowledgement Channel (ACKCH); DL Physical Shared Data Channel (DL-PSDCH); UL Power Control Channel (UPCCH); Paging Indicate Channel (PICH); Load Indicator Channel (UCH); The UL PHY Channels comprises: Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH); Channel Quality Indicator Channel (CQICH); Acknowledgement Channel (ACKCH); Antenna Subset Indicator Channel (ASICH); Shared Request Channel (SREQCH): UL Physical Shared Data Channel (UL-PSDCH); Broadband Pilot Channel (BPICH).

[0059] In FIG. 6, a methodology 600 is depicted tor an S2c handover and flow descriptor to provide tor PCC rule provisioning tor multiple mobile IP sessions. A UE 602 is attached to an access gateways #1 (A-GW-1) 604 (block 606). The UE 602 performs access authentication to an access gateway #2 (A-GW-2) 608 as depicted at 610, which in turn completes forming a secure attachment by performing authentication and authorization (block 612) with Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)/Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 614 via a 402 packet data network (PDN) gateway 616, alsó referred to as core PDN GW. The UE 602 is then able to request a local IP address (CoA) from the A-GW-2 608, depicted at 618. A new IP-CAN (Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network) session is established (instantiated) by a new accen-PCEF 620 at the A-GW-2 608. by including all IP addresses configured by the UE 602 in the link (block 612).

[0060] In an illustrative aspect, this is provided by the A-PCEF620sending an Internet EngineeringTaskForce

EP 2 250 846 Β1 (IETF) Diameter (RFC 3588) Credit Control Request (CCR) message to a PCRF 624, linking a CoA with the IP-CAN session, depicted a TX 626. The PCRF 624 responds by making a rules decision (block 628). As depicted in block 630, the PCEF 624 can advantageously consider as an input what Services are ongoing in deciding on PCC rules so that service disruption is nőt experienced by the UE 602. The PCRF 624 provisions the AGW-2 608 by sending a Diameter credit control answer (CCA) as depicted a TX 632. The A-PCEF 620 at the AGW-2 608 installs the PCC rules (block 634). The A-GW2 608 transmits a local IP address (CoA) response to the UE, 602 as depicted at 636. The UE 602 provides a binding update (BU) to the 420 PDN GW 616 that includes the Home Address (HoA) fór the UE 602 as well as the new CoA as depicted a TX 638.

[0061] A Home Agent (HA) 640 at the 402 PDN CW 616 keeps track of these associations between HoA and CoA. A core PCEF (C-PCEP) 642 alsó at the PDN GW 616 performs an IP-CAN session modification is order to provide the PCRF 624 with the CoAs registered at the HA 640 so that the correct PCC rules can be sent to the A-PCEF 620 (block 644). To that end, the 402 PDN GW 616 sends a Diameter CCR that includes HoA and CoAs to the PCRF 624 as depicted art 646. The PCRF 624 binds the IP-CAN session to existing Application Functions (AF) sessions, such as by PULL IP-CAN session modification (block 648). The PCRF 624 makes a PCC rules decision (block 650) and responds with a Diameter CCA, depicted at 652. The 402 PDN GW (Core GW) 616 installs the PCC rules (block 654) and sends a blinding acknowledgement to the UE 602, as depicted at 656. PCRF-initiated IP-CAN session termination or modification is made as appropriate as depicted at 658 between the PCEF 624 and an A-PCEF 660 at the A-GW-1 604. [0062] In FIG. 7, evolved base node (eNB) 700 has a computing platform 702 that provides means such as sets of codes fór causing a computer to conduct multiple wireless IP sessions fór client-based mobility within a PCC architecture, in particular, the computing platform 702 supports such sessions having multiple care of addresses (CoA) that need to be associated with a home address (HoA) of the UE 700 fór Policy and Charging Control (PCC) purposes. In particular, the computing platform 702 includes a computer readable storage médium (e.g., memory) 704 that Stores a pluralityof modules 706-712 executed by a processor(s) 720. A modulátor 722 controlled by the processor 720 prepares a downlink signal fór modulation by a transmitter 724, radiated by antenna(s) 726. A receiver 728 receives uplink signals from the antenna(s) 726 that are demodulated by a demodulator 728 and provided to the processor 720 fordecoding. In particular, a means (e.g, modulé, set of codes) 706 is provided fór establishing a first Internet Protocol (IP) session fór user equipment (UE) fór wireless data packet Communications by obtaining an IP address provided by an access policy enforcement function at an access node. A means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 708 is provided fór instantiating a second IP session fór UE fór the wireless data packet Communications by binding the IP address ofthe first session with a home address (HoA) provided by a core policy enforcement function remote to the access node. A means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 710 is provided fór communicating the establishment ofthe first and second IP sessions to a policy rule function. A means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 712 is provided fór communicating the associated IP Address ofthe first session in response to instantiation ofthe second IP session to the policy rule function. The first and second sessions are tied to identify the policy enforcementfunction where the policy rules need to be enforced. In one aspect, the two sessions are tied to identify the policy enforcement function where the Quality of Service (QoS) and Policy Charging Control (PCC) rules need to be enforced.

[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 7, user equipment. (UE) 750 has a computing platform 752 that provides means such as sets of codes fór causing a computer to request, multiple wireless IP sessions fór clientbased mobility within a PCC architecture. In particular, the computing platform 752 supports such sessions having multiple care of addresses (CoA) that need to be associated with a home address (HoA) of the UE 750 fór Policy and Charging Control (PCC) purposes. In particular, the computing platform 752 includes a computer readable storage médium (e.g., memory) 754 that Stores a plurality of modules 756-760 executed by a processor(s) 770. A modulátor 772 controlled by the processor 770 prepares an uplink signal fór modulation by a transmitter 774, radiated by antenna(s) 776 as depicted at 777 to the eNB 700. A receiver 778 receives downlink signals from the eNB 700 from the antenna(s) 776 that are demodulated by a demodulator 778 and provided to the processor 770fordecoding. In particular, a means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 756 is fór communicating from user equipment to a network filtering Information comprising routing Information fór different Internet Protocol (IP) flows through different accesses. Means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 758 are provided fór receiving communication from a first access gateway in accordance with a first policy rule received from the core policy enforcement function. Means (e.g., modulé, set of codes) 760 are provided fór receiving communication from a second access gateway in accordance with a second policy rule received at an access policy enforcement function, wherein the network communicates the filtering Information by a core policy enforcement function to a policy rules function together with a home address (HoA) and at least one care of address (CoA), and establishes resources by the policy rules function based on the routing Information and provided CoA.

[0064] What has been described above includes examples ofthe various aspects. It is, of course, nőt possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies fór purposes of describing the various aspects, bút one of ordinary skill in the art may

ΕΡ 2 250 846 Β1 recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible.

[0065] In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a means) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function ofthe described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though nőt structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated exempiary aspects. In this regard, it will alsó be recognized that the various aspects include a system as well as a computer-readable médium having computer-executable instructionsfor performing the acts and/or events of the various methods.

[0066] In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures ofthe other implementations as may be desired and advantageous fór any given or particular application. To the extent that the terms includes, and including and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description orthe claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising. Furthermore, the term or as used in either the detailed description ofthe claims is meantto be a nonexclusive or.

[0067] Furthermore, as will be appreciated, various portions ofthe disclosed systems and methods may include ofconsistof artificial intelligence, machine learning, or knowledge or rule based components, sub-components, processes, means, methodologies, or mechanisms (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, datafusion engines, classifiers...). Such components, inter alia, can automate certain mechanisms or processes performed thereby to make portions ofthe systems and methods more adaptive as well as efficient and intelligent By way of example and nőt limitation, the evolved RAN (e.g, access point, eNode B) can inferor predictwhen a robust or augmented check field has been employed. [0068] In view ofthe exempiary systems described supra, methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter have been described with reference to several flow diagrams. While fór purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is nőt limited by the order ofthe blocks, as somé blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, nőt all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies described herein. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologies disclosed herein are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers.

The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or média, [0069] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure matériái, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated matériái does nőt conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure matéria! set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly setforth herein supersedes any conflicting matéria! incorporated herein by reference. Any matéria! or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, bút which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure matéria! setforth herein, will only be incorporated to the extent that nőt conflict arises between that incorporated matéria! and the existing disclosure, matéria!.