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Network System ,Routing Control Device, Routing Control Method , And Nontemporary Computer Readable Medium For Storing Program
Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a network system , a routing control device , a routing control method and a program , for achieving flexible routing in a communications network. This network system is a network system provided with a base station (11), a gateway (12), and a routing control device (13) for controlling routing of communications between the base station (11) and the gateway (12). The routing control device (13) is constituted so as to carry out routing control using second identifying information uniquely identified within the network system, associating a route between the base station (11) and the gateway (12) is with first identifying information identifying a communication terminal (101) for carrying out communication with the base station (11).
Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence
Patent Information
Applicants
NEC CORPORATION
Inventors
1. TAMURA Toshiyuki
2. SCHMID Stefan
Specification
DESCIRIPTION
NETWORK SYSTEM, PATH CONTROL A P P A R A T U S,
PATH CONTROL METHOD, AND N O N - T R A N S I T O RY
COMPUTER R E A D A B L E MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM
T e c h n i c a l F i e ld
[ 0 0 0 1]
The p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n r e l a t e s to a n e t w o rk
a n d in p a r t i c u l a r , to a n e t w o r k s y s t e m in w h i ch
10 c o n t r o l is e x e c u t e d.
B a c k g r o u n d Art
[ 0 0 0 2 ]
I n r e c e n t y e a r s , it has b e e n s u g g e s t e d to r e a l i z e a
15 f l e x i b l e s y s t e m c o n f i g u r a t i o n by o p e r a t i n g a p l u r a l i t y of
v i r t u a l m a c h i n e s on one p h y s i c a l s e r v e r . In s u c h a
s y s t e m , o b s t a c l e a v o i d a n c e , l o a d d i s t r i b u t i o n and the l i ke
a r e r e a l i z e d by l i v e m i g r a t i o n t e c h n o l o g y t h a t m o v es
v i r t u a l m a c h i n e s to a n o t h e r p h y s i c a l s e r v e r or a m e m o ry
2 0 r e g i o n w i t h o u t s t o p p i n g t h e v i r t u a l m a c h i n e s i n o p e r a t i o n.
[ 0 0 0 3 ]
P a t e n t L i t e r a t u r e 1 d i s c l o s e s a c o n f i g u r a t i o n in
w h i c h , in a c o m p u t e r s y s t e m w h e r e a p l u r a l i t y of
c o m p u t e r s are c o n n e c t e d via a n e t w o r k , the c o m p u t er
25 s y s t e m is m a n a g e d u s i n g a V M ( V i r t u a l M a c h i n e)
m a n a g e m e n t a p p a r a t u s and an O p e n F l o w c o n t r o l l e r in
o r d e r to m a n a g e m a n a g e m e n t of a n e t w o r k and m a n a g e m e nt
of c o m p u t e r s in a u n i f i e d m a n n e r . The O p e n F l ow
c o n t r o l l e r s w i t c h e s a v i r t u a l m a c h i n e for c o m m u n i c a t i on
30 a c c o r d i n g to a MAC a d d r e s s in a p a c k e t to t h e r e b y r e d u ce
t h e t i m e r e q u i r e d t o s t o p the v i r t u a l m a c h i n e t h a t is
v i e w e d from a n e t w o r k s i d e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h m i g r a t i o n of
t h e v i r t u a l m a c h i n e.
[ 0 0 0 4 ]
s y s t e m ,
f l ow
The a b o v e - m e n t i o n e d o p e n c o n t r o l l e r is a t e c h n i q u e,
t h e s t a n d a r d s p e c i f i c a t i o n of w h i c h is f o r m u l a t e d by the
O p e n F l o w c o n s o r t i u m . In a n e t w o r k u s i n g t h e Open F l o w ,
c e n t r a l c o n t r o l on the n e t w o r k u s i n g an O p e n F l ow
5 c o n t r o l l e r s i m p l i f i e s the o p e r a t i o n of t h e n e t w o r k.
F u r t h e r , in the n e t w o r k u s i n g the O p e n F l o w , p a t h c o n t r ol
b y the u n i t of f l o w can r e a l i z e f l e x i b l e r o u t i n g , t h e r e by
i m p r o v i n g f a u l t t o l e r a n c e.
10 C i t a t i o n L i st
P a t e n t L i t e r a t u re
[ 0 0 0 5 ]
P a t e n t L i t e r a t u r e 1: J a p a n e s e U n e x a m i n e d P a t e nt
A p p l i c a t i o n P u b l i c a t i o n No. 2 0 1 1 - 0 7 0 5 49
1 5
S u m m a r y of I n v e n t i on
T e c h n i c a l P r o b l em
[ 0 0 0 6 ]
As a n e t w o r k to be c o n t r o l l e d u s i n g the O p e n F l o w,
2 0 t h e r e i s 3GPP ( 3 r d G e n e r a t i o n P a r t n e r s h i p P r o j e c t ) EPS
( E v o l v e d P a c k e t S y s t e m ) a r c h i t e c t u r e . The EPS s p e c i f i ed
i n the 3GPP t e c h n i c a l s p e c i f i c a t i o n is c o m p o s e d of LTE
( L o n g T e r m E v o l u t i o n ) , W-CDMA ( W i d e b a n d Code
D i v i s i o n M u l t i p l e A c c e s s ) , GERAN (GSM ( r e g i s t e r ed
2 5 t r a d e m a r k ) EDGE R a d i o A c c e s s N e t w o r k ) , h i g h s p e ed
w i r e l e s s c o m m u n i c a t i o n r e a l i z e d by N o n - 3 G P P a c c e ss
r e p r e s e n t e d by WiFi ( r e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k ) and a f l e x i b le
c o r e n e t w o r k p r o v i d e d by the EPC ( E v o l v e d P a c k e t C o r e ).
I n the 3GPP EPS a r c h i t e c t u r e , an SGW (a S e r v i n g GW)
3 0 that o p e r a t e s as a m o b i l i t y a n c h o r a p p a r a t u s is d i s p o s ed
on a u s e r d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n p a t h b e t w e e n a b a s e s t a t i on
f o r c o m m u n i c a t i n g w i t h t e r m i n a l s and a g a t e w a y a p p a r a t us
( P G W : P a c k e t D a t a N e t w o r k G W) t h a t is c o n n e c t e d to an
e x t e r n a l n e t w o r k . That i s , u s e r d a t a i s t r a n s f e r r e d via
3
a n y one of UE t h a t i n d i c a t e s a m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i on
a p p a r a t u s and a b a s e s t a t i o n ( e N B : e N o d e B ) u s e d in LTE,
a b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s (RNS) u s e d in W-CDMA, and a
b a s e s t a t i o n a p p a r a t u s ( B S S ) u s e d in GERAN, and SGW
5 and PGW. When many p r o c e s s i n g a p p a r a t u s e s are
d i s p o s e d on t h e u s e r d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n p a t h , t h e r e is a
p r o b l e m t h a t OPEX ( O p e r a t i o n E x p e n c e ) and CAPEX
( C a p i t a l E x p e n c e ) c o s t s i n c r e a s e , t h a t i s , e x c e s s i ve
c a p i t a l e x p e n d i t u r e and o p e r a t i o n a l e x p e n s e are r e q u i r e d,
10 and a l s o a p r o b l e m t h a t t r a n s m i s s i o n of t h e u s e r d a t a is
d e l a y e d . Thus, it has b e e n d e s i r e d to o p e r a t e a n e t w o rk
t h a t i n t r o d u c e s the O p e n F l o w c a p a b l e of r e a l i z i n g the
f l e x i b l e r o u t i n g i n t o the 3GPP EPS a r c h i t e c t u r e.
[ 0 0 0 7 ]
1 5 In o r d e r to s o l v e s u c h p r o b l e m s , an o b j e c t of t he
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n is to p r o v i d e a n e t w o r k s y s t e m , a p a th
c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s , a p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d , and a p r o g r am
t h a t can r e a l i z e f l e x i b l e r o u t i n g in a c o m m u n i c a t i on
n e t w o r k .
20
S o l u t i o n to P r o b l em
[ 0 0 0 8 ]
An e x e m p l a r y a s p e c t of t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n is a
n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g : a b a s e s t a t i o n ; a g a t e w a y ; and
2 5 path c o n t r o l m e a n s for c o n t r o l l i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a th
b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y . The p a th
c o n t r o l m e a n s is c o n f i g u r e d to p e r f o r m p a t h c o n t r o l on a
p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y u s i ng
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and the s e c o nd
3 0 i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h f i r st
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h the b a se
s t a t i o n and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the n e t w o rk
s y s t e m .
4
[ 0 0 0 9 ]
A s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y a s p e c t of t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i on
i s a p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for c o n t r o l l i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n a b a s e s t a t i o n and a g a t e w a y.
5 The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s p e r f o r m s p a t h c o n t r o l on a
p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y u s i ng
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and the s e c o nd
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h f i r st
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
1 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h t h e b a se
s t a t i o n and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the n e t w o rk
s y s t e m .
[ 0 0 10]
A t h i r d e x e m p l a r y a s p e c t of t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n is
15 a p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d for c o n t r o l l i n g a b a s e s t a t i o n , a
g a t e w a y , and a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n the b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y . The p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h od
i n c l u d e s p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n t he
b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
2 0 i n f o r m a t i o n . The s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is
a s s o c i a t e d w i t h f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for
i d e n t i f y i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t es
w i t h the b a s e s t a t i o n and is u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e a
n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
25 [00 11]
A f o u r t h e x e m p l a r y a s p e c t of t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i on
i s a p r o g r a m for c a u s i n g a c o m p u t e r to e x e c u t e c o n t r o l on
a b a s e s t a t i o n , a g a t e w a y , and a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a th
b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y . The p r o g r am
30 i n c l u d e s a s t e p of: p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a th
b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g s e c o nd
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n . The s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n is a s s o c i a t e d with f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h at
5
c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h the b a s e s t a t i o n and is u n i q u e ly
i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e a n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
1 A
A d v a n t a g e o u s E f f e c t s of I n v e n t i on
[ 0 0 1 2 ]
A c c o r d i n g to t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n , it is p o s s i b l e to
p r o v i d e a n e t w o r k s y s t e m , a p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s , a
p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d , and a p r o g r a m t h a t can r e a l i ze
f l e x i b l e r o u t i n g in a c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k.
B r i e f D e s c r i p t i o n of D r a w i n gs
[ 0 0 13]
F i g . 1 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t em
15 a c c o r d i n g to a f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 2 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t em
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 3 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a r o u t i n g c o n t r ol
m e t h o d a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
20 Fig. 4 is a c o n f i g u r a t i o n d i a g r a m of p a c k e t d a ta
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 5 is a c o n f i g u r a t i o n d i a g r a m of t h e p a c k e t d a ta
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 6 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of t h e n e t w o r k s y s t em
2 5 a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 7 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of t h e n e t w o r k s y s t em
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 8 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a p r o t o c o l s t a ck
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
30 Fig. 9 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a p r o t o c o l s t a ck
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 10 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g an a r r a n g e m e nt
o f R o u t e r s b e t w e e n eNB and PGW a c c o r d i n g to the f i r st
e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
6
F i g . 11 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g an IP a d d r e ss
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 12 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g r o u t i ng
i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t is u s e d in p a t h s e l e c t i o n a c c o r d i n g to the
5 first e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 13 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of a t t a ch
p r o c e s s i n g of UE ( U s e r E q u i p m e n t ) a c c o r d i n g to the f i r st
e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 14 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g u p d a te
10 p r o c e s s i n g of a r o u t i n g p o l i c y in t h e R o u t e r a c c o r d i n g to
t h e f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 15 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of
p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i m e of c o n n e c t i n g to an APN o t h e r t h an
a d e f a u l t APN a c c o r d i n g to the f i r s t e x e m p l a ry
15 e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 16 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of p a th
c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at the t i m e of h a n d o v e r a c c o r d i n g to
t h e f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 17 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l o w of t he
2 0 path c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i m e of h a n d o v e r a c c o r d i ng
t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 18 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g r o u t i n g p a t h s of
u s e r t r a f f i c b e f o r e and a f t e r h a n d o v e r p r o c e s s i n g and
d u r i n g h a n d o v e r a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a ry
2 5 e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 19 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of p a th
c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i m e of h a n d o v e r when an M M E
i s c h a n g e d a c c o r d i n g t o t h e f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 20 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of t he
3 0 path c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i m e of h a n d o v e r when the
MME is c h a n g e d a c c o r d i n g to the f i r s t e x e m p l a ry
e m b o d i m e n t ;
F i g . 21 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of p a th
c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at the t i m e of h a n d o v e r t h a t is
7
e x e c u t e d b e t w e e n eNBs a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a ry
e m b o d i m e n t ;
F i g . 22 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l o w of t he
p a t h c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at the t i m e of h a n d o v e r t h a t is
5 e x e c u t e d b e t w e e n t h e eNBs a c c o r d i n g to t h e f i r st
e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 23 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of
p r o c e s s i n g when the UE t r a n s i t i o n s to an I d l e s t a te
a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
10 Fig. 24 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l o w of NW
T r i g g e r e d S e r v i c e R e q u e s t p r o c e s s i n g a c c o r d i n g t o the
f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 25 is a d i a g r a m for e x p l a i n i n g a f l ow of t h e NW
T r i g g e r e d S e r v i c e R e q u e s t p r o c e s s i n g a c c o r d i n g t o the
1 5 first e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 26 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
eNB and PGW are t h e same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to
e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o gy
a c c o r d i n g to a s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
20 Fig. 27 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
RNC and PGW are the same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to
e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o gy
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 28 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
2 5 RNC and GGSN are t h e same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o se
t o e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o rk
t o p o l o g y a c c o r d i n g t o the s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 29 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
eNB and PGW are t h e same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to
3 0 each o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o gy
a c c o r d i n g t o the s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t;
F i g . 30 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
RNC and PGW are the same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to
e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o gy
8
a c c o r d i n g t o the s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t ; and
F i g . 31 is a b l o c k d i a g r a m of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m when
RNC and GGSN are t h e same a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o se
t o e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o rk
t o p o l o g y a c c o r d i n g t o the s e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t.
D e s c r i p t i o n of E m b o d i m e n ts
[ 0 0 1 4]
( F i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t)
1 0 Hereinafter, e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t s of t h e p r e s e nt
i n v e n t i o n s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d w i t h r e f e r e n c e t o the
d r a w i n g s . The p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n can be a p p l i e d to
O p e n F l o w , VXLAN ( V i r t u a l e x t e n s i b l e L o c a l Area
N e t w o r k ) , NVGRE ( N e t w o r k V i r t u al i z a t i o n u s i n g G e n e r ic
1 5 R o u t i n g ) , DOVE, C i s c o N E X U S , J u n i p e r Q F a b r ic
( r e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k ) and t h e l i k e . In t h e f o l l o w i ng
e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t s , an e x a m p l e u s i n g t h e O p e n F l ow
s h a l l be m a i n l y e x p l a i n e d . F i r s t l y , a c o n f i g u r a t i on
e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to a f i r st
2 0 e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d.
[ 0 0 1 5 ]
The n e t w o r k s y s t e m of F i g . 1 i n c l u d e s a b a s e s t a t i on
1 1 , a g a t e w a y 12, and a p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s 13. The
b a s e s t a t i o n 11 is an a p p a r a t u s m a i n l y u s e d in a m o b i le
2 5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k and p e r f o r m s w i r e l e ss
c o m m u n i c a t i o n w i t h a c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1 . The
g a t e w a y 12 r e l a y s c o m m u n i c a t i o n s b e t w e e n a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n a p p a r a t u s i n s i d e the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i on
n e t w o r k and an e x t e r n a l n e t w o r k , w h i c h is d i f f e r e n t from
3 0 the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k . The e x t e r n a l n e t w o rk
may b e , for e x a m p l e , a m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o rk
t h a t is d i f f e r e n t from the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o rk
t o w h i c h the b a s e s t a t i o n 11 b e l o n g s and may be an IP
n e t w o r k or t h e l i k e t h a t is m a n a g e d by, for e x a m p l e , a
9
p r o v i d e r .
[ 0 0 16]
The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s 13 c o n t r o l s a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n 11 and the
5 g a t e w a y 12. S p e c i f i c a l l y , t h e p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s 13
p e r f o r m s p a t h c o n t r o l u s i n g f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n al
101 t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h t h e b a s e s t a t i o n 11 and
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t i s a s s o c i a t e d w i th
0 the f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and u n i q u e ly
i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k . The
f i r s t and s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n may be, for
e x a m p l e , I P a d d r e s s e s . F u r t h e r , the f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n may be i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t c o m b i n es
5 i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n r e l a t e d to a p l u r a l i t y of l a y e r s .
For e x a m p l e , the f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n may be
i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t c o m b i n e s an IP a d d r e s s and i n f o r m a t i on
f o r i d e n t i f y i n g a w i r e l e s s c h a n n e l . F u r t h e r , the s e c o nd
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n may be, for e x a m p l e , a p p a r a t us
0 i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g an a p p a r a t us
a n d f l o w i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a f l o w.
The a p p a r a t u s i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and the f l ow
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n may be i n d i c a t e d by u s i n g a
l a b e l and the l i k e.
5 [00 1 7]
As has b e e n e x p l a i n e d , by u s i n g t h e p a t h c o n t r ol
a p p a r a t u s 13 in t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m of F i g . 1, a p a th
b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n 11 and the g a t e w a y 12 can be
f l e x i b l y c o n f i g u r e d . When a f a i l u r e o c c u r s in an
0 a p p a r a t u s w h i c h is b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n 11 and the
g a t e w a y 12, by c o n f i g u r i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h w h i le
c i r c u m v e n t i n g a f a i l u r e s p o t , it is p o s s i b l e to s e c u r e the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n 11 and the
g a t e w a y 12.
10
[ 0 0 1 8 ]
N e x t , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t em
t h a t is d e f i n e d by 3GPP s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 2.
The n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o w n in F i g . 2 is c o m p o s e d of eNBs
5 ( e N o d e B ) 21 to 2 3 , R o u t e r s 24 and 2 5 , PGWs 26 and 2 7,
a n HSS ( H o m e S u b s c r i b e r S e r v e r ) 28, a Combo C o n t r o l l er
n o d e ( h e r e i n a f t e r r e f e r r e d to as a c o m b o n o d e ) 30, and a
S e r v i c e S e r v e r 4 1 . The eNBs 21 to 2 3 , the R o u t e r s 24 and
2 5 , t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 , t h e HSS 28, and t h e c o m b o n o de
10 3 0 c o n s t i t u t e a 3 G P P EPS ( E v o l v e d P a c k e t S y s t e m)
a r c h i t e c t u r e .
[ 0 0 1 9]
The c o m b o n o d e 30 i n c l u d e s a pSGW ( p s e u d o - S e r v i n g
g a t e w a y ) 3 1 , an M M E ( M o b i l e M a n a g e m e n t E n t i t y ) 32, an
15 FC ( F l o w C o n t r o l l e r ) 3 3 , and a PCRF ( P o l i c y and
C h a r g i n g R u l e s F u n c t i o n ) 34.
[ 0 0 2 0 ]
The eNBs 21 to 23 are b a s e s t a t i o n s t h at
c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 u s i ng
20 the LTE s c h e m e t h a t is s p e c i f i e d by 3GPP as a w i r e l e ss
s c h e m e . The c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 i n c l u d e s a
m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l s u c h as a c e l l p h o ne
t e r m i n a l and a t e r m i n a l u s e d in MTC ( M a c h i n e Type
C o m m u n i c a t i o n ) . The t e r m i n a l u s e d in MTC may be, for
25 e x a m p l e , a t e r m i n a l t h a t m o v e s l e s s f r e q u e n t l y , s u c h as a
v e n d i n g m a c h i n e w i t h a w i r e l e s s c o m m u n i c a t i o n f u n c t i o n.
[ 0 0 2 1 ]
The PGWs 26 and 27 are l o g i c a l n o d e s h a v i n g an
i n t e r f a c e f u n c t i o n b e t w e e n an EPS and the S e r v i c e s e r v er
3 0 41 t h a t is d i s p o s e d in t h e E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k . That i s,
t r a n s m i s s i o n and r e c e p t i o n of d a t a b e t w e e n a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n a p p a r a t u s i n s i d e the EPS and the S e r v i ce
s e r v e r 41 is p e r f o r m e d via t h e PGW 26 or 27.
[ 0 0 2 2 ]
11
The S e r v i c e s e r v e r 41 is a s e r v e r a p p a r a t u s d i s p o s ed
i n s i d e the E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k a n d , for e x a m p l e , a Web
s e r v e r , a s t o r a g e a p p a r a t u s and t h e l i k e t h a t s t o r e s v i d eo
d a t a .
5 [0023]
The R o u t e r s 24 and 25 p e r f o r m d a t a t r a n s m i s s i on
b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27. The
R o u t e r 24 is c o n n e c t e d to the eNBs 21 to 2 3 , r e c e i v es
d a t a t r a n s m i t t e d from t h e eNBs 21 to 2 3 , and d i s t r i b u t es
10 data a d d r e s s e d to t h e eNBs 21 to 23 to t h e eNBs 2 1 to 2 3.
The R o u t e r 25 is c o n n e c t e d to t h e PGWs 26 and 27,
r e c e i v e s d a t a t r a n s m i t t e d f r om t h e PGWs 26 and 27, and
d i s t r i b u t e s d a t a a d d r e s s e d to t h e PGWs 26 and 27 to t he
PGWs 26 and 2 7.
15 [0024]
A l t h o u g h o n l y t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 25 are i l l u s t r a t ed
i n F i g . 2, t h r e e or m o r e R o u t e r s may be d i s p o s e d to
e n a b l e r o u t e s e l e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and the
PGWs 26 and 27. F u r t h e r , t h e p l u r a l i t y of R o u t e rs
20 d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n the eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and
27 may be c o n n e c t e d in a m e s h e d m a n n e r . There are the
f o l l o w i n g b e n e f i t s from c o n n e c t i n g the p l u r a l i t y of
R o u t e r s t h a t are d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and
t h e PGWs 26 and 27 in a m e s h e d m a n n e r.
25 [0025]
When the eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27 are
c o n n e c t e d u s i n g a t h r e e - t i e r s t r u c t u r e as a h i e r a r c h i c al
s t r u c t u r e , for e x a m p l e , t h e eNBs 21 and 22 are c o n n e c t ed
t o the PGW 26 via a g a t e w a y s u c h as SGW and SGSN
3 0 ( S e r v i n g GPRS S u p p o r t N o d e ) , and t h e eNB 23 is
c o n n e c t e d to t h e PGW 27 via a g a t e w a y s u c h as SGW and
SGSN. Note t h a t the eNB 21 and t h e SGW are c o n n e c t ed
v i a a R o u t e r , and the SGW and the PGW are a l so
c o n n e c t e d via a R o u t e r . In t h i s c a s e , when a f a i l u re
12
o c c u r s in t h e g a t e w a y s u c h as the SGW and t h e SGSN, the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and the PGWs
26 and 27 may not be m a i n t a i n e d . On t h e o t h e r h a n d , by
c o n n e c t i n g t h e R o u t e r s d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n the eNBs 21 to
5 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27 in a m e s h e d m a n n e r , even
w h e n a f a i l u r e o c c u r s at any p o i n t b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to
2 3 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27, the c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e en
t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGW 26 or 27 can be
m a i n t a i n e d by c i r c u m v e n t i n g the f a i l u r e s p o t ..
i n T A A O ^T
1 V [ U U / U]
The c o m b o n o d e 30 u p d a t e s a r o u t i n g t a b l e and the
l i k e of t h e R o u t e r s t h a t are d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21
t o 23 and the PGWs 26 and 27 and p e r f o r m s p a t h c o n t r ol
b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 . The
15 path c o n t r o l b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26
a n d 27 is m a i n l y e x e c u t e d u s i n g t h e FC 3 3.
[ 0 0 2 7 ]
The r o u t i n g t a b l e may be m a n a g e d by a s s o c i a t i n g,
f o r e x a m p l e , an IP a d d r e s s t h a t is a l l o c a t e d to a
2 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and t h e F l o w L a b e l t h a t is
a s s i g n e d to the eNB or the PGW w i t h d e s t i n a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n . For e x a m p l e , the R o u t e r s 24 and 25 may
h o l d the r o u t i n g t a b l e i n d i c a t i n g t h a t d a t a i s t r a n s m i t t ed
t o the eNB 21 when t h e IP a d d r e s s of t h e d e s t i n a t i on
2 5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l is IP a d d r e s s #A and the F l ow
L a b e l of t h e d e s t i n a t i o n eNB is F l o w L a b e l #A. F u r t h e r,
t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 25 may h o l d the r o u t i n g t a b le
i n d i c a t i n g t h a t d a t a is t r a n s m i t t e d to the eNB 22 when the
I P a d d r e s s of t h e d e s t i n a t i o n c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l is
3 0 the IP a d d r e s s #A and t h e F l o w L a b e l of t h e d e s t i n a t i on
eNB is t h e F l o w L a b e l # B . F u r t h e r m o r e , the R o u t e r s 24
a n d 25 may h o l d the r o u t i n g t a b l e i n d i c a t i n g t h a t d a t a is
t r a n s m i t t e d to the PGW 26 when the IP a d d r e s s of t he
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l is an a r b i t r a r y IP a d d r e s s and the
13
F l o w L a b e l is F l o w L a b e l # C . That i s , the c o m m u n i c a t i on
p a t h b e t w e e n the eNB and the PGW may be c o n f i g u r ed
u s i n g o n l y t h e F l o w L a b e l r e g a r d l e s s of t h e IP a d d r e s s of
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l.
5 [0028]
The F l o w L a b e l is a L a b e l m a n a g e d by t h e FC 33 t h at
i s an O p e n F l o w c o n t r o l l e r . The FC 33 m a n a g e s t h e F l ow
L a b e l so as to u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f y e a c h a p p a r a t u s.
M o r e o v e r , t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 25 are F l o w R o u t e r s (FR)
1 0 that are c o n t r o l l e d by t h e O p e n F l o w c o n t r o l l e r and e n a b le
e x e c u t i o n of r o u t i n g b a s e d on the F l o w L a b e l t o g e t h er
w i t h t h e IP a d d r e s s.
[ 0 0 2 9 ]
N e x t , an o u t l i n e of f u n c t i o n s of t h e pSGW 3 1 , the
1 5 MME 32, and t h e PCRF 34 t h a t are i n c l u d e d in t h e c o m bo
n o d e 30 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d . The pSGW 31 is u s e d to
t r a n s m i t an i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e to the c o m m u n i c a t i on
t e r m i n a l 10 1 . When an i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e is g e n e r a t e d for
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1 , t h e MME 32 t r a n s m i t s a
2 0 p a g i n g s i g n a l t o t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 t h at
b e l o n g s to a c e l l m a n a g e d by any one of t h e eNBs 21 to
2 3 . When an i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e is g e n e r a t e d for t he
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1 , the i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e t o the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 is t r a n s m i t t e d u s i n g the
25 pSGW 31 as a d e s t i n a t i o n . The c o m b o n o d e 30 t h en
r e c e i v e s the i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e t h a t is a d d r e s s e d t o the
p S GW 3 1 . N e x t , t h e MME 32 t r a n s m i t s a p a g i n g s i g n a l to
t h e eNBs 21 to 23 in o r d e r to c a l l t h e c o m m u n i c a t i on
t e r m i n a l 10 1 . When the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 t h at
30 is c o n n e c t e d to any one of t h e eNBs 21 to 23 r e c e i v e s the
p a g i n g s i g n a l , the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 t r a n s m i t s a
r e s p o n s e s i g n a l to t h e MME 32 via t h e c o n n e c t e d eNB. By
d o i n g so, the MME 32 w i l l k n o w w h i c h eNB the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 is c o n n e c t e d t o . The MME 32
14
n o t i f i e s the pSGW 31 of t h e eNB w h i c h the c o m m u n i c a t i on
t e r m i n a l 101 is c o n n e c t e d t o . The pSGW 31 t r a n s m i t s the
i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e t o the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 via
t h e eNB s e n t f r om t h e M M E 32. By u s i n g t h e pSGW 31 in
5 this way, i n c o m i n g p r o c e s s i n g can be p e r f o r m e d on the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1.
[ 0 0 3 0 ]
The PCRF 34 e x e c u t e s p o l i c y c o n t r o l and c h a r g i ng
c o n t r o l . The PCRF 34 may n o t i f y , for e x a m p l e , t h e eNB
1 0 21, the PGW 26 or t h e l i k e of p o l i c y c o n t r o l i n f o r m a t i on
t h a t i s a p p l i e d t o d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n . The eNB 2 1 , t he
PGW 26 or t h e l i k e e x e c u t e s d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n b a s e d on
t h e p o l i c y c o n t r o l i n f o r m a t i o n s e n t from the PCRF 34.
[ 0 0 3 1 ]
15 Next, t h e HSS 28 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d . The HSS 28 is
a n a p p a r a t u s for m a n a g i n g s u b s c r i b e r i n f o r m a t i o n of t he
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 and t h e l i k e . The HSS 28
may f u r t h e r m a n a g e i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and the
l i k e of t h e MME t h a t m a n a g e s the eNB on w h i c h t he
2 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 c a m p s.
[ 0 0 3 2 ]
A b e n e f i t from p e r f o r m i n g the a b o v e - m e n t i o n ed
r o u t i n g c o n t r o l u s i n g the c o m b o n o d e 30 s h a l l be
e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 3.
25 [0033]
A n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o w n in F i g . 3 is c o m p o s e d of an
EPS 10, an E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 1, and an E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 2.
The EPS 10, as has b e e n e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 2, i n c l u d es
t h e eNB 2 1 , t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 , t h e HSS 2 8 , and the
3 0 Combo C o n t r o l l e r 30. The EPS 10 f u r t h e r i n c l u d es
R o u t e r s 81 to 83 for p e r f o r m i n g d a t a t r a n s m i s s i on
b e t w e e n the eNB 21 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27.
[ 0 0 3 4 ]
The E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 1 i n c l u d e s the S e r v i c e S e r v er
15
4 1 . The E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 1 may b e , for e x a m p l e , an IMS
( I P M u l t i m e d i a S u b s y s t e m ) . The E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 2
i n c l u d e s a S e r v i c e S e r v e r 4 2 . The E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k 2 i s,
f o r e x a m p l e , a n e t w o r k m a n a g e d by a p r o v i d e r and may be
5 a n e t w o r k on t h e s o - c a l l e d I n t e r n e t . S u p p o s e t h a t t he
S e r v i c e S e r v e r s 41 and 42 h a v e the same IP a d d r e s s . The
I P a d d r e s s of t h e S e r v i c e S e r v e r s 41 and 42 may be set as,
f o r e x a m p l e , 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 5 . F u r t h e r , F l o w L a b e l ABC is
a l l o c a t e d t o t h e PGW 26, w h i l e F l o w L a b e l DEF is
1 0 a l l o c a t e d to t h e PGW 2 7.
[ 0 0 3 5 ]
When the d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n i s p e r f o r m e d u s i n g the
I P a d d r e s s a l l o c a t e d t o the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l , and
t h e same IP a d d r e s s e x i s t s i n d i f f e r e n t n e t w o r k s , the
1 5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l c a n n o t be u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d.
H o w e v e r , by u s i n g t h e F l o w L a b e l i n t h i s c a s e , t he
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l can be u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d . When
t h e d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 5 and t h e F l ow
L a b e l : ABC a r e set to a p a c k e t , t h e R o u t e r s 81 to 83
2 0 t r a n s f e r t h e p a c k e t to t h e PGW 26. The PGW 26 t h en
t r a n s m i t s t h e p a c k e t to t h e S e r v i c e S e r v e r 41 b a s e d on the
d e s t i n a t i o n I P a d d r e s s : 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 5.
[ 0 0 3 6 ]
When the d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s : 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 5 and
25 Flow L a b e l : DEF are set to a p a c k e t , t h e R o u t e r s 81 to 83
t r a n s f e r t h e p a c k e t to the PGW 27. The PGW 27 t h en
t r a n s m i t s t h e p a c k e t to t h e S e r v i c e S e r v e r 42 b a s e d on the
d e s t i n a t i o n I P a d d r e s s : 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 5.
[ 0 0 3 7 ]
3 0 In t h i s m a n n e r , e v e n when t h e d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e ss
o v e r l a p s , by u s i n g t h e F l o w L a b e l t h a t i s u n i q u e ly
i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the E P S , the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l can
b e i d e n t i f i e d , and t h e d a t a can be t r a n s m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 3 8]
16
N e x t , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of p a c k e t d a t a s h a ll
be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 4 and 5. F i r s t l y , an e x a m p l e of
Up L i n k t r a f f i c s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 4. The Up
L i n k t r a f f i c i n d i c a t e s d a t a t r a n s m i t t e d from the
5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l to the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i on
n e t w o r k . The c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 s e t s the IP
a d d r e s s t h a t i d e n t i f i e s t h e S e r v i c e S e r v e r 41 to an IP
h e a d e r . F u r t h e r , the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101
t r a n s m i t s p a c k e t d a t a t o t h e eNB 2 1 . The eNB 21 t h en
10 sets a F l o w L a b e l for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e PGW 26 to the
r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a and t r a n s m i t s the p a c k e t d a t a t o the
R o u t e r 24. The eNB 21 may m a n a g e a c o r r e s p o n d e n ce
t a b l e b e t w e e n t h e d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s e s and F l ow
L a b e l s and set t h e F l o w L a b e l c o r r e s p o n d i n g to t h e IP
1 5 a d d r e s s t h a t has b e e n set t o t h e r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a.
A l t e r n a t i v e l y , t h e eNB 21 may o b t a i n t h e F l o w L a b e l from
t h e c o m b o n o d e 30.
When t h e r e are a p l u r a l i t y of IP a d d r e s s e s , the F l ow
L a b e l t h a t has b e e n set to th e PGW may be s e l e c t e d b a s ed
2 0 on an APN ( A c c e s s P o i n t N a m e ) s p e c i f i e d by the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1.
[ 0 0 3 9 ]
The R o u t e r 24 t r a n s m i t s the p a c k e t d a t a t o the PGW
2 6 b a s e d on t h e IP a d d r e s s and the F l o w L a b e l t h a t h a ve
2 5 been set to the p a c k e t d a t a . The PGW 26 r e m o v e s the
F l o w L a b e l f r om the r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a when it is
n e c e s s a r y t o r e m o v e the F l o w L a b e l and t r a n s m i t s the
p a c k e t d a t a , from w h i c h t h e F l o w L a b e l has been r e m o v e d,
t o the S e r v i c e S e r v e r 4 1 .
3 0 [0040]
An e x a m p l e of Down L i n k t r a f f i c s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
u s i n g F i g . 5. The Down L i n k t r a f f i c i n d i c a t e s d a t a t h at
i s t r a n s m i t t e d from the m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k to
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1 . The S e r v i c e S e r v e r 41
17
s e t s the IP a d d r e s s for i d e n t i f y i n g the c o m m u n i c a t i on
t e r m i n a l 101 to the IP h e a d e r . F u r t h e r , the S e r v i ce
S e r v e r 41 t r a n s m i t s p a c k e t d a t a t o the PGW 26. The PGW
2 6 f u r t h e r s e t s F l o w L a b e l for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e eNB 21 to
5 the r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a and t r a n s m i t s the p a c k e t d a t a to
t h e R o u t e r 2 4 . The PGW 26 may m a n a g e a c o r r e s p o n d e n ce
t a b l e b e t w e e n the d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s e s and F l ow
L a b e l s and set the F l o w L a b e l c o r r e s p o n d i n g to the IP
a d d r e s s t h a t has b e e n set t o t h e r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a.
1 0 A l t e r n a t i v e l y , the PGW 26 may o b t a i n the F l o w L a b el
f r om the c o m b o node 30.
[ 0 0 4 1 ]
The R o u t e r 24 t r a n s m i t s t h e p a c k e t d a t a t o the eNB
2 1 b a s e d on t h e IP a d d r e s s and t h e F l o w L a b e l t h a t h a ve
1 5 been set to t h e p a c k e t d a t a . The eNB 21 r e m o v e s t he
F l o w L a b e l from the r e c e i v e d p a c k e t d a t a when it is
n e c e s s a r y t o r e m o v e the F l o w L a b e l and t r a n s m i t s the
p a c k e t d a t a , from w h i c h t h e F l o w L a b e l has b e e n r e m o v e d,
t o the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 10 1 .
2 0 [0042]
N e x t , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t em
d e f i n e d by 3GPP t h a t is d i f f e r e n t from the n e t w o r k s y s t em
s h o w n in F i g . 2 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 6. In the
n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o w n in F i g . 6, RNCs ( R a d i o N e t w o rk
25 C o n t r o l l e r s ) 51 to 53 are u s e d in p l a c e of t h e eNBs 21 to
2 3 s h o w n in F i g . 2. F u r t h e r , in t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o wn
i n F i g . 6, an SGSN 35 is u s e d in p l a c e of t h e MME 32
s h o w n in F i g . 2. The RNCs 51 to 53 c o n t r o l b a s e s t a t i o ns
u s e d m a i n l y in a 3G s y s t e m . For e x a m p l e , the RNCs 51 to
3 0 53 p e r f o r m h a n d o v e r c o n t r o l and the l i k e b e t w e e n b a se
s t a t i o n s . The SGSN 35 is c o n n e c t e d to a w i r e l e s s a c c e ss
s y s t e m t h a t is u s e d in the 3G s y s t e m and p e r f o r m s d a ta
p r o c e s s i n g on U - P l a n e d a t a and C - P l a n e d a t a . As the
r e m a i n i n g c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 6 is the same as the
18
c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 2, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of t he
r e m a i n i n g c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 6 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 4 3 ]
N e x t , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t em
5 d e f i n e d by 3GPP t h a t is d i f f e r e n t from the n e t w o rk
s y s t e m s s h o w n in F i g s . 2 and 6 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i ng
F i g . 7. In t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o w n in F i g . 7, GGSNs
( G a t e w a y GPRS S u p p o r t N o d e ) 61 and 62 are u s e d in p l a ce
o f t h e PGWs 26 and 27 s h o w n in F i g . 6. U n l i k e t h e c o m bo
1 0 node 30 s h o w n in F i g . 6, the n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o w n in F i g.
7 d o e s not i n c l u d e t h e pSGW 31 in the c o m b o n o d e 30.
The GGSNs 61 and 62 are l o g i c n o d e s i n c l u d i n g an
i n t e r f a c e f u n c t i o n t o the E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k , and the
f u n c t i o n is d e f i n e d in the 3GPP t e c h n i c a l s p e c i f i c a t i o n.
1 5 M o r e o v e r , t h e GGSNs 61 and 62 do not c o m m u n i c a t e w i th
t h e SGW. For t h i s r e a s o n , t h e pSGW 31 is not i n c l u d e d in
t h e c o m b o n o d e 30. In F i g . 7, p r o c e s s i n g r e g a r d i n g t he
i n c o m i n g m e s s a g e t h a t is r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e pSGW 31 is
p e r f o r m e d by t h e SGSN 3 5 . As t h e r e m a i n i ng
20 c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 7 is t h e same as t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n in
F i g . 6, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of t h e r e m a i n i ng
c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 7 s h a l l be o m i t t e d . F u r t h e r , by
u s i n g a BSC ( B a s e S t a t i o n C o n t r o l l e r ) in p l a c e of t he
RNCs 51 to 5 3 , t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n can be a p p l i e d to a
2 5 s o - c a l l e d 2G s y s t e m.
[ 0 0 4 4 ]
N e x t , a p r o t o c o l s t a c k b e t w e e n the c o m m u n i c a t i on
t e r m i n a l , the eNB, and t h e PGW s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i ng
F i g . 8. L 1 / M A C t h a t is u s e d b e t w e e n t h e c o m m u n i c a t i on
3 0 t e r m i n a l and t h e eNB is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h L 1 / L 2 t h a t is
u s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNB and the PGW. F u r t h e r , RLC ( R a d io
L i n k C o n t r o l ) , PDCP ( P a c k e t D a t a C o n t r o l P r o t o c o l ) , and
U s e r IP t h a t are u s e d b e t w e e n the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n al
and the eNB are a s s o c i a t e d w i t h U s e r IP + F l o w l a b e l t h at
19
i s u s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNB and the PGW. User a p p l i c a t i on
i s not p r o c e s s e d at t h e eNB and t r a n s m i t t e d . In F i g . 9,
RNC is u s e d in p l a c e of t h e eNB in F i g . 8, and t he
p r o t o c o l s t a c k is the same as the one in F i g . 8. Note t h at
5 GGSN may be u s e d in p l a c e of t h e PGW.
[ 0 0 4 5 ]
The User IP + F l o w l a b e l is i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i on
t h a t i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the E P S . S p e c i f i c a l ly
b y u s i n g t h e p r o t o c o l s t a c k s s h o w n in F i g s . 8 and 9, t he
10 User IP + F l o w l a b e l t h a t is u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e t he
EPS is u s e d at the t i m e of p e r f o r m i n g t h e p a t h c o n t r ol
b e t w e e n t h e eNB or t h e RNC and t h e PGW. When t h e U s er
I P + F l o w l a b e l is u s e d , it is not n e c e s s a r y to use the U s er
I P , t h e P D C P , t h e RLC, and i n f o r m a t i o n of a p l u r a l i t y of
1 5 l a y e r s , t h u s it is p o s s i b l e to s i m p l i f y t h e p r o c e s s i n g by
a n a p p a r a t u s t h a t is d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNB or t h e RNC
a n d the PGW. H o w e v e r , when the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n al
i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e t h e EPS o n l y by the User I P,
t h e F l o w l a b e l may be u n n e c e s s a r y.
2 0 [0046]
N e x t , a p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d b e t w e e n the eNB and t he
PGW s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 10 and 1 1 . Fig. 10 is
a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m in w h i ch
R o u t e r s 111 to 118 are d i s p o s e d b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to
25 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 . Each of t h e eNBs 21 to 23
a r e c o n n e c t e d to e a c h of t h e R o u t e r s 111 to 114. Each of
t h e PGWs 26 and 27 are c o n n e c t e d to e a c h of t h e R o u t e rs
115 to 118. F u r t h e r , t h e R o u t e r 111 is c o n n e c t e d to the
R o u t e r s 115 to 118. S i m i l a r l y , e a c h of t h e R o u t e r s 112 to
30 114 is c o n n e c t e d to e a c h of t h e R o u t e r s 115 to 118.
[ 0 0 4 7 ]
F i g . 11 s h o w s a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of an IP
a d d r e s s t h a t is a l l o c a t e d to t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and the
PGWs 26 and 27 in the c a s e in w h i c h NAT R o u t i n g is
20
p e r f o r m e d i n s i d e t h e E P S . The IP a d d r e s s i n c l u d e s bit
s p a c e s A and B for i d e n t i f y i n g p a s s i n g r o u t e r s and a bit
s p a c e C for i d e n t i f y i n g the eNBs 21 to 23 and PGWs 26
and 27. The bit s p a c e s A to C are set at a r b i t r a ry
5 p o s i t i o n s in t h e IP a d d r e s s.
[ 0 0 4 8 ]
As for t h e eNB 2 1 , for e x a m p l e , 0001 is set to t he
l e a s t s i g n i f i c a n t four b i t s t h a t are d e f i n e d as the bit
s p a c e C. When t h e p a t h i s v i a t h e R o u t e r 1 1 1 , two b i ts
10 00 are set to t h e bit s p a c e A. S i m i l a r l y , w h e n p a t h is via
t h e R o u t e r s 112 to 114, 01 to 11 are set to t h e b i t s p a ce
A. When the p a t h is v i a t h e R o u t e r 1 1 5 , two b i t s 00 are
s e t to t h e bit s p a c e B. L i k e w i s e , when t h e p a t h is via t he
R o u t e r s 116 to 1 1 8 , 01 to 11 are set to t h e b i t s p a c e B.
15 By c o m b i n i n g t h e s e bit s p a c e s , a p l u r a l i t y of IP a d d r e s s es
w i t h d i f f e r e n t c o m b i n a t i o n s of t h e bit s p a c e s A and B are
a l l o c a t e d t o t h e eNB 2 1 . S i m i l a r l y for t h e eNBs 22 and
23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 , a p l u r a l i t y of IP a d d r e s s es
w i t h d i f f e r e n t c o m b i n a t i o n s of t h e bit s p a c e s A and B are
2 0 a l l o c a t e d.
[ 0 0 4 9 ]
For e x a m p l e , the d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s when d a t a is
t r a n s m i t t e d f r om t h e PGW 26 to the eNB 21 s h a l l be
e x p l a i n e d . When t h e R o u t e r 111 and t h e R o u t e r 115 are
2 5 used as R o u t e r s b e t w e e n t h e PGW 26 and t h e eNB 2 1 , t he
PGW 26 s e t s 00 to the bit s p a c e A, s e t s 00 to the bit
s p a c e B, and s e t s 0 0 0 1 to the bit s p a c e C as the
d e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s e s . By c o n f i g u r i n g t h e IP
d e s t i n a t i o n a d d r e s s in t h i s m a n n e r , the PGW 26 t r a n s m i ts
3 0 p a c k e t d a t a to the R o u t e r 115 b a s e d on t h e bit s p a c e B.
F u r t h e r , the R o u t e r 115 t r a n s m i t s t h e p a c k e t d a t a t o the
R o u t e r 111 b a s e d on t h e b i t s p a c e A. F u r t h e r m o r e , the
R o u t e r 111 t r a n s m i t s t h e p a c k e t d a t a t o t h e eNB 21 b a s ed
on the bit s p a c e C.
21
[ 0 0 5 0 ]
The s e v e n b i t s of t h e bit s p a c e s A + B + C may be u s ed
a s the F l o w l a b e l . The p a t h s b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23
a n d t h e PGWs 26 and 27 are s e l e c t e d u s i n g t h e F l o w l a b el
5 that has b e e n set in t h e a b o v e way. In t h e Down L i nk
t r a f f i c , t h e eNBs 21 to 23 c h a n g e t h e IP a d d r e s s e s , w h i ch
a r e a l l o c a t e d to t h e eNBs 21 to 23 t h a t are set to the
D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s e s of t h e IP h e a d e r by t h e NAT
f u n c t i o n , to t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s , w h i c h is a l l o c a t e d t o t he
1 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 1 0 1 , and t r a n s m i t p a c k e t d a t a to
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 10 1 . F u r t h e r , in the Up L i nk
t r a f f i c , in a m a n n e r s i m i l a r to t h a t of t h e a b o v e c a s e , the
PGWs 26 and 27 c h a n g e t h e IP a d d r e s s , w h i c h is a l l o c a t ed
t o t h e PGW 26 or 27 t h a t is set to t h e D e s t i n a t i o n IP
.15 a d d r e s s of t h e IP h e a d e r by t h e NAT f u n c t i o n , to the
D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s , w h i c h is a l l o c a t e d t o the S e r v i ce
S e r v e r 4 1 , and t r a n s m i t s p a c k e t d a t a t o the S e r v i c e S e r v er
4 1 .
[ 0 0 5 1]
2 0 An e x a m p l e of t h e p a t h c h a n g e m e t h o d u s i n g the
c o m b o n o d e 30 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d b e l o w . For e x a m p l e,
w h e n a f a i l u r e o c c u r s in t h e R o u t e r 1 1 1 , t h e c o m b o n o de
3 0 may t r a n s m i t an i n s t r u c t i o n s i g n a l to t h e R o u t e r s 115
t o 118 for i n s t r u c t i n g a r e w r i t e of t h e bit s p a c e A to 01
25 in t h e F l o w l a b e l , t h e b i t s p a c e A of w h i c h has b e e n set
t o 00. Then, t h e p a t h b e t w e e n t h e PGW 26 and the eNB
2 1 is c h a n g e d t o the p a t h t h a t p a s s e s t h r o u g h the R o u t er
112 i n s t e a d of t h e p a t h p a s s i n g t h r o u g h the R o u t e r 111 in
w h i c h a f a i l u r e o c c u r s.
3 0 [ 0 0 5 2]
A l t h o u g h in the a b o v e e x a m p l e , the s e v e n b i t s of t he
b i t s p a c e s A + B + C are u s e d as the F l o w l a b e l , a 3 2 - b i t IP
a d d r e s s i n c l u d i n g the s e v e n b i t s of t h e bit s p a c e s A + B + C
may be u s e d as the F l o w l a b e l . As the 3 2 - b i t IP a d d r e ss
22
i n c l u d i n g t h e s e v e n b i t s of t h e bit s p a c e s A + B + C is
u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e t h e E P S , it is d e f i n e d as G l o b al
I P i n s i d e t h e E P S . An a d d r e s s f o r m a t of t h e G l o b a l IP
may be a P r i v a t e IP t h a t is u s e d i n s i d e a c l o s e d s p a c e and
5 may be a s o - c a l l e d G l o b a l IP t h a t is u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i ed
f r om a m o n g all u s e r s t h a t are c o n n e c t e d t o t h e I n t e r n e t.
[ 0 0 5 3 ]
N e x t , an e x a m p l e of r o u t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n (R I ) t h a t is
u s e d for p a t h s e l e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and the
10 PGWs 26 and 27 s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 12. UP
L i n k (U L ) r o u t i n g s h a l l be a d a t a c o m m u n i c a t i o n f l o w i ng
i n a d i r e c t i o n f r om t h e eNBs 21 to 23 to t h e PGWs 26 and
2 7 , w h i l e DOWN L i n k (DL) r o u t i n g s h a l l be a d a ta
c o m m u n i c a t i o n in a d i r e c t i o n from the PGWs 26 and 27 to
1 5 the eNBs 21 to 2 3 . F u r t h e r , t h e IP a d d r e s s a l l o c a t e d to
t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l 101 s h a l l be a U s e r IP
a d d r e s s , w h i l e t h e IP a d d r e s s a l l o c a t e d t o t h e S e r v i ce
S e r v e r 41 s h a l l be a D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s.
[ 0 0 5 4 ]
2 0 Firstly, when the D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and the
U s e r IP a d d r e s s do not o v e r l a p and are u n i q u e ly
i d e n t i f i e d in a p l u r a l i t y of n e t w o r k s , the UL r o u t i ng
i n f o r m a t i o n ( U L R I ) t h a t is u s e d for p a t h s e l e c t i on
b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and the PGWs 26 and 27 w i ll
2 5 be t h e D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s . M o r e o v e r , when t he
D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s do not
o v e r l a p and are u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d , the DL r o u t i ng
i n f o r m a t i o n u s e d for p a t h s e l e c t i o n b e t w e e n the eNBs 21
t o 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 27 w i l l be t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s.
30 [0055]
N e x t , when t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t he
D e s t i n a t i o n I P a d d r e s s and t h e U s e r I P a d d r e s s o v e r l a p,
a n d o n l y t h e F l o w l a b e l is u s e d for p a t h s e l e c t i o n b e t w e en
t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and 2 7 , F l o w l a b e l 1
23
i s u s e d as the ULRI and t h e F l o w l a b e l 2 is u s e d as the
D L R I .
[ 0 0 5 6 ]
N e x t , when t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t he
5 D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and t h e User IP a d d r e s s o v e r l a p,
a n d t h e IP a d d r e s s and one F l o w l a b e l are u s e d for p a th
s e l e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and
2 7 , t h e D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and t h e F l o w l a b e l 1 are
u s e d as t h e ULRI and t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s and the Flow
10 label I are u s e d as t h e D L R I.
[ 0 0 5 7 ]
N e x t , when t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t t he
D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s o v e r l a p,
a n d t h e IP a d d r e s s and two F l o w l a b e l s are u s e d for p a th
15 s e l e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e eNBs 21 to 23 and t h e PGWs 26 and
2 7 , t h e D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and t h e F l o w l a b e l 1 are
u s e d as the ULRI and t h e U s e r IP a d d r e s s and the F l ow
l a b e l 2 are u s e d as t h e D L R I.
[ 0 0 5 8 ]
2 0 Next, when t h e r e is a p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t the
D e s t i n a t i o n IP a d d r e s s and the U s e r IP a d d r e s s o v e r l a p,
a n d NAT r o u t i n g is p e r f o r m e d , G l o b a l IP a d d r e s s 1 is
u s e d as the ULRI and G l o b a l IP a d d r e s s 2 is u s e d as the
D L R I .
2 5 [0059]
N e x t , a f l o w of a t t a c h p r o c e s s i n g of UE ( U s er
E q u i p m e n t ) a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e nt
o f t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 13.
The UE is a name i n d i c a t i n g a m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i on
3 0 a p p a r a t u s or t h e l i k e t h a t is u s e d in t h e 3GPP s y s t e m.
F u r t h e r , in t h i s d r a w i n g , t h e pSGW 3 1 , the MME 32, the
< FC 3 3 , and t h e PCRF 34 are c o n f i g u r e d u s i n g the same
a p p a r a t u s . An a p p a r a t u s c o n f i g u r e d u s i n g the pSGW 3 1,
t h e MME 32, t h e FC 3 3 , and t h e PCRF 34 s h a l l be r e f e r r ed
24
t o as a c o m b o n o d e.
[ 0 0 6 0 ]
F i r s t l y , the UE t r a n s m i t s an ATTACH s i g n a l to the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) so as to r e q u e s t a r e g i s t r a t i on
5 in a m o b i l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n n e t w o r k ( S 1 1 ) . The t e rm
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e f u n c t i o n of
t h e MME 32 in the c o m b o n o d e is u s e d . The t e r m s combo
n o d e ( t h e FC 33) and c o m b o n o d e ( t h e pSGW 31)
d e s c r i b e d b e l o w a l s o i n d i c a t e t h a t the f u n c t i o n s of t h e FC
10 33 and t h e pSGW 3 1 are u s e d , r e s p e c t i v e l y . N e x t , t he
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) e x e c u t e s a u t h e n t i c a t i on
p r o c e s s i n g and t h e l i k e on t h e UE t h a t has t r a n s m i t t e d the
A T T A C H s i g n a l ( A u t h e n t i c a t i o n / S e c u r i t y p r o c e d u r e ; S 1 2 ).
[ 0 0 6 1 ]
1 5 Next, the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s an
" U p d a t e L o c a t i o n r e q u e s t " t o the HSS (Home S u b s c r i b er
S e r v e r ) 28 in o r d e r t o o b t a i n s u b s c r i b e r i n f o r m a t i o n and
t h e l i k e of t h e UE ( S 1 3 ) . The HSS 28 t r a n s m i t s an
" U p d a t e L o c a t i o n A c k " as a r e s p o n s e s i g n a l to the
2 0 " U p d a t e L o c a t i o n r e q u e s t " ( S 1 4 ) . The " U p d a t e L o c a t i on
A c k " i n c l u d e s i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g an APN ( A c c e ss
P o i n t N a m e ) to w h i c h t h e UE is c o n n e c t e d.
[ 0 0 6 2 ]
N e x t , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) s e l e c t s the PGW
2 5 to w h i c h t h e UE is c o n n e c t e d b a s e d on APN i n f o r m a t i on
( S 1 5 ) . S p e c i f i c a l l y , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32)
e x t r a c t s an IP a d d r e s s of t h e PGW c o r r e s p o n d i n g to the
APN s e n t from HSS 28. F u r t h e r , th e c o m b o n o d e ( t he
MME 32) d e t e r m i n e s r o u t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n ( R I ) and a User
3 0 IP ( U I P ) a d d r e s s for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e UE. The r o u t i ng
i n f o r m a t i o n ( R I ) i n c l u d e s the ULRI and the DLRI t h a t has
b e e n e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 12. The c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME
32) may f u r t h e r e x t r a c t a G l o b a l IP ( G I P ) a d d r e s s t h a t is
u s e d to e x e c u t e the NAT f u n c t i o n . The GIP i n c l u d e s , for
25
e x a m p l e , a GIP for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e eNB 21 and a GIP for
i d e n t i f y i n g the PGW 26.
[ 0 0 6 3 ]
N e x t , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e PCRF 34) t r a n s m i t s a
5 "PCC R u l e s P r o v i s i o n " to t h e PGW 26 in o r d e r to
e s t a b l i s h an EPS b e a r e r b e t w e e n the UE and t h e PGW 26
( S 1 6 ) . The " P C C R u l e s P r o v i s i o n " i n c l u d e s t h e RI and
t h e UIP t h a t are d e t e r m i n e d by the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME
3 2 ) . The " P C C R u l e s P r o v i s i o n " may f u r t h e r i n c l u d e QoS
0 and C h a r g i n g i n f o r m a t i o n w h i c h w i l l be a p p l i e d . The
" P C C R u l e s P r o v i s i o n " may i n c l u d e the GIPs for
i d e n t i f y i n g t h e eNB 21 and t h e PGW 26 t h a t are u s e d to
e x e c u t e t h e NAT f u n c t i o n . The PGW 26 t r a n s m i t s a "PCC
R u l e s P r o v i s i o n A c k " t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e PCRF 34) as
5 a r e s p o n s e s i g n a l to the " P C C R u l e s P r o v i s i o n " ( S 1 7 ) . In
F i g . 13, a l t h o u g h an e x a m p l e in w h i c h t h e RI, t h e UIP and
t h e l i k e are d e t e r m i n e d by the c o m b o node ( t h e MME 3 2 ),
w h e n t h e RI, the UIP and t h e l i k e are d e t e r m i n e d by the
PGW 26, the RI, the UIP and t h e l i k e t h a t are e x t r a c t ed
0 by t h e PGW 26 may be set to t h e " P C C R u l e s P r o v i s i on
A c k " .
[ 0 0 6 4 ]
N e x t , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s an
" I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t / A t t a c h A c c e p t " t o the eNB
5 21 ( S 1 8 ) . The " I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t / A t t a ch
A c c e p t " i n c l u d e s the RI and the UIP t h a t are d e t e r m i n ed
b y the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) and QoS i n f o r m a t i o n.
The " I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t / A t t a c h A c c e p t " may
f u r t h e r i n c l u d e the GIPs for i d e n t i f y i n g the eNB 21 and
0 the PGW 26 t h a t are u s e d to e x e c u t e t h e NAT f u n c t i o n.
[ 0 0 6 5 ]
N e x t , the eNB 21 n o t i f i e s t h e UE of an " R RC
C o n n e c t i o n R e c o n f i g u r a t i o n " ( S 1 9 ) . The "RRC
C o n n e c t i o n R e c o n f i g u r a t i o n " may i n c l u d e the UIP t h a t is
26
a l l o c a t e d by t h e MME 32 for i d e n t i f y i n g the UE. Next,
t h e UE t r a n s m i t s an "RRC C o n n e c t i o n R e c o n f i g u r a t i on
C o m p l e t e " to t h e eNB 21 ( S 2 0 ) . N e x t , the eNB 21
t r a n s m i t s an " I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e s p o n s e " t o the
5 combo n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 2 1 ).
[ 0 0 6 6 ]
S u b s e q u e n t l y , u p d a t e p r o c e s s i n g of t h e r o u t i ng
p o l i c y by t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 25 when the NAT R o u t i n g is
n o t p e r f o r m e d s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 14. After t he
1 0 " I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e s p o n s e " of F i g . 13 is t r a n s m i t t ed
t o the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 3 2 ) , t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC
3 3 ) t r a n s m i t s a " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " to t h e R o u t e r 24
( S 2 2 ) . The " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " i n c l u d e s the DLRI
f o r r o u t i n g to t h e eNB 21 and t h e ULRI for r o u t i n g to the
1 5 PGW 26. S i m i l a r l y , t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i ts
t h e " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " t o the R o u t e r 25 ( S 2 3 ) . The
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " i n c l u d e s the DLRI for r o u t i n g to
t h e eNB 21 and t h e ULRI for r o u t i n g to the PGW 26. The
R o u t e r s 24 and 25 t r a n s m i t a " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k"
20 to the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) as a r e s p o n s e s i g n a l to the
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " (S24 and S 2 6 ).
[ 0 0 6 7 ]
When t h e NAT R o u t i n g i s p e r f o r m e d , the p r o c e s s i ng
s h o w n in F i g . 14 is not p e r f o r m e d , and t h e eNB 21
2 5 e x e c u t e s the NAT R o u t i n g u s i n g t h e GIPs s e n t from the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) a f t e r t h e s t e p S 2 1 , and the PGW
2 6 e x e c u t e s the NAT R o u t i n g u s i n g t h e GIPs s e n t f r om the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) a f t e r t h e s t e p S 1 7.
[ 0 0 6 8 ]
30 Next, a f l o w of p r o c e s s i n g in the c a s e of c o n n e c t i ng
t o an APN o t h e r t h a n a d e f a u l t APN s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
u s i n g F i g . 15. The d e f a u l t APN is an APN t h a t is
d e t e r m i n e d to be a c o n n e c t i o n t a r g e t of t h e UE in
A T T A C H . F i r s t l y , the UE t r a n s m i t s a "PDN C o n n e c t i v i ty
27
R e q u e s t " t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 3 1 ) . The
" P D N C o n n e c t i v i t y R e q u e s t " i n c l u d e s the APN t o w h i ch
t h e UE w i s h e s to be c o n n e c t e d . As t h e s u b s e q u e n t S t e ps
S32 to 42 are t h e same as S t e p s S15 to 25 in F i g s . 13 and
5 14, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S32 to 42 s h a l l be
o m i t t e d .
[ 0 0 6 9 ]
N e x t , a f l o w of p a t h c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i me
o f h a n d o v e r s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 16 and 17.
10 F i g s . 16 and 17 i l l u s t r a t e t h e f l o w of t h e p a t h c o n t r ol
p r o c e s s i n g at t h e t i m e of h a n d o v e r (SI b a s e d HO) u s i ng
a n SI i n t e r f a c e . The SI i n t e r f a c e is an i n t e r f a c e b e t w e en
t h e eNB and t h e MME. In t h i s d r a w i n g , t h e eNB 21 s h a ll
be a S o u r c e e N B , w h i l e t h e eNB 22 s h a l l be a T a r g e t eNB.
15 [0070]
F i r s t l y , the eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s a " H a n d o v e r r e q u i r e d"
t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 5 1 ) . Next, the c o m bo
n o d e ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s a " H a n d o v e r r e q u e s t " to the
eNB 22, w h i c h is the T a r g e t eNB ( S 5 2 ) . The " H a n d o v er
2 0 r e q u e s t " may i n c l u d e the RI, the U I P , the QoS
i n f o r m a t i o n and t h e l i k e . F u r t h e r , the " H a n d o v er
r e q u e s t " may i n c l u d e the GIPs for i d e n t i f y i n g the eNB 22
a n d the PGW 26 t h a t are u s e d to e x e c u t e the NAT f u n c t i o n.
N e x t , the eNB 22 t r a n s m i t s a " H a n d o v e r r e q u e s t a c k " to
2 5 the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 5 3 ).
[ 0 0 7 1 ]
N e x t , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s the
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " to a R o u t e r 124 w h i c h w i l l be
c o n n e c t e d t o t h e eNB 22 ( S 5 4 ) . The " R o u t i n g p o l i cy
3 0 u p d a t e " i n c l u d e s t h e DLRI for r o u t i n g to the eNB 22 and
t h e ULRI for r o u t i n g to the PGW 26. Next, the R o u t er
124 t r a n s m i t s the " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k " t o the
c o m b o node ( t h e FC 33) ( S 5 5 ).
[ 0 0 7 2 ]
28
N e x t , when d a t a a d d r e s s e d to the UE to be h a n d ed
o v e r is t r a n s m i t t e d to the R o u t e r 24 u s i n g the DLRI sent
f r om t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) in S t e p S 3 9 , the c o m bo
n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s t h e " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " in
5 order to p e r f o r m c o n t r o l so t h a t the d a t a is r o u t e d to the
R o u t e r 124 ( S 5 6 ) . Next, t h e R o u t e r 24 t r a n s m i t s t he
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k " t o the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC
3 3 ) ( S 5 7 ).
[ 0 0 7 3 ]
10 Next, the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s a
" H a n d o v e r c o m m a n d " to t h e eNB 21 in o r d e r to i n s t r u c t an
e x e c u t i o n of h a n d o v e r ( S 5 8 ) . F u r t h e r , the eNB 21
t r a n s m i t s the " H a n d o v e r c o m m a n d " t o t h e UE ( S 5 9 ).
S t e p s S54 t o S57 are p r o c e s s i n g t h a t w i l l be e x e c u t ed
1 5 when t h e NAT R o u t i n g is not p e r f o r m e d . When t h e NAT
R o u t i n g is p e r f o r m e d , S t e p s S54 to S57 w i l l not be
e x e c u t e d , and the eNB 22 e x e c u t e s the NAT R o u t i n g u s i ng
t h e GIPs s e n t f r om t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) in S t ep
S52 a f t e r S t e p S53 .
2 0 [0074]
N e x t , p r o c e s s i n g of S t e p s S60 o n w a r d s h a l l be
e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 17. The UE t h a t has r e c e i v e d the
" H a n d o v e r c o m m a n d " t r a n s m i t s a " H a n d o v e r c o n f i r m " to
t h e T a r g e t eNB 22 ( S 6 0 ).
2 5 [0075]
N e x t , the eNB 22 t r a n s m i t s a " H a n d o v e r N o t i f y " to
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e M M E 32) in o r d e r to n o t i f y the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e M M E 32) t h a t the UE has b e e n h a n d ed
o v e r to an a r e a m a n a g e d by t h e eNB 22 ( S 6 1 ) . Next, t he
3 0 combo n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s the " R o u t i n g p o l i cy
u p d a t e " t o t h e R o u t e r 25 ( S 6 2 ) . The " R o u t i n g p o l i cy
u p d a t e " i n c l u d e s t h e DTRI for r o u t i n g t o t h e eNB 22.
N e x t , the R o u t e r 25 t r a n s m i t s the " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a te
a c k " to the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) ( S 6 3 ).
29
[ 0 0 7 6 ]
N e x t , t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s a
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y r e m o v a l " to t h e R o u t e r 24 in o r d e r to
n o t i f y t h a t t h e DLRI and t h e U L R I , w h i c h are no l o n g er
5 n e c e s s a r y due to t h e h a n d o v e r of t h e U E , s h o u l d be
d e l e t e d ( S 6 4 ) . Next, th e R o u t e r 24 d e l e t e s the
u n n e c e s s a r y DLRI and ULRI and t r a n s m i t s a " R o u t i ng
p o l i c y r e m o v a l a c k " t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) ( S 6 5 ).
S t e p s S62 to S65 e x p l a i n p r o c e s s i n g when t h e NAT
1 0 R o u t i n g is not p e r f o r m e d . The p r o c e s s i n g when the NAT
R o u t i n g i s p e r f o r m e d s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g S t e p s S66
a n d S 6 7 . When t h e NAT R o u t i n g i s p e r f o r m e d , the c o m bo
n o d e ( t h e MME 32) n o t i f i e s t h e PGW 26 of t h e " R o u t i ng
p o l i c y u p d a t e " t h a t i n c l u d e s the DLRI for r o u t i n g t o the
1 5 eNB 124 ( S 6 6 ) . F u r t h e r , t h e PGW 26 t r a n s m i t s t he
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k " t o the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME
32) ( S 6 7 ).
[ 0 0 7 7 ]
N e x t , a r o u t i n g p a t h of u s e r t r a f f i c b e f o r e and a f t er
2 0 h a n d o v e r p r o c e s s i n g and d u r i n g h a n d o v e r s h a l l be
e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 18. In F i g . 18, b e f o r e the h a n d o v er
p r o c e s s i n g , the u s e r t r a f f i c i s t r a n s m i t t e d from the PGW
2 6 to the UE v i a t h e R o u t e r 24 and t h e eNB 2 1 . D u r i ng
t h e h a n d o v e r p r o c e s s i n g , the u s e r t r a f f i c t h a t is
2 5 t r a n s m i t t e d f r om t h e PGW 26 is t r a n s f e r r e d from t he
R o u t e r 24 to t h e R o u t e r 124 and t r a n s m i t t e d to the UE via
t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 124 and t h e eNB 22. After t he
h a n d o v e r p r o c e s s i n g , the u s e r t r a f f i c is t r a n s m i t t e d from
t h e PGW 26 to t h e UE via t h e R o u t e r 124 and the eNB 22.
3 0 By t r a n s f e r r i n g d a t a f r om t h e R o u t e r 24 to the R o u t e r 124
d u r i n g h a n d o v e r in t h i s way, it is p o s s i b l e to r e d u ce
p a c k e t l o s s e s to the UE.
[ 0 0 7 8 ]
N e x t , a f l o w of t h e p a t h c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at the
30
t i m e of h a n d o v e r (SI b a s e d HO M M E c h a n g e ) when the
M M E is c h a n g e d s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 19 and 20.
F i r s t l y , the eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s t h e " H a n d o v e r r e q u i r e d " to
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 7 1 ) . When t h e c o m bo
5 node ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s f e r s m o b i l e m a n a g e m e n t of t he
UE to a n o t h e r c o m b o n o d e (an MME 132) by the h a n d o v e r,
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s a " F o r w a rd
r e l o c a t i o n r e q u e s t " t o the c o m b o node ( t h e MME 132)
( S 7 2 ) . The c o m b o n o d e t h a t has r e c e i v e d t h e " F o r w a rd
1 0 r e l o c a t i o n r e q u e s t " is an a p p a r a t u s in w h i c h the pSGW
1 3 1 , the MME 132, t h e FC 1 3 3 , and t h e PCRF 134 are
c o n f i g u r e d as t h e same a p p a r a t u s . The " F o r w a rd
r e l o c a t i o n r e q u e s t " i n c l u d e s the O p e n F l o w r u l e . The
O p e n F l o w r u l e is a c o n t r o l r u l e for d a t a p a c k e t s t h a t is
1 5 a p p l i e d by the R o u t e r s . For e x a m p l e , t h e O p e n F l o w r u le
may be the r o u t i n g p o l i c y t r a n s m i t t e d from the combo
n o d e ( t h e FC 33) to t h e R o u t e r s 24 and 124.
[ 0 0 7 9 ]
As S t e p S73 is t h e same as S t e p s S52 to S57 in F i g.
20 16, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p S73 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
A f t e r S t e p S 7 3 , the c o m b o node ( t h e MME 132) t r a n s m i ts
a " F o r w a r d r e l o c a t i o n r e s p o n s e " to the c o m b o node ( t he
MME 32) ( S 7 4 ).
[ 0 0 8 0 ]
25 As S t e p s S75 and S76 are t h e same as S t e p s S58 to
S59 in F i g . 16, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S75 and
S76 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 8 1]
N e x t , p r o c e s s i n g of S t e p S76 o n w a r d s h a l l be
3 0 e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 20. The UE t h a t has r e c e i v e d the
" H a n d o v e r c o m m a n d " t r a n s m i t s the " H a n d o v e r c o n f i r m " to
t h e T a r g e t eNB 22 ( S 7 7 ).
[ 0 0 8 2 ]
N e x t , the eNB 22 t r a n s m i t s the " H a n d o v e r N o t i f y " to
31
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e M M E 132) in o r d e r to n o t i f y the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 132) t h a t the UE has b e e n h a n d ed
o v e r to an a r e a m a n a g e d by the eNB 22 ( S 7 8 ) . Next, the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 132) t r a n s m i t s a " F o r w a rd
5 r e l o c a t i o n c o m p l e t e N o t i f i c a t i o n " to t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t he
MME 32) ( S 7 9 ) . Next, the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32)
t r a n s m i t s a " F o r w a r d r e l o c a t i o n c o m p l e t e A c k " to the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 132) ( S 8 0 ) . As the p r o c e s s i n g of
S t e p S81 is t h e same as t h e p r o c e s s i n g of S t e p s S62 to
10 S67 in F i g . 17, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of t h e p r o c e s s i ng
o f S t e p S81 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 8 3 ]
N e x t , a f l o w of t h e p a t h c o n t r o l p r o c e s s i n g at the
t i m e of h a n d o v e r (X2 b a s e d HO) t h a t is e x e c u t e d b e t w e en
1 5 eNBs s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 21 and 2 2 . The X2
i n t e r f a c e is an i n t e r f a c e b e t w e e n eNBs t h a t is s p e c i f i ed
b y 3 G P P . F i r s t l y , t h e eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s t h e " H a n d o v er
r e q u e s t " t o t h e eNB 2 2 , w h i c h is t h e T a r g e t eNB ( S 9 1 ).
N e x t , the eNB 22 t r a n s m i t s the " H a n d o v e r r e q u e s t A c k " to
2 0 the eNB 21 ( S 9 2 ) . N e x t , the eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s t h e "RRC
c o n n e c t i o n r e c o n f i g u r a t i o n " t o the UE ( S 9 3 ) . Next, the
UE t r a n s m i t s an "RRC r e c o n f i g u r a t i o n c o m p l e t e " to the
eNB 22 ( S 9 4 ).
[ 0 0 8 4 ]
2 5 Next, the eNB 22 t r a n s m i t s a " P a t h s w i t c h r e q u e s t"
t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 9 5 ).
The " P a t h s w i t c h r e q u e s t " is a s i g n a l for r e q u e s t i n g a
t r a n s m i s s i o n of d a t a , w h i c h is a d d r e s s e d to t h e UE w h i ch
w i l l be h a n d e d o v e r , to t h e eNB 22.
30 [0085]
As S t e p s S96 to S99 are t h e same as S t e p s S54 to
S 5 7 in F i g . 16, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S96 to S99
s h a l l be o m i t t e d . F u r t h e r , as S t e p s S100 and S101 are t he
s a m e as S t e p s S62 and S63 in F i g . 17, a d e t a i l ed
32
e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S100 and S101 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 8 6 ]
N e x t , p r o c e s s i n g of S t e p S101 o n w a r d s h a l l be
e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 22. After S t e p S 1 0 1 , t h e c o m b o node
5 (the MME 32) t r a n s m i t s a " P a t h s w i t c h r e q u e s t A c k " to
t h e eNB 22 ( S 1 0 2 ) . The " P a t h s w i t c h r e q u e s t A c k " may
i n c l u d e t h e RI, the U I P , t h e QoS i n f o r m a t i o n and t h e l i k e.
F u r t h e r , the " P a t h s w i t c h r e q u e s t A c k " may i n c l u d e the
G I P s for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e eNB 22 and t h e PGW 26 t h a t are
1 0 used to e x e c u t e the NAT f u n c t i o n.
[ 0 0 8 7 ]
As S t e p s S103 and S106 are t h e same as S t e p s S64 to
S67 in F i g . 17, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S103 and
S 1 06 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
15 [0088]
N e x t , a f l o w of p r o c e s s i n g when the UE t r a n s i t i o ns
t o an I d l e s t a t e s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 2 3 . F i r s t l y,
f o r e x a m p l e , when a c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n the m o b i le
c o m m u n i c a t i o n s y s t e m and the UE is r e l e a s e d by the
20 t r a n s i t i o n of t h e UE to t h e I d l e s t a t e , the eNB 21
t r a n s m i t s a " S 1 - A P : S 1 UE C o n t e x t R e l e a s e r e q u e s t " to t he
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S i l l ) . Next, the c o m b o node
( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s an " S 1 - A P : S 1 UE C o n t e x t R e l e a se
C o m m a n d " t o t h e eNB 21 ( S 9 2 ) . N e x t , the eNB 21
2 5 t r a n s m i t s an " R R C C o n n e c t i o n R e l e a s e " t o t h e UE (SI 1 3 ) .
N e x t , t h e eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s an " S 1 - A P : S 1 UE C o n t e xt
R e l e a s e C o m p l e t e " t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 23) in
o r d e r to n o t i f y t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) of a r e l e a se
of a r e s o u r c e w i t h t h e UE (SI 1 4 ) .
3 0 [0089]
N e x t , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s the
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y r e m o v a l " to t h e R o u t e r 24 in o r d e r to
n o t i f y the R o u t e r 24 t h a t the u n n e c e s s a r y DLRI and ULRI
s h o u l d be d e l e t e d ( S I 1 5 ) . N e x t , t h e R o u t e r 24 d e l e t e s t he
33
u n n e c e s s a r y DLRI and ULRI and t r a n s m i t s the " R o u t i ng
p o l i c y r e m o v a l a c k " to the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) (SI 1 6 ) .
[ 0 0 9 0 ]
N e x t , t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) t r a n s m i t s the
5 " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " i n c l u d i n g t h e DLRI i n d i c a t i ng
t h a t d a t a a d d r e s s e d to UE 1 is r o u t e d to the c o m b o n o de
( t h e pSGW 31) to the R o u t e r 25 (SI 1 7 ) . Next, the R o u t er
2 5 t r a n s m i t s t h e " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k " t o the
c o m b o n o d e ( t h e FC 33) (SI 1 8 ) .
10 [0091]
S t e p s S115 to S118 e x p l a i n p r o c e s s i n g when the NAT
R o u t i n g i s not p e r f o r m e d . The p r o c e s s i n g when t h e NAT
R o u t i n g i s p e r f o r m e d s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g S t e p s S119
a n d S 1 2 0 . When t h e NAT R o u t i n g i s p e r f o r m e d , the
1 5 combo n o d e ( t h e MME 32) n o t i f i e s t h e PGW 26 of t he
" R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e " t h a t i n c l u d e s the DLRI for
r o u t i n g t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( p S GW 31) (SI 1 9 ) . F u r t h e r,
t h e PGW 26 t r a n s m i t s the " R o u t i n g p o l i c y u p d a t e a c k " to
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 1 2 0 ).
2 0 [0092]
N e x t , a f l o w of NW T r i g g e r e d S e r v i c e R e q u e st
p r o c e s s i n g when DL t r a f f i c r e a c h e s the UE from the
E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g s . 24 and 2 5.
F i r s t l y , the c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32 and the pSGW 31)
2 5 r e c e i v e s D o w n l i n k D a t a f r om t h e PGW 26 ( S 1 2 1 ) . Next,
t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s a P a g i n g s i g n a l to
t h e eNB 21 ( S 1 2 2 ) . F u r t h e r , t h e eNB 21 a l s o t r a n s m i t s a
P a g i n g s i g n a l to t h e UE ( S 1 2 3 ).
[ 0 0 9 3 ]
3 0 Next, in F i g . 2 5 , t h e UE t r a n s m i t s a " S e r v i ce
R e q u e s t " to t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 1 2 4 ) . In a
r e l a t e d n o d e , p r o c e s s i n g s u c h as a u t h e n t i c a t i o n on the UE
i s e x e c u t e d ( S 1 2 5 ).
[ 0 0 9 4 ]
34
N e x t , the c o m b o node ( t h e MME 32) t r a n s m i t s an
" S l - A P : I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t " t o the eNB 21
( S 1 2 6 ) . The " S l - A P : I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t"
i n c l u d e s the RI, the U I P , the QoS i n f o r m a t i o n and the
5 l i k e . The " S l - A P : I n i t i a l C o n t e x t S e t u p R e q u e s t " may
f u r t h e r i n c l u d e the GIPs for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e eNB 21 and
t h e PGW 26 t h a t are u s e d to e x e c u t e t h e NAT f u n c t i o n.
N e x t , the eNB 21 t r a n s m i t a " R a d i o b e a r e r e s t a b l i s h m e n t"
t o t h e UE (S 1 2 7 ) .
1 0 [ 0 0 9 5]
N e x t , the eNB 21 t r a n s m i t s a " S l - A P : I n i t i a l C o n t e xt
S e t u p C o m p l e t e " t o t h e c o m b o n o d e ( t h e MME 32) ( S 1 2 8 ).
As S t e p s S129 to S132 are t h e same as S t e p s S22 to S25
i n F i g . 14, an e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e p s S129 to S132 s h a l l be
1 5 o m i t t e d . As S t e p s S133 and S134 are t h e same as S t e ps
S66 and S67 in F i g . 17, a d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n of S t e ps
S 1 3 3 and S134 s h a l l be o m i t t e d.
[ 0 0 9 6 ]
As d e s c r i b e d a b o v e , by u s i n g the m o b i le
2 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g t o the f i r s t e x e m p l a ry
e m b o d i m e n t of t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n , t h e r o u t i n g t a b l e of
t h e R o u t e r can be c o n t r o l l e d u s i n g t h e c o m b o node when
t h e eNB and the PGW are c o n n e c t e d u s i n g t h e R o u t e r.
F u r t h e r , the c o m b o n o d e can n o t i f y t h e eNB and the PGW
2 5 of t h e r o u t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n . Thus, the p a t h b e t w e e n the
UE and the S e r v i c e s e r v e r can be u n i q u e l y c o n f i g u r e d.
[ 0 0 9 7 ]
( S e c o n d e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t)
[ 0 0 9 8 ]
30 By c o n f i g u r i n g s u c h a n e t w o r k s y s t e m , it is p o s s i b le
t o r e d u c e p a c k e t s t r a n s m i t t e d i n s i d e t h e E P S , t h e r e by
r e a l i z i n g an e f f i c i e n t t r a f f i c t r a n s m i s s i o n w i t h the
E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k.
[ 0 0 9 9 ]
35
F u r t h e r , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o rk
s y s t e m when the RNC and the GGSN are the same
a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of
g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o g y s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
5 u s i n g F i g . 27. In F i g . 2 7 , RNCs 51 to 53 are u s e d in
p l a c e of t h e eNBs 21 to 23 in F i g . 26. The r e m a i n i ng
c o n f i g u r a t i o n is the same as t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 26.
[0 1 0 0]
F u r t h e r m o r e , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o rk
1 0 s y s t e m when t h e RNC and t h e GGSN are the same
a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of
g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o g y s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
u s i n g F i g . 2 8 . In F i g . 2 8 , a GGSN 151 is u s e d in p l a c e of
t h e PGW 141 in F i g . 2 7 . M o r e o v e r , t h e c o m b o n o d e 30 in
15 Fig. 28 is d i f f e r e n t f r om t h e c o m b o n o d e 30 in F i g . 27 in
t h e p o i n t t h a t t h e f u n c t i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e pSGW 31 is not
i n c l u d e d . The r e m a i n i n g c o n f i g u r a t i o n is t h e same as the
c o n f i g u r a t i o n i n F i g . 26.
[ 0 1 0 1 ]
20 Next, a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o r k s y s t e m,
w h i c h is d i f f e r e n t f r om the n e t w o r k s y s t e m shown in F i g.
2 6 , when the eNB and t h e PGW are the same a p p a r a t u s or
d i s p o s e d c l o s e to e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of g e o g r a p h y and a
n e t w o r k t o p o l o g y s h a l l be e x p l a i n e d u s i n g F i g . 29. Fig.
25 29 s h o w s an e x a m p l e in w h i c h a S e r v i c e s e r v e r 162 is
d i s p o s e d i n s i d e t h e E P S . F u r t h e r , a PGW 161 may be u s ed
a s an i n t e r f a c e for a c c e s s i n g the S e r v i c e s e r v e r 162.
M o r e o v e r , in F i g . 29, the PGW may not be u s e d to c o n n e ct
t o the S e r v i c e s e r v e r 1 6 2 . S p e c i f i c a l l y , the n e t w o rk
3 0 s y s t e m in F i g . 29 is d i f f e r e n t from t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m in
F i g . 26 in the p o i n t t h a t t h e S e r v i c e s e r v e r 162 is
d i s p o s e d i n s i d e t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m m a n a g e d by a m o b i le
c o m m u n i c a t i o n c a r r i e r or t h e l i k e i n s t e a d of i n s i d e the
E x t e r n a l n e t w o r k . The r e m a i n i n g c o n f i g u r a t i o n i s the
36
s a m e as t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 26.
[ 0 1 0 2 ]
F u r t h e r m o r e , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o rk
s y s t e m , w h i c h i s d i f f e r e n t from the n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o wn
5 in F i g . 2 7 , when t h e RNC and the GGSN are t h e same
a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of
g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o g y s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
u s i n g F i g . 30. Fig. 30 s h o w s an e x a m p l e in w h i c h t he
S e r v i c e s e r v e r 162 is d i s p o s e d i n s i d e the E P S , in a
1 0 manner s i m i l a r t o t h a t s h o w n i n F i g . 29. The r e m a i n i ng
c o n f i g u r a t i o n is the same as t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 27.
[ 0 1 0 3 ]
M o r e o v e r , a c o n f i g u r a t i o n e x a m p l e of a n e t w o rk
s y s t e m , w h i c h is d i f f e r e n t f r om the n e t w o r k s y s t e m s h o wn
1 5 in F i g . 2 8 , w h e n t h e RNC and t h e GGSN are t h e same
a p p a r a t u s or d i s p o s e d c l o s e to e a c h o t h e r in t e r m s of
g e o g r a p h y and a n e t w o r k t o p o l o g y s h a l l be e x p l a i n ed
u s i n g F i g . 3 1 . Fig. 31 s h o w s an e x a m p l e i n w h i c h t he
S e r v i c e s e r v e r 162 is d i s p o s e d i n s i d e the E P S , in a
2 0 manner s i m i l a r t o t h a t s h o w n in F i g . 29. The r e m a i n i ng
c o n f i g u r a t i o n is the same as t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n in F i g . 28.
[ 0 1 0 4 ]
A l t h o u g h the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n has b e e n e x p l a i n e d as
a c o n f i g u r a t i o n of h a r d w a r e in the a b o v e e x e m p l a ry
2 5 e m b o d i m e n t s , the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n is not l i m i t e d t o t h i s.
The p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n can be r e a l i z e d by c a u s i n g a CPU
( C e n t r a l P r o c e s s i n g U n i t ) to e x e c u t e a c o m p u t e r p r o g r am
o f t h e p r o c e s s i n g by t h e c o m b o n o d e in F i g s . 13 to 2 5.
[0 1 0 5]
3 0 In t h e a b o v e e x a m p l e , the p r o g r a m can be s t o r e d and
p r o v i d e d to a c o m p u t e r u s i n g any t y p e of n o n -1 r a n s i t o r y
c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i a . N o n - t r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t er
r e a d a b l e m e d i a i n c l u d e any t y p e of t a n g i b l e s t o r a g e m e d i a.
E x a m p l e s of n o n - t r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d ia
37
i n c l u d e m a g n e t i c s t o r a g e m e d i a ( s u c h as f l o p p y d i s k s,
m a g n e t i c t a p e s , h a r d d i s k d r i v e s , e t c . ) , o p t i c a l m a g n e t ic
s t o r a g e m e d i a ( e . g . m a g n e t o - o p t i c a 1 d i s k s ) , C D - R OM
( c o m p a c t d i s c r e a d o n l y m e m o r y ) , CD-R ( c o m p a c t d i sc
5 r e c o r d a b l e ) , C D - R /W ( c o m p a c t d i s c r e w r i t a b l e ) , and
s e m i c o n d u c t o r m e m o r i e s ( s u c h as mask ROM, PROM
( p r o g r a m m a b l e ROM), EPROM ( e r a s a b l e P R O M ) , f l a sh
ROM, RAM ( R a n d o m A c c e s s M e m o r y ) , e t c . ) . The p r o g r am
may be p r o v i d e d to a c o m p u t e r u s i n g any t y p e of
1 0 t r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i a . E x a m p l e s of
t r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i a i n c l u d e e l e c t r ic
s i g n a l s , o p t i c a l s i g n a l s , and e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c w a v e s.
T r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i a can p r o v i d e the
p r o g r a m to a c o m p u t e r v i a a w i r e d c o m m u n i c a t i o n l i ne
1 5 (e.g. e l e c t r i c w i r e s , and o p t i c a l f i b e r s ) or a w i r e l e ss
c o m m u n i c a t i o n l i n e.
[ 0 1 0 6 ]
N o t e t h a t t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n is not l i m i t e d to the
a b o v e e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t s , and m o d i f i c a t i o n s can be
2 0 made w i t h o u t d e p a r t i n g from t h e s c o p e as a p p r o p r i a t e.
[0 107]
A l t h o u g h the p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n has b e e n e x p l a i n ed
w i t h r e f e r e n c e t o the e x e m p l a r y e m b o d i m e n t s , the p r e s e nt
i n v e n t i o n i s not l i m i t e d by t h e a b o v e . V a r i o us
2 5 m o d i f i c a t i o n s , o b v i o u s to t h o s e s k i l l e d in the a r t , can be
m a d e to the c o n f i g u r a t i o n s and d e t a i l s of t h e p r e s e nt
i n v e n t i o n w i t h i n the s c o p e of t h e i n v e n t i o n.
[0 1 0 8]
The p r e s e n t a p p l i c a t i o n c l a i m s p r i o r i t y r i g h t s of and
3 0 is b a s e d on J a p a n e s e P a t e n t A p p l i c a t i o n No. 2 0 1 2 - 1 2 5 2 30
f i l e d on May 3 1 , 2 0 1 2 in t h e J a p a n e s e P a t e n t O f f i c e , the
e n t i r e c o n t e n t s of w h i c h are h e r e b y i n c o r p o r a t e d by
r e f e r e n c e .
38
1 0
1 5
20
25
3 0
Re
[o:
l
2
1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3
2 1
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
3 1
32
33
34
35
4 1
42
5 1
6 1
62
8 1
82
83
1 0 1
f e r e n c e S i g n s L i st
I 0 9 ]
E X T E R N A L NETWORK
E X T E R N A L NETWORK
EPS
BASE S T A T I ON
GATEWAY
PATH CONTROL A P P A R A T US
eNB
eNB
eNB
ROUTER
R O U T ER
PGW
PGW
HSS
COMBO NODE
p S GW
MME
FC
PCRF
SGSN
S E R V I C E SERVER
S E R V I C E SERVER
TO 53 RNC
GGSN
GGSN
ROUTER
ROUTER
ROUTER
C O M M U N I C A T I O N TERMINAL
39
WE C L A I M:
1 . A n e t w o r k s y s t e m c o m p r i s i n g :
a b a s e s t a t i o n;
a g a t e w a y ; and
5 path c o n t r o l m e a n s for c o n t r o l l i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i on
p a t h b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y , w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l m e a n s is c o n f i g u r e d t o p e r f o r m p a th
c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and t he
g a t e w a y u s i n g s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and
1 0 the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is a s s o c i a t ed
w i t h f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h the b a se
s t a t i o n and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the n e t w o rk
s y s t e m .
1 5
2 . The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 1, w h e r e in
t h e s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i s a s s o c i a t ed
w i t h the f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and a w i r e l e ss
p a r a m e t e r b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and the c o m m u n i c a t i on
2 0 t e r m i n a l.
3. The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 1 or 2,
f u r t h e r c o m p r i s i n g:
a d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i on
2 5 and t h e g a t e w a y , w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l m e a n s n o t i f i e s the b a s e s t a t i o n and
t h e g a t e w a y of t h e f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and the
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and a l s o n o t i f i e s the
d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s of p a t h c o n t r o l i n f o r m a t i o n of
3 0 data t o w h i c h t h e f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and the
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is s e t.
4 . The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to any one of
C l a i m s 1 to 3, w h e r e in
40
t h e b a s e s t a t i o n s e t s the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n to f i r s t d a t a t h a t is t r a n s m i t t e d from the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and t r a n s m i t s s e c o n d d a t a , to
w h i c h the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is s e t , to the
5 g a t e w a y , and
t h e g a t e w a y t r a n s m i t s the f i r s t d a t a , w h i c h i s the
s e c o n d d a t a from w h i c h the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n is r e m o v e d , to an e x t e r n a l a p p a r a t u s t h a t is
d i s p o s e d in an e x t e r n a l n e t w o r k d i f f e r e n t f o rm the
1 0 n e t w o r k s y s t e m.
5 . The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to any one of
C l a i m s 1 to 3, w h e r e in
t h e g a t e w a y s e t s the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
1 5 i n f o r m a t i o n to t h i r d d a t a t h a t is t r a n s m i t t e d from an
e x t e r n a l a p p a r a t u s d i s p o s e d i n an e x t e r n a l n e t w o rk
d i f f e r e n t from the n e t w o r k s y s t e m and t r a n s m i t s f o u r th
d a t a , t o w h i c h the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i s s e t,
t o the b a s e s t a t i o n , and
2 0 the b a s e s t a t i o n t r a n s m i t s the t h i r d d a t a , w h i c h is
t h e f o u r t h d a t a from w h i c h the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n i s r e m o v e d , t o the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l.
6 . The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to any one of
2 5 C l a i m s 1 to 5, w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l m e a n s is c o n f i g u r e d to i n c l u d e a
m o b i l e c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for c o n t r o l l i n g the b a s e s t a t i on
a n d the g a t e w a y and a f l o w c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for
c o n t r o l l i n g the d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s t h a t i s d i s p o s ed
3 0 b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y.
7. The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 6 , f u r t h er
c o m p r i s i n g :
a s e r v i n g g a t e w a y for, when i n c o m i n g d a t a t h a t is
a d d r e s s e d to t h e c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l is g e n e r a t e d in a
s t a t e w h e r e no w i r e l e s s b e a r e r i s set b e t w e e n the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and the b a s e s t a t i o n , h o l d i n g the
i n c o m i n g d a t a u n t i l the w i r e l e s s b e a r e r i s set b e t w e e n the
5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and the b a s e s t a t i o n , w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l m e a n s is c o n f i g u r e d to i n c l u d e the
s e r v i n g g a t e w a y t o g e t h e r w i t h the m o b i l e c o n t r ol
a p p a r a t u s and t h e f l o w c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s.
10 8. A n e t w o r k s y s t e m c o m p r i s i n g:
a b a s e s t a t i o n;
a g a t e w a y;
a p l u r a l i t y of d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s e s for r e l a y i ng
d a t a b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y ; and
1 5 path c o n t r o l m e a n s for c o n t r o l l i n g a c o m m u n i c a t i on
p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y , w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l m e a n s is c o n f i g u r e d t o p e r f o r m p a th
c o n t r o l u s i n g t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and
t h e t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i n d i c a t e s the
2 0 data t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s t h a t is on a p a t h b e t w e e n the b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i de
t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m.
9 . The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 8, w h e r e in
25 the t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is set in s u c h a
m a n n e r t h a t an a r b i t r a r y bit of an IP a d d r e s s is set as a
b i t for i d e n t i f y i n g the d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s.
10. The n e t w o r k s y s t e m a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 9,
3 0 w h e r e in
a p l u r a l i t y of IP a d d r e s s e s c o r r e s p o n d i n g to a
p l u r a l i t y of p i e c e s of t h e t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i on
t h a t d i f f e r s a c c o r d i n g t o the p a s s i n g d a t a t r a n s f er
a p p a r a t u s are set to the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
42
1 1 . A p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for c o n t r o l l i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n a b a s e s t a t i o n and a g a t e w a y,
w h e r e i n
5 the p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s p e r f o r m s p a t h c o n t r o l on
a p a t h b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y u s i ng
s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and
t h e s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i s a s s o c i a t ed
w i t h f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
1 0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h t h e b a se
s t a t i o n and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e the n e t w o rk
s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n , the g a t e w a y , and the
p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s.
1 5 12. The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g t o C l a i m 11,
w h e r e i n
t h e s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i s a s s o c i a t ed
w i t h t h e f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and a w i r e l e ss
p a r a m e t e r b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the c o m m u n i c a t i on
2 0 t e r m i n a l.
1 3 . The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g to C l a i m 11
o r 12, w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s n o t i f i e s the b a s e s t a t i on
2 5 and the g a t e w a y of t h e f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i on
a n d the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n and a l so
n o t i f i e s the d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s t h a t i s d i s p o s ed
b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y of p a t h c o n t r ol
i n f o r m a t i o n of d a t a to w h i c h the f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i on
3 0 i n f o r m a t i o n and the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is
s e t .
14. The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g to any one
of C l a i m s 11 to 13, w h e r e in
43
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s is c o n f i g u r e d to i n c l u d e a
m o b i l e c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for c o n t r o l l i n g the b a s e s t a t i on
a n d the g a t e w a y and a f l o w c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for
c o n t r o l l i n g the d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s t h a t i s d i s p o s ed
5 b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
1 5 . The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g t o C l a i m 14,
w h e r e i n the p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s is c o n f i g u r e d to
i n c l u d e :
10 a s e r v i n g g a t e w a y f o r , when i n c o m i n g d a t a t h a t is
a d d r e s s e d to the c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l is g e n e r a t e d in a
s t a t e w h e r e no w i r e l e s s b e a r e r i s set b e t w e e n the
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and the b a s e s t a t i o n , h o l d i n g the
i n c o m i n g d a t a u n t i l t h e w i r e l e s s b e a r e r i s set b e t w e e n t he
1 5 c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l and t h e b a s e s t a t i o n , t o g e t h er
w i t h the m o b i l e c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s and the f l o w c o n t r ol
a p p a r a t u s .
1 6 . A p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s for c o n t r o l l i n g a
20 c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h t h a t is c o m p o s e d of a p l u r a l i t y of
d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s e s for r e l a y i n g d a t a and is b e t w e en
a b a s e s t a t i o n and a g a t e w a y , w h e r e in
t h e p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s p e r f o r m s p a t h c o n t r ol
u s i n g t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , and
2 5 the t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i n d i c a t e s the
d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s w h i c h is on a p a t h b e t w e e n the
b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i ed
i n s i d e the n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n and
t h e g a t e w a y.
30
17. The p a t h c o n t r o l a p p a r a t u s a c c o r d i n g t o C l a i m 16,
w h e r e i n
t h e t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is set in such a
m a n n e r t h a t an a r b i t r a r y bit of an IP a d d r e s s is set as a
44
b i t for i d e n t i f y i n g the d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s.
1 8 . A p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d for c o n t r o l l i n g a b a se
s t a t i o n , a g a t e w a y , and a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h b e t w e e n t he
5 base s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y , the p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h od
c o m p r i s i n g :
p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n , w h e r e in
1 0 the s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n is a s s o c i a t ed
w i t h f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h the b a se
s t a t i o n and is u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e a n e t w o r k s y s t em
i n c l u d i n g t h e b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
1 5
19. A p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h o d for c o n t r o l l i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h t h a t is c o m p o s e d of a p l u r a l i t y of
d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s e s for r e l a y i n g d a t a and is b e t w e en
a b a s e s t a t i o n and a g a t e w a y , the p a t h c o n t r o l m e t h od
2 0 c o m p r i s i n g:
p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n the b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n , w h e r e in
t h e t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i n d i c a t e s the
2 5 data t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s w h i c h is on a p a t h b e t w e e n the
b a s e s t a t i o n and t h e g a t e w a y and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i ed
i n s i d e the n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n and
t h e g a t e w a y.
30 20. A n o n -1 r an s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i um
s t o r i n g a p r o g r a m for c a u s i n g a c o m p u t e r to e x e c u te
c o n t r o l on a b a s e s t a t i o n , a g a t e w a y , and a c o m m u n i c a t i on
p a t h b e t w e e n the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y , the
p r o g r a m c o m p r i s i n g a s t e p of:
45
p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n the b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n , w h e r e in
t h e s e c o n d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i s a s s o c i a t ed
5 with f i r s t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n for i d e n t i f y i n g a
c o m m u n i c a t i o n t e r m i n a l t h a t c o m m u n i c a t e s w i t h the b a se
s t a t i o n and is u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i e d i n s i d e a n e t w o r k s y s t em
i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y.
0 2 1. A n on - t r a n s i t o r y c o m p u t e r r e a d a b l e m e d i um
s t o r i n g a p r o g r a m for c a u s i n g a c o m p u t e r to e x e c u te
c o n t r o l on a c o m m u n i c a t i o n p a t h t h a t is c o m p o s e d of a
p l u r a l i t y of d a t a t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s e s for r e l a y i n g d a ta
a n d is b e t w e e n a b a s e s t a t i o n and a g a t e w a y , the p r o g r am
5 c o m p r i s i n g a s t e p of:
p e r f o r m i n g p a t h c o n t r o l on a p a t h b e t w e e n t h e b a se
s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y u s i n g t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
i n f o r m a t i o n , w h e r e in
t h e t h i r d i d e n t i f i c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n i n d i c a t e s the
0 data t r a n s f e r a p p a r a t u s w h i c h is on a p a t h b e t w e e n t he
b a s e s t a t i o n and the g a t e w a y and i s u n i q u e l y i d e n t i f i ed
i n s i d e t h e n e t w o r k s y s t e m i n c l u d i n g the b a s e s t a t i o n and
t h e g a t e w a y.