DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
NETWORK UPDATE PROCEDURE AND RELATED NETWORK DEVICES
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a network update procedure and to related network
devices, and, in particular, to Location Area updates within a mobile radio communications
network.
Background Art
[0002]
Due to the very nature of a mobile radio communications network, such as a cellular
network, there often arises a requirement for a mobile terminal device such as so-called User
Equipment to change its manner of operation whether due to a handover between cells and/or a
handover between networks and related communication systems.
[0003]
In view of the wide variety of communication systems, and in particular legacy
communication systems that are in existence, to optimise connectivity and to minimize limiting
effects on handset terminal performance, functionality allowing movement between different
systems can provide particular advantageous.
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004]
However, in view of the requirements of such different systems, it is often
disadvantageously found that noticeable delays arise when both seeking to switch between such
systems and subsequently establishing connectivity within the new system.
[0005]
The present invention seeks to provide for a method of controlling update procedures
within a network system and having advantages over known such procedures.
[0006]
As a further illustration, according to current 3GPP Rel-8 and Rel-9 specifications,
when the User Equipment (UE) moves to legacy 2G/3G systems from, for example, an Evolved
Packet System (EPS) which will generally be for Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB) purposes,
the UE can initially be arranged to determine the Location Area (LA) within the new cell.
[0007]
If the LA is identified as having changed, the UE initially performs a LA update
procedure. If the target 2G/3G system is in a Network Mode of Operation (NMO) II then an
LA update procedure is performed, whereas if the target 2G/3G system is in NMO I as defined in
3GPP technical specification 23 272, a combined RA (Routing Area)/LA update procedure is
performed. Subsequent to the update procedure, a UE then continues with the circuit switched
call establishment.
[0008]
It is recognised that a potential limitation with CSFB is the additional delay required to
establish call set-up. In particular, it is noted that it takes a relatively long time for the UE in
CSFB to switch to the legacy target 2G/3G system, whether via handover or NACC (Network
Assisted Cell Change), or whether via connection re-direction, and further delay is also
experienced when it is required to make or to answer a circuit switched call.
[0009]
As examples, typical added delays in the call-setup procedure within CSFB can be in
the order of between two and five seconds.
[0010]
It is also noted that, upon the UE attempting a LA or combined RA/LA update in CSFB,
the delay could be further exasperated if the mobile switching centre (MSC) or the serving GPRS
(General Packet Radio Service) support mode (SGSN) is controlled to run some or all of the
security procedures such as, for example, the authentication procedure, identification procedure
and/or TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) re-allocation procedure.
[0011]
Since some of these procedures also involve reading of the SIM (Subscriber Identity
Module)/USIM (Universal SIM) card, they can be considered as potential sources of
considerable extra delay to calls set up within CSFB.
[0012]
The present invention in particular seeks to provide for system update procedures, and
related network devices, which can offer advantages over such known limitations.
Solution to Problem
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of
controlling Location Area-based update procedure in a mobile radio communications network,
and including the step of determining the reason for the Location Area-based update request, and
varying connection procedures upon receipt of such request and responsive to the said
determination.
[0014]
Unnecessary connection procedures can then readily be avoided so as to reduce delays
associated with the update.
[0015]
As will be appreciated, the determination can control the connection procedure of a
network element.
[0016]
The method can include the step of providing at a network element an indication of the
said reason for the Location Area-based update request.
[0017]
As the step of determining the said reason within a target network element, can also be
provided and the said target network element can comprise a Mobile Switching Centre or a
Serving GPRS Support Node.
[0018]
The connection procedure can comprise a security procedure and in the form of at least
one of authentication procedure, an identification procedure or a TMSI re-allocation procedure.
[0019]
Of course the said step of determining the reason for the update request can be based on
service-type signalling and/or a determination of whether Circuit Switched Fall-Back is required.
[0020]
Advantageously a time period responsive to result of the said determination step, can be
provided and the method can further include the step of monitoring for a Location Area-based
update request during the said time period.
[0021]
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile radio
communications network device arranged for operation in the network including a plurality of
terminal devices, the network device being arranged to forward to a target network device an
indication of reasoning for a Location Area-based update procedure.
[0022]
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile radio
communications network target device arranged for operation in the network including a
plurality of terminal devices and further arranged to monitor for an indication from a network
device as defined above for reasoning for a Location Area-based update procedure, and further
arranged to vary a connection procedure responsive to the said monitoring.
[0023]
The target device can be arranged to vary connection procedure responsive to
identification of a relocation request originating from a terminal device, or can further be
arranged to vary connection procedure responsive to identification of a service request
originating from a terminal device.
[0024]
In particular, the target device can be arranged to vary connection procedure responsive
to identification of a Circuit Switched Fall-Back originating from a terminal device.
[0025]
The target device can also include means for establishing a time period and arranged to
monitor for receipt of a Location Area-based update during said time period and so as to initiate
variation in the connection procedure.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0026]
According to one particular aspect of the present invention therefore it can be
appreciated that the control arrangement advantageously seeks to make the MSC/SGSN aware of
the requirement behind the request for the LA update procedure, whether or not the update
procedure is for CSFB purposes such that connectivity procedure such as the related security
procedures can be employed in a modified and, ideally, less intensive manner.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0027]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating one particular aspect of the present invention.
[Fig- ]
Fig. 2 is a signalling diagram between network elements according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 is a further signalling diagram between network elements according to another
aspect of the present invention.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a network element according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a network element according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0028]
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029]
Within the current text of the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the connectivity
procedure that is to be varied in accordance with the reasoning behind the update request
comprises one or more of the security procedures associated with the update.
[0030]
As will be appreciated, if the update is required for CSFB purposes, then in order to
reduce the burden that delays within CSFB can place with the overall update procedure revised
versions of the associated security procedures can be provided.
[0031]
As one example, revised version of the authentication procedure can be employed. It
is of course noted that some network operators routinely employ such authentication for example,
when RAT (Radio Access Technology) or PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) changes are
required. Generally under normal circumstances, the LA update procedures do not necessarily
exhibit automatic delays. However, it is noted that if the LA update procedure occurs in
relation to CSFB, the delay to the call setup is relatively large and disadvantageously noticeable.
A revised security procedure according to the present invention can require that authentication is
exercised only when merely needed for example, when it is identified that there is a problem
with the UE context exchange between the MME (Mobility Management Entity) and the
SGSN/MSC. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the authentication procedure can advantageously be
skipped if required thereby advantageously reducing the delay experienced in the CSFB
procedure.
[0032]
In addition, or as an alternative, identity check procedures could be employed only
when required and not necessarily routinely and in the same manner as the aforementioned
authentication procedure.
[0033]
Yet further, TMSI re-allocation procedures can likewise be employed only when
required and not on a routine basis. Also, if required, a shorter version of the TMSI
re-allocation within the LA accept message might be adopted rather than a stand alone TMSI
re-allocation procedure.
[0034]
Considerations in relation to the change the authentication procedure are illustrated in
relation to Fig. 1. As will be seen, at the start 10 of the procedure, an indication of the
requirement for authentication is provided at step 12 and prior to receipt of a location update
request by a specifically identified User Equipment (UEl) 14 is received at the SGSN/MSC 16.
[0035]
The SGSN/MSC 16 determines whether or not to switch to a new radio access
technology is required at 18 and, if not, it is determined at step 20 whether or not the UEl
context have been fetched from the MME. If no such fetching of the context is determined at
step 20, the procedure continues to its conclusion at step 22 as indicated. However, if at step 20,
is determined at the UEl context has been fetched from the MME, it is confirmed at step 24 it is
confirmed that the status for the authentication only remains "false".
[0036]
Returning to step 18, it is there determined that there has been a switch to a new radio
access technology, the procedure continues to 26 where the status for the requirement for
authentication is revised to "true" and a determination is subsequently made at step 28 as to
whether a CSFB timer for the specific user equipment UEl is still running. If at step 28, it is
determined that the timer is still running, then the investigation at step 20 concerning fetching of
the UEl context from the MME is determined as before.
[0037]
If, however, it is determined at step 28 that the CSFB timer is not running, then the
procedure continues to its conclusion at step 22 as indicated.
[0038]
An important aspect of the present invention therefore is the provision of the
aforementioned CSFB timer and this is described further in relation to Figs. 2 and 3 of the
present application.
[0039]
Turning now to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a signalling diagram between a user
equipment 30, MME 32 and SGSN 34, a network system and wherein the user equipment 30 is
evolved in a handover from an evolved packet system to a legacy 2G/3G system for example,
CSFB purposes. As illustrated, the MME 32 issues a forward relocation request signal 38
which includes both indication of the cause for such a request (in this case that CSFB is required)
and also confirms the identify of the specific user equipment 30.
[0040]
Upon receipt of the request 38 the SGSN 34 functioning as a target network device
checks and identifies both the cause so the aforementioned cause and the UE identify, and upon
identifying the cause as CSFB- related, the SGSN 34 initiates a timer, referred to herein as the
"CSFB timer" for that specific UE 30 and at step 40, with that timer running, should an actual
LA update such as signal 42 be received from the user equipment 30, the SGSN 34 can be
arranged to provide at step 44 less intense, or "light security versions" within the LA update
procedure thereby limiting the delays that might arise from the SF procedure.
[0041]
The appropriate "light security" procedures 46 are then employed as required.
[0042]
That is, during a HO (Handover) for CSFB purposes to target 2G/3G system in NMO 1
configuration (see Fig. 2) - the target SGSN checks the "RAN cause" Ie and the UE identity in
the Forward Relocation Request signal from source MME to target SGSN. If the value of the
RAN cause indicates CSFB then the SGSN shall start a timer (let's call it "CSFB timer", of few
seconds) for the UE that is in CSFB. If during the span of this CSFB timer the SGSN receives
a request for LA update (by combined RA/LA update procedure) from the identified UE in CSFB,
the SGSN will exercise light security during this LA update.
[0043]
Turning now to Fig. 3, there is provided a signalling diagram according to another
aspect of the present invention.
[0044]
Again, a UE 30 and an associated MME 32 are indicated but, in this exemplary
embodiment, the target network device comprises MSC 48.
[0045]
As before, a handover is initiated from the user equipment 34 at step 50 from an
Evolved Packet System to a legacy 2G/3G system for CSFB purposes but this time a Service
Request signal with specific service type indicator that indicates CSFB and UE identifier (for
example IMSI) 52 is provided by the MME 32 to the MSC 48.
[0046]
The MSC checks the service type and UE identifier and, if it is noted that the service
type comprises "CS MO (Mobile Originated) call indicators" or any other indicator that indicates
a request for CSFB the MSC starts the CSFB timer for that specific user equipment 30 as
indicated at 54.
[0047]
Then, if, within the period of the aforementioned timer, an LA update signal 56 (and via
an LA update procedure) is received from the UE 30 at the MSC 48, the reduced less intense,
version of the security procedures are initiated such that "light security" functionality is provided
as indicated at step 58.
[0048]
During HO for CSFB purpose to target 2G/3G system in NMO II configuration and
MSC not changed (see Fig. 3). If the CSFB is for MT (Mobile Terminated) call, the MSC
already is aware of UE identity that is in CSFB. If the CSFB is for MO call, the MME
indicates that to the MSC over the SGs interface (interface between the MME and the MSC/VLR
(Visitor Location Register)) via "CS MO call indicator" (CSFB indicator). In both (MT and
MO) cases the MSC starts a CSFB timer for that UE in CSFB. If during the span of the CSFB
timer the MSC receives a request for LA update (by LA update procedure) from the identified
UE in CSFB, the MSC will exercise light security during this LA update.
[0049]
Turning now to Fig. 4, there is provided schematic illustration of a network device such
as a mobile management entity 32 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.
[0050]
The MME 32 includes transceiver arrangement and related interfaces 62, an appropriate
control processor 64 and associated memory arrangement 66. As will be appreciated the
control processor 64 is arranged to provide control signalling to the target network elements such
as the SGSN 34 of Fig. 2 or the MSC 48 of Fig. 3 serving to provide service information to
indicate the reasoning behind the change request.
[0051]
Turning now to Fig. 5, there is provided a schematic illustration of a target network
elements such as the SGSN 34 of Fig. 2 and the MSC 48 of Fig. 3.
[0052]
As illustrated, the target network element includes transceiver functionality and related
interfacing 68 and which connects to a control processor 70 which includes specific timer
functionality 72 so as to provide for the required time period within which an actual update
request is monitored at the target network element as discussed hereinbefore.
[0053]
Of course, the network target element 34, 48 also includes a memory arrangement 74 as
indicated and it should of course be appreciated;that the functionality of the device as illustrated
in Figs. 4 and 5 can be provided by way of software control instructions if required.
[0054]
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to
exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the claims.
[0055]
For example, the present invention can be materialized by a computer program for
causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like to execute the processes shown in Fig. 2 or
3.
[0056]
The program can be stored and provided to a computer using any type of non-transitory
computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include any type of
tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic
storage media (such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), optical magnetic
storage media (e.g. magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), CD-R
(compact disc recordable), CD-R/W (compact disc rewritable), and semiconductor memories
(such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM,
RAM (random access memory), etc.). The program may be provided to a computer using any
type of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media
include electric signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer
readable media can provide the program to a computer via a wired communication line (e.g.
electric wires, and optical fibers) or a wireless communication line.
[0057]
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from United Kingdom
patent application No. 1002446.1, filed on February 15, 2010, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
Reference Signs List
[0058]
30 UE
32 MME
34 SGSN
48 MSC
62 TRANSCEIVER ARRANGEMENT AND RELATED INTERFACES
64 CONTROL PROCESSOR
66 MEMORYARRANGEMENT
68 TRANSCEIVER FUNCTIONALITY AND RELATED INTERFACING
70 CONTROL PROCESSOR
72 TIMER FUNCTIONALITY
74 MEMORYARRANGEMENT
CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A method of controlling a Location Area-based update procedure in a mobile radio
communications network, and including the step of determining the basis for the Location
Area-based update request, and varying connection procedures upon receipt of such request and
responsive to the said determination.
[Claim 2]
The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the said determination controls the
connection procedure of a network element.
[Claim 3]
The method as claimed in Claim 1 and including the step of providing at a network
element, an indication of the said reason for the Location Area-based update request.
[Claim 4]
The method as claimed in Claim 1, 2, or 3 and including the step of determining the said
basis within a target network element.
[Claim 5]
The method as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the said target network element comprises a
Mobile Switching Centre or a Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node.
[Claim 6]
The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the said connection
procedure comprises a security procedure.
[Claim 7]
The method as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the said security procedure comprises at
least one of authentication procedure, an identification procedure or a TMSI (Temporary Mobile
Subscriber Identity) re-allocation procedure.
[Claim 8]
The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the step of varying the
connection procedure includes a determination of whether the procedure is required.
[Claim 9]
The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the said step of determining
the reason for the update request is based on service-type signalling.
[Claim 10]
The method as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the said service based signalling comprises
a service request signal including an indicator of Circuit Switched Fall-Back.
[Claim 11]
The method as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the service request signal is provided by a
MME (Mobility Management Entity) to a MSC (Mobile Switching Centre) in Circuit Switched
Fall-Back for mobile originated call.
[Claim 12]
The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of determining
the said basis includes determining if Circuit Switched Fall-Back is required.
[Claim 13]
A method of controlling Circuit Switched Fall-Back within a mobile radio
communications network and including the method of controlling Location Area-based update
procedure according to Claim 12.
[Claim 14]
The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13 and including an establishment of a
time period responsive to result of the said determination step, and further including the step of
monitoring for a Location Area-based update request during the said time period.
[Claim 15]
A mobile radio communications network device arranged for operation in the network
including a plurality of terminal devices, the network device being arranged to forward to a
target network device an indication of basis for a Location Area-based update procedure.
[Claim 16]
The network device as claimed in Claim 15 and comprising a Mobile Management
Entity.
[Claim 17]
A mobile radio communications network target device arranged for operation in the
network including a plurality of terminal devices and further arranged to monitor for an
indication from a network device as claimed in Claim 15 or 16 of basis for a Location
Area-based update procedure, and further arranged to vary a connection procedure responsive to
the said monitoring.
[Claim 18]
The target device as claimed in Claim 17 and arranged to vary connection procedure
responsive to identification of a relocation request originating from a terminal device.
[Claim 19]
The target device as claimed in Claim 17 and arranged to vary connection procedure
responsive to identification of a service request originating from a terminal device.
[Claim 20]
The target device as claimed in Claim 17 and arranged to vary connection procedure
responsive to identification of a Service Switched Fall-Back originating from a terminal device.
[Claim 21]
The target device as claimed in Claim 17, 18, 19 or 20 and arranged to vary the
connection procedure responsive to the receipt of identifier of the terminal device.
[Claim 22]
The target device as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 2 1 and comprising a Mobile
Switching Centre.
[Claim 23]
The target device as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 2 1 and comprising a SGSN
(Serving GPRS Support Node) device.
[Claim 24]
The target device as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 23 and including means for
establishing a time period and arranged to monitor for receipt of a Location Area-based update
during said time period and so as to initiate variation in the connection procedure.
[Claim 25]
The target device as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 24 wherein the connection
procedure comprises a security procedure.
[Claim 26]
The target device as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the security procedure comprises one
or more of an authorisation procedure, an identification procedure or a TMSI (Temporary Mobile
Subscriber Identity) re-allocation procedure.
[Claim 27]
The target device as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 26 and arranged such that the
varying of the connection procedure can include determination of whether the procedure is
required.
[Claim 28]
A computer program, computer product or computer readable media comprising
instructions for carrying out a method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 14.
[Claim 29]
A method of controlling a Location Area-based update procedure substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Claim 30]
A mobile radio communication network device substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.