MOBILITY PROCEDURES AND DIFFERENTIATED CHARGING IN HOME NODE-Bs

• US 20080293419A1
• Filed: 04/28/2008
• Published: 11/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation (InterDigital, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation (InterDigital, Inc.)
• Inventors: Sammour, Mohammed, Somasundaram, Shankar, Mukherjee, Rajat P., Olvera-Hernandez, Ulises
• Granted Patent: US 9,467,911 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/437
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/318 Received signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/43 Billing software details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/7657 for closed subscriber group [CSG]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8027 based on network load situation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8033 location-dependent, e.g. business or home
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/74 Rating aspects, e.g. rating parameters or tariff determination apects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7428 Load situation, e.g. Current network load, traffic load or available resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7435 Location dependent, e.g. Bussiness or home
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/08 Reselecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/36 by user or terminal equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/045 using private Base Stations, e.g. femto Base Stations, home Node B

Abstract

A method and apparatus for implementing Idle and Connected Mode mobility to and from a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) in a wireless environment. Methods to implement differentiated charging when accessing HNBs, as well as the criteria used to make a cell reselection decision when an HNB is detected, criteria for making a handoff decision and methods to indicate charging and other policies/preferences and configurations to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU).

Claims

1. A method for handover and reselection when macro-cell coverage is not available, the method comprising:

determining whether macro-cell coverage is available; and

connecting to a Home evolved Node-B (HNB).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the HNB connection is made only when macro-cell coverage is unavailable.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the HNB connection is made when a desired macro-cell coverage is unavailable.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is configured to connect to at least one preferred HNB.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the WTRU connects to the at least one preferred HNB when one preferred HNB is available.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein multiple HNBs are available, the WTRU determines whether a plurality of selection criteria are equal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of selection criteria includes at least one of a favorable radio environment, offered services, and charging policies.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the WTRU makes a decision based on random selection if all the selection criteria of the plurality of selection criteria are equal.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the WTRU makes a decision based on a priority order if the plurality of selection criteria are not equal.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the WTRU gives a non-preferred HNB second preference when a preferred HNB is unavailable.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the WTRU camps on the non-preferred HNB if macro-cell coverage is not available.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the HNB is blacklisted such that a WTRU will be denied access.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the blacklisted HNB can be accessed in an emergency.

14. The method of claim 4, wherein the WTRU is granted access to a non-preferred HNB in an emergency.

15. A method for reselection based on Home evolved Node-B (HNB) radio strength, the method comprising:

determining whether HNB radio strength is greater than a surrounding macro-cell radio strength;

determining whether the surrounding macro-cell radio strength is below an absolute value;

reselecting to a HNB if the macro-cell radio strength is below an absolute value; and

deciding not to reselect to a HNB if the macro-cell radio strength is above an absolute value.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the absolute value is dynamically changed based at least one of a plurality of factors, the plurality of factors including network traffic, WTRU identity, location, and a comparison of services offered in a macro-cell and a HNB.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

configuring a HNB offset value, the HNB offset value configured to be higher than a surrounding macro-cell radio strength, or configured to be lower than the surrounding macro-cell radio strength.

18. A method for reselection comprising:

determining whether multiple cells are available;

determining whether a WTRU is anticipating starting multiple services if multiple cells are available;

implementing a priority for the multiple services if the WTRU is anticipating starting multiple services; and

reselecting to a HNB cell.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the WTRU camps on an available cell if only one cell is available.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein reselection to a HNB is based on a WTRU configuration when the WTRU is not anticipating starting multiple services.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the WTRU reselects to a HNB cell when the WTRU is configured to reselect to a preferred HNB.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the WTRU reselects to a macro-cell when the WTRU is not configured to reselect to a preferred HNB.

23. A method for reselection based on operator agreements, the method comprising:

identifying a first operator and a second operator; and

choosing a reselection procedure based on an agreement between the first operator and the second operator.

24. A method for reselection based on network operator configurations, the method comprising:

forcing reselection to available Home evolved Node-Bs (HNBs);

deploying a plurality of HNBs in a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) area; and

requiring all wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) in the MBSFN area to preferentially camp on HNB cells.

25. A method for reselection based on network operator configurations, the method comprising:

requiring that a wireless transmit/receive unit always camps on a macro-cell;

receiving measurement reports of neighboring cells; and

using the measurement reports with other information to direct the WTRU to a particular macro-cell or HNB cell.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the other information includes at least one of subscription information and traffic information.

27. A method for reselection based on network operator configurations, the method comprising:

moving a wireless transmit/receive unit from Idle Mode to Connected Mode;

sending required information;

receiving a network decision;

transitioning back to Idle Mode; and

reselecting based on the network decision.

28. A method for reselection based on a wireless transmit/receive unit'"'"'s (WTRU'"'"'s) mobility state, the method comprising:

detecting a Home evolved Node-B (HNB);

determining whether the WTRU is in a high or medium mobility state;

reselecting to the HNB if the WTRU is not in a high or medium mobility state; and

reselecting to a macro-cell if the WTRU is in a high or medium mobility state.

29. A method for error detection comprising:

detecting an advertised Home evolved Node-B (HNB) identification (ID);

determining whether the ID is correct;

camping on the HNB if the ID is determined to be correct; and

sending an error message if the ID is determined to be incorrect.

30. A method for reselection based on transmitted neighbor cell information, the method comprising:

determining whether neighbor cell information has been transmitted;

determining whether to reselect or handover to a particular neighbor cell if neighbor cell information has been transmitted; and

reading system information messages, if neighbor cell information has not been transmitted, and deciding not to camp on a particular HNB or macro-cell based on the information read.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the neighbor cell information includes capability information.

32. A method for reselection and handover based on defined values, the method comprising:

defining a first value for reselection and handover, wherein the first value is of a normal size;

defining a second value for reselection and handover, wherein the second value is of a large size;

determining whether the wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is subscribed to a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) if the first value size is normal;

applying normal reselection and handover procedures if the WTRU is subscribed to a HNB; and

applying higher timers and offsets for reselecting to a neighbor cell if the WTRU is not subscribed to a HNB.

33. A method for reselection, wherein a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) uses paging, the method comprising:

camping on a macro-cell;

receiving a page in the macro-cell;

sending a message indicating adequate coverage by a Home evolved Node-b (HNB);

receiving a message indicating that network can redirect the WTRU to the HNB.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the WTRU provides a precise location to be used as an input factor to determine the selection of an appropriate HNB.

35. A method for reselection comprising:

moving a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) between Home evolved Node-Bs (HNBs);

receiving a message indicating a target HNB;

allowing the WTRU to camp on the target HNB.

36. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

detecting a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU);

sending a message indicating that the WTRU is within a Home evolved Node-B'"'"'s (HNB'"'"'s) range; and

providing system information block (SIB) information.

37. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

receiving system information block (SIB) information;

performing registration of a Home evolved Node-B (HNB);

authenticating the HNB; and

sending a measurement report, the measurement report triggering a handover command.

38. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

verifying a wireless transmit/receive unit'"'"'s (WTRU'"'"'s) identity;

verifying the WTRU'"'"'s subscription information;

creating a measurement command, the measurement command including a plurality of parameters;

sending the measurement command; and

sending a message, the message including a HNB signature.

39. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

receiving a measurement command, the measurement command including a plurality of parameters;

using the plurality of parameters to perform measurements;

creating a measurement report;

sending the measurement report; and

receiving a message, the message including a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) signature.

40. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

receiving a message, the message indicating that a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is within range, whereby the message does not include the WTRU'"'"'s identity;

authenticating and verifying a Home evolved Node-B'"'"'s (HNB'"'"'s) identity;

checking for subscribed WTRUs within a neighboring macro-cell;

creating measurement commands; and

sending the measurement commands.

41. A method for reducing active mode measurements comprising:

receiving instructions to perform fewer measurements;

performing measurements;

maintaining an association between a surrounding macro-cell identification (ID) and a Home evolved Node-B (HNB);

adopting an algorithm to determine a number of measurements to perform;

performing the number of measurements determined by the algorithm;

creating a measurement report; and

sending the measurement report.

42. A method for reducing idle mode measurements comprising:

receiving a message, the message including a list of neighboring cells a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) is aware of;

reading the message; and

determining which neighboring cells to reselect to based on the message and subscription information.

43. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a receiver configured to receive HNB and macro-cell signals;

a processor configured to determine whether macro-cell coverage is available;

a memory for storing charging policies, user/operator preferences and configurations related to selecting HNB/macro-cell coverage; and

a selector configured to establish a connection with the HNB or the macro-cell.

44. The WTRU of claim 43, wherein the configurations include a configuration to connect to at least one preferred HNB.

45. The WTRU of claim 43, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether HNB radio strength is greater than macro-cell radio strength.

46. The WTRU of claim 45, wherein the selector is further configured to reselect to the HNB if the macro-cell radio strength is above an absolute value and reselect to the macro-cell if the macro-cell radio strength is below an absolute value.

47. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a processor configured to determine whether multiple cells are available; and

a selector configured to establish a connection with the HNB.

48. The WTRU of claim 47, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the WTRU is anticipating starting multiple services.

49. The WTRU of claim 47, wherein the processor is further configured to implement a priority for multiple services.

50. The WTRU of claim 47, wherein the selector is further configured to reselect to a preferred HNB.

51. The WTRU of claim 47, wherein the selector is configured to reselect to a macro-cell.

52. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a processor configured to identify a first network operator and a second network operator; and

a selector for choosing a reselection procedure, the reselection procedure based on an agreement between the first network operator and the second network operator.

53. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a processor configured to transition from Idle Mode to Connected Mode;

a transmitter configured to send requirement information;

a receiver configured to receive a network decision;

a processor configured to transition to Idle Mode; and

a selector configured to reselect based on the received network decision.

54. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a detector configured to detect a Home evolved Node-B (HNB);

a processor for determining the WTRU'"'"'s mobility state; and

a selector configured to reselect based on the WTRU'"'"'s mobility state.

55. The WTRU of claim 54, wherein the selector is further configured to reselect to the HNB if the WTRU is in a low mobility state.

56. The WTRU of claim 54, wherein the selector is further configured to reselect to the macro-cell if the WTRU is in a high or medium mobility state.

57. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a detector configured to detect an advertised HNB identification (ID);

a processor configured to determine whether the HNB ID is correct;

a selector configured to allow the WTRU to camp on the HNB if the HNB ID is determined to be correct; and

a transmitter configured to send an error message if the HNB ID is determined to be incorrect.

58. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a detector configured to detect transmissions, the transmissions including neighbor cell information;

a processor configured to determine whether to reselect or handover to a particular neighbor cell.

59. The WTRU of claim 58, wherein the processor is configured to read system information messages if neighbor cell information has not been transmitted.

60. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

circuitry configured to allow the WTRU to camp on a macro-cell;

a receiver configured to receive a page in the macro-cell; and

a transmitter configured to send a message indicating adequate coverage by the HNB.

61. The WTRU of claim 60, wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a message indicating that the WTRU can be redirected to the HNB.

62. A Home evolved Node-B comprising:

a detector configured to detect a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU); and

a transmitter configured to send a message indicating that the WTRU is within the HNB'"'"'s range.

63. The HNB of claim 62, wherein the transmitted message is system information block (SIB) information.

64. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured to operate in a Home evolved Node-B (HNB) wireless environment, the WTRU comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a measurement command;

a processor configured to perform measurements and create a measurement report; and

a transmitter configured to send the measurement report.

65. The WTRU of claim 64, wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a message, the message including a HNB signature.

66. The WTRU of claim 65, further configured to use the signature to access the HNB.