METHODS AND APPARATUSES IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

• US 20130343347A1
• Filed: 05/02/2011
• Published: 12/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Original Assignee: Telefonaktienbolaget L.M. Ericsson
• Inventors: Andr-Jnsson, Henrik, Axn, Rasmus, Melin, Lena
• Granted Patent: US 9,578,577 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/332
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0022 for transferring data sessions between adjacent core network technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/14 Reselecting a network or an air interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points

Abstract

A method in a legacy access node for selecting a suitable RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a LTE UE, capable of both PS and CS sessions in a global communication network. The method comprises connecting the UE to a legacy RAN via a radio interface module and then establishing a PS session with the connected UE. The bandwidth that the UE currently is consuming is monitored and compared with a predefined bandwidth threshold. If the consumed bandwidth exceeds the predefined bandwidth threshold an attempt will be made to trigger transferring of the UE from the current legacy RAN to the LTE RAN. A corresponding method is disclosed in a eNodeB where the attempt to trigger transferring of the UE from the LTE RAN to the legacy RAN is made if the consumed bandwidth falls below the predefined threshold. Related legacy access nodes and eNodeBs perform the methods.

Claims

1. A method in a legacy access node for selecting a suitable radio access network, RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a long term evolution, LTE, user equipment, UE, capable of both packet switched, PS, and circuit switched, CS, sessions in a global communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the LTE-UE, via a radio interface module, to a legacy RAN capable of providing both PS and CS services,

establishing a PS session with the connected LTE-UE,

monitoring the bandwidth that the LTE-UE is currently consuming,

comparing the currently consumed bandwidth with a predefined bandwidth threshold, and

triggering an attempt of transferring the LTE-UE from the current legacy RAN to a LTE RAN based on the consumed bandwidth exceeding the predefined bandwidth threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the triggering step is performed only if the LTE-UE is within the coverage area of the LTE RAN.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the triggering step is performed only if the consumed bandwidth exceeds the predefined bandwidth threshold during a predefined time period.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the triggering step is performed only if there is no ongoing CS connection.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the connecting step further comprises providing the LTE-UE with a priority list directing it to preemptive camping on the legacy access network.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the connecting step further comprises receiving UE capabilities information and/or UE subscription type information from the connecting LTE-UE via the radio interface module for use as parameters for triggering the attempt to transfer.

7. A method in an eNodeB for selecting a suitable radio access network, RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a long term evolution, LTE, user equipment, UE, capable of both packet switched, PS, and circuit switched, CS, sessions in a global communication network, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the LTE-UE to a LTE RAN,

establishing a PS session with the connected UE,

monitoring the bandwidth that the LTE-UE is currently consuming,

comparing the currently consumed bandwidth with a predefined bandwidth threshold, and

triggering an attempt of transferring the LTE-UE from the LTE RAN to a legacy RAN when based on the consumed bandwidth falls falling below the predefined bandwidth threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the triggering step is performed only if the consumed bandwidth falls below the predefined bandwidth threshold during a predefined time period.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the connecting step further comprises receiving UE capabilities information and/or UE subscription type information from the connecting LTE-UE when the UE is connecting to the LTE RAN for the first time for use as parameters for triggering the attempt to transfer.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the connecting step further comprises sending a priority list to the LTE-UE, thereby instructing the LTE-UE to prefer the legacy RAN for reconnection in the event of a temporary loss of connection.

11. A legacy access node for selecting a suitable radio access network, RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a long term evolution, LTE, user equipment, UE, capable of both packet switched, PS, and circuit switched, CS, sessions in a global communication network, said legacy access node being adapted and configured to perform operations comprising:

connecting the LTE-UE, via a radio interface module, to a legacy RAN capable of providing both PS and CS services,

establishing a PS session with the connected LTE-UE,

monitoring the bandwidth that the LTE-UE is currently consuming,

comparing the currently consumed bandwidth with a predefined bandwidth threshold, and

triggering an attempt of transferring the LTE-UE from the current legacy RAN to a LTE RAN based on the consumed bandwidth exceeding the predefined bandwidth threshold.

12. The legacy access node according to claim 11, further adapted and configured to perform the triggering step only if the LTE-UE is within the coverage area of the LTE RAN.

13. The legacy access node according to claim 11, further adapted and configured to perform the triggering step only if the consumed bandwidth exceeds the predefined bandwidth threshold during a predefined time period.

14. The legacy access node according to claim 11, further adapted and configured to perform the triggering step only if there is no ongoing CS connection.

15. The legacy access node according to claim 11, further adapted and configured to perform providing the LTE-UE with a priority list directing it to preemptive camping on the legacy access network.

16. The legacy access node according to claim 11, further adapted and configured to receive UE capabilities information and/or UE subscription type information from the connecting LTE-UE via the radio interface module for use as parameters for triggering the attempt to transfer.

17. An LTE eNodeB for selecting a suitable radio access network, RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a long term evolution, LTE, user equipment, UE, capable of both packet switched, PS, and circuit switched, CS, sessions in a global communication network, said LTE eNodeB being adapted and configured to perform operations comprising:

connecting the LTE-UE to a LTE access network,

establishing a PS session with the connected LTE-UE,

monitoring the bandwidth that the LTE-UE is currently consuming,

comparing the currently consumed bandwidth with a bandwidth predefined bandwidth, and

triggering an attempt of transferring the LTE-UE from the LTE RAN to a legacy RAN based on the consumed bandwidth falling below the predefined bandwidth threshold.

18. The eNodeB according to claim 17, further adapted and configured to perform the triggering step only if the consumed bandwidth falls below the predefined bandwidth threshold during a predefined time period.

19. The eNodeB according to claim 17, further adapted and configured to receive UE capabilities information and/or UE subscription type information from the connecting UE when the LTE-UE is connecting to the LTE RAN for the first time for use as parameters for triggering the attempt to transfer.

20. The eNodeB according to claim 17, further adapted and configured to send a priority list to the LTE-UE, thereby instructing the LTE-UE to prefer the legacy RAN for reconnection in the event of a temporary loss of connection.