Patent ID: 9622270
Date: 2017-04-11
CPC Classifications: H04W

Claim:
1. A method of establishing a bearer in a packet switched mobile wireless communications network comprising a mobile device and a network node, wherein a predetermined maximum number of bearers can be established for the mobile device within the network, the method comprising: sending bearer information from the network node to the mobile device either: when the number of bearers currently established for the mobile device within the network is less than the predetermined maximum number of bearers; or before a request for a further bearer is received at the network node from the mobile device if the number of bearers currently established for the mobile device within the network is equal to the predetermined maximum number of bearers; the bearer information indicating one of: the predetermined maximum number of bearers that can be established for the mobile device within the network; a remaining number of bearers that can be established for the mobile device within the network; or that no more bearers can be established for the mobile device within the network; and determining at the mobile device at a later point in time that a further bearer is required; wherein if the bearer information indicates the maximum number of bearers and the current number of bearers is equal to the maximum number of bearers, or if the bearer information indicates that the remaining number of bearers is zero, or if the bearer information indicates that that no more bearers can be established for the mobile device within the network the method further comprises: releasing, at the mobile device, a bearer previously established for the mobile device within the network; performing a bearer synchronisation procedure between the mobile device and the network node if required; sending a request for a further bearer from the mobile device to the network node; and establishing the further bearer for the mobile device within the network.