Patent ID: 7440745
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. In a mobile cellular network, a method of controlling communications between an access node and a mobile switching apparatus in a pool of different mobile switching apparatuses, said method comprising the steps of: configuring one of the mobile switching apparatuses as a dedicated mobile switching apparatus, said dedicated mobile switching apparatus providing only data services to an identified user group; receiving in the access node, a message from a user requiring handling by a mobile switching apparatus capable of providing a requested data service; determining whether the user belongs to the identified user group serviced by the dedicated mobile switching apparatus; if the user belongs to the identified user group, determining whether the dedicated mobile switching apparatus has available resources to handle the message; if the user belongs to the identified user group, and the dedicated mobile switching apparatus has available resources to handle the message: if the user does not belong to the identified user group, or if the dedicated mobile switching apparatus does not have available resources to handle the message: