Access system for an access network

The present invention relates to a method, system and device for providing access from a terminal device (1) to a second access network (8). To achieve this an access network device (3) belonging to an first access network (12) stores a second access network information comprising information of second access network(s) (8) accessible from the first access network (12). Communication means between the terminal device and and the first access network are established and the second access network information is delivered to the terminal device (1). The terminal device (1) accesses the second access network (8) via the first access network (12). The accessing is done based on the second access network information delivered to said terminal device (1). Thereby, service functions of the second access network, e.g. UMTS services, can be distributed via any other access network and existing broadband or high-speed access networks can be implemented in new cellular network structures. A huge capacity enhancement can thus be offered to the network operators of the cellular network without any standardization effort or license fee and at very small investment and maintenance costs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for providing access to a second access network, such as a cellular network e.g. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, via an access network which is not designed to be used as a part of the second access network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data services of the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) have launched a new era of mobile communications. The early analog cellular modems had become unattractive to the market as they were slow and unreliable. Now the market for data is moving onwards (more bursty) and upwards (more traffic), and the standardization institutes are working towards higher data rates but more significantly also towards packet data services. This will certainly broaden the appeal to end users because data is routed more efficiently through the network and hence at lower costs, and also access times are reduced.

The fixed networks have seen an enormous growth in data traffic, not least because of the growth of Internet access demand. It is supposed that mobile networks will spread as technology and customer expectations move on. The current GSM switch network is based on narrow band ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) circuits, so that the reason for rate limitations moves from the access network to the core network.

The new General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) network will offer operators the ability to charge by the packet, and support data transfer across a high speed network at up to eight times slot radio interface capacity. GPRS introduces two new nodes into the GSM network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). The SGSN keeps track of the location of the mobile terminal within its service area and sends and receives packets to/from the mobile terminal, passing them on or receiving them from the GGSN. The GGSN then converts the GSM packets into other packet protocols (e.g. IP or X.25) and sends them out into other networks.

Services like multislot data and GPRS are very useful in moving the base technologies forwards, but if the same goals can be achieved with the existing data services, services on the current networks should be prototyped. Therefore, a standardized mobile access mechanism for fixed network services, focusing on increasing the effective throughput and immunity to dropped calls and thus reducing the needed airtime should be established. UMTS will deliver advanced information directly to people and provide them with access to new and innovative services. It will offer mobile personalized communications to the mass market regardless of location, network or the terminal used.

Cellular radio frequencies are usually owned as licensed bands by the network operators. The huge licensing fees lead to rigid licensing procedures which make it difficult to maintain a healthy and non-discriminatory competition environment. Currently, a strictly separate usage of owned access resources by individual network operators can be observed. Hence, ownership of frequency bands or spectrum is considered to be a key factor of success for the operator's business.

To achieve a wide area coverage at increasing amounts of network traffic, smaller cell sizes are required, which makes network planning more and more difficult and leads to increasing site acquisition costs and radio access network investments. Moreover, huge and rigid standardization efforts are required to introduce new access systems.

However, given the massive investments that have been made in existing networks of all types and the enormous capital value that still attaches to most of them, operators and users will wish to continue to exploit them until the end of their useful lives.

Almost all existing networks can be used as access networks for IP-based services. Therefore, interoperability between UMTS terminals and other IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) network family members, or even non-UMTS access networks is a key requirement. In particular, UMTS operators should be able to use common access networks owned by other access network providers, while the user has subscription only with the UMTS operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for providing access to a second access network, by means of which access facilities can be increased.

This object is achieved by a method of providing access from a terminal device to a second access network, the method comprising the steps of:storing second access network information in an access network device belonging to a first access network, said second access network information comprising information of second access network or second access networks accessible from the first access network;establishing communication means between said terminal device and the first access network;delivering the second access network information from said access network device to said terminal device; andaccessing the second access network via the first access network, said accessing done based on the second access network information delivered to said terminal device.

Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a system for providing access from a terminal device to a second access network, the system comprising:an first access network for providing communication means for the terminal device; andan access network device belonging to the first access network. Said access network device is arranged to store and deliver second access network information to the terminal device. Said second access network information comprises information of second access network or second access networks accessible from the first access network. Furthermore; the second access network information comprises information enabling the terminal device for accessing said second access network via said first access network.

Moreover, the above object is achieved by an access network device for enabling access from a terminal device connected to a first access network, to a second access network, the access network device is arranged to:store said second access network information; anddeliver said second access network information to the terminal device, said second access network information comprising information of second access network(s) accessible from the first access network. The second access network information enables the terminal device to access said second access network via said first access network.

Throughout the present application, the term “first access network” is intended to designate any independent access network, non-integrated access network and/or external access network which is not specifically adapted to be used as a part of the second access network which is to be accessed. This means e.g. that the access technology of the first access network is not specifically designed to be used as a part of the accessed second access network. The first access network may be based on non-licensed technology in such fashion that it may be shared by e.g. different second access network operators to provide access to their second access networks. The first access network may be connected to the second access network in an add-on way, i.e. by preserving major characteristics of the first access network and the second access network, respectively, as defined by existing standards and specifications. For example, an first access network operating in an unlicensed band typically is different in its characteristics from a second access network operating in a licensed band. Moreover, protocol standards or signalings may differ in some or all protocol layers.

Accordingly, a system concept for a second access network is provided, in which independent access networks can be used as alternative radio access facilities for accessing the second access network. The second access network is preferably cellular network, e.g. an access network of UMTS network, UTRAN, GERAN or IP RAN which are specified in 3GPP specifications. Thereby, seamless access to all services of the second access network can be provided over various radio access systems. As an example, a UMTS over broadband radio system can be established, which supports seamless access to all UMTS services and will deploy UMTS mobility management principles.

The second access network is accessed via a service node belonging to the second access network. The access may be established by establishing an connection between the terminal device and the service node. Said connection between the terminal device and the service node is an IP connection between two nodes identified by their IP addresses or ethernet level connection i.e. a connection between two nodes identified by their ethernet addresses, or similar transport connection based on some other transport trechnology. In the following text term ‘IP connection” is used as an example of such a connection.

The terminal device is connected to the first access network via an access device which belongs to the first access network. The establishing of communication means comprises an establishment of the radio interface connection between the terminal device and the access device. When the communication means has been established between the terminal device and the first access network (this means that the terminal device has e.g. a radio interface connection with the access device) an IP address is allocated to the terminal device.

The second access network information comprises a list of PLMN-IDs of accessible second access networks, IP address of the service node and/or a system information package from each accessible second access network. This second access network information is delivered from an access network device located in the first access network to the terminal device. After the delivery of second access network information the terminal device or the user of it may decide which second access network is to be accessed. The system information package contains system information required to be known by the terminal device about the second access network or/and the networks behind second access network before accessing second access network.

The access network device may automaticallly deliver the second access network information to all terminal devices that are establishing communication means with the first access network. Alternatively the terminal devices may request or solicitate for the second access network information and the information is delivered as a response. Request of the second access network information can be realised e.g. by a service discovery protocol or by DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) protocol. The access network device comprises memory for storing the second access network information received from the second access network or from the networks beyond the second access network (e.g. core network of cellular systems). The second access network device is also arranged to receive a second access network information from the second access network.

Accessing the second access network happens by establishing the IP connection with the service node of the second access network. Using this IP connection the radio resource control (RRC) connection may be established between the terminal device and the service node. This means that the RRC connection is established on top of the IP connection. The established IP connection is active at least as long as the terminal device is in the coverage area of the first access network.

A handover of access devices may be executed by establishing communication means with another access device and sending a signaling message, such as cell update, to the service node. The same IP connection may be used because the terminal device can maintain its old IP address and the service node has not been changed.

Furthermore an inter system handover may be executed by establishing communication means between the terminal device and an access device of the new first access network and allocating new IP address to the terminal device. The inter system handover further comprises steps of, delivering the second access network information to the terminal device and sending a signaling message, such as cell update, to the new service node from the terminal device.

In the inter system handover, after reception of the signaling message in the new service node a serving radio network subsystem relocation may be executed between the old service node and the new service node.

The data transmitted between the terminal device and the second access networks comprises protocol data units (PDU) specified in 3GPP specifications. Preferably these protocol data units are radio link control (RLC) data units also specified in 3GPP specifications. In one embodiment of the invention the data units are multiplexed into data stream between the the second access network and terminal device by a multiplexing protocol. Also multiplexing protocol may be one specified in 3GPP specifications. The protocol data units are transported over the first access network via a UDP/IP tunnel.

The terminal devices are mobile terminals, mobile phones, multimode mobile phones, PDA devices, portable or fixed computers, lap tops or some other devices that can be used for accessing the first access network. In this application either terminal device or mobile terminal is used to designate any of the above mentioned apparatuses.

This provides to the users of mobile terminals the advantages that a very convenient high-speed wireless system for home, office and other hot-spot environments can be established, such that attractive public wireless services can be provided at reasonable prices. Furthermore, the same type of service can be used at any location, since cheap and fast hot-spot systems can be handed over to the global second access network umbrella and leaving a hot-spot.

Due to the transparent connection through the first access network, the GSM/UMTS security functions can be moved to new wireless devices. The user can rely on secure payments and other confidential transactions provided by the familiar operator over the new system and thus may start to use e-commerce. Thus, any UMTS service can be provided globally via any compatible access network.

As regards network operators, an easy way is provided to become a major wireless Internet service provider. In particular, a huge capacity enhancement can be offered without major new technology developments or standardization efforts and license fees, while only very small investments and maintenance costs are required for the additional service nodes. Thereby, access costs are reduced for the network operators, since common access networks can be shared by different operators. Moreover, even different radio technologies may be used to access the same services, while the best radio technology may be chosen for each environment. The operator can concentrate on the core business which has the best margins and may leave the broadband access handling to other parties. The role of the backbone service provider is thereby separated from the role of the access provider, and more modular system structures can be developed with radio access systems being more separated from the remaining network infrastructures.

Additionally, a new type of business is generated for the provision of first access networks, which is performed by the owners of existing and future access networks. Additionally, the access devices become consumer products rather than parts of an invisible first access network infrastructure, since the access providers have to install corresponding access devices for providing the transparent connection through their access or distribution networks. The network terminals may be arranged as specific terminals adapted to their point of use, or as dual or multimode terminals which can be used in any environment.

Thus, the new access system offers on one hand operators the possibility to extend their service offering to new environments like homes or public hot-spots and on the other hand it dramatically increases the radio capacity available for future cellular services. The system can be used as a UMTS capacity enhancement and as a low cost and high bit-rate radio extension e.g. in homes or indoor or outdoor hot-spot areas where utilization of low cost and high bit-rate services and continuous reachability from the UMTS backbone network is desired. Thereby, seamless access to all UMTS services can be provided, and the access networks can be introduced as alternative or additional radio access technologies for UMTS.

The higher layer protocol functions of the terminal device may be based on UMTS protocol functions that operate on top of the UMTS transport channels in the UMTS protocol architecture.

Preferably, IP based transport means, e.g. UDP/IP is setup between the terminal device and the service node of the second access network. The first access network may be connected to the second access network by connecting the access network device and the service node of the second access network to each others by a network which enables IP transport between the service node and the access network device. Alternative implementations for connecting the first and second access networks are however possible. For example, the access network device and the service node of the second access network may be implemented either close to each other or in the same network element so that the access network device and the service node may be connected to each others by a single cable.

As regards the billing function, at least one of said access devices or another network device of the first access network may be arranged to monitor resource usage by an active connection between the terminal device and the second access network and to report monitoring results to the centralized network device or gateway device arranged to sort the resource usage according the originating second access network and to increase an access resource charging bill for the operator of the originating second access network according to predetermined rules.

The service node may distribute information of the second access network or cellular network such as system Information and/or routing information to the gateway device, and the gateway device may then distribute the system information to terminal devices.

In particular, for the established communication between the terminal device and the second access network via the first access network, the service node may provide predetermined functions of the second access network, comprising radio bearer management, encryption, IP-header compression, RLC level segmentation and/or retransmission, and MAC (Medium Access Control) multiplexing. It may be split into a separate user plane gateway and control plane servers. Furthermore, the service node can be connected to an SGSN, MSC or an other second access network node by a standard lu interface and/or to other service or switching nodes by an lur signaling interface for supporting seamless inter service node and inter access system handovers.

The first access network may be a network, e.g. a broadband radio access network, arranged separately from the communication system on which the second access network is based on. It may be used for accessing several types of the second access networks, e.g. a UMTS infrastructure network. The first access network may use OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) based radio technology in the air interface between the access device and the terminal device. Furthermore, the first access network may be arranged to use wireless local area network (WLAN) like radio technologies such as Bluetooth® (hereinafter as BT),IEEE 802.11a/b, IEEE 802.15, or BRAN HL2 based radio technology. Additionally, the first access network may be arranged to be used for establishing a connection to other types of networks which differ from the second access network. It may provide alternative methods specific to the first access network so as to realize lower layer protocol functions of second access networks specifically designed to be used as a part of the second access network. Specifically, the first access network may be a multipurpose access network adapted to offer transport services for the second access network, and the second access network may be an access independent network adapted to be able to utilize transport services provided by several types of first access networks.

The terminal device may be arranged to scan the signal strength of other access devices and to perform handover by starting a connection establishment procedure towards a new access device. As regards the data transport functions of the first access system, transport channel data streams of the second access network may be transported on top of IP transport between the terminal device and the second access network via the first access network. IP can be transported on top of the communication channels provided by the access technology of the first access network between a terminal device and the first access network.

The first or/and the second access network may provide a mapping function for mapping a desired service quality to the transport bearer/communication channel characteristics of the access network.

A signaling specific to the second access network may be carried out via the established IP connection or transport bearer transparently through the first access network which is arranged to only allocate the respective capacity.

The terminal device may be arranged to use its power saving features specific to the first access network when being connected to the second access network via the first access network. The power saving features designed and implemented for the second access network may be disabled for terminal devices connected via the first access network to the second access network.

When the connection is set up, a set of lower layer functions of the second access network may be disabled and the corresponding functions of the first access network may be used instead. An identity utilized by the second access network for the user of the terminal device and/or for the terminal device itself does not have to be notified to the first access network. The terminal device may be arranged to establish a new connection with the first access network, which is not associated with the previous connection by the first access network, when the terminal device moves from the coverage or cover area of one access device to the coverage or cover area of another access device of the first access network.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the method and system according to the present invention will be described on the basis of a wireless broadband UMTS based system in which independent broadband wireless access networks are introduced as alternative or additional radio access technologies for UMTS. Thus, such a UMTS over broadband radio system supports seamless access to all UMTS services.

In these preferred embodiments of the invention the second access network8is UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and the first access network12is broadband access network (BAN network). It should be noticed that instead of UTRAN the second access network may be any other access network, e.g GSM/EDGE radio access network (GERAN) or IP RAN (IP based radio access network).

FIG. 1shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture according to a preferred embodiment, wherein a broadband access provider network (BAN provider network)13is connected via IP (Internet Protocol) network4to a UMTS network15. The UMTS network15comprises the UMTS access network (UTRAN)8and a UMTS backbone network14. In more detail the IP network4is a network where IP transport is utilised between the UTRAN8and BAN network12. The access system is usable for UMTS radio capacity enhancement in environments suitable for broadband radio. According toFIG. 1, the access system comprises one or a plurality of UTRANs (second access networks),8operated by a UMTS operator, and one or a plurality of broadband access networks (BAN networks)12which are operated by access network providers. Thus, the BAN networks12can be regarded as non-integrated or independent or external access networks. The BAN network12may be based on a non-licensed radio technology and a common BAN network12can be shared between UMTS network15operators. In particular, the UTRAN8comprises an lu interface with the UMTS backbone network14and a simple IP based interface14with the BAN network12(non-integrated access network), wherein only data and control information transport services are provided by the interface14.

The BAN network12consists of access devices called access points (APs)2for providing a radio access by establishing a radio-connection (dotted line between MT1and AP2shown in theFIG. 1) to a terminal device1which in these examples is called mobile terminal (MT)1. Furthermore, a control server or gateway device called BAN gateway (BANGW)3acts as a distributor for control signaling between mobile terminal(s) and the UTRAN8. Thus, the access points2terminate the broadband radio interface. The BANGW3is arranged to hide the internal logical structure of the BAN network12from external networks.

Access point2contains following functionalities:Management of air interface12connections between itself and mobile terminal1according to the access specifications,Standard bridging (based on link layer address) or routing (based on network layer address) of air interface data streams to/from connected network nodes.

BAN gateway3is the data transmission gateway between the AP2on one side and UTRAN8on the other side. BANGW3functions desribed here as functions of one node can be realised in separate logical and/or physical nodes having different names than BANGW3.

BANGW3is also responsible for the IP address allocation for accessing MTs1and storage and delivery of second access network information, now called UMTS network information to connecting MTs1. BANGW3also receives and stores information of connected UTRANs8as provided by the UMTS network15. Other functions of BANGW3are: delivery of the UMTS network15information to MTs1accessing the BAN network12, routing data between APs2and UTRAN8, and collecting resource usage accounting information from the traversing UMTS data streams and reporting the information to a accounting server e.g. by AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting) protocol.

The BAN gateway3communicates as a client with the BSN5by using the access network control protocol (ANCP) provided for BAN control from UMTS network15. Thereby, a security association can be established between the BAN gateway3and the BSN5. ANCP protocol function is to deliver the UMTS network information from one UTRAN8to BAN gateway3.

The interface between the BAN gateway3and the access points2is called I3interface. Furthermore, the interface between the access points2and the mobile terminal1is called I2interface. The I2interface is an air interface which consists of two parts, a UMTS part and an access specific part. The UMTS part is terminated in the BSN5or beyond and the access specific part is terminated in the respective access point2. An access point2may communicate with one or several mobile terminals1.

The access specific part of the interface I2complies with the broadband radio technology lower layer, e.g. physical and MAC layer of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) access technologies. In the UMTS part, the higher layers are defined for UMTS L2(e.g. RLC, PDCP) and L3(RRC, MM, SM), while certain restrictions for the usage of UMTS protocols over the access systems may be implemented. The UMTS specific part is transparent to the access points2. Lower layer signaling may be established between the mobile terminals1and one of the access points2, and a higher layer signaling may be established between the mobile terminals1and the BSN5via the BAN network12.

The BAN network12is connected to a logical UTRAN element or service node called Broadband Service Node (BSN)5which is added to the UTRAN8to provide an interface functionality towards the BAN network12. The function of the BSN5corresponds to a Serving RNC (Radio Network Controller) of the UTRAN8. However, the BSN5may not be arranged to manage BAN radio resources, the conventional lub interface is replaced by the above mentioned simple I4control interface towards the BAN network12, and BSN5communicates with the mobile terminal1via the BAN network12over interface I2. The functions of the BSN5include: running Radio Resource Control (RRC) signalling protocols defined for UTRAN8and as restricted by the rules of RRC usage over BAN network, multiplexing higher layer UMTS data streams (such as logical channels or transport channels) to IP based transport bearers (e.g. UDP/IP tunnel) to/from BAN network, radio bearer management, UMTS encryption, UMTS IP header compression, and UMTS RLC (Radio Link Control) level segmentation and retransmission. Optionally the functions of BSN may include collection of BAN network12resource usage accounting information for checking the charging from BAN provider. It is noted that, due to its non-licensed radio technology, the BAN network12may be shared by several UTRANs8. Further it is noted that one BAN network can be connected to several BSNs5in one or several second access networks12, provided by one or more operators), and the BSN5may be connected to one or several BAN networks12provided by one or several BAN providers.

Furthermore the BSN5may be split into separate user plane gateway and control plane server functions. The BSN5is connected to an SGSN6, MSC or/and other cellular system node of a core network via a standard lu interface and may be connected to other BSNs5and RNCs21(shown inFIG. 2) by lur signaling interfaces for supporting seamless inter BSN5and/or inter access system handovers. Furthermore, the UMTS backbone network14comprises a GGSN7which provides a gateway function to the Internet10or other external networks11like e.g. corporate networks (CN) or IP-based multimedia networks (IM). Additionally, a home subscriber server (HSS)9is provided as a subscriber data base for storing subscriber specific information. The function of the HSS9corresponds to the function of the home location register (HLR) of a circuit switched network environment. MT1is a terminal having the UMTS higher layer protocol entities. In addition MT has access specific lower layer protocols and means for mapping the transport channels from UMTS part of the protocol stack to the channels provided by the access specific lower layers. Preferably the MT1is a dual mode terminal, capable for connecting to UMTS either by integrated access within the second access net-work (UTRAN, GERAN or All IP RAN) and via BAN network12based e.g. on Bluetooth ® or WLAN radio technology.

When connected via BAN network12mobile terminal1functions can be summarized as follows:Execution of UMTS higher layer signalling protocols and communication by them with UTRAN8as defined in 3GPP (3rdGeneration Partnership Project) specifications. These protocols are e.g. Session Management and UMTS Mobility Management.Operating the SIM (subscriber identity module) card as specified in 3GPP specifications.Execution of a limited functionality UMTS user plane protocols and communicating by them with UTRAN8as defined in 3GPP specifications and restricted by rules of executing those protocols over BAN network12. These protocols include packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) and RLC.Execution of a limited functionality UTRAN RRC protocol as defined in 3GPP specifications and restricted by rules of its execution over the BAN network12.Operating the BAN network12specific (e.g. based on WLAN or Bluetooth® radio technology) lower layers protocols according to their radio specifications.Multiplexing data streams between higher layer UMTS protocols (transport channels) and UDP/IP based communication means towards UTRAN8.

FIG. 2shows an architecture of the UTRAN8. The BSN5node is connected to the UMTS backbone network14(also known as core network) using the lu interface as explained earlier. Further the BSN5is connected to other radio network controllers (RNCs)21via lur interface. These network controllers may be also base station controllers (BSC) or some elements of IP RAN. RNC is further connected by lub interface to Node Bs22which are normal base stations covering one or more cells23with radio coverage. It should be noticed that the lur interface may connect also other types of second access networks in each other, e.g. GERAN, UTRAN and IP RAN.

Further theFIG. 2shows once again the interface I4between BSN5and BAN network12as explained already earlier in this application. It should be also noticed that the BSN5may be implemented as a standalone node (like in theFIG. 2) or as well as an logical entity in the same physical device where logical entity RNC21(or BSC of GERAN, or some controller/gateway/base station device of IP RAN) is implemented.

When the mobile terminal1comes to the coverage area of a BAN network12from where connection to UTRAN8is available, MT1establishes a connection with an access point2. The availability of the UMTS connection from the specific BAN network12may be either known by the user in priori, or the knowledge of the availability of UMTS connectivity from a certain BAN12network can be preconfigured to the MT1.

After the radio connection establishment to the AP2, an IP address is allocated to the MT1. When the IP address has been allocated, the second access network information is delivered from BANGW3to the MT1. In this embodiment of the invention this information contains a list of accessible PLMN-IDs (public land mobile network identifiers), the IP addresses of corresponding service nodes BSNs5as well as a UMTS system information package from each PLMN.

BANGW3can automaticallly deliver the UMTS Access Information to all accessed MTs1or MTs can specifically request or solicitate for UMTS Access Information and the information is delivered as a response. Request of UMTS access Information can be realised e.g. by a service discovery protocol or by DHCP protocol.

MT1can decide on the most suitable PLMN-ID, based on the network selection principles defined for UMTS. After PLMN selection MT1establishes RRC connection with corresponding BSN5. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the RRC connection is implemented on top of an IP connection. MT1triggers this by sending a specific message to the BSN5. For data transfer between BSN5and MT1the corresponding IP addresses are used. Registered port numbers are used to differentiate the UMTS traffic from other traffic. Potentially different port numbers are used to identify different UMTS data streams such as logical or transport channels. All UMTS data streams are multiplexed to the same IP connection.

After establishment of the IP connection, it is maintained as long as the MT1is within the coverage of the AP2of the BAN network12. For power saving, the sleep modes provided by the used access technology can be used. BSN5and MT1can always reach each other via the existing IP connection between them.

MT1measures the signal strength from the connected AP2and from possible neighboring APs2. If a stronger AP2is found and if it belongs to the same BAN network12or access zone within the BAN network12indicated by the broadcasted network name, the MT1can make a handover by abandoning the old connection and setting up radio connection with the new AP2and directly sending Cell Update to the BSN5while maintaining its old IP address. If the new AP2does not belong to the same access zone or BAN network12, i.e. it broadcasts a different network name, the MT1must acquire new IP address before sending the Cell Update to BSN5.

Handovers to UTRAN network8are realised as Cell Updates or as prepared normal 3GPP intersystem handovers to UTRAN8in case the MT1is capable of measuring UTRAN carriers when connected via BAN network12.

UMTS network15parts handle the UMTS identifiers of mobile terminals1and mobile terminal users. The BAN network12takes care of only routing of data between MT1and UTRAN8, this is done by respective IP addresses and UDP (user datagram protocol) port numbers. In addition the MT1and the AP2use access specific identifiers to identify each other.

The identification at UMTS level is similar to the one used when accessing UMTS directly via the UTRAN8access network. Mobile Terminal1has its IMEI (international mobile station equipment identity) and the subscriber is identified by IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) and the temporary identifier TMS (temporary mobile subscriber identity). Also when RRC connection is established between BSN5and MT1, BSN5allocates U-RNTI (UTRAN radio network temporary identifier) for the MT1. Radio bearers have their radio bearer ID, and logical & Transport channels their respective IDs as defined in 3GPP specifications.

When data is transmitted to and from the MT1the MTs UMTS identifier U-RNTI is mapped to the current IP address of the MT allocated by the BAN network12. This mapping is established at RRC connection setup when the U-RNTI is allocated and updated at every change of U-RNTI or MTs1IP address e.g. during Cell Update.

Before MT1can connect to the UTRAN8it must acquire IP address from BAN network12, e.g. from a DHCP server within BAN gateway3. In addition to IP address the MT1must acquire UMTS network Information from BAN network12. This can be realised e.g. by DHCP protocol or by other means for solicitating and receiving specific information from access network. The allocated IP address may be IPv4 or IPv6 address and it may be public or a private address.

At UTRAN8side all UMTS data is sent via specific transport channel. When the RRC connection is being established or re-established the used transport channel is the one intended to carry common control channel (CCH) messages. When the connection is established the UMTS dedicated transport channels (DCH) may be used.

Over BAN network12it is preferable that all UMTS traffic is carried via one UDP/IP tunnel. A UDP port number is preferably registered for this use. UTRAN8needs to multiplex the different UMTS data streams, such as logical or transport channels, to the common UDP tunnel. For this purpose a specific multiplexing protocol exists in UTRAN. The UMTS data units multiplexed to the BAN transport bearer are identified by normal UMTS identification means, i.e. RLC and PDCP headers.

In case of allocating private IP addresses for the MTs1in the BAN network12, network address translation needs to be performed between BAN network12and UTRAN8.

Furthermore, agreement has to be reached with regard to the connectivity to UTRAN8and the billing of it. As an example, the BAN provider may bill the UMTS operator for the transport resources used to convey UMTS data streams between terminal devices1and the operators UMTS network15for users connected to the UTRAN8via the BAN network12.

After the IP connection between the mobile terminal1and the BSN5, both the access point2and the BSN5can start collecting billing information according to the billing principles agreed between the operators.

BAN network12provides add on radio capacity to UTRAN8and UMTS network15in hotspot areas, like homes, hotels, department stores, cafeterias etc. owned by a certain premises owner. The coverage of the BAN access or IP access to UTRAN8is thus assumed to be limited to a specific, rather small, area and the handovers between the UTRAN8and BAN network12are not required to be completely unnoticeable for real time services.

For single mode terminals capable of connecting only via certain type of BAN networks12full mobility is not thus provided, but connectivity is only available when locating within one of those compatible BAN network12coverage areas.

Following assumptions are made of the BAN network12:Each Access Zone is represented for the MT1as a group of access points2All APs2within one Access Zone belongs to the same BAN Network12All APs2within same Access Zone are connected to the same UTRANs8APs2are capable of broadcasting some kind of Network ID (IP Access Zone ID or BAN zone ID) by radio technology specific broadcast signal which can be decoded by the MTs1when background scanning handover candidate APs2mode while actively communicating with other AP2.

MT1is able to measure available WLAN or Bluetooth® radio signals. When a WLAN or Bluetooth® signal is found the information of it is stored in the MT1. The in-formation of the signal consists at least of signal strength and network name. The measurements for finding broadband radio signals may be always on or they may be manually activated by the user.

When user desires to connect to UTRAN8via BAN network12user can select ‘BAN Access’ menu item from the MT1. The MT1displays the available broadband connections and user should select connection from where it knows the UMTS access to be available. Note that in the initial system phase it is assumed that there is no specific indication of this in the information that would be known by the MT1at this phase.

User selects the desired BAN network12from the list and the MT1acquires IP address from the DHCP server and gets the UMTS information from the BAN network12. The DHCP server is preferably the BANGW3. If a suitable PLMN is available from the accessed network the MT1connects to the UMTS infrastructure by setting up a RRC connection. If the selected BAN network does not support connectivity to UTRAN8, the user is informed of this and asked to make a new selection.

User may have the choice of storing this network as an BAN network12(based on the network name) to which he desires to always log on, if located within the coverage. If this option is selected, the next time user comes to the coverage of this network the MT1automatically selects to connect to UTRAN via this BAN network12. Automatic selection should be activated for networks, which are frequently used by the user e.g. the home and office network.

When the broadband radio measurements are enabled in the MT1and when MT detects a signal from an AP2broadcasting a network name being in the MTs list of automatically selectable BAN network12, the MT can automatically camp on to UTRAN8via this network. Optionally the user can be prompted to confirm this selection. When MT1is camped on the BAN network12and the coverage is lost, the MT1may automatically camp on the available wide area network, i.e. UTRAN or GERAN.

Seamless handovers are possible within one BAN network12or from an BAN network to Wide area system (UTRAN, GERAN or IP RAN). Handovers within BAN network12are of forward type and realised by the UMTS Cell Update procedure for RRC Connection re-establishment. The same mechanism can be used for BAN network to UTRA handovers, but also the conventional backward inter system handover is applicable, providing that the MT1is able to measure the available UTRA cells while connected to UTRAN8via BAN network12.

When MT1is connected to UTRAN8via BAN network12the MT scans for the availability of other access points2. When a stronger AP2is found and the changing of the AP2becomes beneficial from the radio point of view, MT1should initiate a handover to the new AP2.

To enable seamless fallback handovers to wide area system the MT1should measure the available UTRAN or GERAN cells while connected to UTRAN via BAN network12. When BAN network12signal becomes weak, the MT1should initiate handover to wide area system.

When mobile terminal1has decided to switch to an AP2which broadcasts the same network operator ID than the previous AP2, the MT1can maintain its old IP address and connect directly the UTRAN8by cell update. It is assumed that one Access Zone (i.e. APs2broadcasting the same Network Operator ID) are connected to the same BSN5.

During the intra BAN network12handover following actions are done:MT1abandons the old AP2MT1establishes a radio connection with the new AP2MT1sends IP datagram to the BSN5. This IP datagram contains RRC message Cell Update.BSN5responds to MT1by Cell Update Response and communication can continue.

When MT1has decided to switch from current BAN AP2to an AP2broadcasting a different network operator ID, the MT1has to acquire new IP address, check the system information and only after that connect to the UTRAN8.

In Inter Access Zone handover following actions are done:MT1abandons the old AP2MT1establishes a radio connection with the new AP2MT1acquires a new IP Address via the new AP2MT1receives the UMTS network information from the BANGW3MT1sends IP datagram to the BSN5(the address provided in the UMTS network information. This IP datagram contains RRC message Cell Update.BSN5responds to MT1by Cell Update Response and communication can continue.

If MT1is able to measure the UTRA cells while connected via BAN access, then the MT1can initiate the handover to wide area system by Cell Update (RRC Connection Re-establishment) similarly as between BAN network12access points2. If MT1is able to report the UTRAN measurement results to UTRAN while connected via BAN network12, then backward inter system handovers as defined for UMTS can be executed.

In the following several examples of Handover from/to Wide-Area Access Network to/from BAN network are presented.

User switches his/her MT1on at his/her home. Within the apartment there is a home gateway accessible via Bluetooth® and connected to the UTRAN8via BAN Network12provided by the ADSL provider ‘ADSL Y’ utilised by the user for connecting to external networks. In this example MT1camps automatically to WCDMA radio network and users selects ‘BAN Access’ Menu from the user interface of MT1. User sets the MT1to mode ‘Show available BAN Accesses’. A banner appears to MT1display. Soon the MT1has found the signal from the home gateway and shows ‘User X Nw’ name in the available BAN Access banner on MT1display.

User manually selects to log on to the UTRAN8via the indicated BAN Access network12. MT1indicate that the connection is established via Local BAN access network12. User X Nw is shown on display.

User makes a call and during the call user has to leave for office. MT1automatically hands over to WCDMA wide area coverage when user loses the home gateway coverage. In the switch to wide area the possible wide band connections are downgraded to more narrowband connections. User terminates the call while connected via WCDMA.

User arrives to office and because user has activated the showing of available BAN accesses, soon after entering the building the MT1displays ‘Office Z Nw’ as an available BAN Access. User selects to log on to UTRAN8via that BAN network12and MT1shows ‘Office Z nw’ on the display. At office the Office Z Access Zone consists of several APs2and users seamlessly hands over between them while moving within office premises.

When user leaves office, mobile terminal1automatically switches back to WCDMA coverage and switches to IDLE mode.

User goes to a cafeteria which offers UMTS services via BAN network12. User decides to watch some news videos in Cafeteria. The MT1already shows the ‘Cafeteria C’ as an available BAN network12. User activates the log on to the network. While watching news, user receives a call from home (from UTRAN via BAN network).

In the examples 1-5 above the handovers may be indicated to the user for example by a tone from the MT1, an change of colour of the mobile terminal's display or/and text in the display.

BAN network12contains means by Which the UMTS network information is delivered from BAN network12to MT1after MT1has acquired an IP address from the BAN network12.

The information delivered to the mobile terminal1from the BAN network12(preferably from access network device BANGW3) comprises at least some of the following information:List of PLMN-IDs of accessible cellular networks8via this BAN network12.IP Address of the BSN5from each PLMN.System information package from each PLMN. In case the second access network is UTRAN, the System information package is UTRAN RRC System Information message. This system information is similar to the system information user equipments of UMTS receive from a broadcast signal.

Based on this information the accessed MT makes the PLMN selection and then contacts the BSN5of the selected network. MT1becomes also aware of the necessary system information of the selected PLMN.

BAN network12is used to carry the UMTS data between the BSN5of the UTRAN8, and terminal device1. The UMTS data comprises both user plane data and signalling of the UTRAN8. The UMTS data is carried between MT1and BSN5within UDP tunnel. All UMTS data streams are preferably multiplexed into the UDP tunnel. This means that no UMTS specific functions are required by BAN network12.

To enable easy introduction of the BAN network12, no major changes to the UMTS UTRAN protocols are desired. Also the same functionality as in UTRAN can be reused and no new mechanisms are necessarily brought to the system from outside. The UMTS protocols are used in such an extent that smooth RRC level ‘handovers’ or rather connection re-establishments are feasible between BAN network12and the second network8. The second network8may be UTRAN, GERAN or All IP RAN. This requires usage of the compatible Radio Bearer concept, PDCP operation, encryption/decryption mechanisms as well as compatible mobility & session management and call control.

Further, it is one intention of the invention that the existing protocols can be reused as now defined, although some restriction to their usage are set. This kind of restrictions are e.g. disabling some of the protocol functions, ignoring (not using) some of the protocol messages and ignoring specific information elements within the UTRAN protocol messages. Also some simplifications of the protocol operations are foreseen necessary to get the processing requirements and overhead values to reasonable levels.

UTRAN8has to provide multiplexing of UMTS data streams into BAN transport bearer e.g. UDP tunnel. This multiplexing protocol operation over BAN network12is straightforward. Sending multiplexing protocol entity performs the following functions at reception of higher layer PDU (protocol data unit):reception of SDU (service data unit) from higher layer logical channel entity.encapsulating the SDU into multiplexed-PDU by insertion of multiplexing header.forwarding the PDU to the lower layer(lower layer entity encapsulates then this PDU into single UDP datagram)

Receiving side multiplexing protocol performs the reverse functions upon reception of a PDU from the lower protocol layer.

From radio link control (RLC) following functions are used:Encapsulating RLC-SDUs into acknowledged mode or unacknowledged mode RLC PDUsencryption/decryption of the produced RLC PDUsretransmission of erroneous acknowledged mode RLC PDUs in acknowledged mode.

RLC is not required to make any segmentation of RLC-SDUs. The processing of the RLC-SDUs can be done asynchronously, not according to the frame clock.

RLC over BAN network12may operate only in acknowledged or unacknowledged mode. Transparent mode shall not be used due to inadequate support from the lower layers. The frame sizes for the RLC over BAN network are not constrained by the lower layers and they can thus vary from PDU to PDU. This removes the need to perform any RLC level segmentation for RLC-SDUs.

Encryption/decryption function of RLC is utilised over BAN network as defined in 3GPP specifications.

The sending side RLC performs following functions at reception of higher layer PDU:Reception of RLC-SDU from higher layerEncapsulating the RLC-SDU to a RLC-PDU (generally without any segmentation)Encryption of the produced RLC-PDUForwarding the RLC-PDU to the local multiplexing layer

The sending side acknowledged mode RLC performs the following functions at reception of ARQ (automatic repeat request) feedback message from the peer:Forwarding the RLC-PDUs requested to be retransmitted to the local multiplexing layer.

The receiving RLC performs the following functions at reception of a PDU from lower layer:Reception of RLC-PDU from local multiplexing layer together with the CRC check resultARQ processing of the received RLC-PDU (only acknowledged mode)Decryption of the correctly received RLC-PDUDecapsulation of the correctly received RLC-PDU to a RLC-SDUForwarding the RLC-SDU to the higher layer

The Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) packet header compression protocol is utilised over IP Access as defined for UTRAN in 3GPP specifications.

UTRAN radio resource control (RRC) is reused over BAN network12to realize the support the system functions handled by RRC. All RRC signalling executed over BAN network12is exactly the same as over WCDMA UTRA. Some of the RRC message parameters are ignored in user plane while connected via BAN access. This kind of parameters are all transport and physical channel parameters. The transport channel and physical channel parameters should not however be removed from the RRC signals, but just silently ignored in user plane over BAN net-work12. In this way the signalled parameters can be immediately taken into use when handing over to UTRAN.

Over BAN network12the network side never executes handovers (except the possible intersystem handover from BAN network12to UTRAN or other integrated radio access or second access network8). The MT should be adapted to switch the AP2and initiate RRC Connection Re-establishment via the new AP2always when the access connection should be switched to new access point2.

For every UMTS data stream conveyed via the BAN network12, an always on IP connection is established. It is noted that one UMTS data stream can carry information belonging to one or several UMTS radio bearers. All data that is exchanged between the BSN5and the mobile terminal1, i.e. both UMTS user plane and UMTS control plane data, is transmitted through the BAN network12on this IP transport.

FIG. 3shows the protocol stacks of the Access Stratum User Plane between the mobile terminal1and the service node (BSN)5. A stratum defines a grouping of protocols related to one aspect of the services provided by one or several highest-level groups of physical entities. The access stratum is a functional grouping consisting of the parts in the infrastructure and in the terminal device1and the protocols between these parts specific to the access technique, i.e. the way the specific physical media between the terminal device1and the infrastructure are used to carry information. The access stratum provides services related to the transmission of data over the radio interface and the management of the radio interface to the other parts of the UTRAN8. As can be gathered fromFIG. 3, the user plane connection is directly established between the terminal device1and the service node5by the air interface protocol layer UMTS RLC.

In theFIG. 3the protocols above the UMTS RLC (shown inFIGS. 4 and 5) are shared between the first access network (BAN network)12and the second access net-work (UTRAN)8. This means that the protocol layers above UMTS RLC layer are the same as used in UTRAN8between an user equipment connected via node B22, and RNC21. Further theFIG. 3shows the multiplex layer below the UMTS RLC layer. The functions of multiplex layer have been explained earlier in this application. The layer UDP/IP is below the multiplex layer and above the protocol layers2and1(L2+L1). UDP over IPv6 (or IPv4) transport (UDP/IP) is used to transport multiplexed UMTS transport channel data streams originating/destined to the UMTS stack. It should be noticed that the protocol layers L2+L1may be different between different devices or network elements. The interface between the terminal device (MT)1and the access device (AP)2is preferably radio interface. Thus the L2+L1are based on Wireless technigues like WLAN or Bluetooth®. However the invention is not restricted to these techinigues, e.g. fixed connection may be used also between MT1and AP2. The L2+L1layers between AP2and the access network device (BANGW)3, as well as the layers L2+L1between the BANGW3and the service node (BSN)5are usually implemented based on fixed transport technigues.AP2provides only standard connectivity between the access interface (towards the MT1) and the connected network interface (towards BANGW3). Depending on the type of the AP2the standard mapping between these interfaces may be done at link layer (e.g. Ethernet bridging) or in network layer (IPv6(/IPv4) routing). Note that the AP2might be connected also to other networks than to the BAN network12.

BSN5is the UTRAN edge node towards the first access network12. BSN5communicates with the MT1by the UMTS protocol stack running on top of UDP/IP transport via BANGW3in BAN network12.

FIG. 4shows the protocol stacks for the Non Access Stratum User Plane between the mobile terminal1and the GGSN7. In this case, a connection is established via the BAN network12, the SGSN6and the GGSN7of the UMTS backbone network14to an external network such as the Internet10. The Access Stratum User Plane indicated inFIG. 4is used to route the call to the BSN5. The Access Stratum User Plane is the protocol stack presented in theFIG. 3. Based on the higher UMTS PDCP layer in the BSN5, a mapping to the GPRS protocol layers GTP-u (GPRS Tunneling Protocol), lu FP (Frame Protocol) and lu transport bearer is achieved. At the SGSN6, the lu FP layer and the lu Transport Bearer layer are mapped to the transport bearer of the external network. GTP-U protocol block sends and receives the UMTS user plane data to and from SGSN6. BSN5signals with SGSN6by utilising standard RANAP protocol and can signal with other BSN5and UTRAN RNC's by RNSAP signalling protocol.

Furthermore, the Access Stratum Control Plane shown inFIG. 5provides an additional higher layer UMTS RRC for the radio resource control function at the mobile terminal1and the BSN5. In case of the UMTS Non Access Stratum Control Plane shown inFIG. 6, additional higher layer UMTS mobility management (MM) and UMTS session management (SM) UMTS functions are provided in an additional higher protocol layer at the mobile terminal1and the SGSN6. Furthermore, the BSN5is arranged to map the protocol layers of the Access Stratum Control Plane to a Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) layer and a lu signaling bearer required for the corresponding control signaling.

The present invention can be applied to any access system where a terminal device is to be connected to a second access network via an first access network. Furthermore the terminal device may utilise services of networks beyond the second access network, e.g. packet or circuit switched core or backbone networks. The description of the preferred embodiment is only intended to illustrate the present invention. The preferred embodiments may thus be modified within the scope of the attached claims.