Voice service in evolved packet system

Methods and apparatus to manage voice service in evolved packet systems are disclosed. An example method in a User Equipment (UE) with a first indicator related to voice services in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) comprises receiving a Non Access Stratum (NAS) protocol response message with a second indicator and responsive to at least one of the first indicator or the second indicator, determining availability of voice services over IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) in at least one of long term evolution (LTE) or global system for mobile communications edge radio access network (GERAN)/universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/183,935, filed Jun. 3, 2009, entitled “Voice Service in Evolved Packet System Using IP Multimedia Subsystem,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The application relates generally to mobile communication system and, more particularly, to the provision of voice services in Evolved Packet System.

BACKGROUND

Recently, Voice Service Indicators have been defined in evolved packet system (EPS) mobile communication systems to coordinate the availability of network services and capabilities of mobile devices. The voice service indicators include, for example:“IMS Voice over PS session supported” indication;“Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” indication; and“CS Voice only” or “IMS PS voice only” or “CS voice preferred, IMS voice secondary” or “IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary” indication.

The “IMS Voice over PS session Supported” indication is provided by the network to the user equipment (UE) (given in non access stratum (NAS) registration (e.g. EPS attach) or NAS registration update). The “Voice Centric” or Data Centric” indication and the “CS Voice Only,” “IMS PS voice only,” “CS voice preferred, IMS voice secondary,” or “IMS Voice preferred, CS voice secondary” indication is available on the UE. An operator can configure the “CS Voice Only,” “IMS PS voice only,” “CS voice preferred, IMS voice secondary,” or “IMS Voice preferred, CS voice secondary” indication on the UE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In example implementation described herein, the voice service indicators may be Network provided VoIMS indicators, UE usage settings, and User Equipment voice settings. In the following description, voice service indicators are referred to as:

a) (Network provided) (IMS) VoIMS indicator indicating the above referenced “IMS Voice over PS session supported” indication or above referenced “IMS Voice over PS session not supported” indication, and indicates if voice over PS sessions controlled and managed by the IP multimedia subsystem is or is not supported;

b) UE's usage setting indicating the above-referenced “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”. The UE usage setting is a UE setting that indicates whether the UE has a preference for voice services over data services or vice-versa. If UE has preference for voice services, then the UE's usage setting is “Voice Centric”. If a UE has a preference for data services, then the UE's usage setting is “Data Centric”. For avoidance of doubt a UE that is “Data Centric” may still require voice services. If a UE requires only data services and can accept that there is no voice service, the UE's usage setting is “Data Only.” The two settings may have the following meanings:“Voice Centric”: a Voice Centric UE must be able to use voice services, and therefore will attempt to obtain voice services independently of how such services can be provisioned“Data Centric”: a Data Centric UE prefers to have the best possible PS services even if this implies no access to voice services is possible

A further UE's usage setting of “Data Only” is possible. In the case that this additional setting is possible then the three settings may have the following meanings:“Voice Centric”: a Voice Centric UE must be able to use voice services, and therefore will attempt to obtain voice services independently of how such services can be provisioned“Data Centric”: a Data Centric UE prefers to have the best possible PS services (i.e. prefers to stay in E-UTRAN) provided that access to voice service is not excluded“Data Only”: a Data Centric UE prefers to have the best possible PS services even if this implies no access to voice services is possible; and

c) UE's voice setting indicating the above-referenced “CS Voice Only”, “PS Voice Only”, “IMS PS Voice Only”, “CS Voice Preferred, IMS Voice Secondary”, or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary” indications. The UE voice setting is a UE setting that indicates the domain to use for voice services.

Table 1 summarizes this grouping and naming convention.

In an example implementation, a network message may include a VoIMS indicator. For example, an ATTACH ACCEPT message in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.301 may be implemented as shown in Table 2 and/or in Iu mode in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.008 shown in Table 3. The VoIMS indicator may be sent by the network to a UE to indicate the support of voice via sessions of the IMS.

As described herein, a UE has multiple protocol layers. An example UE, described herein includes 3 layers (IMS layer, NAS layer, and an AS layer). The example ordering is as follows: IMS is above the NAS and AS layers and the AS layer is a lower layer to the NAS and IMS layer. Therefore, the NAS layer and/or AS layer may be referred to as “lower layers” from the perspective of the IMS layer. The IMS layer may be referred to as an upper layer.

In some example implementations, after completion of an attach procedure in, for example, Iu mode, if the VoIMS indicator is available in the ATTACH ACCEPT message and indicates “IMS Voice over PS session supported” the successful completion of the attach procedure will be indicated to the upper layers, for example, for initiation of SIP registration to the IP Multimedia subsystem. Is some further example implementations, the successful completion of the attach procedures is indicated to the upper layer subject to the UE's voice setting being set to, for example, one of “PS Voice Only” or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”.

In another example implementation, a TRACKING AREA UPDATE message in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.301 may be implemented as shown in Table 4.

In some example implementations in, for example, Iu mode, upon successful completion of the tracking area update procedure, the VoIMS indicator if received in the TRACKING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message shall be indicated to the upper layers.

A ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message may be sent by the network to the UE to provide the UE with GPRS mobility management related data in response to a ROUTING AREA UPDATE REQUEST from the UE. The ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message, if received or provided to the UE, in accordance with, for example, 3GPP TS 24.008, may include a VoIMS indicator as shown in Table 5.

In, for example, Iu mode, the network may include the VoIMS indicator in a ROUTING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message (or any other message) to indicate the support of voice via sessions of the IMS.

In another example, the combined routing area updating procedure is initiated by a GPRS MS operating in MS operation modes A or B, if the MS is in state GMM-REGISTERED and MM-IDLE, and if the network operates in network operation mode I and if in Iu mode, when the UE receives an indication from the upper layers that the SIP registration to the IP Multimedia subsystem has failed and subject to the UE's usage setting being set to, for example, “Voice Centric”.

In some implementations, after completion of an attach procedure or a registration update procedure in accordance with, for example, 3GPP TS 24.008, access to an IM CN may be initiated. For example, access may be initiated in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.229 section 6.2 B.2.2.1. For example, the access to the IM CN may be initiated when the UE is not already registered to the IM CN subsystem and the UE's usage setting is not “Voice Centric.” In another example, the access to the IM CN may be initiated when the UE is not already registered to the IM CN subsystem and the UE's voice setting is “PS Voice Only” or the UE's voice setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary.” In yet another example, an indication of IM CN subsystem registration failure may be provided to the lower layers under the following conditions:

if registration to the IM CN subsystem fails; or

if, after failing repeated attempts to register to the IM CN subsystem, the UE reaches a pre-set number of retries and terminates further attempts; or

if after failing repeated attempts to register, the user aborts further attempts to register to IM CN subsystem

if a user initiated de-registration is performed; or

if the UE is explicitly or implicitly deregistered by the network.

In some implementations, the UE may perform actions upon NAS indication to select specific RATs. In some implementations, when a UE receives a message that includes an information element for “Capability Update Requirement” and an information element for “System specific capability update requirement list” is included, then for each of the RAT requested in a “UE system specific capability” information element, if the UE supports the listed RAT, the UE may: if the listed RAT is E-UTRAN and the NAS has not provided an indication to AS to select GERAN or UTRAN or the listed RAT is not E-UTRAN, include the inter-RAT radio access capabilities for the listed RAT in the IE “UE system specific capability” from the variable UE_CAPABILITY_REQUESTED. Additionally, if the listed RAT is GSM and PS Handover to GPRS is supported, include the IE “MS Radio Access Capability” in the variable UECAPABILITY_REQUESTED.

In some further implementations, the UE may perform actions upon NAS indication to select specific RATs. In some implementations, when performing cell selection when leaving RRC_CONNECTED state, on transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_IDLE as a result of a NAS indication to select GERAN or UTRAN, the UE may perform cell selection on GERAN and UTRAN RATs and disable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRAN cells. Similarly, if NAS provides an indication to AS to select GERAN or UTRAN while the UE is in RRC_IDLE, the UE shall perform cell selection on GERAN and UTRAN RATs and enable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRA cells.

In some further implementations, when performing cell selection when leaving RRC_CONNECTED state, on transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_IDLE as a result of a NAS indication to select GERAN or UTRAN, the UE shall perform cell selection on GERAN and UTRAN RATs and disable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRA cells. If NAS provides to the AS an indication to select GERAN or UTRAN, while the UE is in RRC_IDLE, the UE shall perform cell selection on GERAN and UTRAN RATs and disable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRA cells.

If NAS provides an indication to AS to select GERAN or UTRAN while the UE is in RRC_CONNECTED, the UE may perform the following action upon leaving RRC_CONNECTED, with a release cause of ‘other’:

stop all timers that are running except T320;

release all radio resources, including release of the RLC entity, the MAC configuration and the associated PDCP entity for all established RBs;

indicate the release of the RRC connection to upper layers together with the release cause;

if leaving RRC_CONNECTED was not triggered by reception of the MobilityFromEUTRACommand message:enter RRC_IDLE by performing cell selection in accordance with the cell selection process, defined for the case of leaving RRC_CONNECTED, for example, as specified in 3GPP TS 36.304;

FIGS. 1A and 1Brespectively show Figure A.2.1-1 and Figure A.4-1 of S2-094178 [iii], and illustrate two use case scenarios. The first use case is when the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary” and the second use case is when the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS voice only”. These figures indicate the required UE actions for different combinations of the network's VoIMS indicator and the UE's usage setting.

Referring first toFIG. 1A, the behavior for the UE's voice setting of “IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary” begins at block1A-1which simply shows that the UE's voice setting is set to IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary. In block1A-2, the UE initiates an EPS attach procedure (non combined). In block1A-3, the UE checks for the IMS voice supported indication from the network, which is received as part of the response to the EPS attach procedure. If IMS voice is supported, then in block1A-4, the UE uses IMS voice. While attached to the system, the UE may perform a Tracking Area Update (TAU) either periodically or when to UE moves to a different Tracking Area (TA). When performing the TAU the UE may receive a new VoIMS indicator in which case the UE processing returns to the block1A-3where the VoIMS indicator is checked. If IMS voice is not supported, then in block1A-5, the UE performs the combined TA/LA Update Procedure (also referred to as the combined TAU) for CSFB as in TS 23.272. If there is success, then in block1A-6, the UE stays in E-UTRAN and uses CSFB if it requires voice services. Upon successful completion of the tracking area update procedure, a VoIMS indicator received in the TRACKING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT message shall be indicated to the upper layers. On the other hand, if there is failure, then in block1A-7, the UE checks the UE's usage setting for “Voice centric” or “Data centric” setting. If the setting is data centric, then in block1A-8, the UE stays in the current RAT (E-UTRAN). On the other hand, if the setting is voice centric, then in block1A-9, the UE selects another RAT in which it may obtain voice services.

A combined registration procedure such as a Combined Attach Procedure or a Combined Tracking Area Update refers to a single NAS registration procedure that is used to attempt to register for both PS services and CS services, where the CS voice service is provided on E-UTRAN by means of CS Fall back (CSFB). For example, a UE operating in CS/PS mode1or CS/PS mode2, in the EMM-REGISTERED state, shall initiate the combined tracking area updating procedure when, for example, the UE receives an indication from the upper layers that the SIP registration to the IMS has failed and the UE's usage setting is “Voice Centric.” An example of a Combined Attach Procedure or a Combined Tracking Area Update can be found in 3GPP TS 24.301.

Success of a combined registration procedure means that the UE is registered for both PS and CS services. Failure of a combined procedure means that the UE is registered for PS services but not for CS services. For example, such a failure may be indicated to the UE by the network sending a Tracking Area Update Accept or Attach Accept message with an indication or cause value set to ‘CS domain not available’ or a value indicating that the PS domain is not available. In addition there may be other failures, such as a failure where the UE is not registered for CS or PS services.

As a result of a NAS registration procedure or an EPS attach procedure, a UE initiating the procedures is registered with the network. As a result of this NAS registration, the UE and the network obtain information enabling the sending of and the receiving of (IP) messages as part of the Non-access stratum protocols. The UE and the network can send and receive these (IP) messages. The obtained information in the UE and the network may need updating. The obtained information can be periodically updated (e.g. due a timer expiring) or explicitly updated. A NAS registration can be a combined or a non-combined NAS registration, a successful combined NAS registration cause a UE to be registered for EPS services and non-EPS services.

As used herein, EPS services may be GPRS services in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.008. Non-EPS services are services provided by a CS domain. As used herein, non-EPS services may be non-GPRS services in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.008. A UE which camps on E-UTRAN can attach to both EPS services and non-EPS services. Non-access stratum (NAS) protocols are protocols between UE and mobile switching center (MSC) or serving GRPS support node (SGSN) that are not terminated in the UTRAN, and the protocols between UE and MME that are not terminated in the E-UTRAN.

In one implementation, a UE initiating a NAS registration (e.g., a combined NAS registration) procedure can send at least one of an ATTACH REQUEST (e.g., a combined ATTACH REQUEST) message or Tracking Area Update Request (e.g., a combined Tracking Area Update Request) message. Subsequent to sending the message, the UE can receive at least one of an ATTACH ACCEPT (e.g., a combined ATTACH ACCEPT) message or Tracking Area Update Request (e.g., a combined Tracking Area Update Request) message.

In one implementation, a UE updating the NAS registration (e.g. combined NAS registration) information may include an update of the routing area information when using the Non-access stratum protocols between the UE and the SGSN or updating the tracking area information when using the Non-access stratum protocols between the UE and the MME or updating the information when using the Non-access stratum protocols between the UE and the MSC. A UE updating the NAS registration (e.g. combined NAS registration) information can send at least one of a TRACKING AREA UPDATE (e.g., combined TRACKING AREA UPDATE), a ROUTING AREA UPDATE (e.g., a combined ROUTING AREA UPDATE). Subsequent to sending the message, the UE can receive at least one of a TRACKING AREA UPDATE (e.g., a combined TRACKING AREA UPDATE) (ACCEPT) response, a ROUTING AREA UPDATE (e.g., a combined ROUTING AREA UPDATE) (ACCEPT) response. After successful updating the NAS registration (e.g. combined NAS registration) information, a UE is registered for EPS services and non-EPS services.

In one implementation, after performing the NAS registration procedure, the UE can request a service from the network. The UE then sends a service request (e.g., an extended service request) message to the network. For example, in order to perform CSFB, the UE is registered for EPS services and non-EPS services, and the UE sends an extended service request NAS protocol message. The UE can receive a SERVICE REJECT message in response.

For example, in some implementations, when a UE receives an ATTACH ACCEPT message with EMM cause value #18 indicative of “CS domain not available,” the UE may perform the following actions in accordance with 3GPP TS 24.301:The UE shall stop timer T3410 if still running, shall reset the tracking area updating attempt counter, shall set the EPS update status to EU1UPDATED and shall enter state EMM-REGISTERED.NORMAL-SERVICE.The UE shall set the update status to U2NOT UPDATED.A UE in CS/PS mode1of operation may select GERAN or UTRAN radio access technology rather than E-UTRAN for the selected PLMN or equivalent PLMN.A UE in CS/PS mode2of operation shall not attempt combined attach or combined tracking area update procedure with current PLMN until switching off the UE or the UICC containing the USIM is removed.A UE whose UE's usage setting is “Data Centric” or “Data Only” will provide a notification to the user or the upper layers that CS domain is not available.If the UE's usage setting is changed from “Data Centric” or “Data Only” to “Voice Centric,” an indication shall be provided to the AS to select GERAN or UTRAN radio access technology rather than E-UTRAN for the selected PLMN or equivalent PLMN.

In some implementations, when a NAS provides an indication to an AS to select GERAN or UTRAN while the UE is in RRC_IDLE, the UE may disable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRAN cells. When a NAS provides an indication to an AS to select GERAN or UTRAN or E-UTRAN while the UE is in RRC_IDLE, the UE may enable cell selection and reselection to E-UTRAN cells.

In another example, if a service request cannot be accepted by the network, the network will return a SERVICE REJECT message to the UE including an appropriate EMM cause value. On receipt of the SERVICE REJECT message, the UE shall stop timer T3417 and take appropriate action. For example, the EMM cause value may be #18 (CS domain not available). If the request was related to CS fallback, the UE shall send an indication to the MM sublayer and shall not attempt CS fallback until a combined tracking area updating procedure has been successfully completed. The UE may then enter the state EMM-REGISTERED.NORMAL-SERVICE. If the UE usage setting is “Data Centric” or “Data Only,” the UE will provide a notification to the user or the upper layers that CS domain is not available.

Referring now toFIG. 1B, the behavior for UE voice setting of “IMS PS Voice only” begins at block1B-1which simply shows the UE set to IMS PS voice only. In block1B-2, the UE initiates an EPS attach procedure (non combined). In block1B-3, the UE checks for the IMS voice supported indication from the network. If IMS voice is supported, then in block1B-4, the UE uses IMS voice. While attached to the system to UE may perform a Tracking Area Update either periodically or when to UE moves to a different Tracking Area. When performing the TAU the UE may receive a new VoIMS indicator in which case the UE processing returns to the block1B-3where the VoIMS indicator is checked. If IMS voice is not supported, then in block1B-5, UE checks the UE's usage setting for “Voice centric” or “Data centric”. If the setting is “Data centric”, then in block1B-6, the UE stays in the current RAT (E-UTRAN). On the other hand, if the setting is “Voice centric, then in block1B-7, the UE selects another RAT in which it may obtain voice services.

First Problem: Failure to Initiate IMS Registration

A first problem with the behavior specified in the above-referencedFIG. 1AandFIG. 1Bis that there is no guarantee that the UE will initiate IMS registration. More specifically, if the VoIMS indicator indicates “IMS Voice over PS session supported” then the UE is expected to “use IMS Voice”, but there is no guarantee that the UE will definitely initiate an IMS registration when the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS PS voice only” and “IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary”. If the VoIMS indicator shows “IMS Voice over PS session supported”, then the UE knows that there is no NAS or AS reason that would mean it cannot realize voice services over IMS. However, in order for this to be achieved, the UE must first initiate an IMS registration.

The reference to an IMS Registration to an IMS Subsystem can generally be understood to refer to any method of the network obtaining information required in order to be able to send information to, and receive information from the UE using IMS. Accordingly, the network either has obtained the information required in order to be able to send information to, and receive information from the UE using IMS, or the network does not have the information. A network may not have said information due to registration failure or due to the UE having failed to register (e.g. the UE not having initiated an IMS registration to provide the network with said information). A SIP Registration for voice services to an IMS Subsystem, as per 3GPP TS 24.229 is a specific example.

When performing an IMS Registration for voice services, the UE must include proper indicator(s) such that the IMS Subsystem knows that it is requesting voice services. If a proper indicator is not included or granted, then a UE camping on an IMS capable E-UTRAN cell will still not receive IMS voice services or IMS voice mobile terminated session requests.

In some implementations, in order to ensure that the UE reacts appropriately and initiates an IMS Registration, the UE will behave as follows:If UE's voice setting=“IMS PS voice only” OR If UE's voice setting=“IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary”AND the VoIMS Indicator indicates “IMS Voice over PS session supported”;THEN IMS registration will be triggered with proper indicator(s) requesting voice service support.

For example, upon successful completion of an attach procedure, if the VoIMS indicator in an ATTACH ACCEPT message indicates “IMS Voice over PS session supported” and subject to the UE's voice setting the successful completion of the attach procedure will be indicated to the upper layers for initiation of SIP registration to the IMS.

As indicated above, in some implementations, the IMS registration is achieved through a SIP registration. Examples of SIP messages are SIP Requests and SIP Responses. Examples of a SIP Request is a SIP INVITE or a SIP REGISTER. Examples of IMS functional elements are P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, AS, SCC AS, HSS.

IMS Registration can be performed using a SIP Register request as described in IETF RFC 3261; the SIP Register requests are processed by an IMS functional element as documented in 3GPP TS 23.228 and 3GPP TS 24.229.

FIG. 2Ashows a detailed flowchart of an example implementation for the case where the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS voice preferred, CS voice secondary”. The figure differs fromFIG. 1Ain the inclusion of block2A-1which involves attempting IMS registration with proper indicators for voice services. In the case that the UE uses IMS voice at block1A-4and then performs a TAU then the UE will again check the VoIMS indicator at block1A-3and if VoIMS is supported then at block2A-1the UE will only attempt IMS Registration with proper indicators for voice services if it is not already IMS registered for voice services.

FIG. 2Bshows a detailed flowchart of an example implementation for the case where the UE voice setting is set to “IMS PS voice only”. The figure differs fromFIG. 1Bin the inclusion of block2B-1which involves attempting IMS registration with proper indicators for voice services. In the case that the UE uses IMS voice at block1B-4and then performs a TAU then the UE will again check the VoIMS indicator at block1B-3and if VoIMS is supported then at block2B-1the UE will only attempt IMS Registration with proper indicators for voice services if it is not already IMS registered for voice services.

Second Problem: IMS Registration for Voice May Fail

A second problem with the behavior described above with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1Bis that there is no guarantee IMS registration for voice will succeed. More specifically, there is no guarantee that the IMS registration for voice will succeed, just because EPS attach or Tracking Area Update is successful and the network supports IMS Voice. One example of a reason that the registration might fail is because the SIP Registrar does not allow it because of limitations in the subscription of the user. Another example of a reason is that the IMS registration fails due to dropped messages or a delay in receiving messages. If the IMS registration fails, and the UE does nothing and remains EPS attached but not IMS registered for voice services, then no IMS voice sessions—mobile originated or mobile terminated—can be realized. This same situation may exist if the SIP registration succeeded however the indicator in the request for voice services was not allowed (that is, the requested indicator for voice was not returned in the SIP 200 OK response to the SIP Register Request). In this case, the UE may be registered in IMS for the use of some services but may not be allowed to use this registration for transmitting voice media.

In some implementations, the UE is configured to address this problem by recognizing a situation where IMS registration for voice has failed, the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”. Upon recognizing this situation, the UE is configured to immediately attempt a combined registration procedure. This will then allow the UE to obtain voice services by means of CSFB if this is supported. If the combined registration procedure fails, then the UE considers the UE's usage setting. If the UE's usage setting is “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”, then the UE selects another RAT in which it may obtain voice services. If the UE's usage setting is “Data Only”, then the UE stays in the current RAT (i.e. E-UTRAN) without access to voice services.

FIG. 3Ashows a detailed flowchart of an example implementation for this case. The figure differs fromFIG. 2Ain that if IMS registration fails following triggering of IMS registration in block2A-1, as indicated at30, then processing continues in block1A-5with the performance of a combined registration procedure for CSFB as in TS 23.272. In addition, block1A-8(staying in the current RAT) is performed if the UE is “data only” (as indicated at32), and block1A-9is performed (UE selects another RAT) if the UE is “voice centric” or “data centric” (as indicated at34).

FIG. 3Bshows a detailed flowchart of an example implementation for the case where the UE's voice setting is set to “IMS PS voice only”. The figure differs fromFIG. 2Bin that if IMS registration fails following triggering of IMS registration in block2B-1, as indicated at36, then the UE checks the UE's usage setting at block1B-5. If the UE's usage setting is “Data Only” (as indicated at38), then the UE stays in E-UTRAN and will not have access to voice services in block1B-6. If the UE's usage setting is “Voice centric” or if the UE's usage setting is “Data Centric” (as indicated at40), then the UE selects another RAT in which it may obtain voice services in block1B-7.

In some implementations, the UE is configured to address this problem by recognizing a situation where IMS registration for voice services has failed and the UE's usage setting is “Data Only”. Upon recognizing this situation, the UE is configured to stay in EPS where the best PS services can be provided. More specifically, the UE stays in E-UTRAN (the “current RAT” in the figures) and does not select another RAT. The best PS services can be provided in E-UTRAN. PS Services can also be provided in GERAN/UTRAN but they are provided in a less optimized manner in these RATs. The UE does not perform a combined registration attempt, but instead the UE is configured to retry the IMS registration procedure for voice services. It is noted that the UE may have successfully registered with IMS for other services but may have been denied access to voice services, as described above, and in this event, the UE retries the IMS registration procedure for voice services. In some implementations, this is a single retry. In other implementations there are multiple retries which may, for example, be periodically executed.

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4B. Referring first toFIG. 4A,FIG. 4Ais the same asFIG. 2Awith the exception of three differences:

the UE performs one or more retries at50after IMS registration has failed;

Referring now toFIG. 4B,FIG. 4Bis the same asFIG. 2Bwith the exception of three differences:

the UE performs one or more retries at56after IMS registration has failed;

In some implementations if the combined attach procedure described in example 1 above fails, and the UE's usage setting is “Data Only”, the UE notifies the user (via the user interface or some other alert) that voice services are unavailable. For example, if voice services cannot be realized, an indicator may be presented to the user. Any indicator to the user (displayed, audio, vibrating, are just some examples) could be used to convey to the user that voice services are not currently able to be provided even though the UE is in a coverage area.

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 5Awhich is the same asFIG. 2Awith the following differences:

upon IMS registration failure at70following an IMS registration attempt, the UE performs a combined TAU at block1A-5;

after block1A-7, if the UE's usage setting is “data only” (as indicated at72), the UE notifies the user that voice services are not available at block5A-1and the UE stays in the current RAT;

Another example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 5Bwhich is the same asFIG. 2Bwith the following differences:

upon IMS registration failure at71following an IMS registration attempt, the UE checks the UE's Usage Setting for “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” in block1B-5;

after block1B-5, if the UE's usage setting is “data only” (as indicated at73), the UE notifies the user that voice services are not available at block5B-1and the UE stays in the current RAT;

Upon being notified that voice services are not available, the user may choose to change the UE's usage setting to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”. As the UE has already attempted a combined registration procedure and the attempt failed then the change of the UE's usage setting to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” will cause the UE to selects to another RAT (such as GERAN/UTRAN) which could provide voice.

In some implementations, the notification to the user that voice services are not available also includes a prompt asking the user if they would like to change the UE's usage setting in order be obtain voice service.

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 6A.FIG. 6Ais the same asFIG. 5Awith the following differences:

after block5A-1, if the user accepts “data only” (indicated at82), then the UE stays in the current RAT at block1A-8;

after block5A-1, if the user changes the UE's usage setting to “voice centric” or “data centric” (indicated at84), then the UE selects another RAT at block1A-9.

In some implementations, when the UE's usage setting is changed from “data centric” to “voice centric,” the UE provides an indication to the AS to select GERAN or UTRAN radio access technology rather than E-UTRAN for the selected PLMN or equivalent PLMN. For example, such a process may be completed after the UE receives EMM cause value #18.

Another example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 6B.FIG. 6Bis the same asFIG. 5Bwith the following differences:

after block5B-1, if the user accepts “data only” (indicated at100), then the UE stays in the current RAT at block1B-6;

after block5B-1, if the user changes the UE's usage setting to “voice centric” or “data centric” (indicated at102), then the UE selects another RAT at block1A-9.

In the case where the UE's voice setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary” and where the UE's usage setting is set to “Data only”, when IMS Registration fails after one or more retries and a combined registration procedure is not automatically attempted, or in the case where the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” and the UE's usage setting is set to “Data only”, then the UE is configured to notify the user (via the user interface or some other alert) that voice services are unavailable. In this case the user may choose to change the UE's usage setting to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”. This immediately prompts the UE to attempt a combined registration procedure (in the case where the UE's voice setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”), which, if successful, would allow the UE to remain in EPS until voice services are required, and in that case to obtain voice services by means of CSFB. In the case where the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only”, the user may change the UE's usage setting to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” which would prompt the UE to reselect to another RAT that may support voice services.

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 7A.FIG. 7Adiffers fromFIG. 2Ain that:

following IMS registration failure (112), the UE notifies the user that Voice Services are not available in block7A-1;

if the user indicates “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” (116), then the method continues at Block1A-5;

if the user indicates “Data only”, then IMS registration is not retried (114) and then the method continues at block1A-8;

Another example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 7B.FIG. 7Bdiffers fromFIG. 2Bin that:

following IMS registration failure (122), the UE notifies the user that Voice Services are not available in block7B-1;

if the user indicates “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” (124), then the method continues at Block1B-5;

if the user indicates “Data only”, and IMS registration is not retried (128), then the method continues at block1B-6;

As a follow-on to example 2D, in some implementations, the user is prompted that IMS registration (original or some number of attempts) has failed, and the user could alternatively request “Retry of IMS Registration for Voice”, which could prompt the UE leave the UE's usage setting set to “Data Centric” or “Voice Centric” but to restart periodic attempts at IMS registration until successful or until a certain number of tries had been attempted and failed. Alternatively the user could indicate “Data Only” in which case the UE would leave the UE's usage setting set to “Data Centric” and the UE will not reattempt IMS registration (for the purpose of voice services).

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 7C.FIG. 7Cdiffers fromFIG. 7Ain that:

following IMS registration failure (112), the UE notifies the user that Voice Services are not available in block7A-1and if the user indicates “RETRY” at110, then the method continues at block2A-1.

Another example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 7D.FIG. 7Ddiffers fromFIG. 7Cin that:

following IMS registration failure (122), the UE notifies the user that Voice Services are not available in block7B-1, if the user indicates “RETRY” at120, then the method continues at block2A-1.

In some implementations, the UE is configured to recognize a situation where IMS registration has failed, and the UE's usage setting is “Voice Centric”. The UE is configured to, upon recognizing this situation and regardless of whether the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS voice only” or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”, trigger the AS to select/reselect to another RAT (the target RAT) in which voice services can be realized (e.g. GERAN/UTRAN).

A first detailed example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 8A.FIG. 8Adiffers fromFIG. 2Aas follows:

following IMS registration failure at130, the UE checks the UE's usage setting for “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” at block8A-1;

If the setting is “Data Centric” or “Data Only” as indicated at132, the method continues at block1A-5;

If the setting is “Voice Centric” as indicated at138, then the method continues at block1A-9with selection of another RAT;

A second detailed example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 8B.FIG. 8Bdiffers fromFIG. 2Bas follows:following IMS registration failure at140, the UE checks the UE's usage setting for “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” at block8B-1;

If the setting is “Data Only” as indicated at142, the method continues at block1B-6;If the setting is “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” as indicated at144, then the method continues at block1B-7with selection of another RAT;Block1B-6follows block1B-5for the case where the UE's usage setting is “Data Only” (indicated at146);

In some implementations, the UE is configured to, as a follow on to RAT reselection as described with reference to example 3A above, retry IMS registration once it is in the target system if it learns that the target system can support IMS voice. If this subsequent attempt at IMS Registration in the target system fails, then in this case the UE may obtain voice services via CS in the target system.

A first example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 9Awhich is the same asFIG. 8Awith the addition of blocks9A-1,9A-2and9A-3. Following block1A-9, the UE retries IMS registration for voice if it learns that the target system can support IMS voice at block9A-1. If there is success, then the UE obtains voice services via PS in the target system at block9A-2. If there is failure, then the UE obtains voice services via CS in the target system at block9A-3.

A second example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 9Bwhich is the same asFIG. 8Bwith the addition of blocks9B-1,9B-2and9B-3. Following block1B-7, the UE retries IMS registration for voice if it learns that the target system can support IMS voice at block9B-1. If there is success, then the UE obtains voice services via PS in the target system at block9B-2. If there is failure, then the UE obtains voice services via CS in the target system at block9B-3.

Third Problem: UE May Be Constrained in an Inappropriate RAT

A third problem with the behavior specified inFIGS. 1A and 1Bis that the UE may become constrained in an inappropriate RAT. More specifically, if the UE's usage setting inFIGS. 1A and 1Bis set to “Data Centric”, this can lead to that UE not getting voice services at all. If “Data Centric” inFIGS. 1A and 1Bis taken to mean that the UE only wants data services (even if that precludes ANY voice service), i.e. “Data Only”, then this is not a problem. In the case where “data centric” inFIGS. 1A and 1Bis taken to mean “Data Centric” as defined above in this document, then this behavior is problematic.

Furthermore, if the UE stays in the current RAT and does not have access to voice services because the network VoIMS indication (in the registered tracking area, since this indication is per tracking area) did not indicate support, but due to mobility the UE enters a routing area of GERAN/UTRAN radio coverage or tracking area of E-UTRAN coverage where the network VoIMS indicator does indicate that IMS PS Voice is supported, then the UE needs to subsequently re-attempt the IMS registration for voice.

In another situation, if the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”, and the UE's usage setting is set to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”, the UE may end up camping in GERAN/UTRAN and use CS voice services for voice even if voice services over IMS in LTE or GERAN/UTRAN may be become available due to the mobility of the UE. As the UE moves, it may move into the coverage area of a new E-UTRAN tracking area or a new GERAN/UTRAN routing area which does support IMS Voice, in which case there is a possibility that the UE could get IMS voice services over GERAN/UTRAN or over LTE, and for a “data centric” UE better PS service over LTE, if it were not constrained in GERAN/UTRAN.

In some implementations, the UE is configured to recognize a situation in which the UE's usage setting is set to “Data Only”, the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary” and in which when it tried to EPS attach, it learned that “IMS Voice over PS session not supported”, such that the UE ends up camping in E-UTRAN with no access to voice services. The support of IMS Voice over PS session is per Tracking Area (TA). The UE is configured to then monitor the TA of neighboring E-UTRAN cells until a cell with a different TA/RA (or alternatively a cell with a TA outside the UE TAI List) is detected. Upon detecting such an LTE cell, the UE attempts to camp on this cell, and sends a Tracking Area Update to the network as part of this process. In response to this, the UE receives a Tracking Area Update response. The Tracking Area Update response includes the network VoIMS Indicator for this tracking area. If the indicator is “IMS Voice over PS session supported”, then the UE retries the IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services. Follow on behavior may for example be in accordance with the implementations described above which deal with IMS registration failure

An example of this behavior is depicted inFIG. 10A. When the UE arrives at block1A-8, the scenario described above may occur. The method continues in block10A-1with the UE monitoring the TA of neighboring E-UTRAN cells until a cell with a different TA (or alternatively a cell with a TA outside the UE TAI List) is detected. In block10A-2, upon detecting such a cell, the UE attempts to camp on this cell, and sends a Tracking Area Update to the network as part of this process. In response to this, the UE receives a Tracking Area Update response. The Tracking Area Update response includes the network VoIMS Indicator for this tracking area. If the indicator is “IMS Voice over PS session supported” (block10A-3), then the UE retries the IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services in block10A-4. Follow on behavior may for example be in accordance with the implementations described above which deal with IMS registration failure. For a UE voice setting of IMS PS voice only, steps10A-1,10A-2,10A-3and10A-4would follow block1B-6ofFIG. 2B.

In some implementations, the UE is configured to recognize a situation in which the UE's usage setting is set to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”, the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” or “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”, and when it tried to EPS attach, it receives the VoIMS Indicator and learns that “IMS Voice over PS session not supported”, such that it ends up camping in GERAN/UTRAN with voice service but suboptimal data services. In this case, when the UE is in idle mode, the UE is configured to attempt (once, or multiple times, for example at regular intervals, or based on a timer) to reselect to a suitable found E-UTRAN cell. As described above, this process triggers a regular tracking area update when the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” or a combined tracking area update if the UE's voice setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”. If the VoIMS Indicator obtained during the TAU or combined TA/LA Update Procedure indicates that IMS voice is supported, then the UE proceeds to try IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services. Follow on behavior may for example be in accordance with the implementations described above which deal with IMS registration failure.

An example of this behaviour for UE Voice Setting of “IMS PS Voice Only” is depicted inFIG. 10B. When the UE arrives at block1B-7, the scenario described above may occur. In this case, when the UE is in idle mode, the UE is configured to attempt (once, or multiple times, for example at regular intervals, or based on a timer) to reselect to a suitable found E-UTRAN cell at block10B-1. This process triggers a regular tracking area update when the UE's voice setting is “IMS PS Voice Only” or a combined tracking area update if the UE's voice setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”. If the VoIMS Indicator obtained during the TAU or combined TA/LA Update Procedure indicates that IMS voice is supported, then the UE proceeds to try IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services at10B-2. For a UE Voice Setting of “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice Secondary”, steps10B-1and10B-2would follow block1A-9ofFIG. 2A.

[Another example is depicted inFIG. 10C. When the UE arrives at block1A-9, the scenario described above may occur. The method continues in block10C-1where the UE determines that the RA of the current cell is different from the previous RA. In block10C-2, upon detecting such a cell, the UE sends a Routing Area Update to the network as part of this process. In response to this, the UE receives a Routing Area Update response. The Routing Area Update response includes the network VoIMS Indicator for this routing area. If the indicator is “IMS Voice over PS session supported” (block10C-3), then the UE retries the IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services in block10C-4. Follow on behavior may for example be in accordance with the implementations described above which deal with IMS registration failure. For a UE voice setting of IMS PS voice only, steps10C-1,10C-2,10C-3and10C-4would follow block1B-6ofFIG. 2B.

In some implementations, a combined routing area update procedure may be initiated by a GPRS MS operating in MS operation modes A or B, when the MS is in state GMM-REGISTERED and MM-IDLE, when the network operates in network operation mode I, and when, in Iu mode, the UE receives an indication from the upper layers that the SIP registration to the IP Multimedia subsystem has failed and the UE's usage setting is “Voice Centric.”

One aspect of the possible examples described for problem3is that the UE obtains the VoIMS indicator for the TA or RA by performing a NAS registration procedure such as a Tracking Area Update or Routing Area Update. This registration procedure requires signalling between the UE and the network. For example, a NAS registration response message may be a response to an EPS attach procedure, a TRACKING AREA UPDATE response, a ROUTING AREA UPDATE response, an ATTACH ACCEPT response, or a TRACKING AREA UPDATE ACCEPT response. In some implementations, the network is configured to broadcast the VoIMS indicator as part of the broadcast system information sent by every cell. As an example of how this VoIMS indicator could be used can be considered as a minor variation of the implementation described inFIG. 10B. Instead of the UE attempting to reselect to an E-UTRAN cell at regular intervals and perform Tracking Area Update to obtain the VoIMS indicator (as shown in Block10B-1ofFIG. 10B), the UE could attempt to read broadcast system information of an E-UTRAN cell at regular intervals to obtain the VoIMS indicator. If the VoIMS Indicator obtained broadcast system information indicates that IMS voice is supported, then the UE proceeds to try IMS registration with indicators requesting voice services at10B-2

Fourth Problem: Change back to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” after the UE's Usage Setting has been changed to “Data Only”

A fourth problem with the behaviour specified in the above-referencedFIGS. 1A and 1Bis that in some situations it is desirable for the UE's Usage Setting to be changed. For example, if the UE is downloading a large volume of data then it may be desirable for the UE's Usage Setting to be “Data only” so that the UE uses E-UTRAN even if voice services are not available on E-UTRAN. When the download of the large volume of data is complete then it may be desirable for the UE's Usage Setting to be “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” again in order to ensure that voice is available, even it is means that another RAT is selected. A particular problem is that the user may set the UE's Usage Setting to be “data only” but then forget to revert the setting back to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” at a later stage.

More specifically, if the UE's usage setting in the above-referencedFIG. 1A or 1Bis set to “Data Centric”, based on user preferences or based on the requirements of the applications running in the UE, the UE usage setting may be modified to “Data Only” to give priority to data services and therefore have the UE select the best RAT for data services (i.e. E-UTRAN). However, it is desirable that the UE Usage Setting can be modified at a later time to the original value (i.e. “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”). As an example, the UE Usage Setting may be changed by the user at a later time. In another example, an application running in the UE and requires the best PS service available even when the UE is “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”, and based on this the application or the user changes the UE Usage Setting to “Data Only”. However, once the application has terminated, the application or the UE change the UE Usage Setting back to the original value, that is “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric”.

In such scenarios, once the UE Usage Setting is changed to “Data Only” the UE will end up selecting the RAT based on the behavior described in the implementations above for a “Data Only” UE. However, once the UE Usage Setting is modified back to the original value, the UE should try to connect to the appropriate RAT and attempt to access voice services based on the availability of IMS and the UE Voice Setting of the UE. With the current behavior defined for the UE, however, the UE would not attempt to reselect an appropriate RAT nor to register for IMS when IMS is available.

In certain scenarios, the UE Usage Setting is modified by the user or an application (or set of applications) running in the UE from “Data Centric” or “voice Centric” to “Data Only” to allow for the best PS service for applications running in the UE. At a later time, the UE Usage Setting is reverted to the original setting based a set of possible triggering conditions. As a result, the UE based on the UE Voice Settings performs one or more of the procedures described in the implementations above to discover whether IMS voice is available, register with IMS and select the appropriate RAT.

With reference toFIG. 11A, in an implementation, an application (or set of applications) running in the UE modifies UE Usage Setting at block11A-1. In block11A-2, the application(s) that modified the UE Usage Setting terminates (or alternatively, the application(s) need for “data only” operation comes to an end) and causes the UE Usage setting to be restored to the original value. If the UE Voice Setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice secondary”, the UE will behave as in the implementations above for an UE whose UE Voice Setting is “IMS Voice Preferred, CS Voice secondary”. If the UE Voice Setting is “IMS PS Voice only”, the UE will behave as in the implementations above for UE whose UE Voice Setting is “IMS PS Voice only”. This is generally indicated at block11A-3.

With reference toFIG. 11B, in an implementation, the user requests a mobile originated voice call in block11B-1. On request of the mobile originated voice call the UE reverts to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” in order to be able to establish the voice call in block11B-2. The UE then behaves as in the implementation ofFIG. 11Adepending on the UE Voice Setting. This involves reverting to the original UE Usage Setting in block11B-3, and then continuing with one of the previously described methods (11B-4).

With reference toFIG. 11C, in an implementation, the UE receives an email with a voicemail as an attachment in block11C-1. On reception of this email the UE reverts to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” in order to be able to return the missed call in block11C-2. The UE then behaves as in the implementation ofFIG. 11Adepending on the UE Voice Setting. This involves reverting to the original UE Usage Setting in block11C-3, and then continuing with one of the previously described methods (11C-4).

With reference toFIG. 11D, in an implementation, the user receives an SMS indication that a voice mail is waiting or that a call has been missed in block11D-1. On reception of this SMS the UE reverts to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” in order to be able to establish a voice call to retrieve the voice mail and/or return the missed call. The UE then behaves as in the implementation ofFIG. 11Adepending on the UE Voice Setting. This involves reverting to the original UE Usage Setting in block11D-3, and then continuing with one of the previously described methods (11D-4).

With reference toFIG. 11E, in an implementation, an incoming IMS voice call was received by the IMS infrastructure but the voice call could not be delivered to the UE because the IMS Registration for IMS Voice had not been successful, and the UE receives notification from IMS of such missed call in block11E-1. On reception of this notification the UE reverts to “Voice Centric” or “Data Centric” in order to be able to return the missed voice call at block11E-2. The UE then behaves as in the implementation ofFIG. 11Adepending on the UE Voice Setting. This involves reverting to the original UE Usage Setting in block11E-3, and then continuing with one of the previously described methods (11E-4).

In all the implementations above the restoration can be achieved as an example by storing the original UE Usage Setting value when it is modified by the application or the user and retrieving the value.

Another Mobile Device

Referring now toFIG. 12, shown is a block diagram of a mobile communication device700that may implement UE related methods described herein. It is to be understood that the mobile device700is shown with very specific details for example purposes only.

A processing device (a microprocessor728) is shown schematically as coupled between a keyboard714and a display726. The microprocessor728controls operation of the display726, as well as overall operation of the mobile device700, in response to actuation of keys on the keyboard714by a user.

The mobile device700has a housing that may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizes and shapes (including clamshell housing structures). The keyboard714may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text entry and telephony entry.

In addition to the microprocessor728, other parts of the mobile device700are shown schematically. These include: a communications subsystem770; a short-range communications subsystem702; the keyboard714and the display726, along with other input/output devices including a set of LEDS704, a set of auxiliary I/O devices706, a serial port708, a speaker711and a microphone712; as well as memory devices including a flash memory716and a Random Access Memory (RAM)718; and various other device subsystems720. The mobile device700may have a battery721to power the active elements of the mobile device700. The mobile device700is in some implementations a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication device having voice and data communication capabilities. In addition, the mobile device700in some implementations has the capability to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by the microprocessor728is in some implementations stored in a persistent store, such as the flash memory716, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as the RAM718. In some implementations, one or more parameters representative of unevenness in the signal constellation are stored in the non-volatile memory or in a volatile store. Communication signals received by the mobile device700may also be stored to the RAM718.

The microprocessor728, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications on the mobile device700. A predetermined set of software applications that control basic device operations, such as a voice communications module730A and a data communications module730B, may be installed on the mobile device700during manufacture. In addition, a personal information manager (PIM) application module730C may also be installed on the mobile device700during manufacture. The PIM application is in some implementations capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is also in some implementations capable of sending and receiving data items via a wireless network710. In some implementations, the data items managed by the PIM application are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network710with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system. As well, additional software modules, illustrated as other software module730N, may be installed during manufacture.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem770, and possibly through the short-range communications subsystem702. The communication subsystem770includes a receiver750, a transmitter752and one or more antennas, illustrated as a receive antenna754and a transmit antenna756. In addition, the communication subsystem770also includes a processing module, such as a digital signal processor (DSP)758, and local oscillators (LOs)760. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem770is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile device700is intended to operate. For example, the communication subsystem770of the mobile device700may be designed to operate with the Mobitex™, DataTAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile device700. The particular devices under consideration here are multi-mode mobile devices, and as such they include hardware and/or software for implementing at least two RATs. More specifically, in a particular example, there would be a respective communication subsystem770for each RAT implemented by the device.

Network access may vary depending upon the type of communication system. For example, in the Mobitex™ and DataTAC™ networks, mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) associated with each device. In GPRS networks, however, network access is typically associated with a subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS device therefore typically has a subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.

When network registration or activation procedures have been completed, the mobile device700may send and receive communication signals over the communication network710. Signals received from the communication network710by the receive antenna754are routed to the receiver750, which provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signal allows the DSP758to perform more complex communication functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network710are processed (e.g., modulated and encoded) by the DSP758and are then provided to the transmitter752for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to the communication network710(or networks) via the transmit antenna756.

In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP758provides for control of the receiver750and the transmitter752. For example, gains applied to communication signals in the receiver750and the transmitter752may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP758.

In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message or web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem770and is input to the microprocessor728. The received signal is then further processed by the microprocessor728for an output to the display726, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O devices706. A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the keyboard714and/or some other auxiliary I/O device706, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other type of input device. The composed data items may then be transmitted over the communication network710via the communication subsystem770.

In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device is substantially similar to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker711, and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone712. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the mobile device700. In addition, the display716may also be utilized in voice communication mode, for example, to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem702enables communication between the mobile device700and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.