Controlling traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station between a first VPMN, a second VPMN and a HPMN

A system for controlling traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station between a first Visiting Public Mobile Network (VPMN), a second VPMN and a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) is provided. The system includes a detection unit for detecting a possible change in registration of the inbound roaming mobile station at a second VPMN upon receipt of a first registration cancellation message of one or more registration cancellation messages at the first VPMN from the HPMN. The system further includes redirection unit for attempting to redirect the traffic of the inbound roaming mobile station back to the first VPMN by sending one or more registration messages from the first VPMN to the HPMN subsequent to receipt of one or more registration cancellation messages from the HPMN. For each registration cancellation message received, one or more registration messages are sent within a first pre-defined interval of time (T0) until one registration message is recorded as a successful transaction. Further for all registration cancellation messages received in current attempt to redirect the inbound roaming mobile station to the first VPMN, all the registration messages are sent either within a second pre-defined interval of time (T1) and/or a re-registration threshold number of times.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to international roamers. More specifically, the invention relates to the control of traffic from international roamers.

Common carrier mobile communication systems are deployed by different companies and network operators within almost every country around the world. Many of those network operators offer international roaming to their subscribers (or roamers) traveling abroad, and to travelers visiting their territory and using their foreign mobile telephones. Such an offering enables public mobile network subscribers the ability to use their mobile phones within public mobile networks other than their own, such as those networks present in territories other than those covered by the network to which they normally subscribe.

Over the last few years, revenues to the network operators from home subscribers have consistently declined due to increased competition and resulting in pricing pressures. On the other hand, revenues from roamers have consistently grown in the same period due to increased mobile penetration in local markets and an increase in travel. Various network operators have preferred bilateral roaming agreements (“partnerships”) with each other that include more favorable roaming charges than non-partnership operators. Therefore, “preferred” visited networks are those that the home network prefers its outbound roamers to register with when traveling outside their home coverage area. Non-partner networks are “non-preferred”.

Network operators can maximize their margins and the roamers can get more attractive roaming rates and services if roamers roam on their home mobile operator's preferred (or partner) networks. When the subscribers roam into visited networks from a HPMN, they may roam onto one, two or more VPMNs, one at a time, based on various criteria. These VPMNs may also include the “non-preferred” VPMN networks. In some cases even when a VPMN network is “non-preferred” to a HPMN network it gets the inbound roamers from the HPMN. These may be due to either non-coverage of “preferred” VPMNs or manual selection of an inbound roamer. This may also be due to distribution by the HPMN Traffic Redirection (TR) (or Steering of Roaming (SoR)). Hence, the roamers of the HPMN still get registered with the “non-preferred” VPMN. Sometimes, the HPMN operator can use traffic redirection techniques to control the distribution of the roamers among VPMN networks in a country so that the “preferred” VPMN network will get a very high percentage of the HPMN's roaming traffic and the “non-preferred” VPMN networks will get a low percentage of that roaming traffic. Those traffic redirections techniques used by an HPMN operator can deprive the non-preferred VPMN operators of inbound roaming revenues. Sometimes these deprived VPMN operators may have a partnership with the HPMN and may even be the “preferred” networks. Furthermore, the traffic redirection that is based on rejection error, timeout or abort techniques generates network errors to the mobile handset's radio interface. The generation of these errors compels the mobile handset to initiate again a number of registration attempts. This can overload the network interface between the HPMN and the VPMN.

In cases when there are more than two VPMN operators in a country, the radio coverage of each these VPMN operators becomes a factor for preference of one operator over the other. However, the operators are constantly improving their network coverage and hence diminishing the importance of radio coverage as the factor. Further some competing and “non-preferred” VPMN networks also deploy a form of traffic redirection at their end to retain the inbound roamers by stopping them from leaking out of their network. This leads to decrease in revenues for the other VPMN operators. It would be disadvantageous for any VPMN network operator to relinquish the control of the subscriber even when a handset is registered with it for any reason, such as failure of the SIM network list to produce registration on a preferred network.

In the previous filing (Anti-TR System), a solution was described to improve the chance of an inbound roamer getting registered successfully at a VPMN when an other than one of its preferred HPMNs is applying the TR (or SoR). While such an Anti-TR System was useful in getting an inbound roamer registered successfully with a VPMN, it is not aimed at the problem of retaining inbound roamers once they are registered with the VPMN. The viable solution present nowadays is achieved by more radio coverage and more signal strength. For newly laid out networks, improving these takes time. Even for mature networks, there are still coverage issues resulting from tiny blind spots, power control, signal interference, multi-path and shadowing effects of signals due to dynamic environments. It has been observed that inbound roamers to a country alternates among competitor networks at least 3 to 10 times a day.

Due to one or more of the above issues, there is a need in the art of traffic redirection of inbound roamers in order to retain the inbound roamers which are once registered with a VPMN operator and are either now attempting themselves or are forced to attempt to re-register with the other VPMN operators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method for controlling traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station between a first Visiting Public Mobile Network (VPMN), a second VPMN and a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) is provided. The method includes detecting a possible change in registration of the inbound roaming mobile station upon receipt of a first registration cancellation message of one or more registration cancellation messages at the first VPMN from the HPMN. The method further includes attempting to redirect the traffic to the first VPMN by sending one or more registration messages from the first VPMN to the HPMN subsequent to receipt of the one or more registration cancellation messages from the HPMN. For each registration cancellation message received, one or more registration messages are sent within a first pre-defined interval of time (T0) till one registration message is recorded as a successful transaction. Further, for the one or more registration cancellation messages received in current attempt to redirect the inbound roaming mobile station to the first VPMN, the one or more registration messages are sent at least one of within a second pre-defined interval of time (T1) and a re-registration threshold number of times.

A system for controlling traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station between a first Visiting Public Mobile Network (VPMN), a second VPMN and a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) is also provided. The system includes a detection unit for detecting a possible change in registration of the inbound roaming mobile station upon receipt of a first registration cancellation message of one or more registration cancellation messages at the first VPMN from the HPMN. The system further includes a redirection unit for attempting to redirect the traffic to the first VPMN by sending one or more registration messages from the first VPMN to the HPMN subsequent to receipt of the one or more registration cancellation messages from the HPMN. For each registration cancellation message received, one or more registration messages are sent within a first pre-defined interval of time (T0) till one registration message is recorded as a successful transaction. Further, for the one or more registration cancellation messages received in current attempt to redirect the inbound roaming mobile station to the first VPMN, the one or more registration messages are sent at least one of within a second pre-defined interval of time (T1) and a re-registration threshold number of times.

The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and an enabling description for various embodiments of Inbound Traffic redirection System (ITRS). However, one skilled in the art will understand that the ITRS may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the ITRS. The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Environment for Implementing ITR

FIG. 1shows an environment100where the Inbound Traffic Redirection System (ITRS) is implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The environment100includes a first VPMN102, a second VPMN104and a third VPMN106. Each VPMN has its own inbound roamers and in a typical scenario (for example when no VPMN preferences are set in the SIM or handset memory of an inbound roamer's mobile device), there is an even chance for each VPMN operator to get the inbound roamer's traffic. Since under typical conventions such as GSM, a handset of a roamer always looks for the last registered network when power on or regaining coverage, an initially randomly selected network will continue to be selected for an inbound roamer unless that network looses coverage. When a roamer traverses an uncovered area (“blind spot”), within a presently-registered VPMN's territory, his handset will typically switch from that present VPMN to another.

For one or more of the following reasons, the inbound roamers tend to move from one VPMN to the other. First, since every VPMN network has some blind spots (including spots that have very weak signals or no signals at all), automatic switching to VPMN's offering coverage would, if not corrected by some type of Steering of Roaming technology, result in an even distribution of inbound roamers across all competing VPMN operators. For most of the networks, there are coverage issues resulting from tiny blind spots, power control, signal interference, multi-path fading and shadowing effects of signals due to dynamic environments that would cause such an even distribution. These reasons propel the inbound roamer to change the VPMN network. Some inbound roamers will lose to other operators while others come from competing operators.

For example, inFIG. 1, the inbound roamers from the second VPMN104are leaking to both first VPMN102and third VPMN106, as shown by dotted lines. Similarly, the inbound roamers from the third VPMN106are leaking to first VPMN102and second VPMN104. Hence, for both second VPMN104and third VPMN106buckets for their inbound roamer are leaking. The ITRS is deployed in first VPMN102to ensure and increase the probability of inbound roamers continuing to stay with first VPMN102once they have registered with the network. In this way, if a “leaky bucket” is used to illustrate the inbound roamers of second VPMN104and third VPMN106, with some of their inbound roamers leaking to other VPMNs, then the ITRS solution of the first VPMN102puts a patch on its “leaky bucket” to reduce leakage so to create a “sticky bucket” of inbound roamers. In other words, the “sticky bucket” ensures that any inbound roamer which is once registered with first VPMN102stays with the same VPMN. One or more possible ways to achieve the objective are described later in conjunction various embodiments explained with corresponding figures.

System for Implementing Basic Inbound Traffic Redirection Mechanism

FIG. 2represents a system200for controlling traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station202between first VPMN102, second VPMN104, and a Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN)204, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The inbound roaming mobile station202(or a roamer) is initially registered with a VPMN operator at a first VPMN VLR206in first VPMN102, while it is roaming from the HPMN204. However, in some cases inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to (or is forced to attempt) register to another VPMN operator at a second VPMN VLR208in second VPMN104. In one embodiment of the invention, first VPMN VLR206is integrated with a VMSC in first VPMN102. Also second VPMN VLR208is integrated a VMSC in second VPMN104. Notwithstanding, both the VPMN VLRs and the VMSCs may have different logical addresses. Subscriber profile data corresponding to the inbound roaming mobile station202is stored in a HPMN HLR210located in HPMN204.

The roaming signaling corresponding to inbound roaming mobile station202at the first VPMN102is routed between a switch/roaming STP212and an international STP 1214. The roaming signaling corresponding to inbound roaming mobile station202at the second VPMN104is routed between a switch/roaming STP216and an international STP 2218. The signaling between HPMN204and first VPMN102, and between HPMN204and second VPMN104are carried using SS7 signaling architecture220involving an international STP 3222connected to switching/roaming STP224in HPMN204. The signals exchanged between different networks are TCAP (including MAP, CAP and the like) based signals. In another embodiment of the invention, the signals exchanged are SCCP based routing signals.

The inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to register with second VPMN104even though it is already registered with the first VPMN102due to one or more of the following reasons. Firstly, the inbound roaming mobile station202may attempt to change the VPMN network in case there is weak signal strength or a loss of coverage in first VPMN102. Secondly, the inbound roaming mobile station202may be selecting the second VPMN104due to new available technology e.g. GPRS or 3G in second VPMN104. In one embodiment of the invention, second VPMN104attempts to redirect the traffic of inbound roaming mobile station202to itself. The attempt by a VPMN operator to redirect the traffic of an inbound roamer to its own network is hereinafter referred to as an Inbound Traffic Redirection (ITR) attempt.

In another embodiment of the invention, inbound roaming mobile station202is redirected by an operator in HPMN204in order to steer inbound roaming mobile station202to a “preferred” (or even a “non-preferred”) network operator in second VPMN104. In other words, a traffic redirection (TR) is preformed by an operator in HPMN204to redirect the traffic of inbound roaming mobile station202to some other network operator in second VPMN104even though the operator in HPMN204may have roaming relationship with first VPMN102. In yet another embodiment of the invention, this network reselection may also be due to preferred PLMN timer on the inbound roaming mobile station202indicating preference of second VPMN104over first VPMN102. The steering of inbound roaming mobile station202deprives the first VPMN102of the revenues from the inbound roamer.

The system200includes an ITR module226that monitors the traffic between HPMN204, and first VPMN102and thereafter provides necessary one or more messages to attempt to redirect the traffic to first VPMN102. In one embodiment of the invention, ITR module226is deployed by first VPMN102to counter the TR attempt by the operator in HPMN204and an ITR attempt by second VPMN104. The ITR module226includes a detection unit228and a redirection unit230. In one embodiment of the invention, detection unit228monitors/probes the signals exchanged between switch212in first VPMN102and international STP 1214. This is referred to as passive monitoring.

In another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226actively intercepts the signaling from switch (or roaming STP)212or from the international STP 1214in the in-signaling path mode. Further, in this case, switch212is configured to assist in exchange of first registration cancellation message, one or more registration messages, and one or more registration cancellation messages between HPMN204, and first VPMN102. Hence, the monitoring or probing of the traffic redirection attempt is performed in two modes, either by passive monitoring or active monitoring of the signals. In one embodiment of the invention, all signals exchanged through switch212are SCCP/TCAP based signals.

Such “active” monitoring is hereinafter referred interchangeably as in-signaling mode. In the in-signaling mode ITR module226is deployed on roaming SS7 path by configuring switch212(or roaming STP) to route international roaming SCCP traffic through ITR module226. In an exemplary routing, primary routing of the incoming international SCCP traffic from international STP 1214destined to E164 VPMN VLR206is configured to go through ITR module226. However, secondary routing is kept to VPMN VLR206. This is done in order to provide a redundant path for routing of traffic in case of failure of ITR module226. Similarly, primary routing of any outgoing international SCCP traffic destined to E214address of inbound roaming mobile station202from HPMN204is configured to go through ITR module226. The secondary routing however goes to international STP 3222. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, that different routing methods using any combination thereof can be used without affecting the working of the system or the method.

The E214is a numbering plan (NP) used for delivering mobility management related messages in GSM networks. The E.214 number is derived from the IMSI of a roaming mobile station. E.214 numbers are composed of two parts. The first, the E.164 part, is made up of a country code followed by the network code. The second part of the number is made from the MSIN part of the IMSI which identifies an individual subscriber. E.214 numbers are routed separately from E.164 numbers since they are marked with a different Numbering Plan Indicator (NPI), however, it is possible to reuse Global Title (GT) analysis tables used in E.164 numbers everywhere except for the final destination network of the message.

Inbound Traffic Redirection Routing Using TT

In case where the addresses of VPMN VLR and VMSC are identical, SSN can be used to separate the routing. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that alternative routing options are possible depending on type of network elements in first VPMN102and second VPMN104. For example, to avoid looping the traffic redirection can be performed either using translation types (or tables) (TT) or using MTP routing involving international STP Signal Point Code (SPC) and Switching/Roaming SPC, depending on the network setup in VPMN(s). In another example, an operator in first VPMN102could perform MAP analysis and only redirect Cancel Location message from E164 messages from international STP 1214through ITR module226to reduce significantly the in-signaling load. Considering the former technique of using the TT, the switch212and the ITR module226are configured for both incoming and outgoing international SCCP signaling messages. For example, in case of an incoming message at the switch212with TT as 0, Called party (CdPA) is not own and the NP is E.214, the DPC is set as ITR module226and the destination TT as 32. Similarly, in case the CdPA is VPMN VLR206and the NP is E.164 with TT as 0, the DPC is set to be ITR module226and the destination TT as 32. This means any incoming E164 message at the switch212is directed to the ITR module226first. In case of an outgoing message from the switch212with the TT as 32 and CdPA is not own and the NP is E.214, the DPC is set as international STP 1214and destination TT as 0. Further, in case with TT as 32 and CdPA as VPMN VLR206and the NP is E164, the DPC is also set to VPMN VLR206and destination TT as 0. The routing indicator (RI) of SCCP CdPA in all these cases can remain unchanged (e.g. on Global Title (GT)).

Inbound Traffic Redirection Routing Without Using TT

Considering the second technique of using MTP routing, switch212is configured to send an incoming message with NP as E.214 and CdPA as not own to DPC at ITR module226. Also in case the CdPA is VPMN VLR206with NP as E 164, the DPC is changed to ITR module226. Routing configuration for an own network (first VPMN102) destined outgoing message from ITR module226to the switch212sets the DPC to VPMN VLR206with RI as SSN/unchanged. Similarly, for an international (HPMN) destined outgoing message from ITR module226to the switch212, the DPC is set to international STP 1214with RI remaining as GT. Based on different incoming and outgoing messages from switch212, the ITR module226sends different messages as one or more registration messages to attempt to redirect the traffic of inbound roaming mobile station202to first VPMN102.

In case when none of the above conditions are satisfied, then all incoming SCCP messages may be relayed back to switch212(or the roaming STP) or VPMN VLR206respectively depending on whether the TT type or MTP routing is used. In the above described methods, SCCP is relayed rather than TCAP. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, that a similar flow can also be defined for TCAP based relay. In this case, new transaction will be initiated by ITR module226for each self-initiated fake LUP message and each time a new mapping will be established to relate the new originating transaction ID to the original originating transaction ID.

Basic Inbound Traffic Redirection Signal Flow

FIG. 3represents a flow diagram for implementing inbound traffic redirection between first VPMN102, second VPMN104and HPMN204, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Detection unit228in ITR module226detects a possible change in registration of inbound roaming mobile station202upon receipt of a first registration cancellation message of one or more registration cancellation messages at first VPMN102from HPMN204. In one embodiment of the invention, the possible change in the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202is inferred when a Location Update (LUP) message302being sent a first registration message from second VPMN104to HPMN204. This LUP302is sent by second VPMN104after inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to (or is forced to attempt to) register with second VPMN102. Hence, detection unit228can deduce inbound roaming mobile station202is attempting to register with second VPMN106when there is no new registration message received from the first VPMN102also detection unit228detects the receipt of the one or more registration cancellation messages at first VPMN102. In one embodiment of the invention, the first registration cancellation message is a Cancel Location message304sent from HPMN HLR210to cancel the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202with first VPMN102. The first registration cancellation message of the one or more registration cancellation messages is sent directly to the first VPMN VLR206while the subsequent registration cancellation messages are tapped at ITR module226.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, that the Cancel Location304process from the HPMN HLR210that is started from a new location update received at the HPMN HLR210is independent of the status of the Location Update process at HPMN HLR210. In other words, as soon as inbound roaming mobile station202changes to second VPMN104, the first VPMN102should get the Cancel Location message304independent of the status of the Location Update process at HPMN HLR210. Thereafter, redirection unit230attempts to redirect the traffic to first VPMN102by sending one or more registration messages from first VPMN102to HPMN204subsequent to receipt of one or more registration cancellation messages from HPMN204.

For each registration cancellation message detected, one or more registration messages are sent by the ITR module226in the first VPMN102within a first pre-defined interval of time (T0) till one registration message is recorded as a successful transaction. It will apparent to a person skilled in the art, the different functions are associated with the detection unit228and redirection unit230only for exemplary purposes. Notwithstanding, any functional property of any of the two will be hereinafter associated with ITR module226. In other words, any function which is to be performed by either detection unit228or redirection unit230is alternatively capable of being performed by ITR module226alone.

ITR module226can be an integration of detection unit228and redirection unit230, and is deployed in first VPMN102. In one embodiment of the invention, for each registration cancellation message detected, the one or more registration messages are Location Update messages (LUP)306from first VPMN102. These LUP messages are fake location update (LUP) messages. However, last of these fake LUP messages306is recorded as successful transaction unless the time T0 is expired and all are sent with a pre-defined interval of time (T0). In one embodiment of the invention, the time interval T0 is less than or equal to the time required for completing location update process from the second VPMN104at HPMN HLR210. The successful LUP transaction implies exchange of other necessary messages, such as MAP ISD and MAP ISD ACK (according to the underlying protocol) also to be successful exchanged between first VPMN102and HPMN HLR210.

The one or more registration messages are sent using one or more GT for each of the Cancel Location message received. In one embodiment of the invention, the GT is used of the first VPMN VLR206. In another embodiment of the invention, the GT is selected from one or more GT(s) associated with the first VPMN102. When a new location update from the ITR module226in the first VPMN102occurs before/during the successful completion of the previous location update from the second VPMN104, the HPMN204(or HPMN HLR210) will send a TCAP/MAP abort or system failure message to the second VPMN104. As a result, a network failure of the location registration at the second VPMN104is generated by the second VPMN104towards the inbound roaming mobile station202. Hence, redirection unit230exchanges the one or more registration messages306corresponding to each of one or more registration cancellation messages304received from HPMN204. The one or more registration cancellation messages304are sent subsequent to each registration message302sent by inbound roaming mobile station202after an error is generated at inbound roaming mobile station202. Examples of network messages from HPMN204to the second VPMN104resulting in a radio message to the inbound roaming mobile station indicating the network failure, but not limited to, are MAP U/P ABORT, MAP_CLOSE, TCAP-abort, and system failure depending on HLR implementation in HPMN.

The error messages received in incoming messages on the error interface are mapped onto equivalent messages on the radio interface according to 3GPP 29010. Table 1 shows a snapshot of the mapping of some of these messages from the network interface (29.002) to the radio interface (24.008) with corresponding error codes for each interface.

These are examples only and are not intended as being an exhaustive list or representative.

For example, in case, the error in network interface “System Failure” (with error code 34) (29.002), then its equivalent error on the radio interface (24.008) is “Network Failure” (error code #17), and received at inbound roaming mobile station202, and thereafter inbound roaming mobile station202waits for around 20 or 15 seconds before another try on the same network. Similarly, other 24.008 error messages have their equivalent 29.002 error messages.

When inbound roaming mobile station202encounters such an error for a few (e.g. 4) times, it selects an alternative network (including the same network again). The new network is either selected from a new scan or from an existing scan. The existing scan has a possibility of tracking weak signals from first VPMN102. When inbound roaming mobile station202gets a Network Failure (error code 17), it retries, by sending the registration message302, at most equal to an expected number of times for existing network (second VPMN104) before selecting an alternative network. In one embodiment of the invention, the expected number of times is four. Each retry attempt generates Cancel Location304for first VPMN102. This is received at the ITR module226, which immediately sends a corresponding fake LUP message306(i.e. one or more registration messages). If the roamer was attempting a competing VPMN network in the same country as first VPMN102, the fake LUP process eventually results in retry for an alternative network (including the second VPMN104) by inbound roaming mobile station202. Also, in case of blind spots (i.e. weak signal areas) in the first VPMN102, any delay to the registration process of second VPMN104provides a chance for inbound roaming mobile station202to come back to first VPMN102again including regaining signal strength at first VPMN102. Once one or more fake LUP messages sent by the ITR module226in first VPMN102to the HPMN204successfully, prior to the completion of registration message sent from second VPMN104, HPMN204sends a reject message to second VPMN104. In one embodiment of the invention, a LUP reject error308is sent as the reject message to second VPMN104by HPMN204. Hence, the process of exchange of messages from302to308is repeated 4 or more times before inbound roaming mobile station202tries for an alternative network, including second VPMN104.

In case first VPMN102is not found in the current list of available PLMN(s) of inbound roaming mobile station202, different (maybe discontinuous) PLMN search schemes are used in order to minimize access time while maintaining battery life. For example, the search is prioritized in favor of BCCH carriers which have a high probability of belonging to an available and allowable PLMN. This provides first VPMN102that has deployed ITR module226a better chance to be found and registered again by inbound roaming mobile station202. The longer the time and the higher the number of fake LUP attempts ITR module226makes, the better is the chance for inbound roaming mobile station202to get registered to first VPMN102.

In another embodiment of the invention, similar exchange of signals is performed in case of GPRS. The system200in this embodiment includes an SGSN associated with second VPMN104and another SGSN associated with first VPMN102. ITR module226monitors (actively and passively) exchange of Cancel Location messages as the one or more registration cancellation messages are sent to the SGSN in first VPMN102instead of first VPMN VLR206. Further, the SGSN in first VPMN102sends one or more fake GPRS LUP messages.

Referring back toFIG. 3, as mentioned earlier, the one or more Fake LUP messages306for each registration cancellation message from HPMN204to the first VPMN102are required to be sent within the pre-defined interval of time (T0). T0 is the interval that a location update process takes to complete at the HPMN HLR210. All the fake location updates from ITR module226for all registration cancellation messages from HPMN204to the first VPMN102in a current ITR attempt however also need be sent within a second pre-defined interval of time (T1) and/or a re-registration threshold number of times. The T1time interval is a re-registration timer. The value of the re-registration timer indicates the time left to perform an ITR attempt for an inbound roaming mobile station. In another embodiment of the invention, all of the fake LUP messages306for the current ITR attempt are sent at most equal to the re-registration threshold number of times of a re-registration counter. The re-registration counter indicates number of registration attempts made by inbound roaming mobile station202for second VPMN104while the ITR module226is deployed in first VPMN102. The re-registration threshold of the re-registration counter provides an upper limit to the number of fake LUP messages306to be sent by ITR module226. In one embodiment of the invention, the T1is equal to the multiplication of the sum of maximum interval between the one or more fake LUP messages306(after the network failure #17) and maximum interval to select an alternative network (including the second VPMN104) for a location update attempt by the number of competitor network operators in the country.

For example but without limitation, if the number of competitor operators in a country is 5, the interval to retry the same network is 45 sec and the interval to try an alternative network is 15 sec, then T1=5*(45+15)=300 sec. The interval to retry the same network can be in the range of 45 sec to 150 sec and the interval to try an alternative network can be in the range of 15 sec to 30 sec. In an exemplary case, the value of T1 can be within a range of 60 sec to 300. In another embodiment of the invention, the T1 is equal to an expiration threshold. The expiration threshold indicates the time when the re-registration counter is reset so as to treat any further Cancel Location from HPMN HLR210as a new ITR sequence.

Initially the re-registration counter is set to zero and the re-registration timer is set to the expiration threshold. In one embodiment of the invention, the re-registration threshold for the re-registration counter is set to (N−1)*4, where N is the number of competitor operator networks in the country where ITR module226is deployed. Four is selected as inbound roaming mobile station202tries for a total of four times for the same network (i.e. second VPMN104) on receiving error code #17, based on GSM408or 3GPP 24.008. For the reason that the ITR attempt has to be completed before the completion of the Location Update process for second VPMN104, the value of N is selected as 2, assuming there are two networks in that country. This also increases chances of inbound roaming mobile station202getting back to first VPMN102.

In one embodiment of the invention, the HPMN HLR210issues Cancel Location304to the first VPMN VLR206only after completing Location Update with second VPMN104. In this case, ITR module226first sends the fake LUP message using its own GT. Thereafter the HPMN HLR210issues a Cancel Location to second VPMN104. However, in this case, inbound roaming mobile station202will not receive any information or notifications until any MO activity. Hence the ITR module will not receive further registration cancellation messages from the HPMN HLR210and it cannot perform further fake location updates. In such a case, since there is no point to perform ITR attempts on such a HPMN HLR, the HPMN HLR210can be blacklisted. The blacklist can be periodically emptied just to cater for a future change in configuration of the HPMN HLR210. For such a HPMN HLR when it is not blacklisted, ITR module226sends one or more response messages on behalf of inbound roaming mobile station202in response to receipt of one or more request messages from the HPMN HLR210when the one or more registration cancellation messages are received after completion of location update process at second VPMN104. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more request messages are including but not limited to, MAP PSI from HPMN204, MAP PRN from HPMN204as a result of an incoming call to the inbound roaming mobile station's number and a MAP Forward SMS as a result of an incoming SMS to the inbound roaming mobile station's number from an SMSC. ITR module226sends an Absent Subscriber message as the response message on behalf of inbound roaming mobile station202.

Further a redirection counter for all inbound roamers is defined. A redirection counter for each HPMN at a configurable interval of time (e.g. 1 hour) is also defined. In an embodiment of the invention, a redirection limit for the redirection counter at the configurable interval of time can be defined for each inbound roaming mobile station in HPMN. The system can refer to these types of counters on attempts and success per home network or visited network are for special application logic to control the inbound TR process and results. One example of such special application logic is to control the distribution of traffic accepted from the variety of HPMNs. Especially in situations when capacity is at a premium, such logic can be used to help ensure that a visited network serves roamers from its preferred partners with priority, or manages priority among multiple foreign networks according to rules. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the redirection counters are incremented when the ITR attempt is successful or failed.

In case such a re-registration timer is expired and yet the re-registration counter remains less than 5, it indicates a possibility that inbound roaming mobile station202is stuck in second VPMN104. The stuck can be due to the handset issues. However, the re-registration counter would be greater than 1 if it is the handset issue. In case the counter remains at 1, the HLR would only issue the Cancel Location to first VPMN102after the completion of location update with second VPMN104in which case the HPMN HLR210is blacklisted for a while from further ITR attempts.

Management of Counters

FIGS. 4 and 5represent a flowchart depicting various sorts of application logic that can be checked before applying special handling techniques and providing VAS in combination with the ITR attempt, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The re-registration counter and the re-registration timer (as introduced in conjunction withFIG. 3) are used to apply one or more special handling techniques to inbound roaming mobile station202. In other words, both the counter and the timer values are used to decide whether the special handling and the VAS are to be provided. At step402, it is checked if the re-registration timer is expired and the re-registration counter is equal to 1. If yes, then at step404, the re-registration counter is reset and statistical bookkeeping is done. The statistical bookkeeping can include changing values of one or more redirection counters. Also special handling techniques may be performed.

Thereafter, at step406, ITR module226monitors the LUP message to the HPMN HLR210and Cancel Location message to the first VPMN VLR206. Further, also at step406, the fake LUP message is processed by ITR module226. ITR module226issues the fake LUP using own GT as the VLR, VMSC and SCCP CgPA on the same IMSI or inbound roamer again. ITR module226completes the fake LUP transaction itself. At step408, for every successful fake LUP message, MSISDN and HLR of IMSI of inbound roaming mobile station202are recorded.

At step410, for each LUP message from own network (first VPMN102), ITR module226records VLR and IMSI. Here the VLR and IMSI for inbound roaming mobile station202are captured irrespective whether the LUP message is successful or not. At step412, ITR module226checks whether the IMSI is blacklisted. If there exists an error message returned in response to ITR module's fake LUP message indicating unknown subscriber, RNA, ODB barring for roaming, RNA in location area (due to restriction, regional service subscription, national roaming and the like), the IMSI will be blacklisted for subsequent fake LUP messages by ITR module226until the IMSI is registered in first VPMN102again. If blacklisted, then ITR module226can abandon the ITR attempt.

If not, then at step414, the re-registration timer is checked whether it is expired. If expired, then at step416, both the re-registration counter and the re-registration timer are reset. For each Cancel Location Message from HPMN HLR210on an IMSI to a VPMN VLR including the Cancel Location message sent to ITR module226for its fake LUP message, ITR module226first records the HLR for the IMSI and it checks via the previous recorded LUP message of the IMSI from second VPMN104to HPMN HLR210if the IMSI was registering/registered in a new VLR in the same VPMN (i.e., first VPMN102).

However, if the re-registration timer is not expired, then at step418, the ITR module226or other system elements can check if the new VLR is in the same VPMN. In case it is the same VLR, and the re-registration timer for the IMSI is expired (i.e. at zero), then at step420, it is checked if the re-registration counter is not equal to zero. If equal to zero, then ITR attempt is abandoned.

If the re-registration counter is not zero, then at step422, the total redirection counter is incremented and the re-registration counter for the IMSI is set to zero and re-registration-timer for the IMSI is set to the expiration threshold again. In other words, statistical bookkeeping is performed.

In case the output of step418is a different VLR in same VPMN, ITR module226at step424, checks whether the re-registration counter is equal to threshold. In case the re-registration counter is equal to the re-registration threshold following can be performed at step426:1. Increment the total redirection counter.2. Increment the total redirection counter per HPMN.3. Increment the total redirection counter per IMSI per interval.4. Reset the re-registration-counter to zero and the re-registration-timer for the IMSI to the expiration threshold.5. The ITR module226optionally performs some value added services.

However, in case the re-registration counter is not equal to threshold, then at step428, ITR module226re-registers the LUP, records the MSISDN, HLR for the IMSI and increments the re-registration counter.

Enhanced Location-based Inbound Traffic Redirection

FIG. 6represents a flow diagram for implementing Enhanced Location based ITR between first VPMN102, second VPMN104and HPMN204, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In case inbound roaming mobile station202leaves the country deploying the ITR module226, the ITR module continues to send the fake LUP messages to the HPMN HLR204. To avoid such a situation, the enhanced location based ITR is performed. Referring toFIG. 6, detection unit228in ITR module226detects a possible change in registration of inbound roaming mobile station202upon receipt of the first registration cancellation message (Cancel Location304) at first VPMN102from HPMN204. The possible change in the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202is inferred when Location Update (LUP) message302being sent the first registration message from second VPMN104to HPMN204. This LUP302is sent by second VPMN104after inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to (or is forced to attempt to) register with second VPMN102. Hence, detection unit228can deduce inbound roaming mobile station202is attempting to register with second VPMN102. Further, detection unit228detects the receipt of the one or more Cancel Location message304as registration cancellation messages at first VPMN102. The registration cancellation message is a sent from HPMN HLR210to cancel the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202with first VPMN102. The first registration cancellation message of the one or more registration cancellation messages is sent directly to first VPMN VLR206while the subsequent registration cancellation messages are tapped at ITR module226. Further, as mentioned earlier, Cancel Location304from the HPMN HLR210that is started by the inbound roaming mobile station's registration attempt at the second VPMN104is independent of the status of the Location Update process at HPMN HLR210.

In one embodiment of performing the enhanced location based ITR attempt, ITR module226sends a search request message concurrently with each of the one or more fake LUP messages306after receipt of the Cancel Location message304from HPMN204and before relaying the same to first VPMN VLR206. The search request message is sent to a last know VMSC of inbound roaming mobile station202to collect location area information of inbound roaming mobile station202. In one embodiment of the invention, the search request message is a Search MS (a MAP message) sent concurrently with the fake LUP message306. The information received after sending the Search MS indicates whether inbound roaming mobile station202is still under the coverage of first VPMN102deploying ITR module226. In another embodiment of the invention, the search request message is a Page MS message sent concurrently with the fake LUP message306and before relaying the Cancel Location304to first VPMN VLR206. The Search MS is sent in both active and passive monitoring mode, while the Page MS is sent in the active monitoring (i.e., in-signaling path mode). Page MS only pages inbound roaming mobile station202in the last (or current) known location area, while the Search MS searches all location areas of the last (or current) known VMSC. However with both the messages, if there are errors to the search request message, then the network and the country where the inbound roaming mobile station202is currently at cannot be identified.

To avoid this problem, another embodiment of performing location based ITR attempt is now described. Referring toFIG. 6, after the first Cancel Location304is received at first VPMN VLR206, the ITR module226sends a routing request immediately prior to sending the fake LUP message306to HPMN HLR210. In one embodiment of the invention, the routing request is a SRI-SM message602. This is the most preferred embodiment. In another embodiment of the invention, the routing request is an SRI message. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the routing request is an ATI message. The SRI-SM message is sent on MSISDN of inbound roaming mobile station202. In one embodiment of the invention, ITR module226sends the fake LUP message306after receipt of an SRI-SM ACK message. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, ITR module226sends the fake LUP message306immediately after sending the SRI-SM message without waiting for the SRI-SM ACK message. If the HPMN HLR210takes a VMSC (or VLR) location of a roamer immediately from a new network location update even before it is completed, then the SRI-SM ACK message will return a VMSC. After knowing the VMSC of inbound roaming mobile station202and when the re-registration counter of the IMSI of inbound roaming mobile station202is at threshold, then ITR module226does not attempt ITR but, in one embodiment, provide VAS to inbound roaming mobile station202.

The VAS is provided when the ITR attempt fails and the response to the routing request returns a competitor network. Examples of VAS may include, but are not limited to, sending a “Winback” SMS or a “Thank You and come back again” SMS. However, if the HPMN HLR210does not return anything or returns an error to a SRI-SM request, then the immediate fake LUP message306still beats racing condition with the HPMN HLR's210current location update process. In one embodiment of the invention, ITR module226blacklists an HLR associated with HPMN204for a pre-defined time interval in absence of a response or in presence of an error message (e.g. system failure or unexpected data value or data missing etc) to the routing request (SRI-SM) for a configurable number of times from HPMN204.

Since HLR typically will provide a higher priority to Location Update message than the routing request message, if the fake LUP is sent too soon after SRI-SM, the SRI-SM might even return the fake LUP's sender GT (i.e. ITR module GT) as the VMSC address. In this case, ITR can increment a configurable delay interval (a few milliseconds) for the next SRI-SM and fake LUP sequence until the total delayed interval reaches a threshold. The increment for each fake LUP in an ITR attempt need not be all the same, for example, the first increment is 0, the next increment is 2 ms, the next one just 1 ms etc. The threshold can be in the range 20 ms-200 ms. When the threshold of total delayed interval is reached for the HLR and this has happened a number of times, the HLR can be blacklisted from further SRI-SM messages. When a HPMN HLR210is blacklisted from further SRI-SM query before each fake LUP message306, it implies, when Cancel Location304on inbound roaming mobile station202is received from the HPMN HLR210, and if the HLR is blacklisted due to above reason, ITR module226just issues fake LUP messages306without any routing request (SRI-SM) prior to it.

In case there is a VMSC returned from the SRI-SM ACK as a response to the SRI-SM message, the ITR module226determines whether the VMSC in second VPMN104is a non-ITR attempting network after applying some application logics of pre-defined criteria on the response. Thereafter, subsequent fake LUP messages including the follow-on one if the fake LUP message is issued after the SRI-SM ACK will not be sent to HPMN HLR210. In other words, the ITR attempt on the departing inbound roaming mobile station202will not be abandoned. Examples of some application logics of pre-defined criteria that determine that the VMSC returned from SRI-SM request is a non-ITR candidate include, but not limited to, the following:1. The VMSC is in a different country from that of first VPMN102.2. The VMSC is in a blacklist VPMN network in the same country as of first VPMN102. For example, when two VPMN networks have some kind of agreements (e.g. a merger or a friendly deal) not to do an ITR to each other.3. The VMSC is in a blacklist VPMN network in any country that is different from that of first VPMN102. For example, when two VPMN networks have some kind of agreements (e.g. a merger or a group alliance) not to do an ITR attempt against each other.4. The VMSC belongs to a network in a country (same or different country from that of first VPMN102) that satisfies some statistical criteria including, but not limited to, the following:a. The network already exceeds its allocated threshold of the ITR attempts within a configurable interval. For example, the interval may be infinite.b. The network already exceeds its threshold of the inbound TR success within a configurable interval. For example, the interval may be infinite.c. The network is forbidden for an ITR attempt within some kinds of time bands.d. The network exceeds its percentage of distribution for all ITR attempts or success. For example, a limit could be set that no ITR attempts/successes for a HPMN network more than a certain percentage of all the ITR attempts or success.

Referring again toFIG. 6, one or more Fake LUP messages306for each registration cancellation message from HPMN204to the first VPMN102are required to be sent within the first pre-defined interval of time (T0). T0 is the interval that location update process takes to complete at the HPMN HLR210. All the fake location updates from the ITR module226for all registration cancellation messages from HPMN204to the first VPMN102in an ITR attempt however also need be sent within the second pre-defined time interval T1 and/or within the re-registration threshold. The T1 time interval is a re-registration timer. The value of the re-registration timer indicates the time left to perform an ITR attempt for a departing roamer. In another embodiment of the invention, all the one or more fake LUP message306are sent in an ITR attempt also at most equal to the re-registration threshold number of times of a re-registration counter. The re-registration counter indicates number of registration attempts made by inbound roaming mobile station202for second VPMN104while the ITR module226is deployed in first VPMN102. The re-registration threshold of the re-registration counter provides an upper limit to the number of fake LUP messages306to be sent by ITR module226.

When a new location update from the ITR module226in the first VPMN102occurs before/during the successful completion of the previous location update from the second VPMN104, the HPMN204(or HPMN HLR210) will send a TCAP/MAP abort or system failure message to the second VPMN104. In one embodiment of the invention, a LUP reject error308is sent to second VPMN104by HPMN204As a result, a network failure of the location registration at the second VPMN104is generated by the second VPMN104towards the inbound roaming mobile station202. Examples of network messages from HPMN204to the second VPMN104, resulting a radio message to the inbound roaming mobile station indicating the network failure, but not limited to, are MAP U/P ABORT, MAP_CLOSE, TCAP-abort, and system failure depending on HLR implementation in HPMN.

Special Handling

The current ITR attempt on a departing roamer may be performed or abandoned based on fulfillment of certain criteria. In one embodiment of the invention, ITR module226may abandon the ITR attempt if inbound roaming mobile station202is found to be in a manual mode. In another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226abandons the ITR attempt in case inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to register with second VPMN104greater than an expected number of times. Exemplary value of the expected number of times is four.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226abandons the ITR attempt in case inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to register with second VPMN104greater than a registration threshold. For example, if inbound roaming mobile station202is stuck after 4 or more retries before any timer or threshold are reached and the stuck-interval exceed a certain limit, then ITR module226blacklists the IMSI of inbound roaming mobile station202. The blacklist can just be made per trip-based. In this embodiment of the invention, the registration threshold is the limit for the stuck-interval and it is a configurable parameter.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ITR attempt may be limited to blacklist and white-list based on network criteria (e.g. complaining partner network) and roamer profile (e.g. usage, explicit complaint from an inbound roamer). If inbound roaming mobile station202goes back to home country but the ITR module226is not aware as no VMSC is returned to the SRI-SM query in the ITR attempt, then inbound roaming mobile station202keeps trying to re-register at HPMN or a home country network until re-registration limit in form of the registration threshold is reached.

In another embodiment of the invention, if ITR module226is not aware that inbound roaming mobile station202is out to a third country because no VMSC is returned to the SRI-SM query in an inbound TR attempt, the ITR attempt will continue until the re-registration limit is reached. In another embodiment of the invention, if inbound roaming mobile station202continues to try to register with second VPMN104(because a VMSC is returned to the SRI-SM query in an inbound TR attempt) right after more than the expected number of (4) fake location updates in the ITR attempt, ITR module226abandons the current ITR attempt on inbound roaming mobile station202. The departing roamer is deduced to be in a manual mode.

In still another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226abandons the ITR attempt when inbound roaming mobile station202is found to be present in non-coverage area of first VPMN102. The non-coverage area can be deduced if inbound roaming mobile station202continues to try to register with second VPMN104(because a VMSC is returned in the SRI-SM query in an inbound TR attempt) in the ITR attempt and there are some other competitor networks in between in the ITR attempt, ITR module226abandons the current ITR attempt on inbound roaming mobile station202.

If inbound roaming mobile station202is in manual mode but ITR module226does not know because no VMSC is returned in the SRI-SM query in the ITR attempt, inbound roaming mobile station202will try to re-register at the same operator until re-registration limit is reached. Further, if inbound roaming mobile station202is detected to be in a non-coverage area of first VPMN102(deploying the ITR module226) in the country but ITR module226does not know because no VMSC is returned in the SRI-SM query in the ITR attempt, inbound roaming mobile station202will try to re-register different operators in the country until re-registration limit is reached.

In another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226defines a maximum network counter for the ITR attempt to control the maximum number of competitor networks against which fake location updates are issued. This is done if the new network location of inbound roaming mobile station202is known through the VMSC returned to the SRI-SM query in the ITR attempt. Similarly, ITR module226defines a maximum timer for the ITR attempt for a network to control the maximum duration for which the fake location updates are issued for the network in an ITR attempt.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226defines a global redirection limit for an inbound roamer at a configurable interval. This may be per country or per HPMN-based. Also, ITR module226defines a redirection limit for all inbound roamers of a particular HPMN or country at a configurable interval of time. In another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226defines thresholds and timers for re-registration on per VPMN VLR/VMSC or cell basis (if known), since the VPMN knows better its own coverage at particular VMSC/VLR or cell.

In another embodiment of the invention, ITR module226defines a configuration distribution control profile among HPMNs of inbound roamers. The configuration distribution control profile supports in decision of performing the ITR attempt. Also ITR module226activates the configuration distribution control profile on the HPMNs at different time bands. The configuration distribution control profile is defined based on the following (but not limited to the following) one or more parameters:1. Unique inbound roamers: For example, no more than 15% of ITR attempts or success to be made on unique roamers from Vodafone™ United Kingdom (UK).2. Inbound TR attempts: For example, no more than 15% of ITR attempts of total ITR attempts to be made on inbound roamers from Vodafone™ United Kingdom.3. Inbound TR success: For example, no more than 15% of ITR success of total successful ITR attempts to be made on inbound roamers from Vodafone™ United Kingdom.

The one or parameters described above help in deciding redirection of roamers. For example, inbound roamers from China Mobile™ will get X % of redirection and from China Unicom™ will get the Y % of redirection. Exemplary values of X and Y may be 15 and 75. These values are chosen by an operator in first VPMN102.

In one embodiment of the invention, these one or more parameters in the configurable distribution control profile are measured by a configurable counter. In other words, the distribution measure can be done for the configurable counter of the corresponding count in each of the above one or more parameters. For example, if the distribution control is on inbound TR attempts and the configurable counter is set to 10, then the percentage will be measured for every 10 ITR attempts. Hence, the ITR module can define success rate as:Total ITR success counter/Total redirection counter

In another embodiment of the invention, if HPMN HLR has fraud control in such a way that it discards a location update from ITR module or simply new registrations of inbound roaming mobile station during another location update of the station, ITR module226blacklists HPMN HLR210from future ITR attempts.

I. Location-based Inbound Traffic Redirection for Another Country

In another embodiment of the invention, the enhanced location-based ITR mechanisms can even be applied to perform network selection for departing roamers going to a new VPMN in another country. In case, inbound roaming mobile station goes back to the home country, the ITR is abandoned. Although it is possible to select networks in the home country when there is national roaming for the HPMN network of the roamer in the home country. In this embodiment of the invention, the ITR module attempts to perform the ITR to a third VPMN when the attempt to perform the ITR to the first VPMN is unsuccessful. This can be useful for group alliance, i.e., the third VPMN is a preferred network to the first VPMN in comparison to the second VPMN being a non-preferred network to the first VPMN. For example, if inbound roaming mobile station202is from Vodafone™ UK (HPMN204) and is departing from Orange™ Netherlands (first VPMN102) is known to be trying to register at Smartone™ Hong Kong (the new VPMN), the ITR module226is deployed at Orange Netherlands may still perform ITR attempt until the inbound roaming mobile station202is registered at Create a Simple Life (CSL™) Hong Kong (third VPMN). This is done assuming that CSL HK is a preferred partner of Orange Netherlands. The ITR module may also choose to perform the ITR to another network in case CSL HK has no coverage or inbound roaming mobile station202is in manual mode.

Hence, all the special handling mechanisms defined for ITR mechanism within the country can be similarly applied for the ITR outside the country. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Orange Netherlands that is deploying ITR module226for inbound roamers departing the country, may define a distribution control for Hong Kong such that CSL HK can get 70% of departing roamers from its network to Hong Kong, Smartone HK gets 10% and the rest 20% may go to other networks in Hong Kong, such as, People or Sunday. In another exemplary embodiment, the ITR module may define a maximum timer or maximum network counter for each country when the ITR mechanism is applied to departing roamers to third countries.

Location-recovery-based Inbound Traffic Redirection Using PSI

FIG. 7represents a flow diagram for implementing Location Recovery based ITR between first VPMN102, second VPMN104and HPMN204, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In case inbound roaming mobile station202leaves the country deploying the ITR module226, ITR module226attempts to identify the location of inbound roaming mobile station202. Detection unit228in ITR module226detects a possible change in registration of inbound roaming mobile station202upon receipt of a Cancel Location message704at first VPMN102from HPMN204. The possible change in the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202is inferred when a Location Update (LUP) message702being sent the first registration message from second VPMN104to HPMN204. This LUP702is sent by second VPMN104after inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to (or is forced to attempt to) register with second VPMN102. The registration cancellation message is a sent from HPMN HLR210to cancel the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202with first VPMN102. Hence, detection unit228can deduce inbound roaming mobile station202is attempting to register with second VPMN102.

The first Cancel Location704received is held at ITR module226. After receiving the Cancel Location704, redirection unit230identifies a blind spot in first VPMN102based on a reply message in response to sending a subscriber information message to a VLR associated with inbound roaming mobile station202. The subscriber information message is sent before relaying the first registration cancellation message (Cancel Location704) from HPMN204to first VPMN VLR206in first VPMN102. In one embodiment of the invention, redirection unit230sends a PSI message706as the subscriber information message to first VPMN VLR206. The PSI message706is a MAP based signal. In one embodiment of the invention, first VPMN VLR206pages inbound roaming mobile station202in anticipation of a reply from inbound roaming mobile station202indicating a current location and cell in first VPMN102. In another embodiment of the invention or there is no reply from the paging, first VPMN VLR206simply returns the last known cell location where the roamer was at. All these variations intend to gain a rough idea of the blind spots where the roamers were about to be lost at the first VPMN102. After sending the PSI message706to first VPMN VLR206the ITR module226relays the Cancel Location message704even before it receives a PSI ACK message708indicating the current location of inbound roaming mobile station202.

However, PSI ACK will be processed independently of current ITR. The current ITR attempt will continue normally as described earlier in active monitoring mode. Further, as mentioned earlier, Cancel Location704from the HPMN HLR210is independent of the Location Update process at HPMN HLR210. Then, ITR module226continues the ITR attempt by sending fake LUP messages710, which on successful completion with HPMN HLR210, create the Network Failure error (#17) at inbound roaming mobile station202, forcing it to attempt for an alternative network. Thereafter, HPMN HLR210sends a LUP reject error712generating the Network Failure error (#17) at inbound roaming mobile station202. Other examples of messages indicating the network failure, but not limited to, are MAP U/P ABORT, MAP_CLOSE, TCAP-abort, and system failure depending on HLR implementation.

In one embodiment of the invention, in case first VPMN102has deployed technologies to provide location and mobile drop-off information (e.g. through Abis or A-interface in active monitoring) of the current roamer in real time, then ITR module226is also capable to provide information of where inbound roaming mobile station202is leaking to competitor networks.

In another embodiment of the invention, the PSI message706is issued after the success of an ITR attempt on the inbound roaming mobile station202. In this case, after the departing roamer has successfully registered with the first VPMN102, the ITR module226can issue a separate PSI message to get the cell location information where the roamer is currently at. This will also provide the first VPMN102a rough idea where the roamer was about to be lost to the competitor networks. Both the PSI message sent before the ITR attempt and after the ITR success provide the first VPMN a rough idea where the departing roamer was about to be lost to a competitor network.

Inbound Traffic Redirection with Anti-traffic Redirection

FIG. 8represents a flow diagram for implementing the ITR in conjunction with countering of TR attempt initiated by the HPMN, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Detection unit228in ITR module226detects a possible change in registration of inbound roaming mobile station202upon receipt of a Cancel Location message804at first VPMN102from HPMN204. The possible change in the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202is inferred when a Location Update (LUP) message802being sent the first registration message from second VPMN104to HPMN204. This LUP802is sent by second VPMN104after inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to (or is forced to attempt to) register with second VPMN102. The registration cancellation message is a sent from HPMN HLR210to cancel the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202with first VPMN102. Hence, detection unit228can deduce inbound roaming mobile station202is attempting to register with second VPMN102. The registration cancellation message is a sent from HPMN HLR210to cancel the registration of inbound roaming mobile station202with first VPMN102.

In this embodiment of the invention, system200(inFIG. 2) also includes an anti-TR unit (not shown inFIG. 2) for countering TR attempt by the HPMN based on one or more acknowledge messages sent by HPMN204in response to the one or more registration messages from the first VPMN. The one or more registration messages are one or more fake LUP messages806. In one embodiment of the invention, the acknowledge message is a LUP reject error message808. The examples of error in the LUP reject error include system failure, unexpected data value (UDV), missing data and the like. In another embodiment of the invention, the acknowledge message is a LUP abort error message. In case any of the two messages are received as the acknowledge messages the ITR module226continues to send one or more fake LUP messages806until a successful LUP transaction is completed or a threshold (e.g. T0) is reached. The ITR module226sends these fake LUP messages806on behalf of inbound roaming mobile station202. Thereafter, the HPMN204sends a LUP reject error810to second VPMN104. Based on the attributes in the acknowledge message808, the ITR module226decides whether to apply Anti-TR using the anti-TR unit or abandon the ITR attempt.

The acknowledge message can contain either a UDV, RNA or RR or system failure or missing data or any other error as the attribute. As per the configuration of the ITR deploying VPMN, in case, the LUP reject error808contains the UDV (which is an IR 73 compliant TR error) from a dedicated HPMN GT after the fake LUP message806, the ITR module may abandon the current ITR attempt. In other words, no more subsequent fake LUP messages806will be made on inbound roaming mobile station202. A HPMN GT is considered dedicated for TR using UDV, if it is the only GT used for sending UDV in a TR solution. However if the LUP reject error808is system failure or missing data (which are non complain to IR 73), then the anti-TR unit (i.e. anti-non-compliant TR solution) may be applied within the current ITR attempt. The anti-TR unit is referred to as anti-non-compliant TR solution in a VPMN if the anti-TR unit is only applied to non-compliant errors (such as system error and missing values) used by a HPMN TR solution. The integrated ITR and Anti-TR solution works for both active monitoring and passive monitoring mode.

In case the attribute in the acknowledge message is the RNA or RR the ITR mechanism is modified in such a way that, the ITR module226immediately retries until a successful transaction or a threshold is reached as it can be deduced that the HPMN204is applying TR on inbound roaming mobile station202. In this case, current ITR attempt may be abandoned. This solution works for both active and passive mode ITR. Further, to confirm that the HPMN204is performing ITR, the decision to abandon the ITR might be concluded only after RNA is received in acknowledge message for a configurable number of successive times of the fake LUP messages806on inbound roaming mobile station202. OTA based case may be dealt independently by the anti-TR unit since it does not have to be tied with location update. In particular, in the active monitoring mode, the ITR attempt can be combined with GLR technology.

GLR Based Approach

FIG. 9represents a system diagram implementing or complimenting the ITR using a GLR technology, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system900includes a GLR902deployed in a hosting location by an international SS7 carrier or a common carrier904for multiple VPMN operators. Exemplary VPMN operators are VPMN 1906, VPMN 2908, VPMN 3910and VPMN 4912. The participating operators can even be from the same country. For each participating operator (i.e., the VPMN), GLR902is configured to only route transactions of those inbound roamers from the HPMN that are doing TR against them. In one embodiment of the invention, GLR902stores profile of inbound roaming mobile station202when HPMN204is detected performing a TR by monitoring actively the receipt of the first registration cancellation message between HPMN204and first VPMN102. The profile of a successful registration is stored locally for a configurable interval of time so to avoid subsequent location update with the HPMN within the VPMN or even back to the VPMN again.

Whenever a Cancel Location comes from the HLR of the HPMN that is doing TR against the VPMN, the GLR902cancels its local profile in addition to the local profile in the real VPMN VLR. Alternatively, whenever a Cancel Location comes from the HLR of the HPMN that is doing TR against the VPMN, the GLR902cancels the real VLR profile while still maintaining the roamer profile at the GLR as long as the configurable interval of time for the profile is not expired. Hence, whenever the inbound roamer returns back to the VPMN within the expiration of the configurable interval of time, the inbound roamer can register using the roamer profile from GLR902without performing the location update with the HPMN network.

However the inbound roamer will be unable to receive calls and SMS for a while until the configurable interval of time is expired. To avoid such a situation, in another embodiment of the invention, after the returning inbound roamer is successfully registered via the GLR902, GLR902continues to issue fake LUP messages (i.e., the one or more registration messages from first VPMN102) to the HPMN until the location update is successful. The fake LUP messages are sent accordingly the global title corresponding to the VPMN network where the inbound roamer is currently located. Since the handset is already registered, GLR902can issue each successive fake LUP message at any configurable interval without worrying the handset state. As a result, the HPMN network will be unable to distinguish between a GLR location update and a real inbound roamer location update. In one embodiment of the invention; GLR902unit can be integrated with ITR module in a same platform in such a way that the GLR902can be independently applied outside the ITR and dependently applied inside the ITR.

In Bound Traffic Redirection with Anti-competitor ITR

FIG. 10represents a flow diagram for performing ITR attempt to counter an ITR attempt from a competitor network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the case where an ITR module is also deployed at second VPMN104in addition to the ITR module226at first VPMN102, is considered. When inbound roaming mobile station202attempts to register with first VPMN102, first VPMN102sends a LUP message1002to HPMN HLR210. Thereafter, HPMN HLR210sends a Cancel Location message1004to VLR of second VPMN104. The ITR module in second VPMN104sends a fake LUP message1006to HPMN HLR210. Thereafter, HPMN HLR210sends a LUP abort/ system failure message1008to first VPMN102. Upon receiving the error message1008, ITR module can infer the presence of another ITR module at second VPMN104. Hence, in order to thwart the ITR attempt from the competitor VPMN, i.e., second VPMN104, ITR module226sends fake LUP message1010three or more times in succession to defeat the competitor ITR mechanism and when the mobile handset is trying another location attempt, there will be a successful transaction recorded at the HPMN HLR210since the competitor ITR mechanism perceives the handset in a manual mode or the second VPMN has no coverage, thereby avoiding the ITR from the competitor.

Computer Software Utility

A computer usable medium provided herein includes computer usable program code, which when executed controls the traffic of an inbound roaming mobile station between a first VPMN, a second VPMN and a HPMN by detecting a possible change in registration of the inbound roaming mobile station upon receipt of a first registration cancellation message of one or more registration cancellation messages at the first VPMN from the HPMN. The computer usable medium further includes computer usable program code for attempting to redirect the traffic to the first VPMN by sending one or more registration messages from the first VPMN to the HPMN subsequent to receipt of the one or more registration cancellation messages from the HPMN. For each registration cancellation message received, one or more registration messages are sent within a first pre-defined interval of time (T0) till one registration message is recorded as a successful transaction. Further, for all registration cancellation messages received in current attempt to redirect the inbound roaming mobile station to the first VPMN, the one or more registration messages are sent either within a second pre-defined interval of time (T1) and/or a re-registration threshold number of times.

The Inbound Traffic redirection System (ITRS) can be used by a VPMN operator to retain departing inbound roamers attempting to register at competitor networks due to bad coverage or blind spots of the VPMN operator. The Inbound Traffic redirection System (ITRS) can also be used by a VPMN operator against those HPMN operators that turned down the request to disclose that they deploy traffic redirection against the VPMN operator or applying non-compliant TR methods. In other cases the ITRS may be used by the VPMN operator to prevent against a possible ITR attempt from a competitor VPMN network. In other words, the ITRS can also be used to stop the leaking of inbound roaming traffic to the competing VPMN operator doing inbound traffic redirection. It can also be used to cache the roaming profiles of successfully registered inbound roamers so to avoid subsequent traffic redirections by the HPMN or the competitor VPMN operators that have deployed traffic redirection against the VPMN operator. The detection aspect of the ITRS will also help the VPMN operator prepare business impact and rescue actions.

The components of ITRS described above include any combination of computing components and devices operating together. The components of the ITRS can also be components or subsystems within a larger computer system or network. The ITRS components can also be coupled with any number of other components (not shown), for example other buses, controllers, memory devices, and data input/output devices, in any number of combinations. In addition any number or combination of other processor based components may be carrying out the functions of the ITRS.

It should be noted that the various components disclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools and/or expressed (or represented), as data and/or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or other characteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the ITRS is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the ITRS to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the ITRS are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the ITRS, as those skilled in the art will recognize. The teachings of the ITRS provided herein can be applied to other processing systems and methods. They may not be limited to the systems and methods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the ITRS in light of the above detailed description.

Other Variations

Provided above for the edification of those of ordinary skill in the art, and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention, are detailed illustrations of a scheme for controlling traffic between HPMN, first VPMN and second VPMN of the inbound roaming mobile station. Numerous variations and modifications within the spirit of the present invention will of course occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the embodiments that have been disclosed. For example the present invention is implemented primarily from the point of view of GSM mobile networks as described in the embodiments. However, notwithstanding, the present invention may also be effectively implemented on CDMA, 3G, WCDMA, GPRS, WiFi, WiMAX, VOIP etc., or any other network of common carrier telecommunications in which end users are normally configured to operate within a “home” network to which they normally subscribe, but have the capability of also operating on other neighboring networks, which may even be across international borders.

The examples under the present invention Inbound Traffic redirection System (ITRS) detailed in the illustrative examples contained herein are described using terms and constructs drawn largely from GSM mobile telephony infrastructure. But use of these examples should not be interpreted to limiting the invention to those media. Inbound Traffic redirection System—a method for controlling traffic between HPMN, first VPMN and second VPMN of the inbound roaming mobile station in a manner that is agnostic to the capabilities of the visited or non-accustomed network can be of use and provided through any type of telecommunications medium, including without limitation: (i) any mobile telephony network including without limitation GSM, 3GSM, 3G, CDMA, WCDMA or GPRS, satellite phones or other mobile telephone networks or systems; (ii) any so-called WiFi apparatus normally used in a home or subscribed network, but also configured for use on a visited or non-home or non-accustomed network, including apparatus not dedicated to telecommunications such as personal computers, Palm-type or Windows Mobile devices,; (iii) an entertainment console platform such as Sony Playstation, PSP or other apparatus that are capable of sending and receiving telecommunications over home or non-home networks, or even (iv) fixed-line devices made for receiving communications, but capable of deployment in numerous locations while preserving a persistent subscriber id such as the eye2eye devices from Dlink; or telecommunications equipment meant for voice over IP communications such as those provided by Vonage or Packet8.

In describing certain embodiments of the ITRS under the present invention, this specification follows the path of a telecommunications call from a calling party to a called party. For the avoidance of doubt, that call can be for a normal voice call, in which the subscriber telecommunications equipment is also capable of visual, audiovisual or motion-picture display. Alternatively, those devices or calls can be for text, video, pictures or other communicated data.

TECHNICAL REFERENCES

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