Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7826842B2/en
Timestamp: 2018-10-17 05:43:02
Document Index: 462069561

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2550188', 'Application No. 200610095696', 'Application No. 095123970', 'Application No. 095123970', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08163967']

US7826842B2 - System and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device - Google Patents
System and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device Download PDF
US7826842B2
US7826842B2 US11173031 US17303105A US7826842B2 US 7826842 B2 US7826842 B2 US 7826842B2 US 11173031 US11173031 US 11173031 US 17303105 A US17303105 A US 17303105A US 7826842 B2 US7826842 B2 US 7826842B2
US11173031
US20070004408A1 (en )
A system and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device. In one embodiment, a first database structure is provided that associates a plurality network selection control codes with a corresponding plurality of network selection criteria, the network selection criteria for defining different treatment options for networks identified in a network list associated with the wireless device. A second database structure is populated with a list of networks identified by corresponding network identifiers, wherein each network identifier is associated with a corresponding network selection control code identified in the first database structure. The contents of the database structures, which may be provisioned as part of removable storage module or within a memory of the wireless device, are operable to be updated only by a home network operator.
This application discloses subject matter related to the subject matter disclosed in the following commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application(s): (i) “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION VIA A NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT BROKER (NAB),” filed Apr. 28, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/116,470, in the name(s) of: Adrian Buckley, Paul Carpenter, Nicholas P. Alfano, and Andrew Allen; (ii) “NETWORK SELECTION SCHEME USING A ROAMING BROKER (RB),” filed Apr. 28, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/116,461, in the name(s) of: Adrian Buckley, Paul Carpenter, Nicholas P. Alfano, and Andrew Allen; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present patent disclosure generally relates to communication networks. More particularly, and not by way of any limitation, the present patent application is directed to a system and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless device.
It is well known in the wireless communications art to use a removable module in conjunction with a wireless mobile equipment (ME) device. Such removable modules are typically provisioned with a number of network lists (e.g., a list of forbidden networks) that could be downloaded to the ME device when needed. Also, such lists may be provisioned within a memory integrated into the wireless device.
Currently, it is possible for the wireless device to overwrite a forbidden network list through a manual network selection process or through network selection attempts to a network other than a home network. Since the network operators typically provision and control various network lists including forbidden network lists for modifying or enhancing user experience (e.g., via well known over-the-air or OTA mechanisms), it becomes crucial that effective control over a user's lists be exercised in some fashion. Additionally, such control over the application of network lists facilitates a more uniform user experience through appropriate OTA updates to the network lists.
FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a network environment where a wireless user equipment (UE) device is operable to manage one or more Forbidden PLMN (FPLMN) lists in accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure;
FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary database structure associated with a PLMN list that is operable to be managed in accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure;
FIGS. 4A-4B depict additional exemplary database structures that may be utilized by a UE device for facilitating management of PLMN list(s);
FIG. 5 is a flowchart associated with an embodiment of the present patent disclosure; and
FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless UE device according to the teachings of the present patent disclosure.
In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for managing application of a network list on a wireless device, comprising: providing a first database structure that associates a plurality of network selection control codes with a corresponding plurality of network selection criteria, the network selection criteria for defining different treatment options for networks identified in a network list associated with the wireless device (e.g., an FPLMN list); and providing a second database structure populated with a list of networks identified by corresponding network identifiers, wherein each network identifier is associated with a corresponding network selection control code identified in the first database structure. By way of exemplary implementation, either of the first and second database structures or both may be provisioned as part of a removable storage module (RSM) or within a memory of the wireless device, and are preferably operable to be updated only by a home network operator.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system for managing application of a network list on a wireless device, comprising: a first database structure that associates a plurality of network selection control codes with a corresponding plurality of network selection criteria, the network selection criteria for defining different treatment options for networks identified in a network list associated with the wireless device (e.g., an FPLMN list); and a second database structure populated with a list of networks identified by corresponding network identifiers, wherein each network identifier is associated with a corresponding network selection control code identified in the first database structure. By way of exemplary implementation, the system may be embodied as part of an RSM or within a wireless device.
In a still further embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device, comprising: scanning by wireless device for discovering at least one network; determining a network identifier associated with the at least one network; determining a selection control code associated with the network identifier; and depending on the selection control code associated with the network identifier, applying a particular selection criterion with respect to the at least one network, wherein the network has been designated as a forbidden network.
Based on the foregoing, it should be recognized that the service infrastructure of the network environment 100 may be generalized into three broad segments: one or more radio access networks (RANs) (which can include cellular band technologies as well as WLAN technologies), one or more core networks (CNs), and one or more service networks (SNs). Depending on network ownership arrangements and service-level agreements, each RAN may support one or more CNs, each of which in turn may support one or more SNs. Such combinations of infrastructure equipment across multiple owners are sometimes used to create Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). In some embodiments, the teachings of the present patent disclosure are equally applicable to MVNOs as to PLMNs. Since each RAN, CN, or SN may be provided with its own network identifier (ID code), numerous RAN-CN-SN combinations may be available in the network environment 100. As will be seen below, various network lists and associated data (e.g., user- or operator-preferred networks (access or visited), user- or operator-prohibited networks (access or visited), lists of network capabilities, frequency data (bands, channels, frequencies, etc.) associated with the listed networks) may be provisioned in the network environment or as part of an RSM (i.e., a module selected from USIM cards, RUIM cards, SIM cards, or compact Flash cards, etc.) operable with the UE device or in the network, which could be provided to the UE device or stored therein in a customized manner for facilitating appropriate network selection while attempting to locate a network for service in the exemplary network environment.
An RSM card 214 is operable to be coupled to the wireless UE/ME device 102, wherein a number of network lists and associated frequency data may be provisioned by network operators, etc. When an RSM is present and the UE device is first turned on, the storage module(s) of the UE device may be updated with any information stored in the RSM. Thus, in one embodiment, the RSM could be programmed with the most current frequency information when it is supplied to a subscriber. The data in the RSM may, for example, add extra frequencies to the default list of frequencies, or raster of frequencies, stored in the device for searching or scanning. Alternatively or additionally, the data in the RSM may modify the frequency data already stored in the device so that those frequencies which are not to be used could be removed, or marked in a way that they are not to be scanned as part of a search strategy. As will be seen below, suitable database structures may be provisioned in the RSM or in the memory of a wireless device for storing applicable frequency data, network list data, among others. Furthermore, additional operator-controlled database structures may be provisioned as well for purposes of managing various forbidden network lists in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 3, depicted therein is an exemplary database structure that may be provided, either partially or in any combination, as part of an RSM, or stored in memory integrated within a wireless device, or provisioned at a network node (e.g., a home network node or a broker associated therewith) from which network list information may be selectively downloaded to the wireless device for purposes of the present patent disclosure. At the outset, it should be appreciated that the various exemplary database structures set forth in the present patent disclosure may typically be implemented as configurable databases where the entries, elements or other contents can be modified via over-the-air (OTA) methods. For example, a network operator can add, delete, or modify any portion of the relevant network list database(s) as well as selection control database(s). In particular, reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3 refers to an exemplary database structure that may be provided as an operated-based list, a user-based list or an enterprise-based list, or any combination thereof, for facilitating network selection preferences and prohibitions according to one aspect of the present patent disclosure. In one embodiment, the database structure 300 is configured as an operator-defined network list that specifies a plurality of network IDs which should be considered as forbidden networks in one or more radio access technologies, wherein the network IDs are populated by the operator. In another embodiment, the database structure 300 may be configured as one or more user-defined network lists, with one list per user using the wireless UE device, for example, wherein the data entries relate to user-defined forbidden networks. Each such list may be accessed by the users upon identifying themselves to the device, wherein the contents of the list (i.e., network IDs) are populated by the respective users. In yet another embodiment, the database structure 300 may be configured as a list of network IDs that are forbidden by an enterprise owning the wireless devices for the benefit of its employee-users.
Irrespective of the particular configuration, the database structure 300 defines a plurality of radio access technologies, e.g., EDGE technology 302A, WLAN technology 302B, and UMTS technology 302C, wherein a number of RAN IDs are provided for each technology. As illustrated in FIG. 3, column 304A identifies multiple RAN IDs for the EDGE technology, each RAN supporting one or more core networks identified in corresponding column 306A. Likewise, columns 304B/306B and columns 304C/306C are provided for the WLAN and UMTS technologies respectively. As one skilled in the art may appreciate, the various IDs can be Service Set IDs (SSIDs) (for WLAN), SIDs (for IS-95 and IS-136), or [MCC,MNC] combinations (for GSM, where MNC identifies a Mobile Network Code).
Additionally, the provisioning of various preferred and barred/forbidden network lists may be accompanied with appropriate device-based logic or RSM-based logic for specifying the order in which to use them in connection with scanning and network selection. Moreover, each country may have its own regulatory requirements as to which list should take precedence. An enterprise company for instance may forbid access to a public WLAN access point that operates in the vicinity of the company's premises. Further, certain additional logic may be necessary for specifying the scanning behavior as well, since there may be a number of bands on per-technology basis in which the device is capable of scanning. For instance, a list ordering scheme or associated logic may be provided with the device whereby a particular priority order is imposed on the various network lists. If no particular hierarchy/priority is specified, then a default rule may come into play such as, e.g., an operator-defined list has a higher priority than an enterprise-defined list, which in turn has a higher priority than a user-defined list. Additional details regarding list prioritization and scanning behavior may be found in the following commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent applications: (i) “NETWORK SELECTION SCHEME USING A ROAMING BROKER (RB)” filed Apr. 28, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/116,461; and (ii) “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION VIA A NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT BROKER (NAB)” filed Apr. 28, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/116,470; each of which has been referenced hereinabove.
FIGS. 4A and 4B depict exemplary database structures that may be utilized by a wireless device or UE for facilitating management of PLMN list(s) in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. As alluded to before, the illustrated database structures may be provisioned, either individually, partially, or in any combination, as part of an RSM or within the memory of a wireless device to which the RSM is operable to be coupled. Preferably, these databases are operable to be written to only once, upon providing the user name and a password associated therewith.
A second database structure 400B is preferably populated with a list of networks identified by corresponding network identifiers 422, wherein each network identifier is mapped to or otherwise associated with a corresponding SCC 402. Reference numeral 424 exemplifies how the application of an SCC may modulate a wireless device's network selection process and behavior. Where an exemplary network identifier [MCC2.MANC1] is mapped to the code [0001], the access network identified by [MANC1] is always forbidden for all core networks in a geographic region identified by [MCC2]. In a second example, the network identifier [MCC2.MCNC2] is associated with the code [0000] to indicate that the core network identified by [MCNC2] is always forbidden for all access networks and technologies in the geographic region identified by [MCC2]. Likewise, in a third example, the network identifier [MCC3.MANC1.MCNC2] is associated with the code [0011] to indicate that the particular AN/CN network combination identified by the codes [MANC1] and [MCNC2] cannot be selected for manual network selection in the geographic region identified by [MCC3].
Preferably, the database structures set forth above may be provisioned and updated only by a network operator (e.g., a home network operator associated with the wireless device). By implementing a “network blacklist” scheme facilitated by the database structures 400A/400B, a number of capabilities may be realized: (i) prevent access to networks on a list by automatic selection; (ii) prevent access to networks on a list by automatic selection except when no other networks are available; (iii) prevent access to networks on a list by automatic and manual selection (i.e., removal of networks on an operator-defined blacklist by manual selection is prevented; and (iv) prevent access to networks on a list by automatic and manual selection except when there are no other networks are available for selection.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart associated with an embodiment of the present patent disclosure wherein a network selection method is disclosed that is modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device. Upon scanning by the wireless device in one or more frequency ranges and/or in one or more radio technologies, at least one network may be discovered (block 502), whose identity information is decoded to determine a network identifier associated therewith (block 504). A selection control code associated with the network identifier is then determined (block 506), e.g., by way of querying a suitable data structure such as the database structures described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Depending on the selection control code, a particular selection criterion is applied to the discovered network (block 508).
FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless device or UE according to the teachings of the present patent disclosure. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon reference hereto that although an embodiment of UE 102 may comprise an arrangement similar to one shown in FIG. 6, there can be a number of variations and modifications, in hardware, software or firmware, with respect to the various modules depicted. Accordingly, the arrangement of FIG. 6 should be taken as illustrative rather than limiting with respect to the embodiments of the present patent disclosure. A microprocessor 602 providing for the overall control of UE 600 is operably coupled to a communication subsystem 604 which includes transmitter/receiver (transceiver) functionality for effectuating multi-mode scanning and communications over a plurality of bands. By way of example, a wide area wireless Tx/Rx module 606 and a wireless AN Tx/Rx module 608 are illustrated. Although not particularly shown, each Tx/Rx module may include other associated components such as one or more local oscillator (LO) modules, RF switches, RF bandpass filters, A/D and D/A converters, processing modules such as digital signal processors (DSPs), local memory, etc. As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of the communication subsystem 604 may be dependent upon the communications networks with which the UE device is intended to operate. In one embodiment, the communication subsystem 604 is operable with both voice and data communications.
Operating system software and other control software may be embodied in a persistent storage module (i.e., non-volatile storage) such as Flash memory 635. In one implementation, Flash memory 635 may be segregated into different areas, e.g., storage area for computer programs 636 as well as data storage regions such as device state 637, address book 639, other personal information manager (PIM) data 641, and other data storage areas generally labeled as reference numeral 643. Additionally, appropriate network discovery/selection logic 640 may be provided as part of the persistent storage for executing the various network discovery/scanning and network selection procedures set forth in the preceding sections. Further, another logic module 648 is provided for facilitating forbidden network list control logic, etc. Associated therewith is a storage module 638 for storing the SSID/PLMN lists, selection/scanning filters, capability indicators, et cetera, also described in detail hereinabove.
a communication subsystem that includes transceiver functionality for effectuating multi-mode scanning and communications over a plurality of bands;
a component configured to discover at least one network and to determine an identification code combination associated with said at least one network, the identification code combination comprising a geographic designation and at least one of an access network identification code and a core network identification code;
a component configured to determine an encoded selection control code associated with said identification code combination, said encoded selection control code being selected from a plurality of network selection control codes; and
a component configured to apply a particular selection criterion for modulating selection behavior with respect to said at least one network in dependence on said encoded selection control code, wherein at least one of said encoded network selection control codes is associated with a selection criterion which forbids a user of said wireless device from removing a network from a list of forbidden networks during manual network selection, said list being provisioned by a home network operator of said wireless device.
2. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second database structures is stored on a removable storage module operable to be coupled to said wireless device.
3. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second database structures is stored in a memory module integrated within said wireless device.
4. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second database structures is operable to be updated only by a home network operator associated with said wireless device.
5. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein said network list comprises a user-defined forbidden network list.
6. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein said network list comprises an operator-defined forbidden network list.
7. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 1, wherein said network list comprises an enterprise-defined forbidden network list.
8. A network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device, comprising:
scanning by said wireless device for discovering at least one network;
determining an identification code combination associated with said at least one network, the identification code combination comprising a geographic designation and at least one of an access network identification code and a core network identification code;
determining an encoded selection control code associated with said identification code combination, said encoded selection control code being selected from a plurality of network selection control codes; and
depending on said encoded selection control code, applying a particular selection criterion for modulating selection behavior with respect to said at least one network, wherein at least one of said encoded network selection control codes is associated with a selection criterion which forbids a user of said wireless device from removing a network from a list of forbidden networks during manual network selection, said list being provisioned by a home network operator of said wireless device.
9. The network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device as recited in claim 8, wherein said scanning is performed as an initial scan procedure.
10. The network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device as recited in claim 8, wherein said scanning is performed as a background scan procedure.
11. The network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device as recited in claim 8, wherein said list of networks comprises at least one of a user-defined forbidden network list, an operator-defined forbidden network list, and an enterprise-defined forbidden network list.
12. The network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device as recited in claim 8, wherein said database structure is stored on a removable storage module operable to be coupled to said wireless device.
13. The network selection method modulated by application of a network list associated with a wireless device as recited in claim 8, wherein said database structure is stored in a memory module integrated within said wireless device.
US11173031 2005-07-01 2005-07-01 System and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device Active US7826842B2 (en)
US11173031 US7826842B2 (en) 2005-07-01 2005-07-01 System and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device
US12837221 US20100279690A1 (en) 2005-07-01 2010-07-15 System and Method for Managing Forbidden Network Lists on a Wireless User Equipment (UE) Device
US12837221 Continuation US20100279690A1 (en) 2005-07-01 2010-07-15 System and Method for Managing Forbidden Network Lists on a Wireless User Equipment (UE) Device
US20070004408A1 true US20070004408A1 (en) 2007-01-04
US7826842B2 true US7826842B2 (en) 2010-11-02
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US11173031 Active US7826842B2 (en) 2005-07-01 2005-07-01 System and method for managing forbidden network lists on a wireless user equipment (UE) device
US12837221 Abandoned US20100279690A1 (en) 2005-07-01 2010-07-15 System and Method for Managing Forbidden Network Lists on a Wireless User Equipment (UE) Device
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Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BUCKLEY, ADRIAN;ALLEN, ANDREW;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051028 TO 20051209;REEL/FRAME:017387/0105