Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US8060084?dq=5319712
Timestamp: 2016-08-30 03:54:52
Document Index: 449254972

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2006201729', 'Application No. 2006201730', 'Application No. 2545032', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 200610077263', 'Application No. 200610077263', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 200610072642', 'Application No. 05252666', 'Application No. 07120521', 'Application No. 09151437', 'Application No. 05252665', 'Application No. 07120521', 'Application No. 05252665', 'Application No. 07120521', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 095115179', 'Application No. 095115180', 'Application No. 095115179', 'Application No. 095115180']

Patent US8060084 - Network selection scheme using a roaming broker (RB) - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA network selection scheme operable in a network environment having one or more radio access networks (RANs), one or more core networks (CNs), and one or more service networks (SNs). Upon obtaining identity information of a particular network combination, a wireless user equipment (UE) device is operable...http://www.google.com/patents/US8060084?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8060084 - Network selection scheme using a roaming broker (RB)Advanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS8060084 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/116,461Publication dateNov 15, 2011Filing dateApr 28, 2005Priority dateApr 28, 2005Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20060245392, US20120040666Publication number11116461, 116461, US 8060084 B2, US 8060084B2, US-B2-8060084, US8060084 B2, US8060084B2InventorsAdrian Buckley, Paul Carpenter, Nicholas P. Alfano, Andrew AllenOriginal AssigneeResearch In Motion LimitedExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (56), Non-Patent Citations (30), Referenced by (12), Classifications (15), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetNetwork selection scheme using a roaming broker (RB)
US 8060084 B2Abstract
A network selection scheme operable in a network environment having one or more radio access networks (RANs), one or more core networks (CNs), and one or more service networks (SNs). Upon obtaining identity information of a particular network combination, a wireless user equipment (UE) device is operable to register with a roaming broker (RB), whereby additional information may be provided to the device for facilitating appropriate network selection.
1. A network selection method operating at a wireless user equipment (UE) device, comprising:
sending, to a broker node in a network that is wirelessly available, network advertisement information including identity information relating to a plurality of network combinations, each network combination comprising at least a radio access network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
responsive to said sending, receiving a redirect message comprising identity information regarding an additional network combination for providing service with respect to said wireless UE device, wherein said additional network combination comprises at least a RAN and one of a CN and an SN that is determined to be better suited to said wireless UE device than said particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device and is customized based on the wireless UE device's location, based on querying a database having network relationship information defined for said wireless UE device; and
receiving background scan timing information for use with each wireless technology supported by said wireless UE device.
2. The network selection method as recited in claim 1, wherein said network advertisement information comprises at least one of identity information and capability information associated with said particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device.
3. A network selection system operating in a wireless user equipment device, the system comprising:
means, responsive to selecting a particular network combination, for sending network advertisement information including identity information relating to a plurality of network combinations to a broker node, each of said network combinations comprising at least a radio access network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
means for receiving, from said broker node, an additional network combination comprising at least a RAN and one of a CN and an SN for providing service to said wireless UE device, wherein said additional network combination has been selected with regard to service relationship data that is provisioned on said broker node regarding RANs, CNs and SNs that have a relationship with a home network of said UE device and customized based on said wireless UE device's location;
means for receiving background scan timing information for use with each wireless technology supported by the UE device; and
means for choosing one of said particular network combination and said additional network combination;
wherein each of said means is embodied in a persistent storage module of said UE device.
4. The network selection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said network advertisement information comprises at least one of identity information and capability information associated with said particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device.
5. A wireless user equipment (UE) device, comprising:
a logic module operable to obtain identity information of a particular network combination available in a location area, said particular network combination selected from a plurality of network combinations, each combination comprising at least a radio access network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
a logic module operable to transmit said identity information to a roaming broker (RB) disposed in said network environment upon registration therewith, said registration including transmission of an indication relating to particular services that said wireless device would like to use;
a logic module operable to receive background scan timing information for use with each wireless technology supported by said UE device; and
a network selection logic module operable to select one of said particular network combination and an additional network combination provided by said RB via a redirect message, said redirect message including identity information of said additional network combination, wherein said additional network combination is determined to be better suited to said wireless UE device, based on service relationship data regarding RANs, CNs and SNs that have a relationship with a home network of said UE device, than said particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device.
6. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, wherein said identity information of said particular network combination is obtained via scanning in at least one frequency band.
7. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 6, wherein said scanning is effectuated in a frequency band compliant with at least one of a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Evolution (EDGE) network, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant network, an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network.
8. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 6, wherein said scanning is effectuated in a frequency band compliant with at least one of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard selected from: IEEE 802.11 standard, HiperLan standard, HiperLan II standard, Wi-Max standard, OpenAir standard, and Bluetooth standard.
9. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, wherein said identity information of said particular network combination is obtained by querying a network advertisement broker (NAB) associated with at least one of a RAN, a CN, an SN, and a public packet-switched Internet Protocol (IP) network.
10. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, wherein said identity information of said particular network combination is obtained via a beacon channel available in said location area.
11. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, further comprising a logic module to transmit to said RB at least one of identity information and capability information associated with each network combination discovered by said wireless UE device.
12. A network selection method operating on a wireless user equipment device, comprising:
obtaining identity information of a particular network combination selected from a plurality of network combinations, each comprising at least a radio network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
registering with a roaming broker (RB), said registering including transmission of an indication relating to particular services that said wireless UE device would like to use;
providing said identity information to said RB;
selecting one of said particular network combination and an additional network combination received from said RB via a redirect message, wherein said additional network combination is determined to be better suited to said wireless UE device, based on querying a database having service relationship data regarding RANs, CNs and SNs that have a relationship with a home network of said UE device, than said particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device and is customized based on said wireless UE device's location; and
receiving background scan timing information at said wireless UE device for use with each wireless technology supported by said UE device.
13. The network selection method as recited in claim 12, wherein said identity information is obtained via scanning in at least one frequency band.
14. The network selection method as recited in claim 12, wherein said registration comprises transmitting at least one of capability information and location information associated with said wireless UE device.
15. Software, embodied in a tangible, non-transitory storage module on a wireless user equipment device, that when executed facilitates network selection, said software comprising:
logic for sending identity information relating to a plurality of network combinations discovered by said UE device, each network combination being identified as a combination of respective identification codes comprising at least a radio access network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
logic for receiving a redirect message at said wireless UE device, said redirect message including identity information of an additional network combination, wherein said additional network combination comprises a RAN and one of a CN and an SN and is determined to be better suited to said wireless UE device than a network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device based on network relationship information for said wireless UE device and is customized based on said wireless UE device's location; and
logic for receiving background scan timing information at said wireless UE device for use with each wireless technology supported by said UE device.
16. A wireless user equipment device comprising:
means for sending network advertisement information to a roaming broker node in a network that is wirelessly accessible, said network advertisement information including identity information relating to a plurality of network combinations, each being identified as a combination of respective identification codes, said combination comprising at least a radio access network (RAN) and one of a core network (CN) and a service network (SN) disposed in an interconnected arrangement;
means for receiving a redirect message from said roaming broker node, said redirect message including identity information of an additional network combination that comprises a RAN and one of a CN and an SN, is customized based on said wireless UE device's location and is determined to be better suited to said wireless UE device, with respect to service relationship data relating to RANs, CNs and SNs that have a service agreement with a home network associated with said wireless UE device, than a particular network combination initially selected by said wireless UE device, wherein each of said means comprises software embodied in a persistent storage module; and
means for receiving background scan timing information at said wireless UE device for use with each wireless technology supported by the UE device.
17. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, wherein said network selection logic module selects said particular network combination.
18. The wireless UE device as recited in claim 5, wherein said network selection logic module selects said additional network combination.
This application discloses subject matter related to the subject matter disclosed in the following commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application(s): “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION VIA A NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT BROKER (NAB),” filed Apr. 28, 2005 herewith, in the name(s) of: Adrian Buckley, Paul Carpenter, Nicholas P. Alfano, and Andrew Allen Ser. No. 11/116,470; 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 network selection scheme using a brokering entity such as a roaming broker (RB).
FIGS. 8A and 8B depict exemplary database structures for facilitating network selection by a wireless UE device;
FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary database structure provided as part of a roaming broker (RB) node in accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure;
FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary message flow diagram of the present patent disclosure for interacting with an RB node according to one embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart associated with another method of the present patent disclosure; and
FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless UE device operable to acquire network advertisement information and perform network selection according to the teachings of the present patent disclosure.
A network selection scheme is provided for operation in a network environment having one or more radio access networks (RANs), one or more core networks (CNs), and one or more service networks (SNs). Upon obtaining identity information of a particular network combination, a wireless user equipment (UE) device is operable to register with a roaming broker (RB), whereby additional information may be provided to the device for facilitating appropriate network selection.
In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a network selection method operable in a network environment having one or more RANs, one or more CNs, and one or more SNs, comprising: obtaining identity information of a particular network combination by a wireless UE device; obtaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a roaming broker (RB) by the wireless UE device; transmitting network advertisement information to the RB by the wireless UE device upon registration therewith; determining by the RB if an additional network combination is more suitable to the wireless UE device; responsive to the determining, providing a redirect message to the wireless UE device, the redirect message including identity information of the additional network combination; and selecting one of the particular network combination and the additional network combination for obtaining service by the wireless UE device.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a network selection system operable in a network environment having one or more RANs, one or more CNs, and one or more SNs, comprising: means associated with a wireless UE device for obtaining identity information of a particular network combination and for obtaining an IP address of a roaming broker (RB) disposed in the network environment; means for transmitting network advertisement information to the RB by the wireless UE device upon registration therewith; means associated with the RB for determining if an additional network combination is more suitable to the wireless UE device; means, operable responsive to the determining, for providing a redirect message to the wireless UE device, the redirect message including identity information of the additional network combination; and means associated with the wireless UE device for selecting one of the particular network combination and the additional network combination for obtaining service by the wireless UE device.
In a still further embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a wireless UE device, comprising: a logic module operable to obtain identity information of a particular network combination available in a location area; a logic module operable to transmit network advertisement information to a roaming broker (RB) disposed in the network environment upon registration therewith; and a logic module operable to select one of the particular network combination and an additional network combination provided by the RB via a redirect message, wherein the RB includes service logic for determining if the additional network combination is more suitable to the wireless UE device, the redirect message including identity information of the additional network combination.
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 network (RANs) (which can include cellular band technologies as well as WLAN technologies), one or more core networks (CNs), and one or more service network (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 is sometimes used to create Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). 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), and further because of the numerous RAN-CN-SN combinations available in the network environment 100, traditional broadcasting of a single broadcast identifier for providing network advertisement information becomes unworkable.
[MCC.MANC1.MCNC1.MSNC1]; [MCC.MANC1.MCNC1.MSNC2]; and [MCC.MANC1.MCNC2.MSNC2]. Likewise, the ID code combinations associated with RAN-2 208-2 are:
[MCC.MANC2.MCNC1.MSNC1]; [MCC.MANC2.MCNC1.MSNC2]; [MCC.MANC2.MCNC2.MSNC2]; [MCC.MANC2.MCNC3.MSNC2]; and [MCC.MANC2.MCNC3.MSNC3]. The two ID code combinations associated with RAN-3 208-3 are: [MCC.MANC3.MCNC3.MSNC2] and [MCC.MANC3.MCNC3.MSNC2]. As will be described in detail hereinbelow, a number of options are available for providing the applicable network ID code information to the UE device 102 either in an initial scan procedure (i.e., when the device is not registered on any networks) or in a background scan procedure (i.e. when the device is registered on a network).
Further, a network advertisement broker (NAB) entity 214 is disposed in the network environment 200 that is operable as a depository of various RAN-CN-SN ID code combinations as well as information relating to supported services, capabilities, et cetera, on a network-by-network basis. For instance, a database structure associated with NAB 214 can contain RAN IDs, CN IDs to which each RAN is connected, services supported by each RAN, other access networks supported or operated by a RAN (i.e., which could be any radio technology such as 3GPP, 3GPP2, or any IEEE-based WLAN, as alluded to in the foregoing discussion), and the like, any or all of which information may be updated periodically or as needed. Additionally, depending on implementation, NAB 214 may be associated with a RAN, a CN, or an SN, or in any combination thereof. In a still further embodiment, NAB 214 may be provided as a third-party entity accessible via a public packet-switched Internet Protocol (IP) network portion 216, e.g., the Internet.
Another brokering entity 218, referred to as a roaming broker (RB), is also disposed in the network environment 200 for providing additional capabilities with respect to optimizing network selection by the UE device, particularly where roaming is involved. As will be seen in detail hereinbelow, one or more database structures associated with RB 218 may be provisioned with service relationship data and service status data pertaining to the networks that have direct or indirect visitor service arrangements with the UE device's home networks. Appropriate service logic provided at RB 218 may accordingly be executed for purposes of adapting network selection based on input forwarded by the UE device 102. Similar to the NAB implementation, RB 218 may be associated with a home network or a visited network, including a RAN, a CN, or an SN, or in any combination thereof. In a still further embodiment, RB 218 may be provided as a third-party entity accessible via a public packet-switched Internet Protocol (IP) network portion 220, e.g., the Internet.
Referring now to FIG. 3, depicted therein is an exemplary database structure 300 provided as part of a NAB entity in accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure. Based on the scope of coverage of the database as well as any third-party commercial arrangements, the database structure 300 may be provisioned with the data pertaining to a fairly large number of RANs. Reference numeral 302 refers to one or more RANs identified by their RAN ID codes. Services supported by each RAN are identified in column 304. For example, RAN-1 is operable to support High Speed Datalink Packet Access (HSDPA), EDGE, and the like. Cross-relationship or interoperability of a particular RAN with other access networks is indicated in column 306. As illustrated, RAN-1 interoperates with additional RANs, RAN-X, RAN-Y, and RAN-Z, as well as WLANs, WLAN-A and WLAN-C. Reference numeral 308 refers to the core networks supported by each particular RAN identified in column 302. Reference numeral 310 refers to the various services supported by each CN, such as, e.g., IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Presence, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), and the like.
Broadcast on a per RAN basis. In this option, existing broadcast messages may be expanded or additional broadcast messages be created to carry the combinations of network ID codes. Broadcast all available networks and network combinations via a beacon channel which may be provided by a third-party, e.g., a public body, a consumer group, etc. Provided via querying a NAB entity. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary message flow diagram of the present patent disclosure for acquiring network advertisement information according to one embodiment where advertisement messages are broadcast from RANs. One or more RANs 404 are operable to broadcast information via associated control channels over the air interface 402. In one arrangement, the RAN nodes 404 may comprise Base Transceiver Station (BTS) nodes deployed in various cellular networks. Reference numerals 406-1 through 406-N refer to the control channel messages that are broadcast by the network nodes at a designated repetition rate. In one implementation, the broadcast information may include network ID code combination information (i.e., identity information), capability information, adjacent cell information, among other types of information. UE 102 is operable to read the broadcast information over the air interface 402 and based at least in part upon the received advertisement information, appropriate network selection may be carried out which may be mediated through application of such preferences and prohibitions as may be configured by the subscriber, network operators, and the like.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart associated with an embodiment of the method described hereinabove. At block 602, the wireless UE device is operable to scan for available RANs including WLANs in one or more frequency bands and in one or more radio access technologies, depending on the device configuration, et cetera. For example, it is possible to configure the wireless UE device for a number of technology modes that are used, wherein the configuration information may be stored as an elementary file (EF) structure on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) card operable with the device and/or as part of a managed object information tree. Other removable memory forms may include compact Flash, secure SD, et cetera. In another embodiment, such data could be stored in a fixed memory module integrated with the device. Additionally, the device configuration data may be modified by the network operator via an Over the Air (OTA) mechanism such as Short Message Service (SMS), Cell Broadcast, Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS), or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). In a still further embodiment, it may be possible for the subscriber to modify the device configuration data.
In addition to one or more of the embodiments and configurations of the database structures identifying network preferences and prohibitions, one or more home network lists (including equivalent home networks) may be provided for facilitating network selection in conjunction with a network entity such as RB 218 (shown in FIG. 2). As is well known, each of the wide area cellular PLMNs may be arranged as a number of cells, with each cell having sectors (e.g., typically three 120-degree sectors per base station (BS) or cell). Each individual cell is provided with a CGI parameter to identify them. A group of cells is commonly designated as a Location Area (LA) and may be identified by an LA Identifier (LAI). At the macro level, the PLMNs may be identified in accordance with the underlying cellular technology. For example, as alluded to before, GSM-based PLMNs may be identified by an identifier comprised of a combination of MCC and MNC. The CDMA/TDMA-based PLMNs may be identified by a SID parameter and/or a Network Identification (NID) parameter. Regardless of the cellular infrastructure, all cells broadcast the macro level PLMN identifiers such that a wireless device (e.g., UE device 102) wishing to obtain service can identify the wireless network.
Additionally, a subscriber is also given a unique identifier which can vary depending on the underlying cellular infrastructure and may be constructed at least in part from some of the parametrics that are used in constructing the network identifiers. In GSM, for example, the subscriber's IMSI parameter is constructed as [MCC] [MNC][MIN].
For purposes of illustration, the embodiments of home network identifiers of the present patent disclosure will be particularly exemplified in reference to GSM networks, although it should be appreciated that the teachings set forth herein may be applied mutatis mutandis in other cellular networks as well. FIGS. 8A and 8B depict exemplary database structures which may be provided with a UE device for facilitating network selection in conjunction with an RB entity according to one embodiment. Reference numeral 800A refers to a basic database structure that comprises a list of [MCC] 802A and [MNC] 802B combinations that may be identified as being the same networks. In the case of equivalent networks, the [MCC] [MNC] combinations may identify a set of EHPLMNs for the IMSI associated with the subscriber. Reference numerals 804, 806 and 808 refer to three exemplary networks, wherein networks 804 and 806 share the same [MCC], i.e., [ABC], and networks 804 and 808 share the same [MNC] (i.e., [XYZ]). In one exemplary embodiment, the data structure 800A may be stored on a SIM/RUIM card of the device. In another embodiment, the data structure 800A could be stored in a fixed memory module integrated with the wireless UE device.
Reference numeral 800B refers to an enhanced database structure where additional information may be provided for facilitating network selection. A Master [MCC][MNC] column 820 identifies the [MCC] and [MNC] combinations that match the IMSI's [MCC]/[MNC] part (i.e., Master Home PLMN). A network name column 822 identifies the master network by name. A home network (EHPLMN) column 824 includes a list of home networks for each of the Master [MCC] [MNC] pairs. In one implementation, the [MCC] [MNC] combinations identifying the home networks may be provided in a priority order. For example, a positional priority may be implemented wherein an [MCC] [MNC] combination at the top has a higher priority over the one below it, or an [MCC] [MNC] combination to the left has a higher priority over the one to the right. An explicit priority ranking may also be provided wherein an indicator indicating the priority of the PLMN is appended to the database structure 800B. For instance, a value of [0] may indicate the highest priority. Where there is no priority indicator stored, all PLMNs have equal priority. An indicium column 825 is provided for uniquely identifying each PLMN listed in the home network list 824, wherein the indicium may comprise a unique identity name that can include some reference to the Master [MCC] [MNC] pair or the network name associated therewith. As before, the data structure 800B may be provided as part of a removable card or within a storage module integrated with the wireless UE device.
In one implementation, the wireless UE device is operable upon power-up to determine the capability of the SIM/RUIM card that has been inserted into it. If the wireless device discovers that the SIM/RUIM card contains a list of EHPLMNs, the device uses the list for subsequent network selection operations. If the SIM/RUIM card does not contain a list of PLMNs, the wireless device is operable to read the IMSI of the subscriber. Thereafter, if the wireless device is provided with stored home network lists in its memory for the [MCC] [MNC] pairs of the IMSI, the stored PLMN database may then be used to find the list of HPLMNs associated with a particular IMSI. Otherwise, the wireless UE device is operable to perform network scanning and discovery procedures as currently specified.
In addition to the provisioning of various preferred and barred network lists (which can be device-centric, network-centric, or subscriber-centric), each country has 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. Moreover, certain device 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. Additional details regarding list order prioritization and scanning procedures may be found in the following commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION VIA A NETWORK ADVERTISEMENT BROKER (NAB),” filed Apr. 28, 2005 herewith Ser. No. 11/116,470 and cross-referenced hereinabove.
FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary database structure 900 provided as part of an RB node (e.g., RB 218 in FIG. 2) in accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure. Reference numeral 902 refers to a column of networks that have direct visitor relationships to one or more home networks (including equivalent home networks) defined for a wireless UE device and/or subscriber. In other words, the networks identified in column 902 are visited networks that provide roaming services to the home networks. As illustrated, these visited networks may comprise just the access networks (e.g., access networks identified as [MCCb.MANCc] and [MCCd.MANCa]) as well as network combinations that can include CNs and SNs. Column 904 identifies access networks having with relationships with the visited core networks identified in column 902. Column 906 provides status information with respect to indicating whether the identified radio/core network combinations are known to be operational. For instance, a service status flag such as “ON” or “OFF” may be provided to indicate if a particular network combination (e.g., a RAN/CN combination) is in service or not. Additionally, column 908 of the RB database structure provides services and capabilities supported on the visited networks that are identified in column 902.
As set forth previously, various network preferences and barred lists (which may be embodied as the database structure 700 shown in FIG. 7) can be provisioned both in the device as well as in a network node in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure for effectuating network selection. Provisioning of such lists in a wireless UE device facilitates initial discovery and selection of a particular network combination (i.e., a RAN/CN combination), whereupon the device may query a network entity such as the RB node that includes one or more network selection lists for additional information. FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary message flow diagram for interacting with an RB node according to one embodiment. Upon obtaining network advertisement information (either by monitoring broadcast control channels of individual RANs, or via a beacon channel, or by contacting NAB 214), UE 102 is operable to select a particular network combination in accordance with a preconfigured selection logic (block 1002). Thereafter, an FQDN query 1004 may be forwarded to DNS 502 in order to obtain an IP address of RB 218 via a response 1006. Alternatively, a previously cached IP address may be obtained for contacting RB 218. Additionally or alternatively, there may be a suitable AAA-based authentication mechanism in place similar to the UE-NAB interaction scheme described previously. Irrespective of how the IP address is obtained, UE 102 registers with RB 218 using a registration message 1008 which includes transmitting various pieces of information such as: identity information of the particular RAN/CN used for accessing RB 218, network advertisement information obtained from NAB 214, identity information and capability information of each network combination discovered by UE 102, location data of UE 102 (e.g., GPS coordinates), MAC) addresses of available WLAN access points or hot spots, MAC address and capabilities of UE 102, and services that UE 102 wants to use. Responsive to the received information from UE 102, appropriate service logic 1010 provided at RB 218 determines if the particular network combination initially selected by UE 102 at block 1002 is the optimal network. A redirect message 1012 may be generated by RB 218 toward UE 102, which includes identity information of a more suitable network combination if so determined. The redirect message 1012 may instruct the device to change access networks, core networks, etc. In addition, various pieces of capabilities information and additional network ID information may be transmitted by RB 218 which the device may want to use later. The RB may also signal back different background scan timers for each technology the wireless device supports. These actions are exemplified in FIG. 10 by way of signaling messages 1014 and 1016, respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein is a flowchart associated with the method described above. At block 1102, identity information of a particular RAN/CN network combination is obtained by the wireless UE device. Thereafter, the IP address of applicable RB node is obtained (block 1104). Upon registration with the RB node using the IP address, network discovery and advertisement information is transmitted to the RB node (block 1106). As pointed out in the foregoing, various additional pieces of information may be transmitted also. A determination is made at the RB node if an additional network or a network combination is more suitable to the wireless device. Responsive to the determination, a redirect message including the additional network's ID information and/or network capability and services information is returned to the wireless device (block 1108). In one embodiment, the information provided by the RB node may be customized based on the wireless device's geographic location. Responsive to the received information, the wireless device employs appropriate logic to select the additional RAN/CN or the previous network combination for obtaining service (block 1110).
FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless device 1200 operable to acquire network advertisement information and perform network selection 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. 12, 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. 12 should be taken as illustrative rather than limiting with respect to the embodiments of the present patent disclosure. A microprocessor 1202 providing for the overall control of UE 1200 is operably coupled to a communication subsystem 1204 which includes transmitter/receiver (transceiver) functionality for effectuating multi-mode communications over a plurality of bands. By way of example, a wide area wireless Tx/Rx module 1206 and a wireless AN Tx/Rx module 1208 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 1204 may be dependent upon the communications networks with which the UE device is intended to operate. In one embodiment, the communication subsystem 1204 is operable with both voice and data communications.
Microprocessor 1202 also interfaces with further device subsystems such as auxiliary input/output (I/O) 1218, serial port 1220, display 1222, keyboard 1224, speaker 1226, microphone 1228, random access memory (RAM) 1230, a short-range communications subsystem 1232, and any other device subsystems generally labeled as reference numeral 1233. To control access, a SIM/RUIM interface 1234 is also provided in communication with the microprocessor 1202. In one implementation, SIM/RUIM interface 1234 is operable with a SIM/RUIM card having a number of key configurations 1244 and other information 1246 such as identification and subscriber-related data as well as one or more SSID/PLMN lists and filters described in detail hereinabove.
Operating system software and other control software may be embodied in a persistent storage module (i.e., non-volatile storage) such as Flash memory 1235. In one implementation, Flash memory 1235 may be segregated into different areas, e.g., storage area for computer programs 1236 as well as data storage regions such as device state 1237, address book 1239, other personal information manager (PIM) data 1241, and other data storage areas generally labeled as reference numeral 1243. Additionally, appropriate network discovery/selection logic 1240 may be provided as part of the persistent storage for executing the various procedures, NAB information acquisition techniques, and network selection mechanisms set forth in the preceding sections. Logic for effectuating appropriate DNS queries, authentication, and NAB/RB queries is also exemplified as a logic module 1245. Associated therewith is a storage module 1238 for storing the SSID/PLMN lists, selection/scanning filters, capability indicators, et cetera, also described in detail hereinabove.
In view of the teachings set forth herein, the various logic blocks of UE device 1200 should be understood as comprising at least the following: a logic module operable to obtain identity information of a particular network combination available in a geographic location; a logic module operable to transmit network advertisement information to an RB node disposed in the network environment upon registration therewith; and a logic module operable to select one of the particular network combination and an additional network or network combination provided by the RB via a redirect message, wherein the RB includes service logic for determining if the additional network or network combination is more suitable to the wireless UE device 1200, the redirect message including identity information of the additional network/combination.
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