CN101588585A

CN101588585A - Wireless communication components and methods for multiple system communications

Info

Publication number: CN101588585A
Application number: CNA200910139432XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迪巴舍希·帕卡亚斯塔; 亚玛娜·奇蒂
Original assignee: InterDigital Technology Corp
Current assignee: InterDigital Technology Corp
Priority date: 2003-06-06
Filing date: 2004-04-28
Publication date: 2009-11-25
Also published as: CN101588608B; CN101588609A; CN101588608A; CN1795688A; CN100505937C

Abstract

A mobile wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), components and methods therefor provide continuous communications capability while switching from a wireless connection with a first type of wireless system to a wireless connection with a second type of wireless system. Preferably, the WTRU is configured to switch wireless links from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to a wireless local area network (WLAN) or vice versa during a continuous communication session. The invention is preferably implemented by providing an Application Broker for control signaling and a Communications broker for user data flow which may be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Description

The method of wireless communication components and multisystem communication

Patent application of the present invention is that international application no is PCT/US2004/013013, international filing date is on April 28th, 2004, the application number that enters the China national stage is 200480014649.3, and denomination of invention is divided an application for the application for a patent for invention of " method of wireless communication components and multisystem communication ".

Technical field

Wireless communication components and method in the relevant multisystem of the present invention, it is relevant especially when the wireless connections that have first kind of pattern certainly switch to the wireless connections with second kind of pattern, mobile wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRUs) that can continuous communiction, as from a global electrical wiring system (UMTS) to this area network (WLAN) or vice versa.

Background technology

Wireless communication system is for well-known in the art.Usually this kind system comprises communication station, to launch to each other and to receive wireless communication signals.With network system such as migratory cell system, the communication station of two kinds of patterns is arranged, the base station, it provides to the access of network basic structure, and wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRUs), and radio communication is implemented in itself and base station.

Family, office and whilst on tour increase day by day to the dependence of radio communication.A user has several different WTRUs such as different families, and office and mobile radiotelephone have belonged to ordinary affair.In view of the above, be necessary to replace many WTRU, because of it can be used in the family, in office and the travelling with single WTRU.

In many commercial networks, have a base station network, each base station can be implemented a plurality of parallel radio communications with the WTRUs of suitable pattern.A standard and implementing for making the global link of wireless system, having developed.The global system (GSM) that widely used standard is a mobile communication.This system is considered to second generation mobile radio system (2G), and is followed by its revision (2.5G).GPRS and EDGE are the example of 2.5G technology, and this technology can provide (2G) GSM the quite high-speed data, services of network.Each these standard is attempted with additional features and is improved to strengthen existing standard.In January, 1998, ETSI-mobile group (ETSI SMG) has been agreed third generation radio system especially, is called the radio access plan of global mobile communication system (UMTS).Further implement the UMTS standard, third generation partner plan (3GPP) is formed in December, 1998.3GPP keeps punching in a common third generation mobile wireless electric standard.

A typical UMTS system configuration such as Fig. 1 a according to the 3GPP specification are illustrated.The UMTS network configuration comprises that a core network (CN) and UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) are interconnected through an interface such as Iu, and it is loaded with details disclosing obtainable 3GPP specification file.

Being configured as of UTRAN can be via WTRUs, and promptly the radio interface Uu of the equipment of the user among the 3GPP (UEs) provides the communication service of user's aerogram.UTRAN has the base station, is called the Node B s of 3GPP, and its collective provides with the geography of the radio communication of UEs to be contained.In UTRAN, the interface I ub of one or more Node B s group in 3GPP connects different radio control station (RNC).UTRAN can have array Node B s to be connected to different RNCs s, and wherein two nodes are for illustrated as Fig. 1 a for example.When more than one RNC was equipped with in UTRAN, communication was implemented through an Iur interface between RNC.

One UE has local UTMS (HN) network usually, and registration and paid service are handled by it.With the Uu Interface Standardization, Ues can for example, serve different coverage area via different UMTN network service.At this moment, other network is commonly referred to foreign network (FN).

Under present 3GPP specification, the function of the core network of UE ' s HN is authorized and accounting (aaa functionality) for coordinating and handle dialectical function.When UE whilst on tour beyond its UMTS network, HN ' s core network makes UE ' s utilize foreign network with itself and ability that AAA coordinates, so that FN can make UE implement to communicate by letter.For assisting to implement this activity, core network comprises that registration office, this area (VLR) is with tracing UE ' s, because of it is HN and guest address registration office (VLR).Have a local service people (HSS) HLR Combined Treatment aaa functionality is provided.

Under present 3GPP specification, core network is configured as being connected with external system, and as public mobile network (PLMN), merit is switched telephone network (PSTN) altogether, integration service digital network (ISDN) and serve through other true time (RT) of RT service interface.One core network is also supported non-true time service with world-wide web.Core network to the permanent connectivity of other system can make the user utilize Ues through its local UMTS network service, and surpasses HN ' s service range.UE ' s in the visit can be through the UMTS Internet phone-calling of a visit, and surpasses the UTRAN service area of the UMTS ' s of visit.

Under present 3GPP specification, core network moves main dispatching centre (GMSC) through gateway provides the RT service outside connection.Core network provides NRT service through Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and promptly known general packet radio (GPRS) is outside to be connected.This one side, because the relevant buffering of the TDD data packet of communication speed and formation communication, the true time communication for the user can appear in a special NRT service.One example of this kind communication is the voice communication through world-wide web, and it as the normal telephone that handover network is implemented, but in fact be Internet protocol (IP) connection through the packet data service to the user.

One standard interface that is called GI is used between the GGSN and world-wide web of CN ' s usually.The GI interface can be used with the mobile internet procotol, as mobile IP v4 or mobile IP v6, is by world-wide web engineering duty tissue (IETF) defined.

Under the present 3GPP specification, for from external source being provide support RT and NRT service of the UEs of the radio link of 3GPP system, UTRAN must with the suitable interface of CN, because of it is the Iu interface function.For this reason, core network comprises that mobile main dispatching centre (MSC) is coupled to a GMSC and a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), and it is coupled to GGSN.The two all is coupled with HRL, common and guest address logger (VLR) combination of MSC.

Separate between (Iu-PS) interface with switching to communicate by letter through package at circuit communication (Iu-CS) interface at the Iu interface.MSC is connected to the RNCs of UTRAN through Iu-CS.Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is coupled to the RNC of UTRANs through the Iu-PS interface of packet data service.

HLR/HSS is some type and core network, and MSC and GMSC support the CS side of the interface Gr of aaa functionality through one with mobile application part (MAP) agreement.The SGSN of CN and GGSN utilization are called Gn and are connected with the interface of Gp.

The radio system of another pattern is called wireless local district network (WLAN) and can be configured as implementing radio communication with the WTRUs that is equipped with the WLAN modulator-demodulator.At present the WLAN modulator-demodulator by manufacturer's integration to many traditional communication and calculation element.

For example, the cell phone, individual digital aid and laptop computer all establish one or more modulator-demodulator.In view of the above, there is the demand that increases day by day to have the communication of the network of the WTRUs of WLAN modulator-demodulator and other different types with facility.

Well-known this area network environment with one or more WLAN access point (APs), that is, build according to IEEE 802.11b the base station.The wireless service areas of this u 1WLANs can be limited to the geographic region of special qualification, is called " focus ".The excellent ground of this wireless communication system portion heat is in the airport, cafe and hotel.This network of access needs user's dialectical program usually.The agreement of this system is not as yet in the abundant standardization in WLAN technical area, because the IEEE802 series standard is still in evolution.As mentioned above, the CN of UMTS has been designed to implement to communicate by letter with other network such as WLANs.

In each varying environment, WTRU that need not be different, WTRUs can have the ability of UTMS and WLAN, has independent UMTS and WLAN and pcmcia card adapter as package PCs.The stand-alone card chip module can make the user utilize different types of networks through single device, can not switch to another network from a pattern network but do not provide, and not lose the WTRU of connection.For example, communicate by letter with target WTRU or seek the mobile WTRU of its communication, may travel to a bad signal quality zone, the custom design network of the service goal WTRU that this is regional becomes periodically or is discontinuous.In the case, the most desirable WTRU of being can roam in the same types network, still can switch to different types of networks and continue the basis to keep communication one.

Summary of the invention

One mobile wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU), therefore assembly and method can provide when the formula wireless system from first kind of pattern switches to the formula wireless system of second kind of pattern, can keep the continuous communiction ability.

The configurational energy that is preferably WTRU switches to a radio local network (WLAN) or vice versa from a global mobile communication system (UMTS) when continuous communiction carries out.Enforcement of the present invention is preferable by providing a n application proxy to post a letter with control and a communication agent flows for user's data, and it can be embedded in one and use in the specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Of the present invention one preferable WTRU comprises that a protocol engine has at least two wireless communication interface, the configuration at each interface can with different types wireless network Radio Link.Each communication interface is configured as can be by control signal and the common processing components of using of user's communication data to.Have an application proxy, it is configured as monitoring that the control between lower layer protocol engine and upper-layer protocol processing components posts a letter.Have a communication agent, it has a data buffer and limits a changeable data path between a radio interface of upper layer application processing components and selection for the user.Be preferably, application proxy is relevant with communication agent to be switched by communication agent control data buffering and data path, so that be cushioned in the data flow of communication period to first radio interface of protocol engine, and the Radio Link of difference second radio interface of communication period protocol engine is set up, and the communication agent data path switches to second radio interface, this buffered data discharges through second radio interface after the communication period Radio Link is set up.

In one embodiment, the configuration of this communication agent data path can transmit the data that package switches, and the usefulness that is configured as keeping supplying link switchover data between layer application processing components and the UMAS radio interface of a data path.

Be preferably, application proxy comprises the link monitoring device, and is configured as can triggering the activation of Radio Link according to the link data scheduling meeting standard that monitors.This application proxy also can comprise that one uses the meeting manager, its configuration can be controlled during Radio Link is set up through the different radio interface and post a letter, and comprising a workplace unit, it is configured as and can keeps and change the content of transmission information through the different radio interface during Radio Link is set up.In view of the above, this application proxy can comprise that the user recognizes module (SIM) reader, and its configuration can read the SIM that comprises user's status.

Have a preferable Radio Link delivering method for wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU), switch to the wireless network of second kind of pattern from the wireless network of first kind of pattern in communication period, wherein the protocol engine of this WTRU has first and second wireless communication interface, its configuration can with the wireless network Radio Link of first and second kind pattern, the configuration of each communication interface can be by the common processing components of using of control signal and user's communication data to.Having a data buffer and changeable data path supplies user's data between a radio interface of upper layer application processing components and selection.Control is posted a letter and is monitored between lower-layer protocols engine and upper layer application processing components.Data buffer and data path switch should add control, so that be cushioned in the data flow of communication period to first radio interface of protocol engine, and communication period is set up for the Radio Link of second radio interface of protocol engine, reach this data path and be switched, and the data of buffering are set up after second radio interface discharges at the communication period Radio Link to second radio interface.

Other advantage of the present invention and purpose are skillful in present technique field personage when can more understanding after with reference to the following drawings.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 a sketch map explanation one is according to a typical UMTS system of 3GPP specification.

Fig. 1 b explanation one is moved WTRU and is travelled from local WLAN and operate in heterogeneous networks to LAN station and keep according to inventive principle and to continue the example of communicating by letter.

Fig. 2 a is the calcspar of the WTRU of many network activation according to the present invention.

Many sockets calcspar of the WTRU of the many network activation of Fig. 2 b explanation the present invention.

Fig. 2 c program diagram illustrates through WLAN to switch to wireless connections from wireless connections through UMTA, can not lose connectivity according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates many network operations environment of the WTRU of the many network activation of a present invention.

Fig. 4 a be a UMTS apparatus structure design configuration with a calculation element, as layout via a Standard PC MCIA/HBA interface.

Fig. 4 b be double-H groove weld MTS/WLAN network equipment structural design of the present invention with calculation element, as calcspar through the preferable example in a Standard PC MCIA/HBA interface.

Fig. 5 a is the preferable calcspar of giving an example of function detail of the application proxy assembly of the present invention one WTRU.

Fig. 5 b is the preferable calcspar of giving an example of function detail of the communication agent assembly of the present invention one WTRU.

Fig. 6 a is a protocol stack diagram, and the better position of the novel assembly operation among the SGSN in UTRAN and the 3GPP content is described at UE.

Fig. 6 b is a protocol stack diagram, and the better position of the present invention's operation of novel assembly in WLAN is described.

Fig. 7 is the position of a graphic extension with the novel assembly of WIN CE operation.

Embodiment

The present invention is existing with explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings, and wherein same numeral is represented same assembly among the Ge Tu.

Base station one speech includes but not limited to a base station, Node B, station controller, access point (AP) or provide the WTRUs to of radio access and the wireless environment of base station network of relation.

WTRU one speech of Shi Yonging includes but not limited to that the user equips (UE) around here, mobile radio station, and fixing or moving user unit, calling set or its pattern can be at the devices of wireless environment operation.WTRUs comprises personal communicator, as phone, and visual telephone and have the world-wide web phone that network connects.In addition, WTRUs comprises the mobile personal calculation element, as PDAs and notebook with radio modem identity function.WTRUs motor-driven or convertible address all is called mobile unit.

The invention provides the continuous conversation through the radio access network of different types, this radio access network has one or more network base stations, can be WTRUs via this station the radio access service is provided.The present invention and mobile unit are united when using particularly useful, and promptly mobile WTRUs is very useful when it enters or travels in geographical coverage area that the base station of different types of networks provides.For example Fig. 1 b explanation one is moved WTRU and is positioned at three

different address

10a, 10b, 10c.When the 10a of address, the AP12 of WTRU and local WLAN implements wireless communication, and when the 10b of address, WTRU makes wireless communication with the Node B 13 of UMTS when travelling between local WLAN and cubicle WLAN.When the 10c of address, the AP15 of WTRU and cubicle WLAN conversation.The network continuity is provided with being connected of cubicle WLANs by the CN14 of UTMS.WTRU10 of the present invention utilizes the successional advantage of network, can maintain the carrying out of the conversation that local WLAN 10a initiates, and when its when transitting to 10c, the maintenance by the switching between WLAN and UTMS radio communication.

According to the present invention, the configuration of WTRUs can be made the network operation of two different types at least, is preferably the device that can provide UMTS UE function and wireless local district network (WLAN) WTRU function by having, as 802.11 (b) (WiFi) or the bluetooth adaptive functions.But the present invention can provide the lasting conversation with any other Radio Network System of pattern of other pattern network interconnection.

With reference to figure 2, have and have different types

wireless communication interface

22,24 protocol engines 20 at least.Each

communication interface

22,24 configuration can by control and user's communication data to the application processing components 26 of representing traditional upper strata communication system.The configuration that is preferably a

wireless communication interface

22,24 can supply the UMTS radio communication, and another is configured as the communication for 802.11WLAN.

The invention provides in

radio interface

22,24 and between upper layer application processing components 26, insert an application proxy (APP) 30 and communication agent (COM) 32.This APP and

com component

30 and 32 processing controls and user's data are " middleware ", and it can assist to draw the different science and technology of following base system to improve performance capability.Application proxy 30 and communication agent 32 can provide two stratum's middleware structure, and it does not need the change of the conventional protocol structure of wireless network out of the ordinary, easily integration heterogeneous networks science and technology and user's seamless service is provided.

Being configured as of APP30 can monitor posting a letter of 26 of control lower layer protocol engine 20 and upper layer application processing components.All user's communication datas flow by COM32, and this COM32 is as the switch of upper layer application processing components 26, so that these data are directed to

suitable radio interface

22,24 in lower layer protocol engine 20.

This

middleware component

30 and 32 can be implemented in the WTRU of no corresponding networking component.This APP30 and COM32 keep the conversation of radio communication in the time of can be in this inside the plan operation of independent WTRU so that at handover network.So, double mode operation can be supported in WTRU and do not needed comprehensive network support and nothing " content conversion ", or do not needed to stop the termination of " conversation is noted ".

For example, 22 implement UMTS radio communications and travel to the WLAN service area through the interface as WTRU 10, the preferable interface 24 in the independent pattern of WTRU of this conversation is switched to the WLAN radio communication as follows.This protocol engine 20 provides link-state information, and this information is received and assessment by APP 30, and decision switches to the WLAN radio communication.This decision can be disclosed by the application that the inventor had for the 10/667th, No. 633 according to the service quality " QoS " of existing UMTS or other factors such as U.S. Patent application.When the UMTS communication of carrying out in APP 30 decision should be handed over to a WLAN, APP 30 signalisations and COM 32 prepared to transfer, and this COM 32 begins to cushion all communication datas that produced by upper layer application processing components 26 for wireless transmission.In view of the above, processing components 26 continue to produce user's data for the usefulness of communication free of discontinuities.These APP 30 notice upper layer application processing components 26 these transfers are carried out, and can expect that with it delay that receives this wireless data finishes up to transfer.So this APP 30 instructs this protocol engine 20 24 to set up a wireless WLAN and connect through the interface, UMTS communication promptly is handed over to this connection.

Protocol engine 20 connects at WLAN sets up back signalisation APP 30.So APP 30 signalisations handing-over finishes to COM 32, this COM 32 will switch to WLAN interface 24 from the direction of user's communication data at UMTS interface 22 again, and the data of buffer release to the WLAN interface to upgrade and to continue conversation.This APP also signalisation transfer finishes to upper strata application processing components 26, so that two-way user's data of conversation can continue through

COM

32 and 24 travellings of WLAN interface.At last, these APP 30 notification protocol engines are so that UMTS discharges the UMTS connection.

For improving operation, corresponding APP and com component can be fully in networks, and WTRU 10 is just communicating with.Fig. 2 b provides the sketch map of each assembly layout.The network system typical case of interface between UMTS system and WTAN system switched (PS) data flow according to package, as utilizes an Internet protocol (IP).Fig. 2 b illustrates a WTRU configuration, and it can make the network that package switches the IP conversation transfer.The CS voice signal data can be passed through APP from the UMTS interface, but utilizes voice communication on the IP agreement, and speech data is wherein being sealed middle processing, may be implemented in WLAN and UMTS.

As shown in Fig. 2 b, the APP 30 of WTRU 10 posts a letter with

radio interface

22,24 agencies between high level and COM 22.The configuration of this WTRU 10 can make from the PS data that reach to

radio interface

22,24 and pass through COM 32.Be preferably UMTS and wlan system and have UTRANs and APs, the corresponding communication agent that each the physical layer air interface that illustrates among its configuration and the last Fig. 2 b is implemented.The preferable IP intranodal that is provided in network system of the application proxy of one correspondence.Network side APPs and COMs provide the network support that joins between network.

In the multiple-network system that in Fig. 2 b, illustrates, with the conversation of network support during, connect an example that switches to the WTRU 10 that UMTS connects from WLAN and be illustrated in Fig. 2 c.At WLAN conversation duration of existence, control and user's data are respectively by WTRUs APP 30 and COM 32, and the AP that reaches through WLAN passes through the WTRUs communication link.User's data are by the COM of AP, and control data passes through to network AP P.When communication link report data during to WTRU APP 30, APP should switch to UMTS according to this report decision with link, WTRUAPP 30 signalisation WTRU COM 32 begin upwards to cushion link user communication data, and signalisation network AP P, this network signalisation AP COM again begins to cushion link user communication data downwards.The arguement data that WTRUCOM 32 preferable storages are relevant with user's data write down the down link package that received from AP last time, and recognize line link package under reception last time to WTRU APP 30.So this WTRU APP 30 instructs WTRU interface setting one UMTS link.But in the UMTS link time spent, it has been set up and should confirm through the WTRU of UMTSUTRAN chain road direction WTRU APP 30.So this WTRU APP 30 confirms that to WTRU COM 32 this one sets up, and preferablely connect relevant packets of information through UMTS and draw together AAA and QoS information signal informing network APP.This WTRU COM 32 also preferable with the signalisation information content relevant with user's communication data to UTRAN COM.This WTRU APP 30 is the identification status of the down link package that received last time of signalisation network AP P also, and a request that recovers communication, and this is asked again by network AP P signalisation AP COM.So the down link data of APCOM buffer release is to UTRAN COM, a preferable time continuous package from the down link package identification of following reception last time begins.So the data of this buffering connected WTRU COM32 and UTRAN COMM exchange through UMTS.Be in communication in is to connect normal mode through UMTS to continue.

With reference to figure 3, illustrate that one comprises the calcspar of the WTRU 10 of the internuncial multi-network environment content of world-wide web.This wlan network comprises that an access point (AP) is connected to a WLAN gateway, and it has a relevant WLANAAA to follow the trail of assembly.This UMTS comprises a UTRAN and AAA, SGSN and GGSN core network assembly.This WLAN and world-wide web reach UMTS and world-wide web through the GGSN of UMTS CN assembly interface through WLAN gateway interface.Be preferably, one AAA interface arranged at WLAN AAA and UMTS AAA inter-module.

In multiple-network system illustrated in fig. 3, during device 40 conversations that are connected with a world-wide web, connect an example that switches to the UMTS connection from WLAN and carry out as follows.When communication link state is pointed out WTRU APP30, when link should switch to the WLAN link, WTRU APP 30 signalisation WTRU COM 32 began upwards to cushion link user communication data.This WTRU COM 32 also stores the arguement information relevant with user's data, and downlink package last time that record receives from UTRAN reaches the downlink package to WTRU APP 30 identification receptions last time.So this WTRU APP 30 from UMTS AAA reception AAA content information, controls and instruct the WTRU interface to set up the UMTS link.So a WLAN link is set up, confirm once the WTRU of WLAN UTRAN chain road direction WTRU APP 30.So this WTRU APP 30 reaches preferable suitable conversion AAA content-data and signalisation WLAN AAA assembly to the foundation that WTRU COM 32 confirms the WLAN link.So the uplink data of these WTRUCOM 32 buffer releases is to the device 40 that is connected with world-wide web.Be in communication in is to connect normally through WLAN at the device 40 that WTRU 10 is connected with world-wide web to continue.

With reference to figure 4a and 4b, wherein show the enforcement of APP and com component, this assembly configuration can with the calculation element interface, as through a Standard PC MCIA/HBA interface.Fig. 4 a explanation be configured as can with the layout of the UMTS apparatus structure design at calculation element interface, as through a Standard PC MCIA/HBA interface.Non-level of access (NAS), level of access (AS), layer 1 control (LEC) and physical layer (layer 1) assembly comprises that with control signal and user's data package switches the data path explanation of (PS) and circuit switching (CS) data path.The NAS layer is coupled to the standard computer interface for the coupling through Standard PC MCIA/HBA interface connector.

The modification of Fig. 4 b key diagram 4a device is to provide double-H groove weld MTS/WLAN network equipment structure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Processed in the control signal path of one application proxy 30 between NAS layer and computer interface.One communication agent 32 and APP 30 are coupling in the PS data path between NAS layer and computer interface processed.The preparation of WLAN interface assembly is preferable to comprise that one 802.11 comply with physical layer, and layer 1 control assembly and 802.11 complied with medium access control (MAC) and logic link control (LLC) assembly.This medium access control (MAC) and logic link control (LLC) assembly have a control signal path and APP 30 couplings, and PS data path and COM 32 couplings.

The preferable detailed configuration layout of Fig. 5 a and 5b explanation APP30 and COM 32 assemblies.APP 30 a preferable communication module and the CPU of comprising are coupled.This communication module has outside a connection to supply and higher layer process (application), through the WLAN interface of LLC control (LLC), and the UMTS interface of accurate control (NAS) and COM 32 (COM) coupling through the NAS position.One L1 connects directly to be provided to the supervision of physical layer with the assistance Link State.

These APP 30 preferable link monitoring devices that comprise, application session manager, workplace unit and user identity module (SIM) read assembly relevant with CPU.But the configuration monitoring link state of this link monitoring assembly reaches from pattern wireless network links triggering and is handed over to another link, meets as the standard of selecting.The application session manager be configured as may command posting a letter between the handover period.AAA, the content information that QoS profile and other transmit can be kept and change to the configuration of workplace unit between the handover period.The configuration of this SIM reader can read the SIM that is included in user's status and supplies aaa functionality.

These COM 32 preferable configurations have a control assembly, one switch/buffer device and a read/write (R/W) device.The configuration of this control assembly can be controlled in the control that PS data between UMTS and WLAN interface are switched, decide on the pattern of wireless connections, and have one connect with APP 30 couplings with the reception control signal.This switch/buffer and R/W device are configured in the PS data path between second interface and higher layer process.This switch/buffer has a WLAN to connect (LLC) and a UMTS connects (PS), and this PS data flow is by one or other connection and being controlled by control assembly.This switch/buffer and R/W device are used for interrupting connecting from higher level the data flow of (IP data), and the data that receive between the buffering handover period, then when new network connect set up after with the data release of buffering, so data path is switched by control assembly.

For the purpose of fully, Fig. 6 a and 6b are in order to illustrate APP in preferable WTRU and UMTS and the WLAN protocol stack and the network site of COM.The APP of Fig. 6 a explanation in control plane (CP) protocol stack, and the COM position in the protocol stack of the user plane of UMTS network (UP), a WLAN AP and WLAN gateway are configured as complying with interface between radio interface and 802.3WLAN with 802.11.

The ability of setting up UMTS and WLAN (standard 802.11) workplace is transferred and seamless handoff for comprising roaming, the evolution path in this double mode WTRU extreme.The socket strategy is mentioned in 3GPP technical report TR 29.934.The present invention mentions the seamless handoff situation, provides one to support seamless handoff not have coupling or mistake coupling, or the structure of close-coupled plan.

This new APP and com component can give expansion with any access technique of integration.Fig. 7 is for being illustrated in the position of these assemblies in the radio interface device (UE+WLAN engineering), as Fig. 4 b explanation at WIN CE content operation.

COM agency's example attribute comprises the ability of transport sector to the upper strata of taking passages.Though as above-mentioned PS data, the COM on the user plane can implement with CS and/or PS data mode with route user data, decides on the present system of connection.From the UMTS viewpoint and opinion, the preferable top that is positioned at the PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY agreement of com component.COM can implement by a common software assembly, and it can be adapted to any access technique.

The example attribute of access proxy (APP) is included in the conversation and presentation layer is won all application.Preferable (control) plane (CP) of posting a letter that is positioned at of APP, the contribution link quality report, and have the ability to trigger to transfer and aid in the conversation and set up again.

APP and com component are preferable to be implemented at single IC for both, as uses specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and it also comprises UMTS and WLAN interface assembly.But the part of processing components also can be implemented on how stand-alone integrated circuit.

WTR configuration and method are for using as above-mentioned with UMTS and wlan system.But the present invention can implement for any wireless communication system, the configuration of WTRUs wherein can with the wireless communication of multiple pattern.

Claims

1. wireless transmitter/receiver unit, described wireless transmitter/receiver unit comprises:

The lower layer protocol engine, described lower layer protocol engine comprises a plurality of wireless communication interface, described a plurality of wireless communication interface comprises at least one IEEE 802.xx wireless communication interface, and wherein said at least one IEEE802.xx wireless communication interface comprises physical layer component and medium access control MAC assembly; And

Middleware component, described middleware component and described lower layer protocol engine are coupled and are arranged to:

Monitor the communication between described lower layer protocol engine and the upper layer application processing components; And

The assessment link-state information is need to determine whether transfer.

2. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described middleware component is arranged to described link-state information is emitted to access point AP.

3. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described middleware component is arranged to the component communication with IEEE 802.XX logic link control LLC.

4. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described link-state information comprises transfers order, and be characterised in that described wireless transmitter/receiver unit is arranged to the transfer of second wireless communication interface of first wireless communication interface of execution from described a plurality of wireless communication interface to described a plurality of wireless communication interface, with in response to described transfer order.

5. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 4 is characterized in that, described first wireless communication interface is the cell wireless communication interface, and described second wireless communication interface is an IEEE 802.XX wireless communication interface.

6. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 4 is characterized in that, described first wireless communication interface is an IEEE 802.XX wireless communication interface.

7. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described first wireless communication interface is IEEE 802.16 wireless communication interface, and described second wireless communication interface is the IEEE802.11 wireless communication interface.

8. wireless transmitter/receiver unit, described wireless transmitter/receiver unit comprises:

A plurality of communication interfaces, each in described a plurality of communication interfaces all comprises physical layer and medium access control layer; And

Middleware component, the described a plurality of communication interfaces of described middleware Zu spare With couple and are arranged to and monitor described a plurality of communication interfaces and determine whether to hand in described a plurality of communication interface one.

9. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 8 is characterized in that, describedly whether needs to hand in described a plurality of communication interface one determine according to the control data that has received.

10. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 8 is characterized in that, describedly whether needs to hand in described a plurality of communication interface one determine according to the communication data that has received.

11. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 8 is characterized in that, described whether need to hand in described a plurality of communication interface one determine it is according to service quality.

12. wireless transmitter/receiver unit according to claim 8 is characterized in that, described wireless transmitter/receiver unit also comprises:

At least one upper component, described at least one upper strata described middleware component of assembly With couples;

Wherein said middleware component is arranged to selects communication interface apparently to described at least one upper component.