CN103814603A - Methods and network nodes for controlling usage of caching in telecommunications system - Google Patents

Abstract

The exemplary embodiments relate to a method for use in RAN node (700); a RAN node (700); a method for use in a CN node (800), and a CN node (800), for controlling usage of caching in the RAN on subscriber level. According to the present embodiments, the CN node (800) is configured to transmit to the RAN node (700) a signaling message including information on subscriber profile. The RAN node receives and analyses the message to determine whether an indicator is provided in the message. The RAN node (700) further determines in the case the indicator is present in the message whether or not caching in the RAN is allowed for use by the subscriber, and to control usage of caching in the RAN based on the result of the determination.

Description

Method and network node for controlling the use of a cache in a telecommunications system

technical field

Embodiments herein generally relate to controlling the use of caches in a telecommunications system, and in particular to methods and network nodes for controlling the use of caches in a radio access network and core network, respectively.

Background technique

The following abbreviations are defined herein, at least some of which are referred to in the following description.

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

BSC Base Station Controller

CN core network

CP control plane

eNodeB E-UTRAN Node B

eNB E-UTRAN Node B

E-UTRAN Evolution UTRAN

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

GGSN gateway GPRS support node

HLR Home Location Register

HSS Home Subscriber System

HSPA High Speed Packet Access

IP Internet Protocol

LTE Long Term Evolution

MME Mobility Management Entity

NB Node B

PS packet switching

PDN-GW Packet Data Network-Gateway

RAN radio access network

RAT radio access type/technology

RBS radio base station

RFSP RAT/frequency selection priority

RNC radio network controller

S1 Interface between eNB and CN

S1AP S1 Application Protocol

S1-MME Control plane of S1

S1-U User plane of S1

SGSN service GPRS support node

S-GW Service Gateway

SPID Subscriber Profile ID

UE User Equipment

UP User Plane

UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

WCDMA wideband code division multiple access

Caching in mobile networks has been introduced to offload networks with increasing amounts of traffic, eg Internet traffic, since caching is based on a large proportion of Internet traffic being duplicated. Hence, the main principle is to move a copy of the (data) content closer to the mobile user eg in a different part or node of the RAN or in the CN etc. The benefits realized by caching in mobile networks include:

a) Reduce the cost of delivering content in mobile networks. This is achieved "above the cache" because in principle in the transmission link above the cache, i.e. for example in a mobile network from the media server to the CN node or between the RAN and the CN if the cache is in the RAN In the transmission link between them, the content information of the cache is transmitted once.

b) Improve the quality of experience for mobile end users. This is primarily achieved with lower latency, since the cached information can be returned to the mobile user faster from the cache than if the information would always be retrieved from the original location.

c) Provide operators with new services such as content hosting and storage/backup. Mobile operators may sign agreements with content providers based on the mobile operator's guarantee that content from a particular content provider will be delivered to mobile users or subscribers in the mobile operator's network in an efficient manner.

The cache can also be used for media distribution to mobile users, ie, instead of retrieving downloadable media from a media server or other users, the media can be retrieved from the cache. Figure 1 shows how to push media information from one or more media servers 5 located in the Internet or at a service provider to a cache 6 located in a wireless communication network 1 . Generally, the wireless communication network 1 is also denoted as a mobile network, which includes RAN3 and CN4. The Internet is considered to be outside the wireless communication network 1 . Media information is typically retrieved or received from the Internet or any similar IP network. UE2 accessing RAN3 receives media information directly from cache 6 instead of from a media server. It is worth mentioning that caching can be used for almost any Internet content and Figure 1 is just an example based on media services.

As described earlier, the main principle of caching is to move copies of (data) content closer to mobile users. The RAN is therefore an appropriate place in the network to implement one or more caches. But the complexity of the network architecture, including different interfaces and functions, such as legal or legal interception, charging, mobility and policy control, places some demands on the operators of the network. In other words, operators should not simply put a cache in the RAN and let mobile users take advantage of it.

Lawful or lawful intercept (LI) involves obtaining communications network data for analytical or evidentiary purposes in accordance with lawful authorities. Such data generally consists of signaling or network management information, or in lesser instances the content of communications. One of the foundations of LI is the interception of remote communications by law enforcement agencies (LEAs), regulatory or regulatory agencies and intelligence services in accordance with local laws. In some legal systems, the means of achieving - in particular real-time access to content - may require due process and receipt of appropriate authorization from competent authorities - an activity formerly known as "wiretapping" and which has existed since the dawn of electronic communication.

The problem with RAN caching and LI is that it must be possible to intercept user plane traffic without any possible way to detect that the traffic is intercepted. One solution could be to define a new interface for interception purposes. However, due to the cost and complexity involved in the standardization process, this was not considered a viable way to propose standardized new RAN LI interfaces (eg from RBS, RNC or BSC) for intercept purposes.

Charging in the mobile network is performed by different core network and serving network nodes. Charging can be divided into online charging and offline charging. The problem with RAN caching and charging is that user plane traffic is used on a volume-based, monthly-recorded and content-based basis, e.g. according to charging rules for URLs, and is currently not available when the cache is below the core, i.e. in the RAN. The charging function may be triggered for a given subscriber (or user) from a RAN node. One reason is that not all mobile systems allow user subscriber identities to be available in the RAN for charging functions. This is also the case for the LI functionality, ie it is not always possible to identify the end user or subscriber in the RAN.

Contents of the invention

It is an aim according to embodiments herein to at least alleviate the above mentioned problems.

An object is therefore to provide a method in a network node of the RAN and a network node of the RAN for controlling the usage of the cache in the RAN at subscriber level without having to define a new interface to the RAN cache, thereby enabling CN functions, such as LI, charging, policy control, etc., can be performed independently of the type of radio access technology used.

Another object according to embodiments herein is to provide a method in a network node of a CN and a CN node for enabling the network node in the RAN to control the usage of the cache in the RAN at the subscriber level.

Therefore, according to an aspect of example embodiments, at least some of the above stated problems are solved by a method in a network node located in a RAN for controlling the use of a cache. The method comprises: receiving a signaling message from a CN node or from another RAN network node, the signaling message including information on a subscriber profile dedicated to the subscriber; analyzing the received information to determine whether the information on the subscriber profile provides having an indicator; determining whether the subscriber is to be allowed to use the cache in the RAN if the indicator is provided in the received information; and controlling use of the cache in the RAN based on a result of the determination.

According to another aspect of the example embodiments, among the above stated problems is solved by means of a method in a network node located in the CN for enabling a network node in the RAN to control the use of caches in the RAN at subscriber level At least some questions. The method includes assembling a signaling message including information on a subscriber profile specific to the subscriber; including in the information on the subscriber profile an indicator indicating whether the subscriber is allowed to use a cache in the RAN; and An assembled message including an indicator is sent to the RAN node to enable the RAN node to determine whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN.

According to another aspect of the example embodiments, at least some of the above stated problems are solved by means of a network node of a RAN for controlling the use of a cache in the RAN, the network node comprising: a receiver circuit , configured to receive a signaling message from a CN node or from a RAN node of the telecommunication system, the signaling message including information on a subscriber profile specific to the subscriber; a processing circuit configured to analyze the received message on the subscriber profile information to determine whether an indicator is provided in said information about a subscriber profile for a subscriber; the processing circuit is further configured to determine whether an indicator is to be provided in the information about a subscriber profile to allow The subscriber uses the cache in the RAN; and the processing circuit is configured to control usage of the cache in the RAN based on a result of the determination.

According to another aspect of the example embodiments, at least some of the above stated problems are solved by means of a network node located in the CN for enabling a network node in the RAN to control caching in the RAN at subscriber level usage of. The network node in the CN comprises: a processing circuit configured to assemble a signaling message, the signaling message including information on a subscriber profile specific to the subscriber, the processing circuit further configured to include in the information on the subscriber profile Indicator, the indicator indicates whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN. The network node in the CN also includes a sender circuit configured to send the assembled message including the indicator to the RAN node to enable the RAN node to determine whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN.

An advantage of the embodiments herein is to allow the mobile operator to configure or control at the subscriber level whether caching in the RAN is allowed and through this enables to trigger CN functions for a given subscriber, such as LI, charges etc.

Another advantage is to avoid defining new interfaces and instead utilize already standardized interfaces independently of the used RAT technology.

Yet another advantage is that it allows caching at the subscription level, and mobile operators can use this as an opportunity to include caching only for certain subscription types, for which eg a premium is available.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a basic network scenario where caching is implemented in a mobile network.

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the main method steps performed by a network node in the RAN according to embodiments herein.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the main method steps performed by a network node in a CN according to embodiments herein.

Figure 4 illustrates a simplified LTE network scenario implementing example embodiments described herein.

Figure 5 illustrates a simplified UMTS/HSPA network scenario implementing example embodiments described herein.

Figure 6 illustrates a simplified network scenario including multiple RATs in which embodiments herein may be applied.

Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example RAN network node according to embodiments herein.

Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example CN network node according to embodiments herein.

Detailed ways

In brief, example embodiments of a network node and method for controlling usage of cache in RAN at subscriber level are provided. Specifically, the network nodes include: RAN network nodes referred to below as RAN nodes and CN network nodes referred to as CN nodes. A RAN node may be a Radio Network Controller (RNC); Base Station Controller (BSC), Radio Base Station, eg RBS, eNodeB or eNB, Node B, Donor Base Station or RAN Controller Node depending on the RAT used. For example in UMTS/UTRAN/HSPA or GSM, the RAN node may be a RNC, BSC or any suitable controller node located within the RAN. In LTE/E-UTRAN, the RAN node can be an eNB, or another RAN controller node, since LTE/E-UTRAN does not use the RNC.

A CN node may be a Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node (SGSN), MSC, Home Subscriber System (HSS) or Home Location Register (HLR). For example, in UMTS/UTRAN or GERAN or GSM or HSPA, the CN node can be HLR/HSS or SGSN or MSC, while in LTE/E-UTRAN, the CN node can be HSS or MME.

Before describing different network scenarios for implementing the embodiments herein, the main steps performed by RAN nodes and CN nodes respectively are firstly described and illustrated.

Figure 2 depicts the main method steps performed by a RAN node according to embodiments herein. As shown, the method includes: a RAN node receiving 201 a signaling message from a CN node or from another RAN network node, the signaling message including information about a subscriber profile dedicated to the subscriber; analyzing 202 the received information to determine Whether an indicator is provided in the information about the subscriber profile; determining 203 whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN if the indicator is provided in the received information; and controlling 204 the cache in the RAN based on the result of the determination usage of.

Figure 3 depicts the main method steps performed by a CN node for enabling a RAN node to control the use of caches in the RAN at subscriber level according to embodiments herein. As shown in the figure, the method includes: assembling 301 a signaling message including information about a subscriber profile dedicated to the subscriber; including 302 an indicator in the information about the subscriber profile indicating whether the subscriber is allowed to use A cache in the RAN; and sending 303 an assembled message including an indicator to the RAN node to enable the RAN node to determine whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN.

Information about a subscriber profile is a subscriber profile identification (SPID). The SPID is also known as the RAT Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) Index or Subscribed RFSP. A SPID can be assigned to a specific subscription and stored in one or several CN nodes. For example, if the SPID is stored in the HSS, it is called the subscribed RFSP index. Subscriptions are assigned or dedicated to subscribers with user equipment (UE). Signaling between CN and RAN is standardized. An example of SPID usage in a radio base station is to map received SPID values to a specific set of RATs/carriers used as dedicated priority information towards UEs. Another possible use is as part of Radio Resource Management (RRM). The RRM function involves allocating and maintaining radio communication paths and is performed by the RAN. RRM policies in eg E-UTRAN/LTE may be based on user specific information.

The SPID reaches the RAN node as follows. When a UE with a subscription attaches to the mobile network, the subscription context is downloaded to the CN node from another CN node, and the SPID is signaled from the CN node to the RAN node when the UE context is created in the RAN node. According to an embodiment herein, the SPID is extended to further include an indicator indicating whether caching is allowed. This will help the RAN node to decide which subscribers are allowed to use the cache.

As mentioned earlier, according to embodiments herein, the RAN node determines whether caching is allowed for the subscriber by checking/determining the value of the indicator, and if the value of the indicator indicates that caching in the RAN is allowed for the subscriber, then The RAN node controls the use of the cache, for example by comparing requests for information received from subscribers with the cache contents provided in the RAN cache associated with the RAN node, and if the requested information is in the cache, the RAN node Allows the subscriber to retrieve requested information from the cache. But if the value of the indicator indicates that caching in the RAN is not allowed for this subscriber, then the RAN controls the use of the cache by forwarding the subscriber's request for information to the intended server, or the RAN node sends a message to the cache associated with the RAN node. Signaling Notification: Caching in RAN is not allowed for this subscriber. For example the SPID may indicate for this subscriber: "100 = use of cache will be allowed", "101 = use of cache will not be allowed". If a value of 100 is indicated, the subscriber's request for information is compared to the cache content, and if the requested content is in the cache, it may be returned from the cache to the subscriber. But if a value of 101 is indicated, then the subscriber's request for information is forwarded to the intended server, such as an Internet or media server, rather than being compared with cached content. Note that embodiments are not limited to the above values of 100 and 101. These values are design parameters.

Accordingly, the SPID is extended to have other as an input to caching logic and/or processing circuitry in the RAN or RAN node as an indicator in determining which subscriber's traffic is allowed to be cached.

This way it is possible to control RAN caching at the subscription level to enable CN functionality for a given subscriber, such as LI, charging, policy control, etc., depending on whether caching in the RAN is allowed or not.

For example, if a LI is activated in the CN or a special charge is required for a particular subscription type of a particular subscriber for which, for example, an additional charge in the CN is required, the SPID received at the RAN node from the CN node may indicate that for this Subscriber does not allow RAN caching to ensure CN functionality works properly. Thus, the operator of the network can use this as an opportunity to include caching only for certain subscription types for which eg an additional fee is available.

It should be mentioned that in prior art 3GPP architectures, functions typically performed in the mobile packet core network, such as charging, LI, mobility and policy control, are based on the fact that all user plane traffic is anchored and traverses gateways, such as GGSN/ P-GW in order to be able to perform its functions and as previously described there is no user subscriber identity in the RAN of some mobile systems, for example IMSI in case of LTE RAN, which can be used to identify the end user to It is used to collect fees or intercept actions according to law. But using a solution according to embodiments herein enables these CN functions to still work properly even in mobile systems that do not allow user subscriber identities to be available in the RAN for such functions. Additionally, the methods described above may be implemented independently of the radio access technology (RAT) used.

The following sections describe in more detail how the SPID is communicated from the CN to the RAN for different RATs.

Figure 4 illustrates a simplified architecture for the E-UTRAN/LTE case when SPID is used to indicate whether caching in the RAN is allowed. As previously described, the SPID or subscribed RFSP index is transmitted from the HSS 401 to the MME 402 where it is translated or converted into the subscribed RFSP index in use. Even in other systems, the CN node still translates or translates the SPID into the RFSP index in use. For example for UTRAN the SGSN performs the translation as will be schematically shown in Figure 6 and for GERAN the MSC performs the translation.

Returning to FIG. 4 , the MME 402 receives the SPID from the HSS 401 during the UE attach procedure and stores the SPID in the MME 402 . Upon UE context setup, MME 402 forwards the SPID or subscribed RFSP index to RAN node eNB 404 . It should be mentioned that for roaming subscribers/UEs, MME 402 can remove or add SPID based on IMSI analysis. Figure 4 also illustrates a gateway 407, ie a packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) and a serving gateway (S-GW) connected to the Internet. Also depicted is a UE 406 within the coverage area of the E-UTRAN/RAN.

In the E-UTRAN/LTE scenario, the following signaling messages include the SPID: INITIALCONTEXT SETUP REQUEST (initial context establishment request); UE CONTEXTMODIFICATION REQUEST (UE context modification request); HANDOVER REQUIRED (requires handover ) and HANDOVER REQUEST (handover request).

The INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message may contain the following Information Element IEs: Handover Restriction List IE which may contain Roaming, Area or Access Restrictions; UE Radio Capability IE; Subscriber Profile ID IE for RAT/Frequency Priority; Circuit Switched Fallback Indicator IE and SRVCC operation possible IE. If available in the MME, which is the case in this scenario, the INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message shall contain the SPID IE for RAT/frequency priority. The same applies to UE CONTEXTMODIFICATION REQUEST.

In case of UE handover from source eNB to target eNB, the SPID IE for RAT/frequency priority is transmitted from source eNB to target eNB over X2. Therefore, according to an embodiment and in case of a handover, the RAN node, e.g. the target eNB, is configured to receive the SPID from the source RAN, e.g. the source eNB in a signaling message comprising the SPID indicating whether the handed over UE is allowed to use Cache in the target RAN node.

Returning to Figure 4, the eNB 304 owning the SPID (or RFSP index of subscriptions in use) is configured to control the usage of the cache in the RAN. The cache 405 may be placed in or connected to the eNB 404, or the cache 405 may be placed higher up in the RAN, eg in the RAN controller node 403 as shown (or connected to the RAN controller node 403) . In the scenario of FIG. 4 , there are two sub-scenarios depending on whether the signaling between MME 402 and eNB 404 traverses via cache 405 or not. In an example sub-scenario, the SPID value is considered received from the MME 402 over a UE-specific signaling connection. The interface between MME and eNB is called S1-MME interface. Also in the example sub-scenario, the S1-U interface, ie the user plane between eNB 404 and Serving Gateway S-GW 407 , may be configured for traversal via cache 405 .

Scenario 1: Cache (not shown) in eNB404

In this scenario, the eNB 404 analyzes the received message including the SPID value to determine whether caching is allowed in order to control the use of the cache, i.e. whether the UE 406 using the subscription is allowed to use the local high-speed cache.

Scenario 2: The cache 405 is higher up in the RAN, eg in the RAN controller node 403:

In Scenario 2, there are two sub-scenes:

- Sub-scenario 2a: MME-eNB signaling interface S1-MME does not undergo cache traversal.

In this sub-scenario, the eNB 304 uses the received SPID value to determine whether the UE 406 using the subscription should be allowed to use the cache higher up in the RAN.

If the SPIC indicates that caching is allowed, the eNB 404 signals the cache and indicates that caching is allowed. The S1-U interface, ie the user plane between eNB 404 and S-GW 407 , can pass through cache 405 . If the S1-U interface passes through the cache eg via the configuration of the transport network, it is sufficient for the eNB 404 to signal the cache 405 indicating that caching is allowed.

If the SPID indicates that caching is not allowed, the eNB 404 ensures that the cache is not used. One way to achieve this is that the eNB 404 does not link the S1-U interface to pass through the cache 405 . Another way is eNB 404 signaling to cache 405 that caching is not allowed for the subscriber or UE 406 . The latter action is used in case the S1-U interface is traversed through the cache 405 . Yet another way is that the RAN node, ie in this example the eNB 404, forwards the request for information received from the subscriber or UE 406 to the intended (Internet) server as previously described.

- Sub-scenario 2b: MME-eNB signaling interface S1-MME via cache traversal.

In this sub-scenario, cache 405 may intercept S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) signaling on the S1-MME interface and detect the SPID value indicated from MME 404 . The cache 405 in the RAN controller node 403 then uses the SPID value to determine whether the UE 406 using the subscription should be allowed to use the cache. Therefore, the main difference from sub-scenario 2a is that in this sub-scenario, the eNB 404 does not need to signal the SPID value to the cache 405 . The eNB 404 is configured to take similar action to ensure traversal of the S1-U interface via the cache 405 (where the cache is allowed).

Figure 5 illustrates a simplified architecture for the WCDMA/HSPA case when SPID is used to indicate whether caching in the RAN is allowed. FIG. 5 shows a CN comprising a HSS 501 connected to a SGSN 502 which in turn is connected to a GGSN 507 . GGSN 507 is connected to the Internet. In the RAN or UTRAN, an RNC 503 connected to a Node B or NB 504 is provided. UE 506 is also shown. Figure 5 also shows that cache 505 is an integral part of the RNC, but this is not required. In the following, four scenarios are described according to where the cache is located in the RAN.

It should be mentioned that in WCDMA, the following signaling messages include SPID: COMMONID (public ID); DIRECT TRANSFER (direct transmission); RELOCATION REQUEST (relocation request), RELOCATION REQUIRED (required relocation) and RANAP ENHANCED RELOCATION INFORMATION location information request), all these messages include source RNC to target RNC transparent container, and the container includes SPID.

At handover, the SPID is transferred from RAN to RAN using a transparent container. During cell reselection, i.e. UE changes cell, but the network has not 'prepared' the target RAN node, the CN node needs to send a new SPID. Coordinated SPID encoding is required to obtain the same UE behavior regardless of how the UE reaches the target cell.

Returning to Figure 5, HSS 501 and SGSN 502 handle the SPID as normal, and RNC 503 or Node B or NB 504 take new actions according to example embodiments. In all scenarios it is assumed that the Iu-PS UP interface, ie the user plane interface between RNC 503 and SGSN 502 or GGSN 507, is via cache traversal. Assume also that the UE 506 is configured as previously described for sending requests for information, such as media or data, and that this information can be provided as cache content to allow the UE 506 to retrieve it from the cache when either the subscriber or the UE 506 is allowed to do so. Do.

Scenario 1: Cache 505 is in RNC 503 (as shown in Figure 5)

The RNC 503 is configured to receive a signaling message from a CN node, in this example the SGSN 502 , including the SPID or the RFSP index in use, and analyze the SPID to determine if an indicator is provided in the SPID. If the indicator exists, the RNC 503 determines whether to allow the cache in the RAN, ie whether to allow the UE 506 using the subscription to use the local cache in the RNC 503 . In this case no specific action is required for the Iu-PSUP interface, since both the cache and the interface are in the same node, ie in the RNC 503 .

Scenario 2: The cache (not shown) is higher up in the RAN, ie above the RNC 503 but below/before the CN.

The actions of the RNC 503 may be very similar to the actions taken by the eNB 404 described previously with respect to Figure 4, ie "Scenario 2: Cache 405 higher up in the RAN, eg in the RAN controller node 403". The S1-MME interface is called the Iu-PS interface in this scenario, which is also called the Iu-PC CP to indicate that it is the control plane part of this interface. The two sub-scenarios 2a and 2b described earlier with respect to Fig. 4 also apply here.

Scenario 3: A cache (not shown) is between RNC 503 and NB or Node B 504 .

In this case, the RNC 503 and the cache need not have new signaling interfaces. When RNC 503 receives the SPID value in the signaling message from SGSN 502, the SPID value is forwarded to the cache. The cache (or RNC) may use the received value to determine whether caching is allowed for the UE 506 associated with the signaling connection. Note that since the cache is in the RAN, it is also considered a RAN node here.

Scenario 4: The cache (not shown) is in the NB or Node B 504 .

When the RNC 503 receives the SPID value from the SGSN 503 (in a signaling message), this SPID value is forwarded to the NB 504 . The NB 504 is then configured to use the received SPID value to determine/determine whether caching is allowed for the UE associated with the signaling connection.

Scenarios 3 and 4 above do require additional measures, since caching below the RNC is generally not possible due to air interface encryption being terminated in the RNC. However, these scenarios are also valid scenarios if the encryption termination point is to move between the RNC and the Node B or even into the Node B.

Figure 6 illustrates a network scenario comprising multiple RANs of different RATs, ie E-UTRAN connected to CN nodes MME, SGSN and MSC respectively; UTRAN and GERAN, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented. It should be noted that caching is not suitable for circuit switched services (such as voice). But the MSC being a circuit-switched (e.g. voice) node may be configured to send a SPID including an indicator to a RAN node, e.g. to a GERAN node or to a UTRAN node or to an E-UTRAN node, and the RAN node uses said SPID for Controls the use of caches in the RAN for packet switched services/traffic. SPID handling in different nodes is also shown in a simplified scenario. For example, as previously described in connection with Figure 4 (E-UTRAN/LTE scenario), the HSS and MME process the SPID in the CN, and the SPID is signaled from the MME to the RAN node of E-UTRAN. As previously described, the SPID stored in the HSS is called the subscribed RFSP index and is then translated in the MME; SGSN and MSC respectively. This is shown in FIG. 6 .

Similarly, for UTRAN/WCDMA/HSPA, the HSS and SGSN/MSC process the SPID signaled from the SGSN/MSC to the RAN node in UTRAN. For GERAN, the SPID is processed by the HSS and SGSN/MSC and then signaled to the RAN nodes in GERAN.

In case of handover of a UE (or subscriber (not shown)) from a source RAN to a target RAN, the SPID or RFSP index is communicated between the RANs in appropriate signaling messages as shown in FIG. 6 . For roaming subscribers, the MME can remove or add SPID based on IMSI analysis.

The example embodiments described above are not limited to LTE and WCDMA based systems, they are equally applicable to GPRS/EDGE and GSM systems. Caching in the RAN for GPRS/EDGE and GSM systems requires additional measures because (for GPRS/EDGE and GSM) caching below the SGSN is generally not possible due to air interface encryption being terminated in the SGSN. However, these scenarios are also valid if the encryption termination point is to move between the SGSN and the BSC or even into the BSC or BTS.

In GPRS/EDGE, the signaling messages including SPID are: DL-UNITDATA (DL unit data) (for each new DL packet); CREATE-BSS-PFC (create BSS PFC) (when establishing a bearer); GERAN handover: PS-HANDOVER-REQUIRED (requires PS handover) (in transparent RAN container); handover to GERAN: PS-HANDOVER-REQUEST (PS handover request) as a specific IE (ie transparent in PS-HANDOVER-REQUEST message RAN container does not contain SPID).

In GSM, the following signaling messages include SPID: ASSIGNMENT REQUEST (assignment request); COMMON ID (public ID), handover from GERAN: HANDOVER-REQUIRED (required handover) (including source RNC to target RNC transparent information. Only applicable to UTRAN handover); handover to GERAN; as a HANDOVER-REQUEST (handover request) of a specific BSSAP IE (ie, the transparent RAN container in the HANDOVER-REQUEST message does not contain the SPID).

Referring to Figure 7, there is illustrated a block diagram of example components of a RAN node 700 according to previously described embodiments. The RAN node 700 may be an RNC, Node B (or NB), RAN controller node, eNB, RBS, BSC according to the radio access technology to which the mobile network belongs as previously described. As shown, RAN node 700 may include one or more antennas connected to receiver circuitry (RX) 701 and transmitter circuitry (TX) 702 . RX701 and TX702 are not necessarily separate circuits, ie they can be integrated into a single transceiver circuit. The RAN node 700 also includes a processing circuit 704, a memory circuit/unit 703, which may be part of the processing unit 704 or a separate unit. TX and RX are shown connected to processing circuitry 704 . It should be noted that the RAN node 700 may comprise additional circuits or modules not shown in Fig. 7, such as interfaces X2, Sl, etc.

The receiver circuit 701 is configured for receiving a signaling message from a CN node or from another RAN, the signaling message comprising information on a subscriber profile dedicated or assigned to/to the subscriber. The information about the subscriber profile is the SPID or RFSP index of the subscription in use as previously described.

The processing circuit 704 is then configured to analyze the received information to determine whether an indicator is provided in the information. The processing circuit 704 is further configured to determine whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN if the indicator is provided in the information, and the processing circuit 704 is further configured to control the caching of the cache in the RAN based on a result of the determination. use. The processing circuit 704 is configured to determine the value of the indicator, and if the value indicates that caching is allowed in the RAN, the processing circuit is configured to compare the request for information received from the subscriber (or UE) with the The cache content provided in the cache associated with the node 700 controls the use of the cache. If the requested information is in the cache, the processing circuitry allows the subscriber to retrieve the requested information from the cache.

If the value of the indicator indicates that caching in the RAN is not allowed for the subscriber, the processing circuit 704 is configured to forward the request for information received from the subscriber to the intended server, for example via the transmitter circuit 702 or by communicating with the RAN node 700 The associated cache is signaled to the subscriber that the cache in the RAN is not allowed to control the use of the cache. The cache may be placed in or connected to the RAN node 700 as previously described, or the cache may be placed in another RAN node connected to the RAN node 700 . Caches can also be placed between and connected to RAN nodes.

Referring to FIG. 8 , illustrated is a block diagram of example components of a CN 800 in accordance with previously described embodiments. The CN node 800 may be MME, SGSN, MSC, HSS or HLR according to the radio access technology to which the mobile network belongs as previously described. As shown, CN node 800 includes receiver circuitry (RX) and transmitter circuitry (TX) 802, the RX and the TX are shown as part of the interface. Multiple interfaces (S1, A, Iu, Gb, etc.) may be provided but not shown. The CN node 800 also includes a processing circuit 804, a memory circuit/unit 803, and the memory circuit/unit may be a part of the processing unit 804 or a separate unit. CN node 800 may include additional components/circuitry.

According to an embodiment herein, the processing circuit 804 is configured to assemble a signaling message including information about a subscriber profile dedicated to the subscriber; the processing circuit 804 is also configured to include in the information about the subscriber profile An indicator indicating whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN. The sender circuit 802 is configured to send the assembled message including the indicator to the RAN node 700 to enable the RAN node to determine whether the subscriber is allowed to use the cache in the RAN.

Additional details concerning the functionality of RAN nodes and CN nodes have already been described and need not be repeated.

The invention and its embodiments can be implemented in many ways. For example, one embodiment includes a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions executable by a computer system located in a RAN node for controlling the use of a cache in the RAN. Instructions executable by a computing system and stored on a computer-readable medium perform the method steps as set forth in the claims. Another embodiment includes a computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions executable by a computer system located in a CN node for enabling the RAN to control the use of a cache in the RAN . Instructions executable by a computing system and stored on a computer-readable medium perform the method steps as set forth in the claims.

Where the expression "comprises" or "comprises" is used, it is to be construed as non-limiting, ie to mean "consisting of at least". The term "configured for" is equally interchangeable with "adapted to" and is considered to have the same meaning. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Accordingly, the above embodiments should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. the method using for the network node (700) of the radio access network RAN at telecommunication system, described method is for the use of the high-speed cache that is controlled at described RAN and carries out, and described method comprises:

-receive (201) signaling message from core net CN node (800) or from the RAN network node of described telecommunication system, described signaling message comprise about for/to subscriber special/information of subscriber's profile of assigning;

The described information about subscriber's profile that-analysis (202) receives is to determine in the described information about subscriber's profile whether provide designator;

-in the described information about subscriber's profile, provide described designator and determine whether (203) will allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN; And

-control the use of the high-speed cache (204) carrying out in described RAN based on described definite result.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said definite (203) comprise the value of determining described designator, and if the described value pointer of described designator allows to carry out high-speed cache in described RAN to described subscriber, described control (204) comprising: relatively receive from described subscriber for the request of information and the cache content providing the high-speed cache associated with described network node (700), and if the information of asking in described high-speed cache, allows described subscriber to fetch asked information from described high-speed cache.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein said definite (203) comprise the value of determining described designator, and if the described value pointer of described designator does not allow to carry out high-speed cache in described RAN to described subscriber, described control (204) comprising: forward to expection server the request for information receiving from described subscriber, or do not allow to carry out high-speed cache to the high-speed cache signaling notice associated with described network node (700) for described subscriber in described RAN.

4. according to the method described in the arbitrary claim in claim 1-3, wherein said reception (201) is the radio access technologies frequency of selection priority RFSP index of the reservation in subscriber's profile mark SPID or use about the described information of subscriber's profile.

5. the network node (700) of the radio access network RAN of a telecommunication system, for being controlled at the use of the high-speed cache that described RAN carries out, described network node (700) comprising:

-acceptor circuit (701), is arranged to from core net CN node (800) or from the RAN network node of described telecommunication system and receives signaling message, described signaling message comprise about for/to subscriber special/information of subscriber's profile of assigning;

-treatment circuit (704), is arranged to and analyzes the described information about subscriber's profile that receives to determine in the described information about subscriber's profile whether as described subscriber provides designator;

-described treatment circuit (704) is also arranged in the described information about subscriber's profile, provide described designator and determines whether to allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN; And

-described treatment circuit (704) is arranged to the use that is controlled at the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN based on described definite result.

6. network node according to claim 5 (700), wherein said treatment circuit (704) is arranged to the value of determining described designator, and if the described value pointer of described designator allows to carry out high-speed cache in described RAN to described subscriber, described treatment circuit (704) is arranged to and controls the use of high-speed cache by what relatively receive from described subscriber for the request of information and the cache content providing the high-speed cache associated with described network node (700), and if the information of asking is in described high-speed cache, described treatment circuit (704) is arranged to and allows described subscriber to fetch asked information from described high-speed cache.

7. network node according to claim 5 (700), wherein said treatment circuit (704) is arranged to the value of determining described designator, and if the described value pointer of described designator does not allow to carry out high-speed cache in described RAN to described subscriber, described treatment circuit (704) be arranged to by the transmitter circuit via described network node (700) (702) to expection server forward receive from described subscriber notify the use that does not allow to carry out high-speed cache among described RAN and control high-speed cache for described subscriber for the request of information or by the high-speed cache signaling to associated with described network node (700).

8. according to the network node (700) described in the arbitrary claim in claim 5-7, be wherein the radio access technologies frequency of selection priority RFSP index of the reservation in subscriber's profile mark SPID or use about the described information of subscriber's profile.

9. according to the network node (200) described in the arbitrary claim in claim 5-8, it is radio base station, and such as Node B or NB or eNB, or described network node is RAN controller node, such as RNC or base station controller BSC.

10. the method in the network node at the core net CN of telecommunication system (800), described method is for making the network node (700) of radio access network RAN can be controlled in subscriber's rank the use of the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN, and described method comprises:

-assembling (301) signaling message, described signaling message comprise about for/to subscriber special/information of subscriber's profile of assigning;

-comprising (302) designator about the described information of subscriber's profile, described designator indicates whether to allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN, and

-to described RAN(700) in described network node send the described message that (303) comprise the assembling of described designator, to make described RAN(700) in described network node can determine whether to allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN.

The network node (800) of the core net CN of 11. 1 kinds of telecommunication systems, for making the network node (700) of radio access network RAN can be controlled in subscriber's rank the use of the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN, described network node (800) comprising:

-treatment circuit (804), is arranged to assembling signaling message, described signaling message comprise about for/to subscriber special/information of subscriber's profile of assigning,

-described treatment circuit (804) is also arranged in the described information about subscriber's profile and comprises designator, and described designator indicates whether to allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN; And

-transmitter circuit (804), be arranged to described RAN(700) in described network node send the described message of the assembling that comprises described designator, to make described RAN(700) in described network node can determine whether to allow described subscriber to use the high-speed cache carrying out in described RAN.

Images