HK1051271B - System and method for using an ip address as a wireless unit identifier - Google Patents

Description

System and method for using an IP address as a wireless device identifier

Background

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to wireless networks.

Background

Today, data networks that provide wired connections to a group of users have become a vital part of business, academic, and consumer environments. For example, one of the largest data networks in the world is the internet. In addition to the internet, many organizations have private networks, access to which is limited to selected ones of the users. For example, a company may have an internal data network that connects its computers, servers, dumb terminals, printers, inventory equipment and test equipment using a wired ethernet topology.

It is generally undesirable for a system user to lose their connection to the data network when they leave the desk. If the user goes to a meeting in an organization, he may wish to bring his own computer and print out the document on a local printer. He may also wish to maintain a connection to the data network while in the office and during the conference so that he can, for example, continue to download or print a larger file, maintain contact with colleagues, or simply avoid re-initializing the connection when he arrives at the destination. All of these functions can be supported through the use of a distributed wireless data network.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a distributed wireless data network architecture. In fig. 1, a series of network access points 12A through 12N are distributed throughout a service area. In a typical configuration, each network access point 12 has one or more antennas that provide a respective coverage area that is contiguous with the coverage area of one or more other network access points 12, thereby providing a continuous service area. In the configuration shown in fig. 1, the network access points 12A-12N may provide continuous coverage for the range of buildings occupied by a single entity.

In the distributed architecture of fig. 1, each of the network access points 12A-12N are mutually peer-to-peer and do not designate individual network access points 12 as master control points. The network access points 12A through 12N are interconnected by a packet router 14. The packet router 14 also interconnects the network access points 12A-12N with an external packet-switched network 16, which may be another private network or a public network such as the internet. The packet router 14 may be an off-the-shelf product that operates according to an industry standard protocol suite. For example, the packet router 14 may be a Cisco4700 packet router marketed by Cisco systems, san jose, california. The industry standard packet router 14 operates in accordance with the Internet Protocol (IP) suite. In this configuration, the individual entities in each network access point 12 are assigned a unique IP address and when an entity in one network access point 12 wishes to communicate with another entity in the other network access points 12A-12N or an entity coupled to the packet-switched network 16, an IP packet specifying the destination IP address is directed to the packet router 14. In addition to the network access points 12A-12N, other entities, such as printers, computers, test equipment, servers, dumb terminals, or any other type of device having data capabilities, may also be wired directly to the packet router 14. These devices are also given an IP address.

Each network access point 12 includes one or more land-side wireless modems that may communicate with user terminals 18. Each subscriber terminal 18 includes a remote radio modem. For purposes of discussion, it will be assumed that the network access points 12A through 12N and the wireless modems in the user terminals 18 both provide a physical layer consistent with the modulation and multiple access techniques described in the TIA/EIA temporary standard (TIA/EIA/IS-95) entitled "mobile station-base station compatibility standard for dual mode wide spectrum cellular telephone systems," and its derivatives (collectively referred to herein as IS-95), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and similar successor standards. However, these general principles may be applied to many wireless data systems that provide a physical layer interface with true mobility.

In fig. 1, each network access point 12 incorporates control point capabilities. The control point function provides mobility management for the system and performs a variety of functions such as radio link layer management, signaling protocols, and data link layer management over the radio link.

In a typical data system, when a user terminal 18 initially establishes communication with the network, it uses a Mobile Station Identifier (MSID). In one embodiment, the user terminal 18 determines its MSID based on an electronic serial number or mobile identification number of a network access point or other permanent address associated with the user terminal 18. Alternatively, the user terminal 18 may also choose a random number to improve security. The user terminal 18 uses the MSID to send an access message to the network access point 12. By identifying the user terminal 18 with the MSID, the network access point 12 exchanges a series of messages with the user terminal 18 to establish a connection. If some random or other incompletely described MSID is used, the true mobile station identifier may be communicated to the network access point 12 once the encrypted connection setup is complete.

The user terminal 18 may also be identified using a Temporary Mobile Station Identifier (TMSI). The TMSI is called temporary because it changes from session to session. A new TMSI may be selected when the user terminal 18 enters another system where its new network access point is not directly connected to the original access point. Also, a new TMSI may be selected if the user terminal 18 is powered off and then powered back up.

The initial access point 12, which initially established communication, maintains in memory the characteristics of the user terminal 18 and the current state of the connection. If the user terminal 18 moves into the coverage area of another network access point 12, it identifies itself to the network access point 12 using the TMSI. The new network access point 12 then accesses a system memory location 20 in which the original access point 12 was identified as being associated with the TMSI. The new network access point 12 receives data packets from the user terminal 18 and forwards the data packets to the indicated initial access point 12 using the IP address specified in the system memory unit 20.

The process of accessing the system memory unit 20 and the management of the TMSI centralized repository is cumbersome and consumes system resources. Furthermore, this process may cause a single point of failure, i.e., one failure of system memory unit 20 may crash the entire system.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a more efficient method and system for identifying a user terminal.

Disclosure of Invention

A method of providing wireless services, the method comprising: receiving a first wireless link message from a first user terminal at a first network access point, the first wireless link message identifying the first user terminal; assigning an IP address to a controller in an access network, said IP address for controlling operation of said first user terminal, said controller storing a current state of a communication session of the first user terminal; assigning the IP address to the first user terminal as an identifier of a mobile station; the IP address being assigned to a controller for controlling operation of said first user terminal during a communication session, a route being established for said IP address to said controller; forwarding a second radio link message to the user terminal designated as the IP address; receiving a third radio link message from the first user terminal, wherein the first user terminal is identified by the IP address, and routing the third radio link message to the controller using the IP address.

The method above further comprising parsing the third radio link message to determine an IP address of the controller and creating at least one standard IP packet designated as the IP address.

A system for providing wireless services, the system comprising: a packet router; and a first network access point corresponding to a first coverage area, the first network access point coupled with the packet router and comprising: means for receiving radio link signals from user terminals within said first coverage area; means for creating a route in said packet router for an IP address corresponding to the control functionality of said first network access point; means for using said IP address as a mobile station identifier MSID of said user terminal; and means for receiving a message from a user terminal identified by the IP address as mobile station identifier MSID and for routing said message to said network access point using said IP address.

The system above further comprising a second network access point coupled to the packet router, the second network access point comprising: means for receiving radio link messages from user terminals within said second coverage area; means for parsing the radio link message to determine the IP address; and means for creating a standard IP packet designated as the IP address and sending the standard IP packet to the packet router.

A system for providing wireless services, the system comprising: means for receiving a first wireless link message at a first network access point from a first user terminal, the first wireless link message identifying the first user terminal; means for assigning an IP address to said first user terminal as a mobile station identifier MSID, said IP address being assigned to a controller at a first network access point for controlling operation of said first user terminal during a communication session; wherein the controller stores a current state of the first user terminal communication session; means for establishing a route to a controller for the IP address; means for forwarding the second radio link message to the user terminal designated as the IP address; and means for receiving a third radio link message from the first user terminal, wherein the first user terminal is identified by the IP address as the MSID.

In a wireless communication system, a network access point adapted to communicate with an internet protocol, IP, network, the network access point comprising: a receiver adapted to receive a message from a user terminal and to analyze said message to determine an IP address of said user terminal, said IP address serving as a mobile station identifier, MSID, and as a specified IP address of a controller of an initial access point of the user terminal; a controller for radio link layer management, transmitting protocol management and data link layer management signals over a radio link; means for creating an IP packet using the IP address as an address; means for sending the packet to a packet router, the means for routing the packet based on the IP address.

Drawings

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

The drawings comprise:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing wireless services;

fig. 2 is a block diagram of a distributed wireless network architecture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of exemplary operation of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a distributed wireless data network architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 2, a series of network access points 40A through 40N are distributed throughout the service area. In a typical configuration, each network access point 40 has one or more antennas that provide a coverage area that is contiguous with the coverage area of one or more other network access points 40, thereby providing a contiguous service area. In the configuration shown in fig. 2, the network access points 40A through 40N may provide continuous coverage for the range of buildings occupied by a single entity.

In the distributed architecture of fig. 2, each of the network access points 40A through 40N are mutually peer-to-peer, and no individual network access point 40 is designated as a turnkey point. The network access points 40A through 40N are connected to a packet router 42 that provides interconnection therebetween. The packet router 42 also interconnects the network access points 40A-40N with an external packet-switched network 44, which may be another private network or a public network such as the internet. The packet router 42 may be an off-the-shelf product that operates according to an industry standard protocol suite, and may be, for example, a Cisco4700 packet router marketed by Cisco systems, san jose, california.

The standard packet router 42 operates in accordance with the Internet Protocol (IP) suite. In this configuration, a unique IP address is assigned to individual entities in each network access point 40, and when an entity in a network access point 40 wishes to communicate with another entity in the other network access points 40A through 40N or with an entity coupled to the packet-switched network 44, it directs an IP packet to the packet router 42 specifying the source and destination IP addresses. In addition to network access points 40A through 40N, other entities, such as printers, computers, test equipment, servers, dumb terminals, or any other type of device having data capabilities, may also be wired directly to packet router 42. These devices are also assigned IP addresses.

Each network access point 40 includes one or more "shore" wireless modems configured to provide communication for user terminals 46. Each user terminal 46 includes a remote radio modem configured to provide a physical layer for wireless coupling of the user terminal 46 to the network access point 40.

In fig. 2, each network access point 40 incorporates control point capabilities. The control point function provides mobility management for the system, performing a variety of functions such as radio link layer management, signaling protocols, and data link layer management over the radio link.

According to one embodiment, when the user terminal 46 initially accesses the system, it sends an initial access message to the corresponding network access point 40 in its coverage area. The initial access message assigns a virtual identifier (DID) to the user terminal 46. The DID may be randomly selected from a small set of numbers or may be determined by using a hash function over a larger unique user terminal identification number. According to IS-95, the user terminal 46 uses the Mobile Station Identifier (MSID) as the DID.

The initial network access point 40 perceives the initial access message and assigns an IP address to the user terminal 46. In one embodiment, a set of static IP addresses may be assigned to each network access point 40, and the network access point 40 may select one from the set of static IP addresses to assign to the user terminal 46. In another embodiment, the system includes a dynamic host central processing unit (DHCP)48 that dynamically assigns IP addresses throughout the system. DHCP48 is used as a clearinghouse to allocate available IP addresses.

The initial network access point 40 establishes a route for the selected IP address to a controller within the initial network access point 40. For example, depending on the manner in which an IP address is selected, static or dynamic routing may be established for the IP address in accordance with well-known techniques. The network access point 40 informs the user terminal 46 of the selected IP address in a message that specifies both the DID and the IP address.

From then on, the user terminal 46 can use the IP address as the MSID when transmitting in the communication protocol. For example, the user terminal 46 may send a message specifying the selected IP address on an access, control, or traffic channel.

In one embodiment, each time a new or initial network access point 40 receives a message from a user terminal 46, the network access point 40 parses the message to determine the IP address. The network access point 40 creates an IP packet using the IP address as an address and directs the IP packet to the packet router 42, which routes the packet according to the IP address. In this manner, the new network access point 40 does not need to access a system-wide memory bank to route the received packets. Instead, the network access point 40 relies solely on the information received in the packet. The system may automatically forward the IP packets to the appropriate network access controller using well-known techniques.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart describing operations according to one embodiment. At block 100, a user terminal sends an initial access message to a network access point specifying a virtual identifier. At block 102, an IP address is assigned to the user terminal for use in the session. Note that at this point the network access point may not know the true identity of the user terminal. In one embodiment, the IP address may be selected by the dynamic master control processor. Alternatively, the network access point may select the IP address from a static library. At block 104, a route is established for the IP address in accordance with well-known principles. For example, a route is established that sends the IP address to a controller or control function within the initial access point. In general, routing is established to a controller that controls the operation of the user terminal throughout the current session, to provide control point functionality, and the controller may be located in many system elements.

The network access point sends a message to the user terminal using the virtual identifier as the MSID and specifies the selected IP address in the message, block 106. The user terminal uses the IP address as the MSID and sends a message to the network access point, block 108. For example, in one embodiment, the message may be a registration message, while in another embodiment, the message carries other additional information or user data. The network access point parses the information to determine an IP address, block 110. In block 112, the initial access point forwards a corresponding message to the router using the IP address as the source address.

In a similar manner, other entities coupled to the router may also send messages to the user terminal using the IP address. These messages will be routed to the original access point holding the user terminal identification information. For example, if the second network access point receives a message from the user terminal, it creates a corresponding message using the IP address as the destination address and forwards it to the router. For example, as shown in fig. 2, assume that steps 100, 102, 104 and 106 have all been performed, and thus, the user terminal 46 has been assigned an IP address, and a corresponding route has been established to the controller assigned to the user terminal 46. Assume also that network access point 40B is the initial network access point and the controller is within network access point 40B. Assume again that the user terminal 46 is currently within the coverage area of network access point 40A. When the user terminal 46 creates a message, a message is created that identifies itself with the IP address. The message may be created according to a corresponding radio link protocol and forwarded to network access point 40A over, for example, radio link path 60. Network access point 40A parses the message to determine the IP address, and network access point 40A creates a packet with the IP address as the destination address, and forwards the message to packet router 42 via, for example, standard IP path 62. Packet router 42, in turn, routes the packet to a controller within network access point 40B via standard IP path 64.

The above-described method and apparatus are particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with a QUALCOMM * HDR-2000 system and IS-95, commonly referred to as a "QUALCOMM * high data rate air interface". In these systems, a 32-bit MSID is specified. Since the IP address is also 32 bits, it would be more advantageous to use the IP address as the MSID in these embodiments.

The invention may be implemented in a variety of media including software and hardware, with exemplary embodiments of the invention comprising computer software executing on a standard microprocessor, discrete logic, or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (6)

1. A method of providing wireless services, the method comprising:

receiving a first wireless link message from a first user terminal at a first network access point, the first wireless link message identifying the first user terminal;

assigning an IP address to a controller in a first network access point, said IP address for controlling operation of said first user terminal, said controller storing a current state of a communication session for the first user terminal;

assigning the IP address to the first user terminal as an identifier of a mobile station; the IP address specifying a controller controlling operation of the first user terminal during the communication session,

establishing a route to the controller for the IP address;

forwarding a second radio link message to the user terminal to which the IP address is assigned;

receiving a third radio link message from the first user terminal, wherein the first user terminal is identified by the IP address, and

routing a third radio link message to the controller using the IP address.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising parsing the third radio link message to determine an IP address of the controller and creating at least one standard IP packet designated as the IP address.

3. A system for providing wireless services, the system comprising:

a packet router; and

a first network access point corresponding to a first coverage area, the first network access point coupled with the packet router and comprising:

means for receiving radio link signals from user terminals within said first coverage area;

means for creating a route in said packet router for an IP address corresponding to the control functionality of said first network access point;

means for using said IP address as a mobile station identifier MSID of said user terminal; and

means for receiving a message from a user terminal identified by this IP address as mobile station identifier MSID and for routing said message to said network access point using said IP address.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a second network access point coupled with the packet router, the second network access point comprising:

means for receiving radio link messages from user terminals within said second coverage area;

means for parsing the radio link message to determine the IP address; and

means for creating a standard IP packet designated as the IP address and directing the standard IP packet to the packet router.

5. A system for providing wireless services, the system comprising:

means for receiving a first wireless link message at a first network access point from a first user terminal, the first wireless link message identifying the first user terminal;

means for assigning an IP address to said first user terminal as a mobile station identifier MSID, said IP address being pre-assigned to a controller at a first network access point for controlling operation of said first user terminal during a communication session; wherein the controller stores a current state of the first user terminal communication session;

means for establishing a route to a controller for the IP address;

means for forwarding the second radio link message to the user terminal to which the IP address is assigned; and

means for receiving a third radio link message from the first user terminal, wherein the first user terminal is identified by the IP address as the MSID.

6. In a wireless communication system, a network access point adapted to communicate with an IP network, the network access point comprising:

a controller for radio link layer management, transmitting protocol management and data link layer management signals over a radio link;

a receiver adapted to receive a message from a user terminal and to analyze said message to determine an IP address of said user terminal, said IP address serving as a mobile station identifier, MSID, and as a target IP address of said controller of an initial access point of the user terminal;

means for creating an IP packet from the IP address;

means for sending the packet to a packet router, the means for routing the packet based on the IP address.