WO2008074229A1 - Method, system and multi-mode terminal for network selection in multi-standard communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, system and multi-mode terminal for network selection in multi-standard communication network are provided. In the method, a network selection control entity is arranged in the multi-standard communication network; when the multi-mode terminal requires a service, the network selection control entity controls the multi-mode terminal to select an accessing network based on predetermined selection policies and obtained selection reference information; and the multi-mode terminal starts the service using the selected accessing network. By combining the selection policies and the selection reference information according to the schemes provided by the embodiments of the present invention, appropriate accessing network, which can provide service connection for a multi-mode terminal, can be chosen based on the accessing network related information, such as the load condition, so that appropriate accessing network can be used to carry appropriate users and services, the network resources can be reasonably used, and plural networks of different standards can collaborate with each other, thereby saving the network resources, and ensuring the economy of the multi-standard communication network construction.

Description

 Method, system and multi-mode terminal for realizing network selection in multi-standard communication network

 The invention relates to the field of multi-standard communication networks, in particular to a method, a system and a multi-mode terminal for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network. Background technique

 In order to meet the requirements of wireless application scenarios and business diversification, wireless access technologies are also increasingly diversified. Due to the user's demand for ubiquitous wireless services and service experience, wireless access technologies and networks that are located in different wireless application scenarios and services can be diversified and coexisted and complemented for a long period of time. A variety of wireless access technologies and networks have unique advantages in the adaptability of wireless application scenarios and service deployments. For example, the support services for wide area coverage are mainly voice and medium and low rate data services, supporting networks such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) IX. Network, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, etc.; Support services for metro and hot zone coverage are mainly voice and high-rate data services, and support networks such as high-speed packet access (High Speed Packet Access) , HSPA ) Network, Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Evolved Data Only (EV-DO) network, and World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMA) Network, Air Interface Evolution (AIE) network, etc.; support services for hotspot coverage are mainly high-speed data services, supporting networks such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), LTE network, AIE network, etc. .

A variety of service networks and wireless access technologies suitable for different wireless application scenarios constitute a multi-standard communication network that seamlessly covers and provides a good service experience, so that users are in an environment covered by a multi-standard communication network. In many cases, the services supported by the single-standard networks in the multi-standard communication network are not completely complementary in many cases, but there is overlap, which is manifested in the data service. Especially obvious. For example, both WCDMA networks and WiMAX networks can provide data services. However, the two systems have different capabilities and economics. WiMAX networks can provide higher-speed data services and have better economy. Sex, that is, in areas where both WCDMA networks and WiMAX networks are simultaneously covered, users can get a better business experience in WiMAX networks. In addition, because the economics of WiMAX networks are very good, from the perspective of cost reduction It is also more inclined to provide data services in the WiMA network.

 Figure I is a schematic diagram of selecting an access network for an existing multimode terminal. As shown in Figure 1, at least two types of access networks are deployed in a multi-standard communication network: access network 1 and access network 2, access network 1 and Access network 2 is completely independent. The two modes supported by the multimode terminal are not coupled together. Therefore, the multimode terminal can reside in two access networks at the same time, and establish two connections to the service network at the same time, that is, the multimode terminals respectively pass The connection 1 of the access network 1 and the connection 2 of the access network 2 are connected to the service network. When a multimode terminal performs a certain service, there is only one connection between the multimode terminal and the service network. In this case, the connection with the service network needs to be selected. Currently, two methods are provided for selecting a connection with a service network. One option is to manually select a connection when the service is performed, that is, when a certain service needs to be performed, the multimode terminal provides the currently available several connections to the user. Let the user select a connection as the connection of the service. For the convenience of the user, the multi-mode terminal can convert each specific connection into more intuitive information, so that the user can understand, for example, the maximum supported by each connection. The other option is that the multimode terminal selects the default connection according to the configuration as the connection when performing the service, that is, the default connection when the connection of multiple systems is pre-configured in the multimode terminal, and when a certain service needs to be performed, The mode terminal selects the default connection as the connection for the service.

When a user manually selects a connection for performing a service, the user needs to perceive the existence of multiple types of access networks, and requires the user to understand the support capabilities of various types of access networks, and imposes certain requirements on the user's own capabilities. In a multi-standard communication network, letting users understand which access networks are in their environment, and the ability of each access network to support the service, thereby selecting an appropriate network, which is contrary to the ease of use of the service deployment. Sometimes it is not realistic. In addition, in order to facilitate the user's understanding, multi-mode terminals are required to convert the specific standard connection into relatively intuitive information, which is very practical in practical applications. Inconvenient, affecting the convenience of business deployment and the user's business experience. Moreover, since the user performs manual selection, it is not controlled by the network side, and cannot be selected according to the actual situation of each access network, such as the load situation.

 When the multimode terminal selects the default connection as the connection when performing the service according to the configuration, it is directly selected from the root configuration, and is not controlled by the network side. It cannot be selected according to the actual conditions of each access network, such as the load.

 The above two options are not controlled by the network side and cannot be selected according to the actual conditions of each access network. For example, when the load of the two access networks is unbalanced, the multimode terminal cannot effectively control the access network through the lightly loaded access network according to the existing selection mode, and cannot access the access networks in the multi-standard communication network. Cooperate with each other to make the relatively idle network resources unavailable for use and waste the network resources. For example, the access network selected through the existing selection method may not be suitable for the services to be performed by the user, affecting the multi-standard communication. The economics of the network. Summary of the invention

 In view of the above, the present invention provides a method, system and multi-mode terminal for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network, and selecting a suitable access network to provide a service connection for a multi-mode terminal.

 The method for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network provided by the present invention, setting a network selection control entity in a multi-standard communication network, and setting a selection policy in a network selection control entity in advance, the method comprising: the network selection control entity obtaining selection reference information And the network selection control entity controls the multimode terminal to select the access network according to the set selection policy and the acquired selection reference information.

 The system for implementing network selection in the multi-standard communication network provided by the present invention includes: at least two access networks, a network selection control entity, and a multi-mode terminal, where the access network is used to provide a connection for the multi-mode terminal; The network selection control entity is configured to control the multimode terminal to select an access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information; and the multimode terminal is configured to perform services through the selected access network.

The multimode terminal for implementing network selection in the multi-standard communication network provided by the present invention includes: a network selection unit, configured to use the connection corresponding to the received access network information as a connection of services. The multimode terminal for implementing network selection in the multi-standard communication network provided by the present invention includes: a network selection unit, configured to select an access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information, and use the connection corresponding to the access network as Business connection.

 In the embodiment provided by the present invention, the network selection control entity is set in the multi-standard communication network, and when the multi-mode terminal needs to perform the service, the network selection control entity controls the multi-mode terminal to select the access according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information. The network, the multi-mode terminal performs the service through the selected access network, and by combining the selection policy and the selection reference information, it is determined that the appropriate access network provides a service connection for the multi-mode terminal according to the relevant information of each access network. The appropriate access network carries appropriate users and services to ensure the reasonable use of network resources, so that the various types of networks can cooperate, saving network resources and ensuring the economics of multi-standard communication network construction.

 In addition, in the multi-standard communication network environment, according to the solution proposed by the embodiment of the present invention, the user can automatically select a suitable access network for the user without the user perceiving the specific access network of each system, so that the user enjoys the best service. Experience. DRAWINGS

 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing multimode terminal selecting an access network;

 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing network selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a protocol stack of a multimode terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of user development trends in a specific application example according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a specific application example according to an embodiment of the present invention. detailed description

2 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing network selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a network selection control entity is set in a multi-standard communication network, and a network selection control entity is used to select a selection policy according to a selected selection policy. The information control multimode terminal selects an access network; the multimode terminal is used to perform services through the selected access network. The system also includes, at least two access networks, Provides connectivity for multimode terminals.

 The specific implementation of the network selection control entity controlling the multimode terminal to select the access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information may be two processing manners. One processing method is: the network selection control entity selects a selection policy according to the selection policy. Selecting the reference information to select the access network, and then delivering the selected access network information to the multimode terminal; the other processing method is: the network selection control entity sends the selection policy and the selection reference information to the multimode terminal, multimode The terminal selects an access network according to the received selection policy and selection reference information. The network selection control entity may send the access network information to the multi-mode terminal, or issue the selection policy and select the reference information through one or more connections in all the connections, or send the access network to the multi-mode terminal through all the connections. The specific implementation of the delivery mode can be implemented by means of short messages, signaling, or the like.

 The selection reference information acquired by the network selection control entity mainly comes from various types of access networks, and may further come from the service network. The selection reference information may be network information, or connection information, or a combination of the two; the selection reference information may further include service information, or user information, or terminal information, or any combination of the above. The network information mainly refers to the load information of various types of access networks. The load of a certain type of access network directly determines what kind of service carrying capacity the access network can provide for increased users. The connection information mainly refers to the availability of various types of connections and service support capabilities, such as whether or not the interruption, the highest rate, the lowest rate, the average rate, and the bit error rate. The service information mainly refers to the quality of service requirements of the services that need to be performed, such as information such as guaranteed rate, delay, and error. The user information mainly refers to the user's priority and subscription information. Generally, users with higher priority can obtain resources preferentially to obtain higher service quality, such as bandwidth for transmission. The subscription information refers to the service signed by the user. Requirements for access network bearer capabilities. The terminal information mainly refers to the highest rate supported by the multimode terminal. This is because even different multimode terminals supporting the same type of access network may have different capabilities, such as supporting high speed packet downlink access.

The terminal of the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) system can only support 1.8 megabits per second (Mbps) in the early stage, and can gradually support 3.6 Mbps and 14.4 Mbps in the later stage.

The timing and manner of the network selection control entity to obtain various information may be different. For example, the network information and the connection information are dynamic information, and the related network elements in the access network may be required to periodically When the report, or the access network parameter reaches the set threshold, the report or periodic report is combined with the access network parameter to reach the set threshold, so as to realize the network selection 3⁄4 entity to collect the corresponding information, set the domain. The value reporting method can reduce the load on the access network and save resources. For example, the user information and the terminal information are static information, which can be related to the storage of user attributes in the access network when the user activates the connection and enters the access network. The network element is obtained and stored, and is deleted when the user connects to the network and leaves the access network. For example, the service information is semi-static, and is acquired and stored through the access network or the service network when the service is initiated, and is updated when the service is switched. , deleted at the end of the business.

 The selection policy may be pre-configured in the network selection control entity or dynamically configured in the network selection control entity according to the operation policy of the multi-standard communication network.

 When there are multiple connections between the multimode terminal and the service network, there is a choice of accessing the network. If there is only one connection between the multimode terminal and the service network, there is no problem of selecting the access network. The timing at which the network selection control entity controls the multimode terminal to select the access network may occur when the multimode terminal first establishes all connections, or when the current connection of the service performed by the multimode terminal changes, or when the service performed by the multimode terminal changes. The multi-mode terminal establishes all the connections for the first time to boot the user or transfer from the non-service area to the service area. The access networks corresponding to all the connections or the access networks corresponding to the partial connections notify the network selection control entity to control the multi-mode. The terminal chooses to access the network. When the current connection of the service is changed by the multimode terminal, the corresponding connection is interrupted or the service support capability changes greatly. For example, the transmission rate decreases, the bit error rate increases, and the set threshold is reached. The access network that provides the service connection notifies the network selection. The controlling entity controls the multimode terminal to select an access network. The service change of the multi-mode terminal refers to the change of the support capability of the service to the access network. At this time, a more suitable access network may be selected for the multi-mode terminal for the service, and the access network of the service connection is notified to the network. The selection control entity controls the multimode terminal to select an access network.

The multi-mode terminal includes a network selection unit, and when the network selection control entity directly sends the selected access network information to the multi-mode terminal, the network selection unit is configured to use the connection corresponding to the received access network information as the service connection. When the network selection control entity sends the selection policy and the selection reference information to the multimode terminal, the network selection unit is configured to select the access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information, and use the connection corresponding to the access network as the service. Connection. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a protocol stack of a multimode terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, after selecting an access network, the network selection layer determines a network layer corresponding to the selected access network, and adopts a suitable network layer. The layer notifies the upper application layer to send data. The application layer refers to a high-level protocol stack that implements a specific application, and the specific applications may be web browsing, streaming media, mail, games, and the like. Each network layer represents an access system that corresponds to the corresponding access network. Since the protocol stack of the multimode terminal includes multiple network layers, it is necessary to convert the information from each network layer into an information format recognizable by the application layer through the adaptation layer.

4 is a schematic diagram of user development trends in a specific application example according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, in a WCDMA standard network and a WiMAX standard network, the total number of users will increase year by year, reaching a maximum in 2010. The following years have remained basically unchanged. The single-mode end users of WCDMA reached the highest in 2009. Following the continuous popularization of WCDMA and WiMAX dual-mode terminals, the number of single-mode terminal users of WCDMA will decrease year by year. In order to adapt to the increase in the number of single-mode terminal users of WCDMA, the WCDMA standard network needs to continuously expand capacity from 2006 to 2009, reach the maximum capacity of the WCDMA system network in 2009, and at the same time increase the number of WCDMA and WiMA dual-mode terminal users. The WiMAX system network must continue to increase capacity since 2006. At this time, when the dual-mode terminal is located in the WCDMA system network and the WiMAX system network simultaneously covering the area, the real-time load situation of the WCDMA system network and the WiMAX system network can be The multimode terminal chooses to access the network. However, after the WCDMA standard network reaches the maximum capacity in 2009, the number of users is declining, and the network resources of the WCDMA system network are idle. If unreasonable use will result in waste of investment. At this time, from the perspective of reducing operating costs, it is hoped that after the dual-mode terminal is located in the area covered by the WCDMA system network and the WiMAX system network in 2009, the user's priority can be divided according to the user's data service revenue and subscription information. Users with low and unsigned high-speed data services should try to control the dual-mode terminal to select the WCDMA system network; or, when the load of the WiMAX system network exceeds the set threshold, control the ongoing low-speed continuous service switching of the dual-mode terminal. To the WCDMA standard network, on the one hand, it can fully utilize the network resources of the WCDMA standard network, on the other hand, it can reduce the business growth of the WiMAX standard network, reduce the investment in network construction, and make the WCDMA system network The network cooperates with the WiMAX standard network to ensure the economical construction of the multi-standard communication network. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a specific application example according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a multimode terminal is located in an area covered by a WCDMA system network and a WiMAX system network, and the specific processing procedure for implementing network selection may include the following steps. :

 Step 501: The multimode terminal is simultaneously connected to the WCDMA standard network and the WiMAX standard network, and two services are connected to the service network, and the general packet radio service (GPRS) support node (Serving GPRS Support Node) in the WCDMA system network is provided. The SGSN and the Access Service Network Gateway (ASN-GW) in the WiMAX system respectively notify the user of the network selection control entity multimode terminal to establish a new connection. The network selection control entity checks whether it stores user information, and if so, does not perform any operation. Otherwise, it will pass the authentication and authentication in the Home Location Register (HLR) and the WiMAX system in the WCDMA system. And the accounting (Authorization, Authorization and Accounting, AAA) server obtains user information, such as the user's priority and subscription information, to determine the user's subscription attributes. If the network selection control entity checks that it does not store the terminal information of the multimode terminal, the terminal information can be further obtained through the SGSN and the ASN-GW.

 Step 502: The network selection control entity acquires network information and connection information through the SGSN and the ASN-GW. The SGSN and the ASN-GW can periodically report the network information and the connection information to the network selection control entity, and report the network information and the connection information to the network selection control entity when the access network parameter reaches the set threshold, and can also periodically report and connect. The incoming network parameters are combined with the set threshold report.

 Step 503: When the multimode terminal needs to perform a service, the SGSN and/or the ASN-GW notify the network selection control entity to control the multimode terminal to select the access network. Alternatively, the service network, or SGSN, or ASN-GW, or any combination of the above, may further provide service information to the network selection control entity.

Step 504: After receiving the notification, the network selection control entity controls the multi-mode terminal to select the access network according to the selected selection policy and the acquired network information, connection information, user information, etc., and the specific implementation may be two processing modes. A processing method is: the network selection control entity selects an access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information, and then sends the selection to the multimode terminal. Access network information; Another processing method is: The network selection control entity sends a selection policy and selection reference information to the multimode terminal.

 Step 505: When the network selection unit of the multimode terminal receives the selected access network information, the network selection unit uses the connection corresponding to the received access network information as a service connection; the network selection unit of the multimode terminal When the selection policy and the selection reference information are received, the network selection unit selects the access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information, and the connection corresponding to the access network is used as the connection of the service.

 According to the processing procedure described above, the multimode terminal can be controlled to perform services through a suitable access network. For example, if the user has low priority and the load of the WCDMA system network is light, the multimode terminal is controlled to select the connection of the WCDMA standard network for service. If the WCDMA system network is heavily loaded, the multimode terminal can be controlled to select the connection of the WiMAX system network for service.

 In the subsequent process, the current service of the multimode terminal changes, or the current connection changes, and the network selection control entity can re-control the multimode terminal to select the access network. The spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the inventions

Claims

Rights request A method for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network, characterized in that a network selection control entity is set in a multi-standard communication network, and a selection policy is set in the network selection control entity in advance, the method comprising:  The network selection control entity obtains the selection reference information;  The network selection control entity controls the multimode terminal to select the access network according to the set selection policy and the acquired selection reference information.  2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling the multimode terminal to select the access network is:  The network selection control entity selects an access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information, and delivers the selected access network information to the multimode terminal; or  The network selection control entity delivers the set selection policy and the acquired selection reference information to the multimode terminal to enable the multimode terminal to select an access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information.  The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controlling the multimode terminal to select the access network, the method further comprises: the network selection control entity acquiring the selection reference information by accessing the network.  4. The method of claim 3, wherein  The selection reference information is network information, or connection information, or a combination of the two; the network selection control entity obtains the selection reference information by accessing the network, where: the network selection control entity receives the access network periodically. The selection control information is received by the network selection control entity; or, the network selection control entity receives the selection reference information reported by the access network when the access network parameter reaches the set alarm value; or  The network selection control entity receives the selection reference information reported by the access network periodically reporting and reporting that the access network parameter reaches a set threshold report. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein The selection reference information further includes user information;  And obtaining, by the network selection control entity, the selection reference information by using an access network, where: the network selection control entity receives the user information provided by the authentication entity in the access network.  6. The method of claim 3, wherein  The selection reference information further includes terminal information;  The network selection control entity obtains the selection reference information by accessing the network, where: the network selection control entity receives the terminal information reported by the access network.  A system for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network, the system comprising: at least two access networks, a network selection control entity, and a multimode terminal, wherein  The access network is configured to provide a connection for the multimode terminal;  The network selection control entity is configured to control the multimode terminal to select an access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information;  The multimode terminal is used to conduct services through a selected access network.  8. The system of claim 7 wherein:  The network selection control entity is configured to select an access network according to the set selection policy and the obtained selection reference information, and deliver the selected access network information to the multimode terminal; or  The network selection control entity is configured to deliver the set selection policy and the acquired selection reference information to the multimode terminal to enable the multimode terminal to select the access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information.  The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the access network is configured to provide selection reference information to a network selection control entity.  10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the system further comprises: a service network, wherein the service network is configured to provide a service in the selection reference information to the network selection control entity. A multimode terminal for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network, wherein the multimode terminal comprises at least: a network selection unit, configured to use the connection corresponding to the received access network information as a service connection. . A multi-mode terminal for implementing network selection in a multi-standard communication network, the multi-mode terminal at least comprising: a network selection unit, configured to select an access network according to the received selection policy and the selection reference information, and The connection corresponding to the access network is used as a connection of the service.