WO2011040123A1 - Radio communication system, upper node, base station and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a radio communication system which includes: a mobile terminal; base stations to be connected and communicate with the mobile terminal; and an upper node of the base stations. The radio communication system further includes a management node which sets up, in the upper node, conditions for connecting the respective base stations to the mobile terminal, wherein, on the basis of the conditions for connecting the respective base stations to the mobile terminal, the upper node notifies one of the base stations of a handover condition regarding a base station to which the mobile terminal is to be handed over in handover thereof.

Description

Wireless communication system, upper node, base station, communication method

The present invention relates to a technique for managing handover of a mobile terminal in a wireless communication system.

Recently, it has been studied to introduce a small base station called a femto base station in addition to an existing base station in a wireless communication system. Hereinafter, an existing base station is called a macro base station for distinction.

In recent years, the amount of data communication at mobile terminals has increased rapidly, and the communication capacity handled by macro base stations has increased. As a result, there is an increased possibility that an emergency call is difficult to connect due to congestion.

Therefore, each telecommunications carrier is forced to choose between adding a macro base station or installing a femto base station within the user's premises. A femto base station is generally purchased by a user and installed in the user's premises. Therefore, a telecommunications carrier can solve the above problem at a low cost by spreading the femto base station.

Furthermore, telecommunications carriers are considering the development of services unique to femto base stations for the purpose of improving the ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) that has reached its peak.

In “4 Overview” of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) TS25.367 v8.1.0 (Non-Patent Document 1) v8.1.0, the standard for mobile communications, the femto base station is a CSG (Closed Subscriber). It is described that only mobile terminals belonging to a group (Group) can be connected and a service is provided only to the mobile terminals. However, when the CSG usable time is set for the mobile terminal, the service is provided only within the set range.

The mobile terminal basically communicates with the macro base station, but in order to receive services from the femto base station, it must communicate with the femto base station. In this case, since the mobile terminal is handed over to the femto base station and communication with the femto base station is started, a new method for managing the handover of the mobile terminal is required.

So far, methods for managing handover of a mobile terminal have been proposed in 3GPP TR25.931 v8.0.0 (Non-patent Document 2) and Patent Documents 1 to 4.

In "7.13.1.2 Service Based Intersystem Handover" of 3GPP TR25.931 v8.0.0 (Non-patent Document 2), the mobile terminal is moved from a 3G (3rd Generation) wireless communication system to 2G (2nd Generation). SBHO (Service Based Intersystem Handover), which is an inter-system handover method for handing over to a wireless communication system, is disclosed. However, in this method, although a mobile terminal communicating with a 3G femto base station can be handed over to a 2G macro base station, the 3G femto base station, 3G macro base station, and LTE (Long Term Evolution) macro Handover to the base station is not possible.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method for handing over a mobile terminal to a different RAN (Radio Access Network). In this method, an IE (Information Element) called a service handover information element is exchanged between different wireless communication systems. However, this IE does not include information on the CSG availability time necessary for receiving services from the femto base station.

Patent Document 2 discloses a method for managing handover between access networks in a packet communication environment including an access network in a heterogeneous environment. The handover handled here is called a network layer handover, and is performed between access networks that are partially or entirely duplicated. The communication quality is deteriorated, the communication method is changed by the user, and different access networks are used. It is implemented when the service provided by is used. However, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for managing handover limited to packet communication, and is used for managing handover in wireless communication such as 3GPP that is premised on performing voice communication. Necessary specifications are not disclosed.

In Patent Document 3, a mobile terminal that can be handed over to a wireless communication system different from the wireless communication system in a congested state is determined in order to suppress the influence of congestion to a minimum, and the mobile terminal is forced to A method for performing a handover is disclosed. Patent Document 4 discloses a method for determining a mobile terminal that can be handed over to a base station adjacent to a base station in a congested state and forcing the mobile terminal to perform a handover.

However, both the methods disclosed in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 are methods for avoiding congestion, and do not provide an effective means for providing a service unique to the femto base station to the user.

International Publication No. 2003/094567 JP 2008-546304 A JP 2008-270919 A JP 2008-259046 A

3GPP TR25.367 v8.1.0 3GPP TR25.931 v8.0.0 3GPP TS25.413 v8.2.1 3GPP TS 29.002 v8. a. 0 3GPP TS25.331 v8.6.0

As described above, in the service unique to the femto base station, as a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the femto base station, in addition to the CSG usable time, a setting such that a certain femto base station is dedicated to packet communication or voice communication is also possible Is possible.

Therefore, when providing a service unique to the femto base station to the user, it is necessary to perform handover according to the connection conditions between the mobile terminal and the femto base station.

However, with the related technology described above, it is impossible to implement a handover necessary for providing a user with a unique service of the femto base station, that is, a handover according to a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the femto base station. There are challenges.

Therefore, the following problems occur.

The first problem occurs when a user uses a service provided only to a mobile terminal belonging to the CSG. For example, when a CSG usable time at a certain femto base station is set when a user contracts, if the handover cannot be performed before the set value is exceeded, communication is interrupted.

The second problem is to reduce the impact of large-capacity packet communications with a guaranteed bit rate that is guaranteed by the telecommunications carrier, such as streaming video, on the existing equipment. This occurs when the base station is set exclusively for packet communication. For example, when a mobile terminal belonging to a certain CSG is performing packet communication at a femto base station, another user belonging to the same CSG can be handed over to perform voice communication. If not, voice communication cannot be started.

The third problem is when there is a 3G macro base station or LTE macro base station capable of high-speed packet communication that is not supported by the 3G femto base station in the area where the 3G femto base station is introduced. Arise. For example, if a 3G femto base station supports HS-DSCH Category 6 (3.6 Mbps), and a 3G macro base station supports HS-DSCH Category 10 (14.4 Mbps), the communication carrier is 3G femto. If the base station is dedicated to voice communication and cannot be handed over to perform packet communication with 3G macro base stations or LTE macro base stations, the opportunity to improve user convenience is missed. become.

The fourth problem is that a femto base station that provides a value-added service that does not depend on whether the mobile terminal belongs to the CSG becomes temporarily unavailable due to inspection or congestion, and temporarily Occurs after handing over to communicate with the base station. When the femto base station becomes available again, the mobile terminal belonging to the CSG should be handed over to the femto base station in order to provide a femto base station-specific service. On the other hand, if a mobile terminal that does not belong to the CSG cannot select whether to continue communication with the macro base station or start communication with the femto base station, for example, a femto that includes a coverage hole in the service area of the macro base station. When moving to the service area of the base station, communication cannot be continued.

The fifth problem is that the mobile terminal can receive the above value-added service from the femto base station while the user is communicating with the macro base station within the femto base station service area. It occurs after handed over in order to communicate with the station. If the mobile terminal can communicate with this femto base station even if it is not providing value-added services, it will continue to communicate with the femto base station before the value-added services at the femto base station become unavailable. If the mobile terminal cannot determine whether to start communication with the macro base station, for example, a situation in which handover to the macro base station cannot be performed occurs. For this reason, a user who has moved out of the range of the femto base station cannot continue communication.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and when a connection condition between a mobile terminal and a base station is set, a radio communication system capable of performing a handover according to the connection condition, an upper node It is to provide a base station and a communication method.

The wireless communication system of the present invention includes:
A wireless communication system comprising a mobile terminal, a base station that connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal, and an upper node of the base station,
A management node that sets a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station in the upper node;
The upper node is
Based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, the base station is notified of a handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs a handover.

The upper node of the present invention is:
An upper node of a base station that communicates with a mobile terminal,
When a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station is set from the management node, the mobile terminal hands over to the base station based on the connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station. A processing unit for notifying a handover condition which is a condition related to a handover destination base station.

The base station of the present invention
A base station that communicates with a mobile terminal,
A communication unit for notifying a handover condition, which is a condition related to a handover destination base station, when the mobile terminal performs a handover based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, from an upper node; .

The first communication method of the present invention includes:
A communication method using a radio communication system comprising a mobile terminal, a base station that connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal, and an upper node of the base station,
A management node setting a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station in the upper node;
Based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, the upper node sets a handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover to the base station. And notifying.

The second communication method of the present invention includes:
A communication method by an upper node of a base station that communicates by connecting to a mobile terminal,
A connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station is set from a management node;
Based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, notifying the base station of a handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover, Have

The third communication method of the present invention is:
A communication method by a base station that communicates by connecting to a mobile terminal,
There is a step of notifying a handover condition, which is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs a handover, based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station.

According to the present invention, the management node sets a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station in the upper node, and the upper node transmits the mobile terminal to the base station based on the connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station. Notifies a handover condition which is a condition related to a handover destination base station when performing a handover.

Therefore, when a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station is set, an effect that a handover can be performed according to the connection condition is obtained.

It is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radio communication system of an embodiment of the present invention. Is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the management node shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of each node other than the management node shown in FIG. Is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system shown in FIG. It is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radio communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the existing "Service Handover IE". It is a figure which shows what expanded enumeration type variables, such as existing "Service Handover IE", and defined the handover condition of this invention. It is a figure which shows new IE which defined the handover conditions of this invention as an enumeration type variable. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between handover conditions defined as enumerated variables and their meanings in FIGS. 7 and 8. It is a figure which shows the correspondence table of the set of UARFCN and PSC, and the identification number of a femto base station. Is a diagram showing an existing "CSG-SubscriptionData". It is a figure which shows what added the amount of money and the number of packets which can be used to existing "CSG-SubscriptionData". Is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radio | wireless communications system of Example 2 of this invention. It is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 14. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radio | wireless communications system of Example 3 of this invention. It is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 16. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radio | wireless communications system of Example 4 of this invention. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the wireless communication system illustrated in FIG. 18. It is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radio communication system of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 20. It is a figure which shows new "CSG Handover IE" which defined the handover conditions of this invention as an enumeration type variable. It is a figure which shows new "CSG Handover IE" in E-UTRAN which defined the handover conditions of this invention as an enumerated variable.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system of the present embodiment includes a mobile terminal 100, base stations 210 and 220 that connect to the mobile terminal 100 and perform communication, an upper node 300 of the base stations 210 and 220, and a management node. 400. The upper node 300 is a CN node or the like arranged in a CN (Core Network).

In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is composed of a single wireless communication system such as 2G, 3G, LTE, etc. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a configuration including a plurality of wireless communication systems.

Further, the numbers of mobile terminals, base stations, and upper nodes are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the management node 400.

2, the management node 400 includes a communication unit 500 and a management unit 600.

The communication unit 500 communicates with other nodes.

The management unit 600 is a part that manages handover of the mobile terminal 100, and sets, for example, a connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 in the upper node 300.

Specifically, the connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 is, for example, when the base station 210 is a femto base station, the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the base station 210 as a mobile terminal belonging to the CSG. The available time, the number of available packets, the available amount, etc. when connecting and using the service.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of each node other than the management node 400 (the base stations 210 and 220 and the upper node 300 in FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 3, each node other than the management node 400 includes a communication unit 700 and a processing unit 800.

The communication unit 700 communicates with other nodes. The communication unit 700 of the base stations 210 and 220 also communicates with the mobile terminal 100.

The processing unit 800 performs various processes related to the handover of the mobile terminal 100 under the management of the management node 400.

For example, the processing unit 800 of the upper node 300 directly or unrepresented to the base stations 210 and 220 based on the connection conditions between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 set in the management node 400. A handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal 100 performs a handover indirectly is notified via the station control apparatus.

Specifically, the handover conditions are roughly divided into the following three.
(A) Hand over to a certain base station (B) Do not hand over to a certain base station (C) Let the mobile terminal 100 select a base station to continue communication. Also, the processing unit 800 of the base stations 210 and 220 includes: Based on the handover condition notified from the upper node 300, the mobile terminal 100 is handed over.

Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the management node 400 sets the connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 in the upper node 300 (step A1). In this situation, the mobile terminal 100 is communicating with the base station 210 (step A2).

The upper node 300 notifies the handover condition to the base station 210 based on the connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 set in the management node 400 (step A3).

Specifically, the handover conditions here are as follows.
(A) Hand over to base station 220 (B) Do not hand over to base station 220 (C) Select mobile terminal 100 to continue communication with own station or hand over to base station 220 After that, the base station 210 performs handover of the mobile terminal 100 based on the handover condition notified from the upper node 300 (step A4).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the management node 400 sets the connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 in the upper node 300, and the upper node 300 connects the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220. Based on the connection condition, the base station 210 and 220 are notified of the handover condition which is a condition regarding the handover destination base station when the mobile terminal 100 performs the handover.

Therefore, even when a connection condition between the mobile terminal 100 and the base stations 210 and 220 is set, an effect that a handover can be performed according to the connection condition is obtained.

Hereinafter, examples embodying the embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(1) Example 1
(1-1) Configuration of Embodiment 1 FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The wireless communication system of the present embodiment is composed of three wireless communication systems of 2G, 3G, and LTE.

The 2G wireless communication system includes a 2G macro base station 18, a 2G macro base station control device 19, and a 2G CN 20. In addition, a 2G CN node 20A is arranged in the 2G CN20.

The 3G wireless communication system includes a 3G femto base station 5, a 3G femto base station control device 6, a 3G macro base station 9, a 3G macro base station control device 10, and a 3G CN7. In addition, 3G CN node 7A is arranged in 3G CN7.

The LTE radio communication system includes an LTE femto base station 12, an LTE femto base station control device 13, an LTE macro base station 16, and an LTE CN 14. An LTE CN node 14A is arranged in the LTE CN 14.

2G macro base station 18, 3G femto base station 5, 3G macro base station 9, LTE femto base station 12, and LTE macro base station 16 are specific examples of base stations 210 and 220 in FIG. Is as shown in FIG.

The 2G CN node 20A, 3G CN node 7A, and LTE CN node 14A are specific examples of the upper node 300 in FIG. 1, and the internal configuration is as shown in FIG.

The management node 21 is a specific example of the management node 400 in FIG. 1, and the internal configuration is as shown in FIG.

The internal configurations of the 2G macro base station control device 19, the 3G femto base station control device 6, the 3G macro base station control device 10, and the LTE femto base station control device 13 are the same as those in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, a part of the 3G femto base station service area 4 and a part of the 3G macro base station service area 8 are overlapped, and the mobile terminal 1 is present in the overlapped area. . That is, the mobile terminal 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the 3G femto base station 5 and the 3G macro base station 9.

In FIG. 5, broken lines connecting the management node 21 and each node of the network indicate communication paths when communication is performed between the management node 21 and each node, but all communication paths are illustrated. Instead, only a part necessary for the explanation is shown.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1 belongs to the CSG of the 3G femto base station 5. When the mobile terminal 1 connects to the 3G femto base station 5 as a CSG and uses the service of the 3G femto base station 5, the available time, the available amount, and the number of available packets are set at the time of the contract. The internal management unit 600 holds this information.

FIG. 5 shows a situation in which the available time of the 3G femto base station 5 as a CSG is set, and the mobile terminal 1 performs voice communication, but immediately before the available time expires according to the policy of the communication carrier. FIG. 6 shows a state in which handover is performed to the 3G macro base station 9 so that communication is not interrupted.

The handover conditions related to the handover destination base station are originally described in “9.2.1.41 Service Handover” of 3GPP TS25.413 v8.2.1 (Non-patent Document 3) shown in FIG. In RANAP (Radio Access Network Application Part), it should be reflected in “Service Handover IE” of RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message used to establish, modify and release RAB (Radio Access Bearer). However, at present, a message for performing a handover from the 3G femto base station 5 to the 3G macro base station 9 is not defined.

Therefore, in this embodiment, we propose two solutions.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the enumerated variables in “Service Handover IE” and “E-UTRAN Service Handover IE” are expanded, and “Handover to UTRAN Macro-shouldedPerformer,” This is a method for defining handover conditions such as “Macro should not be performed”, “Handover to UTRAN Macro shallow not performed”.

Second, as shown in FIG. 8, a new IE such as “UTRAN Macro Service Handover to” is defined, and “Handover to UTRAN Macro beformed”, “Handover to” are enumerated in this IE. This is a method for defining handover conditions such as “UTRAN Macro short not performed” and “Handover to UTRAN Macro not be performed”.

FIG. 9 shows the correspondence between handover conditions defined as enumerated variables in FIGS. 7 and 8 and their meanings. Here, three typical examples will be described.
(A) “Handover to xxx should be performed”
This means that the base station “xxx” should be handed over, that is, the mobile terminal is handed over to the base station “xxx”.
(B) "Handover to xxx should not be performed"
This means that it should not be handed over to the base station “xxx”. In other words, this means that the mobile terminal may be handed over to the base station “xxx”, that is, the mobile station is allowed to select a base station to continue communication.
(C) “Handover to xxx shall not be performed”
This means that the base station “xxx” is not handed over, that is, the mobile terminal is not handed over to the base station “xxx”.

In FIG. 5, only one 3G femto base station 5 is depicted. However, when there are many 3G femto base stations at the handover destination, the communication carrier may It is necessary to specify a handover destination to the station 5. FIG. 10 shows a correspondence table 25 of a pair of UARFCN (UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) and PSC (Primary Scrambling Code) held by the management unit 600 of the management node 21 and the identification number of the femto base station. Note that UARFCN refers to a frequency used by the femto base station for communication with a mobile terminal. The PSC is a scrambling code that is used most preferentially among the scrambling codes used to orthogonalize the radio waves of each mobile terminal when each of the plurality of mobile terminals transmits radio waves on the same frequency. . The management node 21 identifies the UARFCN and PSC of the handover destination 3G femto base station 5 based on the correspondence table 25 of FIG. 10, and notifies the CN node in an O & M (Operations and Maintenance) message.

Here, in the present embodiment, the connection condition between the mobile terminal 1 and the 3G femto base station 5 is “a CSG usable time, a usable amount, a usage of the 3G femto base station 5 set for the mobile terminal 1”. The number of possible packets is specified.

3GPP TS29.002 V8. a. In the CSG-SubscriptionData defined in 0 (Non-Patent Document 4), the CSG availability time is defined by a variable called expirationDate, but there is no definition of a variable related to the available amount and the number of available packets.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, two variables, an expiration money that represents the available amount and an expiration packet that represents the number of available packets, are newly defined. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the management node 21 sets these pieces of information via the Mobile Application Protocol (hereinafter referred to as MAP) according to the policy of the communication carrier.

Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that a part of the 3G femto base station service area 4 and a part of the 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention provides 3G femto base station service area 4, 3G macro base station service area 8, LTE femto base station service area 11, LTE macro base station service area 15, 2G macro base station as a combination of overlapping service areas. All combinations that can be configured from the service area 17 are targeted.
(1-2) Operation of Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Here, the management node 21 sets the CSG availability time of the 3G femto base station 5 determined at the time of contract with the communication carrier for the mobile terminal 1 and the handover destination after the expiration of the availability time And

As shown in FIG. 13, the management node 21 uses the 3G femto base station 5 of the mobile terminal 1 as the expiration date to the 3G CN node 7A via the MAP and the “use of 3G femto base station 5”. The policy of “continuing communication with the 3G macro base station 9 even if the available time expires” is set in the 3G CN node 7A (steps B1 and B2). In this situation, the mobile terminal 1 is in voice communication with the 3G femto base station 5 (step B3).

The 3G CN node 7A causes the mobile terminal 1 to continue voice communication with the 3G femto base station 5 until the available time expires (step B4) (step B5).

Also, when the available time of the mobile terminal 1 is nearing expiration (step B4), but the mobile terminal 1 is not continuing voice communication (step B6), the 3G CN node 7A ends the voice communication. (Step B7).

In addition, when the available time of the mobile terminal 1 is approaching (Step B4), but the mobile terminal 1 is still continuing the voice communication (Step B6), the 3G CN node 7A is disconnected from the voice communication. RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message is transmitted to the 3G femto base station 5 so as not to occur (step B8). At this time, the RAB is already set up between the 3G CN node 7A and the 3G femto base station 5, but the "Service Handover IE" does not exist in the RAB or even if it exists, the "Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed" Is not set, “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set in “Service Handover IE” of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message.

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 instructs the mobile terminal 1 to perform handover to the 3G macro base station 9, and transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step B9). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 performs a relocation procedure (step B10) and performs handover to the 3G macro base station 9.

Next, when the 3G macro base station controller 10 receives the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message from the 3G CN node 7A (step B11), the 3G macro base station control device 10 performs the RAB establishment procedure for voice communication with the mobile terminal 1 (step B12). The ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message is transmitted to the 3G CN node 7A (step B13).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 continues voice communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step B14).
(1-3) Effects of Embodiment 1 In the present embodiment, when the mobile terminal 1 is set with the CSG usable time, usable amount, and number of usable packets of the 3G femto base station 5 at the time of contract, By sending a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set to the 3G femto base station 5 before exceeding the set available time, available amount, and number of available packets, The voice communication with the 3G macro base station 9 can be continued.

In the present embodiment, the operation when the voice communication is continued in the situation where the available time of the mobile terminal 1 and the handover destination after the expiration of the available time have been set has been described. A similar operation is performed when packet communication is continued in a situation where the number of possible packets is set. In this case, the available amount is set to 3G CN7 via the MAP by the communication carrier, but the available amount is set to expirationMoney and the number of available packets is set to expirationPacket. It is also possible to set one or more available time, number of available packets, and available money amount for the mobile terminal 1, and in this case, the expiration of one of the set ones is approaching while communication is continued. Then, the mobile terminal 1 is handed over.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the 3G CN node 7A is an upper node, and the processing based on the available time information is executed in the 3G CN node 7A. However, the upper node is set as a node other than the 3G CN node 7A. The information may be set in another node and the same processing as that performed by the 3G CN node 7A may be performed. This configuration is also included in the scope of the present embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, a 3G wireless communication system is assumed. However, even when an LTE wireless communication system is assumed, “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro should be performed” shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. The same effect can be obtained by defining other IEs such as “Handover to E-UTRAN Femto should be performed”.

In this case, when handing over to the LTE macro base station 16 or the LTE femto base station 12, unlike FIG. 10, a combination of EUARFCN (EUTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) and PCI (Physical Cell Identifier) and femto base station Are associated with each other. Note that EUARFCN refers to the frequency that the base station uses for communication with the mobile terminal. PCI indicates an identifier of a cell under the base station.
(2) Example 2
(2-1) Configuration of Embodiment 2 FIG. 14 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14, the basic configuration of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the 3G femto base station service area 4 and the 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap. that the mobile terminal 1 to the area where there are present are different.

In this embodiment, the mobile terminals 1 and 2 have a contract form in which the 3G femto base station 5 can be used under the same conditions.

However, in this embodiment, the connection condition between the mobile terminals 1 and 2 and the 3G femto base station 5 and the 3G macro base station 9 is “the 3G femto base station 5 gives priority to packet communication, and the mobile terminal 3G femto base station If the RAB 5 establishes a voice communication RAB, the voice communication RAB is established with the 3G macro base station 9 ”.

Therefore, in a situation where the mobile terminal 1 and the 3G femto base station 5 are performing packet communication, if there is a request from the mobile terminal 2 to establish a RAB for voice communication to the 3G femto base station 5, the mobile terminal 1 Packet communication is prioritized, and RAB for voice communication of the mobile terminal 2 is established with the 3G macro base station 9 instead of the femto base station 5.

In addition, although a present Example presupposes that a part of 3G femto base station service area 4 and a part of 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap, this invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention provides 3G femto base station service area 4, 3G macro base station service area 8, LTE femto base station service area 11, LTE macro base station service area 15, 2G macro base station as a combination of overlapping service areas. All combinations that can be configured from the service area 17 are targeted.
(2-2) Operation of Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the management node 21 determines that “when 3G femto base station 5 prioritizes packet communication and the mobile terminal requests 3G femto base station 5 to establish RAB for voice communication, 3G femto base station 5 “The RAB for voice communication with the macro base station 9 is established” is set in the 3G CN node 7A (steps C1 and C2). In this situation, the mobile terminal 1 is in packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 (step C3).

Here, the 3G CN node 7A knows that the mobile terminal 2 is about to establish an RAB for voice communication with the 3G femto base station 5 by a call processing request for establishing voice communication at the 3G femto base station 5. (Step C4).

3G CN node 7A, when there is a request for establishment of RAB for packet communication (step C5), establishes RAB for requested packet communication (step C6).

On the other hand, the 3G CN node 7A, when there is a request to establish an RAB for voice communication (step C5), sets a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set in “Service Handover IE”. Transmit to the base station 5 (step C7).

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 instructs the mobile terminal 2 to perform handover to the 3G macro base station 9, and transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step C8). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 2 performs a relocation procedure (step C9) and performs handover to the 3G macro base station 9.

Thereafter, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message 10 in which “Handover to UTRAN Femto short be performed” is set in the “Service Handover IE” to the 3G macro base station controller 10 (step S10).

Next, the 3G macro base station control device 10 performs the RAB establishment procedure for voice communication with the mobile terminal 2 (step C11), and notifies the 3G macro base station 9 of “Handover to UTRAN Femto not not be performed”. . Thus, the communication is set so that communication is not established again between the 3G femto base station 5 and the mobile terminal 2.

Next, the 3G macro base station control device 10 transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step C12).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 starts voice communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step C13).
(2-3) Effects of Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, when priority is given to packet communication for the 3G femto base station 5, the RAB for voice communication is established from the mobile terminal 2 to the 3G femto base station 5. When requested, a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set is transmitted to the 3G femto base station 5, and a handover is performed, and voice is exchanged with the 3G macro base station 9. Communication can be started.

In this way, by allowing a user who performs voice communication to communicate with the 3G macro base station 9 and a user who performs data communication that requires a large Guaranted Bit Rate to communicate with the 3G femto base station 5, the user experience can be improved. As a result, the power consumption of the 3G macro base station 9 can be reduced and congestion can be avoided.

Further, in this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 2 finishes the handover to the 3G macro base station 9, it transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Femto shallow not performed” is set to the 3G macro base station 9. . Accordingly, when the mobile terminal 2 that has established the RAB for packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 exists in the vicinity of the boundary between the 3G femto base station service area 4 and the 3G macro base station service area 8, the mobile terminal 2 It is possible to maintain the communication quality by preventing the occurrence of the ping-pong phenomenon to be handed over to the station 5 again.

In this embodiment, a 3G wireless communication system is assumed. However, even when an LTE wireless communication system is assumed, the “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro shoulder be performed” illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is also used. And “Handover to E-UTRAN Femto should be performed”, “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro short be per formed” and “Handover to E-UTRAN forform” The effect is obtained.
(3) Example 3
(3-1) Configuration of Embodiment 3 FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, the basic configuration of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the 3G femto base station service area 4 and the 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap. The difference is that the mobile terminals 1 and 2 exist in a certain area.

In this embodiment, the mobile terminals 1 and 2 have a contract form in which the 3G femto base station 5 can be used under the same conditions.

However, in this embodiment, the connection condition between the mobile terminals 1 and 2 and the 3G femto base station 5 and the 3G macro base station 9 is “3G femto base station 5 is 3G when voice communication RAB is established. When there is a request from the mobile terminal to establish a packet communication RAB to the 3G femto base station 5 by giving priority to voice communication to the femto base station 5, a packet communication RAB is established with the 3G macro base station 9. It is stipulated.

Therefore, in a situation where the mobile terminal 1 and the 3G femto base station 5 are performing voice communication, when there is a request for establishing a RAB for packet communication from the mobile terminal 2 to the 3G femto base station 5, the mobile terminal 1 Voice communication is prioritized, and RAB for packet communication of the mobile terminal 2 is established with the 3G macro base station 9 instead of the femto base station 5.

In addition, although a present Example presupposes that a part of 3G femto base station service area 4 and a part of 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap, this invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention provides 3G femto base station service area 4, 3G macro base station service area 8, LTE femto base station service area 11, LTE macro base station service area 15, 2G macro base station as a combination of overlapping service areas. All combinations that can be configured from the service area 17 are targeted.
(3-2) Operation of Embodiment 3 Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, the management node 21 determines that “if the 3G femto base station 5 has established an RAB for voice communication, the 3G femto base station 5 gives priority to voice communication, and the mobile terminal 3G femto base station 5 is set in the 3G CN node 7A to establish the RAB for packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step D1, D2). In this situation, the mobile terminal 1 is in voice communication with the 3G femto base station 5 (step D3).

Here, the 3G CN node 7A knows that the mobile terminal 2 is about to establish RAB for packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 by a call processing request for establishing packet communication at the 3G femto base station 5. (Step D4).

The 3G CN node 7A continues the voice communication with the mobile terminal 1 as it is (step D6) when the RAB establishment request for the voice communication is received (step D5).

On the other hand, when there is a request for RAB establishment for packet communication (step D5), the 3G CN node 7A sets a “RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message” in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set in “Service Handover IE”. Transmit to the base station 5 (step D7).

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 instructs the mobile terminal 2 to perform handover to the 3G macro base station 9, and transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step D8). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 2 performs a relocation procedure (step D9) and performs handover to the 3G macro base station 9.

Thereafter, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message 10 in which “Handover to UTRAN Femto short be performed” is set in the “Service Handover IE” to the 3G macro base station controller 10 (step D).

Next, the 3G macro base station controller 10 carries out the RAB establishment procedure for packet communication with the mobile terminal 2 (step D11), and notifies the 3G macro base station 9 of “Handover to UTRAN Femto not not be performed”. . Thus, the communication is set so that communication is not established again between the 3G femto base station 5 and the mobile terminal 2.

Next, the 3G macro base station control device 10 transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step D12).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 starts packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step D13).
(3-3) Advantages of Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, when priority is given to the 3G femto base station 5 for voice communication in which RAB has been established, the mobile terminal 2 can change the 3G femto base. When there is an RAB establishment request for packet communication to the station 5, a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set is transmitted to the 3G femto base station 5 to perform handover, and 3G Packet communication with the macro base station 9 can be started.

In this way, a user who performs packet communication that requires a large guaranteed bit rate communicates with the 3G macro base station 9, and a user who performs voice communication communicates with the 3G femto base station 5, so that User experience can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 2 finishes the handover to the 3G macro base station 9, it transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Femto shallow not performed” is set to the 3G macro base station 9. . Accordingly, when the mobile terminal 2 that has established the RAB for packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 exists in the vicinity of the boundary between the 3G femto base station service area 4 and the 3G macro base station service area 8, the mobile terminal 2 It is possible to maintain the communication quality by preventing the occurrence of the ping-pong phenomenon to be handed over to the station 5 again.

In this embodiment, a 3G wireless communication system is assumed. However, even when an LTE wireless communication system is assumed, the “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro shoulder be performed” illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is also used. And “Handover to E-UTRAN Femto should be performed”, “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro short be per formed” and “Handover to E-UTRAN forform” The effect is obtained.
(4) Example 4
(4-1) Configuration of Embodiment 4 FIG. 18 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, the basic configuration of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the connection condition between the mobile terminal 1 and the 3G femto base station 5 and the 3G macro base station 9 is “3G femto base station 5 becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal 1, 1 is handed over to the 3G macro base station 9, and if the 3G femto base station 5 becomes available thereafter, the packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 is continued, or the 3G femto base The mobile terminal 1 selects whether to resume the packet communication with the station 5 ”.

Therefore, when the 3G femto base station 5 becomes available again, the mobile terminal 1 can select whether to continue the packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 or to resume the packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5. .

In addition, although a present Example presupposes that a part of 3G femto base station service area 4 and a part of 3G macro base station service area 8 overlap, this invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention provides 3G femto base station service area 4, 3G macro base station service area 8, LTE femto base station service area 11, LTE macro base station service area 15, 2G macro base station as a combination of overlapping service areas. All combinations that can be configured from the service area 17 are targeted.
(4-2) Operation of Embodiment 4 Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, the management node 21 sets the 3G femto base station 5 to “notify when it becomes unavailable and when it becomes available after that”. (Step E1). In this situation, the mobile terminal 1 is in packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 (step E2).

Here, when the 3G femto base station 5 becomes temporarily unavailable due to inspection or congestion (step E3), the 3G femto base station 5 notifies the management node 21 to that effect (step E4).

When receiving the above notification, the management node 21 determines whether the mobile terminal 1 is to communicate with the 3G macro base station 9 (step E5), and if not, performs processing according to other settings (step E6). ).

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 1 communicates with the 3G macro base station 9, the management node 21 makes the packet communication RAB with the 3G femto base station 5 at the same time that the mobile terminal 1 performs packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9. "Do not establish again" is set in the 3G CN node 7A (step E7). As other settings, the mobile terminal 1 can be set to communicate with the LTE macro base station 16 or the LTE femto base station 12.

Next, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to the 3G femto base station 5 (step E8). At this time, the RAB is already set up between the 3G CN node 7A and the 3G femto base station 5, but the "Service Handover IE" does not exist in the RAB or even if it exists, the "Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed" Is not set, “Handover to UTRAN Macro should be performed” is set in “Service Handover IE” of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message.

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 instructs the mobile terminal 1 to perform handover to the 3G macro base station 9, and transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step E9). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 performs a relocation procedure (step E10) and hands over to the 3G macro base station 9.

After that, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to 3G Femto short not performed” is set in the “Service Handover IE” to the 3G macro base station controller 10 (step 11).

Next, the 3G macro base station control device 10 performs a RAB establishment procedure for packet communication with the mobile terminal 1 (step E12), and notifies the 3G macro base station 9 of “Handover to UTRAN Femto not not be performed”. . Thus, the communication is set so that communication is not established again between the 3G femto base station 5 and the mobile terminal 1.

Next, the 3G macro base station controller 10 transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step E13).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 continues packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step E14).

Thereafter, when the 3G femto base station 5 becomes available again (step E15), the 3G femto base station 5 notifies the management node 21 to that effect (step E16).

When receiving the above notification, the management node 21 determines whether to allow the mobile terminal 1 to select a base station that continues packet communication (step E17), and if not, performs processing according to other settings ( Step E18).

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 1 is selected, the management node 21 sets the 3G CN node 7A to “allow the mobile terminal 1 to select a base station that continues packet communication” (step E19). In addition, it is possible to set the mobile terminal 1 to perform other operations.

Next, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “Handover to UTRAN Femto short not performed” is set in the “Service Handover IE” to the 3G macro base station control device 20 (step 20).

Thereafter, the 3G macro base station control device 10 continues the packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 to the mobile terminal 1 via the 3G macro base station 9 or the packet with the 3G femto base station 5. Whether to resume communication is selected (step E21).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 can determine a base station that continues packet communication by measuring received power by itself.

Thereafter, the 3G macro base station controller 10 transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step E22).
(4-3) Effects of Embodiment 4 In this embodiment, the 3G femto base station 5 becomes unavailable and the 3G femto base is subsequently transferred to the mobile terminal 1 handed over to the 3G macro base station 9. When the mobile terminal 1 is set to select a base station to continue packet communication when the station 5 becomes available, when the 3G femto base station 5 becomes available again, “Handover to UTRAN Femto should” The packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 is continued or the packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 is resumed by transmitting the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message in which “not be performed” is set to the 3G macro base station 9 The mobile terminal 1 can select whether to do.

In this embodiment, a 3G wireless communication system is assumed. However, even when an LTE wireless communication system is assumed, the “Handover to E-UTRAN Femto short not performed” shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. A similar effect can be obtained by defining other IEs such as "".

Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1 performs packet communication, but the same effect can be obtained when voice communication is performed.
(5) Example 5
(5-1) Configuration of Embodiment 5 FIG. 20 shows a schematic configuration of a wireless communication system of Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 20, the wireless communication system of the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment.

However, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1 does not belong to the CSG of the 3G femto base station 5.

Also, the 3G femto base station 5 temporarily provides the mobile terminal 1 with a value-added service that does not depend on whether or not the mobile terminal 1 belongs to the CSG. Further, it is assumed that the 3G femto base station 5 is operated so that the mobile terminal 1 that does not belong to the CSG can be used even while the value-added service is not provided.

In this embodiment, the connection condition between the mobile terminal 1 and the 3G femto base station 5 and the 3G macro base station 9 is “when the 3G femto base station 5 starts providing value-added services, Packet communication with 3G femto base station 5 when 3G femto base station 5 ends providing value-added services after handing over mobile terminal 1 that was in communication to 3G femto base station 5 The mobile terminal 1 selects whether to continue or to resume packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 ”.

Therefore, when the value added service of the 3G femto base station 5 is completed, the mobile terminal 1 can select whether to continue the packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 or to resume the packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9. it can.
(5-2) Operation of Embodiment 5 Hereinafter, the operation of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21, the management node 21 is configured to notify the 3G femto base station 5 at the start and end of a value-added service that does not depend on whether it belongs to the CSG. (Step F1). In this situation, the mobile terminal 1 is in packet communication with the macro base station 9 (step F2).

Here, when the 3G femto base station 5 starts the value-added service (step F3), the 3G femto base station 5 notifies the management node 21 to that effect (step F4).

When receiving the above notification, the management node 21 determines whether the mobile terminal 1 is to communicate with the 3G femto base station 5 (step F5), and if not, performs processing according to other settings (step F6). ).

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 1 communicates with the 3G femto base station 5, the management node 21 reads: “At the same time that the mobile terminal 1 performs packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5, the 3G macro base station 9 performs packet communication RAB. "Do not establish again" is set in the 3G CN node 7A (step F7). As other settings, for example, a part of the area of the LTE femto base station service area 11 overlaps with a part of the area of the 3G macro base station service area 8 and part of the area of the 3G femto base station service area 4. In addition, when the LTE femto base station 12 and the 3G femto base station 5 simultaneously start a service that does not depend on belonging to the CSG, there may be a setting that the mobile terminal 1 communicates with the LTE femto base station 12. .

Next, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to the 3G macro base station controller 10 (step F8). At this time, the RAB is already set up between the 3G CN node 7A and the 3G femto base station 5, but the "Service Handover IE" does not exist in the RAB or even if it exists, "Handover to UTRAN Femto should be performed" Is not set, “Handover to UTRAN Femto should be performed” is set in “Service Handover IE” of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message.

Next, the 3G macro base station controller 10 instructs the mobile terminal 1 to perform a handover to the 3G femto base station 5 via the 3G macro base station 9, and transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A. (Step F9). Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 performs the relocation procedure (step F10) and hands over to the 3G femto base station 5.

Thereafter, the 3G CN node 7A transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message 11 in which “Handover to UTRAN Macro shallow be performed” is set in the “Service Handover IE” to the 3G femto base station 5 (step 11). Thus, the communication is set so that communication is not established again between the 3G macro base station 9 and the mobile terminal 1.

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 performs the RAB establishment procedure for packet communication with the mobile terminal 1 (step F12), and transmits the RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G CN node 7A (step F13).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 continues packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 (step F14).

Thereafter, when the 3G femto base station 5 finishes the above-mentioned value added service (step F15), the 3G femto base station 5 notifies the management node 21 to that effect (step F16).

When receiving the above notification, the management node 21 determines whether to allow the mobile terminal 1 to select a base station that continues packet communication (step F17), and if not, performs processing according to other settings ( Step F18).

On the other hand, when making the mobile terminal 1 select, the management node 21 sets the 3G CN node 7A to “make the mobile terminal 1 select a base station that continues packet communication” (step F19). In addition, it is possible to set the mobile terminal 1 to perform other operations.

Next, the 3G CN node 7A sends the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to the 5G femto station (3F femto station) in which the 3G CN7 sets “Handover to 3G Femto should not be performed” in the “Service Handover IE” to the 5G femto station in the 5G femto station.

Next, the 3G femto base station 5 causes the mobile terminal 1 to select whether to continue packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 or to resume packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9 (step) F21).

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 1 can determine a base station that continues packet communication by measuring received power by itself.

Thereafter, the 3G macro base station control device 10 transmits a RAB ASSIGNMENT RESPONSE message to the 3G femto base station 5 (step F22).
(5-3) Effects of Embodiment 5 In this embodiment, 3G femto base station 5 provides value added service to mobile terminal 1 that has been handed over to 3G femto base station 5 that has started value added service. When the mobile terminal 1 is set to select a base station to continue packet communication when it is finished, when the 3G femto base station 5 finishes the value-added service, “Handover to 3G Femto should not be performed” is set. By transmitting the set RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message to the 3G femto base station 5, it is determined whether to continue the packet communication with the 3G femto base station 5 or to resume the packet communication with the 3G macro base station 9. 1 can be selected.

In this embodiment, a 3G wireless communication system is assumed. However, even when an LTE wireless communication system is assumed, the “Handover to E-UTRAN Macro short be performed” shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. A similar effect can be obtained by defining other IEs such as "".

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1 performs packet communication, but the same effect can be obtained when voice communication is performed.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with reference to embodiment and an Example, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and said Example. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the case where connection conditions for handover from a femto base station having a CSG from the management node 21 to a femto base station having another CSG are defined, the “CSG Handover IE” shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. Is newly defined and notified from the CN node as a RANAP / S1AP message, it is possible to implement handover.

In the above embodiment, the handover is executed as set by the management node 21. However, for example, the handover procedure is completed within a certain time immediately after the available CSG time expires. Otherwise, a process may be performed in which the CN node releases the call between the femto base station and the mobile terminal before moving. The call release procedure starts by transmitting an Iu Release Request message from the femto base station or the 3G macro base station controller to the CN node. In the subsequent procedure, as in the general case, an Iu Release Command message is transmitted from the CN node, and an Iu Release Complete message is transmitted from the femto base station or the 3G macro base station controller.

In the second and third embodiments, the priority communication method (packet communication or voice communication) is set in the 3G femto base station 5, but these can also be combined. In this case, for example, the management node 21 designates the capacity of voice communication and packet communication that can be accepted by the 3G femto base station 5 and does not accept a new call if it exceeds the capacity, or already connected. It is possible to propose an embodiment in which the call is handed over to another wireless communication system.

Further, in all the embodiments, the relocation procedure is performed to perform the handover. However, the mobile terminal 1 cannot use or can use the CSG. 3G femto base station 5 is notified, and the redirection procedure described in “8.5.2 Actions when entering idle mode connected mode” of 3GPP TS25.331 v8.6.0 (Non-patent Document 5) is performed. May be. In addition to this, the mobile terminal 1 notifies the G macro base station control device 10 and the 3G femto base station 5 by a Direct Transfer message that the CSG cannot be used or can be used, and performs a redirection procedure. Also good. In addition, for the LTE femto base station 12, the LTE femto base station controller 13, and the LTE macro base station 16, the S1AP (S1 Application Protocol) indicates that the mobile terminal 1 cannot use or can use the CSG. You may notify by the message above.

In addition, in the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment, since the description is based on the recommendation of 3GPP, the name CSG is used. However, the present invention is also applied to a case where a group similar to the CSG exists in other wireless communication systems. Applicable.

The method performed in the base station, CN node, and management node of the present invention may be applied to a program for causing a computer to execute. In addition, the program can be stored in a storage medium and can be provided to the outside via a network.

The present invention can be applied to a wireless communication system intended for a mobile terminal used in a place where a small base station such as a home or a company can be installed.

This application claims the priority on the basis of Japanese application Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-230724 for which it applied on October 2, 2009, and takes in those the indications of all here.

Claims (47)

A wireless communication system comprising a mobile terminal, a base station that connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal, and an upper node of the base station,
A management node that sets a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station in the upper node;
The upper node is
A radio communication system for notifying a handover condition, which is a condition related to a handover destination base station, when the mobile terminal performs handover based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station . The upper node is
The radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein the handover condition is included in a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message for instructing a radio access bearer and is notified to the base station. The upper node is
The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein the handover condition is included in a Service Handover IE or an E-UTRAN Service Handover IE of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message. The upper node is
The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein a new IE is added to the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message, and the handover condition is included in the added IE. The upper node is
The radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein the handover condition is included in a RANAP / S1AP message and notified to the base station. The upper node is
The wireless communication system according to claim 5, wherein a new CSG Handover IE is added to the RANAP / S1AP message, and the handover condition is included in the added CSG Handover IE. The base station
A specific service can be provided only to mobile terminals belonging to a predetermined group,
The connection conditions are:
The mobile terminal defines at least one of an available time, an available packet number, and an available amount when the mobile terminal connects to the base station as a mobile terminal belonging to the predetermined group and uses the specific service. Yes,
The upper node is
When the mobile terminal uses the specific service, if one of the available time, the number of available packets, and the available amount exceeds a specified condition, the handover condition for the base station The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mobile terminal is notified to be handed over to another base station. The upper node is
When a handover to the other base station of the mobile terminal is not completed within a certain time after one of the available time, the number of available packets, and the available amount exceeds the specified amount, The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein a call between a base station and the mobile station is released. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When priority is given to packet communication for the first base station, and there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal, the second base station, That establishes a radio access bearer for voice communication between
The upper node is
When there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal is transferred to the second base station as the handover condition to the first base station. The mobile terminal is notified to be handed over, and after the handover is over, the second base station is informed as the handover condition not to hand over the mobile terminal to the first base station. The wireless communication system according to any one of 4. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, priority is given to voice communication to the first base station, and a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station. If there is an establishment request, it is defined that a radio access bearer for packet communication is established between the mobile terminal and the second base station,
The upper node is
In a situation where the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, if there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the first base station Informing the base station to hand over the mobile terminal to the second base station as the handover condition, and after the handover is over, the handover condition as the handover condition The radio | wireless communications system of any one of Claim 2 to 4 which notifies that a mobile terminal is not handed over to a said 1st base station. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal is handed over to the second base station, the first base station Stipulated that the mobile terminal should select whether to continue packet communication with the second base station or resume packet communication with the first base station when it becomes unavailable. Is,
The management node is
Set to notify the first base station when it becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal, and when it becomes available after that,
The upper node is
When there is a notification from the first base station that the management node has become unavailable, the mobile terminal is sent to the second base station as the handover condition. Notifying the base station to perform handover, and after the handover is completed, notifying the second base station not to perform handover of the mobile terminal to the first base station as the handover condition,
Thereafter, when there is a notification from the first base station that it is available to the management node, the second base station is set as the handover condition to the second base station. The radio according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which notifies the mobile terminal to select whether to continue the packet communication with the first base station or to resume the packet communication with the first base station. Communications system. The base station
A first base station capable of providing a specific service to the mobile terminal regardless of whether the mobile terminal belongs to a predetermined group;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station starts providing the specific service, the mobile terminal that was in packet communication with the second base station is handed over to the first base station. When the first base station finishes providing the specific service, whether to continue packet communication with the first base station or resume packet communication with the second base station That the mobile terminal selects.
The management node is
Set to notify the first base station when the provision of the specific service starts and when it ends,
The upper node is
When there is a notification from the first base station that the provision of the specific service is started to the management node, the mobile terminal is set as the handover condition to the second base station. Notifying the first base station to perform handover, and notifying the first base station not to hand over the mobile terminal to the second base station as the handover condition after the handover is completed. ,
Thereafter, when there is a notification from the first base station that the provision of the specific service is terminated to the management node, the first base station as the handover condition, 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal is notified to select whether to continue packet communication with one base station or to resume packet communication with the second base station. The wireless communication system according to 1. The connection conditions are:
It is defined that a mobile terminal connected to a base station having a specific CSG is handed over to a base station having another CSG,
The upper node is
The base station having the specific CSG is notified, as the handover condition, that the mobile terminal connected to the base station is handed over to a base station having another CSG. The wireless communication system described. The management node is
Maintain a correspondence table between UARFCN and PSC pair and the identification number of the base station,
The radio communication according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a set of UARFCN and PSC and an identification number in a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover are notified to the upper node. system. The management node is
Maintain a correspondence table between EUARFCN and PCI pairs and the base station identification numbers;
The radio communication according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a set of UARFCN and PSC and an identification number in a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover are notified to the upper node. system. An upper node of a base station that communicates with a mobile terminal,
When a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station is set from the management node, the mobile terminal hands over to the base station based on the connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station. An upper node having a processing unit for notifying a handover condition which is a condition related to a base station of a handover destination at the time of handover. The processor is
The upper node according to claim 16, wherein the handover condition is notified to the base station by being included in a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message for instructing a radio access bearer. The processor is
18. The upper node according to claim 17, wherein the handover condition is included in a Service Handover IE or an E-UTRAN Service Handover IE of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message. The processor is
The upper node according to claim 17, wherein a new IE is added to the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message, and the handover condition is included in the added IE. The processor is
The upper node according to claim 16, wherein the handover condition is notified to the base station by being included in a RANAP / S1AP message. The processor is
The upper node according to claim 20, wherein a new CSG Handover IE is added to the RANAP / S1AP message, and the handover condition is included in the added CSG Handover IE. The base station
A specific service can be provided only to mobile terminals belonging to a predetermined group,
The connection conditions are:
The mobile terminal defines at least one of an available time, an available packet number, and an available amount when the mobile terminal connects to the base station as a mobile terminal belonging to the predetermined group and uses the specific service. Yes,
The processor is
When the mobile terminal uses the specific service, if one of the available time, the number of available packets, and the available amount exceeds a specified condition, the handover condition for the base station The upper node according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the higher-order node notifies that the mobile terminal is handed over to another base station. The processor is
When a handover to the other base station of the mobile terminal is not completed within a certain time after one of the available time, the number of available packets, and the available amount exceeds the specified amount, The upper node according to claim 22, which releases a call between a base station and the mobile station. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When priority is given to packet communication for the first base station, and there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal, the second base station, That establishes a radio access bearer for voice communication between
The processor is
When there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal is transferred to the second base station as the handover condition to the first base station. The mobile terminal is notified to be handed over, and after the handover is over, the second base station is notified not to hand over the mobile terminal to the first base station as the handover condition. 20. The upper node according to any one of 19 above. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, priority is given to voice communication to the first base station, and a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station. If there is an establishment request, it is defined that a radio access bearer for packet communication is established between the mobile terminal and the second base station,
The processor is
In a situation where the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, if there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the first base station Informing the base station to hand over the mobile terminal to the second base station as the handover condition, and after the handover is over, the handover condition as the handover condition The upper node according to any one of claims 17 to 19, which notifies a mobile terminal not to be handed over to the first base station. The base station
A first base station;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal is handed over to the second base station, the first base station Stipulated that the mobile terminal should select whether to continue packet communication with the second base station or resume packet communication with the first base station when it becomes unavailable. Is,
The processor is
When there is a notification from the first base station that the management node has become unavailable, the mobile terminal is sent to the second base station as the handover condition. Notifying the base station to perform handover, and after the handover is completed, notifying the second base station not to perform handover of the mobile terminal to the first base station as the handover condition,
Thereafter, when there is a notification from the first base station that it is available to the management node, the second base station is set as the handover condition to the second base station. The host device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, which notifies the mobile terminal to select whether to continue the packet communication with the first base station or to resume the packet communication with the first base station. node. The base station
A first base station capable of providing a specific service to the mobile terminal regardless of whether the mobile terminal belongs to a predetermined group;
A second base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station starts providing the specific service, the mobile terminal that was in packet communication with the second base station is handed over to the first base station. When the first base station finishes providing the specific service, whether to continue packet communication with the first base station or resume packet communication with the second base station That the mobile terminal selects.
The processor is
When there is a notification from the first base station that the provision of the specific service is started to the management node, the mobile terminal is set as the handover condition to the second base station. Notifying the first base station to perform handover, and notifying the first base station not to hand over the mobile terminal to the second base station as the handover condition after the handover is completed. ,
Thereafter, when there is a notification from the first base station that the provision of the specific service is terminated to the management node, the first base station as the handover condition, 20. The mobile terminal according to claim 17, wherein the mobile terminal is notified to select whether to continue packet communication with one base station or to resume packet communication with the second base station. Top nodes listed in. The connection conditions are:
It is defined that a mobile terminal connected to a base station having a specific CSG is handed over to a base station having another CSG,
The processor is
The base station having the specific CSG is notified, as the handover condition, that the mobile terminal connected to the base station is handed over to a base station having another CSG. The top node listed. A base station that communicates with a mobile terminal,
A communication unit for notifying a handover condition, which is a condition related to a handover destination base station, when the mobile terminal performs a handover based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, from an upper node; base station. The base station according to claim 29, wherein the handover condition is notified by being included in a RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message for instructing a radio access bearer. The handover condition is:
The base station according to claim 30, which is included in a Service Handover IE or an E-UTRAN Service Handover IE of the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message. The handover condition is:
The base station according to claim 30, which is included in a new IE added to the RAB ASSIGNMENT REQUEST message. The base station according to claim 29, wherein the handover condition is notified by being included in a RANAP / S1AP message. The handover condition is:
The base station according to claim 33, which is included in a new CSG Handover IE added to the RANAP / S1AP message. The base station
A specific service can be provided only to mobile terminals belonging to a predetermined group,
The connection conditions are:
The mobile terminal defines at least one of an available time, an available packet number, and an available amount when the mobile terminal connects to the base station as a mobile terminal belonging to the predetermined group and uses the specific service. Yes,
The communication unit is
When the mobile terminal uses one of the specified services among the available time, the number of available packets, and the available amount while using the specific service, the mobile terminal is set as the handover condition. The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32, which is notified to be handed over to another base station. The base station
The first base station,
The connection conditions are:
When priority is given to packet communication for the first base station, and there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal, the first base station, Stipulates establishing a radio access bearer for voice communication with a different second base station,
The communication unit is
When there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal is notified to be handed over to the second base station as the handover condition. The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32. The base station
A second base station different from the first base station;
The connection conditions are:
When priority is given to packet communication for the first base station, and there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the mobile terminal, the second base station, That establishes a radio access bearer for voice communication between
The communication unit is
When there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for voice communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, after the handover of the mobile terminal to the second base station is completed, the mobile condition is set as the handover condition. The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the base station is notified not to hand over a terminal to the first base station. The base station
The first base station,
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, priority is given to voice communication to the first base station, and a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station. Is defined to establish a radio access bearer for packet communication between the mobile terminal and a second base station different from the first base station,
The communication unit is
In a situation where the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, when there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, the handover condition The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the mobile terminal is notified to be handed over to the second base station. The base station
A second base station different from the first base station;
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, priority is given to voice communication to the first base station, and a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station. If there is an establishment request, it is defined that a radio access bearer for packet communication is established between the mobile terminal and the second base station,
The communication unit is
In a situation where the first base station has established a radio access bearer for voice communication, if there is a request for establishment of a radio access bearer for packet communication from the mobile terminal to the first base station, The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein, after the handover to the second base station is completed, the mobile terminal is notified not to be handed over to the first base station as the handover condition. Base station. The base station
The first base station,
The connection conditions are:
In a situation where the first base station becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal is handed over to a second base station different from the first base station, Whether the packet communication with the second base station is continued or the packet communication with the first base station is resumed when the first base station becomes unavailable It is stipulated that the terminal select it,
The communication unit is
33. Any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein when the first base station becomes unavailable, the handover condition is notified to be handed over to the second base station. Base station described in. The base station
A second base station different from the first base station;
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station becomes unavailable during packet communication with the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal is handed over to the second base station, the first base station Stipulated that the mobile terminal should select whether to continue packet communication with the second base station or resume packet communication with the first base station when it becomes unavailable. Is,
The communication unit is
When the first base station becomes unavailable, after the handover of the mobile terminal to the second base station is completed, the mobile terminal is handed to the first base station as the handover condition. You ’ll be notified not to overload,
Thereafter, when the first base station becomes available, packet communication with the second base station is continued as the handover condition, or packet communication with the first base station is performed. The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the base station is notified to cause the mobile terminal to select whether to restart. The base station
A first base station capable of providing a specific service to the mobile terminal regardless of whether the mobile terminal belongs to a predetermined group;
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station starts providing the specific service, a mobile terminal that is in packet communication with a second base station different from the first base station is handed to the first base station. If the first base station ends the provision of the specific service in a situation where the first base station ends, packet communication with the first base station is continued, or the second base station Stipulating that the mobile terminal select whether to resume packet communication with
The communication unit is
When the first base station starts providing the specific service, after the handover of the mobile terminal to the first base station is completed, the mobile terminal is moved to the second base as the handover condition. The station is told not to hand over,
After that, when the first base station finishes providing the specific service, as the handover condition, the packet communication with the first base station is continued, or the second base station The base station according to any one of claims 30 to 32, which is notified to cause the mobile terminal to select whether to resume packet communication with the mobile terminal. The base station
A second base station different from the first base station capable of providing a specific service to the mobile terminal regardless of whether the mobile terminal belongs to a predetermined group;
The connection conditions are:
When the first base station starts providing the specific service, the mobile terminal that was in packet communication with the second base station is handed over to the first base station. When the first base station finishes providing the specific service, whether to continue packet communication with the first base station or resume packet communication with the second base station That the mobile terminal selects.
The communication unit is
33. Any of the claims 30 to 32, wherein when the first base station starts providing the specific service, the handover condition is notified to hand over the mobile terminal to the first base station. The base station according to claim 1. The base station
Have a specific CSG,
The connection conditions are:
It is defined that a mobile terminal connected to a base station having a specific CSG is handed over to a base station having another CSG,
The communication unit is
The base station according to claim 33 or 34, wherein, as the handover condition, the mobile terminal connected to the base station is notified to be handed over to a base station having another CSG. A communication method using a radio communication system comprising a mobile terminal, a base station that connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal, and an upper node of the base station,
A management node setting a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station in the upper node;
Based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, the upper node sets a handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover to the base station. And a step of notifying. A communication method by an upper node of a base station that communicates by connecting to a mobile terminal,
A connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station is set from a management node;
Based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, notifying the base station of a handover condition that is a condition related to a handover destination base station when the mobile terminal performs handover, A communication method. A communication method by a base station that communicates by connecting to a mobile terminal,
Communication including a step of notifying a handover condition, which is a condition related to a handover destination base station, when the mobile terminal performs a handover based on a connection condition between the mobile terminal and the base station, from an upper node Method.

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