WO2009026843A1

WO2009026843A1 - System, apparatus and method for updating the user equipment's location

Info

Publication number: WO2009026843A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/072111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geng Wang
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-08-23
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2009-03-05
Also published as: CN101374336B; CN101374336A

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method for updating the user equipment (UE) 's location are provided, which comprise the packet access unit coupled with the packet access network and MSC/VLR in the circuit domain, and the packet access unit could provide the user with the signaling channel between the packet access network and MSC in the circuit domain, as well as functions such as routing messages and so on; the user transmits the location update request to MSC by way of the packet access network via the signaling channel; MSC accepts the location update request, and sends back the location update accept message to the user. With the implementing of the present invention, the user in the packet domain is given support to obtain services from MSC by way of the packet network when he initiates the location update in MSC/VLR, and the provider is facilitated to make the most of the coverage of the packet network to supply the user with various services, which could only be obtained by the access method through the circuit domain in the prior art.

Description

User equipment location update system, device and method

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200710145157.3, entitled "User Equipment Location Update System, Apparatus and Method," filed on August 23, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Combined in this application.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular, to a system, apparatus, and method for updating a location of a user equipment.

Background technique

There are many types of wireless networks available today, including GSM/WCDMA (Global System for Global Mobile Communications)

Access2000, Code Division Multiple Access (2000) and TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access). Both can provide mobile services for users. They have similarities in architecture and business capabilities. Let's take WCDMA as an example to describe the architecture of wireless networks. 1 is a schematic diagram of a WCDMA network architecture in 3GPP TS 23.002 V640. As shown in the figure, related entities in the architecture related to the present invention are:

MSC server (Mobile Switching Center server) and CS-MGW (Circuit Switch Media Gateway) in the CN (Core Network), which belong to the circuit domain core network; and SGSN (Serving) GPRS Support Node, Service GPRS Support Node; GPRS refers to General Packet Radio Service, General Packet Radio Service, and GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node), which belong to the packet domain core network.

The BSS (Base Station Subsystem) and the RNS (Radio Network Subsystem) belonging to the AN (Access Network) are shared by the circuit domain and the packet i or the core network.

Among them, the core network plays a role of business control, which is used to check the signing of services and provide business logic. The access network provides access to users, provides basic signaling and media transmission channels for users to obtain services, and is the basis for users to obtain services.

In the circuit domain location update process, currently, UE (User Equipment, User Equipment) needs The service is obtained from the circuit domain core network MSC server through the circuit domain access network, and the user needs to be located in the circuit domain coverage area, and usually needs to perform location update to the MSC. The service can then be obtained from the MSC.

There are two ways to update locations:

method one

The method is a method for the UE to implement location update by using a circuit domain, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process for the UE to implement location update by using a circuit domain. As shown in the figure, the method mainly includes the following steps:

Step 201: When the UE needs to perform location update, in order to establish a message transmission channel with the MSC, the radio resource management function provided by the circuit domain access network is used to establish a radio resource connection between the UE and the RNS/BSS to obtain signaling transmission. aisle.

Step 202: The UE sends a location update message to the MSC/VLR through the RNS/BSS.

Step 203: If normal, the MSC/VLR accepts the location update request of the user, and returns the location update acceptance to the UE. Before accepting, the MSC may go to the HLR (Home Location Register) to check the user's subscription information.

Step 204: The UE releases the established radio resource connection with the RNS/BSS.

Method Two

The method is a method for the UE to use the packet domain to implement location update. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of the UE using the packet domain to implement the UE location update in the circuit domain coverage. As shown in the figure, the method includes the following steps:

Step 301: When the UE is located in an area with a CS (Chip Switch) or PS (Packet Switched) coverage, the UE may use the packet domain to perform the routing domain update, and use the packet domain to perform the circuit domain location. The update, specifically for the UE to send to the SGSN, is a CS and PS joint routing area and a location area update request.

Step 302: The SGSN sends a location update request to the MSC/VLR.

Step 303: If normal, the MSC accepts the location update request of the user, and returns a location update acceptance to the SGSN. Before accepting, the MSC may go to the HLR to check the user's subscription information.

Step 304: The SGSN returns a joint routing area and a location area update request accept message to the UE. In this process, although the UE utilizes the process of packet domain routing domain update to perform circuit domain location update, the location update is still directed to the circuit domain access, and the user still needs to pass the circuit when performing services (such as making a call). The domain access mode is implemented and cannot be performed through the packet domain access method (for example, Can play VoIP (Voice over IP, IP-based voice call).

SAE (System Architecture Evolution) is a packet network architecture. The main entities are MME (Mobility Management Entity), PDN GW (Packed Data Network Gateway), and PCRF (Policy Control). And Charging Rules Function, policy control and charging rules functions, etc. SAE has a roaming architecture and a non-roaming architecture. SAE provides users with a relatively efficient packet transmission network that can be used to provide users with VoIP (IP voice) services.

The following uses a non-roaming architecture as an example to illustrate the network configuration of SAE. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a non-roaming SAE architecture. As shown in the figure, the functions of the MME related to the present invention mainly include: mobility management, such as user attachment, and establishment of participating user IP bearers. The functions of PDN GW mainly include: IP address allocation management, bearer policy control, and packet filtering.

The inventor noticed in the process of the invention that in the prior art, when the user performs location update to the circuit domain MSC/VLR (Mobile Switching Center/Visited Location Register), the MSC registers the user with The information of the circuit domain coverage area, for the UE to obtain services (such as voice calls, data calls;) through the circuit domain access mode. However, until now, the UE cannot obtain services from the MSC through the packet access network, such as VoIP (IP voice telephony), data services, and supplementary services.

Summary of the invention

An embodiment of the present invention provides a user equipment location update system and method for resolving a location of a UE under a packet network coverage to an MSC/VLR in a circuit domain core network, so that the UE can access the packet through the packet access network. The MSC obtains the business.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a user equipment location update system, including a packet access network in a packet domain, a mobile switching center/visit location register in a circuit domain, and a user equipment accessing a wireless communication network via a packet access network, Also included is a packet access unit, coupled to the packet access network, the mobile switching center/visit location register, for providing user equipment between the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the mobile switching center/visit location register in the circuit domain Signaling channel

Transmitting, by the user equipment, a location update request message to the mobile switching center/visit location register via the signaling channel;

The mobile switching center/visit location register receives a location update request message, by the letter Let the channel return a location update accept message to the user device.

The embodiment of the present invention further provides a user equipment location update method, including a packet access network in a packet domain, a mobile switching center/visit location register in a circuit domain, and a user equipment accessing a wireless communication network via a packet access network. The packet access unit further includes the following steps:

Establishing a signaling channel between the user equipment via the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the mobile switching center/visiting location register in the circuit domain;

The mobile switching center/visit location register receives a location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the user equipment via the signaling channel.

The embodiment of the present invention further provides a user equipment location updating apparatus, which is configured to include a packet access network in a packet domain, a mobile switching center/visit location register in a circuit domain, and a packet access network accessing a wireless communication network. a communication system of the user equipment, connected to the packet access network, the mobile switching center/visit location register, for providing a message between the user equipment via the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the mobile switching center/visit location register in the circuit domain Order channel

Sending, by the user equipment, a location update request message to the mobile switching center/visiting location register through the signaling channel via a packet access network;

The mobile switching center/visit location register accepts a receive location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the user equipment over the signaling channel.

The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

In the embodiment of the present invention, a signaling channel is established between the packet access network and the MSC in the circuit domain; and then the UE sends a location update request message to the MSC/VLR through the signaling channel through the packet access network; meanwhile, the MSC After receiving the location update request message, the /VLR also returns a location update accept message to the UE through the signaling channel. Therefore, when the MSC/VLR performs location update, the user in the grouping area can provide support for the user to obtain the service from the MSC through the packet network, which is beneficial for the operator to fully utilize the packet network coverage to provide the user with various current types. Services that can be obtained through circuit domain access can significantly improve the efficiency of network usage.

DRAWINGS 2 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of implementing location update by a UE using a circuit domain in the background art; FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of a UE that uses a packet domain to implement UE location update under a circuit domain coverage in the background art;

4 is a schematic diagram of a non-roaming SAE architecture in the background art;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a method for implementing location update of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a location update system of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the SIP used in the embodiment of the present invention; (Session Initiation Protocol) The schematic diagram of the implementation process of the location update by the packet access unit to the MSC/VLR;

8 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of converting a SIP registration process and a circuit domain location update process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of performing location update by a mobility management entity to an MSC/VLR when the UE attaches to a packet access network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

10 is a schematic flowchart of processing address information of a UE with multiple access modes in the packet access unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a security implementation process of securing message interaction between a UE and a packet access unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of determining, by a UE, a location update target group access unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

13 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of determining, by a UE, a location update target group access unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

14 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of determining, by a UE, a location update target group access unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of the MSC/VLR acquiring location information of a UE according to an embodiment of the present invention;

16 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining, by the MSC, a packet access unit corresponding to a UE according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

17 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining, by the MSC, a packet access unit corresponding to a UE according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart of a message interaction implementation of the UE updating to an MSC/VLR location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a multi-location update process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process for a MME proxy user to perform location update to an MSC in the SAE network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of a SGSN proxy user performing location update to an MSC in the GPRS network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

detailed description

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiment of the present invention needs to solve the problem of how to update the MSC/VLR location in the core network of the circuit domain by the user under the coverage of the packet network, so that the UE can obtain the service from the MSC through the packet access network. It is easy to understand that, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user under the coverage of the packet network is updated to the MSC/VLR location in the core network of the circuit domain. Therefore, the user under the coverage of the packet network in the embodiment of the present invention does not Must be under the circuit domain coverage at the same time.

The solution of the embodiment of the present invention is mainly to establish a signaling channel between the UE and the MSC, and complete the location update by using a message exchange between the UE and the MSC. During the message interaction, the network element can perform some processing, such as for the UE. Processing of address information or location information.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of a user equipment location update method. As shown in the figure, the location update may include the following steps:

Step 501: Establish a signaling channel between the packet access network in the packet domain and the MSC in the circuit domain. Specifically, the packet access unit may be configured by using a packet access unit connected to the packet access network and the MSC/VLR. And establishing a signaling channel between the UE via the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the MSC/VLR in the circuit domain;

Step 502: The UE sends a location update request message to the MSC by using the signaling channel by using the packet access network.

Step 503: Perform authentication before performing location update on the UE.

Step 504: Provide communication security protection for the location update process of the UE.

In order to ensure the security of the UE message interaction, a security mechanism can be taken when establishing a channel between the UE and the packet access network. The security mechanism may be: when the UE is moved to the MSC/VLR location via the packet access network In the new case, a secure connection between the UE and the packet access network is established. For example, an IPSEC (IP security protocol) can be used to establish a connection.

Step 505: The MSC accepts a location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the UE by using the signaling channel.

Step 506: Periodically trigger location update of the UE on the MSC.

After the UE performs location update through the packet access network, if the UE does not re-update the location for a long time, the MSC/VLR deletes the UE data. Therefore, when the UE needs to perform periodic location update after accessing the MSC through the packet domain, how to determine the length of the cycle? In an implementation, the UE may obtain the length of the period through the circuit domain, and perform periodic location update when the packet is accessed; or set a period in the UE, so that the UE can perform periodic location update within the expiration time set by the network. .

Step 507: Revoke the signaling channel according to the instruction of the HLR.

After the MSC/VLR receives the Cancel location message from the HLR, the MSC/VLR can notify the relevant network element that it does not need to retain the UE-related information (such as IP address information), and does not need to maintain the signaling established in the packet access network. aisle.

When the UE supports at least two access modes, for example, the UE can support circuit domain access, LTE.

(Long-Term Evolution, Long-Term Evolution) access, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) access, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) access, etc. Above) access. The UE may establish a signaling channel between the packet access network in the packet domain and the MSC in the circuit domain for the UE on different access modes, and the UE sends the location to the MSC/VLR through the signaling channel in different access modes. Update request message; The MSC/VLR receives the location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the UE through the signaling channel.

Since the UE may have multiple access modes, for such UEs, the UE may maintain multiple registration relationships with the MSC/VLR at the same time. The method is: the UE can perform independent location update with the MSC/VLR and the HLR by using various supported access modes to establish multiple simultaneous registration relationships between the UE, the MSC/VLR, and the HLR.

In order to distinguish between the case where the UE only wants to maintain a unique registration relationship at the same time (or the UE wants to perform a single location update). When the UE performs multi-location update, the identification information may be additionally carried in the location update request. When the MSC/VLR and HLR receive such an identity during location update, the MSC/VLR and The HLR can establish a new registration relationship between the UE, the MSC/VLR and the HLR while maintaining the original registration relationship (if any), and implement the multi-location update function. Alternatively, when the UE initiates a single location update, the identifier may be carried, and the MSC/VLR and the HLR may, based on the identifier, establish another location update procedure between the UE, the MSC/VLR, and the HLR when the location update is accepted. The registration relationship is removed. If the identifier is not carried, it is processed in a multi-location update manner. Note that the above multi-location update update process may be limited only between the MSC/VLR and the UE, and does not involve the HLR, that is, the relationship between the MSC/VLR and the UE supporting multiple registrations, and only one registration relationship is maintained between the MSC/VLR and the HLR.

In order to solve the problem that the user in the packet network coverage is updated to the MSC/VLR location in the circuit domain core network, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a user equipment location update system, and the specific implementation of the update system is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The way to explain.

6 is a schematic structural diagram of a user equipment location update system. As shown in the figure, the update system includes a packet access network in a packet domain, an MSC/VLR in a circuit domain, and a UE accessing a network wireless communication network via a packet access network. And a packet access unit, connected to the packet access network and the MSC, configured to establish a signaling channel between the UE under the packet access network in the packet domain and the MSC in the circuit domain, and provide a message routing function. It can provide an adaptation function for the UE accessing the MSC that is compatible with the SIP as the session control protocol, and can provide the function that the UE maintains multiple registration relationships from multiple accesses at the same time; in implementation, the UE passes the signaling channel through the packet access network. Sending a location update request message to the MSC/VLR; the MSC/VLR receives the location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the UE through the signaling channel.

Specifically, the MSC/VLR: is used to support the use of a packet access network to provide services for users.

Packet access network: including but not limited to traditional SAE or GPRS or CDMA2000 packet domain networks, it can also support providing UEs with location information to the MSC/VLR.

Boundary Gateway (Packet Data Network Gateway): An entity in a packet access network that is a connection gateway between an internal packet network and an external packet network (such as the Internet). For example, for the SAE network, it is the PDN GW, for the GRPS network, it is the GGSN, and for the CDMA2000 packet domain network, it is the PDSN.

Packet Access Unit: It is a newly set entity. In implementation, it can be a logical entity or a physical entity. At present, the traditional MSC only supports access in the circuit domain mode, and does not support packet access. Since packet access and circuit access are two different access modes. Therefore, if the packet is to be used by the MSC to provide services for the user, the embodiment of the present invention sets an entity between the packet access network and the MSC to implement the function. In the embodiment, the entity is referred to as packet access. Unit, which provides UE The signaling channel between the MSC and the MSC can provide a message routing function, and can provide an adaptation function for the UE accessing the MSC compatible with the SIP session control protocol, and can provide the UE with the function of maintaining multiple registration relationships from multiple accesses simultaneously. . From an implementation point of view, the entity may be located in the MSC, or may exist separately, or may be located in a packet access network. When integrated in the MSC, the legacy MSC and the packet access unit can be considered together to form an enhanced MSC.

As shown in the figure, in the implementation, the MSC is connected to the packet access unit through the interface 1, and the packet access network is connected to the packet access unit through the interface 2, where:

Interface 1 :

The interface between the MSC and the packet access unit. The interface may be an external interface or an internal interface (if the packet access unit is integrated into the MSC, the access is an internal interface), the interface may be in the form of an Iu interface, or an analog A interface, or an analog Gs, or Use other forms of interface (such as the interface between the core network and the access network in a CDMA2000 network or a TD-SCDMA network). The connection relationship between the MSC and the packet access unit may be one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. However, it is easy to know that the one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many approach does not apply to the case where the interface is an internal interface.

Interface 2:

An interface between a packet access unit and a packet access network. The interface may be in the form of a Gi/SGi interface, or may be another form of interface (such as a new interface between a packet access unit and a mobility management entity), or an internal interface (if the packet access unit is integrated) In the case of a packet access network, the interface is an internal interface). The connection relationship between the packet access unit and the packet access network may be one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. However, the one-to-many, one-to-one or many-to-many approach is not applicable to the case where the interface is an internal interface.

That is, the implementing packet access unit may be connected to the packet access network through a Gi/SGi interface or other forms of interface, and may be connected to a border gateway or a mobility management entity in the packet access network, through an analog Iu interface or simulation. The A interface or the analog Gs interface is connected to the MSC;

Or, the packet access unit is located in the packet access network, and is connected to the packet access network through an internal interface of the packet access network, and may be connected to a border gateway or a mobility management entity in the packet access network, through an analog Iu interface or The analog A interface or the analog Gs interface is connected to the MSC;

Or, the packet access unit is located in the MSC, and can be regarded as an enhanced MSC. The packet access unit is connected to the packet access network through a Gi/SGi interface or other form of interface, and is connected to the original MSC through an internal interface. Even.

In an implementation, the update system may include at least one packet access unit, and the packet access unit provides a signaling channel (message transmission channel) between the user equipment and the MSC.

1), implementation of the message transmission channel between the UE and the packet access unit:

There are two ways:

Manner 1: The IP bearer of the packet access network is used (including the default IP bearer established by the packet access network for the UE when the UE is attached to the packet access network; or the IP bearer established separately in the packet access network, For example, the dedicated bearer of the SAE and the bearer established by the GPRS using the PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context activation process). The external interface (such as Gi or SGi) interface provided by the packet data network gateway is used to form a message transmission channel between the UE and the packet access unit. The basic feature of the message transmission channel is that the channel is connected to the data network gateway through the packet. The packet access unit can establish a signaling channel with the UE through a transmission protocol such as TCP or UDP or SCTP.

Manner 2: utilizing the original message transmission channel between the UE and the mobility management entity in the packet access network, and adding an interface between the mobility management entity and the packet access unit to form a message transmission between the UE and the packet access unit aisle. The basic feature of this message transmission channel is that the channel passes through the mobility management entity.

2) Implementation of the establishment of a message transmission channel between the packet access unit and the MSC:

The channel used for message transmission between the packet access unit and the MSC may be provided by a radio access network control interface of the Iu-CS or A interface or a network such as CDMA2000 or other forms of interface, if the MSC and the packet access unit In combination, the channel is located in the internal interface. In this case, the implementation of the channel is not limited to the above form.

The packet access unit may be identified by the first address; the MSC for location update may be identified by the second address. Then:

(1) The update system may further include a first determining unit, and/or a second determining unit, the first determining unit is configured to determine a packet access unit for performing location update by the UE, and the second determining unit is configured to determine MSC for UE to perform location update.

The first determining unit is connected to the UE or connected to the mobility management entity. If connected to the UE, Determining, by the DHCP server, the first address by using a DHCPv6 (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol v6) manner; and determining, by the UE, the first address from a configuration of the UE or the user card . If it is connected to the mobility management entity, it can be used to determine the first address from the configuration for the mobility management entity. In this case, the UE can determine the mobility management entity by using the prior art, and the mobility management entity passes the first determining unit. The first address is determined without having to determine the first address by the UE through the first determining unit.

The second determining unit is connected to the UE or connected to the packet access unit. If the UE is connected to the UE, the second address may be determined from the DHCP server by using the DHCPv6 manner for the UE; and may be used to determine the second address for the UE from the UE or the configuration of the user card. If it is connected to the packet access unit, it can be used to determine the second address from the configuration of the packet access unit. In this case, the location update message first arrives at the packet access unit through the determined first address, and is further configured by the packet access unit. Determine the second address.

The first and second determining units may further include a parsing module, configured to perform domain name resolution on the first address and the second address of the domain name manner determined by the determining unit by the domain name server, and map the domain name into an IP address.

Specifically, the first and second determining units are configured to perform location update for the UE to determine the target packet access unit and the target MSC, and use the routing between the UE and the MSC: because the UE accesses the circuit domain core through the packet access network. When the network performs location update, it needs to determine a packet access unit and a target MSC to perform location update for the user and provide services in the subsequent manner.

In the implementation, to determine the packet access unit and the MSC for the UE, there are four ways: Path A, the UE first obtains the address of the packet access unit (ie, the first address, which may be an IP address or a domain name in the form), the first The address enables the UE to be addressed to the packet access unit, and the packet access unit determines the MSC (ie, the second address, which may be the MSC number) that provides the UE with the service.

Route B, the UE directly obtains the first address and the second address. At this time, the UE addresses the packet access unit according to the first address in the location update message, and the packet access unit addresses the MSC according to the second address in the location update message. .

Path C. If the packet access unit and the MSC are in a one-to-one or one-to-one relationship, the UE only needs to obtain the address information of the packet access unit or the MSC, and obtaining the address information is equivalent to obtaining another address information. Path D, the UE does not need to know the first and second addresses, the UE uses the mobility management entity to perform location update through the existing signaling channel between the UE and the mobility management entity, and the mobility management entity determines the first address, for the second The address may be determined by the mobility management entity or may be determined by the packet access unit when the location update message arrives at the packet unit.

In a specific implementation, how do the UE obtain the first address in the path A, how the UE obtains the first and second addresses in the path B, and how the UE obtains the first or the second in the path C for the above three methods, B and C The second address can be performed in the following three ways:

Mode A: The UE obtains first and second address information from a packet data network gateway or a mobility management entity.

The UE provides the address information to the UE by the packet data network gateway or the mobility management entity when attaching to the packet data network, or when establishing the IP bearer, the information including at least one of the addresses. If a plurality of said addresses are included, a selection can be made by the UE to perform a location update. Whether the packet data network gateway or the mobility management entity can provide the address information to the UE at the UE location may be unconditional, or may decide whether to send the information at the request of the UE. If the address information of the domain name is obtained, the parsing module further performs domain name resolution through the domain name server, and maps the domain name into an IP address.

Method B: The UE obtains the first and second address information by using the DHCPv6 method.

The UE requests the address information of the domain name mode or the address information of the IP address mode by using the DHCPv6 mode, and the address information includes at least one address information. If multiple address information is included, the UE can make a selection for location update. If the domain name information is obtained, the resolution module further performs domain name resolution through the domain name server to map the domain name to an IP address.

Mode C. The first and second address information may also be directly configured in the UE or in the user card.

In a specific implementation, for the above A and D paths, how does the packet access unit determine the MSC, if the packet access unit is only connected to one MSC, or is integrated with the MSC, the target MSC is uniquely determined; The ingress unit is connected to one or more MSCs, and the packet access unit determines the target MSC (ie, determines the second address) in two ways:

Mode a, can be solved by the configuration method. The configuration can be embodied in a packet access unit Configuring a correspondence between a location area where the UE is located and the MSC; or a correspondence between the UE (or the corresponding user identity) and the MSC. Based on the configuration information and the location area or UE (or corresponding user identity) identification information in which the UE is located, the packet access unit may determine the target MSC.

Mode b: It is not necessary to set the configuration relationship in the packet access unit, but the packet access unit makes a selection to determine an MSC. It can be based on a certain strategy, such as load sharing (the mobility management entity can share the traffic to multiple MSCs); or arbitrarily select one. In this case, for a user, the packet access unit should ensure subsequent interaction with the MSC. , select the unchanged MSC, the packet access unit can use the record selection result mode to achieve this.

In a specific implementation, for the above path D, how the mobility management entity determines the packet access unit may be the same as the method of how the packet access unit determines the MSC in the foregoing manner D.

(2) The update system may further include a third determining unit, connected to the MSC, configured to determine, for the MSC, a packet access unit for the UE to perform location update, and a fourth determining unit, connected to the packet access unit, A UE that performs location update is determined for the packet access unit.

The third determining unit is connected to the MSC/VLR for routing the message of the packet access unit sent by the MSC/VLR to the UE, and determining the address of the packet access unit. The third determining unit may determine the packet access unit corresponding to the UE according to the location information of the UE and the mapping relationship between the location information and the packet access unit, or the MSC/VLR first receives a packet access unit from the UE for the UE. The message, the MSC/VLR records the packet access unit corresponding to the UE, thereby determining the packet access unit corresponding to the UE.

And a fourth determining unit, connected to the packet access unit, configured to determine UE address information for the packet access unit. The fourth determining unit may determine the UE address information for performing the location update according to the location update request message of the UE. If the location update request message is from the mobility management entity, the packet access unit records the address information of the mobility manager corresponding to the UE, and joins (in the prior art) the mobility capability of the mobility management entity to the UE, and the packet access The unit can be addressed to the UE, or the mobility management entity provides the IP address of the UE to the packet access unit, the packet access unit addresses the UE by the IP address information of the UE; if the location update request message is from the packet data network gateway The packet access unit records the IP address of the UE, and the packet access unit addresses the UE by using the IP address information of the UE.

Specifically, in the location update message interaction process, the MSC needs to determine the packet access unit used for the UE to perform location update, and the packet access unit needs to determine the location update UE, so as to ensure the location between the UE, the MSC/VLR, and the HLR. Updated message interaction. In the process, each entity can To process as follows:

1. The MSC/VLR obtains the UE location information.

The location information of the UE may be provided by the UE or an entity in the network to the MSC/VLR, as follows:

1), if the location information of the UE is selected by the UE to the MSC/VLR, the UE may carry the information in the location update request;

2) If the location information of the UE is selected by the entity in the network to the MSC/VLR, the network entity may be a mobility management entity in the packet access unit or the packet access network (for example, the SGSN for the GRPS network, for the SAE) The network is MME).

If the location access information is selected by the packet access unit, the location information is not limited to be when the packet access unit receives the location update request from the UE, and the packet access unit transmits the location information to the MSC/VLR;

If the mobility management entity is selected to provide specific location information of the user, the mobility management entity may notify the packet domain gateway device of the location information of the UE, and then the gateway device provides the message to the packet access unit, and finally, the packet access unit provides For the MSC/VLR, the mobility management entity may also provide the location information of the UE to the packet access unit, and then provide the information to the MSC/VLR, or the mobility management entity may directly provide the location information of the UE to the MSC/VLR.

2. The route of the message sent by the MSC to the UE.

In order to enable the MSC to address the UE through the packet access unit, the following two aspects need to be solved:

1) The MSC needs to obtain the address information of the packet access unit corresponding to the UE.

The solution can be done as follows:

A. When the MSC needs to send a message to the packet access unit, the MSC may according to the location information of the UE, the mapping relationship between each location information recorded by the MSC and each packet access unit, and the address of each packet access unit recorded by the MSC. Information, obtaining address information of a corresponding packet access unit of the UE.

B. When the MSC receives the UE location update related message, it records the packet access unit address information in the message, and records its correspondence with the UE.

2) The packet access unit needs to be able to address to the UE.

The packet access unit may pass the number of packets in the process of the location update of the UE. The location update interaction with the UE is performed according to the network gateway or the mobility management entity.

If the packet data network gateway is used, the packet access unit needs to obtain the IP address information of the UE. The method may be: when the packet access unit receives the message from the UE, the IP address of the UE is obtained and recorded from the message.

If the entity is managed by the mobility, the packet data network gateway needs to acquire the mobility management entity corresponding to the UE. The method may be: when the packet access unit receives the message from the UE by the mobility management entity, the host corresponding mobility management entity address is obtained and recorded from the message.

3. During the location update process, the location update processing of the MSC/VLR and the HLR can be consistent with the processing when the user performs location update from the circuit domain.

4. The location update message exchange between the UE and the MSC/VLR.

There are four ways to interact with messages:

When the MSC/VLR performs location update, the sent location update request message may be formally the same as the information carried by the UE when performing location update to the MSC through the legacy circuit domain. The message may be in the form of a SIP message encapsulation (such as a SIP Info message), but the content in the message body is a circuit domain location update message, and the packet access unit may convert the message encapsulation on the UE side into an encapsulation in the form of Iu or A interface. , converted to the MSC/VLR.

When the MSC/VLR performs location update, the SIP registration mode can be used. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the implementation process of performing location update by the packet access unit to the MSC/VLR by using the SIP registration mode. As shown in the figure, the process can be as follows. Implementation:

Step 701: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit through the packet access network.

Step 702: The packet access unit sends a SIP Register message to the MSC.

Step 707: The MSC sends a SIP 200 OK message to the packet access unit.

Step 708: The packet access unit sends a SIP 200 OK message to the UE via the packet access network. Further, an authentication unit may be further included for performing authentication before performing location update on the UE. If the MSC is to authenticate the UE, the authentication unit may perform the following steps in steps 702 and 707 in the above process: Step 703: The MSC sends a SIP 401 Unauthorized message to the packet access unit.

Step 704: The packet access unit packet access unit sends a SIP 401 Unauthorized message to the UE via the packet access network.

Step 705: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit by using a packet access network. Step 706: The packet access unit sends a SIP Register message to the MSC.

The private user identity in the SIP Register message in step 701 may be IMSI or TMSI, or a derivative form of the two types of numbers, and the public user identity may be an MSISDN number or a derivative thereof. When the MSC receives the SIP Register message, it can extract the IMSI/TMSI and MSISDN codes.

Manner 3: The UE can also register according to the SIP registration mode, and the packet access unit will convert between the SIP registration process and the circuit domain location update process. FIG. 8 shows the packet access unit will be in the SIP registration process and the circuit domain location update process. A schematic diagram of an implementation process of converting between, as shown in the figure, the conversion process may include the following steps:

Step 801: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit by using a packet access network. Step 802: The packet access unit sends a Location Update Request message to the MSC.

Step 807: The MSC sends a Location Update Accept message to the packet access unit.

Step 808: The packet access unit sends a SIP 200 OK message to the UE via the packet access network.

If the MSC wants to authenticate the UE, the following interaction process is performed between step 802 and step 807 of the above process.

Step 803: The MSC sends an Authentication Request message to the packet access unit.

Step 804: The packet access unit packet access unit sends the UE to the SIP 401 via the packet access network.

Unauthorized message.

Step 805: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit by using a packet access network. Step 806: The packet access unit sends an Authentication Response message to the MSC. among them:

In the foregoing step 801, the header field filling method in the SIP Register message may be: the "Request URI" header field is filled in as the above-mentioned "first address", "second address", or an address thereof. If the UE needs to carry the above two address information in the message sending the packet access unit, another address information in the "Request URI" may be appended to the SIP Register message.

The user's public identity in the "From" and "To" header fields can be filled in as MSISDN (Mobile station international ISDN number, 2G/3 G mobile number), or its derivative line identifier.

The private user identity in the "Authorization" header field is filled in as the user's IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier) or TMSI (Temporary Mobile Station Identity), or its smuggled form identification.

The "Contact" header field fills in the address information of the UE, which may be in the form of an IP or a Universal Resource Identifier (Universal Resource Identifier).

In the above step 802, the information filling method in the Location Update request message may be:

"Mobile identity" is filled in as IMSI or TMSI as described in step 801.

"Location area identification" fills in the obtained UE location information.

Manner 4: If the mobility management entity performs location update to the MSC/VLR, the mobility management entity may be sent by the mobility management entity to the MSC/VLR upon receiving the request of the UE to attach to the packet access network or after the attachment is completed. Make a location update. Then, the message is exchanged between the UE and the mobility management entity in a manner that the UE is attached to the packet access network, and the mobility management entity interacts with the MSC/VLR. The message may be any one of the foregoing three manners. 9 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of performing location update by a mobility management entity to an MSC/VLR when a UE attaches to a packet access network, where the mobility management entity and the packet access unit use a unified setting. As shown, the process can be implemented as follows:

Step 901: The UE sends an attach request to the packet access network mobility management entity (packet access unit).

Step 902: The mobility management entity (packet access unit) sends a location update request message to the MSC/VLR. Step 903: The MSC/VLR sends a location update accept message to the mobility management entity (packet access unit).

Step 904: The mobility management entity (packet access unit) sends an attach accept message to the UE. It may depend on the indication of the UE. The indication may be carried to the mobility management entity when the UE attaches to the packet access network. As another option, the mobility management entity may also determine whether to perform location update without depending on the indication of the UE.

For the fourth method, the location update request sent by the mobility management entity to the MSC may carry the location information of the user. If the location information of the UE in the mobility management entity is different in form from the location information used in the MSC, the location information in the packet access network needs to be converted into location information in the MSC, and the process may be in the mobility management entity. In this case, the location information transmitted to the MSC is converted; the processing can also be performed in the MSC. In this case, the location information transmitted to the MSC is before the conversion; also in the mobility management An intermediate entity is set up between the entity and the MSC to complete the process.

For mode four, the mobility management entity may notify the UE of the location update result. The specific method may be that the mobility management entity notifies the UE of the result by using an attach response message that the UE attaches to the packet access network. If the MSC allocates TMSI to the UE, it can also be provided to the UE in the message.

The update system may further include a logout unit for the MSC to trigger the packet access unit to cancel the signaling channel according to the instruction of the HLR. After the MSC/VLR receives the location cancel message from the HLR, the MSC/VLR can notify the packet access unit that the packet access unit does not have to retain the UE-related information (such as routing decision information and the address of the UE). Information, etc.), it is no longer necessary to maintain the (signaling) channel established by the packet access network.

The update system may further include a periodic location update unit, connected to the UE, for periodically triggering location update of the UE on the MSC. After the UE performs location update through the packet access network, if the UE does not re-update the location for a long time, the MSC/VLR deletes the UE data. After the UE accesses the MSC through the packet domain, a periodic location update is required, and the UE may obtain a period length through the circuit domain, and use the period length for periodic location update when the packet is accessed; or set a UE in the UE. A relatively short period is used as the period length, enabling the UE to perform periodic location updates within the expiration time set by the network. The update system may have multiple access modes in the circuit domain access, LTE packet access, WLAN packet access, WiMAX packet access, etc., when the UE has at least two access modes. The packet access unit separately establishes, for the UE, a signaling channel between the packet access network in the packet domain and the MSC in the circuit domain according to the access mode of the UE; the UE accesses the packet access network according to the access mode according to the access mode. The signaling channel sends a location update related message to the MSC; the MSC accepts the location update request message, and returns a location update related message to the UE through a signaling channel corresponding to the access mode.

Since the UE may have multiple access capabilities, for such UEs, the UE may maintain multiple registration relationships with the MSC at the same time. The method may be: the UE may perform independent location update with the MSC/VLR and the HLR by using various supported access modes to establish multiple simultaneous registration relationships between the UE, the MSC/VLR, and the HLR.

In order to distinguish between the case where the UE only wants to maintain a unique registration relationship at the same time (or the UE wants to perform a single location update). One method is: When the UE performs multi-location update, the identification information may be additionally carried in the location update request. When the MSC/VLR and the HLR receive such an identifier during the location update, the MSC/VLR and the HLR can establish a new registration relationship between the UE, the MSC/VLR, and the HLR while maintaining the original registration relationship. Multi-location update feature.

Another method is: carrying the identifier when the UE initiates the single location update, and the MSC/VLR and the HLR according to the identifier, when accepting the location update, the other location update process is established between the UE, the MSC/VLR and the HLR. The registration relationship is removed. If the identifier is not carried, it is processed in a multi-location update manner.

Another multi-location update process mainly involves a packet access unit. In contrast to the above manner, in order to keep the processing of the MSC/VLR and the HLR unchanged, when the UE has multiple (two or more) packet access capabilities, The UE may initiate location update to the MSC/VLR through the same packet access unit by using the same packet access mode. The MSC/VLR and the HLR need only maintain a registration relationship of the UE according to the prior art processing manner, but the packet access is performed. The unit may establish multiple registration relationships of the UE (indicated that the packet access unit may record address information of the UE corresponding to different access modes).

10 is a schematic diagram of a process of processing address information of a UE with multiple access modes by a packet access unit. As shown in the figure, steps 1001-1004 are used by a packet access unit to perform a location update by the UE through the packet access network 1. The processing procedure completes the registration of the UE with the MSC/VLR and the HLR. In this process, the packet access unit records the address information corresponding to the UE in the packet access network 1; In step 1005, the UE performs a new location update through the packet access network 2. After receiving the location update request, the packet access unit directly sends a location update accept message to the UE, and records the UE corresponding to the packet access network 2. Address information.

Through the above processing of the packet access unit, the UE can perform traffic processing through the packet access network 1 or the packet access network 2.

In order to ensure the security of the transmission between the UE and the packet access unit, the update system may further comprise a security unit, which is connected to the packet access unit and the UE, and is used for providing communication security for the location update process of the UE.

In order to ensure the security of message interaction between the UE and the packet access unit, a security mechanism can be taken when establishing a channel between the UE and the packet access unit. The security mechanism is: When the UE updates to the MSC/VLR location via the packet access unit, a secure connection between the UE and the packet access unit is established. For example, the IPSEC manner can be used to establish a connection.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a security implementation process for ensuring message interaction between a UE and a packet access unit. As shown in the figure, the security unit may implement the following steps to provide communication security:

Step 1101: When the UE initiates a location update to the packet access unit, carrying the security parameter,

IPSEC corresponds to the UE port information, including the client and server ports.

Step 1102: The packet access unit sends a location update request to the MSC/VLR.

Step 1103: After receiving the location update request, the MSC/VLR returns a message to the packet access unit, carrying a security parameter, including a security key.

Step 1104: Next, the packet access unit provides security parameters to the UE, including two port information of the client and the server of the packet access unit.

Through the security parameters of the interaction between the UE and the packet access unit, and the security key in the UE and the packet access unit, a secure transmission channel can be established between the UE and the packet access unit.

The embodiment of the present invention further provides a user equipment location updating apparatus, which is configured to include a packet access network in a packet domain, an MSC/VLR (Mobile Switching Center/Visit Location Register) in a circuit domain, and a packet access network connection. The communication system of the user equipment UE of the wireless communication network is connected to the packet access network and the MSC/VLR for providing a message between the UE via the packet access network, the packet access unit and the MSC/VLR in the circuit domain. Order channel

The user equipment sends the location to the MSC/VLR through the signaling channel via the packet access network. New related news;

The MSC/VLR accepts a location update request message, and returns a location update related message to the user equipment through the signaling channel.

Specifically, the device can be connected to the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network through an interface between the Gi/SGi interface and the mobility management entity, and through an analog Iu interface or an analog A interface or an analog Gs interface. Connected to the MSC/VLR;

Or, in a mobility management entity or a packet data network gateway located in a packet access network, connected to a mobility management entity or a packet data network gateway in a packet access network through an internal interface, through an analog Iu interface or an analog A interface or The analog Gs interface is connected to the MSC/VLR;

Or, located in the MSC/VLR, through the interface between the Gi/SGi interface and the mobility management entity, connected to the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network, through the internal interface of the MSC/VLR and the MSC/VLR Connected.

The location update apparatus may further include a first message conversion processing module for message conversion processing, and/or a second message conversion processing module, wherein:

a first message conversion processing module, configured to: after receiving the notification sent by the mobility management entity,

The MSC/VLR sends a Location Update Request message, which is a notification sent by the mobility management entity to the packet access unit after receiving the request message that the UE attaches to the packet access network.

Further, the mapping module may be further configured to: obtain the location information of the UE in the packet domain from the mobility management entity, and map the location information of the UE in the packet domain into the circuit domain location information and carry the information in the location update request message.

a second message conversion processing module, configured to: after the packet access unit receives the SIP registration message from the UE, send a location update request message to the MSC/VLR; and/or receive the location update of the MSC/VLR at the packet access unit. When the response message is requested, a SIP registration response message is sent to the UE.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.

Embodiment 1

12 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining a target packet access unit by performing location update by a UE. The process is performed on the basis of an attach procedure in 3GPP TS 23.401. As shown in the figure, the following steps may be included:

In step 1201 to step 1205, carrying a flag that the UE requests a packet access unit address; In step 1206, the PDN GW selects a packet access unit that provides services for the UE. In steps 1207 to 1210, the IP address information corresponding to the packet access unit is carried.

In this embodiment, the steps are as follows:

1. In step 1201, instead of carrying the flag, it may be indicated at this time that if the PDN GW has packet access unit address information, the PDN GW shall unconditionally return the address information of the packet access unit to the UE.

2. In step 1202, in order to enable the UE to obtain the service from the IMS at the same time, the IP address corresponding to the P-CSCF (Proxy Call Session Control Function) may be carried in step 1207 to step 1210, and Indicates which address is the corresponding packet access unit and which corresponds to the P-CSCF.

3. The method is equally applicable to the target MSC that determines the location update for the UE. Mainly in step 1202, the PDN GW is to return the target MSC address. The address information may be provided to the packet access unit when the UE sends the location update request, and the packet access unit further addresses the MSC according to the address information.

4. If the packet access unit and the MSC are in one set. Then, determining the target packet access unit is equivalent to determining the target MSC.

5. The eNodeB and MME shown in the figure are related functional entities of the 3GPP access. This embodiment is also applicable to the case of non-3GPP access. For example, if the UE is accessed through WLAN or WiMAX, the UE does not pass the eNodeB. Accessing the PDN GW, but accessing the PDN GW through a non-3GPP access device, the only difference is that different access devices are used according to different networks. Similarly, the following embodiments are mainly accessed by 3GPP. The case is exemplified, but the same applies to the case of non-3GPP access.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining a target packet access unit by performing location update, and as shown in the figure, the following steps may be included:

Step 1301: The UE is attached to the SAE, and the IP connection is established.

Step 1302: The UE obtains, by using an IP connection with the SAE, an IP address (歹' J table) or a domain name (list) corresponding to the packet access unit to the DHCP server.

Step 1303: If the UE obtains the domain name corresponding to the packet access unit, perform a DNS query, and then obtain an IP address corresponding to the packet access unit. This embodiment is equally applicable to the target MSC that determines the location update for the UE. The UE may query the DHCP server for the address information of the target MSC. The UE can acquire the target MSC and the packet access unit address information simultaneously by using one DHCP query.

Embodiment 3

14 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining a target packet access unit by performing location update by a UE, and as shown in the figure, the following steps may be included:

Step 1401: The IP bearer is established for the UE in the packet access network, and is used for transmitting the location update message.

Step 1402: The UE sends a location update request message to the packet access unit by using a packet access network. Step 1403: When the border gateway PDN GW receives the message, select a packet access unit according to the configuration.

Step 1404: The PDN GW sends a location update request to the selected packet access unit.

The embodiment is also applicable to the target MSC for determining the location update for the UE after the location update request message arrives at the packet access unit. Only when the location update request message arrives at the packet access unit, a target MSC is selected by the packet access unit, and the selection may be based on the configuration.

The embodiment is also applicable to when the signaling channel is formed by the UE, the mobility management entity, the packet access unit, and the MSC. When the location update request message arrives at the mobility management entity, the mobility management entity determines the location update for the UE. Packet access unit. It is only necessary to select a packet access unit by the mobility management entity when the location update request message arrives at the mobility management entity.

Embodiment 4

15 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation process of acquiring location information of a UE by an MSC/VLR. As shown in the figure, the following steps may be included:

Step 1501: The UE obtains current location information. The information may be the location information obtained by the UE when it is attached to the packet access network, or may be the location information obtained by the UE from the current circuit domain broadcast information. Step 1502: The UE carries the location information when sending the location update request message;

Step 1503: The MSC/VLR records the location information of the UE.

In the implementation, if the UE obtains the packet domain location information, it may be converted into circuit domain location information in the UE and then provided to the MSC, or may be a packet access unit or an MSC to complete the conversion process.

In this embodiment, the UE provides its location information to the MSC/VLR. But it can also be mentioned by the packet access unit. For the MSC/VLR, when the packet access unit receives the location update request of the UE, the location access information of the UE is added to the location update request message by the packet access unit, and is provided to the MSC/VLR. The packet access unit itself may correspond to one location area, but in order to obtain more specific location information of the UE, the mobility management entity may also add the location information of the UE to the location update request and transmit it to the MSC/VLR, or the mobility management entity. The location information of the UE is provided to the packet access unit, and is provided by the packet access unit to the MSC/VLR.

Embodiment 5

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining, by the MSC, a packet access unit corresponding to a UE, as shown in the figure, which may include the following steps:

Step 1601: The UE sends a location update request.

Step 1602: The packet access unit sends a location update from the UE to the MSC, and carries its own IP address information.

Step 1603: The MSC records the IP address information corresponding to the packet access unit corresponding to the UE. Step 1604: When the MSC needs to send a message to the packet access unit corresponding to the UE, the IP address recorded in step 1603 is used.

This embodiment is also applicable to the packet access unit acquiring the address information of the UE. In the implementation, the UE carries the IP address information of the UE in step 1601, and when the packet access unit receives the location update request message, records the IP address information of the UE as the destination address for sending the message to the UE.

The embodiment is also applicable to the packet access unit acquiring the address information of the mobility management entity. If the UE is updated to the MSC/VLR location by the mobility management entity and the packet access unit, the packet access unit receives the information from the mobility management entity. When the location update message is recorded, the address information of the mobility management entity is recorded, and the packet access unit is able to determine the mobility management entity corresponding to the message of the subsequent UE.

Embodiment 6

17 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of determining, by the MSC, a packet access unit corresponding to a UE, as shown in the figure, which may include the following steps:

Step 1701: The MSC acquires location information of the UE (the method listed in Embodiment 4 may be used);

Step 1702: The MSC determines, according to the location information of the UE, the correspondence between the location area established by the MSC and the packet access unit, the packet access unit corresponding to the UE; Step 1703: When the MSC needs to send a message to the packet access unit corresponding to the UE, send the message to the target packet access unit determined in step 1702.

Example 7

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a message exchange implementation process of a UE updating to an MSC/VLR location. As shown in the figure, the following steps may be included:

Step 1801: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit by using the packet access network. Step 1802: The packet access unit sends a Location Update Request message to the MSC/VLR. Step 1807: The MSC/VLR sends a Location Update to the packet access unit. Accept message; Step 1808: The packet access unit sends a SIP 200 OK message to the UE via the packet access network. If the MSC is to authenticate the UE, the following interaction process may be performed between steps 1802 and 1803 in the foregoing process for authentication.

Step 1803: The MSC sends an Authentication Request message to the packet access unit. Step 1804: The packet access unit packet access unit sends the UE to the SIP 401 via the packet access network.

Unauthorized message;

Step 1805: The UE sends a SIP Register message to the packet access unit by using the packet access network. Step 1806: The packet access unit sends an Authentication Response message to the MSC. It should be noted that the interaction process between the MSC/VLR and the HLR represented by the ellipsis in the figure is consistent with the case where the UE performs location update through the circuit domain.

In the embodiment, the UE sends and receives a SIP registration message, and the MSC/VLR sends and receives a circuit domain location update message, and the packet access unit performs two types of message conversion. As another optional implementation manner, the UE may also send and receive a circuit domain location update message, that is, the message in step 1801 is a Location update message, the message in step 1804 is an Authentication Request message, and the authentication response message is in step 1805. In step 1806 is a Location Update Accept message.

In the embodiment, the UE sends and receives a SIP registration message, and the MSC/VLR sends and receives a circuit domain location update message, and the packet access unit performs two types of message conversion. As another optional implementation manner, the MSC/VLR can also send and receive SIP registration messages, that is, the message in step 1802 is a SIP Register message, the message in step 1803 is a SIP 401 Unauthorized message, and the SIP register message in step 1806 is a SIP Register message. In step 1807, there is a SIP 200 OK message.

Further, after the foregoing process is completed, if the UE passes the other access mode to the MSC/VLR again. Initiating a location update, the UE may carry an identifier in the location update/registration message, for indicating to the MSC/VLR that the UE is to perform multi-location update, and the MSC/VLR may perform multi-location update processing according to the identifier, that is, establishing the UE. At the same time as the new registration relationship with the MSC/VLR, the old registration relationship is maintained. If the UE does not carry the identifier in the new location update process, the MSC/VLR deletes the old registration relationship when establishing a new registration relationship between the UE and the MSC/VLR.

Example eight

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a multi-location update process. In this embodiment, the UE has two types of packet accessing capabilities. As shown in the figure, the process of performing multi-location update by the UE may include the following steps:

In step 1901 to step 2004, the location update is performed by the packet access network 1 with the MSC/VLR and the HLR.

In step 1905 to step 2008, the UE initiates a multi-location update through the packet access network 2, carries an identifier, indicates to the MSC/VLR that the multi-location update is performed, and the MSC/VLR maintains the base registration information of the previous location update. The HLR initiates a new multi-location update process, which also carries an identity. The HLR returns a location update response to the MSC/VLR on the basis of maintaining the UE registration information of the previous location update, and the MSC/VLR returns a location update accept to the UE.

In this embodiment, a UE supporting two different packet access capabilities is taken as an example. Similarly, the UE may also support circuit domain access capability and packet access capability at the same time, and multiple registrations are also applicable to this case. In the above process, the path of the packet access remains unchanged, and the circuit domain access path is that the UE accesses the MSC via the RAN (Radio Access Network).

Example nine

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the implementation of the location update of the MME proxy user to the MSC in the SAE network. In this embodiment, the MME and the packet and the packet access unit are combined. As shown in the figure, the implementation may include the following steps:

Step 2001, the UE sends an attach request to the SAE in the packet network, and the request arrives at the MME;

Step 2002: The MME initiates a location update operation for the user, selects a target MSC, and sends a location update request message to the MSC, carrying the location information of the user, where the location information is location area information formed by the tracking area;

Step 2003: The MSC accepts the location update request by interacting with the HLR, and returns a location update accept message to the MME. Step 2004: The MME returns a SAE Attach Accept message to the UE, where the message carries the address information of the packet access unit, and the UE sends a message to the MSC via the packet access unit.

In step 2002, if the MME is connected to multiple MSCs, the MME may select a corresponding MSC according to the location area of the user; or select a suitable MSC according to the load condition of the MSC, for example, three MSCs are available, and multiple The user's location update request is balancedly distributed to the three MSCs; or one MSC is randomly selected. For the latter two cases, it is necessary to ensure that all subsequent services of the UE in the MSC are processed by the MSC, and the MME may record the MSC selected by the UE for subsequent transmission and reception of messages with the MSC.

In the foregoing process, if the MME and the packet access unit are not unified, when the MME sends the location update request message to the packet access unit, the correspondence relationship between the user identity of the UE and the IP address information of the UE may be provided to the packet. The access unit enables the MSC to address the UE through the packet access unit.

In step 2001, the UE may carry an identifier in the attach request message for indicating to the MME whether the user is willing to trigger a location update to the MSC. The MME determines whether to trigger a location update operation based on the identity.

If the MME fails to attach the SAE after the location update operation is initiated, and the location update process of the MSC is completed, the SAE may initiate an IMSI DETACH process to the UE, and set the UE in the MSC state. It is in the shutdown state.

Example ten

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an implementation process of a SGSN proxy user performing location update to an MSC in a GPRS network. As shown in the figure, the implementation may include the following steps:

Step 2101: The UE initiates an attach or routing domain update request to the packet network GPRS, and the request arrives at the SGSN.

Step 2102: The SGSN initiates a location update operation for the user. Selecting a target MSC, and sending a location update request message to the MSC, carrying the location information of the user, where the location information is location area information formed by the routing area;

Step 2103: The MSC accepts the location update request by interacting with the HLR, and returns a location update accept message to the SGSN.

Step 2104: The MME returns an attach accept message to the UE, where the message carries the eMSC (middle) IP address of the packet access unit);

Step 2105: The user performs PDP context activation between the GPRS networks, and the SGSN obtains the IP address information of the UE.

Step 2106: The SGSN provides the information about the identity of the user and the IP address of the UE to the eMSC. According to the foregoing implementation, the embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the location update of the user in the MSC/VLR, which provides a support for the user to obtain the service from the MSC through the packet network, which is beneficial for the operator to fully utilize the packet. The network coverage provides users with various services that can only be obtained through the circuit domain access mode, which undoubtedly improves the efficiency of the network.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the scheme of the packet access unit Iu interface or the A interface or the Gs interface is also proposed to avoid the modification of the MSC/VLR, and the existing MSC/VLR is used to provide the circuit domain service for the packet access user. The spirit and scope of the Ming. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the inventions

Claims

Rights request

A user equipment location update system, comprising: a packet access network in a packet domain, a mobile switching center/visit location register in a circuit domain, and a user equipment accessing a wireless communication network via a packet access network, wherein Also included is a packet access unit, coupled to the packet access network, the mobile switching center/visit location register, for providing user equipment between the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the mobile switching center/visit location register in the circuit domain Signaling channel

2. The location update system according to claim 1, wherein the packet access unit further comprises a first message conversion processing module, configured to: after receiving the notification sent by the mobility management entity, to the mobile switching center The /location location register sends a location update request message, the notification being a notification sent by the mobility management entity to the packet access unit after receiving the request message that the user equipment attaches to the packet access network.

The location update system according to claim 2, wherein the packet access unit further comprises a mapping module, configured to acquire location information of the user equipment in the packet domain from the mobility management entity, where the user equipment is located The location information under the packet domain is mapped into circuit domain location information and carried in the location update request message.

4. The location update system according to claim 1, wherein the packet access unit further comprises a second message conversion processing module, configured to receive a session initiation protocol registration message from the user equipment at the packet access unit. Thereafter, sending a location update request message to the mobile switching center/visit location register; and/or transmitting a session initiation protocol registration response to the user equipment when the packet access unit receives the location update request response message of the mobile switching center/visit location register Message.

5. The location update system according to claim 1, comprising at least one packet access unit, and at least one mobile switching center/visit location register, said packet access unit being identified by a first address; The mobile switching center/visiting location register is identified by a second address; the updating system further comprising a first determining unit, and/or a second determining unit, wherein: the first determining unit is connected to the user equipment or to the mobility management entity For user equipment side Routing of messages to the packet access unit;

If it is connected to the user equipment, it is used for configuring the user equipment from the packet data network gateway or the mobility management entity, the user equipment through the dynamic host configuration protocol, the dynamic host configuration protocol server, the user equipment, or the user card configuration. One or a combination thereof to determine the first address;

And if connected to the mobility management entity, configured to determine a first address from the configuration for the mobility management entity;

a second determining unit, connected to the user equipment, or to the packet access unit, for routing the message of the user equipment to the mobile switching center/visiting location register;

If it is connected to the user equipment, it is used for configuring the user equipment from the packet data network gateway or the mobility management entity, the user equipment through the dynamic host configuration protocol, the dynamic host configuration protocol server, the user equipment, or the user card configuration. One or a combination thereof determines the second address;

And if connected to the packet access unit, configured to determine the second address from the packet access unit.

6. The location update system of claim 5, further comprising a third determining unit, and/or a fourth determining unit, wherein:

a third determining unit, configured to be connected to the mobile switching center/visiting location register, configured to determine a packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment according to the location information of the user equipment and the mapping relationship between the location information and the packet access unit, or When receiving a message from the packet access unit for the user equipment in the mobile switching center/visiting location register, the recorded packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment determines the packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment;

And a fourth determining unit, connected to the packet access unit, configured to determine user equipment address information for performing location update according to the location update request message of the user equipment obtained by the packet access unit.

The location update system according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment has at least two access modes;

The packet access unit establishes a signaling channel between the packet access network in the packet domain and the mobile switching center/visit location register in the circuit domain according to the access mode of the user equipment;

Transmitting, by the user equipment, a location update request message to the mobile switching center/visiting location register by using a signaling channel corresponding to the access mode by the packet access network according to the access mode;

The mobile switching center/visit location register accepts a location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the user equipment through a signaling channel corresponding to the access mode.

8. The location update system according to claim 7, wherein the mobile switching center/visit location register is further configured to simultaneously hold the user when receiving a plurality of location update requests sent by the same user equipment from different access networks. Multiple location updates for the device, or only one location update information.

The packet access unit is further configured to: when the user equipment initiates the location update from different access networks, send the location update request to the mobile switching center/visit location register when receiving the first location update request, and access the other location When the network receives the new location update request, it returns a location update response to the user equipment according to the result of the first location update, and the mobile switching center/visit location register still maintains the information of the first location update.

The location update system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mobility management entity is a service general packet radio service support node in a general packet radio service system, and is in a system architecture evolution system. Is a mobility management entity.

The location update system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the packet access unit has an interface between the Gi/SGi interface or the newly added packet access unit and the mobility management entity. Connected to the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network, and connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register through the Iu interface or the A interface or the Gs interface;

Or the packet access unit is located in a mobility management entity or a packet data network gateway in the packet access network, and is connected to the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network through the internal interface, through the Iu interface. Or the A interface or the Gs interface is connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register;

Or, the packet access unit is located in the mobile switching center/visit location register, through an interface between the Gi/SGi interface or the newly added packet access unit and the mobility management entity, and the mobility management entity in the packet access network Or the packet data network gateway is connected, and is connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register through the internal interface of the mobile switching center/visit location register.

12. A method for updating a location of a user equipment, comprising: the following steps:

The packet access unit connected to the packet access network and the mobile switching center/visit location register provides the user equipment to be sent by the packet access network, the packet access unit, and the mobile switching center/visiting location in the circuit domain. a signaling channel between the registers;

The mobile switching center/visit location register accepts a location update request message, and returns a location update accept message to the user equipment via the signaling channel.

The location update method according to claim 12, further comprising: after receiving the notification sent by the mobility management entity, the packet access unit sends a location update request to the mobile switching center/visit location register. The message is a notification sent by the mobility management entity to the packet access unit after receiving the request message that the user equipment attaches to the packet access network.

The location update method according to claim 13, further comprising: the packet access unit acquiring location information of the user equipment in the packet domain from the mobility management entity, and placing the user equipment in the packet domain The location information is mapped into circuit domain location information and carried in the location update request message.

The location update method according to claim 12, further comprising: the packet access unit accessing the mobile switching center/visiting after the packet access unit receives the session initiation protocol registration message from the user equipment The location register sends a location update request message; and/or sends a session initiation protocol registration response message to the user equipment when the packet access unit receives the location update request response message of the mobile switching center/visit location register.

The method of updating a location according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

Identifying, by the first address, the packet access unit; identifying, by the second address, the mobile switching center/visiting location register;

Determining for the user equipment from the packet data network gateway or the mobility management entity, for the user equipment by dynamic host configuration protocol, from the dynamic host configuration protocol server, from the user equipment, or by one of the user card configurations, or a combination thereof a first address; or, determining a first address from the configuration for the mobility management entity;

Determining the user equipment from a packet data network gateway or a mobility management entity, for a user equipment by a dynamic host configuration protocol, from a dynamic host configuration protocol server, from a user equipment, or a configuration of a user card, or a combination thereof Or two addresses; or, determining a second address from the packet access unit.

The method of updating a location according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

Determining, according to the location information of the user equipment, the mapping relationship between the location information and the packet access unit, the packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment, or receiving the packet from the user equipment according to the mobile switching center/visit location register When accessing the message of the unit, the recorded packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment determines the packet access unit corresponding to the user equipment;

And/or, determining user equipment address information for performing location update based on the location update request message of the user equipment obtained by the packet access unit.

The location update method according to claim 12, wherein when the user equipment has at least two access modes, the method further includes the following steps:

The location update method according to claim 18, further comprising: the mobile switching center/visit location register simultaneously maintaining the user when receiving the plurality of location update requests sent by the same user equipment from different access networks Multiple location updates for the device, or only one location update information.

The location update method according to claim 12, wherein the user equipment has at least two access modes;

Further includes the following steps:

When the user equipment initiates location update from different access networks, the packet access unit sends a location update request to the mobile switching center/visit location register when receiving the first location update request, and receives from the other access network. When the new location update request is made, the location update response is replied to the user equipment based on the result of the first location update, and the mobile switching center/visit location register still maintains the information of the first location update.

The position updating method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the shifting The mobility management entity is a service general packet radio service support node in the general packet radio service system, and is a mobility management entity in the system architecture evolution system.

The location update method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the packet access unit interfaces with the mobility management entity through a Gi/SGi interface or a newly added packet access unit, and The mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network is connected, and is connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register through the Iu interface or the A interface or the Gs interface;

A device for updating a user equipment, characterized in that it is connected to a packet access network, a mobile switching center/visiting location register, and is configured to provide a user equipment via a packet access network, a packet access unit, and a mobile switching center in a circuit domain. / Visiting the signaling channel between the location registers or providing message conversion processing;

The location update apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a first message conversion processing module, configured to send a location to the mobile switching center/visit location register after receiving the notification sent by the mobility management entity An update request message, the notification being a notification sent by the mobility management entity after receiving the request message that the user equipment attaches to the packet access network.

The location update apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising: a mapping module, configured to acquire, from the mobility management entity, location information of the user equipment in the packet domain, and position information of the user equipment in the packet domain The mapping into circuit domain location information is carried in the location update request message.

The location update apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a second message conversion processing module, configured to: after receiving the session initiation protocol registration message from the user equipment, to the mobile switching center/visit location register Transmitting a location update request message; and/or transmitting a session initiation protocol registration response message to the user equipment upon receipt of the location update request response message of the mobile switching center/visit location register.

27. The location update apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the mobility management entity or the packet data network in the packet access network is connected through an interface between the Gi/SGi interface or the newly added mobility management entity. The gateway is connected, and is connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register through the Iu interface or the A interface or the Gs interface;

Or, in the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway located in the packet access network, connected to the mobility management entity or the packet data network gateway in the packet access network through the internal interface, through the Iu interface or the A interface or the Gs interface Connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register;

Or, located in the mobile switching center/visit location register, connected to the mobility management entity or packet data network gateway in the packet access network through the Gi/SGi interface or the interface between the new mobility management entity, through the mobile switching The internal interface of the center/visit location register is connected to the mobile switching center/visit location register.