GB2498749A - Managing mobile device use within licensed and unlicensed bands - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and techniques for coordination of the use of licensed and unlicensed frequency band by wireless communication devices capable of operating in either frequency band are disclosed. An entity such as a network manager (202) or a mobility management entity (212) collects data from devices such as Home eNBs (216), UEs (214), and WLAN Access Points (APs) (230) and mobile user station (STAs) (232), including through direct virtual connections to a WLAN AP, an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) and an Home eNB. The entity (202,212) determines coordination policies and controls and delivers these policies and controls to Home eNBs (216) for implementation. In this way, operation of mobile devices capable of communicating in either frequency band is coordinated. An embodiment describes use within Long Term Evolution (LTE) architecture and the unlicensed frequencies being within the whitespace band, i.e. unused television frequencies.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

FOR MANAGING USE OF LICENSED AND UNLICENSED BANDS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus, a method and a computer program for managing use of licensed and unlicensed bands. The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer programs, and more specifically relate to mechanisms for sharing of resources by disparate networks.

Background

The following abbreviations which may be found in the specification and/or the drawing figures are defined as follows: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project AAA server access, authentication and authorisation server ANDSF access network discovery and selection function AP access point BTS base transceiver station CA carrier aggregation CCU central coordination unit CDMA code division multiple access CN core network CQI channel quality indication CSI channel state information CSI-RS channel state information reference signal CSMA-CA carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance CTS/RTS clear to send/request to send DL downlink DM domain management eICIC enhanced inter-cell interference coordination EM element management eNodeB evolved Node B eNB evolved Node B EPC Evo'ved Packet Core FDD frequency division duplex FH frequency hopping S HARQ hybrid automatic repeat request HeNB home eNodeB HSS home subscription server !SDN Integrated Services Digital Network IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity ISM industrial, scientific and medical band ISMP inter-system mobility policy !SRP inter-system routing policy LTE Long Term Evolution MAC media access MDT minimisation of drive tests MME mobility management entity MSISDN Mobile Station (International) ISDN Number MTC machine-type communications NM network management OAM operations, administration and maintenance PCRF policy charging and rules function PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PGW packet data gateway PLMN public land mobile network PM! precoding matrix indicator PRACH Physical Random Access Channel P-RNTI Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel RA random access RAIN radio access network RAR random access response RAT radio access technology RNC radio network controller S RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier RRC Radio Resource Control RSSI received signal strength indicator SGW serving gateway SON self-organising network STA mobile user station TCE trace collection entity TDD time division duplex TTI Transmission Time Interval TVWS te'evision white space UE user equipment IJL uplink W-APN WLAN -access point name WAG WLAN access gateway The demand for communication services has grown at an increasingly rapid rate in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. Demand is now nearing the limits presented by the available radio spectrum, so that no matter how much network infrastructure is added, an operator that is using a single radio access teelmology (RAT) will frequently be unable to meet the needs of all of its users, particularly at peak times. In the past, manufacturers and network operators have worked hard to increase the efficiency with which they use the available radio spectrum. For example, new techniques have been developed to reduce control signalling, to reduce interference, to manage scheduling, and to otherwise increase efficiency. However, increasing demand is outstripping the added capacity provided by such techniques, and more and more attention is being devoted to finding additional usable spectrua Often, different areas of the radio spectrum are differently loaded, so that, at least theoretically, communications taking place on lbr example overloaded Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency bands can be transferred to underloaded bands, such as television white space (FVWS) or industrial/scientific/medical (ISM) bands. However, a number of drawbacks and obstacles interfere or otherwise affect such transfer.

Summary

According to a first aspect of thc present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a processing system constructed and arranged to configure the apparatus to at least: collect infbrmation relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication network bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands, determine policies and controls lbr coordination between licensed bands and unlicensed bands, and deliver the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and controls.

The processing system may comprise at least one processor and memory storing a program of instructions, the program of instructions being configured to, with the memory and the at least one processor, configure the apparatus to operate as described above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising collecting: inlbrmation relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication network bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands, determining policies and controls fbr coordination between licensed bands and unlicensed bands, and delivering the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and contro's.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a S computer program comprising a set of instructions, execution of which by a processor configures an apparatus to at least: collect information relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication network bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands, determine policies and controls for coordination between licensed bands and unlicensed bands, and deliver the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and controls.

The computer program may be provided in a computer readable memory tangibly storing the set of instructions.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows schematically an exemplary network according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows schematically an exemplary data communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows schematically an example of a process of coordination of the use of frequency bands according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows schematically an example of a process of data collection for coordination according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 shows schematically details of hardware elements used in an example of S a data communication system operating according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention recognise that coordinating the use of different radio access technologies between operators presents a number of difficulties. One promising area of radio spectrum that is theoretically available is the industrial/scientific/medical frequency range that is often used for wireless local area network (WLAN) operations. However, coordinating use between an LTE operator and a WLAN operator presents a number of difficulties. One significant problem is detecting and using WLAN channels that are available for LTE at any particular time.

Embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of finding and scheduling available resources for LTE while avoiding critical interference to a system using the same RAT, and between two systems using different RATs. Difficulties that are addressed by embodiments of the present invention include difficulties presented by channel detection, scheduling, and user feedback.

Typically, LTE and WLAN cannot detect user information for other systems if they operate at the same frequency. Energy detection can be performed, but such an approach typically provides only information about interference levels, and this information is relatively imprecise. Such limitations of information may cause critical masking problems for LTE operations on WLAN bands, at least in part because a WLAN may select a channel where the LTE happens to be working at a low power level, or the LTE may be working on only a small portion of the WLAN channel.

Scheduling may be difficult because WLAN and LTE users experience significant differences for transmission time and transmission bands. In addition, afler resources have been allocated to users, it is difficult to obtain and coordinate possible feedbacks from users, for cxampc, because of differences in feedback signalling used by different networks.

S Embodiments of the present invention address these problems, as well as others, by explicitly coordinating operations between LTE and WLAN operators.

Coordination may be conducted at one or more of the operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) level, network management (NM) level, or mobility management cntity (MME) level. Information needed for coordination may be collcctcd through different mcchanisms, such as user equipment (UE) measurements, home eNodeB (HeNB) and access point (AP) measurements, access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) networks, and through other mechanisms operating or carried out at the core network (CN) level, such as the home subscriber server (HSS). The OAM is able to collect needed measurements and performance evaluations. These measurements and performance evaluations may include those that have been defined for sclf-organising network (SON) operations, and may also include measurements and performance evaluations specifically defined for LTE-WLAN coordination.

As an example, such information may be delivered to an OAM layer through an extended minimisation of drive tcsts (MDT) coimcction. Minimisation of drive tests operations involve the collection of measurements by a device in order to gather information relating to network conditions. MDT operations can be immediate MDT, with measurements being taken while the device is in a CONNECTED state and reported to an available serving entity such as an eNB or radio network controller (RNC). In addition, MDT operations can be logged MDT, with measurements being collected when the device is in an idle state and stored in a log, with measurement information being reported by the device to a serving entity such as an cNB or RNC when the device re-enters a CONNECTED state.

S

One convenient mechanism made available by SON architecture is direct connection by the OAM to HeNBs through the core network. The OAM can therefore provide LTE-WLAN coordination policies and controls directly to eNBs and HeNBs, thus helping eNBs and HeNBs to use available frequency and time resources for LTE S operation without interrupting neighbouring WLAN operation. Final coordination decisions can be made at one or more of OAM, MMEs and HeNBs.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a network communication and control architecture for wireless networks, such as LTE networks, that provides for ways to collect and process information from users and operators of other radio access technologies. One or more embodiments of the invention may be integrated into LTE network elements, such as a core network, mobility management entity, element management, or other elements or service units of an LTE system.

Fig. 1 shows schematically an example of a wireless network 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The network 100 suitably comprises a core network 102 providing services to a plurality of base stations, which may be implemented as eNBs 104A-104C. The eNBs 104A-104C serve various TiEs 106A-106E, which may be moved within and between cells IOSA-IOSC, defined as geographic areas served by the eNBs 104A-104C. Also operating within the geographic area encompassing the cells 106A and 106B are wireless LAN access points (APs) IIOA and I1OB, serving STAs 112A-112E). One or more of the eNBs may be implemented as home eNBs (HeNBs).

The eNBs 104A-104C are able to use alternative frequency bands beyond the licensed LTE bands. The use of these bands by the eNBs must take into account the use of the bands by others. The network 100 therefore comprises elements that gather information relating to non-LTE bands and provide scheduling and control information to the eNBs 104A-104C in order to avoid excessive interference with other users.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary data communication architecture 200, showing operational elements involved in coordination between a network such as the network and competing users of alternative frequency bands. The operational elements may be thought of as operations carried out within the network 100, as well as S specific devices or combinations of devices carrying out operations and providing and receiving information. Also depicted here are actual connections between devices and virtual connections representing information exchanges between operational elements.

The operational elements depicted here need not be thought of as carried out by any particular devices, or by a single device, but may be carried out by any appropriate device or combination of devices.

The architecture 200 includes a number of elements and links defined by basic LTE architecture, LTE SON architecture, and LTE-WLAN interworking architecture.

Such architecture allows for automatic configuration of many properties of a network, such as authentication and location identification of home eNodeBs by a macro eNB and selection by home eNodeBs of physical cell IDs, location area IDs, and other parameters. At least some of these elements and links may advantageously be used in LTE-WLAN coordination. In addition, the architecture 200 illustrates a number of additional elements and links directed to coordination of LTE operations with V/LAN.

The elements presented here may be defined as coordination control elements and coordination information serving elements. Coordination control elements actually make coordination decisions and exercise control needed to perform coordination, while coordination information serving elements gather and communicate information needed for coordination.

The architecture 200 comprises a network management level 202, which may also include an integration reference point (IRP) manager 203. The architecture 200 may also comprise a domain management level and an element management level 206. The network management level 202 may be thought of as an OAM service unit, and may include a central coordination unit (CCU) 208. For convenience, the CCTJ 208 may be referred to as the network manager CCU or the NM CCU 208. The element management level may include the LTE core network or the LIE HeNB.

Domain management may be reflected in functions of elements related to RATs, vendors and services, and is not separately discussed here. In addition or as an S alternative to the CCU 208 allocated to or merged into the NM level 202, a CCU 210, or functions related thereto, may be allocated to or merged into a mobility management entity (MME) 212. For convenience, the CCU 210 may be referred to as the MME CCIJ 210.

The information needed for coordination can be collected from a number of different resources, including measurements made by user equipment (TiE) 214, measurements taken by home eNodeBs (HeNB5) 216, ANDSF 218, and other informative elements at the core network (CN) level such as a home subscriber server (HSS) 220.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the operation, administration and maintenance (OAJVI) is able to use measures and performance evaluations defmed, for example, for self-organising networks (SONs). In addition, the OAM is able to use a number of measurements and performance evaluations specifically defined for LTE-WLAN coordination according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The information can be sent to the OAIvI through an extended minimisation of drive tests (MDT) connection. In addition, under the SON architecture, the OAIVI has a direct connection to HeNBs and UEs 214, because such a connection is established through the core network (CN). The OAM can therefore provide LTE-WLAN coordination policies and controls directly to HeNBs and UEs, thereby allowing the FIeNBs and UEs to use suitable frequency and time resources for LIE operation without interrupting neighbour WLAN operations.

One or more embodiments of the invention allow for division of coordination decisions between different elements. For example, decisions may be divided between the CCU 208 of the NM 202 and the CCU 210 of the MME 212. In addition, some of the decisions can be made at the level of the HeNB or AR The ability to divide coordination decisions can provide for sharing of the coordination workload based on differing requirements. The actions undertaken as a result of coordination decisions, such as the use at particular times of frequencies in the LIE bands or S frequencies in the WLAN bands, may be performed at the radio network (RAN) level, that is, by serving devices such as HeNBs or APs and user devices such as UEs or STAs.

In addition to the elements already discussed, the architecture 200 may suitably comprise a packet data gateway (POW) 222, a serving gateway (SOW) 224, a WLAN access gateway (WAG) 226 and a policy charging and rules function (PCRF) 228. The PCRF 228 is the node designated in real time to determine policy rules in a multimedia network, and creates rules and makes policy decisions for each subscriber active on a network. The combination of LTE elements may also communicate with elements such as a WLAIN AP/WLAN access network 230, a plurality of WLAN IJEs/STAs 232, and external networks 234, which may include networks or elements such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem or IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS) and/or the public Internet. The architecture 200 employs air interface connections 236 and 238. Elements are also connected by control data flow connections 240-262, user data flow connections 264-278, and virtual connections 280, 282, and 284. In addition, enhanced virtual connections 286-290 are also provided. The virtual connection 286 connects the network manager 202 and WLAN AP 210 through an hf-N interface. Use of a connection such as the connection 286 requires that the WLAN AP 230 and its attached STAs 232 have at least 3GPP subscriptions. Similarly to the connection 284 between the NM 202 and the HcNBs 216, the connection 286 is used to obtain measurement or performance results and feedbacks from the AP 230 and STAs 232.

The enhanced connection 288 provides a connection between the network manager 202 and the ANDSF 218 through the packet data gateway 222, and is used for exchange of coordination information between the ANDSF 216 and the network manager 202. The enhanced connection 290 provides a connection between the network manager 202 and the MME 212, and is used primarily for delivering control information from the network manager 202 to the MME 212.

S As noted above, the various elements employed to perform coordination comprise coordination control elements and coordination information serving elements, with the coordination control elements making coordination decisions and the coordination information serving elements providing information needed for coordination.

The coordination control elements comprise the network manager CCU 208, with the CCIJ 208 being included in or incorporated into the network manager 202.

The network manager 202 is able to control, that is, to send requests to and obtain responses from, an HeNB directly, that is, through the clement manager 206. Such control may be accomplished, for example, by using area based minimisation of drive tests (MDT) or signalling based MDT. Such control may be accomplished using features defined in accordance with self organising networks.

When the CCTJ 208 operations are included in the NM 202, the NM may be used to allocate available resources to each base transceiver station (BTS). Base transceiver stations may suitably be implemented in the form of eNodeBs (eNBs), and the eNBs associated with a network may be referred to as home eNBs, or HeNBs, of that network, and resource allocation may be performed according to specified requirements.

The requirements to be applied may, for example, be based on the operator or vendor associated with an HeNB or BTS. Alternatively or in addition, the requirements may be based on the RAT being used or the quality of service (QoS) to be provided, may be based on considerations relating to interference, or may be based on any number of other applicable criteria. The NM 202 is typically able to connect to an element management unit such as an LTE core network or an LTE HeNB dircctly. Howcvcr, if vcndor spccificd rcquircments arc to bc taken into consideration, domain management may bc nccdcd for coordination between operators or vendors.

S Coordination information may be collected, for example, from LTE HeNBs and UEs, based on MDT coimections with trace information. If a WLAN AP or access network can also be controlled by the network manager 202 (for example, if thc WLAN AP or acccss network can bc sccn as an EM), then mcasurcmcnts of thc WLAN's STAs and APs can also bc obtaincd and providcd to thc NM 202 through conncctions similar to MDT connections.

Coordination information may also be obtained, for example, from the ANDSF 218. Thc AINDSF 218 may bc used in an LTE CN to collect available LTE HeNB and WLAN AP information, fbr usc in WLAN offloading. Some of thc parameters stored in ANDSF 218 may be used by the CCU 208 element of the nctwork managcr 202 for making coordination dccisions.

Additional information can be obtained from the home subscriber server (HSS) 220 and an access, authentication and authorisation (AAA) server 292. The FISS and thc AAA servers arc uscd for storing profilc information for LTE liEs and WLAN liEs, such as idcntity and rcgistration rclatcd information. Relevant information of this type can be sent to the Ccli function 208 of the NM 202 for coordination.

The NM CCU 208 typically docs not store the information obtained from the ANDSE 218 and the FISS and AAA servers 220 and 292, because the ANDSE 218 and the HSS 220 and AAA server 292 store and update the information so that it is always current. Therefore, the NM CCU 208 simply retrieves the information as needed and uses it for making decisions. However, the NM CCU 208 may need to store and update measurements and performance evaluations that have been requested from UEs and HeNBs because this data will be used for analysis and decision making.

Information serving elements may include liEs 214 and HeNBs 216, ANDSF 218, HSS server 220 and AAA server 292.

In addition to existing MDT reports and conventional measurement reports for LTE systems, coordination requires measurement of spectrum sensing results. Such results may include, for example: * RSSI in ISM band, reportedbyLTE IJE/eNBorWLAN STA/AP * WLAN system load and beacon period, reported by WLAN STA/AP * CTS/RTS collision ratio in WLAN, reported by WLAN STA/AP * Average backoff time for V/LAN access, reported by V/LAN STA/AP * Q0S profile of WLAN access, reported by WLAN STA/AP Such information may be reported by thc LTE UEs and HeNBs and the WLAN STAs and APs in the form of appropriate measurements and performance parameters defined by the network manager 202. Such measurements and performance parameters may be designed and used without interfering with existing data transfers typically carried out in LTE systems. Suitably, the measurements are carried out and the parameter values are determined according a regular schedule, and the measurements and parameter values are sent to a trace collection entity (TCE) that may suitably be implemented as part of the network manager 202.

Linkage between the network manager 202 and the UEs 214 and HeNBs 216 is defined only for LTE, in self-organising networks (SON). However, a V/LAN AP or STA that has a 3GPP subscription may bc regarded as belonging to a particular category of LTE UE or HeNB, and data may be collected for the AP or STA over the same link used for LTE UEs or HeNBs.

For Ms or STAs without 3GPP subscriptions, or for which the link between liEs or HeNBs and the NM 202 is not to be used for one reason or another, the ANDSF may be used to obtain information. The ANDSF 218 is an informative ffinctional block in an LTE core network. The MDSF 218 stores information relating to different RATs. Tn current implementations, the RATs for which information is stored are typically LTE, WLAN and WiMax. The ANDSF 218 provides inter-system mobility policy (ISMP), inter-system routing policy (ISRP), and S network discovery information. ISMP prioritises the access network when a UE is not able to connect to an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) through multiple accesses.

ISRP indicates how to distribute traffic among available accesses when the UE is able to connect to the EPC through multiple accesses. Network discovery information provides frirther information, such as a UE's geolocation information and the carrier frequency used, to allow the UE to access the network defmed in the ISMP or in the ISRP. The network manager 202 can connect with the ANDSF to obtain geolocation information for LTE liEs and HeNBs and WLAN STAs and APs, as well as spectrum usage information for LTEs and WLANs. In addition, the network manager 202 can update the policy in ANDSF to optimise its operation for coordination of LTE and WLAN in the shared band.

The HSS server 220 and the AAA server 292 store information relating to LTE UE and HeNB and WLAN STA and AP subscriptions and identifications. For WLAN, this information includes: * data relating to subscription and identification, such as IMSI, MSISDN, W-APN, and the like.

* data relating to authentication, such as user status, diameter server identity of the HSS 220, and so on.

* data relating to authentication, such as RAND (a defined random number), SRES (Signed Response), and other security related parameters.

* operator determined barring general data, such as a W-APN authorised list, W-APN identifier list, W-APN barring type list, maximum number of accesses list, and so on.

Standard definitions for LTE and WLAN interworking can be used for coordination.

In addition or as an alternative to carrying out CCU functions at the NM CCU 208, CCU functions may also be carried out at the MME CCU 210. Embodiments of the present invention recognise that information relating to the channel conditions S experienced by UEs is needed. Information relating to channel conditions may be collected by LTE UE/HeNBs, and embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms for delivering this information to the MME 212. In addition, V/LAN APs/STAs often collect information relating to channel conditions, particularly in cases in which one or more of thc APs/STAs has a 3GPP subscription. Embodiments of the prescnt invention therefore provide mechanisms to deliver channel information gathered by WLAN APs/STAs to the MME 212, when such information is available.

In addition, information gathered by the NE 202, such as resource sharing policy information, may be delivered from the NM 202 to the MME 212, in order to allow for the use of such information in LTE and V/LAN coordination.

Coordination may be thought of as comprising three steps. The first step comprises collection of needed information and the providing of the information to the CCU being used, whether this is the NM CCL or the MME CCU, or whether functions are shared between the NM CCU and the MME CCTJ. As noted above, the CCIJ is able to obtain needed information from the IJE 214 and HeNB 216, the HSS 220 and AAA server 292, and the ANDSF 218. The second step comprises the allocation of responsibility for coordination decisions and the making of the decisions.

The third step is the delivery of decision information, the execution of the decisions, and the collection of responses indicating that decision information has been received by a device to which a decision is directed, and whether the decision has been accepted or rejected by the device.

Fig. 3 illustrates schematically an example of a process 300 of coordination according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 302, data needed for coordination is collected. As noted above, in various embodiments of the invention, the data may be collected by UEs and HeNBs, V/LAN APs and STAs, and the ANDSF. An example of a process of data collection is illustrated in Fig. 4 and discussed in greater detail below. At step 304, coordination decisions arc made, suitably by the NM CCU 208 or the MME CCU 210. HeNBs and Ms may also participate in coordination decisions. Such participation may be accomplished for S example by selecting or scheduling resources defined as available based on decisions made by the NM or MME.

Depending on desired system designs, the CCIJ is able to usc standard parameters defined for making LTE decisions, or to establish new mcasurcmcnts and paramctcrs based on the needs of thc particular coordination mcchanism being uscd and the system for which coordination is being implemented. The CCU may share coordination functions among different elements, based on parameters associated with the network 100. IL for example, the NM CCU 208 is used, tasks can be distributed among the network manager 202, MMEs such as the MME 212, and HcNBs such as the HeNB 216. If the MME 210 is used, tasks may be distributed among other MMEs and among FIcNBs. The CCIJ makes primary coordination decisions based on the collected information, using currently defined parameters or setting up new measurement requirements as needed. Typically, large scale decisions are made at the NM 202 and the MME 212, and in order to provide stability and reliability, information collected at the level of the NM or the MME may be averaged, such as ovcr time or by area, so that the pcrccivcd conditions at a particular frequency or area at a particular time is not based on a single instantaneous measurement. Due to such averaging, the decisions made at the NM or MME level may suitably be static or semi-static. Dynamic decisions may be made at the level of an HeNB or AP, but the resources available to the HcNB or AP arc defined or limited by the decisions made by the NM or MME.

At step 306, coordination decisions arc delivered and responses arc received.

Decisions are delivered to lower level management until the HeNB level is reached.

Some decisions can be directly delivered to HeNBs such as the HeNB 216. The NM 202 is able to control MMEs and HcNBs. An MME is able to control other MMEs, and HcNBs. An HcNB is abc to contrcd its attached UEs.

When an element, such as a tiE, HeNB or MME, has received a decision, it S will send an acknowledgement in the form of an acceptance or rejection. The controlling entity sending the decision, such as an HeNB, MME or NM, recognises the receipt of an acceptance or rejection as indicating that the decision was received.

If the rcsponsc is a rejection, the controlling entity makes a ncw decision and sends thc ncw dccision to the receiving entity. Resources are suitably reserved so that entities that may make coordination decisions may be provided with resources needed to remake and redeliver a rejected decision, if need be, without undue impact to other network elements. It will be noted that decisions are made at the level of the HeN B, AP, MME and NM, and that therefore all user and control data connections among these &cments, and connections between UEs or STAs and the various controlling elements, can be used for delivering coordination decisions and collecting responses.

Fig. 4 illustrates schematically an example of the steps of a process 400 that may be used, for example by a CCU, to collect information for coordination. In the present example, the NM CCU is collecting the information, which is suitably collected from one or more entities such as one or morc HcNBs 216, one or more tiEs 214, the HSS 220, the AAA server 292 and the ANDSF 218.

At step 402, the NM notifies an element manager, which in one exemplary embodiment is an MME, that measurements and performance evaluations are being rcqucstcd. Thc measurements and pcrformanec evaluations suitably relatc to HeNBs and liEs, which will typically be expected to include WLAN STAs and APs. The communication is suitably conducted directly between the NM 202 and the MME 212 over the enhanced connection 290.

At step 404, the MME 212 obtains HeNB and UE information, including AP and STA information, from one or more of the HSS server 220, the AAA server 292 and the ANDSF 218, including basic information idcntifying mobilc tcrniinals and nodes, such as geolocation information and frequencies used. The MME 212 may communicate with the HSS 220 through the connection 254, with the AAA server 292 indirectly through the HSS 220, which communicates with the AAA server through the connection 252, and with the ANDSF 218 through the NM 202, which communicates with the MME 212 through the enhanced connection 290 and with the ANDSF 218 through the enhanced connection 288. Alternatively, the MME 212 may communicate with the ANDSF 218 over the connection 258 with the SOW 224, over the connection 266 between the SGW 224 and the PGW 222, and over the connection 274 between thc POW 222 and thc ANDSF 218.

At step 406, based on the requests from the NM and the information from the HSS and AAA servers and the ANDSF, the MME activates an MDT link to specified HeNBs and APs. At step 408, the HeNB or AP activates the MDT link to the specified UEs and STAs, suitably using the air interface 236. All link activations may suitably be made based on MDT or trace parameters, including measurement and performance evaluation parameters.

At step 410, after the links have been established, the HeNBs, APs. UEs and STAs perform the needed measurements and store the data as MDT records. At step 412, thc MDT rccords arc sent directly from the HcNBs and APs collecting the data to the trace collection entity (TCE) and NM requesting the data. The records may be transmitted, for example, over the ltf-N connection 284. In addition, the information collected from the FISS 220 and AAA server 292 and the ANDSE 218 collected at step 404, that is, the identifying information relating to the HcNBs, TJEs, APs, and STAs, are sent to the NM 202 by the MME 212, suitably as extensions of tracking area code (TAC) based information. Communication between the NM 202 and the MME 212 may take place over the enhanced connection 286.

Typically, the measurements and performance evaluations may be stored by the NM 202 or CCTJ 208, along with information obtained by the informative elements in the CN. Additional useflul information, such as ISMP or ISRP information, that may be obtained from the ANDSF 218 and used for coordination, may be given to the NM directly through the packet gateway. Needed infbrmation may also be obtained from external networks 264. Depending on particular network configurations or conditions at any particular time, the information from the external networks may be obtained through the packet gateway, through the connections 264 and 276, or directly from the external networks 264, Fig. 5 illustrates schematically details of examples hardwarc elcmcnts that may be designed and used according to various embodiments of thc present invention.

Presented as examples here are the HeNB 104A, the UE 106C and the network manager 103. The HeNB 104A is presented here as a representative of serving radio elements, which may include both the HeNB 104A and similar HeNBs, and the AP 1 WA and similar APs. The UE 106C is presented as a representative of client radio elements, which may include both the TiE 106C and similar TiEs and the STA 1 12A and similar STAs. The network manager 103 is presented as a representative of various control and information communication elements that may be present in the network, such as network managers, mobility management entities, and similar entities processing and communicating data to be used in resource management and other management of network operations.

The HeNB 104A comprises a transmitter 602, receiver 604, radio controller 606, and antenna 608. The HeNB 104A also comprises a processor 610, memory 612, and storage 614, communicating with one another and with the radio controller 606 ovcr a bus 616. The HcNB 104A stores data 618 and employs programs 620, suitably residing in storage 614 and transferred to memory 612 as needed for use, such as examination or processing in the case of data, or execution in the case of programs. The HeNB I 04A provides communication services to UEs, and may also provide services to WLAN STAs, as noted above, provided that these devices have a 3GPP subscription. As part of providing services, the HeNB 104A also manages the use of LTE licensed bands and unlicensed bands such as those used for WLAN opcrations, according to embodiments of the present invcntion. WLAN APs may comprise similar hardware elements, and, depending on thcir specific configuration, may use both licensed and unlicensed bands or may use only unlicensed bands. APs will provide information to network control elements as noted above.

The UE 106C comprises a transmitter 622, receiver 624, radio controller 626, and antenna 628. The UE 106C also comprises a processor 630, memory 632, and storagc 634, communicating with onc another and with thc radio controller 626 over a bus 636. Thc UE 106C storcs data 618 and employs programs 620, suitably rcsiding in storagc 614 and transfcrrcd to mcmory 612 as nccdcd for usc, such as examination or processing in the case of data, or execution in the case of programs. The UE 106C receives communication services from HeNBs, and may use licensed or unlicensed bands as directcd. Thc LIE 106C aLso providcs appropriatc control clcments with information rclating to its opcrating conditions. WLAN STAs may comprisc similar hardware elements, and, depending on their specific configuration, may use both liccnscd and unliccnscd bands or may usc only unliccnsed bands. STAs will provide information to network control elements as noted above. For example, STAs may use the connections shown in Fig. 2 and may collect and report information as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and discussed in connection therewith.

Thc nctwork managcr 103 compriscs a proccssor 642, mcmory 644, and storage 646, communicating with one another over a bus 648. The network manager stores data 650 and employs programs 652, suitably residing in storage 646 and transferred to memory 644 as needed for use, such as examination or processing in the case of data, or execution in the case of programs. The network manager 103 suitably implements a central coordination unit such as the CCU 208 of Fig. 2, with the central coordination unit suitably comprising appropriate hardware and software elements of the network manager 103. The central coordination unit operates as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4 and discussed in connection therewith.

While various exemplary embodiments have been described above it should be appreciated that the practice of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and discussed here. Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to S those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description.

Further, some of the various features of the above non-limiting embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other described features.

The foregoing description should thcrefore bc considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. Apparatus comprising a processing system constructed and arranged to configure the apparatus to at least: S collect information relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication network bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands; determine policies and controls for coordination between licensed bands and unlicensed bands; and deliver the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and controls.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is or comprises a network manager operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus operates as part of an operations, administration, and maintenance level in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is or comprises a mobility management entity operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection with a wireless local area network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection with an access network discovery and selection function.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus according to any of claims ito 6, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through at least one minimisation of drive tests connection.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the minimisation of drive tests connection comprises at least one link between a home eNodeB and a user equipment.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 8, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection between the apparatus and a mobility management entity operating as part of a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mobility management entity is arranged to collect data from at least one home eNodeB and one wireless network access point, each of which has in turn collected data over a minimisation of drive tests link to a uscr equipment in the case of the home eNodeB and a wireless nctwork STA in the case of the wireless network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A method comprising: collecting information relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication nctwork bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands; determining policies and controls for coordination of use of licensed bands and unlicensed bands; and delivering the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and controls.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the method is carried out at least in S part by a network manager operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the method is carried out at least in part as part of an operations, administration, and maintcnancc level in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A method according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method is carried out at least in part by a mobility management entity operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A method according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection with a wireless local area network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein collecting information is accomplishcd at least in part through a virtual connection between thc apparatus and a mobility management entity operating as part of a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the mobility management entity collects data from at least one home eNodeB and one wireless network access point, each of which has in turn collected data over a minimisation of drive tests link to a user equipment in the ease of the home eNodcB and a wireless network STA in the case of the wireless network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A computer program comprising a set of instructions, execution of which by a processor configures an apparatus to perform actions comprising at least: collecting information relating to coordination of use of licensed wireless communication network bands and unlicensed bands by wireless communication S devices capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed bands; determining policies and controls for coordination of use of licensed bands and unlicensed bands; and delivering the policies and controls over a connection to at least one base station operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the at least one base station is configured to select use of licensed and unlicensed bands based on the policies and controls.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A computer program according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus is or comprises a network manager operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A computer program according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the apparatus operates as part of an operations, administration, and maintenance level in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A computer program according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the apparatus is or comprises a mobility management entity operating in a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A computer program according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection with a wireless local area network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A computer program according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein collecting information is accomplished at least in part through a virtual connection between the apparatus and a mobility management entity operating as part of a Long Term Evolution cellular communication system.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A computer program according to claim 23, wherein the mobility management entity collects data from at least one home eNodeB and one wireless network access point, each of which has in turn collected data over a minimisation of drive tests link to a user equipment in the case of the home eNodeB and a wireless network STA in the case of the wireless network access point.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A method of managing sharing of rcsourccs by disparate networks, substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. Apparatus for managing sharing of resources by disparate networks, substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>