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WO2016023587A1 - Coordination of quality of service modification initiation - Google Patents

Coordination of quality of service modification initiation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016023587A1
WO2016023587A1 PCT/EP2014/067423 EP2014067423W WO2016023587A1 WO 2016023587 A1 WO2016023587 A1 WO 2016023587A1 EP 2014067423 W EP2014067423 W EP 2014067423W WO 2016023587 A1 WO2016023587 A1 WO 2016023587A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
quality
message
service modification
policy
procedure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/067423
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Paula Hannele SIREN
Juha Tapio BACK
Jarmo Johannes Virtanen
Tuomo Juhani PELTOLA
Original Assignee
Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy filed Critical Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority to PCT/EP2014/067423 priority Critical patent/WO2016023587A1/en
Publication of WO2016023587A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016023587A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/16—Central resource management; Negotiation of resources or communication parameters, e.g. negotiating bandwidth or QoS [Quality of Service]
    • H04W28/24—Negotiating SLA [Service Level Agreement]; Negotiating QoS [Quality of Service]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/39—Arrangements for preventing metering, charging or billing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/61—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP based on the service used
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/66—Policy and charging system
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/80—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
    • H04M15/8016—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects based on quality of service [QoS]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/80—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
    • H04M15/8033—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects location-dependent, e.g. business or home
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/80—Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
    • H04M15/8038—Roaming or handoff
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/81—Dynamic pricing, e.g. change of tariff during call
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W60/00—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
    • H04W60/04—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration using triggered events
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/20—Manipulation of established connections
    • H04W76/22—Manipulation of transport tunnels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to coordination of quality of service modification initiation. More specifically, the present invention exemplarily relates to measures (including methods, apparatuses and computer program products) for realizing coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
  • the present specification generally relates to a quality of service (QoS) modification procedure after an inter system tracking area update (TAU) or routing area update (RAU), and in particular to a QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU or RAU from one radio access technology (RAT) to another RAT (e.g. from General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to Long Term Evolution (LTE)), and more particularly to a QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU or RAU from a control entity of one RAT to a control entity of another RAT.
  • RAT radio access technology
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • MME mobility management entity
  • PCRF policy and charging rules function
  • such MME shall initiate a home subscriber server HSS initiated subscribed QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU from a Gn serving GPRS support node (SGSN, being a control entity in a GPRS environment) to the MME is completed. This is done if the subscribed QoS differs from the QoS that was used in the Gn/Gp SGSN, which is normally the case.
  • 3GPP 3 rd Generation Partnership Project
  • the QoS modification may be initiated by the PCRF when a user equipment (UE) moves from one radio access to another.
  • PCC active policy and charging control
  • the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by performing an internet protocol connectivity access network (IP-CAN) session modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203.
  • IP-CAN internet protocol connectivity access network
  • the PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step.
  • the PCRF response leads to an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer modification
  • the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 8).
  • the target MME calculates a user equipment aggregate maximum bit rate (UE-AMBR) as defined in clause 4.7.3 (of TS 23.401).
  • UE-AMBR user equipment aggregate maximum bit rate
  • the new MME shall initiate subscribed QoS modification procedure as described in clause 5.4.2.2, Figure 5.4.2.2-1 (of TS 23.401). Furthermore, the QoS modification needs to be performed to update the negotiated QoS to the level of the EPS subscribed QoS. This procedure is needed also in S3 based mobility between S4-SGSN and MME. In particular, in TS 23.401 (5.3.3.1 "Tracking Area Update procedure with Serving GW change" and 5.3.3.2 "E-UTRAN Tracking Area Update without S-GW Change”) the following is specified :
  • the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by means of an IP-CAN session modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203.
  • the PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step. If the PCRF response leads to an EPS bearer modification the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 6).
  • the MME is able to setup the radio and SI bearers even when the active flag is not set in the TAU request message. This option can be used e.g. during inter system TAU procedure to make it easier to continue QoS modification immediately after TAU procedure is completed.
  • the MME may also re-establish the radio and SI bearers for all active EPS bearer contexts due to downlink pending data or downlink pending signalling.
  • the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by means of an IP-CAN Session Modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203.
  • the PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step. If the PCRF response leads to an EPS bearer modification the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 6). That is, according to current practice, the new MME (or the new SGSN) shall initiate a subscribed QoS modification procedure if the mapped QoS is different from the subscribed QoS profile.
  • MME Mobility Management Entity
  • the PCRF may initiate QoS modification for some subscribers only. This makes it additionally difficult for the MME to know whether to initiate subscribed QoS modification procedure or not. Hence, the problem arises that a collision situation may be caused both in P-GW and MME in case of an inter system TAU. Accordingly, the QoS modification procedure may fail. Hence, there is a need to provide for coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
  • a method comprising determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • a method comprising receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • a method comprising receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and inhibiting, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
  • an apparatus comprising determining means configured to determine, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting means configured to transmit, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • an apparatus comprising receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting means configured to transmit, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • an apparatus comprising receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and inhibiting means configured to inhibit, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
  • a computer program product comprising computer-executable computer program code which, when the program is run on a computer (e.g. a computer of an apparatus according to any one of the aforementioned apparatus-related exemplary aspects of the present invention), is configured to cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the aforementioned method-related exemplary aspects of the present invention.
  • Such computer program product may comprise (or be embodied) a (tangible) computer-readable (storage) medium or the like on which the computer-executable computer program code is stored, and/or the program may be directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer or a processor thereof.
  • coordination of quality of service modification initiation More specifically, by way of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there are provided measures and mechanisms for realizing coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is a block diagram alternatively illustrating apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the following description of the present invention and its embodiments mainly refers to specifications being used as non-limiting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. Namely, the present invention and its embodiments are mainly described in relation to 3GPP specifications being used as non-limiting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. As such, the description of exemplary embodiments given herein specifically refers to terminology which is directly related thereto. Such terminology is only used in the context of the presented non-limiting examples, and does naturally not limit the invention in any way. Rather, any other communication or communication related system deployment, etc. may also be utilized as long as compliant with the features described herein.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus may be a network node 10 such as a packet data network gateway (P-GW) comprising a determining means 11 and a transmitting means 12.
  • the determining means 11 determines, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure (i.e. tracking area update procedure or routing area update procedure), whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • the transmitting means 12 transmits, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 1 may perform the method of Figure 6 but is not limited to this method.
  • the method of Figure 6 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 1 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
  • a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of determining (S61), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of transmitting (S62), if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a variation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 2 may thus further comprise deciding means 21.
  • the determining (S61) is based on whether a policy and charging rules function is deployed.
  • determining (S61) is based on whether a policy and charging control rule is active.
  • exemplary details of the determining operation (S61) are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. Namely, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is determined that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, if said policy and charging rules function is deployed and said policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
  • an exemplary method may comprise an operation of transmitting information indicative of a radio access technology type of a destination of said tracking or routing area update procedure, and an operation of deciding, whether said policy and charging control rule causes said policy and charging rules function to start said quality of service modification based on said policy and charging control rule and said information.
  • said message is transmitted per packet data network connection.
  • the procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system.
  • the procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system.
  • the message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway.
  • the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
  • FIG 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus may be a network node 30 such as a serving gateway (S-GW) comprising a receiving means 31 and a transmitting means 32.
  • the receiving means 31 receives, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • the transmitting means 32 transmits, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 3 may perform the method of Figure 7 but is not limited to this method.
  • the method of Figure 7 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 3 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
  • a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of receiving (S71), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of transmitting (S72), in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • said first message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
  • the first message is received per packet data network connection, and the second message is transmitted per packet data network connection.
  • the procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system.
  • the procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system
  • the first message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway.
  • the second message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including said indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node.
  • the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus may be a network node 40 such as a mobility management entity (MME) of a LTE or LTE-A cellular system or a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) of a GPRS cellular system comprising a receiving means 41 and an inhibiting means 42.
  • the receiving means 41 receives, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • the inhibiting means 42 inhibits, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 4 may perform the method of Figure 8 but is not limited to this method.
  • the method of Figure 8 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 4 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
  • a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of receiving (S81), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of inhibiting (S82), in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
  • Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a variation of the apparatus shown in Figure 4.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 5 may thus further comprise initiating means 51 and re-establishing means 52.
  • the message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
  • the message is received per packet data network connection.
  • an exemplary method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an operation of initiating said quality of service modification procedure for bearers corresponding to packet data network connections for which said message is not received.
  • an exemplary method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an operation of re-establishing radio bearers and Sl-bearers for all active evolved packet system bearer contexts during tracking area update procedure based on said message.
  • the procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system.
  • the procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system.
  • the message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node.
  • the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
  • an indication from P-GW to S-GW and from S-GW to MME (or the SGSN) is introduced to inform MME (or the SGSN) that HSS initiated subscribed QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • This indication is set if the PCRF is deployed and based on an active PCC rule the PCRF is going to initiate a QoS modification due to the RAT type information received from the P-GW.
  • the MME (or the SGSN) is able to re-establish the radio and SI bearers for all active EPS bearer contexts during the TAU procedure so that the modification procedure can be performed without any delay when the TAU has been completed.
  • the indication is sent per packet data network (PDN) connection so that the MME (or the SGSN) is able to initiate QoS modification for those bearers for which the PCRF is not going to initiate any modification.
  • PDN packet data network
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 shows a modification of a tracking area update procedure with serving gateway change according to TS 23.401.
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a modification of an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) tracking area update without S-GW change according to TS 23.401.
  • E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
  • the modify bearer response of step 12 of Figure 10 from the P-GW to the S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • the modify bearer response of step 13 of Figure 10 from the S-GW to the MME includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be sta rted .
  • Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 shows a modification of a routing area update with MME interaction and without S-GW change according to TS 23.401.
  • the modify bearer response of step 10 of Figure 11 from the P-GW to the S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • the modify bearer response of step 11 of Figure 11 from the S-GW to the SGSN includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 shows a modification of a routing area update with MME interaction and with S-GW change according to TS 23.401.
  • the modify bearer response of step 10 of Figure 12 from the P-GW to the new S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • the create session response of step 11 of Figure 12 from the new S-GW to the SGSN includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
  • an efficient collision avoidance can be provided for the case of an inter system TAU or RAU, and thereby at least part of the problems and drawbacks identified in relation to the prior art is solved.
  • the network entity may comprise further units that are necessary for its respective operation. However, a description of these units is omitted in this specification.
  • the arrangement of the functional blocks of the devices is not construed to limit the invention, and the functions may be performed by one block or further split into sub-blocks.
  • the apparatus i.e. network node or network entity (or some other means) is configured to perform some function
  • this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that a (i.e. at least one) processor or corresponding circuitry, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • a (i.e. at least one) processor or corresponding circuitry potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • such function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured circuitry or means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression "unit configured to” is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as "means for").
  • the apparatus (network node) 10' (corresponding to the network node 10) comprises a processor 131, a memory 132 and an interface 133, which are connected by a bus 134 or the like.
  • the apparatus (network node) 30' (corresponding to the network node 30) comprises a processor 135, a memory 136 and an interface 137, which are connected by a bus 138 or the like.
  • the apparatus (network node) 40' (corresponding to the network node 40) comprises a processor 140, a memory 141 and an interface 142, which are connected by a bus 143 or the like, and the apparatuses may be connected via links 139, respectively.
  • the processor 131/135/140 and/or the interface 133/137/142 may also include a modem or the like to facilitate communication over a (hardwire or wireless) link, respectively.
  • the interface 133/137/142 may include a suitable transceiver coupled to one or more antennas or communication means for (hardwire or wireless) communications with the linked or connected device(s), respectively.
  • the interface 133/137/142 is generally configured to communicate with at least one other apparatus, i.e. the interface thereof.
  • the memory 132/136/141 may store respective programs assumed to include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the respective processor, enables the respective electronic device or apparatus to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the respective devices/apparatuses may represent means for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities, and/or the respective devices (and/or parts thereof) may have functions for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities.
  • the processor or some other means
  • the processor is configured to perform some function
  • this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that at least one processor, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression "processor configured to [cause the apparatus to] perform xxx-ing” is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as "means for xxx-ing").
  • an apparatus representing the network node 10 comprises at least one processor 131, at least one memory 132 including computer program code, and at least one interface 133 configured for communication with at least another apparatus.
  • the processor i.e. the at least one processor 131, with the at least one memory 132 and the computer program code
  • the processor is configured to perform determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for determining), and to perform transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for transmitting).
  • an apparatus representing the network node 30 comprises at least one processor 135, at least one memory 136 including computer program code, and at least one interface 137 configured for communication with at least another apparatus.
  • the processor i.e. the at least one processor 135, with the at least one memory 136 and the computer program code
  • the processor is configured to perform receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for receiving), and to perform transmitting, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for transmitting).
  • an apparatus representing the network node 40 comprises at least one processor 140, at least one memory 141 including computer program code, and at least one interface 142 configured for communication with at least another apparatus.
  • the processor i.e. the at least one processor 140, with the at least one memory 141 and the computer program code
  • the processor is configured to perform receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for receiving), and to perform inhibiting, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for inhibiting).
  • any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the embodiments and its modification in terms of the functionality implemented;
  • CMOS Complementary MOS
  • BiMOS Bipolar MOS
  • BiCMOS Bipolar CMOS
  • ECL emitter Coupled Logic
  • TTL Transistor- Transistor Logic
  • ASIC Application Specific IC
  • FPGA Field-programmable Gate Arrays
  • CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device
  • DSP Digital Signal Processor
  • - devices, units or means e.g. the above-defined network entity or network register, or any one of their respective units/means
  • an apparatus like the user equipment and the network entity /network register may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor;
  • a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.
  • respective functional blocks or elements according to above-described aspects can be implemented by any known means, either in hardware and/or software, respectively, if it is only adapted to perform the described functions of the respective parts.
  • the mentioned method steps can be realized in individual functional blocks or by individual devices, or one or more of the method steps can be realized in a single functional block or by a single device.
  • any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the present invention.
  • Devices and means can be implemented as individual devices, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device is preserved. Such and similar principles are to be considered as known to a skilled person.
  • Software in the sense of the present description comprises software code as such comprising code means or portions or a computer program or a computer program product for performing the respective functions, as well as software (or a computer program or a computer program product) embodied on a tangible medium such as a computer-readable (storage) medium having stored thereon a respective data structure or code means/portions or embodied in a signal or in a chip, potentially during processing thereof.
  • the present invention also covers any conceivable combination of method steps and operations described above, and any conceivable combination of nodes, apparatuses, modules or elements described above, as long as the above-described concepts of methodology and structural arrangement are applicable.
  • Such measures exemplarily comprise determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
  • E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
  • P-GW PDN GW packet data network gateway
  • UE-AMBR user equipment aggregate maximum bit rate

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Abstract

There are provided measures for coordination of quality of service modification initiation. Such measures exemplarily comprise determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.

Description

Description Title
Coordination of quality of service modification initiation Field The present invention relates to coordination of quality of service modification initiation. More specifically, the present invention exemplarily relates to measures (including methods, apparatuses and computer program products) for realizing coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
Background
The present specification generally relates to a quality of service (QoS) modification procedure after an inter system tracking area update (TAU) or routing area update (RAU), and in particular to a QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU or RAU from one radio access technology (RAT) to another RAT (e.g. from General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to Long Term Evolution (LTE)), and more particularly to a QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU or RAU from a control entity of one RAT to a control entity of another RAT.
It is known that both, the mobility management entity (MME, being a control entity in a LTE environment) and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) may initiate bearer modification due to a radio access change. Depending on a collision handling logic the corresponding modification procedure succeeds or fails.
Namely, according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specification (TS) 23.401, such MME shall initiate a home subscriber server HSS initiated subscribed QoS modification procedure after an inter system TAU from a Gn serving GPRS support node (SGSN, being a control entity in a GPRS environment) to the MME is completed. This is done if the subscribed QoS differs from the QoS that was used in the Gn/Gp SGSN, which is normally the case.
If a PCRF is deployed, depending on active policy and charging control (PCC) rules, the QoS modification may be initiated by the PCRF when a user equipment (UE) moves from one radio access to another.
In particular, in TS 23.401 (D.3.6 "Gn/Gp SGSN to MME Tracking Area Update") the following is specified :
11. If dynamic PCC is deployed, and RAT type information needs to be conveyed from the packet data network gateway (PDN GW, P-GW) to the PCRF, then the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by performing an internet protocol connectivity access network (IP-CAN) session modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203. The PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step. If the PCRF response leads to an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer modification, the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 8). 24. The target MME calculates a user equipment aggregate maximum bit rate (UE-AMBR) as defined in clause 4.7.3 (of TS 23.401). If the local UE- AMBR provided by the MME is different from the corresponding derived UE- AMBR, or the access point name aggregate maximum bit rate (APN-AMBR) mapped from the subscribed maximum bit rate (MBR) is different from the subscribed APN-AMBR, or the mapped subscribed QoS profile of the default bearer is different from the EPS subscribed QoS profile received from the HSS, the new MME shall initiate subscribed QoS modification procedure as described in clause 5.4.2.2, Figure 5.4.2.2-1 (of TS 23.401). Furthermore, the QoS modification needs to be performed to update the negotiated QoS to the level of the EPS subscribed QoS. This procedure is needed also in S3 based mobility between S4-SGSN and MME. In particular, in TS 23.401 (5.3.3.1 "Tracking Area Update procedure with Serving GW change" and 5.3.3.2 "E-UTRAN Tracking Area Update without S-GW Change") the following is specified :
9a. If dynamic PCC is deployed, and RAT type information needs to be conveyed from the PDN GW to the PCRF, then the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by means of an IP-CAN session modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203.
The PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step. If the PCRF response leads to an EPS bearer modification the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 6).
Furthermore, the MME is able to setup the radio and SI bearers even when the active flag is not set in the TAU request message. This option can be used e.g. during inter system TAU procedure to make it easier to continue QoS modification immediately after TAU procedure is completed.
In particular, in TS 23.401 (5.5.3.2.4 "Normal and periodic tracking area updating procedure accepted by the network") the following is specified :
If the "active" flag is not included in the TRACKING AREA UPDATE REQUEST message, the MME may also re-establish the radio and SI bearers for all active EPS bearer contexts due to downlink pending data or downlink pending signalling.
Furthermore, the same situation also exists in S4-SGSN (e.g. in case of switching from an MME to the SGSN). SGSN might initiate QoS negotiation due to the inter system mobility while after an inter system routing area update (RAU) procedure PCRF may initiate QoS modification also. In particular, in TS 23.401 (5.3.3.3 "Routing Area Update with MME interaction and without S-GW change" and 5.3.3.6 "Routing Area Update with MME interaction and with S-GW change") the following is specified :
9a. If dynamic PCC is deployed, and RAT type information needs to be conveyed from the PDN GW to the PCRF, then the PDN GW shall send RAT type information to the PCRF by means of an IP-CAN Session Modification procedure as defined in TS 23.203.
The PDN GW does not need to wait for the PCRF response, but continues in the next step. If the PCRF response leads to an EPS bearer modification the PDN GW should initiate a bearer update procedure (NOTE 6). That is, according to current practice, the new MME (or the new SGSN) shall initiate a subscribed QoS modification procedure if the mapped QoS is different from the subscribed QoS profile.
However, MME (or SGSN) does not know whether the PCRF is deployed and based on an active PCC rule the PCRF is going to initiate a QoS modification due to the RAT type information received from the P-GW.
Thus, both modification procedures may be initiated at the same time which causes a collision situation both in P-GW and MME.
Furthermore, the PCRF may initiate QoS modification for some subscribers only. This makes it additionally difficult for the MME to know whether to initiate subscribed QoS modification procedure or not. Hence, the problem arises that a collision situation may be caused both in P-GW and MME in case of an inter system TAU. Accordingly, the QoS modification procedure may fail. Hence, there is a need to provide for coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
Summary
Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention aim at addressing at least part of the above issues and/or problems and drawbacks.
Various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and inhibiting, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising determining means configured to determine, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting means configured to transmit, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting means configured to transmit, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and inhibiting means configured to inhibit, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer-executable computer program code which, when the program is run on a computer (e.g. a computer of an apparatus according to any one of the aforementioned apparatus-related exemplary aspects of the present invention), is configured to cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the aforementioned method-related exemplary aspects of the present invention.
Such computer program product may comprise (or be embodied) a (tangible) computer-readable (storage) medium or the like on which the computer-executable computer program code is stored, and/or the program may be directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer or a processor thereof.
Any one of the above aspects enables an efficient collision avoidance in case of an inter system TAU to thereby solve at least part of the problems and drawbacks identified in relation to the prior art.
By way of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided coordination of quality of service modification initiation. More specifically, by way of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there are provided measures and mechanisms for realizing coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
Thus, improvement is achieved by methods, apparatuses and computer program products enabling/realizing coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
Brief description of the drawings In the following, the present invention will be described in greater detail by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and
Figure 13 is a block diagram alternatively illustrating apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Detailed description of drawings and embodiments of the present invention
The present invention is described herein with reference to particular non- limiting examples and to what are presently considered to be conceivable embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is by no means limited to these examples, and may be more broadly applied.
It is to be noted that the following description of the present invention and its embodiments mainly refers to specifications being used as non-limiting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. Namely, the present invention and its embodiments are mainly described in relation to 3GPP specifications being used as non-limiting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. As such, the description of exemplary embodiments given herein specifically refers to terminology which is directly related thereto. Such terminology is only used in the context of the presented non-limiting examples, and does naturally not limit the invention in any way. Rather, any other communication or communication related system deployment, etc. may also be utilized as long as compliant with the features described herein.
Hereinafter, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention and its aspects or embodiments are described using several variants and/or alternatives. It is generally noted that, according to certain needs and constraints, all of the described variants and/or alternatives may be provided alone or in any conceivable combination (also including combinations of individual features of the various variants and/or alternatives). According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in general terms, there are provided measures and mechanisms for (enabling/realizing) coordination of quality of service modification initiation.
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus may be a network node 10 such as a packet data network gateway (P-GW) comprising a determining means 11 and a transmitting means 12. The determining means 11 determines, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure (i.e. tracking area update procedure or routing area update procedure), whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated. Further, the transmitting means 12 transmits, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus according to Figure 1 may perform the method of Figure 6 but is not limited to this method. The method of Figure 6 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 1 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
As shown in Figure 6, a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of determining (S61), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of transmitting (S62), if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, Figure 2 illustrates a variation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. The apparatus according to Figure 2 may thus further comprise deciding means 21.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 6, exemplary details of the determining operation (S61) are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such.
Namely, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the determining (S61) is based on whether a policy and charging rules function is deployed.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 6, exemplary details of the determining operation (S61) are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. Namely, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the determining (S61) is based on whether a policy and charging control rule is active.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 6, exemplary details of the determining operation (S61) are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. Namely, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is determined that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, if said policy and charging rules function is deployed and said policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 6, exemplary additional operations are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. According to such variation, an exemplary method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an operation of transmitting information indicative of a radio access technology type of a destination of said tracking or routing area update procedure, and an operation of deciding, whether said policy and charging control rule causes said policy and charging rules function to start said quality of service modification based on said policy and charging control rule and said information.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 6, exemplary details of the transmitting operation (S62) are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such.
Namely, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, said message is transmitted per packet data network connection.
The procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system. The procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway. According to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus may be a network node 30 such as a serving gateway (S-GW) comprising a receiving means 31 and a transmitting means 32. The receiving means 31 receives, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated. The transmitting means 32 transmits, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus according to Figure 3 may perform the method of Figure 7 but is not limited to this method. The method of Figure 7 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 3 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
As shown in Figure 7, a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of receiving (S71), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of transmitting (S72), in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 7, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, said first message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification. According to a further variation of the procedure shown in Figure 7, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first message is received per packet data network connection, and the second message is transmitted per packet data network connection. The procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system.
The procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway.
According to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the second message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including said indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node. According to still further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus may be a network node 40 such as a mobility management entity (MME) of a LTE or LTE-A cellular system or a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) of a GPRS cellular system comprising a receiving means 41 and an inhibiting means 42. The receiving means 41 receives, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated. The inhibiting means 42 inhibits, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus according to Figure 4 may perform the method of Figure 8 but is not limited to this method. The method of Figure 8 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 4 but is not limited to being performed by this apparatus.
As shown in Figure 8, a procedure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises an operation of receiving (S81), upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and an operation of inhibiting (S82), in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, Figure 5 illustrates a variation of the apparatus shown in Figure 4. The apparatus according to Figure 5 may thus further comprise initiating means 51 and re-establishing means 52. According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 8, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
According to a variation of the procedure shown in Figure 8, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the message is received per packet data network connection.
According to such variation of the procedure shown in Figure 8, exemplary additional operations are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. According to such variation, an exemplary method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an operation of initiating said quality of service modification procedure for bearers corresponding to packet data network connections for which said message is not received.
According to a further variation of the procedure shown in Figure 8, exemplary additional operations are given, which are inherently independent from each other as such. According to such variation, an exemplary method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise an operation of re-establishing radio bearers and Sl-bearers for all active evolved packet system bearer contexts during tracking area update procedure based on said message.
The procedure may be implemented at a network node of a cellular system.
The procedure may be implemented in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE-A cellular system.
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node. According to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
In other words, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an indication from P-GW to S-GW and from S-GW to MME (or the SGSN) is introduced to inform MME (or the SGSN) that HSS initiated subscribed QoS modification procedure should not be started.
This indication is set if the PCRF is deployed and based on an active PCC rule the PCRF is going to initiate a QoS modification due to the RAT type information received from the P-GW.
Based on the indication, the MME (or the SGSN) is able to re-establish the radio and SI bearers for all active EPS bearer contexts during the TAU procedure so that the modification procedure can be performed without any delay when the TAU has been completed.
The indication is sent per packet data network (PDN) connection so that the MME (or the SGSN) is able to initiate QoS modification for those bearers for which the PCRF is not going to initiate any modification.
In Figures 9 to 12, exemplary implementations of indicating that HSS initiated subscribed QoS modification procedure should not be started according to exemplary embodiments are shown.
Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, Figure 9 shows a modification of a tracking area update procedure with serving gateway change according to TS 23.401.
Namely, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a tracking area update procedure with serving gateway change, the modify bearer response of step
10 of Figure 9 from the P-GW to the new S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
Further, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a tracking area update procedure with serving gateway change, the create session response of step
11 of Figure 9 from the new S-GW to the new MME includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, Figure 10 shows a modification of an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) tracking area update without S-GW change according to TS 23.401. Namely, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of an E-UTRAN tracking area update without S-GW change, the modify bearer response of step 12 of Figure 10 from the P-GW to the S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
Further, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of an E-UTRAN tracking area update without S-GW change, the modify bearer response of step 13 of Figure 10 from the S-GW to the MME includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be sta rted . Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, Figure 11 shows a modification of a routing area update with MME interaction and without S-GW change according to TS 23.401.
Namely, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a routing area update with MME interaction and without S-GW change, the modify bearer response of step 10 of Figure 11 from the P-GW to the S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
Further, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a routing area update with MME interaction and without S-GW change, the modify bearer response of step 11 of Figure 11 from the S-GW to the SGSN includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of signaling sequences according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, Figure 12 shows a modification of a routing area update with MME interaction and with S-GW change according to TS 23.401.
Namely, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a routing area update with MME interaction and with S-GW change, the modify bearer response of step 10 of Figure 12 from the P-GW to the new S-GW includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
Further, according to such modification according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in case of a routing area update with MME interaction and with S-GW change, the create session response of step 11 of Figure 12 from the new S-GW to the SGSN includes an indication according to the present invention that the QoS modification procedure should not be started.
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an efficient collision avoidance can be provided for the case of an inter system TAU or RAU, and thereby at least part of the problems and drawbacks identified in relation to the prior art is solved.
In particular, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, unnecessary signalling on Sll and S5/S8 interfaces can be avoided.
The above-described procedures and functions may be implemented by respective functional elements, processors, or the like, as described below.
In the foregoing exemplary description of the network entity, only the units that are relevant for understanding the principles of the invention have been described using functional blocks. The network entity may comprise further units that are necessary for its respective operation. However, a description of these units is omitted in this specification. The arrangement of the functional blocks of the devices is not construed to limit the invention, and the functions may be performed by one block or further split into sub-blocks.
When in the foregoing description it is stated that the apparatus, i.e. network node or network entity (or some other means) is configured to perform some function, this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that a (i.e. at least one) processor or corresponding circuitry, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function. Also, such function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured circuitry or means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression "unit configured to" is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as "means for").
In Figure 13, an alternative illustration of apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is depicted. As indicated in Figure 13, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus (network node) 10' (corresponding to the network node 10) comprises a processor 131, a memory 132 and an interface 133, which are connected by a bus 134 or the like. Further, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus (network node) 30' (corresponding to the network node 30) comprises a processor 135, a memory 136 and an interface 137, which are connected by a bus 138 or the like. Further, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus (network node) 40' (corresponding to the network node 40) comprises a processor 140, a memory 141 and an interface 142, which are connected by a bus 143 or the like, and the apparatuses may be connected via links 139, respectively.
The processor 131/135/140 and/or the interface 133/137/142 may also include a modem or the like to facilitate communication over a (hardwire or wireless) link, respectively. The interface 133/137/142 may include a suitable transceiver coupled to one or more antennas or communication means for (hardwire or wireless) communications with the linked or connected device(s), respectively. The interface 133/137/142 is generally configured to communicate with at least one other apparatus, i.e. the interface thereof.
The memory 132/136/141 may store respective programs assumed to include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the respective processor, enables the respective electronic device or apparatus to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In general terms, the respective devices/apparatuses (and/or parts thereof) may represent means for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities, and/or the respective devices (and/or parts thereof) may have functions for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities. When in the subsequent description it is stated that the processor (or some other means) is configured to perform some function, this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that at least one processor, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function. Also, such function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression "processor configured to [cause the apparatus to] perform xxx-ing" is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as "means for xxx-ing").
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus representing the network node 10 comprises at least one processor 131, at least one memory 132 including computer program code, and at least one interface 133 configured for communication with at least another apparatus. The processor (i.e. the at least one processor 131, with the at least one memory 132 and the computer program code) is configured to perform determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for determining), and to perform transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for transmitting). Further, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus representing the network node 30 comprises at least one processor 135, at least one memory 136 including computer program code, and at least one interface 137 configured for communication with at least another apparatus. The processor (i.e. the at least one processor 135, with the at least one memory 136 and the computer program code) is configured to perform receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for receiving), and to perform transmitting, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for transmitting). Still further, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus representing the network node 40 comprises at least one processor 140, at least one memory 141 including computer program code, and at least one interface 142 configured for communication with at least another apparatus. The processor (i.e. the at least one processor 140, with the at least one memory 141 and the computer program code) is configured to perform receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for receiving), and to perform inhibiting, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for inhibiting).
For further details regarding the operability/functionality of the individual apparatuses, reference is made to the above description in connection with any one of Figures 1 to 12, respectively.
For the purpose of the present invention as described herein above, it should be noted that - method steps likely to be implemented as software code portions and being run using a processor at a network server or network entity (as examples of devices, apparatuses and/or modules thereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modules therefore), are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language as long as the functionality defined by the method steps is preserved;
- generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the embodiments and its modification in terms of the functionality implemented;
- method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at the above-defined apparatuses, or any module(s) thereof, (e.g., devices carrying out the functions of the apparatuses according to the embodiments as described above) are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor- Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components;
- devices, units or means (e.g. the above-defined network entity or network register, or any one of their respective units/means) can be implemented as individual devices, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device, unit or means is preserved;
- an apparatus like the user equipment and the network entity /network register may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor;
- a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.
In general, it is to be noted that respective functional blocks or elements according to above-described aspects can be implemented by any known means, either in hardware and/or software, respectively, if it is only adapted to perform the described functions of the respective parts. The mentioned method steps can be realized in individual functional blocks or by individual devices, or one or more of the method steps can be realized in a single functional block or by a single device.
Generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the present invention. Devices and means can be implemented as individual devices, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device is preserved. Such and similar principles are to be considered as known to a skilled person.
Software in the sense of the present description comprises software code as such comprising code means or portions or a computer program or a computer program product for performing the respective functions, as well as software (or a computer program or a computer program product) embodied on a tangible medium such as a computer-readable (storage) medium having stored thereon a respective data structure or code means/portions or embodied in a signal or in a chip, potentially during processing thereof.
The present invention also covers any conceivable combination of method steps and operations described above, and any conceivable combination of nodes, apparatuses, modules or elements described above, as long as the above-described concepts of methodology and structural arrangement are applicable.
In view of the above, there are provided measures for coordination of quality of service modification initiation. Such measures exemplarily comprise determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
Even though the invention is described above with reference to the examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted thereto. Rather, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified in many ways without departing from the scope of the inventive idea as disclosed herein.
List of acronyms and abbreviations
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
APN-AMBR access point name aggregate maximum bit rate
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
EPS evolved packet system
E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
IP-CAN internet protocol connectivity access network
LTE Long Term Evolution
LTE-A Long Term Evolution Advanced
MBR maximum bit rate
MME mobility management entity
PCC policy and charging control
PCRF policy and charging rules function
PDN packet data network
P-GW PDN GW, packet data network gateway
QoS quality of service RAT radio access technology
RAU routing area update
SGSN serving GPRS support node
TAU tracking area update
TS technical specification
UE user equipment
UE-AMBR user equipment aggregate maximum bit rate

Claims

Claims
1. A method comprising
determining, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
transmitting, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
said determining is based on whether a policy and charging rules function is deployed.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
said determining is based on whether a policy and charging control rule is active.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein
it is determined that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, if said policy and charging rules function is deployed and said policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising
transmitting information indicative of a radio access technology type of a destination of said tracking or routing area update procedure, and
deciding, whether said policy and charging control rule causes said policy and charging rules function to start said quality of service modification based on said policy and charging control rule and said information.
6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein
said message is transmitted per packet data network connection.
7. A method comprising
receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
transmitting, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein
said first message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
said first message is received per packet data network connection, and
said second message is transmitted per packet data network connection.
10. A method comprising
receiving, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
inhibiting, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein
said message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein
said message is received per packet data network connection, and said method further comprises
initiating said quality of service modification procedure for bearers corresponding to packet data network connections for which said message is not received.
13. The method according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising re-establishing radio bearers and Sl-bearers for all active evolved packet system bearer contexts during tracking area update procedure based on said message.
14. An apparatus comprising
determining means configured to determine, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, whether a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
transmitting means configured to transmit, if it is determined that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, a message indicative of that the quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said determining means is configured to determine based on whether a policy and charging rules function is deployed.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
said determining means is configured to determine based on whether a policy and charging control rule is active.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
said determining means is configured to determine that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, if said policy and charging rules function is deployed and said policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
said transmitting means is further configured to transmit information indicative of a radio access technology type of a destination of said tracking or routing area update procedure, and said apparatus further comprising deciding means configured to decide, whether said policy and charging control rule causes said policy and charging rules function to start said quality of service modification based on said policy and charging control rule and said information.
19. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein
said transmitting means is configured to transmit said message per packet data network connection.
20. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein
the apparatus is operable as or at a network node of a cellular system, and/or
the apparatus is operable in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE- A cellular system, and/or
said message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway, and/or
said quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
21. An apparatus comprising
receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a first message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
transmitting means configured to transmit, in response to receipt of said first message, a second message indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said first message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
23. The apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, wherein
said receiving means is configured to receive said first message per packet data network connection, and
said transmitting means is configured to transmit said second message per packet data network connection.
24. The apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein
the apparatus is operable as or at a network node of a cellular system, and/or
the apparatus is operable in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE- A cellular system, and/or
said first message is a modify bearer response message, including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and sent from a packet data network gateway to a serving gateway, and/or
said second message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including said indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node, and/or
said quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
25. An apparatus comprising
receiving means configured to receive, upon a tracking or routing area update procedure, a message indicative of that a quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and
inhibiting means configured to inhibit, in response to receipt of said message, an initiation of said quality of service modification procedure.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
said message is received, if a policy and charging rules function is deployed and a policy and charging control rule is active and causes said policy and charging rules function to start a quality of service modification.
27. The apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein
said receiving means is configured to receive said message per packet data network connection, and
said apparatus further comprises
initiating means configured to initiate said quality of service modification procedure for bearers corresponding to packet data network connections for which said message is not received.
28. The apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 27, further comprising re-establishing means configured to re-establish radio bearers and Sl-bearers for all active evolved packet system bearer contexts during tracking area update procedure based on said message.
29. The apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein
the apparatus is operable as or at a network node of a cellular system, and/or
the apparatus is operable in at least one of a GPRS, a LTE and a LTE- A cellular system, and/or
said message is a modify bearer response message or a create session response message, respectively including an indicator indicative of that said quality of service modification procedure is not to be initiated, and respectively sent from a serving gateway to a mobility management entity or to a serving general packet radio service support node, and/or
said quality of service modification procedure is a home subscriber server initiated subscribed quality of service modification procedure.
30. A computer program product comprising computer-executable computer program code which, when the program is run on a computer, is configured to cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 7 to 9 or 10 to 13.
31. The computer program product according to claim 30, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable medium on which the computer-executable computer program code is stored, and/or wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the processor.
PCT/EP2014/067423 2014-08-14 2014-08-14 Coordination of quality of service modification initiation WO2016023587A1 (en)

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Citations (1)

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US20130102277A1 (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-04-25 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Communication Between MME/S4 SGSN and PCRF

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US20130102277A1 (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-04-25 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Communication Between MME/S4 SGSN and PCRF

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Title
"3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access (Release 12)", 20 June 2014 (2014-06-20), XP050872400, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/Latest_SA2_Specs/DRAFT_INTERIM/Archive/> [retrieved on 20140620] *
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