CN100505937C - Wireless communication assembly and method of multi-system communication - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), components and methods thereof provide the capability for continuous communication when switching from a wireless connection of a first type of wireless system to a wireless connection of a second type of wireless system. The WTRU is preferably configured to switch from a wireless link of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and vice versa during a continuous communication session. The present invention may be provided with an application agent to control signaling and a communication agent for user data flow, which may be embedded in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

Description

Wireless communication component and method for multi-system communication

technical field

The present invention relates to wireless communication components and methods in multiple systems, and more particularly to mobile wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) capable of continuous communication when switching from a wireless connection having a first type to a wireless connection having a second type, Such as from a Universal Telephone System (UMTS) to a Local Area Network (WLAN) or vice versa.

Background technique

Wireless communication systems are well known in the art. Typically such systems include communication stations to transmit and receive wireless communication signals between each other. In the case of network systems such as mobile cellular systems, there are two types of communication stations, base stations, which provide access to the network infrastructure, and wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs), which communicate wirelessly with the base stations.

The home, office and travel depend on wireless communication more and more. It is not uncommon for a user to have several different WTRUs such as different home, office and mobile wireless phones. Accordingly, there is a need to replace multiple WTRUs with a single WTRU as it can be used at home, in the office and while traveling.

In many commercial networks, there is a network of base stations, each capable of conducting multiple parallel wireless communications with appropriate types of WTRUs. A standard has been developed and implemented for global connectivity of wireless systems. A widely used standard is the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM). This system is considered the second generation of mobile wireless systems (2G), followed by its modification (2.5G). GPRS and EDGE are examples of 2.5G technologies that can provide relatively high speed data services of (2G) GSM networks. Each of these standards attempts to enhance existing standards with additional features and improvements. In January 1998, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute-Special Mobile Group (ETSISMG) has agreed on a radio access plan for a third generation radio system called Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). To further implement the UMTS standard, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) was formed in December 1998. 3GPP continues to work on a common third generation mobile radio standard.

A typical UMTS system structure according to the 3GPP specification is illustrated in Fig. 1a. The UMTS network architecture includes a Core Network (CN) interconnected with the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) via an interface such as Iu, which is detailed in publicly available 3GPP specification documents.

The UTRAN is configured to provide user wireless telecommunication services via WTRUs, ie, the radio interface Uu of user equipments (UEs) in 3GPP. The UTRAN has base stations, called 3GPP Node Bs, which collectively provide geographic coverage for wireless communications with UEs. In UTRAN, one or more groups of Node Bs are connected to different Radio Network Control Stations (RNC) via the interface Iub in 3GPP. UTRAN may have an array of nodes Bs connected to different RNCs, two of which are illustrated in Figure 1a for example. When more than one RNC is prepared in UTRAN, inter-RNC communication is implemented via an Iur interface.

A UE usually has a home UTMS (HN) network, where registration and payment services are handled. By standardizing the Uu interface, Ues can communicate via different UMTN networks, for example, serving different coverage areas. At this time, the other network is generally referred to as a foreign network (FN).

Under the current 3GPP specification, the core network function of UE’s HN is to coordinate and process identification functions, authorization and accounting (AAA functions). When a UE travels outside its UMTS network, the HN's core network, with its ability to coordinate with the AAA, enables the UE's use of foreign networks so that the FN can enable the UE to communicate. To assist in this activity, the core network includes a Local Area Registry (VLR) to track UE's as it is a HN and a Visitor Address Registry (VLR). A local service provider (HSS) HLR is provided to jointly handle the AAA function.

Under current 3GPP specifications, the core network is configured to interface with external systems such as Public Mobile Networks (PLMN), Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and other real-time ( RT) service. A core network also uses the Internet to support non-real-time services. The permanent connectivity of the core network to other systems enables users to utilize Ues to communicate via their local UMTS network beyond the HN's service area. Visiting UE's can communicate over a visited UMTS network beyond the UTRAN service area of the visited UMTS's.

Under the current 3GPP specifications, the core network provides external connections for RT services via the Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC). The core network provides NRT services, known as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) external connections via Gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSNs). On the one hand, because of the communication speed and the associated buffering of the TDD data packets constituting the communication, a special NRT service can occur for the user's real-time communication. An example of such communication is voice communication over the Internet, which appears to the user like a normal phone call over a switched network implementation, but is in fact an Internet Protocol (IP) connection over a packet data service.

A standard interface called GI is usually used between CN's GGSN and the Internet. The GI interface can be used with mobile Internet protocols, such as Mobile IP v4 or Mobile IP v6, as specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

Under the current 3GPP specification, to provide support for RT and NRT services to UEs providing radio links for the 3GPP system from external sources, the UTRAN must interface properly with the CN as it functions as an Iu interface. To this end, the core network includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) coupled to the GMSC and a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) coupled to the GGSN. Both are coupled to the HRL, and the MSC is usually combined with a visitor address register (VLR).

The Iu interface is split between a circuit communication (Iu-CS) interface and a packet switched communication (Iu-PS) interface. MSCs are connected to RNCs in UTRAN via Iu-CS. The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is coupled to the RNC of the UTRANs via the Iu-PS interface of the packet data service.

HLR/HSS is a point-type and core network, and MSC and GMSC support the CS side of the interface Gr with AAA function through a mobile application part (MAP) protocol. The SGSN and GGSN of the CN are connected by interfaces called Gn and Gp.

Another type of radio system known as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can be configured to communicate wirelessly with WTRUs equipped with WLAN modems. WLAN modems are currently integrated into many traditional communication and computing devices by manufacturers.

For example, cell phones, personal digital assistants and laptop computers are all built with one or more modems. Accordingly, there is an increasing need to facilitate communications for WTRUs with WLAN modems and other different types of networks.

Well-known local area network environments with one or more WLAN access points (APs), ie, base stations, have been built according to IEEE 802.11b. The wireless service area of the u1WLANs can be limited to specific geographical areas, called "hot spots". This wireless communication system has been deployed excellently in airports, coffee shops and hotels. Accessing such a network usually requires authentication procedures for the user. The protocol of this system has not yet been fully standardized in the WLAN technology area, because the IEEE802 series standards are still evolving. As mentioned above, the CN of UMTS has been designed to communicate with other networks such as WLANs.

In each different environment, instead of having different WTRUs, WTRUs can be equipped with UTMS and WLAN capabilities, such as packet PCs with independent UMTS and WLAN and PCMCIA card adapters. Standalone card assemblies allow users to utilize different types of networks through a single device, but do not provide a WTRU that can switch from one type of network to another without loss of connectivity. For example, a mobile WTRU communicating with, or seeking to communicate with, a target WTRU may travel to an area of poor signal quality where the particular type of network serving the target WTRU becomes periodic or discontinuous. In this case, it would be ideal for the WTRU to be able to roam within the same type of network and still be able to switch to a different type of network to maintain a continuous basis for communication.

Contents of the invention

A mobile wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), components and methods thus provide continuous communication capability when switching from a first type of wireless system to a second type of wireless system.

Preferably the WTRU is configured to switch from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or vice versa while continuous communication is in progress. The present invention consists of providing an application agent for controlling signaling and a communication agent for user data flow, which can be embedded in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless transmitting/receiving unit for communicating in at least two types of wireless networks, including: a protocol engine with at least two wireless communication interfaces configured to be used for different types of wireless networks a wireless link; each communication interface configured to pass control signals and user communication data to a common application processing component; an application agent configured to monitor control signaling between the underlying protocol engine and the upper application processing component; a communication agent having a data buffer and defining a switchable data path for user data between the upper layer application processing component and a selected wireless interface; the application agent is associated with the communication agent to control data buffering, and through the communication agent The data path is switched so that the data flowing into the first wireless interface of the protocol engine is buffered during the communication session, while the wireless link is established for the communication session with a different second wireless interface of the protocol engine, and the communication proxy data path is Switching to the second wireless interface, the buffered data is released through the second wireless interface after the wireless link of the communication session is established; the application agent includes an application session manager configured to be able to pass through a different wireless interfaces to control signaling, and a workstation unit configured to maintain and convert content information transmitted via a different wireless interface during wireless link establishment; and the application agent includes a subscriber identity module reader, Configured to read the User Identity Module containing the User Identity. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless link handover method of a wireless transmitting/receiving unit, for switching from a first type of wireless network to a second type of wireless network during a communication session, wherein the wireless transmitting/receiving unit There is a protocol engine, the protocol engine has first and second wireless communication interfaces, configured to be wirelessly linked with the first and second types of wireless networks, and each communication interface is configured to enable control signals and user Passing communication data to a common application processing component, the method includes: providing a data buffer and a switchable data path for user data between the upper layer application processing component and a selected wireless interface; control sending between upper layer application processing components; read a user identity authentication, authorization and accounting functions; and control data buffer and data path switching, so that the first wireless interface data flowing into the protocol engine during the communication session is buffered, While the wireless link is established with the second wireless interface of the protocol engine for the communication session, the data path is switched to the second wireless interface, and the buffered data is passed through the second wireless interface after the wireless link of the communication session is established. freed.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application-specific integrated circuit for a wireless transmit/receive unit, configured to communicate in at least two types of wireless networks, and having a protocol engine with at least two wireless communication interfaces, each wireless communication The interface is configured to wirelessly link with a different type of wireless network, and to pass control signals and user communication data to a common application processing element, the application specific integrated circuit includes: an application agent configured to monitor the low-level protocol engine and Control signaling between upper-layer application processing components; a communication agent with a data buffer and a switchable data path for user data defined between the upper-layer application processing component and a selected wireless interface; the communication agent is associated with The application agent controls data buffering, and performs data path switching through the communication agent, so that data flowing into the first wireless interface of the protocol engine during the communication session is buffered, and a wireless link communicates with a different second wireless interface of the protocol engine The communication agent data path is switched to the second wireless interface, and the buffered data is released after the wireless link is established through the second wireless interface; the application agent includes an application session manager configured to controlling signaling during wireless link establishment via a different wireless interface, and comprising a workstation unit configured to maintain and convert transmitted content information during wireless link establishment via a different wireless interface; and the application agent includes A user identity module reader configured to read a user identity module including a user identity.

Other advantages and objectives of the present invention will be better understood by those skilled in the art after referring to the following drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1a schematically illustrates a typical UMTS system according to 3GPP specifications.

Figure 1b illustrates an example of a mobile WTRU traveling from a local WLAN to a LAN station operating on a different network while maintaining continued communication in accordance with the principles of the invention.

Figure 2a is a block diagram of a WTRU with multi-network activation in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2b illustrates a multi-network interface block diagram of a multi-network enabled WTRU of the present invention.

Figure 2c is a process diagram illustrating handover from a wireless connection to a wireless connection via UMTA via WLAN without loss of connectivity according to the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a multi-network operating environment for a multi-network enabled WTRU of the present invention.

Figure 4a is a layout diagram of a UMTS device structural design configured to interface with a computing device, eg, via a standard PCMCIA/HBA.

FIG. 4b is a block diagram of a preferred example of a dual UMTS/WLAN network device structure designed to interface with a computing device, such as a standard PCMCIA/HBA, according to the present invention.

Figure 5a is a block diagram of a preferred example of functional details of the application proxy component of a WTRU in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5b is a block diagram of a preferred example of the functional details of the communication proxy component of a WTRU in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 6a is a protocol stack diagram illustrating preferred locations for the operation of novel components in the UE, UTRAN and SGSN in the context of 3GPP.

Figure 6b is a protocol stack diagram illustrating the preferred location for the operation of the novel components of the present invention in a WLAN.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the location of the novel components operating with WIN CE.

Detailed ways

The present invention is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like components throughout the several views.

The term base station includes, but is not limited to, a base station, Node B, site controller, access point (AP) or wireless environment that provides WTRUs with wireless access to a network associated with a base station.

The term WTRU as used herein includes, but is not limited to, user equipment (UE), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager or a type of device operable in a wireless environment. WTRUs include personal communication devices such as telephones, video phones, and Internet phones with network connections. Additionally, WTRUs include mobile personal computing devices such as PDAs and notebook computers with wireless modem-like capabilities. Mobile or re-addressed WTRUs are referred to as mobile units.

The present invention provides continuous talk over different types of radio access networks having one or more network base stations through which radio access services can be provided for WTRUs. The present invention is particularly useful in conjunction with mobile units, ie, mobile WTRUs as they enter or travel within geographic coverage areas provided by base stations of different types of networks. For example, Figure 1b illustrates a mobile WTRU at three different addresses 10a, 10b, 10c. At location 10a, the WTRU conducts a wireless conversation with AP 12 of the home WLAN, and at location 10b, the WTRU talks wirelessly with Node B 13 of the UMTS while traveling between the home WLAN and the office WLAN. While at address 10c, the WTRU talks to an AP 15 of the inter-office WLAN. Network continuity is provided by the connection of CN14 of UTMS to WLANs between offices. The WTRU 10 of the present invention takes advantage of network continuity to maintain the progress of the call initiated at the local WLAN 10a, and when it transitions to 10c, it is kept going by switching between WLAN and UTMS wireless communication.

According to the present invention, WTRUs are configured to operate on at least two different types of networks, preferably with devices that provide UMTS UE functionality and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) WTRU functionality, such as 802.11(b) (WiFi) or Bluetooth adaptation function. However, the present invention can provide continuous communication with any type of other wireless network systems interconnected with other types of networks.

Referring to FIG. 2, a protocol engine 20 having at least different types of wireless communication interfaces 22, 24 is provided. Each communication interface 22, 24 is configured to pass control and user communication data to an application processing component 26 representing a conventional upper-level communication system. Preferably one wireless communication interface 22, 24 is configured for UMTS wireless communication and the other is configured for 802.11 WLAN communication.

The present invention provides for inserting an Application Agent (APP) 30 and a Communication Agent (COM) 32 between the wireless interfaces 22, 24 and the upper application processing component 26. The APP and COM components 30 and 32 process control and user data as "middleware" that can help absorb different technologies of the underlying base system to improve performance capabilities. The application agent 30 and the communication agent 32 can provide a two-layer middleware structure, which does not require changes in the traditional protocol structures of individual wireless networks, and is easy to integrate different network technologies and provide users with seamless services.

The APP 30 is configured to monitor and control the communication between the lower layer protocol engine 20 and the upper layer application processing component 26 . All user communication data flows through the COM 32 which acts as a switch for the upper layer application processing component 26 to direct the data to the appropriate wireless interface 22 , 24 within the lower layer protocol engine 20 .

The middleware components 30 and 32 may be implemented within a WTRU without corresponding network components. The APP 30 and COM 32 may operate within this single WTRU scheme to maintain the wireless communication session while switching networks. In this way, dual-mode operation can be supported within the WTRU without full network support and without "context switching", or termination of "call attention".

For example, if the WTRU 10 conducts a UMTS wireless communication via interface 22 and travels to a WLAN service area, the call is preferably switched to WLAN wireless communication via interface 24 in WTRU standalone mode as follows. The protocol engine 20 provides link state information, which is received and evaluated by the APP 30, and decides to switch to WLAN wireless communication. This decision may be based on existing UMTS Quality of Service "QoS" or other factors as disclosed in US Patent Application No. 10/667,633 by the inventors. When the APP 30 decides that the UMTS communication should be handed over to a WLAN, the APP 30 signals and the COM 32 is ready to hand over, and the COM 32 starts to buffer all communication data generated by the upper layer application processing component 26 for wireless transmission. Accordingly, processing component 26 continues to generate user data for communication purposes without interruption. The APP 30 notifies the upper layer application processing component 26 that the handover is in progress, so that it can expect a delay in receiving the wireless data until the handover is complete. The APP 30 then instructs the protocol engine 20 to establish a wireless WLAN connection via the interface 24, to which the UMTS communication is handed over.

The protocol engine 20 signals the APP 30 after the WLAN connection is established. The APP 30 then signals the completion of the handover to the COM 32, which then switches the direction of the user communication data from the UMTS interface 22 to the WLAN interface 24, and releases the buffered data to the WLAN interface to update and continue the call. The APP also signals the completion of the handover to the upper layer application processing component 26 so that the two-way user data of the call can continue to travel via the COM 32 and the WLAN interface 24. Finally, the APP 30 notifies the protocol engine to cause the UMTS to release the UMTS connection.

To improve operations, corresponding APP and COM components may be prepared in the network with which the WTRU 10 is communicating. Figure 2b provides a sketch of the layout of the components. Network systems interfacing between the UMTS system and the WTAN system are typically based on Packet Switched (PS) data flow, eg using an Internet Protocol (IP). Figure 2b illustrates a WTRU configured to enable network handover of a packet-switched IP call. The CS voice signal data can pass through the APP from the UMTS interface, but the voice communication is used on the IP protocol, and the voice data is processed in the packet, which can be implemented in WLAN and UMTS.

As shown in Figure 2b, the APP 30 of the WTRU 10 sends a letter on behalf of the wireless interface 22, 24 between the upper layer and the COM 22. The WTRU 10 is configured such that PS data from and to the wireless interfaces 22, 24 pass through the COM 32. Preferably UMTS and WLAN systems have UTRANs and APs configured as corresponding communication agents with the respective physical layer air interface implementations illustrated in Figure 2b above. A corresponding application agent is preferably provided in an IP node of the network system. APPs and COMs on the network side provide network support for handover between networks.

In the multi-network system illustrated in Figure 2b, an example of a WTRU 10 switching from a WLAN connection to a UMTS connection during a call supported by the network is illustrated in Figure 2c. During the existence of a WLAN call, control and user data pass through the WTRUs APP 30 and COM 32, respectively, and the WTRUs communication link via the WLAN AP. The user data passes through the COM of the AP, and the control data passes to the network APP. When the communication link reports data to the WTRU APP 30, the APP decides based on the report that the link should be switched to UMTS, and the WTRUAPP 30 signals the WTRU COM 32 to start buffering up the link user communication data, and signals the network APP, the network Then signal the AP COM to start down-buffering link user communication data. The WTRUCOM 32 preferably stores contention data associated with user data, records the last downlink packet received from the AP, and identifies the last received downlink packet to the WTRU APP 30. The WTRU APP 30 then instructs the WTRU interface to set up a UMTS link. When a UMTS link is available, it is established and the WTRU link via UMTSUTRAN is confirmed to the WTRU APP 30. The WTRU APP 30 then confirms this setup to the WTRU COM 32, and preferably signals the Network APP via UMTS connection related information including AAA and QoS information. The WTRU COM 32 also preferably signals information content related to the user communication data to the UTRAN COM. The WTRU APP 30 also signals the network APP the identity of the last received downlink packet, and a request to resume communication, which is then signaled by the network APP to the AP COM. The APCOM then releases the buffered downlink data to the UTRAN COM, preferably beginning with the next consecutive packet identified following the last received downlink packet. The buffered data is then exchanged over the WTRU COM 32 and UTRAN COMM via the UMTS connection. Communication then continues in the normal way via the UMTS connection.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a WTRU 10 that includes the context of a multi-network environment for Internet connectivity is illustrated. The WLAN network includes an access point (AP) connected to a WLAN gateway, which has an associated WLAN AAA tracking component. The UMTS includes a UTRAN and AAA, SGSN and GGSN core network components. The WLAN interfaces with the Internet via the WLAN Gateway, and the UMTS interfaces with the Internet via the GGSN component of the UMTS CN. Preferably, there is an AAA interface between the WLAN AAA and UMTS AAA components.

In the multi-network system illustrated in FIG. 3 , an example of switching from a WLAN connection to a UMTS connection during a call with an Internet-connected device 40 is as follows. When the status of the communication link indicates to the WTRU APP 30 that the link should be switched to a WLAN link, the WTRU APP 30 signals the WTRU COM 32 to start buffering up link user communication data. The WTRU COM 32 also stores contention information related to user data, records the last downlink packet received from the UTRAN, and identifies the last received downlink packet to the WTRU APP 30. The WTRU APP 30 then receives the AAA content information from the UMTS AAA, controls and directs the WTRU interface to set up the UMTS link. A WLAN link is then established, once the WTRU link of the WLAN UTRAN is confirmed to the WTRU APP 30. The WTRU APP 30 then confirms to the WTRU COM 32 the establishment of the WLAN link, and preferably converts the AAA content data and signals the WLAN AAA component as appropriate. The WTRUCOM 32 then releases the buffered uplink data to the Internet-connected device 40. Communication then continues normally between the WTRU 10 and the Internet-connected device 40 via the WLAN connection.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, there are shown implementations of APP and COM components configured to interface with a computing device, such as via a standard PCMCIA/HBA interface. Figure 4a illustrates a layout diagram of a UMTS device architecture design configured to interface with a computing device, such as via a standard PCMCIA/HBA interface. Non-access layer (NAS), access layer (AS), layer 1 control (LEC) and physical layer (layer 1) components for control signals and user data, including packet switched (PS) and circuit switched (CS) data The data path specification for the path. The NAS layer is coupled to a standard computer interface for coupling via a standard PCMCIA/HBA interface connector.

Figure 4b illustrates a modification of the arrangement of Figure 4a to provide a dual UMTS/WLAN network arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention. An application agent 30 is processed in the control signal path between the NAS layer and the computer interface. A communication agent 32 coupled with the APP 30 is processed in the PS data path between the NAS layer and the computer interface. The preparation of WLAN interface components preferably includes an 802.11 compliant physical layer, layer 1 control component and 802.11 compliant medium access control (MAC) and logical link control (LLC) components. The Media Access Control (MAC) and Logical Link Control (LLC) component has a control signal path coupled to APP 30, and a PS data path coupled to COM 32.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a preferred detailed configuration layout of APP30 and COM32 components. APP 30 preferably includes a communication module coupled with the central processing unit. The communication module has an external connection for coupling with higher layer processing (applications), WLAN interface via LLC control (LLC), UMTS interface via NAS level control (NAS) and COM 32 (COM). An L1 connection is provided directly to the physical layer to assist in link status monitoring.

The APP 30 preferably includes a link monitor, an application call manager, a workshop unit and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) readout component associated with a central processing unit. The link monitoring component can be configured to monitor link status and trigger handover from one type of wireless network link to another if selected criteria are met. The application session manager is configured to control signaling during handover. The workshop unit is configured to maintain and convert AAA, QoS profiles and other content information transmitted during handover. The SIM reader is configured to read the SIM included in the user identity for AAA functionality.

The COM 32 is preferably configured with a control module, a switch/buffer device and a read/write (R/W) device. The control module is configured to control the switching of PS data between the UMTS and WLAN interfaces, depending on the type of wireless connection, and has a connection coupled to the APP 30 to receive control signals. The switch/buffer and R/W device are configured in the PS data path between the two interfaces and higher layer processing. The switch/buffer has a WLAN connection (LLC) and a UMTS connection (PS), and the PS data flow is controlled by the control component through one or the other connection. The switch/buffer and R/W device are used to interrupt the data flow from the higher layer connection (IP data), and buffer the data received during the handover, so when the new network connection is established, the buffered data is released, so the data path is established by Control component switching.

For completeness, Figures 6a and 6b are used to illustrate the network location of APP and COM in the preferred WTRU and UMTS and WLAN protocol stacks. Figure 6a illustrates the location of the APP in the control plane (CP) protocol stack and the COM in the user plane (UP) protocol stack of the UMTS network, a WLAN AP and WLAN gateway configured as 802.11 compliant radio interface and 802.3 WLAN indirect interface.

The ability to establish UMTS and WLAN (standard 802.11) interworking is the extreme end of the evolution path in the present dual-mode WTRU, including roaming, handover and seamless handover. The network interface strategy is mentioned in 3GPP Technical Report TR 29.934. The present invention addresses the case of seamless handover, providing a structure to support uncoupled or decoupled, or tightly coupled schemes for seamless handover.

The new APP and COM components can be extended to incorporate any access technology. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the location of these components in the wireless interface device (UE+WLAN project), operating in WIN CE content as illustrated in Figure 4b.

Example properties of COM proxies include the ability to abstract transport mechanisms to upper layers. Although PS data as above, COM on the user plane can be implemented to route user data in CS and/or PS data, depending on the current system connected. From a UMTS point of view, the COM components are preferably on top of the PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY protocols. COM can be implemented as a generic software component, which can be adapted to any access technology.

Example attributes of an access agent (APP) include fetching all applications in the call and presentation layers. The APP is preferably located in the signaling (control) plane (CP), collects link quality reports, and has the ability to trigger handover and assist in call re-establishment.

The APP and COM components are preferably implemented on a single integrated circuit, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which also includes UMTS and WLAN interface components. However, portions of the processing elements may also be implemented on multiple separate integrated circuits.

WTR configurations and methods for use with UMTS and WLAN systems have been described above. However, the present invention can be implemented in any wireless communication system in which WTRUs are configured to communicate with various types of wireless networks.

Claims (16)

1. wireless transmitter/receiver unit, the wireless communication in order at least two kinds of patterns comprises:

One protocol engine has at least two wireless communication interfaces, is configured to supplying and makes wireless link with the wireless network of different types;

Each communication interface is configured to control signal and user's communication data are passed through to a common processing components of using;

One application proxy is configured to monitoring that the control between underlying protocol engine and upper layer application processing components posts a letter;

One communication agent has a data buffer, and is limited to the changeable data path of the user's data between a upper layer application processing components and a wave point of selecting;

Application proxy is relevantly with communication agent to cushion with control data, and the data path that passes through communication agent switches, be cushioned with the data that during communication session, flow into first wave point of protocol engine, and Radio Link is difference second wave point with protocol engine is that communication session is set up, and the communication agent data path is to be switched to second wave point, and the data of buffering are to set up after second wave point discharges at the Radio Link of this communication session;

This application proxy comprises that one uses dialog manager, be configured to can during Radio Link is set up, posting a letter with control through a different radio interface, and a workplace unit, be configured into during Radio Link is set up through a different radio interface, keep and change the content information of transmission; And

This application proxy comprises a subscriber identity module reader, is configured the subscriber identity module that comprises user's identity for can read.

2. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that the configuration of a wireless communication interface can supply the UMTS radio communication, and the configuration of another wireless communication interface is then for 802.11WLAN communication.

3. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 2, the configuration that it is characterized in that the communication agent data path are the data of switching in order to the transmission grouping.

4. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that a data path is to limit for the circuit switch data between upper layer application processing components and UMTS wave point.

5. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that this application proxy comprises a link monitoring device, is configured the link data scheduling meeting standard that is according to monitoring, through a different radio interface to trigger the activation of Radio Link.

6. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 1, what it is characterized in that this communication agent information path is configured to transmit the data that grouping is switched.

7. wireless transmitter/receiver unit as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that this application proxy comprises a link monitoring device, is configured the link data scheduling meeting standard that is according to monitoring, through a different radio interface to trigger the activation of Radio Link.

8. the Radio Link hand-over method of a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, in order to during communication session, to switch to the wireless network of second pattern from the wireless network of first pattern, wherein this wireless transmitter/receiver unit has a protocol engine, this protocol engine has first and second wireless communication interface, be configured to making wireless link with the wireless network of first and second kind pattern, being configured to of each communication interface makes control signal and user's communication data by to a common processing components of using, and this method comprises:

Provide a data buffer and a changeable data path, for the user's data between a upper layer application processing components and a wave point of selecting;

The control of supervision between lower layer protocol engine and upper layer application processing components is posted a letter;

Read that user's identity is dialectical, mandate and accounting function; And

Control data buffer and data path switch, be cushioned with the first wave point data that during communication session, flow into protocol engine, and Radio Link is to set up with second wave point of protocol engine for communication session, this data path is to be switched to second wave point, and the data of buffering are released through second wave point after the Radio Link of communication session is set up.

9. method as claimed in claim 8, it is characterized in that a WLAN Radio Link is to switch to a UMTS Radio Link, the configuration of this first wireless communication interface can supply the UMTS radio communication, and the configuration of second wireless communication interface can supply the 802.11WLAN radio communication.

10. method as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that a UMTS Radio Link is to switch to a WLAN Radio Link, and first wireless communication interface be configured to the 802.11WLAN radio communication, second wireless communication interface be configured to radio communication for UMTS.

11. method as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that this changeable data path is the data that the transmission grouping is switched.

12. method as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that Radio Link is to trigger according to the link data scheduling meeting standard that monitors through the activation of second wave point.

13. method as claimed in claim 12, it is characterized in that an application dialog manager is to be controlled at posting a letter during the Radio Link of second wave point is set up, and the content information through the transmission during Radio Link is set up of second wave point is kept and changed in a workplace unit.

14. the specific integrated circuit of the application of a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, be configured and be communication in wireless networks at least two patterns, and has a protocol engine that contains at least two wireless communication interfaces, each wireless communication interface is configured to there being a different types wireless network to make wireless link, reach control signal and user's communication data are passed through to a common processing components of using, this is used specific integrated circuit and comprises:

One application proxy is configured to monitoring that the control between lower layer protocol engine and upper layer application processing components posts a letter; One communication agent, it has a data buffer, and is limited to the changeable data path of the user's data between a upper layer application processing components and a wave point of selecting; Should the application proxy relevant be the control data buffering with communication agent, reach by communication agent and do the switching of data path, be cushioned with the first wave point data that during communication session, flow into protocol engine, one Radio Link is that difference second wave point with protocol engine is that communication session is set up, this communication agent data path is to be switched to second wave point, and the data of this buffering are released after second wave point is set up at Radio Link; The The application proxy comprises that one uses dialog manager, be configured to posting a letter for during Radio Link is set up, controlling via a different radio interface, and comprise a workplace unit, be configured into via a different radio interface during Radio Link is set up, keep and change the content information of transmission; Reach this application proxy and comprise user's identity module reader, be configured the user's identity module that comprises user's status for can read.

15. the specific integrated circuit of application as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that this application proxy comprises a link monitoring device, is configured the link data scheduling meeting standard that is according to monitoring, through different wave points to trigger the activation of Radio Link.

16. the specific integrated circuit of application as claimed in claim 14, what it is characterized in that this communication agent data path is configured to transmit the data that grouping is switched.

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