HK1147381A - Bi-directional handover method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Bidirectional switching method and device

Technical Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to wireless communications.

Background

The IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handover (MIH) standard defines mechanisms and procedures that facilitate the execution and management of inter-access technology mobility management. IEEE 802.21 defines three main services available for mobility management applications. Referring to FIG. 1, these services are an event service 100, an information service 105, and a command service 110. These services help manage handover operations, system discovery, and system selection by providing information and triggers from the lower layer 115 to the upper layer 120 and lower layer commands from the upper layer 120 to the lower layer 115 through a Media Independent Handover Function (MIHF) 125. While figure 1 shows MIHF 125 as an intermediate layer in the protocol stack, MIHF 125 may also be implemented as an MIH plane capable of exchanging information and triggers directly with each and every layer in the technology-specific protocol stack.

Events may indicate changes in state and transmission behavior of the physical, data link, and logical link layers, or predict state changes of these layers. Event service 100 may also be used to indicate management actions or command status on a part of a network or management entity. The command service 110 initiates higher layers to control the physical, data link and logical link layers (the same applies to lower layers when referring to higher layers). The higher layer may control the reconfiguration or selection of the appropriate link through a set of handover commands. If the MIHF supports the Command service, all MIH commands are mandatory in nature. When the MIHF receives a command, it is always expected to execute the command. The information service 105 provides a framework and corresponding mechanisms by which an MIHF entity can discover and obtain network information that exists within a geographic area to facilitate handover.

The MIH standard may be used to support handover between multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs), including Wireless Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), IEEE802.11x (wifi), IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.14, IEEE 802.16(WiMAX), IEEE 802.16e (wibro), third generation partnership project (3GPP), and third generation partnership project two (3GPP2) technologies. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may be handed off from one type of network to another. If a WTRU may communicate over WCDMA and WiBro technologies in an area, it may be beneficial for the WTRU to support MIH handover from WCDMA to WiBro and from WiBro to WCDMA. If a WTRU may communicate over WCDMA and WiFi technologies in an area, it may be beneficial for the WTRU to support MIH handover from WCDMA to WiFi and WiFi to WCDMA. In this and other contexts, a WTRU needs a way to support MIH bi-directional handover. Therefore, it would be beneficial to support MIH handover in a WTRU through MIH middleware.

Disclosure of Invention

An apparatus for bidirectional handover is disclosed. An apparatus configured to perform handover from a Wireless Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) to a wireless broadband (WiBro) network is disclosed. An apparatus configured to perform handover from a WCDMA network to a WiFi (IEEE 802.11x) network is disclosed. An apparatus configured to perform handover from a WiFi network to a WCDMA network is disclosed.

Drawings

The invention will be understood in more detail from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example and understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an IEEE 802.21 protocol architecture;

figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary WTRU;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary PC;

fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration procedure for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro;

fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration procedure for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro;

fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WCDMA to WiBro handover;

fig. 7 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WCDMA to WiBro handover;

fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro;

fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution start procedure for a WCDMA to WiBro handover;

fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution termination procedure for a WCDMA to WiBro handover;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration process for a WiFi to WCDMA handover;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WiFi to WCDMA handover;

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover from WiFi to WCDMA handover and execution start process;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover complete execution procedure for a WiFi to WCDMA handover;

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative registration process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution start procedure for a WCDMA to WiFi handover;

fig. 21 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary complete handover execution procedure for a WCDMA to WiFi handover.

Detailed Description

The term "wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU)" as referred to below includes, but is not limited to, a User Equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a mobile telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a computer, or any other type of user equipment capable of operating in a wireless environment. The term "base station" as referred to below includes, but is not limited to, a node-B, a site controller, an Access Point (AP), or any other type of interfacing device capable of operating in a wireless environment.

Figure 2 is a diagram of a WTRU 200 according to one embodiment. The WTRU includes a transceiver 201, a receiver 202, and an antenna 203. An 802.11x modem 210, an 802.16/WiBro modem 220, and a WCDMA modem 230 communicate with the transceiver 201 and receiver 202. The processor 204, including the MIH middleware 250, communicates with the modems 210, 220, 230. According to various embodiments, the WTRU need not include all three modems described in fig. 2. A WTRU according to one embodiment may include a pair of modems, such as an 802.11x modem and a WCDMA modem. A WTRU according to another embodiment may include a pair of modems such as an 802.16/WiBro modem and a WCDMA modem.

Fig. 3 depicts a PC 300 for wireless communication according to one embodiment. The PC 300 includes a network connection manager 301, and the network connection manager 301 provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to a user. The network connection manager 301 communicates with MIH middleware 350 through the MIH API 312. The middleware 350 communicates with a Mobile Internet Protocol (MIP) client 302 through an MIH API 311. The MIH middleware 350 communicates with the network protocol module 310 of the PC operating system through the operating system socket API 309. Protocols that may be implemented by the network protocol module 310 include User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and Internet Protocol (IP). The MIP client 302 also communicates with the network protocol module 310 through the operating system socket API 309. The MIH middleware communicates with a plurality of RAT device drivers including a WiFi driver 303 and a WiBro driver 304 through an MIH API 313. The WiFi driver 303 communicates with a WiFi stack 306 and the WiBro driver 304 communicates with a WiBro stack 307. The WiFi stack 306 may be integrated into a technology such as a mini Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) WiFi card 308. The middleware 350 may also communicate with the WCDMA stack 305 via communication techniques such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, or virtual serial implemented over USB. When the middleware 350 communicates with the WCDMA stack 305 via serial or virtual serial technology, it may be embodied via a dedicated communication port using third generation partnership project (3GPP) compliant AT commands. In one embodiment, the WCDMA stack 305 may be integrated as a USB device 314, such as a USB dongle (dongle). The communication between the WiBro device driver 304 and the WiBro stack 307 may be implemented by a communication technology such as USB. The MIH middleware 350 may communicate with other functions, drivers, and RATs using MIH applications, as well as other operating system applications such as microsoft windows applications. When the PC operating system is microsoft windows, WiFi is supported in the operating system by using an object id (oid). In one embodiment, OIDs can be mapped to MIH primitives; in this case, the MIH middleware 350 may process the OID for link probing, handover probing, and the like.

Approaches to support handover in MIH over WiBro to WCDMA and backward may include handover triggered by a Media Independent Handover (MIH) server instead of WCDMA radio access, probing WiBro while the WTRU is in a WCDMA network, and policies for performing bi-directional handover. Such as mobile Internet Protocol (IP), break before make (break before make), and similar techniques and approaches may also be utilized.

To facilitate bidirectional handover between WiBro and WCDMA technologies, the MIH server side may include a method to probe WiBro while in WCDMA. This may be accomplished by providing the WTRU with a WiBro neighbor list when the WTRU is in WCDMA coverage. The database may be used for MIH servers that associate WCDMA and WiBro cell layouts. Alternatively, a periodic scan command may be sent to the WTRU to find WiBro proximity. The MIH server may include a policy to activate handover. In addition, an aspect (aspect) in the middleware for supporting MIH communication and related processing may include obtaining a WiBro neighbor list, a periodic scan command for WiBro, a handover back to WiBro controlled by MIH, and the like.

Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration procedure for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCMDA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates over IP with a Domain Name Server (DNS)470, a foreign agent server (FA)475, and an MIH server 480. The IP stack 465 may be configured to use User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) at the transport layer.

The registration procedure starts in the WCDMA network. At 401, a Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context is activated and an IP connection is established. At 402, middleware interaction is started. In 403, the MIH middleware 250 starts MIH discovery. The WCDMA modem 230 performs MIH server discovery with the DNS470 at 404. MIH middleware 250 obtains a Home Agent (HA) IP address at 405. The home agent address query message 406 is sent to the WCDMA modem 230. At 407, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a query for the mobile IP HA address to the FA server 475 over the IP stack 465. At 408, the MIH middleware 250 acts to start an MIH session. The MIH session may include functions of capability discovery, registration, event subscription, and link configuration. At 409, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a start MIH session message to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in FIG. 4, state one 410 is implemented.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration procedure for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro according to another embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCMDA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with the IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. As shown in fig. 5, the registration procedure is performed after handover to WCDMA.

At 501, a successful handover to WCDMA is completed and an IP connection is established. At 502, middleware interaction begins. The MIH middleware 250 acts to register with the MIH server 480 at 503. The WCDMA modem 230 re-registers with the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465 at 504. The MIH middleware 250 continues the MIH session at 505. The MIH session includes an event subscription and link configuration function. At 506, the WCDMA modem 230 communicates a continuation of the MIH session to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in FIG. 5, state one 410 is implemented.

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCDMA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process in fig. 6 may begin when state one 410 has been implemented.

As seen at 601, a WCDMA session is in progress. As seen in 602, in the procedure of fig. 6, the availability of a WiBro cell may be detected through ownership System Information (SI). At 603, the WCDMA modem 230 predicts the coverage of WiBro availability and reports the prediction in a WiBro available (link probing indication) message 604. At 605, MIH middleware 250 acts to notify the MIH server 480 about the availability of a WiBro cell. The availability of the WiBro cell is transmitted 606 by the WCDMA modem 230 through the IP stack 465. At 605, if the WTRU moves back to a WCDMA cell without WiBro coverage, a fallback INDICATION (ROLLBACK _ INDICATION) message may be sent to the MIH server 480.

The MIH server 480 has sent the WiBro cell list and the reporting threshold through the IP stack 465 of the WCDMA modem 230 at 607. At 608, the MIH middleware 250 acts to open the WiBro stack for potential handover and requests a scan report. The capabilities of 608 include sending a LINK ACTION REQUEST (LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST) message 609 to WiBro modem 220. At 610, the WiBro modem 220 is turned on in a receiver (Rx) mode and starts scanning. The WiBro modem 220 then transmits a LINK ACTION CONFIRM (LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM) message 611 to the MIH middleware 250.

At 612, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a WCDMA measurement report 613 to the MIH middleware 250. At 614, the WiBro modem 220 periodically provides a WiBro measurement report 615 to the MIH middleware 250 after the WiBro scan result indicates that the internal threshold is exceeded.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in FIG. 6, state two 690 is implemented.

Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WCDMA to WiBro handover according to another embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCDMA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. As seen in 701, a WCDMA session is in progress. As seen at 702, in the process of figure 7, periodic registration with the MIH server enables the MIH server to know the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) cell ID. The process of fig. 7 may begin when state one 410 has been achieved.

At 703, the MIH server 480 sends a scan request including a request for a WiBro cell list and a request for a threshold for reporting. This may occur in the form of a MIH SCAN REQUEST (MIH _ SCAN _ REQUEST) message 704. At 705, the MIH middleware 250 acts to open a WiBro stack for potential handover and requests a scan report. MIH middleware 250 may perform 705 by sending LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 706 to WiBro modem 220. At 707, the WiBro modem 220 is turned on in receiver (Rx) mode and starts scanning. The WiBro modem then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 708 to the MIH middleware 250.

At 711, the WiBro modem 220 periodically reports the requested WiBro scanning result after the internal threshold is exceeded. The WiBro modem report may be in the form of a WiBro measurement report 712 transmitted to the MIH middleware 250. At 709, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a WCDMA measurement report to the MIH middleware in a WCDMA measurement report message 710.

At the conclusion of the process described in fig. 7, state two 690 is achieved.

Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a handover from WCDMA to WiBro according to another embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCDMA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The process of FIG. 8 may begin when state one 410 has been implemented.

As depicted in 801, a WCDMA session is in progress. The MIH middleware 250 acts to turn on the WiBro modem 220 for continuous scanning and requests a scan report at 802. This may be in the form of a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 803 sent to WiBro modem 220. At 804, the WiBro modem 220 is turned on in the receiver (Rx) mode and begins continuous scanning. The WiBro modem may send a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 805 to the MIH middleware 250.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in FIG. 8, state two 690 is implemented.

Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution start procedure for a WCDMA to WiBro handover according to an embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCMDA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process of fig. 9 may begin when state two 690 has been achieved.

The MIH middleware 250 acts to send a measurement report 902 to the MIH server 480 at 901. The measurement report 902 is sent to the MIH server 480 when a threshold set by the MIH server 480 through an MIH LINK configuration threshold (MIH _ LINK _ configuration _ THRESHOLDS) command is exceeded. The measurement report 902 is sent from the MIH middleware 250 to the WCDMA modem 230 and then sent by the WCDMA modem 230 to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465.

At 903, the WCDMA modem 230 receives a handover command from the MIH server 480. The handover command is then sent to the MIH middleware 250. At 904, WCDMA quality of service (QoS) is mapped to WiBro QoS. The MIH middleware 250 performs a power down operation on the WCDMA modem 230 at 905. The MIH middleware sends a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 906 to the WCDMA modem 230, and the WCDMA modem 230 enters a low power mode in a receive-only mode at 907. The WCDMA modem 230 may send a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 908 to the MIH middleware 250.

The MIH middleware 250 performs handover to WiBro at 910. The LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 911 is sent by the MIH middleware 250 to the WiBro modem 220. At 912, the WiBro modem 220 powers on at the transmitter (Tx) side. The WiBro modem 220 transmits a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 913 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 then sends a C-NEM-request (registration) (C-NEM-req (reg)) message 915 to the WiBro modem 220. At 914, the WiBro modem 220 registers with the WiBro network. The WiBro modem 220 responds to the C-NEM-req (reg) message 915 by sending an acknowledgement (OK) message 916 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 transmits a C-NEM-request (create) (C-SFM-req (create)) message 917 to the WiBro modem 220. The WiBro modem 220 creates a new QoS service flow. The WiBro modem 220 responds to the C-SFM-req (create) message 917 by sending an acknowledge (OK) message 918 to the MIH middleware 250.

In conclusion of the process described in fig. 8, state three 990 is implemented.

Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution termination procedure for a WCDMA to WiBro handover according to an embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WCMDA modem 230, and WIBRO modem 220. The WiBro modem 220 communicates with the IP stack 1050. The IP stack 465 communicates over IP with the MIH server 480 and FA server 1055. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process of figure 10 may begin when state three 990 has been achieved.

The MIH middleware 250 acts to update the mobile IP binding at 1001. The mobile IP registration information 1002 is transferred between the MIH middleware 250 and the WiBro modem 220. At 1003, discovery in conjunction with the FA server 1055 is performed and a mobile IP binding update is performed. The actions of 1003 are performed by the IP stack 1050. The MIH middleware 250 sends an MIH switch response at 1004. At 1006, the WiBro modem 220 sends an MIH handover response to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 1050. At 1007, a WiBro data session is in progress. At 1008, the MIH middleware 250 tears down the WCDMA link. The MIH middleware 250 sends a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 1009 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1010, the WCDMA modem 230 turns WCDMA off and sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 1011.

At 1012, the middleware interaction ends and the process of FIG. 10 terminates.

Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration procedure for a WiFi to WCDMA handover, according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WiFi modem 210, and WCDMA modem 230. The WiFi modem 210 communicates with an IP stack 1165. The IP stack 1165 communicates over IP with the DNS 1170, FA server 1175, and MIH server 480. IP stack 1165 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer.

At 1101, middleware interaction begins. At 1102, the MIH middleware 250 acts to start MIH discovery. At 1103, the WiFi modem 210 sends an MIH server discovery command to the DNS 1170 via the IP stack 1165. At 1004, the MIH middleware 250 acts to obtain the HA address. The MIH middleware 250 sends a home agent address query message 1105 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1106, the WiFi modem 210 sends a command to the FA server 1175 through the IP stack 1165 to query the mobile IP HA address. At 1107, the MIH middleware 250 acts to start an MIH handover session. The WiFi modem 210 sends a start MIH session message to the MIH server 480 over the IP stack 1165 at 1109.

In conclusion of the process described in fig. 11, state one 1190 is implemented.

Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WiFi to WCDMA handover, according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WiFi modem 210, and WCDMA modem 230. The process of figure 10 may begin when state one 1190 has been achieved.

As can be seen in diagram 1201, a WiFi session is in progress. At 1202, MIH middleware 250 acts to request periodic reporting of object id (old) related to message strength. The MIH middleware 250 sends a WiFi measurement request message 1203 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1204, the WiFi modem 210 periodically sends signal strength reports. At 1205, the WiFi modem 210 sends signal strength information to the MIH middleware 250 through a WiFi measurement report message 1206. The MIH middleware 250 uses the signal strength data to predict the bounds of WiFi coverage at 1207. At 1208, in response to the prediction of the bounds of WiFi coverage, the MIH middleware 250 acts to turn on the WCDMA modem 230 for potential handover. The MIH middleware 250 sends a start message (AT + CFUN)1209 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1210, the WCDMA modem 230 is turned on in an idle state. After the idle state is turned on, the WCDMA modem 230 transmits an acknowledgement (OK) message 1211. The WiFi modem 210 continues to provide signal strength information to the MIH middleware 250 at 1212. This is performed by sending a WiFi measurement report message 1213. The MIH middleware 250 continues to periodically request signal quality information 1214. This is performed by sending a signal quality request message (AT + CSG) 1215. At 1216, the WCDMA modem 230 periodically reports the requested WCDMA signal strength information. This is performed by sending a signal strength response (AT + CSG- < rssi >, < ber >) message 1217.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in FIG. 12, state two 1290 is implemented.

Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover from WiFi to WCDMA handover and execution start procedure, according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WiFi modem 210, and WCDMA modem 230. The WiFi modem 210 communicates with an IP stack 1165. The IP stack 1165 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. IP stack 1165 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process of FIG. 13 may begin when state two 1290 has been achieved.

At 1301, when the threshold set by the MIH server is exceeded, the MIH middleware 250 acts to send a measurement report to the MIH server 480. The threshold may be sent from the MIH server to the MIH middleware via an MIH LINK configuration threshold (MIH _ LINK _ configuration _ THRESHOLDS) command. At 1302, the WiFi modem 210 sends a signal strength report to the MIH server 480 over the IP stack 1165. In response to the report, the MIH server 480 may start handover. At 1303, the WiFi modem receives a handover command from the MIH server 1303. The WiFi modem 210 then sends the command to the MIH middleware 250.

At 1304, WiFi quality of service (QoS) is mapped to WCDMA QoS by the MIH middleware 250. This is performed by the creation of a new PDP context in the WCDMA modem 230 and specifying a WCDMA QoS profile. To create a new PDP context, a create new PDP context message (AT + CGDCONT)1305 is sent by the MIH middleware 250 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1306, the WCDMA modem 230 creates a new PDP context. The WCDMA modem 230 then sends an acknowledge (OK) message 1307 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 sends a profile specification (AT + CGEQREQ) message 1308 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1309, the WCDMA modem 230 stores the QoS profile for the PDP context. The WCDMA modem 230 then sends an acknowledgement (OK) message 1301 to the MIH middleware 250.

The MIH middleware 250 switches to WCDMA at 1311. The MIH middleware 250 sends a Packet Switched (PS) attach (AT + CGATT) message to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1313, the WCDMA modem 230 becomes connected mode (CELL _ DCH state). The WCDMA modem 230 sends an acknowledge (OK) message 1314 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 sends a network registration status (AT + CGATT. The WCDMA modem 230 reports the change in network registration status by sending a registration status code message 1317 at 1316. The MIH middleware 250 sends an activate PDP context (AT + CGACT) message 1318 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1319, the WCDMA modem 230 activates multiple PDP contexts and establishes a Radio Access Bearer (RAB). The WCDMA modem 230 sends an acknowledge (OK) message 1320 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 then sends a request current setup (AT + CGEQREQ. At 1322, the WCDMA modem 230 returns the current settings for each defined context. This is performed by sending a current setup message 1323 to the MIH middleware 250.

In conclusion of the process described in fig. 13, state three 1390 is achieved.

Fig. 14 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover complete execution procedure for a WiFi to WCDMA handover, according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes MIH middleware 250, WiFi modem 210, and WCDMA modem 230. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates over IP with the MIH server 480 and FA server 475. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process of FIG. 14 may begin when state three 1390 has been achieved.

At 1401, the MIH middleware 250 enters a data state. The MIH middleware 250 sends an AT + CGDATA message 1402 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1403, the WCDMA modem sets up a Packet Switched (PS) session. The connect message 1404 is then sent to the MIH middleware 250. At 1405, the MIH middleware acts to start a mobile IP binding update. The MIH middleware sends a mobile IP registration initial message 1406 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1407, discovery associated with the FA server 1055 is performed and a mobile IP binding update is performed. The action of 1407 is performed through the IP stack 465. The MIH middleware sends an MIH handover response to the WCDMA modem 230 at 1408. In 1409, the WCDMA modem 230 sends an MIH switch response to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465. At 1410, the MIH middleware 250 sends a link switch command to tear down the WiFi link. This is performed by sending a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 1411 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1412, WiFi modem 210 turns WiFi off. The WiFi modem 210 then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 1413 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1415, the middleware interaction ends and the process of FIG. 14 terminates.

Fig. 15 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary registration process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates over IP with the MIH server 480, FA server 475, and DNS 470. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer.

As seen at 1501, the PDP context is activated and an IP connection has been set up. At 1502, MIH middleware interaction begins. At 1504, MIH middleware 250 acts to start MIH discovery. In 1503, the WCDMA modem 230 performs MIH server discovery by sending a request to the DNS 1470 via the IP stack 465. At 1507, the MIH middleware 250 acts to obtain the home agent IP address. This is performed by sending the WTRU's home agent address query message 1506 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 1505, the WCDMA modem 230 queries the FA server 475 for the WTRU's mobile IP HA address over the IP stack 465. At 1509, the MIH middleware 250 starts an MIH session. The MIH session may include functions of capability discovery, registration, event subscription, and link configuration. At 1508, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a start MIH session message to the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465.

At the conclusion of the process described in FIG. 15, state one 1590 is implemented.

Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative registration process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer.

It can be seen at 1601 that the WTRU has successfully completed the handover to WCDMA and the IP connection is established. The MIH middleware 250 is already operational. At 1602, middleware interaction is started. At 1603, the MIH middleware 250 acts to register with the MIH server 480. At 1604, the WCDMA modem 230 re-registers with the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465. At 1605, the MIH middleware 250 continues the MIH session. The MIH session includes an event subscription and link configuration function. At 1606, the WCDMA modem 230 continues the MIH session by communicating with the MIH server 480 via the IP stack 465.

At the conclusion of the process described in FIG. 16, state one 1590 is implemented.

Fig. 17 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process in FIG. 17 may begin when state one 1590 has been achieved.

As seen at 1701, a WCDMA session is in progress. As seen at 1702, the availability of WiFi cells may be detected through proprietary System Information (SI). At 1703, the WCDMA modem 230 predicts the availability of WiFi coverage and reports the prediction to the MIH middleware. This is performed by sending a WiFi available (LINK DETECTED INDICATION) message 1704 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1705, the MIH middleware 250 acts to notify the MIH server 480 about the availability of WiFi cells. At 1706, the WCDMA modem 230 notifies the MIH server 480 of the availability of the WiFi cell by communicating to the MIH server 480 via the IP stack 465. Performance of 1706 involves sending a LINK DETECTED INDICATION message to the MIH server 480. The MIH server 480 transmits the WiFi cell list and the reporting threshold to the WCDMA modem 230 through the IP stack 465 at 1707. The WCDMA modem 230 then sends the information to the MIH middleware 250. At 1708, the MIH middleware 250 acts to open a WiFi stack for potential handover and requests a scan report. This is performed by sending a LINK _ ACTION _ request message 1709 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1710, the WiFi modem is turned on in receive mode and starts scanning. The WiFi modem 210 then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 1711 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1712, the WiFi modem periodically generates scan results and sends a WiFi measurement report 1713 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1714, the WCDMA modem sends a WCDMA measurement report 1715 to the MIH middleware 250.

At the conclusion of the process described in fig. 17, state two 1790 is implemented.

Fig. 18 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process in FIG. 18 may begin when state one 1590 has been achieved.

As seen at 1801, WCDMA is in progress. As seen at 1802, periodic registration with an MIH server is performed so that the MIH server can be informed of the UMTS cell ID. The MIH server 480 sends a scan request to the WCDMA modem 230, which includes a WiFi cell list and reporting thresholds, at 1803. The WCDMA modem 230 sends an MIH SCAN REQUEST (MIH _ SCAN _ REQUEST) message to the MIH middleware 250. At 1805, the MIH middleware 250 acts to open a WiFi stack for potential handover and requests a scan report. 1805 may include sending a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 1806 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1807, the WiFi modem 210 is turned on in receive mode and begins scanning. The WiFi modem 210 sends LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 1808 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1810, the WiFi modem 210 periodically generates scan results and sends WiFi measurement reports 1809 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1811, the WCDMA modem 230 sends a WCDMA measurement report 1812 to the MIH middleware 250.

At the conclusion of the process described in fig. 18, state two 1790 is implemented.

Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary alternative probing process for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The process in FIG. 19 may begin when state one 1590 has been achieved.

As seen in 1901, WCDMA is ongoing. As seen in 1902, the MIH middleware acts to open a WiFi stack for continuous scanning and requests a scan report. 1902 includes sending a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 1903 to the WiFi modem 210. At 1904, the WiFi modem 210 turns on the receive mode and begins continuous scanning. The WiFi modem 210 sends LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 1905 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1906, the WiFi modem 210 periodically generates scan results and sends a WiFi measurement report 1907 to the MIH middleware 250. At 1908, the WCDMA modem sends a WCDMA measurement report 1909 to the MIH middleware 250.

At the conclusion of the process described in fig. 19, state two 1790 is implemented.

Fig. 20 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary handover trigger and execution start procedure for a WCDMA to WiFi handover according to one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 465. The IP stack 465 communicates with the MIH server 480 over IP. The IP stack 465 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process in fig. 20 may begin when state two 1790 has been achieved.

The MIH server 480 sends an MIH LINK configuration threshold (MIH _ LINK _ configuration _ THRESHOLDS) command to the WTRU. In 2003, the MIH middleware 250 sends a measurement report to the MIH server 480 when the threshold set by the command is exceeded. The report is sent to the MIH server 480 through the WCDMA modem 230 via the IP stack 465. The WCDMA modem 230 receives a handover command from the MIH server 480 through the IP stack 465 and then transmits the handover command to the MIH middleware 250 at 2008.

In 2009, MIH middleware 250 maps WCDMA QoS to WiFi QoS. At 2010, the MIH middleware 250 powers down the WCDMA modem 230. The performance of 2010 includes sending a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 2011 to the WCDMA modem 230 at 2012, the WCDMA modem 230 enters a low power/receive only mode. The WCDMA modem 230 then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 2013 to the MIH middleware 250.

At 2014, the MIH middleware 250 acts to switch to WiFi. The MIH middleware sends LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 2015 to the WiFi modem 210. At 2016, the WiFi modem 210 powers on its transmitter side and registers with the WiFi network. The WiFi modem 210 then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 2017 to the MIH middleware 250. The MIH middleware 250 then sends a QoS message 2018, which QoS message 2018 specifies a QoS to the WiFi modem 210. At 2019, the WiFi modem 210 creates a QoS flow. The WiFi modem then sends an acknowledge (OK) message 2020 to the MIH middleware 250.

At the conclusion of the process depicted in fig. 20, state three 2090 is implemented.

Fig. 21 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary complete handover execution procedure for a WCDMA to WiFi handover in accordance with one embodiment. The WTRU 200 includes an MIH middleware 250, a WCDMA modem 230, and a WiFi modem 210. The WCDMA modem 230 communicates with an IP stack 1165. The IP stack 1165 communicates over IP with the FA server 1175 and MIH server 480. The IP stack 1165 can be configured to use UDP or TCP at the transport layer. The process in fig. 21 may begin when state three 2090 has been achieved.

The MIH middleware 250 acts to start a mobile IP binding update at 2101. The mobile IP registration information 2102 is sent between the MIH middleware 250 and the WiFi modem 210. At 2103, the WiFi modem 210 performs discovery with the FA server 1175 and mobile IP binding update is performed. 2103 is performed by IP stack 1165.

At 2104, the MIH middleware 250 sends an MIH switch response to the WiFi modem 210. At 2105, the WiFi modem 210 sends an MIH switch response to the MIH server 480 over the IP stack 1165. As seen at 2106, a WiFi data session is in progress.

At 2107, the MIH middleware 250 acts to tear down the WCDMA link. This is performed by sending a LINK _ ACTION _ REQUEST message 2108 to the WCDMA modem 230. At 2109, the WCDMA modem 230 turns WCDMA off. The WCDMA modem 230 then sends a LINK _ ACTION _ CONFIRM message 2110 to the MIH middleware 250. At 2115, the middleware interaction ends and the process of FIG. 21 terminates.

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiments and each feature or element can be used in various combinations with or without other features and elements of the present invention. The methods or flow charts provided in the present invention may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware executed by a general purpose computer or a processor, the computer program, software, or firmware being tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium, examples of which include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), registers, buffer memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks and Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs).

For example, suitable processors include: a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit, any Integrated Circuit (IC), and/or a state machine.

A processor in association with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a Wireless Transmit Receive Unit (WTRU), user equipment, terminal, base station, radio network controller, or any host computer. The WTRU may be used in conjunction with modules, implemented in hardware and/or software, such as a camera, a video camera module, a video circuit, a speakerphone, a vibration device, a speaker, a microphone, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a keyboard, bluetoothA module, a Frequency Modulation (FM) radio unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display unit, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, and/or any Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module.

Examples

1. A WTRU, comprising: a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) modem, a second modem belonging to a second technology type, and a processor configured to operate Media Independent Handover (MIH) middleware.

2. The WTRU of embodiment 1 wherein the MIH middleware is configured to receive a MIH link configuration threshold message from a MIH server through the WCDMA modem, set a threshold based on the MIH link configuration threshold message, and determine when the threshold is exceeded, and transmit a measurement report to the MIH server through the WCDMA modem in response to determining that the threshold is exceeded.

3. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-2, wherein the WCDMA modem is configured to receive a handover command from an MIH server over a WCDMA connection in response to a measurement report and to transmit the handover command to the MIH middleware.

4. The WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to map a WCDMA quality of service (QoS) to a second technology type of QoS in response to the handover command, and transmit a power down command to a WCDMA modem in response to completion of mapping the WCDMA QoS to the second technology type of QoS.

5. The WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to power down a receive-only mode in response to a power down command and transmit a power down response to the MIH middleware.

6. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the MIH middleware and the second modem are further configured to perform a handover to the second modem in response to a power down response, wherein the second modem is configured to power up a transmit side of the second modem, register with a network of a second technology type, create a QoS flow, and transmit a handover confirmation to the MIH middleware.

7. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a Mobile IP registration initialization message to the second modem in response to the handover confirmation.

8. The WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-7 wherein the second modem is further configured to perform a Mobile IP binding update with a Foreign Agent (FA) in response to a Mobile IP registration initialization message.

9. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a MIH handover response message to the second modem in response to completing the mobile IP binding update.

10. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-9 wherein the second modem is further configured to transmit a MIH switch response message to a MIH server in response to the MIH switch response message.

11. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a teardown message to the WCDMA modem in response to completing transmitting a MIH handover response message to the MIH server.

12. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 1-11 wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to close a WCDMA connection in response to the teardown message and communicate a WCDMA teardown acknowledgement to the MIH middleware.

13. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a MIH discovery message to a Domain Name System (DNS) server through a WCDMA modem in response to a start of initialization.

14. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a home agent IP address query to a foreign agent (FS) server through a WCDMA modem in response to completing transmission of the MIH discovery message, and transmit a start MIH session message to the MIH server through the WCDMA modem in response to the query.

15. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a MIH server registration message to the MIH server over a WCDMA modem in response to a successful handover to a WCDMA network, and transmit a MIH session persistence message to the MIH server over the WCDMA modem in response to completion of transmitting the MIH server registration message.

16. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to probe for availability of the second technology type cell through proprietary System Information (SI) during an ongoing session, and to transmit a first cell availability message to the MIH middleware.

17. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-16, wherein the MIH middleware is configured to transmit a second cell availability message to a WCDMA modem in response to a first cell availability message.

18. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a second cell availability message to the MIH server in response to the second cell availability message, and is further configured to receive a cell list and reporting threshold message from the MIH server in response to the second cell availability message and transmit the cell list and reporting threshold message to the MIH middleware.

19. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-18, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit power-up and start scan messages to a second modem in response to a cell list and a report threshold message.

20. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-19, wherein the second modem is further configured to turn on in a receiver mode in response to the power-on and start scan messages, start scanning, transmit power-on and start scan acknowledgements to the MIH middleware, and periodically transmit a measurement report to the MIH middleware when an internal threshold is exceeded.

21. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-20 wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a WCDMA measurement report to the MIH middleware in response to completion of transmitting the cell list and report threshold message to the MIH middleware.

22. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 1-21, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to receive a MIH scan request message from a MIH server during an ongoing WCDMA session, wherein the scan request message comprises a cell list of a second technology and a threshold for reporting, and to transmit the MIH scan request message to a MIH middleware.

23. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the MIH middleware is configured to transmit power-up and start scan messages to a second modem in response to a MIH scan request message.

24. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-23, wherein the second modem is further configured to turn on in a receiver mode, start scanning, transmit power-on and start scanning acknowledgements to the MIH middleware, and periodically transmit measurement reports to the MIH middleware when an internal threshold is exceeded in response to the power-on and start scanning messages.

25. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-24, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a WCDMA measurement report to the MIH middleware in response to transmitting a MIH scan message to the MIH middleware.

26. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-25, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a persistent scan and report request message to a second modem during an ongoing WCDMA session.

27. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-26, wherein the second modem is further configured to turn on in a receiver mode in response to a persistent scan and report request message, start a persistent scan, transmit a persistent scan and report request acknowledgement to the MIH middleware, and periodically transmit a measurement report to the MIH middleware when an internal threshold is exceeded.

28. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 1-27, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a WCDMA measurement report to an MIH middleware in response to an ongoing WCDMA session.

29. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 1-28 wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

30. The WTRU of embodiment 29 wherein the WTRU further comprises an IEEE802.11x (wifi) modem.

31. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 1-28 wherein the second technology is IEEE802.11x (WiFi) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

32. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 1-28 and 30 wherein the WTRU further comprises a wireless broadband (WiBro) modem.

33. A WTRU includes a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) modem, an ieee802.11x (WiFi) modem, and a processor configured to operate Media Independent Handover (MIH) middleware.

34. The WTRU of embodiment 33 wherein the MIH middleware is configured to receive a MIH link configuration threshold message from a MIH server over the WiFi modem, set a threshold based on the MIH link configuration threshold message, and determine when the threshold is exceeded, and transmit a measurement report to the MIH server over the WiFi modem in response to determining that the threshold is exceeded.

35. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-34, wherein the WiFi modem is configured to receive a handover command from an MIH server over a WiFi connection in response to a measurement report and transmit the handover command to the MIH middleware.

36. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-35, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a create new Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context (AT + CDGCONT) message to a WCDMA modem in response to the handover command.

37. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-36, wherein the WCDMA modem is configured to create a new PDP context in response to creating a new PDP context (AT + CDGCONT) message and transmit a create new PDP context (AT + CDGCONT) acknowledgement to the MIH middleware.

38. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-37, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a WCDMA quality of service (QoS) profile (AT + CGEQREQ) message to the WCDMA modem in response to creating a new PDP context (AT + CDGCONT) confirmation.

39. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-38 wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to store a quality of service (QoS) profile for a new PDP context in response to a WCDMA QoS profile (AT + CGEQREQ) message and transmit a WCDMA QoS profile (AT + CGEQREQ) acknowledgement to the MIH middleware.

40. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-39, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a Packet Switched (PS) attach (AT + CGATT) message to the WCDMA modem in response to a WCDMA QoS profile (AT + CGEQREQ) acknowledgement.

41. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-40, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to enter connected mode and transmit a PS attach (AT + CGATT) acknowledgement to the MIH middleware in response to a PS attach (AT + CGATT) message.

42. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-41, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a network registration status (AT + CGATT) message to the WCDMA modem in response to a PS attach (AT + CGATT) acknowledgement.

43. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-42, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to report a change in network registration status and transmit a registration status code message to the MIH middleware in response to a network registration status (AT + CGATT) message.

44. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-43, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit an activate PDP context (AT + GCACT) message to a WCDMA modem in response to a registration status code message.

45. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-44, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to activate multiple PDP contexts, establish a Radio Access Bearer (RAB), and transmit an activate PDP context (AT + GCACT) acknowledgement to the MIH middleware in response to the activate PDP context (AT + GCACT) message.

46. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-45, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a request current setup (AT + CGEQREQ.

47. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 33-46, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a current setup message to the MIH middleware in response to requesting a current setup (AT + CGEQREQ.

48. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-47, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to enter a data state and transmit an establish PS session (AT + CGDATA) message to a WCDMA modem in response to a current setup message.

49. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-48, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to establish a PS session in response to an establish PS session (AT + CGDATA) message and subsequently transmit a connect message to an MIH middleware.

50. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-49, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a Mobile IP registration initialization message to a WCDMA modem in response to a connect message.

51. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 33-50 wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to perform a mobile IP binding update with a Foreign Agent (FA) server in response to a mobile IP registration initialization message.

52. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-51, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a MIH handover response message to the WCDMA modem in response to completion of the mobile IP binding update.

53. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-52, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to transmit a MIH handover response message to the MIH server in response to the MIH handover response message, and to transmit a teardown message to the WiFi modem in response to completion of transmitting the MIH handover response message to the MIH server.

54. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-53, wherein the WiFi modem is further configured to terminate a WiFi connection and transmit a WiFi teardown confirmation to the MIH middleware in response to the teardown message.

55. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-54, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a MIH discovery message to a Domain Name System (DNS) server over a WiFi modem in response to a start of initialization, and to transmit a home agent IP address query to a foreign agent (FS) server over the WiFi modem in response to a completion of transmitting the MIH discovery message, and to transmit a start MIH session message to the MIH server over the WiFi modem in response to a completion of transmitting the home agent IP address query.

56. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-55, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a WiFi measurement request to a WiFi modem during an ongoing WiFi session.

57. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-56, wherein the WiFi modem is further configured to transmit a WiFi measurement report to the MIH middleware in response to the WiFi measurement request and to continue transmitting the WiFi measurement report to the MIH middleware.

58. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-57, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to determine a prediction of a WiFi coverage margin in response to the WiFi measurement report, and transmit a WCDMA Start (AT + CFUN) message to a WCDMA modem in response to the prediction of the WiFi coverage margin.

59. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 33-58 wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to start in idle mode and transmit a WCDMA start (AT + CFUN) acknowledgement to the MIH middleware in response to a WCDMA start (AT + CFUN) message.

60. A WTRU as in any of embodiments 33-59, wherein the MIH middleware is further configured to transmit a signal quality request (AT + CSQ) message to a WCDMA modem in response to a WCDMA Start (AT + CFUN) acknowledgement.

61. A WTRU according to any of embodiments 33-60, wherein the WCDMA modem is further configured to periodically transmit a signal quality request (AT + CSQ- < rssi >, < ber >) message to a MIH middleware in response to the AT + CSQ message.

62. The WTRU as in any one of embodiments 33-61, wherein the WTRU further comprises a wireless broadband (WiBro) modem.

63. The WTRU of embodiment 29 wherein the processor, WCDMA modem, WiFi modem and MIH middleware of embodiment 29 are configured as the processor, WCDMA modem, WiFi modem and MIH middleware described in any of embodiments 34-61.

64. The WTRU of embodiment 63 wherein the WTRU further comprises a wireless broadband (WiBro) modem.

65. The WTRU of any preceding embodiment wherein at least a portion of the transmission performed over Internet Protocol (IP) uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

Claims (21)

1. A dual mode WTRU, comprising:

a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) modem;

a second modem belonging to a second technology type; and

a processor configured to operate Media Independent Handover (MIH) middleware, wherein:

the WCDMA modem is configured to communicate with an MIH server using a WCDMA connection; and the MIH middleware is configured to receive a handover command from the MIH server through the WCDMA modem, and map WCDMA quality of service (QoS) to QoS of the second technology type in response to the handover command;

the MIH middleware and the WCMDA modem are further configured to power down a WCDMA modem in response to the mapping to the QoS of the second technology type;

the MIH middleware and the second modem are further configured to perform a handover to the second modem in response to a power down operation of the WCDMA modem, then perform a mobile internet protocol (mobile IP) binding update, and then transmit an MIH handover response to the MIH server; and

the MIH middleware and the WCDMA modem are further configured to close the WCDMA connection in response to the transfer of the MIH handover response.

2. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

3. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (wif) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

4. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein:

the MIH middleware and the WCDMA modem are further configured to perform MIH server discovery in response to a start of initialization, then obtain a home agent internet protocol address, and then start an MIH session.

5. The WTRU of claim 3, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

6. The WTRU of claim 3, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (WiF) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

7. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein:

the MIH middleware and the WCDMA modem are further configured to re-register with the MIH server and subsequently send a MIH session continuation message to the MIH server in response to a successful handover to a WCDMA network.

8. The WTRU of claim 7, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

9. The WTRU of claim 7, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (wif) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

10. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein:

the MIH middleware and the second modem are further configured to turn on the second modem in a receiver mode; and

the MIH middleware is further configured to receive WCDMA measurement reports from the WCDMA modem in response to the turning on of the second modem in receiver mode and to receive measurement reports of the second technology type from the second modem.

11. The WTRU of claim 10, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

12. The WTRU of claim 10, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (wif) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

13. The WTRU of claim 10, wherein:

the WCDMA modem is further configured to probe availability of cells of the second technology type through proprietary System Information (SI) during an ongoing session and to communicate coverage predictions to the MIH middleware;

the MIH middleware and WCDMA modem are further configured to transmit a cell availability message to the MIH server in response to the coverage prediction;

the MIH middleware is further configured to receive a scan request message from the MIH server via the WCDMA modem in response to the transmission of the cell availability message, wherein the scan request message includes a list of cells of the second technology type and a reporting threshold; and

the MIH middleware and the second modem are further configured to perform turning on the second modem in a receiver mode in response to the scan request message.

14. The WTRU of claim 13, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

15. The WTRU of claim 13, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (wif) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

16. The WTRU of claim 10, wherein:

the WCDMA modem is further configured to periodically register with the MIH server in response to an ongoing session;

the MIH middleware is further configured to receive a scan request message from the MIH server via the WCDMA modem during a periodic registration with the MIH server, wherein the scan request message includes a list of cells of the second technology type and a reporting threshold; and

the MIH middleware and the second modem are further configured to perform turning on the second modem in a receiver mode in response to the scan request message.

17. The WTRU of claim 16, wherein the second technology is wireless broadband (WiBro) technology and the second modem is a WiBro modem.

18. The WTRU of claim 16, wherein the second technology is an IEEE802.11x (wif) technology and the second modem is a WiFi modem.

19. A dual-mode WTRU, comprising:

a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) modem;

an IEEE802.11x (WiFi) modem; and

a processor configured to operate Media Independent Handover (MIH) middleware, wherein:

the WiFi modem is configured to communicate with the MIH server using a WiFi connection; and the MIH middleware is configured to receive a handover command from the MIH server through the WiFi modem and map WiFi quality of service (QoS) to WCMDA QoS;

the MIH middleware and the WCDMA modem are further configured to perform a handover to WCDMA in response to the mapping to WCDMA QoS, then set up a Packet Switched (PS) session, then perform a mobile internet protocol (mobile IP) binding update, and then transmit an MIH handover response to an MIH server; and

the MIH middleware and the WiFi modem are further configured to close the WiFi connection in response to the transmission of the MIH handover response.

20. The WTRU of claim 19, wherein:

the MIH middleware and the WiFi modem are further configured to perform MIH server discovery in response to a start of initialization, then obtain a home agent internet protocol address, and then start an MIH session.

21. The WTRU of claim 19, wherein:

the MIH middleware is further configured to receive WiFi measurement reports from the WiFi modem and predict a boundary of WiFi coverage;

the MIH middleware and the WCDMA modem are further configured to turn on the WCDMA modem in idle mode in response to a prediction of a boundary of WiFi coverage; and

the MIH middleware is further configured to receive additional WiFi measurement reports from the WiFi modem and receive WCDMA measurement reports from the WCDMA modem in response to the WCDMA modem being turned on in a receiver mode.