Method and apparatus for access, handover and ciphering control of a ue

Abstract

The application discloses a method for accessing a user equipment (UE) in a communication system, the communication system comprising the UE, a base station and a network node, the base station implementing functions of a radio link control (RLC) layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer, and the network node implementing functions of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer and a non-access (NAS) layer, the method comprising: the network node receiving a non-access layer identity of the UE or a random number generated by the UE sent by the UE through an RRC message; and the network node sending the received non-access layer identity or the random number to the base station, so that the base station sets a UE conflict resolution identity. According to the application, different features of user access to the network can be supported.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 20, 2015, with application number 201510514353.8 and invention title "A method and apparatus for access, handover and encryption control of a UE". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to wireless communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for UE access, handover, and encryption control. Background Technology

[0003] Modern mobile communications are increasingly geared towards providing users with high-speed multimedia services, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a system architecture diagram for System Architecture Evolution (SAE). Wherein:

[0004] User Equipment (UE) 101 is a terminal device used to receive data. Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 102 is a radio access network, including macro base stations (eNodeB / NodeB) that provide the UE with an interface to access the radio network. Mobility Management Entity (MME) 103 is responsible for managing the UE's mobility context, session context, and security information. Serving Gateway (SGW) 104 primarily provides user plane functions; MME 103 and SGW 104 may reside in the same physical entity. Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 105 is responsible for functions such as charging and lawful interception, and may also reside in the same physical entity as SGW 104. Policy and Charging Rules Function Entity (PCRF) 106 provides Quality of Service (QoS) policies and charging criteria. Universal Packet Radio Service Support Node (SGSN) 108 is a network node device in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that provides routing for data transmission. The Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 109 is the UE's home subsystem, responsible for protecting user information including the UE's current location, the address of the serving node, user security information, and the UE's packet data context.

[0005] Future LTE network evolution will need to support diverse user types, such as smart home appliances and intelligent sensing devices in vehicle systems. Different user types have different requirements. Some users have very high latency requirements, known as C-MTC (critical mechanism type communication) users. Other users have lower latency requirements but require frequent data path establishment to transmit small amounts of data, known as M-MTC (massive mechanism type communication) users. For these users, it's necessary to reduce the signaling processes required for data establishment and decrease the load on the control plane. In short, different user types have different network requirements. The current LTE network architecture uses a single, universal access network to serve all users, which cannot flexibly adapt to the needs of different users, resulting in suboptimal network utilization. Implementing network functions in software can more flexibly support users with different characteristics, achieve resource sharing, and allow for more flexible resource scheduling. Software-based network function implementation refers to implementing the functions of the current access network and core network in software on a general-purpose hardware platform. Even without virtualization, the functions of the access network can be reconfigured, bringing latency-sensitive and high-processing-capability functions closer to the user. This invention proposes a new network architecture that reconfigures the current access network functions and outlines the signaling process for establishing connections for the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a method and device for UE access, handover and encryption control in a communication system, which can make more efficient use of network resources.

[0007] A method for accessing a user equipment (UE) in a communication system, the communication system including the UE, a base station, and a network node, wherein the base station implements the functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and the network node implements the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and the Non-Access Spectrum (NAS) layer, the method comprising:

[0008] The network node receives the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or a random number generated by the UE via an RRC message;

[0009] The network node sends the received non-access stratum identifier or the random number to the base station, which is used by the base station to set the UE conflict resolution identifier.

[0010] Preferably, the RRC message is an RRC establishment request message;

[0011] The RRC establishment request message carrying the non-access stratum identifier or the random number is sent to the base station in a MAC data packet, and the MAC layer of the base station sends the MAC data packet to the SxAP layer of the base station, and then the SxAP layer of the base station sends the MAC layer data packet in an Sx interface message to the network node;

[0012] The Sx interface is the interface between the base station and the network node, and the SxAP layer is the application protocol layer corresponding to the Sx interface.

[0013] Preferably, if the UE has an assigned non-access stratum identifier stored when sending the RRC establishment request message, the non-access stratum identifier is carried in the RRC establishment request message; otherwise, the random number is carried in the RRC establishment request message.

[0014] Preferably, after the network node receives the non-access stratum identifier and before sending the non-access stratum identifier, the method further includes: the network node extracting the non-access stratum identifier and generating an RRC establishment message; and the network node sending the RRC establishment message to the UE at the same time or after the network node sends the non-access stratum identifier.

[0015] The RRC establishment message includes configuration information and encryption information for the UE's radio bearer.

[0016] Preferably, the user plane between the network entity and the base station adopts the tunneling protocol GTP-U, and the PDCP data packets between the network entity and the UE are transmitted between the network entity and the base station through the tunneling protocol GTP-U, and the tunnel corresponds one-to-one with the over-the-air radio bearer.

[0017] Preferably, the network node, in sending the message containing the non-access stratum identifier, further includes the radio bearer RB identifier of the data radio bearer and the uplink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface; or, after sending the non-access stratum identifier, the network node also sends the RB identifier of the data radio bearer and the uplink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface to the base station.

[0018] After the network node sends the RB identifier and the uplink receive tunnel information to the base station, the method further includes: the network node receiving the RB identifier of the successfully configured radio bearer and the downlink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface sent by the base station.

[0019] A method for a UE to access a communication system, the communication system including the UE, a base station, and a network node, wherein the base station implements the functions of the RLC and MAC layers, and the network node implements the functions of the PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers, the method comprising:

[0020] The base station transmits the RRC message sent by the UE, carrying the UE's non-access stratum identifier or a random number generated by the UE, to the network node.

[0021] The base station receives the UE's non-access stratum identifier or the random number sent by the network node, and sets the UE conflict resolution identifier to the UE's non-access stratum identifier or the random number.

[0022] Preferably, the user plane between the base station and the network entity adopts the tunneling protocol GTP-U, and the PDCP data packets between the network entity and the UE are transmitted between the network entity and the base station through the tunneling protocol GTP-U. The tunnel corresponds one-to-one with the over-the-air radio bearer.

[0023] Preferably, the message carrying the non-access stratum identifier received by the base station also includes the RB identifier of the data radio bearer and the uplink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface; or, after receiving the non-access stratum identifier of the UE sent by the network node, the RB identifier of the data radio bearer and the uplink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface are also received.

[0024] After the base station receives the RB identifier and the uplink receive tunnel information, the method further includes: the base station sending the successfully configured radio bearer RB identifier and the data bearer downlink receive tunnel information on the Sx interface to the network node.

[0025] A method for UE handover in a communication system, the communication system including UE, base station, and network node, wherein the base station implements the functions of RLC and MAC layers, and the network node implements the functions of PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers, the method comprising:

[0026] The network node receives physical layer measurement results from the UE, sent by the base station;

[0027] The network node sends RRC measurement configuration to the UE based on the physical layer measurement report, receives the RRC measurement report reported by the UE, and makes a handover decision for the UE based on the RRC measurement report.

[0028] Preferably, the physical layer measurement results include Channel Quality Indication (CQI) information.

[0029] Preferably, the physical layer measurement results are reported together with the traffic information received by the network node; or, the physical layer measurement results are reported via the Sx interface between the network node and the base station, carried in a custom message.

[0030] A method for encryption control of a UE in a communication system, characterized in that the method includes:

[0031] The network node receives the uplink RRC establishment request message sent by the UE;

[0032] The network node sends an RRC establishment message to the UE, and carries encrypted information in the message.

[0033] A network node device in a communication system includes: a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a PDCP layer processing unit, an RRC layer processing unit, and a NAS layer processing unit;

[0034] The receiving unit is configured to receive the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or a random number generated by the UE, sent by the UE through an RRC message in the communication system.

[0035] The sending unit is used to send the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or the random number received by the receiving unit to the base station equipment, so that the base station equipment can set the UE conflict resolution identifier;

[0036] The PDCP layer processing unit is used to perform PDCP layer processing for sending and receiving messages;

[0037] The RRC layer processing unit is used to perform RRC layer processing for sending and receiving messages;

[0038] The NAS layer processing unit is used for NAS layer processing of sending and receiving messages.

[0039] A base station device in a communication system includes: a transparent transmission unit, a receiving unit, an RLC layer processing unit, and a MAC layer processing unit;

[0040] The transparent transmission unit is used to transmit the RRC message sent by the UE, which carries the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or a random number generated by the UE, to the network node device in the communication system.

[0041] The receiving unit is configured to receive the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or the random number sent by the network node, and set the UE conflict resolution identifier to the non-access stratum identifier of the UE or the random number;

[0042] The RLC layer processing unit is used to perform RLC layer processing for sending and receiving messages;

[0043] The MAC layer processing unit is used to perform MAC layer processing for sending and receiving messages.

[0044] A network node device in a communication system includes: a receiving unit, a configuration unit, a handover decision unit, a PDCP layer processing unit, an RRC layer processing unit, and a NAS layer processing unit;

[0045] The receiving unit is configured to receive physical layer measurement results sent by the base station equipment in the communication system and received from the UE in the communication system; it is also configured to receive RRC measurement reports reported by the UE.

[0046] The configuration unit is used to send RRC measurement configuration to the UE according to the physical layer measurement report item;

[0047] The handover decision unit is used to make a handover decision for the UE based on the RRC measurement report reported by the UE.

[0048] The PDCP layer processing unit is used to perform PDCP layer processing for sending and receiving messages;

[0049] The RRC layer processing unit is used to perform RRC layer processing for sending and receiving messages;

[0050] The NAS layer processing unit is used for NAS layer processing of sending and receiving messages.

[0051] A network node device in a communication system includes: a receiving unit and a transmitting unit;

[0052] The receiving unit is used to receive an uplink RRC establishment request message sent by the UE in the communication system;

[0053] The sending unit is used to send an RRC establishment message to the UE and carry encrypted information in the message.

[0054] One aspect of the present invention provides a method performed by a base station in a communication system, the method comprising:

[0055] Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0056] Receive a second message from the network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0057] A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0058] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0059] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0060] One aspect of the present invention provides a base station, comprising:

[0061] transceiver; and

[0062] The processor is configured as follows:

[0063] Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0064] Receive a second message from the network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0065] A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0066] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0067] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0068] One aspect of the present invention provides a method performed by a network node in a communication system, the method comprising:

[0069] The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0070] Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0071] A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0072] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0073] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0074] One aspect of the present invention provides a network node comprising:

[0075] transceiver; and

[0076] The processor is configured as follows:

[0077] The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0078] Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0079] A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0080] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0081] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0082] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for a communication system including a base station and network nodes, the method comprising:

[0083] A first message is sent from the base station to the network node. The first message includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station. The identifier is used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node.

[0084] A second message is sent from the network node to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0085] A third message is sent from the base station to the network node as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0086] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0087] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0088] One aspect of the present invention provides a communication system comprising:

[0089] Base station; and

[0090] Network nodes;

[0091] The base station includes:

[0092] First transceiver; and

[0093] The first processor is configured as follows:

[0094] Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0095] Receive a second message from the network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0096] A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0097] The network nodes include:

[0098] Second transceiver; and

[0099] The second processor is configured as follows:

[0100] The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node;

[0101] Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and

[0102] A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer.

[0103] The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer.

[0104] The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0105] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application provides a new network architecture and a method for supporting UE access to the network under the new network architecture. Through the method of this invention, it is possible to flexibly support users with different characteristics, support continuous data reception by users, realize network resource sharing, and make resource scheduling more flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0106] Figure 1 The existing SAE system architecture diagram;

[0107] Figure 2 This is a basic structural diagram of the access network architecture provided in this application;

[0108] Figure 3 This is a user plane protocol architecture diagram for this application;

[0109] Figure 4 This is a control plane protocol architecture diagram for this application;

[0110] Figure 5 This is a basic flowchart illustrating the UE access method in this application;

[0111] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the UE access method in this application;

[0112] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the UE access method in this application;

[0113] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the UE handover method in this application;

[0114] Figure 9 This application presents a flowchart illustrating the UE encryption control method. Detailed Implementation

[0115] To make the objectives, technical means, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Figure 2 This is an architecture diagram of the system of the present invention. The architecture includes:

[0117] Module 201, User Equipment (UE).

[0118] Module 202, base station equipment. This base station equipment implements Radio Link Control (RLC) and Media Access Control (MAC) functions. Preferably, the base station can be placed close to the UE. Base stations can communicate with each other via an interface, or be centrally controlled via a network node (203). This application assumes that base stations may not have an interface and can be centrally controlled via a network node (203).

[0119] Module 203, Network Node Device. The network node device includes some functions of the original access network and core network, specifically implementing functions such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Non-Access Stratum (NAS). Preferably, the network node can be implemented in various ways; these functions can be placed on a single physical entity, distributed across different entities, or implemented in software.

[0120] The network node device of module 203 and the base station device of module 202 communicate via an interface, which includes a control plane and a user plane. The control plane can define a new interface Sx; preferably, this interface protocol is... Figure 4 The control protocol is described in the diagram. The user plane can be tunneled; this interface protocol is described in... Figure 3 As described in the user agreement.

[0121] Figure 3This is a user plane protocol diagram between the various entities in this application.

[0122] The user plane between network node entities and base stations uses a tunneling protocol. PDCP data packets are sent from the base station to the UE via the tunneling protocol GTP-U. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the tunnel and the over-the-air radio bearer. The base station receives data packets transmitted on the tunnel, forwards them to the corresponding RLC protocol on the base station, processes them, and then hands them over to the MAC protocol. After processing by the physical layer protocol, they are sent to the UE through the air interface.

[0123] Figure 4 This is a control plane protocol diagram between the various entities in this application.

[0124] The interface Sx between the base station and network nodes defines the Sx protocol. Downlink message transmission is handled by the network node sending messages to the base station. NAS protocol packets on the network node are sent to the RRC protocol layer through the internal interface. The RRC protocol layer generates RRC messages, with NAS data packets carried in a transparent container within the RRC message. Alternatively, the RRC protocol layer can directly generate RRC messages without NAS information. RRC messages are processed by PDCP and sent to the base station via the Sx protocol. The RRC data packets are contained within a transparent container and sent by the network node to the base station. The Sx protocol also carries the network node's configuration information for the base station. Upon receiving a message, the base station's Sx protocol passes it to the corresponding RLC protocol through the internal interface. After processing by the MAC and physical layer protocols, the base station sends the message to the UE. The uplink data transmission process is similar.

[0125] Figure 5 This is a basic flowchart illustrating the UE access method in this application. The process includes the handling of the UE, base station, and network node; for ease of description, it is depicted as an interaction between these three devices. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0126] Step 501: The UE sends a non-access stratum identifier or a random number to the network node.

[0127] The RRC protocol terminates at the UE and network node. The RRC message sent by the UE contains a non-access stratum identifier, which can be parsed from the network node's RRC. If the UE has saved a non-access stratum identifier previously assigned by the network node, such as S-TMSI, the UE sets the non-access stratum identifier to S-TMSI. If the UE has not saved a non-access stratum identifier assigned by the network node, the UE generates a random number and sends this random number to the network node.

[0128] Step 502: The network node sends the received UE access layer identifier or random number to the base station, and the base station sets the UE conflict resolution identifier.

[0129] The RRC message in step 501 is the first RRC message sent by the UE, transmitted from the base station to the network node via the Sx interface. Therefore, the base station needs to establish a connection between the Sx interface and the UE's context on the base station. Upon receiving the message sent by the UE in step 501, the base station can determine that this is the first RRC message through the logical channel carried by the message. Typically, the base station first assigns a unique identifier within the base station to the UE, such as a C-RNTI, which is sent to the UE before step 501, i.e., during the random access process. In step 501, the base station can receive the UE's C-RNTI, which is included in the MAC header. The base station sends the RRC message to the network node via the Sx interface, assigning the UE an identifier on the Sx interface, such as an eNBUESxAP ID, uniquely identifying the UE on the interface between the base station and the network node. When a network node sends a corresponding message, it also assigns an identifier on the Sx interface to the UE, such as the NetworkUESxAP ID. This pair of identifiers establishes a signaling link for the UE on the Sx interface. After the signaling link is established, all signaling related to the UE carries this pair of identifiers. In this way, the base station stores the correspondence between the UE's identifier pair on the Sx interface and the C-RNTI. Upon receiving a message from the Sx interface, the base station can send the message to the correct UE using the UE's identifier pair carried in the message.

[0130] When the RRC layer of the network node receives the message sent in step 501, if this message is the first message for establishing RRC (i.e., an RRC request message), the network node sends the non-access stratum identifier or random number carried in the message to the base station. The purpose of sending this information to the base station is to allow the base station to send this identifier to the UE for random access conflict detection and resolution. Upon receiving the non-access stratum identifier or random number, the base station uses this identifier for conflict resolution, that is, it includes this information in the MAC header and sends it to the UE. In the MAC header, this identifier is called the UE conflict resolution identifier. Simultaneously, the base station includes the RRC establishment message in the data portion of the MAC header and sends it to the UE. Upon receiving this, the UE first compares the UE conflict resolution identifier in the MAC header with its own non-access stratum identifier (or compares it with the random number). If they match, the UE knows it has passed the conflict detection and can parse the RRC message. If they do not match, the UE knows it has not passed the conflict detection and can proceed to the next random access procedure.

[0131] The base station receives the UE conflict resolution flag from the Sx interface, forwards it internally to the base station's MAC layer, and the base station indicates the UE conflict resolution flag in the MAC control packet.

[0132] Figure 6 This is an embodiment of the present invention for UE access to the network. Figure 2In the architecture shown, the UE actively initiates RRC establishment. This process can also be used in other network architectures. The method for a UE to access the network includes the following steps:

[0133] Step 601: The UE sends a random access code to the base station.

[0134] The UE can choose one set of random access codes from two sets. The choice of which set determines the length of the third message in step 603 and is related to the UE's air interface quality. The random access code set and the corresponding threshold are broadcast to the UE in the broadcast message.

[0135] Step 602: The base station's MAC layer sends a radio access response. This message is sent on the downlink shared channel.

[0136] The Radio Access Response (RART) includes an indication of the random access code, time adjustment information, initial uplink resource allocation, and a temporary cell unique identifier (C-RNTI). The RRT message is generated by the MAC layer, and all of the above information is contained within its framework. The MAC layer framework includes a MAC header and MAC data packets, or only a MAC header. The MAC header contains control information, such as the information mentioned above.

[0137] Step 603: The UE sends an uplink RRC establishment request message.

[0138] This message is sent on the uplink shared channel, which is allocated by the base station in step 602. The RRC Establishment Request message is included in the data packet portion of the MAC and sent to the base station. The RRC Establishment Request message contains the UE's non-access stratum identifier, such as S-TMSI. If the UE has not been assigned a non-access stratum identifier, the UE generates a random number and includes the random number in the RRC Establishment Request message.

[0139] When the base station's MAC layer receives a MAC Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU), it finds that the MAC header indicates the logical channel is CCCH. The base station MAC knows that the MAC PDU carries an RRC message. The base station does not parse the data packet contained in the MAC PDU. Instead, it sends the MAC data packet contained in the received MAC Protocol Data Unit to the SxAP protocol through the internal interface (which may be via RLC), triggering SxAP to forward the RRC request message to the network node. The message from the internal interface can carry the UE's Cell Unique Identifier (C-RNTI), which can be a temporary C-RNTI. The base station MAC knows the UE's C-RNTI or the temporary C-RNTI and uses the C-RNTI to indicate which UE the resource is allocated to when allocating resources to the UE. SxAP maintains the correspondence between the C-RNTI and the UE identifier of the Sx interface allocated by the base station, so SxAP can know which UE sent the RRC message on the Sx interface.

[0140] The base station's SxAP protocol layer sends the first Sx interface message to the network node's SxAP protocol layer. RRC request messages can be sent through this initial SxAP message. For example, the initial UE message is an Sx interface message, which contains an RRC container containing the RRC establishment request message sent by the UE.

[0141] The message also carries the UE identifier for the Sx interface assigned by the base station, used to uniquely identify the UE on the Sx interface. Similarly, in the response message, the network node also assigns the UE identifier for the Sx interface to the UE. Subsequent UE signaling on the SxAP carries this pair of identifiers, which allows the base station and network node to find the context of the corresponding UE.

[0142] Upon receiving the first uplink message from the Sx interface, the SxAP protocol forwards the RRC container within it to the network node's RRC protocol. The RRC protocol performs collision detection for random access radio. By examining the UE non-access stratum identifier or random number contained in the RRC establishment request message, the network node can distinguish the UE undergoing random access radio access. Subsequently, the RRC protocol generates an RRC establishment message and sends it to the SxAP protocol through its internal interface. The SxAP protocol then initiates step 604.

[0143] Step 604: The network node sends an initial establishment request message.

[0144] The message name can be anything else. The message carries a UE conflict resolution identifier, which is set to the UE non-access stratum identifier carried in the 603 step message or a random number. This UE conflict resolution identifier is sent to the MAC layer via the internal interface for use by the MAC layer in subsequent steps.

[0145] The initial setup request message also includes the UE identifier of the Sx interface assigned to the UE by the network node, which uniquely identifies the UE on the Sx interface or on the network node.

[0146] The initial setup request message may also include configuration information for the RLC and MAC layers. For example, it may include the RB identifier and configuration of the signaling radio bearer. The initial setup request message may also include the RB identifier of the data radio bearer and uplink receive tunnel information for the data bearer on the Sx interface, where the tunnel information includes the IP address and tunnel number.

[0147] The base station SxAP receives the message in step 604 and sends the C-RNTI and UE conflict resolution identifier to the MAC layer.

[0148] Step 605: The base station sends an initial establishment response message.

[0149] The response message contains the RB identifier of the successfully configured radio bearer and the downlink receive tunnel information of the data bearer on the Sx interface, including the IP address and tunnel number.

[0150] Step 606: The network node sends an RRC establishment message to the UE.

[0151] The RRC establishment message is generated by the network node's RRC protocol (as described in step 603) and sent to the base station via a message on the Sx interface, such as a downlink data transmission message. The downlink data transmission message contains the UE's identifier on the Sx interface, as well as an RRC container, which contains the RRC establishment message.

[0152] The RRC establishment message contains elements of the original RRC establishment message, namely, configuration information for the UE's radio bearers. For example, the message includes the RB identifier and configuration for the signaling radio bearer, and the RB identifier and configuration for the data radio bearer. The RRC establishment message may also contain encrypted information, specifically the encryption algorithm configuration and the integrity protection algorithm configuration.

[0153] Step 607: The UE sends an RRC establishment complete message to the network node.

[0154] The RRC establishment completion message contains an identifier indicating that the bearer was successfully established.

[0155] When the base station receives a MAC PDU, it can locate the corresponding RLC using the logical channel information contained in the MAC header. Then, it forwards the MAC PDU data packet to the Sx protocol via the RLC and sends an RRC message to the network node through the Sx interface. The RRC establishment completion message also contains non-access stratum (NAS) messages. Based on these NAS messages, the network can establish data links with external networks.

[0156] After that, data transmission can occur between the UE and the network. This process simplifies the operations above the network level, assuming that the operations above the network level are the same as the current process.

[0157] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of the method for UE accessing the network in Embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 2 In the architecture shown, the UE actively initiates RRC establishment. This process can also be used in other network architectures. The method for a UE to access the network includes the following steps:

[0158] Step 701: The UE sends a random access code to the base station.

[0159] The UE can choose one set of random access codes from two sets. The choice of which set determines the length of the third message in step 703 and is related to the UE's air interface quality. The random access code set and the corresponding threshold are broadcast to the UE in the broadcast message.

[0160] Step 702: The base station's MAC layer sends a radio access response. This message is sent on the downlink shared channel.

[0161] The Radio Access Response (RAR) includes an indication of the random access code, time adjustment information, initial uplink resource allocation, and a temporary cell unique identifier (C-RNTI). The RAR message is generated by the MAC layer, and all of the above information is contained within the MAC layer framework. The MAC layer framework includes the MAC header and the MAC data packet.

[0162] Step 703: The UE sends an uplink RRC establishment request message.

[0163] This message is sent on the uplink shared channel, which is allocated by the base station in step 702. The RRC Establishment Request message is included in the data packet portion of the MAC and sent to the base station. The RRC Establishment Request message contains the UE's non-access stratum identifier, such as S-TMSI. If the UE has not been assigned a non-access stratum identifier, the UE generates a random number and includes the random number in the RRC Establishment Request message.

[0164] When the base station's MAC layer receives a MAC Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU), it finds that the MAC header indicates the logical channel is CCCH. The base station MAC knows that the MAC PDU carries an RRC message. The base station does not parse the data packet contained in the MAC PDU. Instead, it sends the MAC data packet contained in the received MAC Protocol Data Unit to the SxAP protocol through the internal interface (which may be via RLC), triggering SxAP to forward the RRC request message to the network node. The message from the internal interface can carry the UE's Cell Unique Identifier (C-RNTI), which can be a temporary C-RNTI. The base station MAC knows the UE's C-RNTI or the temporary C-RNTI and uses the C-RNTI to indicate which UE the resource is allocated to when allocating resources to the UE. SxAP maintains the correspondence between the C-RNTI and the UE identifier of the Sx interface allocated by the base station, so SxAP can know which UE sent the RRC message on the Sx interface.

[0165] The base station's SxAP protocol layer sends the first Sx interface message to the network node's SxAP protocol layer. RRC request messages can be sent through this initial SxAP message. For example, the initial UE message is an Sx interface message, which contains an RRC container containing the RRC establishment request message sent by the UE.

[0166] The message also carries the UE identifier for the Sx interface assigned by the base station, used to uniquely identify the UE on the Sx interface. Similarly, in the response message, the network node also assigns the UE identifier for the Sx interface to the UE. Subsequent UE signaling on the SxAP carries this pair of identifiers, which allows the base station and network node to find the context of the corresponding UE.

[0167] Upon receiving the first uplink message from the Sx interface, the SxAP protocol forwards the RRC container within it to the network node's RRC protocol. The RRC protocol performs collision detection for random access radio. By examining the UE non-access stratum identifier or random number contained in the RRC establishment request message, the network node can distinguish the UE undergoing random access radio access. Subsequently, the RRC protocol generates an RRC establishment message and sends it to the SxAP protocol through its internal interface. The SxAP protocol then initiates step 604.

[0168] Step 704: The network node sends an initial establishment request message.

[0169] The message name can be anything else. The message carries a UE conflict resolution identifier, which is set to the UE non-access stratum identifier carried in the 703 step message or a random number.

[0170] The initial setup request message also includes the UE identifier of the Sx interface assigned to the UE by the network node, which uniquely identifies the UE on the Sx interface or on the network node.

[0171] The initial setup request message may also include configuration information for the RLC and MAC layers. For example, it may include the RB identifier and configuration of the signaling radio bearer. The initial setup request message may also include the RB identifier of the data radio bearer and uplink receive tunnel information for the data bearer on the Sx interface, where the tunnel information includes the IP address and tunnel number.

[0172] The initial setup request message contains an RRC container, which in turn contains the RRC setup message. The RRC setup message includes elements from the original RRC setup message, namely, configuration information for the UE's radio bearers, such as the RB identifier and configuration for the signaling radio bearer and the RB identifier and configuration for the data radio bearer. The initial setup request message may also contain encrypted information, specifically encryption algorithm configuration and integrity protection algorithm configuration.

[0173] Step 705: The base station forwards the RRC establishment message to the UE.

[0174] When the base station's Sx protocol receives the message of step 704, Sx sends the RRC container and UE conflict resolution identifier to the MAC protocol (which can be sent via RLC). The RRC container is processed by RLC and is called the MAC Service Data Unit (SDU) when it is handed over to MAC. MAC puts the received SDU into the MAC packet part, includes the UE conflict resolution identifier in the MAC control packet part, and then sends the MAC PDU to the UE.

[0175] Step 706: The UE sends an RRC establishment completion message to the base station.

[0176] When the base station's MAC layer receives a MAC PDU, it can find the corresponding RLC through the logical channel information contained in the MAC header. Then, it forwards the MAC PDU data packet to the Sx protocol through the RLC. If it is control logic information, the base station knows that the MAC PDU data packet contains RRC signaling. The base station sends the RRC message to the network node through the Sx interface.

[0177] Step 707: The base station sends an initial establishment response message to the network node.

[0178] The initial setup response message carries an RRC container, which in turn carries an RRC setup completion message. The RRC setup completion message may also contain non-access stratum messages. Based on the non-access stratum messages, the network can establish a data link with the external network.

[0179] After that, data transmission can occur between the UE and the network. This process simplifies the operations above the network level, assuming that the operations above the network level are the same as the current process.

[0180] Figure 8 This is a basic flowchart of the UE handover method in this application, which optimizes the data plane between the base station and the network.

[0181] according to Figure 2 In the illustrated architecture, PDCP and RRC reside on the network nodes, while RLC and MAC reside on the base stations. The base stations and network nodes require flow control mechanisms to ensure proper data allocation. For example, if two base stations provide data transmission to the UE, PDCP needs to know which base station has better data transmission performance and can allocate more data to that station. Therefore, the base stations need to report flow information. Currently, the flow information reported by the base stations includes the buffer size, the amount of data lost at the interface, and the maximum value of consecutively successful PDCP sequence numbers transmitted to the UE. Figure 2 In the architecture shown, we will utilize the existing traffic control mechanism, but it needs to be enhanced and optimized.

[0182] Because the network needs to configure UE measurements, it needs to know the quality of the UE's physical layer channel. At the physical layer, the UE needs to report its current channel state, such as CSI (Channel State Information) and SRS (Sounding Reference Signal). CSI contains various reporting information, among which the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) reflects the channel quality. If the network knows the UE's channel quality, it can determine how to configure the UE's RRC layer measurements; therefore, it needs... Figure 7 The method shown.

[0183] Step 801: The base station sends physical layer measurements to the network nodes.

[0184] The base station receives physical layer measurement reports from the UE. These reports include CSI and SRS. The base station can transmit some of the physical layer report information from the UE to network nodes via the control plane or user plane. For example, when reporting traffic information, the base station can also include CSI information, which must at least include CQI information. The reporting cycle is the same as the traffic information reporting mechanism.

[0185] Alternatively, a new message can be defined in the control plane, through which the base station sends CSI information (at least CQI information) to the network node via the Sx interface.

[0186] Upon receiving the physical layer reporting information from the base station, the network node's RRC protocol can refer to this information to configure measurement and control.

[0187] Step 802: Configure RRC measurements on network nodes.

[0188] RRC configures the UE to measure neighboring cells and neighboring frequencies.

[0189] Step 803: The UE reports the measurement results.

[0190] After receiving the RRC measurement results, the network node makes a handover decision based on the received measurement results. Specifically, the network node's RRC protocol can determine whether to hand over the UE's primary serving cell and primary serving base station to another cell or another base station. If necessary, the network node then initiates the handover process.

[0191] According to the architecture of this invention, or in other network architectures, the RRC and encryption control functions reside in the same entity, which can reduce the signaling process during UE network access. Encrypted information is simultaneously sent to the UE during the RRC establishment process. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the method.

[0192] Step 901: The UE sends an uplink RRC establishment request message to the network node.

[0193] This message is sent on the uplink shared channel, which is allocated by the base station in step 702. The RRC Establishment Request message is included in the data packet portion of the MAC and sent to the base station. The RRC Establishment Request message contains the UE's non-access stratum identifier, such as S-TMSI. If the UE has not been assigned a non-access stratum identifier, the UE generates a random number and includes the random number in the RRC Establishment Request message.

[0194] Step 902: The network node sends an RRC establishment message to the UE.

[0195] The RRC establishment message contains elements of the original RRC establishment message, namely, configuration information for the UE's radio bearers. For example, the message includes the RB identifier and configuration for the signaling radio bearer, and the RB identifier and configuration for the data radio bearer. The message also contains encryption information, including encryption algorithm configuration and integrity protection algorithm configuration.

[0196] Step 903: The UE sends an RRC establishment completion message to the network node.

[0197] The UE configures itself according to the message in step 902, and then sends an RRC establishment complete message to the network node. Afterwards, the UE can send and receive data.

[0198] The above describes the specific implementation of the UE access, handover, and encryption control methods in this application. This application also provides network node equipment and base station equipment, which can be used to implement the above methods.

[0199] Corresponding to the above-described UE access method, this application provides a network node device and a base station device.

[0200] The network node equipment corresponding to the UE access method includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a PDCP layer processing unit, an RRC layer processing unit, and a NAS layer processing unit.

[0201] The system includes a receiving unit for receiving the UE's non-access stratum identifier (NAS) sent by the UE via an RRC message in the communication system. A sending unit for sending the UE's NAS identifier or a random number received by the receiving unit to the base station equipment, which then sets the UE conflict resolution flag. The PDCP layer processing unit, RRC layer processing unit, and NAS layer processing unit are respectively used for processing the transmitted and received messages at the PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers.

[0202] The base station equipment corresponding to the UE access method includes: a transparent transmission unit, a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, an RLC layer processing unit, and a MAC layer processing unit.

[0203] The communication system includes a transparent transmission unit, which transmits RRC messages sent by the UE, carrying the UE's non-access stratum identifier or a random number generated by the UE, to the network node device. A receiving unit receives the UE's non-access stratum identifier or random number sent by the network node and sets the UE conflict resolution identifier to the UE's non-access stratum identifier or random number. An RLC layer processing unit and a MAC layer processing unit perform RLC and MAC layer processing for sending and receiving messages, respectively. The Sx interface is the interface between the base station device and the network node device. The UE identifier includes the UE identifier assigned by the identifier allocation unit to the Sx interface and the UE identifier assigned by the network node device to the Sx interface; these identifiers are used to establish a signaling link for the UE on the Sx interface and uniquely identify the signaling associated with the UE.

[0204] Corresponding to the UE handover method, this application provides a network node device, including: a receiving unit, a configuration unit, a handover decision unit, a PDCP layer processing unit, an RRC layer processing unit, and a NAS layer processing unit.

[0205] The receiving unit receives physical layer measurement results from the UE in the communication system, sent by the base station equipment; it also receives RRC measurement reports reported by the UE. The configuration unit sends RRC measurement configuration to the UE based on the physical layer measurement report items. The handover decision unit makes a handover decision for the UE based on the RRC measurement reports reported by the UE. The PDCP layer processing unit, RRC layer processing unit, and NAS layer processing unit perform PDCP, RRC, and NAS layer processing for sending and receiving messages, respectively.

[0206] Corresponding to the UE encryption control method, this application provides a network node device, including: a receiving unit and a transmitting unit.

[0207] The receiving unit is used to receive uplink RRC establishment request messages sent by the UE in the communication system. The sending unit is used to send RRC establishment messages to the UE, and to carry encrypted information in the messages.

[0208] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method performed by a base station in a communication system, the method comprising: Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Receive a second message from a network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for a data radio bearer, an Internet Protocol (IP) address for an uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer, and an identifier for the uplink tunnel; and A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The RRC message associated with the terminal is sent to the network node without being interpreted by the base station.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A fourth message is sent to the network node, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A fourth message is sent to the network node, the fourth message including Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) information.

5. A base station, comprising: transceiver; and The processor is configured as follows: Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Receive a second message from a network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for a data radio bearer, an Internet Protocol (IP) address for an uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer, and an identifier for the uplink tunnel; and A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

6. The base station according to claim 5, wherein, The RRC message associated with the terminal is sent to the network node without being interpreted by the base station.

7. The base station according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is also configured to send a fourth message to the network node, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

8. The base station according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is also configured to send a fourth message to the network node, the fourth message including Channel Quality Indication (CQI) information.

9. A method executed by a network node in a communication system, the method comprising: The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier of the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier of the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The RRC message associated with the terminal is received from the base station without being interpreted by the base station.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: A fourth message is received from the base station, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: A fourth message is received from the base station, the fourth message including Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) information.

13. A network node, comprising: transceiver; and The processor is configured as follows: The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier of the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier of the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

14. The network node according to claim 13, wherein, The RRC message associated with the terminal is received from the base station without being interpreted by the base station.

15. The network node according to claim 13, wherein, The processor is also configured to receive a fourth message from the base station, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

16. The network node according to claim 13, wherein, The processor is also configured to receive a fourth message from the base station, the fourth message including Channel Quality Indication (CQI) information.

17. A method for a communication system including a base station and network nodes, the method comprising: A first message is sent from the base station to the network node. The first message includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station. The identifier is used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node. A second message is sent from a network node to a base station. The second message includes an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for a data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for an uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer. and A third message is sent from the base station to the network node as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The RRC message associated with the terminal is sent to the network node without being interpreted by the base station.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: A fourth message is sent from the base station to the network node, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: A fourth message is sent from the base station to the network node, the fourth message including Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) information.

21. A communication system, comprising: Base station; and Network nodes; The base station includes: First transceiver; and The first processor is configured as follows: Send a first message to the network node, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Receive a second message from the network node, the second message including an identifier assigned by the network node to the terminal for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and A third message, in response to the second message, is sent to the network node. This third message includes downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The network nodes include: Second transceiver; and The second processor is configured as follows: The terminal receives a first message from the base station, the first message including a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message associated with the terminal and an identifier assigned to the terminal by the base station, the identifier being used to identify the terminal on the interface between the base station and the network node; Send a second message to the base station, the second message including an identifier assigned to the terminal by the network node for identifying the terminal on the interface, an identifier for the data radio bearer, and an Internet Protocol (IP) address and an identifier for the uplink tunnel associated with the data radio bearer; and A third message is received from the base station as a response to the second message, the third message including downlink tunnel information associated with the data radio bearer. The base station includes a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical Physics (PHY) layer. The network node includes an RRC layer and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

22. The communication system according to claim 21, wherein, RRC messages associated with the terminal are received from the base station without being interpreted by the base station.

23. The communication system according to claim 21, wherein, The second processor is also configured to receive a fourth message from the base station, the fourth message including information associated with the physical layer.

24. The communication system according to claim 21, wherein, The second processor is also configured to receive a fourth message from the base station, the fourth message including channel quality indication (CQI) information.

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