Network access registration method and device for roaming from LET network to GSM network
By implementing protocol conversion between GSM and LTE networks on the protocol conversion function side, the problem of network registration failure during cross-network standard roaming is solved, providing a more flexible network selection and a solution to reduce operation and maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610371730.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
When roaming between different wireless communication network standards, mobile terminal registration may fail, especially when roaming from a 4G LTE network to a 2G/3G GSM network, due to signaling protocol incompatibility.
The protocol conversion function performs protocol conversion between GSM and LTE networks, receives GSM network authentication requests and converts them into LTE network authentication requests, uses the International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSN) to send to the home subscription server to generate LTE network authentication parameters, and converts them into GSM network authentication responses, thus enabling cross-network standard registration.
It enables network access authentication and registration under different network standards, provides more network options, reduces network operation and maintenance costs, and supports high communication reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122002261A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communications, and more specifically, to a method for network registration when roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LET) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. Background Technology
[0002] As wireless communication networks evolve, the varying pace of network construction across different regions leads to roaming issues between different wireless communication networks. For example, one region may be fully integrated into the 4G / 5G LTE era, while another region may be using a 2G / 3G GSM network. In such cases, mobile terminals need to access the roaming network to access basic communication services, but they require authentication services from their home network when registering for network access. Furthermore, the signaling protocols used for registration and authentication by mobile terminals are completely different under different network standards.
[0003] For example,
[0004] 3G network registration is conducted in the following manner:
[0005] In a 3G GSM network, a mobile terminal interacts with the Home Location Register (HLR) via the Mobile Application Part (MAP) protocol to trigger a network access authentication request. The mobile terminal receives the authentication parameters in the response triplet from the HLR and performs online authentication based on the authentication parameters to generate an authentication response, thereby enabling the core network to register the mobile terminal with the network.
[0006] 4G network registration is conducted in the following manner:
[0007] In a 4G LTE network, a mobile terminal interacts with the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) of the number's home location via the Diameter over IP protocol to initiate a network access authentication request. The HSS generates an authentication four-tuple parameter, which the mobile terminal receives and performs two-way authentication and key negotiation with the network side to complete the mobile terminal's network access registration.
[0008] Currently, China is about to complete the decommissioning of all 2G and 3G networks. After the decommissioning, if a mobile terminal using a domestic 4G LTE network is roaming abroad and accesses a 3G GSM network in the roaming location, the roaming mobile terminal will initiate a network access authentication request. However, after the signaling passes through the international signaling transfer point, it will be unable to find the corresponding 3G core network support, resulting in network access registration failure. Summary of the Invention
[0009] This application provides a method for network registration when roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LET) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, in order to solve the problem of network registration failure in cross-network standard roaming situations.
[0010] The first aspect of this application provides a method for network registration when roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. This method includes: a protocol conversion function side for converting between the GSM network communication protocol and the LTE network communication protocol.
[0011] Receive GSM network authentication requests forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These requests carry the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and are sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network in response to network access signals from mobile terminals subscribed to LTE network services.
[0012] The GSM network authentication request is converted into an LTE network authentication request and sent to the LTE network's home subscription server based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). This allows the home subscription server to respond to the authentication request with authorized authentication information and generate LTE network authentication parameters. The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authorized authentication information through an interface simulating the LTE network.
[0013] The system receives an authentication response message from the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. The system extracts the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructs a GSM network authentication response message, which also carries GSM network authentication parameters.
[0014] The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message;
[0015] The user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used.
[0016] As one possible implementation, the method further includes:
[0017] The protocol conversion function receives location update messages forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These location update messages are sent by the Visited Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network after successful network registration, initiating a location update operation.
[0018] In response to the location update message, the protocol conversion function constructs a user data request message and sends it to the home subscription server of the LTE network.
[0019] As one possible implementation, the method further includes:
[0020] The protocol conversion function receives a user data response message from the home subscription server of the LTE network. This user data response message is sent by the home subscription server of the LTE network in response to the user data request message.
[0021] Based on the user data response message, an international user dialing signaling message is constructed and forwarded to the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network can synchronize user data.
[0022] As one possible implementation, the method further includes:
[0023] The protocol conversion function receives international user dialing signaling confirmation messages forwarded by the international signaling transfer point. These international user dialing signaling confirmation messages are sent by the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network after synchronizing user data in response to the international user dialing signaling messages.
[0024] As one possible implementation, the method further includes:
[0025] The protocol conversion function acts as an application server during communication service processes, performing protocol conversion between the GSM network communication protocol and the IP Multimedia Subsystem communication protocol in the LTE network.
[0026] As one possible implementation, the authentication request also carries GSM network authentication parameters, which include a triple consisting of a random number, a symbolic response, and a session encryption key.
[0027] As one possible implementation, the conversion of the authentication request into an authentication request for the LTE network includes:
[0028] Based on the Mobile Application Part (MEP) protocol stack and the Diameter protocol stack, authentication requests conforming to the MEP protocol are converted into authentication requests conforming to the Diameter protocol. This authentication request carries the Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info parameter.
[0029] In this context, the address of the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center from which the authentication request originates serves as the Visiting Network Identifier. The random number in the triplet is converted into a random number in the LTE-side authentication vector. The symbolic response in the triplet is converted into the expected response in the authentication vector. The session encryption key in the triplet is converted into the root key in the authentication vector. The converted random number, expected response, root key, and added authentication token form a quadruple of the authentication vector. The Visiting Network Identifier, authentication vector, immediate response priority parameter, and International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSN) are encapsulated as LTE network authentication parameters in Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info.
[0030] As one possible implementation, the home subscription server generates LTE network authentication parameters based on the authorized authentication information, including:
[0031] In response to the authentication request, the home sign-in server generates an authentication vector based on the authorized authentication information and sends the generated authentication vector in the authentication parameters of the authentication response message to the protocol conversion function. The generated authentication vector includes a quadruple consisting of a random number, the expected response, the authentication token, and the root key. The authentication response message conforms to the diameter protocol.
[0032] As one possible implementation, the step of extracting LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructing a GSM network authentication response message includes:
[0033] Extract the random number from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the random number in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0034] Extract the expected response from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the symbolic response in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0035] Extract the root key from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the session encryption key in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0036] The random number, symbol response, and session encryption key from the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message are combined into a triplet of authentication parameters and carried in the authentication response message. Based on the diameter protocol stack, it is converted into a GSM network authentication response message that conforms to the mobile application part protocol.
[0037] As one possible implementation, the international signaling transfer point is configured with a mapping relationship between functional entities and global codes in the GSM network, which is used to forward messages from the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network to the protocol conversion function side based on the global code mapping relationship.
[0038] As one possible implementation, the protocol conversion function is configured with the global code address required for interfacing with functional entities in the GSM network, and the information required for interfacing with various home subscription servers in the LTE network. This information includes at least one of a domain name, IP address, and port number, and is used to send messages forwarded via international signaling transfer points to the corresponding home subscription server in the LTE network.
[0039] in,
[0040] The global code address is used to forward messages from the home subscription server in the LTE network to the corresponding functional entity in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point.
[0041] A second aspect of this application provides a network access registration device for roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. The device includes:
[0042] The first conversion module is used to receive GSM network authentication requests forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These requests carry an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and are sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network in response to an access signal from a mobile terminal subscribed to LTE network services.
[0043] The GSM network authentication request is converted into an LTE network authentication request and sent to the LTE network's home subscription server based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). This allows the home subscription server to respond to the authentication request with authorized authentication information and generate LTE network authentication parameters. The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authorized authentication information through an interface simulating the LTE network.
[0044] The second conversion module is used to receive an authentication response message sent by the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. The module extracts the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructs a GSM network authentication response message, which carries GSM network authentication parameters.
[0045] The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message;
[0046] The user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used.
[0047] The network access registration method for roaming from an LTE network to a GSM network provided in this application converts a GSM network authentication request into an LTE network authentication request and sends it to the home subscription server of the LTE network based on the International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSN). The home subscription server then generates LTE network authentication parameters in response to the authentication request based on authorized authentication information. These LTE network authentication parameters are then converted into GSM network authentication parameters, enabling the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network to perform network access registration based on the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message. This lightweight signaling protocol conversion and signaling message construction mechanism solves the network access authentication registration problem under different network standards, providing users with more network access options when roaming across network standards. It also helps maintain network coverage of the same network standard within the same area and reduces network operation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, by converting existing protocols of different networks, it requires minimal modification to existing communication systems, thus supporting high communication reliability. Attached Figure Description
[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for network registration when roaming from an LET network to a GSM network, as described in this application.
[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication network system composition in this embodiment.
[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for a mobile terminal in the LTE network to register for network access through a roaming GSM network in this embodiment.
[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of voice call communication when a mobile terminal roams to a GSM network, according to an embodiment of this application.
[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a network registration device for roaming from an LET network to a GSM network.
[0053] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of a network registration device for roaming from an LET network to a GSM network. Detailed Implementation
[0054] To make the objectives, technical means, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0055] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0056] This application embodiment uses a protocol conversion function for converting between GSM network communication protocols and LTE network communication protocols to achieve network access registration for cross-network standard roaming.
[0057] See Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for network registration when roaming from an LET network to a GSM network, according to an embodiment of this application. The method includes: on the protocol conversion function side,
[0058] Step 101: Receive the GSM network authentication request forwarded via the international signaling transfer point.
[0059] The GSM network authentication request carries the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and is sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network in response to the network access signal from a mobile terminal subscribed to LTE network services.
[0060] As an example, the network access signal can be a network search signal when the mobile terminal is powered on or restarted, or a network search signal when the mobile terminal's location is updated; this application does not limit this.
[0061] As an example, the international signaling transfer point is configured with a mapping between functional entities and global codes (GT) in the GSM network, which is used to forward messages from the visited location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network to the protocol conversion function side based on the mapping.
[0062] Step 102: Convert the authentication request into an authentication request for the LTE network and send it to the home subscription server of the LTE network based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMID), so that the home subscription server can generate LTE network authentication parameters based on the authorized authentication information.
[0063] The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authentication information for simulating an LTE network interface.
[0064] As an example, the process of converting the authentication request into an authentication request for the LTE network includes:
[0065] Based on the Mobile Application Part (MEP) protocol stack and the Diameter protocol stack, authentication requests conforming to the MEP protocol are converted into authentication requests conforming to the Diameter protocol. This authentication request carries the Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info parameter.
[0066] In this context, the address of the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center from which the authentication request originates serves as the Visiting Network Identifier. The random number in the triplet is converted into a random number in the LTE-side authentication vector. The symbolic response in the triplet is converted into the expected response in the authentication vector. The session encryption key in the triplet is converted into the root key in the authentication vector. The converted random number, expected response, root key, and added authentication token form a quadruple of the authentication vector. The Visiting Network Identifier, authentication vector, immediate response priority parameter, and International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSN) are encapsulated as LTE network authentication parameters in Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info.
[0067] The home network authentication server generates LTE network authentication parameters based on the authorized authentication information, including:
[0068] In response to the authentication request, the home sign-in server generates an authentication vector based on the authorized authentication information and sends the generated authentication vector in the authentication parameters of the authentication response message to the protocol conversion function. The generated authentication vector includes a quadruple consisting of a random number, the expected response, the authentication token, and the root key. The authentication response message conforms to the diameter protocol.
[0069] Step 103: Receive an authentication response message sent by the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. Extract the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and construct a GSM network authentication response message. This GSM network authentication response message carries GSM network authentication parameters.
[0070] As an example, the step of extracting LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructing a GSM network authentication response message includes:
[0071] Extract the random number from the authentication vector of the authentication request and use it as the random number in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0072] Extract the expected response from the authentication vector of the authentication request and use it as the symbolic response in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0073] Extract the root key from the authentication vector of the authentication request and use it as the session encryption key in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0074] The random number, symbolic response, and session encryption key from the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message are combined into a triplet of authentication parameters.
[0075] The authentication parameters are carried in the authentication response message and converted into a GSM network authentication response message that conforms to the Mobile Application Part Protocol (MACP) based on the Mobile Application Part Protocol stack.
[0076] Step 104: The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message;
[0077] In this process, the user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used during the network registration process. For example, the user identification information of the mobile terminal may not be stored on the protocol conversion function side, and the activation of international roaming permission for the mobile terminal is also omitted.
[0078] As an example, the protocol conversion function is configured with:
[0079] The global code address required for interfacing with functional entities in the GSM network. This global code address is used to forward messages from the home subscription server in the LTE network to the corresponding functional entity in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point; and
[0080] The information required to connect to the home subscription servers in the LTE network includes at least one of the following: domain name, IP address, and port number, and is used to send messages forwarded by the international signaling transfer point to the corresponding home subscription server in the LTE network.
[0081] It should be understood that the protocol conversion function can be a standalone physical device, such as a protocol conversion gateway, or it can be an application located at a signaling switching point, such as a platform-based application. This application does not impose any limitations on this.
[0082] The network access registration method for roaming from an LTE network to a GSM network provided in this application embodiment enables the GSM network to connect with the LTE network via an international signaling transfer point through a protocol conversion function. By converting the authentication signaling from the GSM network to the LTE network, the network access authentication and registration function under different wireless network standards is realized. This can overcome the standard restrictions of the roaming network when a mobile terminal roams internationally, maximize the convenience of users' network selection when roaming internationally, facilitate the decommissioning of GSM networks, and save operating costs and maintenance.
[0083] The following explanation uses LTE networks within China and GSM networks outside China as examples. It is understood that this application's embodiments are not limited to China and are applicable to network access registration for any cross-border network standard.
[0084] To enable network registration for mobile terminals registered on a domestic LTE network when they move to an overseas GSM network, thereby enabling international roaming services (e.g., voice, data network, SMS), this embodiment constructs a protocol conversion function on the International Signalling Transfer Point (ISTP) side, referred to as the G2V platform, to realize the authentication and registration signaling conversion from the GSM network to the LTE network, and to realize the network access authentication and registration function under cross-network wireless network standards, thereby overcoming the standard restrictions on accessing the roaming network when roaming overseas.
[0085] See Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication network system composition in this embodiment. At the International Signalling Point (ISTP) side, there is a G2V platform for cross-network standard protocol conversion, used to connect the ISTP and the HSS in various regions of the domestic LTE network. The G2V platform performs signaling protocol conversion and works with mobile terminals to complete the GSM network roaming registration function, thereby enabling communication (voice, SMS, data) services for roaming on overseas GSM networks. The G2V platform operates transparently; overseas, it uses the GSM network access authentication method, while domestically, it uses the LTE method to complete the mobile terminal's network access authentication and registration.
[0086] The G2V platform provides cross-network standard mobile terminal registration and authentication signaling conversion logic. This platform does not need to store user SIM data, nor does it require the activation of international roaming permissions for mobile terminals. It triggers business logic through MAP AUTH authentication requests forwarded by ISTP.
[0087] The G2V platform stores the Global Code (GT) addresses required by functional entities such as the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) / Visitor Location Register (VLR) of the GSM network to implement services. These GT addresses are used to forward messages from the home subscription server in the LTE network to the corresponding functional entities in the GSM network via ISTP. The platform also stores the domain names, IP addresses, and port numbers required for interfacing with various HSSs in the LTE network. These GT addresses are used to send messages forwarded via ISTP to the corresponding home subscription server in the LTE network.
[0088] The G2V platform completes the signaling protocol conversion from the MAP signaling authentication request (AUTH) to the corresponding authentication operation in the LTE network, so that the home subscription server in the LTE network can generate authentication four-tuple parameters and respond to the GSM network side to realize GSM network access registration.
[0089] The G2V platform also connects to ISTP and the IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS I / S-CSCF in various regions within China to enable communication services after completing network registration on the GSM network.
[0090] As an example, the G2V platform includes a protocol conversion module and an application service (AS) module.
[0091] in,
[0092] The protocol conversion module is used to convert the MAP protocol from ISTP into the diameter protocol based on the MAP protocol stack and then send it to the HSS on the LTE side. Conversely, it converts the diameter protocol from the HSS on the LTE side into the MAP protocol based on the diameter protocol stack and then sends it to ISTP.
[0093] The AS module is used to convert the MAP protocol from ISTP into the SIP protocol based on the MAP protocol stack and then send it to the IMS I / S-CSCF on the LTE side, and to convert the SIP protocol from IMS I / S-CSCF into the MAP protocol based on the SIP protocol stack and then send it to ISTP.
[0094] See Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for a mobile terminal in an LTE network to register for network access via a roaming GSM network, as described in this embodiment. It includes:
[0095] Step 301: In response to the network access signal when a mobile terminal roams to the GSM network from a contracted LTE network service, the roaming MSC / VLR initiates a GSM network authentication request, such as a MAP authentication request message, to the ISTP for the roaming mobile terminal. The authentication request message carries the IMSI number, which is the International Subscriber Identity of the roaming number.
[0096] Step 302: The authentication request is forwarded to the G2V platform via ISTP. After the platform verifies the message type, it triggers the protocol conversion business logic.
[0097] Step 303: The G2V platform analyzes the number attribution information based on the IMSI number, converts the MAP authentication request message into an LTE network authentication request message (AIR), and forwards it to the HSS on the LTE network side.
[0098] The authentication request message carries the Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info parameter, which is used to simulate the S6d interface in the IMS network to obtain authorization and authentication information in order to apply for network access authentication.
[0099] Referring to Table 1, the parameter conversion descriptions for GSM-side AUTH and LTE-side AIA messages are as follows.
[0100] Table 1
[0101]
[0102] As can be seen from the comparison in the table above, although the user identifier IMSI remains unchanged between GSM-side authentication and LTE-side authentication, the authentication data content changes from [RAND, SRES, Kc] to [RAND, XRES, AUTN, KASME], and the network identifier becomes more explicit. Therefore, the authentication information has undergone a fundamental upgrade. This means that the G2V platform needs to request new authentication parameters from the GSM side and encapsulate them into LTE-side S6d AIR messages through conversion and addition to achieve a more secure LTE-side authentication vector.
[0103] As an example, the authentication request on the GSM side also carries GSM authentication parameters, which include a triple consisting of a random number, a symbolic response, and the voice encryption key.
[0104] When the G2V platform converts the authentication request into an authentication request, it uses the address of the MSC / VLR from which the authentication request originated as the visited network identifier, converts the random number in the triplet into a random number in the LTE-side authentication vector, converts the symbolic response in the triplet into the expected response in the authentication vector, converts the session encryption key in the triplet into the root key in the authentication vector, and adds an authentication token. The converted random number, expected response, root key, and authentication token are used as a quadruple of the authentication vector, and the visited network identifier, authentication vector, immediate response priority parameter, and IMIS are encapsulated in Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info.
[0105] Step 304: After receiving the AIR message, the HSS on the LTE network side generates an authentication quadruple parameter based on the obtained authorization and authentication information, and sends it back to the G2V platform through an authentication response message (AIA). The authentication information (Authentication-Info) parameter carried in the authentication response message carries the authentication vector.
[0106] Step 305: After receiving the AIA message, the G2V platform extracts the authentication vector carried by the Authentication-Info and then constructs a MAP authentication response message (AUTH RESPONSE) to send the authentication quadruple parameters to the GSM side.
[0107] As an example,
[0108] The G2V platform extracts the random number from the authentication vector carried in the Authentication-Info and uses it as the random number in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0109] Extract the expected response from the authentication vector carried in the Authentication-Info and use it as the symbolic response in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0110] Extract the root key from the authentication vector carried in the Authentication-Info message, and use it as the session encryption key in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message.
[0111] The random number, symbolic response, and session encryption key from the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message are combined into a triplet of authentication parameters.
[0112] The resulting triple is carried in the authentication response message, and the authentication response message is converted into a GSM network authentication response message conforming to the MAP protocol based on the diameter protocol stack.
[0113] Step 306: After receiving the authentication parameters, the GSM-side MSC / VLR initiates the authentication process. Once authentication is successful, the mobile terminal is allowed to access the network, completing the registration process.
[0114] Steps 307-308: After successful network registration on the GSM side, the roaming core network of the GSM side initiates a location update operation (UPDATE_LOCATION). The location update operation signaling message is forwarded to the G2V platform via ISTP.
[0115] In steps 309-310, after receiving the location update operation, the G2V platform constructs a User Data Request (UDR) message for the IMS sh interface and sends it to the HSS on the LTE side to request user data operation, and receives a User Data Response (UDA) message from the HSS.
[0116] In steps 311-312, the G2V platform constructs an International Subscriber Dial (ISD) signaling message based on the received UDA message and sends it to the MSC / VLR in the roaming location on the GSM side to synchronize the user data of the mobile terminal.
[0117] In steps 313-314, the roaming MSC / VLR on the GSM side returns an ISD signaling message acknowledgment message (ISD_ACK).
[0118] In this embodiment, network access authentication is achieved through signaling conversion and transmission to the LTE network side, which maximizes the convenience for users to choose networks when roaming across network standards, and also promotes the complete decommissioning of GSM wireless networks on the LTE network side, saving operation and maintenance costs.
[0119] After network access authentication is implemented on the GSM network side, mobile terminals can carry out cross-network roaming communication services on the GSM network side. The following takes voice call service as an example.
[0120] After GSM network authentication is implemented, the mobile terminal can access the roaming GSM network normally. When the mobile terminal is the caller, the caller's voice is sent to the corresponding called party's home network via ISTP for connection. At this time, the G2V platform does not need to participate, and it belongs to the existing international voice call process.
[0121] Unlike the calling process, when a mobile terminal is the called party, the LTE network to which the mobile terminal belongs cannot provide a normal address. Therefore, the G2V platform needs to act as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) application server (AS) to receive the call from the GSM network roaming number through the initial filtering rules (iFC) of the called mobile terminal, and then obtain the mobile station roaming number (MSRN) from the MSC / VLR of the GSM network to complete the connection and realize the called party process.
[0122] See Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a voice call communication process when a mobile terminal roams to a GSM network, according to an embodiment of this application. It includes:
[0123] Step 401: The called mobile terminal’s home IMS network sends the call to the AS module in the G2V platform according to the called mobile terminal’s iFC.
[0124] Step 402: After receiving the call, the AS module calls the MAP signaling interface and forwards the roaming number (PRN) message to the MSC / VLR on the GSM network side where the called mobile terminal is roaming via ISTP to apply for an MSRN.
[0125] Step 403: The MSC / VLR on the roaming GSM network side responds to the PRN message, generates the MSRN, and forwards it to the AS module via ISTP;
[0126] Step 404: The AS module initiates an INVITE call to the IMS core network, and the call message carries the MSRN.
[0127] Steps 405-406: After the called number is changed to MSRN, the called number is called through the existing international language call routing method, the call rings and is connected.
[0128] See Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a network registration device for roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, according to an embodiment of this application. The device includes:
[0129] The first conversion module is used to receive GSM network authentication requests forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These requests carry an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and are sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network in response to an access signal from a mobile terminal subscribed to LTE network services.
[0130] The GSM network authentication request is converted into an LTE network authentication request and sent to the LTE network's home subscription server based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). This allows the home subscription server to respond to the authentication request with authorized authentication information and generate LTE network authentication parameters. The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authorized authentication information through an interface simulating the LTE network.
[0131] The second conversion module is used to receive an authentication response message sent by the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. The module extracts the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructs a GSM network authentication response message, which carries GSM network authentication parameters.
[0132] The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message;
[0133] The user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used.
[0134] As an example, the device also includes:
[0135] The third conversion module is used as an application server during the communication service process to perform protocol conversion between GSM network communication service protocols such as MAP protocol and IP multimedia subsystem communication service protocols in LTE network such as SIP protocol.
[0136] See Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6This is another schematic diagram of the apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. The apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the steps of the network registration method for roaming from an LTE network to GSM according to an embodiment of this application.
[0137] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device. Optionally, the memory may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor.
[0138] The processors mentioned above can be general-purpose processors, including central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), etc.; they can also be digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.
[0139] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the network registration method steps for roaming from an LTE network to a GSM network according to this application.
[0140] For the device / network-side equipment / storage medium embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments.
[0141] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0142] 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 for network registration when roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, characterized in that, The method includes: a protocol conversion function side for converting protocols between GSM network communication protocols and LTE network communication protocols. Receive GSM network authentication requests forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These requests carry the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and are sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network in response to network access signals from mobile terminals subscribed to LTE network services. The GSM network authentication request is converted into an LTE network authentication request and sent to the LTE network's home subscription server based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). This allows the home subscription server to respond to the authentication request with authorized authentication information and generate LTE network authentication parameters. The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authorized authentication information through an interface simulating the LTE network. The system receives an authentication response message from the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. The system extracts the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructs a GSM network authentication response message, which also carries GSM network authentication parameters. The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message; The user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used.
2. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The protocol conversion function receives location update messages forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These location update messages are sent by the Visited Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network after successful network registration, initiating a location update operation. In response to the location update message, the protocol conversion function constructs a user data request message and sends it to the home subscription server of the LTE network.
3. The network access registration method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The protocol conversion function receives a user data response message from the home subscription server of the LTE network. This user data response message is sent by the home subscription server of the LTE network in response to the user data request message. Based on the user data response message, an international user dialing signaling message is constructed and forwarded to the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network can synchronize user data.
4. The network access registration method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The protocol conversion function receives international user dialing signaling confirmation messages forwarded by the international signaling transfer point. These international user dialing signaling confirmation messages are sent by the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network after synchronizing user data in response to the international user dialing signaling messages.
5. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The protocol conversion function acts as an application server during communication service processes, performing protocol conversion between the GSM network communication protocol and the IP Multimedia Subsystem communication protocol in the LTE network.
6. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The authentication request also carries GSM network authentication parameters, which include a triple consisting of a random number, a symbolic response, and a session encryption key. The process of converting the authentication request into an authentication request for the LTE network includes: Based on the Mobile Application Part (MEP) protocol stack and the Diameter protocol stack, authentication requests conforming to the MEP protocol are converted into authentication requests conforming to the Diameter protocol. This authentication request carries the Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info parameter. In this context, the address of the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center from which the authentication request originates serves as the Visiting Network Identifier. The random number in the triplet is converted into a random number in the LTE-side authentication vector. The symbolic response in the triplet is converted into the expected response in the authentication vector. The session encryption key in the triplet is converted into the root key in the authentication vector. The converted random number, expected response, root key, and added authentication token form a quadruple of the authentication vector. The Visiting Network Identifier, authentication vector, immediate response priority parameter, and International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSN) are encapsulated as LTE network authentication parameters in Requested-UTRAN-GERAN Authentication-Info. The home network authentication server generates LTE network authentication parameters based on the authorized authentication information, including: In response to the authentication request, the home sign-in server generates an authentication vector based on the authorized authentication information and sends the generated authentication vector in the authentication parameters of the authentication response message to the protocol conversion function. The generated authentication vector includes a quadruple consisting of a random number, the expected response, the authentication token, and the root key. The authentication response message conforms to the diameter protocol.
7. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of extracting LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructing a GSM network authentication response message includes: Extract the random number from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the random number in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message. Extract the expected response from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the symbolic response in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message. Extract the root key from the authentication vector in the authentication response message and use it as the session encryption key in the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message. The random number, symbol response, and session encryption key from the authentication parameters of the GSM network authentication response message are combined into a triplet of authentication parameters and carried in the authentication response message. Based on the diameter protocol stack, it is converted into a GSM network authentication response message that conforms to the mobile application part protocol.
8. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The international signaling transfer point is configured with a mapping relationship between functional entities and global codes in the GSM network, which is used to forward messages from the Visiting Location Register / Mobile Switching Center in the GSM network to the protocol conversion function side based on the global code mapping relationship.
9. The network access registration method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protocol conversion function is configured with the global code address required for interfacing with functional entities in the GSM network, as well as the information required for interfacing with various home subscription servers in the LTE network. This information includes at least one of a domain name, IP address, and port number, and is used to send messages forwarded via international signaling transfer points to the corresponding home subscription server in the LTE network. in, The global code address is used to forward messages from the home subscription server in the LTE network to the corresponding functional entity in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point.
10. A network access registration device for roaming from a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, characterized in that, The device includes: The first conversion module is used to receive GSM network authentication requests forwarded via international signaling transfer points. These requests carry an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and are sent by the Visitor Location Register / Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the GSM network in response to an access signal from a mobile terminal subscribed to LTE network services. The GSM network authentication request is converted into an LTE network authentication request and sent to the LTE network's home subscription server based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). This allows the home subscription server to respond to the authentication request with authorized authentication information and generate LTE network authentication parameters. The authentication request carries parameters for obtaining authorized authentication information through an interface simulating the LTE network. The second conversion module is used to receive an authentication response message sent by the home subscription server. This authentication response message carries LTE network authentication parameters. The module extracts the LTE network authentication parameters from the authentication response message and constructs a GSM network authentication response message, which carries GSM network authentication parameters. The GSM network authentication response message is forwarded to the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network via the international signaling transfer point, so that the visitor location register / mobile switching center in the GSM network can perform network registration according to the GSM network authentication parameters in the GSM network authentication response message; The user identification information of the mobile terminal is not stored or used.