MME Handover Access Verification via eNB-CSG Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional E-UTRAN mobile communication systems, the presence of a gateway device between the mobile switching center and radio base stations hinders the ability to perform Accessibility Checks for mobile stations, as the gateway device cannot recognize combinations of eNB-ID and CSG-ID, preventing the mobile switching center from verifying access rights.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication method that involves managing and reporting eNB-ID and CSG-ID combinations between the gateway device and the mobile switching center, allowing the mobile switching center to perform Accessibility Checks by using identification information and subscription data to determine access rights for mobile stations during handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gateway device HeNB-GW is provided between the mobile switching center MME and the radio base station HeNB, then the system can accommodate multiple radio base stations, but the mobile switching center MME cannot perform Accessibility Check because the gateway device cannot recognize eNB-ID and CSG-ID combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new intermediary element: the eNB-ID to CSG-ID mapping table stored in the mobile switching center MME. This table acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the gateway device's inability to recognize CSG-IDs and the MME's need to perform accessibility checks. The mapping table enables the MME to translate eNB-IDs received from the gateway device into corresponding CSG-IDs for verification against UE subscription data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information handling function between the gateway device and the mobile switching center. The gateway device handles only eNB-ID identification and forwarding, while the mobile switching center handles CSG-ID mapping and accessibility check logic. This segmentation allows the gateway to remain simple while enabling the MME to perform complex verification functions.
2Productivity
If the gateway device HeNB-GW accommodates multiple radio base stations HeNB, then the system scalability is improved, but the mobile switching center MME loses the ability to perform Accessibility Check due to lack of eNB-ID←→CSG-ID table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the eNB-ID to CSG-ID mapping table in the mobile switching center MME before handover operations occur. This mapping table is configured in advance, enabling the MME to immediately perform accessibility checks when handover requests are received, without needing real-time information exchange during the critical handover process.
3Ease of operation
If the mobile switching center MME cannot recognize eNB-ID and CSG-ID combinations due to the gateway device, then Accessibility Check cannot be performed, but the handover process requires verification of mobile station UE access rights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile switching center MME uses the eNB-ID to CSG-ID mapping table to obtain CSG-ID information corresponding to the target HeNB, then feeds this information back into the accessibility check process by comparing it against the UE's subscribed CSG-IDs. This feedback loop enables verification of access rights even through the gateway device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes: a step of a mobile switching center MME managing access information that defines accessible CSG-ID of a mobile station UE; a step of the mobile switching center MME accommodating a combination of eNB-IDs and CSG-IDs of a radio base station HeNB2 from a gateway device HeNB-GW; and a step of the mobile switching center MME determining whether the mobile station UE is accessible to the radio base station HeNB2 based on identification information of the mobile station UE and eNB-ID of the radio base station HeNB2 included in "HO Required" received from the radio base station eNB, which are included in the handover request signal, with reference to the access information and the combination.