UMA Terminal Location via GANC and CLF Query

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, there is no defined mechanism for associating a location number with the current location of a subscriber using an Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) terminal, which is essential for services like emergency calls and lawful intercept, as the Generic Access Network Controller (GANC) does not report a 'cell' to the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC).

Innovation Solution

A method where the Generic Access Network Controller (GANC) receives an IP address of the UMA terminal, queries a Connectivity Session Location and Repository Function (CLF) to obtain location information, and then transmits this information to a communications service node, such as a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) or Serving General Packet Radio System Service Node (SGSN), using enhanced GSM Attach procedures or direct requests, to determine and provide the location number.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UMA terminal accesses the GSM network through a GANC, then the subscriber can gain access to GSM services using unlicensed spectrum, but the MSC cannot associate a location number with the subscriber's current location because the GANC does not report a cell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess methodVSAvoidlocation number

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the CLF as an intermediary component that stores the mapping between IP addresses and location numbers. The GANC queries the CLF using the terminal's IP address to retrieve the location number, which the CLF provides as a mediator between the access network and the core network location management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The CLF pre-stores the mapping relationships between IP addresses and location numbers before they are needed. This preliminary action allows the GANC to quickly retrieve location information through simple queries without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional signaling exchanges during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the MSC uses its regular method to derive a location number from a cell report, then the location number is accurately associated with the subscriber's current cell, but this method cannot be applied to UMA terminals since the GANC does not report a cell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determinationVSAvoidaccess method

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for location determination from cell-based identification (used in traditional GSM) to IP address-based identification (used in UMA access). The CLF stores and provides location numbers based on IP address queries, enabling accurate location determination for UMA terminals using a different parameter than traditional cellular networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If a solution is provided by querying a Serving Mobile Location Centre database, then location information can be obtained, but this requires bandwidth and processor use for each location request

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation numberVSAvoidbandwidth and processor use

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The CLF pre-stores the mapping between IP addresses and location numbers, eliminating the need for complex real-time database queries to the Serving Mobile Location Centre. This preliminary preparation of location data allows the GANC to retrieve location information through simple, efficient queries without consuming significant bandwidth or processor resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the location number retrieval function from the complex Serving Mobile Location Centre database system and creates a dedicated, simplified CLF component. This extracted function handles IP address to location number mappings independently, reducing the bandwidth and processor usage requirements compared to querying the full SMLC database for each location request.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8649799B2Unlicensed mobile access (UMA) terminal location in a communications network

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of managing location information of an Unlicensed Mobile Access terminal in a Global System for Mobile Communications network. An IP address of the terminal is received at a Generic Access Network Controller. The Generic Access Network Controller then sends a query to a Connectivity Session Location and Repository Function associated with the IP network or IP sub network through which the UMA terminal has gained IP connectivity for the purpose of attaching to a Mobile Switching Center or Serving General Packet Radio System Service Node. The Connectivity Session Location and Repository Function sends location information to the Generic Access Network Controller, which then transmits the location information to a Mobile Switching Center or a Serving General Packet Radio System Service Node.