Patent Grant
8121027
The present application claims priority from PCT patent application PCT/JP2005/023872 filed on Dec. 27, 2005, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
The present invention relates to an access system performing flow control, a wireless system performing a handover between access systems, and a flow control method.
A method of controlling flow between a PDSN (Packet Data Service Node), which is an access gateway, and a 1xEv-DO (1x Evolution Data Only) RAN (Radio Access Network) has been proposed in Chapter 8 of the NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 1 as a type of wireless system that has been standardized by 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2).
Further, a method of setting QoS (Quality of Service) in a wireless system has been proposed in the NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 2, which has been standardized by 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2). In the document, Annex.E discloses the format of a QoS parameter used for signaling, and Annex.F discloses a call flow in which a mobile station (MS) requests QoS from a network and a RAN permits the request.
Furthermore, a standard for inter-working between a wireless LAN and a 1xEv-DO system has been proposed in the NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 3, which has been standardized by 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2).
[NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 1]: X.P0011-D, Chapter 3 (July, 2005)
[NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 2]: X.P0011-D, Chapter 4 (July, 2005)
[NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 3]: X.P0028-200 v0.1, X31-20050926-005 (September, 2005)
An Access Gate Way (AGW) 8 is a gateway provided at the boundary between the access network and the core network. An AGW 2 is an Access Gateway provided between the wire-line access network 3 and the core network 1. An AGW 4 is an Access Gate Way provided between the 1xEv-DO RAN 5 and the core network 1, which is called a PDSN. The AGW 8 is an access gateway provided between the WLAN RAN 9 and the core network 1, which is called a PDIF (Packet Data Inter-working Function). An AGW 12 is an Access Gate Way provided between the WiMAX RAN 13 and the core network 1. An AP 7 is an access point (AP) of the 1xEv-DO system. An AP 11 is an access point of the wireless LAN. An AP 15 is an Access Point of the WiMAX system. An H/R 18 is a HUB or a router including an HAT 19 in the wire-line access network 3. A PCF (Packet Control Function) 6 is a packet control function device that transmits packets between the AP 7 and the AGW 4. An H/R 10 is a hub or a router including the AP 11 in the WLAN RAN 9. An H/R 14 is a hub or a router including the AP 15 in the WiMAX RAN 13.
HATs 19 and 20 are Hybrid Access Terminals, and include interfaces for connection to plural different access systems. A CN 16 is a Correspondence Node that communicates with the HATs 19 and 20. An HA 17 is a Home Agent of a Mobile IP.
In the prior art, flow control is performed in the access network in order to prevent packet discard.
When the transmission rate of the packet to the HAT 19 is restored and the amount of packet information staying in the apparatus of the network 22 is smaller than a predetermined value, the network 22 transmits a packet transmission start signal 24 to the AGW 21. The AGW 21 resumes the transmission of packets to the network 22 (in this specification, the packet transmission stop signal is represented by Xoff and the packet transmission start signal is represented by Xon).
In the prior art, the AGW 21 discards the packet. In the case of the AGW 21 that stores the IP packet 25, when the AGW 21 receives Xoff but does not receive Xon because the transmission rate is not restored, the buffer overflows, which results in the discard of the packet.
However, it is impractical to perform flow control on all the paths from the HAT to the CN through a backbone network or the Internet with whom the operation and management are not integrated.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of packets discarded by the AGW by significantly reducing the amount of impact to the core network.
It is possible to consider a flow control signal received by each AGW as an index for a load applied to the access network.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of performing a handover between new access systems according to a load applied to the access networks.
Some aspects of the present invention will be described briefly as follows.
According to an aspect of the present invention, an access gateway for controlling the flow of an access network comprises a receiving unit for receiving a packet transmission stop signal from the access network, and a control unit; wherein, upon receiving a packet transmission stop signal, the control unit determines whether a predetermined message transmitting chance is given, and when it is determined that the message transmitting chance is given, transmits a message that requests a handover to a second access network whose type is different from that of a first access network including the access gateway to a terminal belonging to the access network.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a wireless system includes plural different access networks and a terminal having interfaces corresponding to the plural different access networks. Each of the access networks includes an AGW that performs flow control. When receiving a packet transmission stop signal, the AGW determines whether a predetermine message transmitting chance is given. The AGW includes a control unit that transmits a message for requiring a handover to another access network to the terminal when the message transmitting chance is given. In addition, the terminal includes a unit that performs a handover to another access network when receiving the message.
Further, preferably, the AGW according to the present invention includes a unit that transmits the handover request message to the terminal through an access network including the AGW and an interface of the terminal corresponding to the access network including the AGW. In this case, the AGW and the access network including the AGW transmit the message having higher priority than user data.
Furthermore, preferably, the AGW according to the present invention includes a unit that transmits the handover request message to the terminal through an access network not including the AGW and an interface of the terminal corresponding to the access network. The AGW include a storage unit that stores address information and a control unit that manages the address information, selects a destination from the address information, and transmits the message.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal includes a unit that transmits a message including address information of an interface of the terminal, which corresponds to another access network different from one access network, to an AGW belonging to the one access network connected to the terminal.
Preferably, the AGW according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores transmission information for the terminal. When the amount of transmission information stored in the storage unit is larger than a threshold value, the AGW determines a chance to transmit the handover request message.
Further, preferably, the AGW according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a communication quality (QoS) to be provided to the terminal, and a control unit that measures the communication quality and compares the measured communication quality with the communication quality stored in the storage unit. When the measured communication quality is lower than that stored in the storage unit, the AGW determines that a message transmitting chance is given. Preferably, the control unit measures and compares at least one of a packet loss rate and latency as the communication quality.
Preferably, the AGW according to the present invention randomly determines the predetermined message transmitting chance. Preferably, the AGW includes a storage unit that stores a communication quality provided to the terminal. When the communication quality is within a predetermined range, the AGW determines that the predetermined message transmitting chance is given. Preferably, the communication quality is any one of a traffic class, priority, latency, and a packet loss rate.
According to the wireless system according to the present invention, the access network includes the AGW that performs flow control. When receiving the packet transmission stop signal, the AGW determines whether a predetermined message transmitting chance is given. In addition, the terminal includes a unit that performs a handover to another access network when receiving the message. Therefore, when each access system can absorb a traffic load, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching to use the access system. As a result, it is possible to stably use one access system and thus reduce signaling overhead that accompanies the switching operation, the number of communication interruptions, or time.
Further, the AGW according to the present invention includes a unit that stores transmission information for the terminal, and determines that the transmitting chance of a handover request message is given when the amount of transmission information stored in the storage unit is larger than a threshold value. When each access system cannot absorb a traffic load, switching from the access system that is currently being used to another access system is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the AGW of each of the access systems discarding the packets.
Furthermore, the AGW according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a communication quality provided to the terminal and a control unit that measures the communication quality and compares the measured communication quality with that stored in the storage unit. When the measured communication quality is lower than that stored in the storage unit, the AGW determines that the message transmitting chance is given. When each access system cannot absorb a traffic load and the communication quality deteriorates, switching from the access system that is currently being used to another access system is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the deterioration in communication quality.
Moreover, the AGW according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a communication quality provided to the terminal, and determines that the message transmitting chance is given when the communication quality is within a predetermined range. The AGW can perform a handover between different types of access systems only when it is necessary to maintain the communication quality provided to the terminal.
Further, the AGW according to the present invention randomly determines the predetermined message transmitting chance. When the AGW collectively performs a handover on all the IP flows receiving the packet transmission stop signal, there is a concern that a load is concentrated on a handover destination. However, since the AGW randomly performs a handover, it is possible to distribute a load.
The AGW according to the present invention transmits the handover request message to the terminal through an access network including the AGW and an interface of the terminal corresponding to the access network including the AGW. In this case, the AGW and the access network including the AGW transmit the message having higher priority than user data. Therefore, if communication is not completely interrupted, the AGW can transmit the handover request message to the terminal even though the transmission of the user data is stopped.
The AGW according to the present invention includes a unit that transmits the handover request message to the terminal through an access network not including the AGW and an interface of the terminal corresponding to the access network. Even though the communication of the access system used is completely interrupted, the message can be transmitted through another access system. Therefore, the AGW can transmit the handover request message to the terminal.
The terminal according to the present invention includes a unit that transmits a message including address information of an interface of the terminal, which corresponds to another access network different from one access network, to an AGW belonging to the one access network connected to the terminal. Therefore, the AGW can obtain the address of a message destination.
Hereinafter, various terminals, an access network, and an access gateway according to embodiments of the present invention, which are applicable to the wireless system shown in
[Example of HAT]
First, an example of the structure of an HAT according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in
A WLAN interface (WLAN IF) 39 is an interface for connection to a WLAN RAN 9. A BB 43 processes the baseband signals transmitted or received to or from a wireless LAN. For example, the BB 43 modulates a transmission signal, supplements the synchronization of received signals, and demodulates the received signals. An IF 42 processes an intermediate frequency (IF) signal of the wireless LAN. The IF 42 performs DA (Digital-to-Analog) conversion on the baseband signal of the wireless LAN input from the BB 43, and converts the converted signal into an intermediate frequency signal, and outputs the signal to an RF unit 41. In addition, the IF 42 performs AD (Analog-to-Digital) conversion on an RF signal of the wireless LAN input from the RF unit 41, and outputs the converted signal to the BB 43. The RF (Radio Frequency) unit 41 processes the radio frequency (RF) signal of the wireless LAN. The RF unit 41 up-converts the signal input from the IF 42 into an RF signal, amplifies transmission power, and outputs the RF signal to an antenna 40. In addition, the RF unit 41 down-converts the RF signal received from the antenna 40 into an intermediate frequency signal, and outputs the signal to the IF 42.
A WiMAX interface (WiMAX IF) 44 is an interface for connection to a WiMAX RAN 13. A BB 48 processes the baseband signals transmitted or received to or from a WiMAX system. For example, the BB 48 modulates a transmission signal, supplements the synchronization of received signals, and demodulates the received signals. An IF 47 processes an intermediate frequency (IF) signal of the WiMAX system. The IF 47 performs DA (Digital-to-Analog) conversion on the baseband signal of the WiMAX system input from the BB 48, and converts the converted signal into an intermediate frequency signal, and outputs the signal to an RF unit 47. In addition, the IF 47 performs AD (Analog-to-Digital) conversion on an RF signal of the WiMAX system input from the RF unit 46, and outputs the converted signal to the BB 48. The RF (Radio Frequency) unit 46 processes the radio frequency (RF) signal of the WiMAX system. The RF unit 46 up-converts the signal input from the IF 47 into an RF signal, amplifies transmission power, and outputs the RF signal to an antenna 45. In addition, the RF unit 46 down-converts the RF signal received from the antenna 45 into an intermediate frequency signal, and outputs the signal to the IF 47.
A wire-line interface (wire-line IF) 49 is an interface for connection to a wire-line network 3.
A control unit 31 manages the overall operation of the access point (AP). The control unit 31 performs various control processes, such as a process of composing, decomposing, discarding packets that are received or to be transmitted, a process of controlling the transmission timing of packets, a process of managing information in a storage unit 32, a process of transmitting messages, a process of analyzing received messages, and handover corresponding to the received message, and also executes application software for a conference call. The storage unit 32 stores management information including data that is received or to be transmitted, QoS information, and address information of each interface. A UIF 33 is a user interface, such as a keyboard, a display, or a speaker.
[Example of AP]
[Example of H/R]
[Example of PCF]
[Example of AGW]
[Example of HA]
An HA 17 is a home agent of a mobile IP.
[Example of CN]
[Example of Flow Control Corresponding to Priority]
Next, an example of flow control corresponding to priority according to this embodiment of the invention will be described below.
In
User data is transmitted through the flow 2, and control data including a Hand Over Request (HOR) message, which will be described below, transmitted from the AGW to the HAT is transmitted through the flow 1. The user data is used for the user of the HAT to execute applications, such as audio conference or file download.
When traffic congestion occurs in a wireless transmission line, the amount of user data transmitted increases since the control data has higher priority. The amount of user data in the AP is larger than a predetermined value, the control unit 57 of the AP transmits a packet stop signal for flow control to the PCF or the H/R. The PCF or the H/R receives the packet stop signal and stores the packet of the user data in the downstream direction in the low-priority buffer 27. In addition, when the traffic congestion is not restored, the amount of packets of the user data stored in the storage unit of the PCF or the H/R is larger than a predetermined value, and the CPU 78 of the PCF or the control unit 65 of the H/R transmits a packet stop signal 23 to the AGW, as shown in
Similarly, when traffic congestion occurs in a wire transmission line of the access network, the packet stop signal 23 for user data is transmitted to the AGW of each access network. For example, when traffic congestion occurs between the HAT 19 and the H/R 18, the H/R 18 starts to store the packets of the user data in the downstream direction in the low-priority buffer 27. In addition, when the traffic congestion is not restored, the amount of packets of the user data stored in the storage unit of the H/R is larger than a predetermined value, and the control unit 65 of the H/R 18 transmits the packet stop signal 23 to the AGW, as shown in
The control unit 83 of the AGW receives the packet stop signal 23 and stores the packets of the user data in the downstream direction in the low-priority buffer 27. When the traffic congestion is not restored and the amount of packets of the user data stored in the storage unit 82 is larger than a predetermined value, the control unit 83 of the AGW transmits an HOR message as a packet of the flow 1. The HOR message is received by the PCF or the H/R and stored in the high-priority buffer 26. The HOR message is transmitted to the AP prior to information of the low-priority buffer 27. In addition, the HOR message is received by the AP and stored in the high-priority buffer 26. The HOR message is transmitted to the HAT prior to information of the low-priority buffer 27.
As such, when communication is not completely interrupted, the AGW can transmit the HOR message to the HAT even when the transmission of the user data is stopped due to flow control according to priority.
[Example of HO from 1xEv-DO to WLAN that Transmits HOR in Flow Control According to Priority]
First, the HAT 19 is connected to the 1xEv-DO RAN 5 and communicates with the CN 16 by an IP flow (IP flow 101). The IP flow is a continuous series of IP packets of the same source address and destination address. In particular, the IP flow 101 is a series of IP packets including user data.
When traffic congestion occurs in a wireless transmission line of the 1xEv-DO or the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, the PCF 6 of the 1xEv-DO RAN 5 transmits a packet stop signal (Xoff) 102 for the IP flow 101 to the AGW 4.
The AGW 4 determines whether to transmit an HOR message for requesting a handover to the HAT 19. For example, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 determines that an HOR message transmitting chance 103 is given when the capacity of the low-priority buffer 27 in the storage unit 82 is larger than a threshold value. When the HOR message transmitting chance 103 is given, the control unit 83 creates a packet 104 including the HOR message, and transmits it as control data to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 86.
The message format will be described below.
The packet 104 is received by the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 through the 1xEv-DO RAN 5. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 analyzes the HOR message included in the packet 104, and determines an access system, which is a handover destination. It is assumed that the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 determines a wireless LAN as the access system, which is the handover destination. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 105 required for the handover, and performs a predetermined handover disclosed in, for example, the NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 3. The HAT 19 is connected to the WLAN RAN 9, performs switching from the IP flow 101 to an IP flow 106, and communicates with the CN 16.
According to this embodiment, when each access system can absorb a traffic load, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching to use the corresponding access system. Since one access system can be stably used, it is possible to reduce signaling overhead that accompanies the switching operation, the number of communication interruptions, or time.
Further, the access network transmits the message having higher priority than the user data. Therefore, if communication is not completely interrupted, the AGW can transmit a message for requiring a handover to a terminal even when the transmission of the user data is stopped.
[Example of HO from WLAN to 1xEv-DO that Transmits HOR in Flow Control According to Priority]
When traffic congestion occurs in a wireless transmission line of the wireless LAN or the WLAN RAN 9, the H/R 10 of the WLAN RAN 9 transmits a packet stop signal 108 for the IP flow 107 to the AGW 8. The AGW 8 determines whether to transmit an HOR message for requesting a handover to the HAT 19. For example, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 determines that an HOR message transmitting chance 109 is given when the capacity of the low-priority buffer 27 in the storage unit 82 is larger than a threshold value. When the HOR message transmitting chance 109 is given, the control unit 83 creates a packet 110 including the HOR message, and transmits it as control data to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 86. The packet 110 is received by the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 through the WLAN RAN 9. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 analyzes the HOR message included in the packet 110, and determines an access system, which is a handover destination. It is assumed that the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 determines a 1xEv-DO system as the access system, which is a handover destination. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 111 required for the handover, and performs a predetermined handover disclosed in, for example, the NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 3. The HAT 19 is connected to the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, performs switching from the IP flow 107 to an IP flow 112, and communicates with the CN 16.
According to this embodiment, when each access system can absorb a traffic load, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching to use the corresponding access system. Since one access system can be stably used, it is possible to reduce signaling overhead that accompanies the switching operation, the number of communication interruptions, or time.
Further, the access network transmits the message having higher priority than the user data. Therefore, if communication is not completely interrupted, the AGW can transmit a message for requiring a handover to a terminal even when the transmission of the user data is stopped.
[Example of HO from 1xEv-DO to WLAN that Transmits HOR Through Different Types of Systems]
Even when the communication of a certain access system is completely interrupted, the AGW can transmit an HOR message to the HAT through another access system. An example of the handover from the 1xEv-DO system to the wireless LAN in this case will be described below.
When the HAT 19 enters a service area of the AP 7 of the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 114 and performs a predetermined authentication procedure or a communication line establishment procedure. These procedures allow the IP address of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 to be settled. That is, in a destination network, a Care-of Address (CoA) of the mobile IP allocated to the 1xEv-DO IF 34 and the address of the home agent (HA 17) of the mobile IP used by the 1xEv-DO IF 34 are settled.
The HAT 19 transmits to the HA 17 a packet 115 including a Registration ReQuest (RRQ) message of the mobile IP and an AddRess (ADR) message, which is address information of an interface of an access system with which the HAT 19 can communicate other than the 1xEv-DO IF 34.
When receiving the packet 115, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 analyzes the ADR message and registers information of the ADR message in an ADR table of the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 extracts only the registered ADR message from the packet 115 to create a packet 116, and transmits the packet 116 to the HA 17.
The HA 17 registers the IP address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 in a table of the storage unit 88, and responds to a Registration ResPonse (RRP) message 117 of the mobile IP. The RRQ message, the format of the RRQ message, and the process performed by the HA 17 may be defined by the mobile IP.
The transmission and reception of an IP flow 118 starts between the HAT 19 and CN 16. The packet of the IP flow 118 transmitted from the CN to the HAT 19 is received by the NW IF 90 of the HA 17. The control unit 89 of the HA 17 encapsulates the packet to make an IP packet, sets a destination with reference to the address table of the storage unit 88, and transmits the packets through the NW IF 90. In addition, the packet of the IP flow 118 is received by the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 through the AGW 4 and the 1xEv-DO RAN 5.
When the HAT 19 enters a service area of the AP 11 of the WLAN RAN 9, the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 119 and performs a predetermined authentication procedure or a communication line establishment procedure. These procedures allow the IP address of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 to be settled. That is, in a destination network, a Care-of Address (CoA) of the mobile IP allocated to the WLAN IP 39 and the address of the home agent (HA 17) of the mobile IP used by the WLAN IF 39 are settled. The HAT 19 transmits to the HA 17 a packet 120 including an RRQ message of the mobile IP and an ADR message, which is address information of an interface of an access system with which the HAT 19 can communicate other than the WLAN IF 39. Now, the HAT 19 transmits a message to add the address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34.
When receiving the packet 120, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 analyzes the ADR message and registers information of the ADR message in the ADR table of the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 extracts only the registered ADR message from the packet 120 to create a packet 121, and transmits the packet 121 to the HA 17.
The HA 17 registers the IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 in the table of the storage unit 88, and responds to an RRP message 122 of the mobile IP.
The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 updates the address information stored in the AGWs of all the access systems connected thereto, according to the variation of the connection conditions. Since the number of interfaces of new access systems connected to the WLAN PAN 9 for communication increases, the HAT 19 transmits a packet 123 including an ADR message to the AGW 4 in order to add address information.
When receiving the packet 123, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 analyses the message included in the packet and registers information of the ADR message in the ADR table of the storage unit 82. Now, the control unit 83 registers IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 in the ADR table of the storage unit 82.
Even after the HAT 19 is connected to the WLAN RAN 9, an IP flow 124 is transmitted or received between the HAT 19 and the CN 16 through the 1xEv-DO RAN 5. It is assumed that traffic congestion occurs in the wireless transmission line of the 1xEv-DO system or the 1xEv-DO RAN 5.
A packet stop signal 125 for the IP flow 118 is transmitted from the PCF 6 of the 1xEv-DO RAN 5 to the AGW 4. The AGW 4 determines whether an HOR message transmitting chance 126 for handover to the HAT 19 is given. An algorithm for determining the HOR message transmitting chance will be described below. For example, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 determines that the HOR message transmitting chance 126 is given when the capacity of the buffer for transmitting the IP flow 118 provided in the storage unit 82 is larger than a threshold value. When the HOR message transmitting chance is given, the control unit 83 creates a packet 127 including the HOR message, and transmits the packet to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 87.
The control unit 83 sets the IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 updated with the packet 123 as a destination address of a header (IP header 214) of the packet 127, with reference to the ADR table of the storage unit 83. The packet 127 is transmitted to the HA 17 and is encapsulated according to the process of the mobile IP. Then, the packet is transmitted to the HAT 19. The encapsulated packet 128 is received by the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 through the WLAN RAN 9. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 analyzes the HOR message of the packet 128, and determines an access system, which is a handover destination. It is assumed that the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 determines a wireless LAN as the access system, which is the handover destination. In addition, the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 129 required for handover, and performs a predetermined handover procedure. The HAT 19 switches the IP flow 124 to an IP flow 130 passing through the WLAN RAN 9, and communicates with the CN 16.
According to this embodiment, when each access system can absorb a traffic load, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching for using the corresponding access system. Even when the communication of the access system used is completely interrupted, it is possible to transmit messages through another access system, and thus the AGW can transmit a handover request message to the terminal. That is, when each access system cannot absorb a traffic load, switching from the access system that is currently being used to another access system is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the AGW of each of the access systems discarding the packets.
[Example of HO from WLAN to 1xEv-DO that Transmits HOR Through Different Types of Systems]
An example of handover from the wireless LAN to the 1xEv-DO system will be described below.
When the HAT 19 enters a service area of the AP 7 of the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 134 and performs a predetermined authentication procedure or a communication line establishment procedure. These procedures allow the IP address of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 to be settled. That is, in a destination network, a Care-of Address (CoA) of the mobile IP allocated to the 1xEv-DO IF 34 and the address of the home agent (HA 17) of the mobile IP used by the 1xEv-DO IF 34 are settled.
The HAT 19 transmits to the HA 17 a packet 135 including an RRQ message of the mobile IP and an ADR message, which is address information of an interface of an access system with which the HAT 19 can communicate other than the 1xEv-DO IF 34.
When receiving the packet 135, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 analyzes the ADR message and registers information of the ADR message in the ADR table of the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 extracts only the registered ADR message from the packet 135 to create a packet 136, and transmits the packet 136 to the HA 17.
The HA 17 registers the IP address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 in the table of the storage unit 88, and responds to a Registration ResPonse (RRP) message 137 of the mobile IP. The RRQ message, the format of the RRQ message, and the process performed by the HA 17 may be defined by the mobile IP.
When the HAT 19 enters a service area of the AP 11 of the WLAN RAN 9, the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 139 and performs a predetermined authentication procedure or a communication line establishment procedure. These procedures allow the IP address of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 to be settled. That is, in a destination network, a Care-of Address (CoA) of the mobile IP allocated to the WLAN IP 39 and the address of the home agent (HA 17) of the mobile IP used by the WLAN IF 39 are settled. The HAT 19 transmits to the HA 17 a packet 140 including an RRQ message of the mobile IP and an ADR message, which is address information of an interface of an access system with which the HAT 19 can communicate other than the WLAN IF 39. The HAT 19 transmits a message to add the address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34.
When receiving the packet 140, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 analyzes the ADR message and registers information of the ADR message in the ADR table of the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 extracts only the registered ADR message from the packet 140 to create a packet 141, and transmits the packet 141 to the HA 17.
The HA 17 registers the IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 in the table of the storage unit 88, and responds to an RRP message 142 of the mobile IP.
The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 updates the address information stored in the AGWs of all the access systems connected thereto, according to the variation of the connection conditions. Since the number of interfaces of new access systems connected to the WLAN RAN 9 for communication increases, the HAT 19 transmits a packet 143 including an ADR message to the AGW 4 in order to add address information.
When receiving the packet 143, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 analyses the message included in the packet and registers information of the ADR message in the ADR table of the storage unit 82. Now, the control unit 83 registers the IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 in the ADR table of the storage unit 82.
After the HAT 19 is connected to the WLAN RAN 9, the transmission and reception of an IP flow 144 starts between the HAT 19 and CN 16. The packet of the IP flow 144 transmitted from the CN to the HAT 19 is received by the NW IF 90 of the HA 17. The control unit 89 of the HA 17 encapsulates the packet to make an IP packet, sets a destination with reference to the address table of the storage unit 88, and transmits the packet through the NW IF 90. In addition, the packet of the IP flow 144 is received by the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 through the AGW 8 and the WLAN RAN 9.
It is assumed that traffic congestion occurs in the wireless transmission line of the 1xEv-DO system or the WLAN RAN 9. A packet stop signal 145 for the IP flow 144 is transmitted from the H/R 10 of the WLAN RAN 9 to the AGW 8. The AGW 8 determines whether an HOR message transmitting chance 146 for handover to the HAT 19 is given. For example, the control unit 83 of the AGW 8 determines that the HOR message transmitting chance 146 is given when the capacity of the buffer for transmitting the IP flow 144 provided in the storage unit 82 is larger than a threshold value. When the HOR message transmitting chance is given, the control unit 83 creates a packet 147 including the HOR message, and transmits the packet to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 87.
The control unit 83 sets the IP address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 as a destination address of a header (IP Header 214) of the packet 147, with reference to the ADR table of the storage unit 83. The packet 147 is transmitted to the HA 17 and is encapsulated according to the process of the mobile IP. Then, the packet is transmitted to the HAT 19. The encapsulated packet 148 is received by the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 through the 1xEv-DO RAN 5. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 analyzes the HOR message of the packet 148, and determines an access system, which is a handover destination. It is assumed that the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 determines a 1xEv-DO system as the access system, which is the handover destination. In addition, the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 transmits or receives a message string 149 required for handover, and performs a predetermined handover procedure. The HAT 19 switches the IP flow 144 to an IP flow 150 passing through the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, and communicates with the CN 16.
According to this embodiment, when each access system can absorb a traffic load, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching for using the corresponding access system. Even when the communication of the access system used is completely interrupted, it is possible to transmit messages through another access system, and thus the AGW can transmit a handover request message to the terminal. That is, when each access system cannot absorb a traffic load, switching from the access system that is currently being used to another access system is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the AGW of each of the access systems discarding the packets.
[Example of Format of RRQ+ADR Packets]
[Example of Format of RRQ Packet]
[Example of Format of ADR Packet]
[Example of Format of RRP Packet]
[Example of Format of HOR Packet]
[Example of Format of RRQ Message]
[Example of Format of RRP Message]
[Example of Format of ADR Message]
Address information is designated in AddrInfo_1, AddrInfo_2, and AddrInfo_n in the format of a structure 239. An HAT ID field 245 indicates a unique identifier of the HAT. A Sys ID field 246 indicates an identifier for specifying the kind of interface of the HAT. For example, the Sys ID field 246 specifies the wire-line access network, the 1xEv-DO system, the wireless LAN, or the WiMAX system. A HoA (home address) field 247 indicates the home address of the interface of the HAT. An HA field 248 indicates the address of the home agent. A CoA field 249 indicates the care-of address of the interface of the HAT.
For example, an example in which the HAT 19 sets the IP address information of the WLAN IF 39 in the table of the AGW using the packet 123 will be described below. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 sets the flag of the Control 240 such that the next address information is added to the ADR table. Since the address information of one wireless LAN interface is transmitted, the control unit 31 sets ‘1’ to the NumAddr field 241. The next address information is only AddrInfo_1. It is assumed that, as the IP address of the WLAN IF 39, the home address is HoA_1, the home agent address is HA_1, and the care-of address is CoA_1. The control unit 31 sets an identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 245, and sets an identifier indicating the wireless LAN to the Sys ID field 246. The control unit 31 sets HoA_1, HA_1, and CoA_1 to the HoA field 247, the HA field 248, and the CoA field 249, respectively.
The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 may set the flag of the Control 240 such that the next address information is deleted from the ADR table. In this case, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 receiving the packet 123 deletes the next address information from the ADR table of the storage unit 82 according to the flag of the Control 240.
[Example of Format of HOR Message]
For example, an example in which the AGW 4 of the 1xEv-DO system requests the HAT 19 to perform a handover to access systems other than the 1xEv-DO system using a packet 104 will be described below. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 253, and sets an identifier indicating the 1xEv-DO system to the Sys ID field 254. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 having received the packet 104 analyzes the message, selects one available access system other than the access system designated by the Sys ID field 254, and performs a handover to the selected access system. In this embodiment, the 1xEv-DO system is set to the Sys ID field 254. For example, assuming that only the wireless LAN is available other than the 1xEv-DO system, the HAT 19 selects the wireless LAN and starts the handover.
An example in which the AGW 4 of the 1xEv-DO system requests the HAT 19 to perform a handover to the WLAN RAN 9 using a packet 127 will be described below. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 253, and sets an identifier indicating the 1xEv-DO system to the Sys ID field 254. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 257, and sets an identifier indicating the wireless LAN to the Sys ID field 258.
This message is converted into a packet 128 by the HA 17 and then transmitted to the HAT 19. The control unit 31 of the HAT 19 having received the packet 128 analyzes the message, and starts a handover to the access system designated by the TsysInfo field 256. Since an identifier indicating the wireless LAN is set to the Sys ID field 258 of the TsysInfo field 256, the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 starts a handover to the WLAN RAN 9. In this embodiment, the message includes information (SsysInfo field 252) of the access system, which is a handover source, and information (TsysInfo field 256) of the access system, which is a handover destination. However, the message may not include the information of the access system, which is a handover source.
An example in which the AGW 4 of the 1xEv-DO system requests the HAT 19 to perform a handover to any one of three access systems, that is, the WLAN RAN 9, the WiMAX RAN 13, and the wire-line access network 3 will be described below. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 can select the access systems, which are handover destinations, from the ADR table of the storage unit 82. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets an identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 253, and sets an identifier indicating the 1xEv-DO system to the Sys ID field 254. In addition, the control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets ‘3’ to the TsysNum field 261. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 257 of the TSysInfo_1 field and sets an identifier indicating the wireless LAN to the Sys ID field 258. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 257 of the TSysInfo_2 field and sets an identifier indicating the WiMAX system to the Sys ID field 258. The control unit 83 of the AGW 4 sets the identifier of the HAT 19 to the HAT ID field 257 of the TSysInfo_3 field and sets an identifier indicating the wire-line access network to the Sys ID field 258.
The HAT 19 receiving the message selects one access system from the wireless LAN, the WiMAX system, and the wire-line access network, and starts a handover. The HAT 19 may select the access system in the order of TSysInfo_1, TSysInfo_2, and TSysInfo_3. In this case, the control unit 31 of the HAT 19 selects the identifier indicating the wireless LAN that is set to the Sys ID field 258 of the TSysInfo_1 field, and starts a handover to the WLAN RAN 9.
Only the identifier of the HAT (HAT ID) and the identifier of the access system (Sys ID) are stored in the SsysInfo field 252 and the TsysInfo field 256 etc of the HOR messages shown
[Example of AGW QoS Table]
For example, the R QoS (Flow ID 1) field is a structure 296 in which QoS requested by the HAT 19 is designated for an IP flow having a flow ID of 1. This is similarly applied to the case in which a flow ID is equal to or greater than 2. A Flow ID field 275 indicates an identifier of the IP flow to which QoS designated to the structure 296 is applied. An information length (Length) field 276 indicates the sum of the lengths of information items 276, 277, 278, 279, . . . , 280. A Num Set field 277 indicates the number of sets of QoS parameters stored in the structure 296. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of sets is m. Sets of QoS parameters requested by the HAT 19 are designated to an R QoS (Set ID 1) field 278, an R QoS (Set ID 2) field 279, . . . , an R QoS (Set ID m) field 280. The HAT 19 designates the R QoS (Set ID I) field 278, the R QoS (Set ID 2) field 279, . . . , the R QoS (Set ID m) field 280 in the desired order.
For example, the R QoS (Set ID 1) field indicates a structure 297 in which a QoS parameter having a set ID of 1 is designated. The format of the structure is the same as that in which a set ID is equal to or greater than 2. A Set Length field 281 indicates the sum of the lengths of information items in the structure 297. A Set ID field indicates an identifier of the set of QoS parameters stored in the structure 297. A Traffic class field 283 designates a traffic class, such as conversation, streaming, or background. A Priority field 284 designates priority for granting QoS and allocating a wireless resource. A Peak rate field 285 designates a transmission rate at the time of peak. A Max latency field 286 designates an allowable maximum latency. A Max loss rate field 287 designates an allowable maximum data loss rate. A Max jitter field 288 designates an allowable maximum jitter.
For example, the G QoS (Flow ID 1) field indicates a structure 298 in which QoS allocated to the IP flow having a flow ID of 1 is designated. The format of the structure is the same as that in which a flow ID is equal to or greater than 2. A Flow ID field 294 indicates an identifier of the IP flow to which QoS designated to the structure 298 is applied. A Set ID field 295 indicates an identifier indicating a set of QoS parameters.
[Example of AGW ADR Table]
That is, the HAT 19 is connected to the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, the WLAN RAN 9, and the wire-line access network 3. The home address (HoA) of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19 is HoA_5, the home agent address (HA) is HA_5, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_5. The home address (HoA) of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19 is HoA_1, the home agent address (HA) is HA_1, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_1. The home address (HoA) of the wire-line IF 49 of the HAT 19 is HoA_2, the home agent address (HA) is HA_2, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_2.
The HAT 20 is connected to the 1xEv-DO RAN 5, the WLAN RAN 9, and the WiMAX RAN 13. The home address (HoA) of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 20 is HoA_6, the home agent address (HA) is HA_6, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_6. The home address (HoA) of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 20 is HoA_3, the home agent address (HA) is HA_3, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_3. The home address (HoA) of the WiMAX IF 44 of the HAT 20 is HoA_4, the home agent address (HA) is HA_4, and the care-of address (CoA) is CoA_4.
The control unit 83 of the AGW adds information to ADR table or deletes information from the ADR table according to the flag in the Control field 240 of the ADR message. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the communication of a certain IP flow is interrupted, the control unit 83 of the AGW may delete the address information of the IP flow from the ADR table. The AGW can count the time for which each IP flow does not communicate using the timer 85.
[Example of HA Table]
In the example, it is premised that the HATs 19 and 20 are connected to the access networks, as shown in
In this embodiment, the interface is any one of the 1xEv-DO IF 34, the WLAN IF 39, the WiMAX IF 44, and the wire-line IF 49. An HA field 333 indicates the address of the home agent of the interface. A CoA field 334 indicates the care-of address of the interface. An ID field 335 indicates information for checking whether the message is correct. Information in a row 341 is the address information of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 19. Information in a row 342 is the address information of the wire-line IF 49 of the HAT 19. Information in a row 343 is the address information of the WLAN IF 39 of the HAT 20. Information in a row 344 is the address information of the WiMAX IF 13 of the HAT 20. Information in a row 345 is the address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 19. Information in a row 346 is the address information of the 1xEv-DO IF 34 of the HAT 20.
[Example of Algorithm for Determining HOR Transmitting Chance]
If the IP flow is in the Xoff state, in Step 2, the control unit 83 of the AGW determines whether the capacity of the buffer transmitting the IP flow 144 provided in the storage unit 82 is larger than a threshold value. If it is determined that the capacity of the buffer transmitting the IP flow 144 provided in the storage unit 82 is larger than the threshold value, in Step 3, the control unit 83 of the AGW transmits an HOR message. For example, the control unit 83 creates a packet 147 including the HOR message, and transmits the packet to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 87.
In this flow, Step 2 may not be performed, and Step 1 may directly proceed to Step 3 if the IP flow is in the Xoff state. When a large load is applied to the access network, the AGW may transmit the HOR message at the beginning, without depending on the state of the transmission buffer.
For example, in Step 4, when the control unit 83 generates uniform random numbers [0, 1] and the random numbers are larger than 0.5, the control unit determines to perform the handover of the IP flow 144.
In Step 4, if it is determined to perform the handover of the IP flow 144, in Step 3, the control unit 83 of the AGW transmits the HOR message. For example, the control unit 83 creates a packet 147 including the HOR message, and transmits the packet to the HAT 19 through the NW IF 87. As shown in
As such, according to this embodiment, the AGW randomly determines the message transmitting chance during the determination of a predetermined message transmitting chance. When the AGW collectively performs a handover on all the IP flows having received the packet transmission stop signals, a load may be concentrated on the handover destination. However, since the handover is randomly performed, it is possible to distribute the load.
As an example of Step 5, the control unit 83 of the AGW measures the loss rate of the IP packet of the IP flow 144 stored in the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 compares the measure loss rate of the IP packet with the loss rate (Max loss rate 287) of the IP packet granted by the IP flow 144, and determines whether the measure loss rate of the IP packet is higher than the Max loss rate 287. When it is determined that the measured loss rate is higher than the Max loss rate 287, the control unit determines that QoS of the IP flow 144 deteriorates.
As another example of Step 5, the control unit 83 of the AGW measures the retention time for which the IP packet of the IP flow 144 is stored in the storage unit 82. In addition, the control unit 83 compares the measured retention time of the IP packet with an allowable maximum latency (Max latency 286) of the IP packet granted by the IP flow 144, and determines whether the measured retention time of the IP packet is longer than the Max latency 286. When the measured retention time is longer than the Max latency 286, the control unit determines that QoS of the IP flow 144 deteriorates.
As such, according to this embodiment, when the measure communication quality is lower than QoS stored in the storage unit, the AGW determines that the message transmitting chance is given. When each access system cannot absorb a traffic load and the communication quality deteriorates, the access system that is currently being used is switched to another access system. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the communication quality.
For example, in Step 6, the control unit 83 determines whether to perform a handover on the QoS parameter, on the basis of the QoS information of the IP flow 144 stored in the storage unit 82. The control unit 83 can specify the QoS parameter allocated to the IP flow 144, on the basis of a Set ID field 295 for the IP flow 144 of G_QoS. The control unit 83 searches a QoS parameter set 297 corresponding to a Set ID field 295 from a Set ID field 282 of R_QoS. Further, for example, when the value of a priority 284 is larger than a predetermined value, the control unit 83 performs a handover on the IP Flow 144 on the basis of the priority 284 of the searched QoS parameter set 297.
As another example of Step 6, the control unit 83 searches a QoS parameter set 297 corresponding to a Set ID field 295 from a Set ID field 282 of R_QoS. For example, the control unit 83 performs a handover on the IP flow 144 only when the value of a Traffic class field 283 is not ‘background’, on the basis of the value of the Traffic class field 283 of the searched QoS parameter set 297.
As still another example of Step 6, the control unit 83 searches a QoS parameter set 297 corresponding to the Set ID field 295 from the Set ID field 282 of R_QoS. For example, the control unit 83 performs a handover on the IP flow 144 when the value of the Max loss rate field 287 is smaller than a predetermined value, on the basis of the value of the Max loss rate field 287 of the searched QoS parameter set 297.
As yet another example of Step 6, the control unit 83 searches a QoS parameter set 297 corresponding to the Set ID field 295 from the Set ID field 282 of R_QoS. For example, the control unit 83 performs a handover on the IP flow 144 when the value of the Max latency field 287 is smaller than a predetermined value, on the basis of the value of the Max latency field 287 of the searched QoS parameter set 297.
As such, according to this embodiment, the AGW can perform a handover between different types of access systems only when it is necessary to maintain the communication quality provided to a terminal.
As such, according to this embodiment, the AGW determines that the message transmitting chance is given when the measured communication quality is lower than that stored in the storage unit. When each access system cannot absorb a traffic load and the communication quality deteriorates, the access system that is currently being used is switched to another access system. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the communication quality.
Further, according to this embodiment, the AGW can perform a handover between different types of access systems only when it is necessary to maintain the communication quality provided to a terminal.
In
Furthermore, in
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