Patent Application
20190327577
Machine to Machine (M2M) concerns technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices. M2M is considered an integral part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and has a wide range of applications such as industrial automation, logistics, Smart Grid, Smart Cities, health, defense etc. mostly for monitoring but also for control purposes.
M2M can play an important role in Location Based Services (LBS) applications. Some M2M examples of LBS include locating assets, such as for inventory; applying rules that depend on location, such as checking that a container is not opened until it is at its destination; tracking assets for billing purposes, such as for usage-based insurance; and finding assets within a given area, such as to locate the nearest truck for an urgent pick-up
Of particular interest is wireless asset tracking, which is about knowing location information (where, status of asset, change) and taking action based on the location information (Take Action, Inform, Aid, Support). Assets can be fixed (e.g. vending system) or mobile (goods in transit).
There has been interest in location information in multiple standards bodies such as oneM2M, OMA, and 3GPP. In the following, the perspective and contribution of each standard body towards the location requirements and solutions is described.
It is intended that the oneM2M Location (LOC) Common Service Function (CSF) 102 allows Application Entities (AEs) 104 to obtain geographical location information of Nodes (e.g mobile node) for LBS as indicated in oneM2M TS 0001. The LOC CSF 102 may interact with the location server in the underlying network. The geographical location information can include more than simply the longitude and the latitude information.
Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) API provides “Terminal location” Application Program Interface (API) for terminal location, distance, or terminal movements in relation to a circular geographic area (crossing in and out of circular area). More precisely, the “Terminal location” API supports the following operations; obtain the current terminal location; obtain the terminal distance from a given location; obtain the distance between two terminals; and manage client-specific subscriptions to periodic notifications; Manage client-specific subscriptions to area (circle) notifications; Manage client-specific subscriptions to distance notifications.
The Functional stage 2 description of Location Services (LCS) is included in TS 23.271. As indicated in clause 6 of TS 23.271,
As for the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 302 and as indicated in clause 6.3.3 of TS 23.271, “the GMLC is the first node an external LCS client accesses in a PLMN (i.e. the Le reference point is supported by the GMLC). The GMLC may request routing information from the Home Location Register (HLR) via the Lh interface or HSS via the SLh/Lh interface. Note 1 in
The GMLC 302 provides only location estimates, as stated above. In other words, it does not provide any other context information such as the available Radio Access Technology (RAT) or the congestion level at any of the serving nodes (e.g. MME 306).
As indicated above, the GMLC 302 sends the location request to the MME 306/SGSN 308 to inquire about the UE's location. Once done, the MME 306/SGSN 308 communicates with the UE 202 to check if it is still attached and to get its current location. The specific behaviors of MME 306 and SGSN 308 can be summarized as follows.
For E-UTRAN, the MME 306 checks if the UE 202 is detached or suspended and in either such case an error response is returned. If the UE 202 is in ECM-IDLE state, the MME 306 performs a “network triggered service request” as defined in TS 23.401 in order to establish a signaling connection with the UE 202 and assign a specific eNB. Then, the MME 306 sends a “Location Request” message to an Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC). The E-SMLC 702 determines the positioning method and instigates the particular message sequence for this method, as described in clause 9.3a of TS 23.271. If the position method returns position measurements, the E-SMLC uses them to compute a location estimate. The E-SMLC 702 returns its location estimate to the MME 306 in a “Location Response” message. E-SMLC 702 in its response includes an indication whether the obtained location estimate satisfies the requested accuracy or not. If a location estimate could not be obtained, the E-SMLC 702 returns a Location Response message containing a failure cause and no location estimate. Finally, the MME 306 returns the location information, its age and obtained accuracy indication to the GMLC 302.
If the UE 202 is in idle mode, the SGSN 308 performs paging. The paging procedure is defined in TS 23.060. If no paging response is received, the SGSN 308 returns an error response to the GMLC. Otherwise, the SGSN 308 sends a “Location Request” message to the RAN 604 (UTRAN/GERAN). This message includes the type of location information requested, the requested QoS and any other location information received in paging response. Accordingly, the RAN 604 determines the positioning method and instigates the particular message sequence for this method in UTRAN Stage 2 TS 25.305 and in GERAN Stage 2 TS 43.059. The RAN 604 returns the location estimate to the SGSN 308 in a “Location Report” message. RAN 604 in its response includes an indication whether the obtained location estimate satisfies the requested accuracy or not. Finally, the SGSN 308 returns the location information, its age and obtained accuracy indication to the GMLC.
3GPP has recently defined a framework to better expose underlying 3GPP network capabilities to application/service providers, TS 23.682. In order to achieve this, 3GGP has defined a new function called a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF 404). This function provides a means to securely expose the services and capabilities provided by 3GPP networks. The SCEF 404 provides a means for the discovery of the exposed service capabilities. The SCEF 404 provides access to network capabilities through homogenous network application programming interfaces (e.g. Network API) defined by OMA, GSMA, and possibly other standardization bodies. The SCEF 404 abstracts the services from the underlying 3GPP network interfaces and protocols.
The number of Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices may be several orders of magnitude greater than “traditional” devices. Many (but not all) MTC devices will be relatively stationary and/or generate low volumes of traffic. However, these UEs will still be expected to generate the same volume of control signaling as a non-MTC UE 202. A higher volume of signaling due to an increase in the number of UEs may cause overload, independent of whether the UE 202 is used for MTC or not. Such overload can happen at the P-GW/GGSN, serving nodes (MME 306/SGSN 308), or the radio access network (RAN). Hence generic functionality for overload and congestion control is required, as illustrated in TS 23.401 and TS 23.06.
The P-GW/GGSN can detect congestion on a per Access Point Name (APN) basis and reject Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context activation requests based on either:
1. The maximum number of active PDP contexts per APN
2. The maximum rate of PDP context activations per APN
When the P-GW/GGSN rejects a PDP context activation request, the P-GW/GGSN may provide a back-off time for a specific APN to the MME 306/SGSN 308. The MME 306/SGSN 308 may try a different P-GW/GGSN before sending the rejection to the UE 202.
The MME 306 (SGSN 308) restricts the load that its eNodeBs (BSC/RNC) are generating on it, if it is configured to enable the overload restriction. Particularly, the MME 306 (SGSN 308) can request the eNodeB (BSC/RNC) to restrict the load from certain categories of MTC devices. In response, the eNodeB (RNC) may reject RRC connection requests and indicate to the UE 202 a back-off timer value to limit further RRC connection requests. The UE 202 can provide a low access priority indication to the MME 306/SGSN 308 via NAS signaling. This will allow the MME 306/SGSN 308 to command the UE 202 to move to a state where it does not need to generate further signaling messages and/or does not reselect the PLMN.
As indicated in clause 4.4.12 of TS 23.401 (and clause 5.4.11 of TS 23.060 for UTRAN), the RAN Congestion Awareness Function (RCAF 504) collects information related to user plane congestion from the RAN's OAM system based on which the RCAF 504 determines the congestion level (and the identifier) of an eNB or E-UTRAN (UTRAN) cell. The RCAF 504 is included in the Policy and Charging Control (PCC) Architecture, as shown in
Via the Nq/Nq′ interface, the RCAF 504 determines the UEs served by a congested eNB or congested E-UTRAN cell and retrieves the APNs of the active PDN connections of those UEs. A recent Rel-13 work item just started to define the application protocol over the Nq reference point (Nq-AP), and its results will be included in TS 29.405 Nq and Nq′ Application Protocol (Nq-AP); Stage 3. Via the Np reference point, the RCAF 504 sends the RAN User Plane Congestion Information (RUCI) to the PCRFs serving the UEs' PDN connections. A recent Rel-13 TS 29.217 “Policy and Charging Control: Congestion Reporting over Np Reference Point” describes the Np messages and Diameter AVPs.
The UE's location-based context can include its location, velocity, available RATs, and the congestion levels at these RATs. Other metrics can be included as well.
An enhanced 3GPP network architecture can enable an SCEF to interact with SCS/AS via APIs that provide location based context; GMLC to get the UE's location, available RATs, and congestion levels; HSS to get the UE's location, available RATs, and congestion levels; PCEF (via PCRF) to obtain the congestion level at the P-GW; RCAF (via PCRF) to obtain the user plane congestion levels at the E-UTRAN, UTRAN, and WLAN; and serving nodes (MME, SGSN, 3GPP AAA Server) to get the available RATs and congestion levels.
In a GMLC-based location context delivery procedure, the GMLC interacts with the serving nodes (MME/SGSN/AAA Server) to inquire about the UE's context including the congestion level at the serving nodes and the available RATs to the UE.
In an HSS-based location context delivery procedure, the HSS interacts directly with the serving nodes, to inquire about the UE's location context.
In an SCEF-based location context delivery procedure, the SCEF interacts directly with the serving nodes, to inquire about the UE's location context. In doing so, the SCEF can communicate directly with the serving nodes, namely, MME, SGSN, and 3GPP AAA Server, over the T5a′, T5b′, and T5w′, respectively.
In a PCRF-based location context delivery procedure, the PCRF gets the congestion levels at the P-GW and RAN user plane from the PCEF and RCAF, respectively. Furthermore, PCRF gets the user location and RAT-Type from the PCEF during the IP-CAN Session Establishment and Modification procedures.
In an SCEF-initiated location context request procedure, the UE's location context requests are executed as a part of another procedure (e.g. group communication to UEs of specific location) and used to determine how the other procedure will be executed.
Important terms and acronyms used throughout this disclosure.
EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
OAM Operations, administration and management
PDP Packet Data protocol
An M2M Server queries the Mobile Core Network (MCN) to learn the geographical position of a UE 202. The M2M Server would like to know more about the UE's geographical context. For example, what networks are accessible to the UE 202 in its present location (UMTS, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.)? How useful could the networks be to the UE 202 (i.e. congestion levels)?
Once the M2M Server is aware of the UE's geographical context, it can direct the UE 202 to use the resources that are available to it. For example, it may steer the UE 202 towards certain networks or services. The M2M Server may also know that it is time to activate some service in the UE 202. For example, the availability of new Wi-Fi network may cause the M2M Server to tell the UE 202 to perform service discovery. Finally, the UE's context can be beneficial to other types of Application Servers (AS) as well. For example, the AS can adapt a particular application data rate (e.g. video streaming with adaptive bit rates) to match the data rate of a particular RAT (among the available ones).
Location based context can sometimes be required by the SCEF 404 to more efficiently execute procedures that are not specifically location related. For example, an SCS may wish to distribute a large message to a group of 100 UE's (regardless of the UEs' location). However, the SCEF 404 may wish to learn information about the UEs' location based context so that it can more intelligently select a delivery method for the group message.
As indicated in oneM2M TS 0001, “geographical location information can include more than simply the longitude and the latitude information.” However, current location tracking API's do not provide any location-based context. For example, the OMA “Terminal Location” provides only location and distance metrics, with no consideration of any additional context information.
The UE's context may include available RATs in a particular geographical area such as 3GPP (LTE, UMTS) or non-3GPP (Wi-Fi); RAT connectivity attributes (e.g. congestion level, reliability, security, . . . etc.); charging tariffs of each available RAT
The following problems are discussed below:
The details of location-based context delivery procedures are described. First, the network architecture showing the SCEF 404 and its interactions with HSS 304, GMLC, PCRF 402, MME 306, SGSN 308, and AAA Server 312. A GMLC-based location context delivery procedure is described, in which the GMLC 302 interacts with the serving nodes (MME 306/SGSN 308/AAA Server 312) to inquire about the UE's location related context including the congestion level at the serving nodes. An HSS-based location context delivery procedure is described in which the HSS 304 interacts with the serving nodes. Alternately, the SCEF 404 can directly interact with the serving nodes to inquire about the UE's location and congestion levels. The SCEF 404 can interact with the PCEF 502 and RCAF 504 to inquire about the congestion. The location-based context delivery procedures in other mechanisms such as group communication are also described.
The network architecture that enables the SCEF 404 and SCS/AS 602 to extract location related context from the EPC is presented.
The SCEF 404 can communicate directly with the serving nodes, namely, MME 306, SGSN 308, and 3GPP AAA Server 312, over the T5a′, T5b′, and T5w′, respectively.
Aside from the SCEF 404,
It is understood that the functionality illustrated in
This section describes a solution that provides location context of a particular UE 202 to the SCS/AS 602. The solution utilizes the GMLC 302 to report the location of the UE 202, using the RAT that can be accessed by the UE 202. In doing so, the GMLC 302 will be able to tell the SCEF 404 what RATs are available to the UE 202. Furthermore, the congestion level at the serving nodes (e.g. MME 306, SGSN 308, 3GPP AAA Server 312) will be reported to the GMLC. All of this information will be reported to the SCEF 404.
In step 1 of
A new API “Location Context Request” can inquire about the context of a particular UE 202, including location, velocity, congestion levels at serving nodes, and available RATs.
In step 2 of
In step 3 of
In step 4 of
In step 5 of
Optionally, the SCEF 404 may provide the serving node addresses, which were obtained in step 4, to the GMLC 302 in the “LCS Service Request.”
In step 6 of
Step 6 and step 7 of
In step 7 of
In step 8 of
A ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ IE can be included in the PLR message to indicate the GMLC 302's desire to know the congestion levels at the MME 306/SGSN 308.
In step 9 of
In step 10 of
In step 11 of
The ‘E-UTRAN-Positioning-Data’, ‘UTRAN-Positioning-Data’, and ‘GERAN-Positioning-Data’ IEs can be used to know if the UE 202 has access to E-UTRAN, UTRAN, and/or GERAN RATs, respectively. Furthermore, new ‘MME-Congestion-Level’ and ‘SGSN-Congestion-Level’ IEs can be included in the “PLA” message, which will include the congestion levels at the MME 306 and SGSN 308, as calculated in step 10. The ‘MME-Congestion-Level’ and ‘SGSN-Congestion-Level’ IEs may be a numeric (i.e. integer) value that is used to indicate a relative congestion level or they may be an alpha-numeric text string that indicates the relative congestion level (i.e. low, medium, high).
In step 12 of
The ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ IE can be included in the “UE Routing Info Inquiry” message to inquire about the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server 312.
In step 13 of
In step 14 of
The ‘AAA-Congestion-Level’ IE can be included in the “UE Routing Info Inquiry Ack” message to include the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server 312. The ‘AAA-Congestion-Level’ IE may be a numeric (i.e. integer) value that is used to indicate a relative congestion level or they may be an alpha-numeric text string that indicates the relative congestion level (i.e. low, medium, high).
In step 15 of
In step 16 of
New IEs ‘Available-RATs’ and ‘Congestion-Levels’ are added to the “LCS Service Response” to convey the UE's complete location context.
In step 17 of
It is understood that the entities performing the steps illustrated in
In this section, a location context delivery procedure uses the HSS 304 to interrogate the serving nodes. Unlike the solution above, this solution does not utilize the GMLC 302.
The call flow in
Steps 1-2 of
In step 3 of
The SCEF 404 can send a new “LCS Service Request” (External Identifier) message to the HSS 304 over the Sh reference point.
In step 4 of
The HSS 304 can send a new “User Location Request” (IMSI, Congestion-Level-Requested) message to the MME 306/SGSN 308 over the S6a/S6d reference point. The ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ AVP indicate the HSS 304's desire to know the congestion level at the MME 306/SGSN 308 serving nodes.
In steps 5-6 of
In step 7 of
The MME 306/SGSN 308 can send a new “User Location Response” (EPS-Location-Information, MME-Congestion-Level, SGSN-Congestion-Level) message to the HSS 304 over the S6a/S6d reference point. Via receiving one of more ‘Geographical-Information’ from the MME 306, the HSS 304 will be able to know the currently available RAT(s) (E-UTRAN, UTRAN). Furthermore, the new ‘MME-Congestion-Level’ and ‘SGSN-Congestion-Level’ AVPs can be used, which will include the congestion levels at the MME 306 and SGSN 308, as calculated in step 6 above.
In step 8 of
In order for the HSS 304 to inquire about the UE's location, the HSS 304 can send a modified “User-Profile-Update-Request” (IMSI, Access-Network-Info-Request, Congestion-Request) message to the 3GPP AAA Server 312 over the SWx reference point. The ‘Congestion-Request’ indicates the HSS's desire to be informed about the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server 312. The ‘Access-Network-Info-Request’ AVP indicates that the HSS 304 requests the 3GPP AAA Server 312 the identity and location information of the access network where the UE 202 is currently attached (clause 8.2.3.17 of TS 29.273).
In step 9 of
In step 10 of
The 3GPP AAA Server 312 sends a modified “User-Profile-Update-Response” (Access-Network-Info, AAA-Congestion-Level) message to the HSS 304 over the SWx reference point. The ‘Access-Network-Info’ AVP contains the identity and location information of the access network where the UE 202 is attached (clause 5.2.3.24 TS 29.273). The new ‘AAA-Congestion-Level’ AVP provides the congestion level at the access network, where the UE 202 is attached.
In step 11 of
In step 12 of
It is understood that the entities performing the steps illustrated in
An alternative approach to the location procedure can be anchored at the SCEF 404 instead of the HSS 304. More precisely, the SCEF 404 can interrogate the HSS 304 to obtain the addresses of the serving nodes. Then, it can contact the serving nodes (MME 306/SGSN 308/AAA Server 312), similar to what the HSS 304 has done above.
The call flow in
Steps 1-2 of
Steps 3-4 of
In step 4 of
In steps 6-7 of
In step 8 of
Steps 9-11 of
Step 12 of
It is understood that the entities performing the steps illustrated in
In this section, the SCEF 404 utilizes the PCRF 402 to get the location context of a particular UE 202. The PCRF 402 gets the congestion levels at the P-GW and RAN user plane from the PCEF 502 and RCAF 504, respectively. Furthermore, PCRF 402 gets the user location and RAT-Type from the PCEF 502 during the IP-CAN procedure.
The call flow in
In step 0 of
Steps 1-4 of
In step 5 of
The SCEF 404 can send “LCS Service Request” (IMSI or External Identifier) to the PCRF 402 over the Rx reference point.
In step 6 of
A new message “Profile-Update-Request” can be defined from the PCRF 402 to the PCEF 502, over the Gx reference point.
Alternatively and if No PCRF 402 is deployed, step 5 and 6 can be replaced by having direct connection between the SCEF 404 and PCEF 502. In this case, the PCEF 502 sends a new message “LCS Service Request” to the P-GW.
In step 7 of
A new message “Profile Update Response” (3GPP-User-Location-Info, RAT-Type, PGW-Congestion) can be sent from the PCEF 502 to the PCRF 402, over the Gx reference point. The ‘3GPP-User-Location-Info’ AVP indicates the current UE's location, the ‘RAT-Type’ AVP indicates the current RAT, and the ‘PGW-Congestion’ AVP indicates the congestion level at the P-GW. As indicated in clause 4.3.7.5 of TS 23.401, the P-GW can estimate its congestion level using the maximum number of active bearers per APN and/or the maximum rate of bearer activations per APN. This congestion level will be included in the ‘PGW-Congestion’ AVP.
In step 8 of
A new message “RUCI Report Request” (Subscription-Id, Congestion-Location-Id) message can be sent from the PCRF 402 to the RCAF 504 over the Np reference point. The PCRF 402 includes the ‘Congestion-Location-Id’ AVP to indicate its interest in the congestion level at that particular location. The ‘Congestion-Location-Id’ AVP includes 3GPP-User-Location-Info and eNodeB-ID, as defined in clause 5.3.9 of TS 29.217. Also, the PCRF 402 includes the user id within the ‘Subscription-Id’ AVP. Both of these AVPs were defined previously in TS 29.217, and are utilized here in the new message “RUCI Report Request”.
Alternatively and if No PCRF 402 is deployed, the SCEF 404 can send the “RUCI Report Request” message directly to the RCAF 504.
In step 9 of
In step 10 of
In step 11 of
A new message “LCS Service Response” (3GPP-User-Location-Info, RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value, PGW-Congestion) can be sent from the PCRF 402 to the SCEF 404 over the Rx reference point. The ‘RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value’ AVP equals the ‘Congestion-Level-Value’ received from the RCAF 504 in step 9.
In step 12 of
In step 13 of
In step 14 of
In step 15 of
In step 16 of
Steps 17-20 of
It is understood that the entities performing the steps illustrated in
In embodiments discussed above, it is assumed that the SCS/AS 602 initiates the inquiry about a particular UE's location-based context. Alternatively, the SCEF 404 may be the node initiating such location-based context request as a part of another procedure. For example, group-based enhancement (GROUPE) is currently being studied in 3GPP TR 23.769 “Group based Enhancements (GROUPE)”. One of the key issues of GROUPE is the selection of delivery mechanisms for messaging to a group (clause 5.2 of 3GPP TR 23.769). For instance, the availability of message delivery mechanisms (e.g. MBMS) and radio access technology within the geographic area, where the message needs to be delivered, needs to be taken into consideration (clause 5.2 of 3GPP TR 23.769). Such information is part of the location-based context, as discussed earlier. In this case, once the SCEF 404 receives a particular group request from the SCS/AS 602, it decides to initiate any of the location context delivery procedures to know about the group's context before executing the group request.
The call flow in
In step 0 of
In step 1 of
In step 2 of
In step 3 of
In step 4 of
In step 5 of
In step 6 of
In step 7 of
It is understood that the entities performing the steps illustrated in
In this section, the protocol embodiments covering the detailed message extensions are described. More precisely, the needed message and protocol extensions to enable the procedures described above are introduced.
The GMLC 302 has been utilized in the GMLC-based location context delivery procedure, described in
In steps 8 and 11 of
The Provide-Location-Request (PLR) command, indicated by the Command-Code field set to 8388620 and the ‘R’ bit set in the Command Flags field, is sent by the GMLC 302 in order to request subscriber location to the MME 306 or SGSN 308 (clause 7.3.1 of TS 29.172).
The new ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ IE can be included in the PLR message to indicate the GMLC's desire to know the congestion levels at the MME 306/SGSN 308. The updated Message Format is:
The modified Provide-Location-Answer (PLA) command, indicated by the Command-Code field set to 8388620 and the ‘R’ bit cleared in the Command Flags field, is sent by the MME 306 or SGSN 308 to the GMLC 302 in response to the PLR command (clause 7.3.2 of TS 29.172).
New ‘MME-Congestion-Level’ and ‘SGSN-Congestion-Level’ IEs can be included in the PLA message, which will include the congestion levels at the MME 306 and SGSN 308. Also, the existing ‘E-UTRAN-Positioning-Data’, ‘UTRAN-Positioning-Data’, and ‘GERAN-Positioning-Data’ IEs can be used to know if the UE 202 has access to E-UTRAN, UTRAN, and/or GREAN RATs, respectively. The updated Message Format is:
The La reference point was introduced for I-WLAN in TS 23.271 “Functional stage 2 description of Location Services (LCS)”. Furthermore, in TS 23.271 clause 9.1.13, an IW-MT-LR (Mobile Terminated Location Request for an I-WLAN) procedure is described, in which the GMLC 302 communicates with the 3GPP AAA Server 312 to get the UE location. It sends “UE Routing Info Inquiry” message to the 3GPP AAA Server 312. In response, the AAA Server 312 replies with “UE Routing Info Inquiry Ack” message. In steps 12 and 14 of
There is no stage-3 definition of these two La messages. The only description of them is in the IW-MT-LR procedure (clause 9.1.13 of stage-2 TS 23.271). Using this Stage-2 description, a limited number of information elements are mentioned. The included information elements will follow the ones described above (GMLC-MME 306/SGSN 308).
The modified UE Routing Info Inquiry message is sent from the GMLC 302 to the 3GPP AAA Server 312 to inquire about the UE's location and congestion. The new ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ IE can be included in the modified “UE Routing Info Inquiry” message to inquire about the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server 312. The message format is:
The modified UE Routing Info Inquiry Ack message is sent from the 3GPP AAA Server 312 to the GMLC 302 to indicate the UE's location and congestion. The new ‘AAA-Congestion-Level’ IE can be included in the modified “UE Routing Info Inquiry Ack” message to include the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server 312. The new ‘WLAN-Positioning-Data’ IE will carry the UE's location and the ‘UE-Reachable’ will indicate if the UE 202 is reachable via Wi-Fi or not. The message format, similar to the PLA, is
The Le reference point is utilized in TS 23.271 clause 9.1.1 to carry the “LCS Service Request” and “LCS Service Response” messages. As indicated in TS 23.002 “Network architecture”, “the Le interface is used by the external LCS client to retrieve location information from the LCS server. Signaling on this interface may use the OMA Mobile Location Protocol (MLP) and Open Service Access Application Programming Interface (OSA-API), TS 29.198”.
New IEs ‘Available-RATs’ and ‘Congestion-Levels’ can be included to the “LCS Service Response” to convey the complete UE's location context. So, the GMLC 302 will send the “LCS Service Response” (Location, Velocity, Available-RATs, Congestion-Levels) message to the SCEF 404 over the Le reference point.
The HSS 304 has been utilized in the HSS-based location context delivery procedure, described in
In steps 4 and 7 of
S6a/S6d: User-Location-Request (
The HSS 304 can send a new “User-Location-Request” (IMSI, Congestion-Level-Requested) message to the MME 306/SGSN 308 over the S6a/S6d reference point. The ‘Congestion-Level-Requested’ AVP indicate the HSS's desire to know the congestion level at the MME 306/SGSN 308 serving nodes. The message format is
S6a/S6d: User-Location-Response (
The MME 306/SGSN 308 can send a new “User-Location-Response” (EPS-Location-Information, MME-Congestion-Level, SGSN-Congestion-Level) message to the HSS 304 over the S6a/S6d reference point. Furthermore, the new ‘MME-Congestion-Level’ and ‘SGSN-Congestion-Level’ AVPs can be used. The message format is
In steps 8 and 10 of
The HSS 304 can send a modified “User-Profile-Update-Request” (IMSI, Access-Network-Info-Request, Congestion-Request) message to the 3GPP AAA Server 312 over the SWx reference point. The ‘Congestion-Request’ indicates the HSS's desire to be informed about the congestion level at the 3GPP AAA Server. Table 1 (copied from TS 29.273 “Evolved Packet System (EPS); 3GPP EPS AAA interfaces”) shows the IEs of the “User-Profile-Update-Request” message and Table 2 (default is copied from TS 29.273) shows its Push-Profile-Request (PPR) flags. The ‘Congestion-Request’ IE can be included in the “User-Profile-Update-Request” message IEs or in the PPR-flags. As an example, the ‘Congestion-Request’ IE is added to Table 2. The PPR-Flags AVP is of type Unsigned32 and it contains a bit mask. The meanings of the bits are as defined in Table 2.
The 3GPP AAA Server 312 can send a modified “User-Profile-Update-Response” (Access-Network-Info, AAA-Congestion-Level) message to the HSS 304 over the SWx reference point. The new ‘AAA-Congestion-Level’ AVP provides the congestion level at the access network, where the UE 202 is attached.
In steps 3 and 11 of
The SCEF 404 can send a new “LCS Service Request” (External Identifier) message to the HSS 304 over the Sh reference point.
The HSS 304 can send a new LCS Service Response (EPS-Location-Information, Access-Network-Info, MME-Congestion-Level, SGSN-Congestion-Level, AAA-Congestion-Level) message to the SCEF 404 over the Sh reference point. This message carries all the location and congestion AVPs received previously from the MME 306/SGSN 308 and 3GPP AAA Server 312, which were described earlier in Sections 6.1.2.1.2 and 6.1.2.2.2.
The SCEF 404 has been utilized in the SCEF-based location context delivery procedure, described in
In steps 5 and 8 of
In steps 9 and 11 of
In the first step of all of the solutions discussed above, the SCEF 404 can expose “Location Context Request API” to the SCS/AS 602. In the end of every solution, the SCEF 404 responds back to the SCEF 404 by sending “Location Context Request API” (Location, Velocity, Available-RATs, Congestion-Levels) API carrying the UE's context information to the SCS/AS 602.
The PCRF 402 has been utilized in the PCRF 402-based location context delivery procedure, described in
In steps 6 and 7 of
A new message “Profile-Update-Request” can be sent from the PCRF 402 to the PCEF 502, over the Gx reference point. The message format is:
A new message “Profile-Update-Response” (3GPP-User-Location-Info, RAT-Type, PGW-Congestion-Level) can be sent from the PCEF 502 to the PCRF 402, over the Gx reference point. The ‘3GPP-User-Location-Info’ AVP indicates the current UE's location, the ‘RAT-Type’ AVP indicates the current RAT, and the ‘PGW-Congestion-Level’ AVP indicates the congestion level at the P-GW. The message format is:
In steps 5, 11, and 19 of
The SECF can send a new “LCS Service Request” (IMSI) message to the PCRF 402 over the Rx reference point.
The PCRF 402 can send a new LCS Service Response (3GPP-User-Location-Info, TWAN-Identifier, RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value, TWAN-RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value, PGW-Congestion-Level) message to the SCEF 404 over the Rx reference point. This message carries all the location and congestion AVPs received from the P-GW and RCAF 504.
The RCAF 504 has been utilized in the PCRF-based location context delivery procedure, described in
In steps 8, 9, 14, and 17 of
A new message “RUCI Report Request” (Subscription-Id, Congestion-Location-Id) message can be sent from the PCRF 402 to the RCAF 504 over the Np reference point. The ‘Congestion-Location-Id’ AVP includes 3GPP-User-Location-Info and eNodeB-ID, as defined in clause 5.3.9 of TS 29.217. Also, the PCRF 402 includes the user id within the ‘Subscription-Id’ AVP. Both of these AVPs were defined previously in TS 29.217, and are used here in the new message “RUCI Report Request”.
The RCAF 504 sends “Non-Aggregated-RUCI-Report-Request (NRR)” (TWAN-RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value, Congestion-Level-Value, Subscription-Id, Congestion-Location-Id) message to the PCRF 402 over the Np reference point (clause 5.6.1 of TS 29.217). The ‘Congestion-Level-Value’ or ‘TWAN-RUCI-Congestion-Level-Value’ AVPs indicate the congestion level of the cell where the UE 202 is located (clause 5.3.6 of TS 29.217). The NRR command, indicated by the Command-Code field set to xxxxxx and the ‘R’ bit set in the Command Flags field, is sent by the RCAF 504 to the PCRF 402 as part of the Non-aggregated RUCI report procedure. The Message Format is:
In steps 15 and 16 of
Interfaces, such as Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), can be used to assist user to control and/or configure functionalities related to the service layer charging correlation.
The various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware, firmware, software or, where appropriate, combinations thereof. Such hardware, firmware, and software may reside in apparatuses located at various nodes of a communication network. The apparatuses may operate singly or in combination with each other to effect the methods described herein. As used herein, the terms “apparatus,” “network apparatus,” “node,” “device,” and “network node” may be used interchangeably.
The term “service layer” refers to a functional layer within a network service architecture. Service layers are typically situated above the application protocol layer such as HTTP, CoAP or MQTT and provide value added services to client applications. The service layer also provides an interface to core networks at a lower resource layer, such as for example, a control layer and transport/access layer. The service layer supports multiple categories of (service) capabilities or functionalities including service definition, service runtime enablement, policy management, access control, and service clustering. Recently, several industry standards bodies, e.g., oneM2M, have been developing M2M service layers to address the challenges associated with the integration of M2M types of devices and applications into deployments such as the Internet/Web, cellular, enterprise, and home networks. A M2M service layer can provide applications and/or various devices with access to a collection of or a set of the above mentioned capabilities or functionalities, supported by the service layer, which can be referred to as a CSE or SCL. A few examples include but are not limited to security, charging, data management, device management, discovery, provisioning, and connectivity management which can be commonly used by various applications. These capabilities or functionalities are made available to such various applications via APIs which make use of message formats, resource structures and resource representations defined by the M2M service layer. The CSE or SCL is a functional entity that may be implemented by hardware and/or software and that provides (service) capabilities or functionalities exposed to various applications and/or devices (i.e., functional interfaces between such functional entities) in order for them to use such capabilities or functionalities.
As shown in
As shown in
Exemplary M2M terminal devices 18 include, but are not limited to, tablets, smart phones, medical devices, temperature and weather monitors, connected cars, smart meters, game consoles, personal digital assistants, health and fitness monitors, lights, thermostats, appliances, garage doors and other actuator-based devices, security devices, and smart outlets.
Referring to
Similar to the illustrated M2M service layer 22, there is the M2M service layer 22′ in the Infrastructure Domain. M2M service layer 22′ provides services for the M2M application 20′ and the underlying communication network 12 in the infrastructure domain. M2M service layer 22′ also provides services for the M2M gateways 14 and M2M terminal devices 18 in the field domain. It will be understood that the M2M service layer 22′ may communicate with any number of M2M applications, M2M gateways and M2M devices. The M2M service layer 22′ may interact with a service layer by a different service provider. The M2M service layer 22′ by one or more nodes of the network, which may comprises servers, computers, devices, virtual machines (e.g., cloud computing/storage farms, etc.) or the like.
Referring also to
The methods of the present application may be implemented as part of a service layer 22 and 22′. The service layer 22 and 22′ is a software middleware layer that supports value-added service capabilities through a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and underlying networking interfaces. Both ETSI M2M and oneM2M use a service layer that may contain the connection methods of the present application. ETSI M2M's service layer is referred to as the Service Capability Layer (SCL). The SCL may be implemented within an M2M device (where it is referred to as a device SCL (DSCL)), a gateway (where it is referred to as a gateway SCL (GSCL)) and/or a network node (where it is referred to as a network SCL (NSCL)). The oneM2M service layer supports a set of Common Service Functions (CSFs) (i.e. service capabilities). An instantiation of a set of one or more particular types of CSFs is referred to as a Common Services Entity (CSE) which can be hosted on different types of network nodes (e.g. infrastructure node, middle node, application-specific node). Further, connection methods of the present application can implemented as part of an M2M network that uses a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and/or a resource-oriented architecture (ROA) to access services such as the connection methods of the present application.
In some embodiments, M2M applications 20 and 20′ may be used in conjunction with the disclosed systems and methods. The M2M applications 20 and 20′ may include the applications that interact with the UE or gateway and may also be used in conjunction with other disclosed systems and methods.
In one embodiment, the logical entities such as SCS/AS 602, SCEF 404, PCRF 402, PCEF 502, RCAF 504, HSS 304, GMLC 302, AAA Server 312, MME 306, SGSN 308, RAN 604 and UE 202 and logical entities to produce the user interfaces such as interfaces 1202 and 1302 may be hosted within a M2M service layer instance hosted by an M2M node, such as an M2M server, M2M gateway, or M2M device, as shown in
The M2M applications 20 and 20′ may include applications in various industries such as, without limitation, transportation, health and wellness, connected home, energy management, asset tracking, and security and surveillance. As mentioned above, the M2M service layer, running across the devices, gateways, servers and other nodes of the system, supports functions such as, for example, data collection, device management, security, billing, location tracking/geofencing, device/service discovery, and legacy systems integration, and provides these functions as services to the M2M applications 20 and 20′.
Generally, the service layers 22 and 22′ define a software middleware layer that supports value-added service capabilities through a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and underlying networking interfaces. Both the ETSI M2M and oneM2M architectures define a service layer. ETSI M2M's service layer is referred to as the Service Capability Layer (SCL). The SCL may be implemented in a variety of different nodes of the ETSI M2M architecture. For example, an instance of the service layer may be implemented within an M2M device (where it is referred to as a device SCL (DSCL)), a gateway (where it is referred to as a gateway SCL (GSCL)) and/or a network node (where it is referred to as a network SCL (NSCL)). The oneM2M service layer supports a set of Common Service Functions (CSFs) (i.e., service capabilities). An instantiation of a set of one or more particular types of CSFs is referred to as a Common Services Entity (CSE) which can be hosted on different types of network nodes (e.g. infrastructure node, middle node, application-specific node). The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has also defined an architecture for machine-type communications (MTC). In that architecture, the service layer, and the service capabilities it provides, are implemented as part of a Service Capability Server (SCS). Whether embodied in a DSCL, GSCL, or NSCL of the ETSI M2M architecture, in a Service Capability Server (SCS) of the 3GPP MTC architecture, in a CSF or CSE of the oneM2M architecture, or in some other node of a network, an instance of the service layer may be implemented as a logical entity (e.g., software, computer-executable instructions, and the like) executing either on one or more standalone nodes in the network, including servers, computers, and other computing devices or nodes, or as part of one or more existing nodes. As an example, an instance of a service layer or component thereof may be implemented in the form of software running on a network node (e.g., server, computer, gateway, device or the like) having the general architecture illustrated in
Further, logical entities such as SCS/AS 602, SCEF 404, PCRF 402, PCEF 502, RCAF 504, HSS 304, GMLC 302, AAA Server 312, MME 306, SGSN 308, RAN 604 and UE 202 and logical entities to produce the user interfaces such as interfaces 1202 and 1302 can implemented as part of an M2M network that uses a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and/or a Resource-Oriented Architecture (ROA) to access services of the present application.
The processor 32 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. In general, the processor 32 may execute computer-executable instructions stored in the memory (e.g., memory 44 and/or memory 46) of the node in order to perform the various required functions of the node. For example, the processor 32 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the M2M node 30 to operate in a wireless or wired environment. The processor 32 may run application-layer programs (e.g., browsers) and/or radio access-layer (RAN) programs and/or other communications programs. The processor 32 may also perform security operations such as authentication, security key agreement, and/or cryptographic operations, such as at the access-layer and/or application layer for example.
As shown in
The transmit/receive element 36 may be configured to transmit signals to, or receive signals from, other M2M nodes, including M2M servers, gateways, device, and the like. For example, in an embodiment, the transmit/receive element 36 may be an antenna configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals. The transmit/receive element 36 may support various networks and air interfaces, such as WLAN, WPAN, cellular, and the like. In an embodiment, the transmit/receive element 36 may be an emitter/detector configured to transmit and/or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the transmit/receive element 36 may be configured to transmit and receive both RF and light signals. It will be appreciated that the transmit/receive element 36 may be configured to transmit and/or receive any combination of wireless or wired signals.
In addition, although the transmit/receive element 36 is depicted in
The transceiver 34 may be configured to modulate the signals that are to be transmitted by the transmit/receive element 36 and to demodulate the signals that are received by the transmit/receive element 36. As noted above, the M2M node 30 may have multi-mode capabilities. Thus, the transceiver 34 may include multiple transceivers for enabling the M2M node 30 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as UTRA and IEEE 802.11, for example.
The processor 32 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the non-removable memory 44 and/or the removable memory 46. For example, the processor 32 may store session context in its memory, as described above. The non-removable memory 44 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 46 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 32 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the M2M node 30, such as on a server or a home computer. The processor 32 may be configured to control lighting patterns, images, or colors on the display or indicators 42 to reflect the status of an M2M service layer session migration or sharing or to obtain input from a user or display information to a user about the node's session migration or sharing capabilities or settings. In another example, the display may show information with regard to a session state. The current disclosure defines a RESTful user/application API in the oneM2M embodiment. A graphical user interface, which may be shown on the display, may be layered on top of the API to allow a user to interactively establish and manage an E2E session, or the migration or sharing thereof, via the underlying service layer session functionality described herein.
The processor 32 may receive power from the power source 48, and may be configured to distribute and/or control the power to the other components in the M2M node 30. The power source 48 may be any suitable device for powering the M2M node 30. For example, the power source 48 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and the like.
The processor 32 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 50, which is configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the M2M node 30. It will be appreciated that the M2M node 30 may acquire location information by way of any suitable location-determination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.
The processor 32 may further be coupled to other peripherals 52, which may include one or more software and/or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality and/or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 52 may include various sensors such as an accelerometer, biometrics (e.g., figure print) sensors, an e-compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photographs or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port or other interconnect interfaces, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, and the like.
The node 30 may be embodied in other apparatuses or devices, such as a sensor, consumer electronics, a wearable device such as a smart watch or smart clothing, a medical or eHealth device, a robot, industrial equipment, a drone, a vehicle such as a car, truck, train, or airplane. The node 30 may connect to other components, modules, or systems of such apparatuses or devices via one or more interconnect interfaces, such as an interconnect interface that may comprise one of the peripherals 52. Alternately, the node 30 may comprise apparatuses or devices, such as a sensor, consumer electronics, a wearable device such as a smart watch or smart clothing, a medical or eHealth device, a robot, industrial equipment, a drone, a vehicle such as a car, truck, train, or airplane.
In operation, CPU 91 fetches, decodes, and executes instructions, and transfers information to and from other resources via the computer's main data-transfer path, system bus 80. Such a system bus connects the components in computing system 90 and defines the medium for data exchange. System bus 80 typically includes data lines for sending data, address lines for sending addresses, and control lines for sending interrupts and for operating the system bus. An example of such a system bus 80 is the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.
Memories coupled to system bus 80 include random access memory (RAM) 82 and read only memory (ROM) 93. Such memories include circuitry that allows information to be stored and retrieved. ROMs 93 generally contain stored data that cannot easily be modified. Data stored in RAM 82 can be read or changed by CPU 91 or other hardware devices. Access to RAM 82 and/or ROM 93 may be controlled by memory controller 92. Memory controller 92 may provide an address translation function that translates virtual addresses into physical addresses as instructions are executed. Memory controller 92 may also provide a memory protection function that isolates processes within the system and isolates system processes from user processes. Thus, a program running in a first mode can access only memory mapped by its own process virtual address space; it cannot access memory within another process's virtual address space unless memory sharing between the processes has been set up.
In addition, computing system 90 may contain peripherals controller 83 responsible for communicating instructions from CPU 91 to peripherals, such as printer 94, keyboard 84, mouse 95, and disk drive 85.
Display 86, which is controlled by display controller 96, is used to display visual output generated by computing system 90. Such visual output may include text, graphics, animated graphics, and video. Display 86 may be implemented with a CRT-based video display, an LCD-based flat-panel display, gas plasma-based flat-panel display, or a touch-panel. Display controller 96 includes electronic components required to generate a video signal that is sent to display 86.
Further, computing system 90 may contain communication circuitry, such as for example a network adaptor 97, that may be used to connect computing system 90 to an external communications network, such as network 12 of
User equipment (UE) can be any device used by an end-user to communicate. It can be a hand-held telephone, a laptop computer equipped with a mobile broadband adapter, or any other device. For example, the UE can be implemented as the M2M terminal device 18 of
It is understood that any or all of the systems, methods, and processes described herein may be embodied in the form of computer executable instructions (i.e., program code) stored on a computer-readable storage medium which instructions, when executed by a machine, such as a node of an M2M network, including for example an M2M server, gateway, device or the like, perform and/or implement the systems, methods and processes described herein. Specifically, any of the steps, operations or functions described above, including the operations of the gateway, UE, UE/GW, or any of the nodes of the mobile core network, service layer or network application provider, may be implemented in the form of such computer executable instructions. Logical entities such as SCS/AS 602, SCEF 404, PCRF 402, PCEF 502, RCAF 504, HSS 304, GMLC 302, AAA Server 312, MME 306, SGSN 308, RAN 604 and UE 202 and logical entities to produce the user interfaces such as interfaces 1202 and 1302 may be embodied in the form of the computer executable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Computer readable storage media include both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any non-transitory (i.e., tangible or physical) method or technology for storage of information, but such computer readable storage media do not includes signals. Computer readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible or physical medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.
In describing preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed subject matter, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/738,839 filed Dec. 21, 2017 which is a National Stage Application filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2016/040021 filed Jun. 29, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/186,018, filed Jun. 29, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62186018 | Jun 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15738839 | Dec 2017 | US |
| Child | 16411615 | US |
